Description
Matrix metalloproteinases are a family of zinc and calcium dependent endopeptidases with the combined ability to degrade all the components of the extracellular matrix. MMP-2 (gelatinase A), a type IV collagenase, can degrade a broad range of substrates including type IV, V, VII and X collagens as well as elastin and fibronectin. It is believed to act synergistically with interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) in the degradation of fibrillar collagens as it degrades their denatured gelatin forms. MMP-2 has been shown to be associated with many connective tissue cells as well as neutrophils, macrophages and monocytes. Structurally, MMP-2 may be divided into several distinct domains: a pro-domain which is cleaved upon activation; a catalytic domain containing the zinc binding site; a fibronectin-like domain thought to play a role in substrate targeting; and a carboxyl terminal (hemopexin-like) domain containing 2 N-linked glycosylation sites.