Proteins of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes, such as arthritis and metastasis. Most MMPs are secreted as inactive proproteins which are activated when cleaved by extracellular proteinases. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],cofactor:Binds 2 zinc ions per subunit.,cofactor:Binds 4 calcium ions per subunit.,domain:The conserved cysteine present in the cysteine-switch motif binds the catalytic zinc ion, thus inhibiting the enzyme. The dissociation of the cysteine from the zinc ion upon the activation-peptide release activates the enzyme.,function:Matrix metalloproteinases degrade protein components of the extracellular matrix such as fibronectin, laminin, gelatins and/or collagens.,similarity:Belongs to the peptidase M10A family.,similarity:Contains 4 hemopexin-like domains.,tissue specificity:Expressed in B-cells.,
