Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), also known as 92 kDa type IV collagenase, 92 kDa gelatinase or gelatinase B (GELB), is a matrixin, a class of enzymes that belong to the zinc-metalloproteinases family involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. In humans the MMP9 gene [5] encodes for a signal peptide, a propeptide, a catalytic domain with inserted three repeats of fibronectin type II domain followed by a C-terminal hemopexin-like domain. [6]
Proteins of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development, reproduction, angiogenesis, bone development, wound healing, cell migration, learning and memory, as well as in pathological processes, such as asthma, arthritis, intracerebral hemorrhage, [7] and metastasis. [8] Most MMPs are secreted as inactive proproteins which are activated when cleaved by extracellular proteinases. The enzyme encoded by this gene degrades type IV and V collagens and other extracellular matrix proteins. [9] Studies in rhesus monkeys suggest that the enzyme is involved in IL-8-induced mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells from bone marrow, and murine studies suggest a role in tumor-associated tissue remodeling. [5]
Thrombospondins, intervertebral disc proteins, regulate interaction with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9, which are key effectors of ECM remodeling. [10]
MMP9, along with elastase, appears to be a regulatory factor in neutrophil migration across the basement membrane. [11]
MMP9 plays several important functions within neutrophil action, such as degrading extracellular matrix, activation of IL-1β, and cleavage of several chemokines. [12] In a mouse model, MMP9 deficiency resulted in resistance to endotoxin shock, suggesting that MMP9 is important in sepsis. [13]
MMP9 may play an important role in angiogenesis and neovascularization. For example, MMP9 appears to be involved in the remodeling associated with malignant glioma neovascularization. [14] It is also a key regulator of growth plate formation- both growth plate angiogenesis and the generation of hypertrophic chondrocytes. Knock-out models of MMP9 result in delayed apoptosis, vascularization, and ossification of hypertrophic chondrocytes. [15] Lastly, there is significant evidence that Gelatinase B is required for the recruitment of endothelial stem cells, a critical component of angiogenesis [16]
MMP9 is greatly upregulated during human respiratory epithelial healing. [17] Using a MMP9 deficient mouse model, it was seen that MMP9 coordinated epithelial wound repair and deficient mice were unable to remove the fibrinogen matrix during wound healing. [18] When interacting with TGF-ß1, Gelatinase B also stimulates collagen contraction, aiding in wound closure. [19]
MMP9 is synthesized as preproenzyme of 707 amino-acid residues, including a 19 amino acid signal peptide and secreted as an inactive pro-MMP. The human MMP9 proenzyme consists of five domains. The amino-terminal propeptide, the zinc-binding catalytic domain and the carboxyl-terminal hemopexin-like domain are conserved. Its primary structure comprises several domain motifs. The propeptide domain is characterized by a conserved PRCGVPD sequence. The Cys within this sequence is known as the “cysteine switch”. It ligates the catalytic zinc to maintain the enzyme in an inactive state. [6]
Activation is achieved through an interacting protease cascade involving plasmin and stromelysin 1 (MMP-3). Plasmin generates active MMP-3 from its zymogen. Active MMP-3 cleaves the propeptide from the 92-kDa pro-MMP-9, yielding an 82-kDa enzymatically active enzyme. [21] In the active enzyme a substrate, or a fluorogenic activity probe., [20] replaces the propeptide in the enzyme active site where it is cleaved. The catalytic domain contains two zinc and three calcium atoms. The catalytic zinc is coordinated by three histidines from the conserved HEXXHXXGXXH binding motif. The other zinc atom and the three calcium atoms are structural. A conserved methionine, which forms a unique “Met-turn” structure categorizes MMP9 as a metzincin. [22] Three type II fibronectin repeats are inserted in the catalytic domain, although these domains are omitted in most crystallographic structures of MMP9 in complex with inhibitors. The active form of MMP9 also contains a C-terminal hemopexin-like domain. This domain is ellipsoidal in shape, formed by four β-propeller blades and an α-helix. Each blade consists of four antiparallel β-strands arranged around a funnel-like tunnel that contains two calcium and two chloride ions. [23] The hemopexin domain is important to facilitate the cleavage of triple helical interstitial collagens. .
MMP9 has been found to be associated with numerous pathological processes, including cancer, placental malaria, immunologic and cardiovascular diseases.
Elevated MMP9 levels can be found in the cases of rheumatoid arthritis [24] and focal brain ischemia. [25]
One of MMP9's most widely associated pathologies is the relationship to cancer, due to its role in extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis. For example, its increased expression was seen in a metastatic mammary cancer cell line. [26] Gelatinase B plays a central role in tumor progression, from angiogenesis, to stromal remodeling, and ultimately metastasis. [27] However, because of its physiologic function, it may be difficult to leverage Gelatinase B inhibition into cancer therapy modalities. However, Gelatinase B has been investigated in tumor metastasis diagnosis- Complexes of Gelatinase B/Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases are seen to be increased in gastrointestinal cancer and gynecologic malignancies [28]
MMPs such as MMP9 can be involved in the development of several human malignancies, as degradation of collagen IV in basement membrane and extracellular matrix facilitates tumor progression, including invasion, metastasis, growth and angiogenesis. [29]
MMP9 levels increase with the progression of idiopathic atrial fibrillation. [30]
MMP9 has been found to be associated with the development of aortic aneurysms, [31] and its disruption prevents the development of aortic aneurysms. [32] Doxycycline suppresses the growth of aortic aneurysms in animal models through its inhibition of MMP9 reduces aortic inflammation in humans. [33]
A study on Ghanaian population showed that MMP-9 single nucleotide polymorphism 1562 C > T (rs3918242) was protective against placental malaria which suggests a possible role of MMP-9 in susceptibility to malaria. [34]
Dry eye patients, especially with meibomian gland dysfunction exhibit higher levels of MMP-9. [35]
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), also known as matrix metallopeptidases or matrixins, are metalloproteinases that are calcium-dependent zinc-containing endopeptidases; other family members are adamalysins, serralysins, and astacins. The MMPs belong to a larger family of proteases known as the metzincin superfamily.
Gelatinases are enzymes capable of degrading gelatin through hydrolysis, playing a major role in degradation of extracellular matrix and tissue remodeling. Gelatinases are a type of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), a family of enzymes that depend on zinc as a cofactor and can break down parts of the extracellular matrix. MMPs have multiple subgroups, including gelatinase A and gelatinase B. Gelatinases are assigned a variety of Enzyme Commission numbers: gelatinase A uses 3.4.24.24, and gelatinase B uses 3.4.24.35, in which the first three numbers are same. The first digit, 3, is the class. Class 3 enzymes are hydrolases, enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis reactions, that is, they cleave bonds in presence of water. The next digit represents sub-class 4, or proteases, which are enzymes who hydrolyze peptide bonds in proteins. The next number is the sub-subclass of 24, which consists of metalloendopeptidases which contain metal ions in their active sites, in this case zinc, which help in cleaving peptide bonds. The last part of the EC number is the serial number, identifying specific enzymes within a sub-subclass. 24 represents gelatinase A, which is a metalloproteinase that breaks down gelatin and collagen, while 35 represents gelatinase B, which hydrolyzes peptide bonds.
72 kDa type IV collagenase also known as matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and gelatinase A is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP2 gene. The MMP2 gene is located on chromosome 16 at position 12.2.
Interstitial collagenase, also known as fibroblast collagenase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP1 gene. The gene is part of a cluster of MMP genes which localize to chromosome 11q22.3. MMP-1 was the first vertebrate collagenase both purified to homogeneity as a protein, and cloned as a cDNA. MMP-1 has an estimated molecular mass of 54 kDa.
Stromelysin-1 also known as matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP3 gene. The MMP3 gene is part of a cluster of MMP genes which localize to chromosome 11q22.3. MMP-3 has an estimated molecular weight of 54 kDa.
Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2) is a gene and a corresponding protein. The gene is a member of the TIMP gene family. The protein is thought to be a metastasis suppressor.
Matrilysin also known as matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), pump-1 protease (PUMP-1), or uterine metalloproteinase is an enzyme in humans that is encoded by the MMP7 gene. The enzyme has also been known as matrin, putative metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase pump 1, PUMP-1 proteinase, PUMP, metalloproteinase pump-1, putative metalloproteinase, MMP). Human MMP-7 has a molecular weight around 30 kDa.
Stromelysin-2 also known as matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10) or transin-2 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP10 gene.
Collagenase 3 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP13 gene. It is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. Like most MMPs, it is secreted as an inactive pro-form. MMP-13 has a predicted molecular weight around 54 kDa. It is activated once the pro-domain is cleaved, leaving an active enzyme composed of the catalytic domain and the hemopexin-like domain PDB: 1PEX. Although the actual mechanism has not been described, the hemopexin domain participates in collagen degradation, the catalytic domain alone being particularly inefficient in collagen degradation. During embryonic development, MMP-13 is expressed in the skeleton as required for restructuring the collagen matrix for bone mineralization. In pathological situations it is highly overexpressed; this occurs in human carcinomas, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Matrix metalloproteinase-26 also known as matrilysin-2 and endometase is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP26 gene.
Matrix metalloproteinase-19 (MMP-19) also known as matrix metalloproteinase RASI is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP19 gene.
Metalloproteinase inhibitor 4 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the TIMP4 gene.
Reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs, also known as RECK, is a human gene, thought to be a metastasis suppressor.
Matrix metalloproteinase-25 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP25 gene.
Matrix metalloproteinase 28 also known as epilysin is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP28 gene.
Neutrophil collagenase, also known as matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) or PMNL collagenase (MNL-CL), is a collagen cleaving enzyme which is present in the connective tissue of most mammals. In humans, the MMP-8 protein is encoded by the MMP8 gene. The gene is part of a cluster of MMP genes which localize to chromosome 11q22.3. Most MMP's are secreted as inactive proproteins which are activated when cleaved by extracellular proteinases. However, the enzyme encoded by this gene is stored in secondary granules within neutrophils and is activated by autolytic cleavage.
Matrix metallopeptidase 27 also known as MMP-27 is an enzyme which in humans is encoded by the MMP27 gene.
Matrix metalloproteinase 15 also known as MMP15 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP15 gene.
Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels from existing blood vessels, formed in vasculogenesis. It is a highly complex process involving extensive interplay between cells, soluble factors, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Angiogenesis is critical during normal physiological development, but it also occurs in adults during inflammation, wound healing, ischemia, and in pathological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hemangioma, and tumor growth. Proteolysis has been indicated as one of the first and most sustained activities involved in the formation of new blood vessels. Numerous proteases including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain (ADAM), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain with throbospondin motifs (ADAMTS), and cysteine and serine proteases are involved in angiogenesis. This article focuses on the important and diverse roles that these proteases play in the regulation of angiogenesis.
Peptidoglycan binding domains have a general peptidoglycan binding function and a common core structure consisting of a closed, three-helical bundle with a left-handed twist. It is found at the N or C terminus of a variety of enzymes involved in bacterial cell wall degradation. Examples are: