MMP-2 Antibody

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteases that target many extracellular proteins including other proteases, growth factors, cell surface receptors, and adhesion molecules (1). Among the family members, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, and MMP-9 have been characterized as important factors for normal tissue remodeling during embryonic development, wound healing, tumor invasion, angiogenesis, carcinogenesis, and apoptosis (2-4). Research studies have shown that MMP activity correlates with cancer development (2). One mechanism of MMP regulation is transcriptional (5). Once synthesized, MMP exists as a latent proenzyme. Maximum MMP activity requires proteolytic cleavage to generate active MMPs by releasing the inhibitory propeptide domain from the full-length protein (5). 1.McCawley, L.J. and Matrisian, L.M. (2001) Curr Opin Cell Biol 13, 534-40. 2.Coussens, L.M. et al. (2002) Science 295, 2387-92. 3.Sternlicht, M.D. et al. (1999) Cell 98, 137-46. 4.Vu, T.H. et al. (1998) Cell 93, 411-22. 5.Nagase, H. et al. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 5783-9.