MMP

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are one of the major families of proteinases that play key roles in the responses of cells to the microenvironment. MMP are a family of calcium-dependent endopeptidases that form a subgroup of the metzincins. These proteins are characterized by a conserved motif containing three histidine residues, which bind a zinc ion at the catalytic site. There are about 24 human MMPs, and homologues can be identified in other species including mice, birds, zebrafish, fruit fly, nematodes, plants and even algae.