matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP9) Homo sapiens 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 tissueremodeling, as well as in disease processes, such as arthritis and metastasis. Most MMP’s are secretedas inactive proproteins which are activated whencleaved by extracellular proteinases. The enzyme encoded by this gene degrades type IV and V collagens. Studies in rhesus monkeys suggest that
the enzyme is involved in IL-8-induced mobilizationof hematopoietic progenitor cells frombone marrow, and murine studies suggest a role in tumor-associated tissue remodeling