Description
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) also known as stromelysin-1 and transin (EC 3.4.24.17) cleaves a number of substrates including cartilage proteoglycan, collagen types II, III, IV, V and IX, fibronectin, laminin, and can activate MMP 1. MMP-3 is secreted as 57 and 59 kDa proenzymes and can be activated in vitro by organomercurials (e.g., 4 aminophenylmercuric acetate, APMA) and in vivo by proteases via intermediate forms to a 45 kDa active MMP 3 enzyme. Further autolysis to a 28 kDa form can also occur. MMP-3 is thought to play an important role in pathophysiological degradation processes associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer cell invasion