Description
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are neutral proteinases that are involved in the breakdown and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) under a variety of physiological and pathological conditions, such as morphogenesis, differentiation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling, as well as pathological processes including inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, and tumor invasion. MMP9, also known as 92-kDa gelatinase B/type IV collagenase, is secreted from neutrophils, macrophages, and some transformed cells, and is the most complex family member in terms of domain structure and regulation of its activity. It plays an important role in tissue remodeling in normal and pathological inflammatory processes. MMP-9 is a major secretion product of macrophages and a component of cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils and is particularly important in the pathogenesis of inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic diseases in many organs including the lung