Description
Stromelysin-1, also referred to as Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), is encoded by the MMP3 gene in rabbits. This metalloproteinase exhibits broad substrate specificity, capable of degrading a variety of substances, including fibronectin, laminin, gelatin types I, III, IV, and V, as well as collagens III, IV, IX, and X, and cartilage proteoglycans. It plays a role in activating several molecules, such as growth factors, plasminogen, and other matrix metalloproteinases like MMP9. Once present in the extracellular matrix (ECM), the inactive pro-enzyme is activated through the plasmin cascade signaling pathway