MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES: KEY PLAYERS IN TISSUE REMODELING AND DISEASE

Matrix metalloproteinases MMPs (MMPs) represent a large group of zinc-dependent endopeptidases. These enzymes play critical functions in {extracellulartissue matrix remodeling, contributing to physiological processes such as wound healing, embryogenesis, and angiogenesis. However, dysregulation with MMP activity is associated to a wide variety of p