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Description

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 tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes, such as arthritis and metastasis. Most MMP's are secreted as inactive proproteins which are activated when cleaved by extracellular proteinases. However, MMP-14 is a member of the membrane-type MMP (MT-MMP) subfamily, each member of this subfamily contains a potential transmembrane domain suggesting that these proteins are expressed at the cell surface rather than secreted. MT1-MMP is capable of mediating pericellular proteolysis of extracellular matrix components and is therefore thought to be an important molecular tool for cellular remodeling of the surrounding matrix. This protein also activates MMP2 protein, and this activity may be involved in tumor invasion.