Multifaceted role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)

Authors

Divya Singh, CUNY City College
Sanjeev K. Srivastava, University of North Bengal
Tapas K. Chaudhuri, University of North Bengal
Ghanshyam Upadhyay, CUNY City College

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

May 2015

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a large family of calcium-dependent zinc-containing endopeptidases, are involved in the tissue remodeling and degradation of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are widely distributed in the brain and regulate various processes including microglial activation, inflammation, dopaminergic apoptosis, blood-brain barrier disruption, and modulation of α-synuclein pathology. High expression of MMPs is well documented in various neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Japanese encephalitis (JE), and Glaucoma. Although potentially critical, the role of MMPs in neuronal disorders is under-investigated. The present review summarizes the role of MMPs in neurodegeneration with a particular emphasis on PD, AD, JE, and Glaucoma.

Comments

This work was originally published in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, available at doi:10.3389/fmolb.2015.00019.