Matrix Metalloproteinase

Question 1

Matrix degrading enzymes

Answer 1

Required for a controlled degradation of components of the extracellular matrix

Question 2

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)

Answer 2

• large faimly of zinc-dependent endopeptidases

- collectively capable of degrading all ECM components

Question 3

Roles of MMPs

Answer 3

• MMP activity influences cellular processes
• MMPs are fundamental for tissue remodelling
• MMPs are implicated in numerous pathological conditions

Question 4

Path-clearing through the ECM

Answer 4

MMPs can cleave components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in increased space for cell or tissue movement

Question 5

ECM proteolysis generates signalling molecules

Answer 5

MMP proteolysis can generate specific cleavage products that then signal in an autocrine or paracrine manner

Question 6

Degradation of intercellular junctions

Answer 6

MMPs can also directly regulate epithelial tissue architecture through cleavage of intercellular junctions or the basement membrane

Question 7

Activation of latent signals

Answer 7

MMPs can activated the action of latent signalling molecules, resulting in diverse cellular consequences

Question 8

Regulation of active signals

Answer 8

MMPs can deactivate or modify the action of active signallinv molecules, resulting in changes in proliferation, cell death, differentiation or cell motility

Question 9

Basic structure of MMPs

Answer 9

MMPs are synthesized with a signal peptide that is cleaved during transport through the secretory pathway

Question 10

Basic MMPs

Answer 10

All MMPs share a conserved domain structure of pro-domain, catalytic domain, hinge region and haemopexin domain

Question 11

What classifies as gelatines?

Answer 11

MMP2 and MMP9

Question 12

Gelatines

Answer 12

Basic structure with three fibronectin type II repeats in their catalytic domains

Question 13

Membranes type MMPs

Answer 13

Linked to the plasma membrane either by a transmembrane domain or by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage, attached to the haemopexin domain

Question 14

MMP proteolysis generates signalling molecules

Answer 14

MMP proteolysis can generate specific cleavage prosucts that then signal in an autocrine or paracrine manner

Question 15

Degradation of intercellular junctions

Answer 15

MMPs can also directly regulate epithelial tissue architecture through cleavage of intercellular junctions or the basement membrane

Question 16

Activation of latent signals

Answer 16

MMPs can activate or modify the action of latent signalling molecules, resulting in diverse cellular consequences

Question 17

Regulation of active signals

Answer 17

MMPs can deactivated or modify the action of active signalling molecules, resulting in changes in proliferation, cell death, differentiation or cell motility