Dynamic expression of MMP28 during cranial morphogenesis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a large family of proteases comprising
24 members in vertebrates. They are well known for their extracellular
matrix remodelling activity. MMP28 is the last member of the family to be
discovered. It is a secreted MMP involved in wound healing, immune system
maturation, cell survival and migration. MMP28 is also expressed during
embryogenesis in human and mouse. Here we describe the detailed expression
profile of MMP28 in Xenopus laevis embryos. We show that MMP28 is
expressed maternally and accumulates at neurula and tailbud stages
specifically in the cranial placode territories adjacent to migrating
neural crest cells. As a secreted MMP, MMP28 may be required in normal
neural crest-placode interactions.