MMP3

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. This gene encodes an enzyme which degrades fibronectin, laminin, collagens III, IV, IX, and X, and cartilage proteoglycans. The enzyme is thought to be involved in wound repair, progression of atherosclerosis, and tumor initiation. The gene is part of a cluster of MMP genes which localize to chromosome 11q22.3. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

基质金属蛋白酶（MMP）家族的蛋白质在正常的生理过程中，如胚胎发育、生殖和组织重塑，以及疾病过程，如关节炎和转移，中参与细胞外基质的降解。大多数MMPs以无活性的前体蛋白形式分泌，当被细胞外蛋白酶切割时被激活。该基因编码的酶能够降解纤连蛋白、层粘连蛋白、胶原III、IV、IX和X，以及软骨蛋白聚糖。该酶被认为与伤口修复、动脉粥样硬化的进展和肿瘤的起始有关。该基因是位于11q22.3染色体的MMP基因簇的一部分。[由RefSeq提供，2008年7月]