title: [The MMP/TIMP system in the nervous system].
abstract: The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) belong to a growing family of secreted or membrane-bound (MT-MMP) enzymes that cleave protein components of the extracellular matrix and bioactive factors involved in intercellular signaling. MMP activity is counterbalanced by their four physiological inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMPs). Together, MMP and TIMP control cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions associated with physiological processes. However, the breakdown of the protease-inhibitor balance may lead to the loss of tissue homeostasis and the development of degenerative and tumorigenic processes in various tissues. The emerging idea is that the MMP/TIMP system also plays a major role in the pathology and physiology of the nervous system and that mastering MMP activity will set the basis for new and more efficient therapeutic strategies against nervous system disorders.
authors.affiliation: Neurobiologie des Interactions Cellulaires et Neurophysiopathologie, FRE Cnrs 2533, Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, IFR Jean Roche, boulevard Pierre Dramard, 13916 Marseille 20, France.
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rivera
authors.forename: Jérôme
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jourquin
authors.forename: Crystel
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ogier
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: Gérard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Charton
authors.forename: Evelyne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tremblay
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khrestchatisky
mesh_terms: D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000502:physiology; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D010539:Permeability; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases