title: Matrix metalloproteinases and the regulation of tissue remodelling.
abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were discovered because of their role in amphibian metamorphosis, yet they have attracted more attention because of their roles in disease. Despite intensive scrutiny in vitro, in cell culture and in animal models, the normal physiological roles of these extracellular proteases have been elusive. Recent studies in mice and flies point to essential roles of MMPs as mediators of change and physical adaptation in tissues, whether developmentally regulated, environmentally induced or disease associated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA. pagema@rpi.edu
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Page-McCaw
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ewald
authors.forename: Zena
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Werb
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000502:physiology*; D016723:Bone Remodeling; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D047108:Embryonic Development; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D009154:Mutation; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases