title: Matrix metalloproteinases in neuromuscular disease.
abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zinc-dependent endoproteinases, are effector molecules in the breakdown of the blood-brain and blood-nerve barrier, and promote neural tissue invasion by leukocytes in inflammatory diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Moreover, MMPs play an important role in synaptic remodeling, neuronal regeneration, and remyelination. Recent work concerning MMPs in patients with neuropathy, myopathy, spinal cord injury, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and in corresponding animal models, is discussed in this review.
authors.affiliation: Neuromuscular Disease Unit, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. srenaud@uhbs.ch
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Renaud
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Leppert
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases