title: Matrix metalloproteinases in plants: a brief overview.
abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases belonging to the metzincin clan. MMPs have been characterized in detail in mammals, and they have been shown to play key roles in many physiological and pathological processes. Plant MMP-like proteases exist, but relatively few have been characterized. It has been speculated that plant MMPs are involved in remodeling of the plant extracellular matrix during growth, development and stress response. However, the precise functions and physiological substrates in higher plants remain to be determined. In this brief overview, we summarize the current knowledge of MMPs in higher plants and algae.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Umeå Plant Science Centre, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden. giada.marino@chem.umu.se
authors.forename: Giada
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marino
authors.forename: Christiane
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Funk
mesh_terms: D016923:Cell Death; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D017343:Genes, Plant; D018525:Germination; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D063245:Plant Development; D018521:Plant Physiological Phenomena; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010944:Plants / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D012639:Seeds / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology; D013312:Stress, Physiological
chemical_list: D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D010940:Plant Proteins; D004492:Edetic Acid; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases