title: Multifaceted role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a large family of calcium-dependent zinc-containing endopeptidases, are involved in the tissue remodeling and degradation of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are widely distributed in the brain and regulate various processes including microglial activation, inflammation, dopaminergic apoptosis, blood-brain barrier disruption, and modulation of α-synuclein pathology. High expression of MMPs is well documented in various neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Japanese encephalitis (JE), and Glaucoma. Although potentially critical, the role of MMPs in neuronal disorders is under-investigated. The present review summarizes the role of MMPs in neurodegeneration with a particular emphasis on PD, AD, JE, and Glaucoma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, City College of New York New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Divya
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of North Bengal Siliguri, India.
authors.forename: Sanjeev K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.affiliation: Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of North Bengal Siliguri, India.
authors.forename: Tapas K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Chaudhuri
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, City College of New York New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Ghanshyam
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Upadhyay
keywords: Japanese encephalitis; MMP2; MMP9; glaucoma; neurodegenerative disorders