title: Matrix Metalloproteinases During Axonal Regeneration, a Multifactorial Role from Start to Finish.
abstract: By proteolytic cleavage, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) not only remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) but they also modify the structure and activity of other proteinases, growth factors, signaling molecules, cell surface receptors, etc. Their vast substrate repertoire adds a complex extra dimension of biological control and turns MMPs into important regulatory nodes in the protease web. In the central nervous system (CNS), the detrimental impact of elevated MMP activities has been well-described for traumatic injuries and many neurodegenerative diseases. Nonetheless, there is ample proof corroborating MMPs as fine regulators of CNS physiology, and well-balanced MMP activity is instrumental to development, plasticity, and repair. In this manuscript, we review the emerging evidence for MMPs as beneficial modulators of axonal regeneration in the mammalian CNS. By exploring the multifactorial causes underlying the inability of mature axons to regenerate, and describing how MMPs can help to overcome these hurdles, we emphasize the benign actions of these Janus-faced proteases.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Lien
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Andries
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.|Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Inge
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Van Hove
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Lieve
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moons
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. lies.degroef@bio.kuleuven.be.|Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. lies.degroef@bio.kuleuven.be.
authors.forename: Lies
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: De Groef
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases
keywords: Axonal regeneration; Central nervous system; Central nervous system injury; Central nervous system repair; Matrix metalloproteinases