Matrix Metalloproteinase 24 (MMP-24, MT5-MMP)-Human

Matrix Metalloproteases (MMPs) play important roles in many physiological or pathological processes including embryonic development, morphogenesis, reproduction, tissue remodeling, arthritis, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Membrane-Type MMPs (MT-MMPs) have emerged as an important subgroup. MMPs function in the breakdown of extracellular matrix and in the processing of a variety of biological molecules. MMP activities are regulated at multiple levels such as the activation of proenzymes and via suppression by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).

MMP24 is elevated in several tumor cell lines, and is also produced by some normal cell lines. It is predominantly expressed in the brain, indicating a role in nervous system development. MMP24 is also highly expressed during embryonic development.