P09237

MMP-7 also known as Pump-1, Matrilysin is a member of the peptidase M10 family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMP-7 plays a crucial role in the degradation of extracellular matrix components, including collagen, gelatin, fibronectin, laminin, and proteoglycan, which is vital for tissue remodeling and repair processes. MMP-7 is primarily produced by epithelial cells, and expression is restricted to specific organs, indicating involvement not only in matrix degradation but also in the differentiated functions of these tissues. Notably, MMP-7 is activated by various stimuli, including phorbol ester, lipopolysaccharide, and staphylococcal enterotoxin B, and enzymatic activity requires the presence of calcium and zinc ions. MMP-7′s ability to degrade multiple substrates, such as casein and various types of gelatin, underscores importance in physiological and pathological processes, including wound healing, inflammation, and cancer progression.