MMP-3 Human Active Protein

Proteins of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes, such as arthritis and metastasis. Most MMP's are secreted as inactive proproteins which are activated when cleaved by extracellular proteinases. This gene encodes an enzyme which degrades fibronectin, laminin, collagens III, IV, IX, and X, and cartilage proteoglycans. The enzyme is thought to be involved in wound repair, progression of atherosclerosis, and tumor initiation. The gene is part of a cluster of MMP genes which localize to chromosome 11q22.3. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

MMP3: Can degrade fibronectin, laminin, gelatins of type I, III, IV, and V; collagens III, IV, X, and IX, and cartilage proteoglycans. Activates procollagenase. Defects in MMP3 are the cause of susceptibility to coronary heart disease type 6 (CHDS6). A multifactorial disease characterized by an imbalance between myocardial functional requirements and the capacity of the coronary vessels to supply sufficient blood flow. Decreased capacity of the coronary vessels is often associated with thickening and loss of elasticity of the coronary arteries. A polymorphism in the MMP3 promoter region is associated with the risk of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, due to lower MMP3 proteolytic activity and higher extracellular matrix deposition in atherosclerotic lesions. Belongs to the peptidase M10A family.

Protein type: Protease; Secreted, signal peptide; Secreted; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis; EC 3.4.24.17

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 11q22.3

Cellular Component: extracellular space; proteinaceous extracellular matrix; mitochondrion; extracellular region; cytosol

Molecular Function: zinc ion binding; metalloendopeptidase activity; endopeptidase activity; calcium ion binding

Biological Process: positive regulation of protein oligomerization; extracellular matrix disassembly; collagen catabolic process; extracellular matrix organization and biogenesis; negative regulation of protein kinase B signaling cascade; protein catabolic process; proteolysis; regulation of cell migration

Disease: Coronary Heart Disease, Susceptibility To, 6