Anti-MMP-2

Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is an enzyme that degrades components of the extracellular matrix and thus plays a pivotal role in cell migration during physiological and pathological processes. MMP-2 expression is dependent on extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN),Her2/neu,growth factors,cytokines,and hormones. Pro-MMP-2 activation needs MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 contribution. MMP-2 is changed in distribution and increased in amount in the ventral cochlear nucleus after unilateral cochlear ablation. A low level of MMP-2 is linked to favorable prognosis in patients with a hormone receptor-negative tumor,usually associated with high risk. As a zymogen requiring proteolytic activation for catalytic activity,MMP-2 has been implicated broadly in the invasion and metastasis of many cancer model systems,including human breast cancer (HBC). Blocking MMP-2 secretion and activation during breast carcinoma development may decrease metastasis. The detection of active MMP-2 alone or the rate of pro-MMP-2 and active MMP-2 is considered a very sensitive indicator of cancer metastasis. Modulation of MMP-2 expression and activation through specific inhibitors and activators may thus provide a new mechanism for breast cancer treatment. Protein function: Ubiquitinous metalloproteinase that is involved in diverse functions such as remodeling of the vasculature, angiogenesis, tissue repair, tumor invasion, inflammation, and atherosclerotic plaque rupture. As well as degrading extracellular matrix proteins, can also act on several nonmatrix proteins such as big endothelial 1 and beta- type CGRP promoting vasoconstriction. Also cleaves KISS at a Gly-, -Leu bond. Appears to have a role in myocardial cell death pathways. Contributes to myocardial oxidative stress by regulating the activity of GSK3beta. Cleaves GSK3beta in vitro. Involved in the formation of the fibrovascular tissues in association with MMP14. [The UniProt Consortium]