Are matrix metalloproteinases the missing link?

Abstract

It is more and more evident that the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) system is not a characteristicfeature of vertebrate animals only, as it can also be found in many invertebrate organisms. Thisendopeptidase family has been widely studied since its first member was described 40 years agoduring metamorphosis in tadpole tails. Many researches have been carried out in mammals in order toelucidate and analyze the several and important roles these endopeptidases play, both inphysiological pathways and in pathological processes. The evolving researches of these multifacetedenzymes enter the very interesting and fascinating world of the invertebrates, where these enzymesseem to be in the front line during important biological events. MMP-like enzymes and their inhibitorshave been found in insects, crustaceans, mussels, sea urchins and also in organisms as simple ashydra. In these species MMPs partake in several fundamental processes, such as extracellular matrix(ECM) remodelling, embryonic development, cell growth and differentiation and also in defensemechanisms thus highlightening their intriguing and unexpected functional importance in invertebratelife too.

Keywords

• development
• embryogenesis
• extracellular matrix
• invertebrates
• metalloproteinases
• tissue