Background
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Matrix metalloproteinase-9, also known as 92 kDa type IV collagenase, MMP-9 and CLG4B is a secretedprotein which belongs to the peptidase M10A family. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and play essentialroles in various physiological processes such as morphogenesis, differentiation, angiogenesis and tissueremodeling, as well as pathological processes including inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases and tumor invasion. MMP-9 contains three fibronectin type-II domains and fourhemopexin-like domains. It is secreted from neutrophils, macrophages, and a number of transformed cells. Itis the most complex family member in terms of domain structure and regulation of its activity. MMP-9 isinvolved in a variety of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, and be regarded as a potential therapeutic target. MMP-9 may play an essential role in local proteolysis of the extracellular matrix and in leukocyte migration. MMP-9 could play a role in bone osteoclastic resorption. It cleaves type IV and type V collagen into large C-terminal three quarter fragments and shorter N-terminal one quarter fragments. MMP-9 also degradesfibronectin but not laminin or Pz-peptide. MMP-9 and MMP-13 catalyze the degradation of extracellularmatrix (ECM) components in the growth plate and at the same time cleave and release biologically activemolecules stored in the ECM, such as VEGFA. In mice, ablation of MMP-9, MMP-13, or both MMP-9 andMMP-13 causes severe distortion of the metaphyseal growth plate. MMP-9 has also been implicated innumerous somatic illnesses, including cardiovascular disorders and cancer. MMP-9 has been shown to beincreasingly important in several aspects of central nervous system activity. Defects in MMP-9 may be acause of susceptibility to intervertebral disc disease (IDD) , also known as lumbar disk herniation (LDH) . IDDis one of the most common musculo-skeletal disorders and the predominant cause of low-back pain andunilateral leg pain.
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