Matrix metalloproteinases and nervous diseases / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of Zn~ 2+ -dependent endopeptidases targeting extracellular matrix (ECM) compounds as well as a number of other proteins. Their proteolytic activity acts as an effector mechanism of tissue remodeling in physiologic and pathologic conditions, and as modulator of inflammation. Recently, it has been reported that MMPs play an important role in nervous diseases including cerebral ischemia, Alzheimers disease,multiple sclerosis and Parkinson′s disease.