Metalloproteinases (MMPs)

Overview
Metalloproteinases (MMPs) [e.g., MMP-3, MMP-9, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPPA), and stromelysin-1] are proteolytic enzymes that play a critical role in the resorption of extracellular matrices. Several small studies have identified MMPs in atherosclerotic plaques vulnerable to rupture and in the peripheral blood of patients with acute coronary syndromes. MMP activity is held in check by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), which may thus also be related to prognosis in ACS.

There are two subgroups of metalloproteinases:
 * exopeptidases: metalloexopeptidases (EC number: 3.4.17).
 * endopeptidases: metalloendopeptidases (3.4.24). Well known metalloendopeptidases include ADAM proteins and matrix metalloproteinases.