| Family |
MMPs |
Key characteristics |
| Collagenases |
MMP-1, -8, and -13 |
These can cleave collagen and are able to process other ECM molecules |
| Gelatinases |
MMP-2 and -9 |
Play an important role in the remodeling of collagenous ECM, also targeting other ECM and non-ECM molecules |
| Stormelysins |
MMP-3, and -10 |
Process many ECM components as well as some growth factors, cytokines and adhesion molecules, except for the native collagen |
| Stormelysin-like MMPs |
MMP-11, and -12 |
MMP-11- induced in adipose tissue by cancer cells, and is responsible for tumor progression through the degradation of collage VI. |
| Matrylisins |
MMP-7, and -26 |
Play important roles in degradation and processing of ECM and non-ECM proteins |
| Transmembrane MMPs
also known as MT1-, MT2-, MT3- and MT5-MMP respectively |
MMP-14, -15, 16, and -24 |
Located on the cell surface and control the local environment of normal and tumor cells. Main activators of proMMP-2 and are involved in blood vessel formation. Also upregulated in tumors and in some cases associated with poor prognosis of several types of cancer. |
| Glycosyl-phospatidyl-inositol (GPI)- type MMPs
also known as MT4- and MT-6-MMP |
MMP-17, and -25 |
|
MM-19-like MMPs |
MMP-19 and -28 |
Produced by several carcinomas although their role is not yet well defined. MMP28 is believed to play a role in several diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) including multiple sclerosis. |
| Other MMPs |
MMP-18, -20, and -23 |
MMP23 - produced by various normal tissues but their precise roles have not yet been elucidated |
| Disintegrin/Metalloproteinase |
ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) and the ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif) |
An interaction between MMPs and ADAMTS was reported with MT4-MMP contributing to activation of ADAMTS-4 |