Matrix metalloproteinases and their specific tissue inhibitors in menstruation

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Bacterial Expression and Purification of Human Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 using Affinity Chromatography
07:32

Bacterial Expression and Purification of Human Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 using Affinity Chromatography

Published on: March 30, 2022

Ji-Cui Dong1, Hongguang Dong, Aldo Campana

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Geneva, 1211, Switzerland.

Reproduction (Cambridge, England)
|May 15, 2002
PubMed

The timely breakdown of extracellular matrix is essential for menstruation. Matrix metalloproteinases, which are able to degrade virtually all components of the extracellular matrix, are spatiotemporally expressed in the cyclic endometrium. The expression of most matrix metalloproteinases is regulated transcriptionally and their proteolytic activities are precisely controlled. The balance between matrix metalloproteinases and their specific tissue inhibitors is believed to be crucial for menstruation. This review focuses on the roles of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in the initiation of menstruation and on the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression and activation. For example, the function of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in endometrial re-epithelialization and angiogenesis during endometrial regeneration, when cell migration is facilitated to ensure endometrial repair, is discussed. This and other processes, although not fully resolved, serve to illustrate the involvement of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in the process of menstruation.

More Related Videos

Measuring Global Cellular Matrix Metalloproteinase and Metabolic Activity in 3D Hydrogels07:39

Measuring Global Cellular Matrix Metalloproteinase and Metabolic Activity in 3D Hydrogels

Published on: January 22, 2019

Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography09:30

Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography

Published on: November 8, 2010

Related Concept Videos

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult body.
A...
Antimicrobial Proteins01:23

Antimicrobial Proteins

Antimicrobial proteins are important components of the immune system. They aid the body in combating pathogens by either killing them directly or hindering their replication processes. Four main types of antimicrobial substances are interferons, the complement system, iron-binding proteins, and antimicrobial proteins.
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.
TGF - β Signaling Pathway01:16

TGF - β Signaling Pathway

The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis01:16

Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis

After a fibrin clot is formed, the next step is clot retraction, a vital process facilitated by platelet contractile proteins, such as actin and myosin. These proteins pull the fibrin strands closer together and condense the clot. This action reduces the size of the clot, creating a smaller, denser structure that effectively seals off the damaged vessel. Clot retraction consolidates the clot and helps with wound healing by bringing the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together.