Matrix metalloproteinases in lung: multiple, multifarious, and multifaceted

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of neutral proteinases involved in processing extracellular and cell surface proteins.
• MMPs are vital for lung organogenesis but typically downregulated after alveolar development.
• Their expression increases during inflammatory lung diseases, indicating a resurgence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the expanding knowledge on MMP resurgence in inflammatory lung diseases.
• To explore the role of MMP proteolysis in modulating substrate function in vivo.
• To discuss the implications of MMP redundancy and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of MMP expression and function in lung biology and disease.
• Analysis of known and potential MMP substrates in the lung extracellular matrix and cell surface.
• Discussion of MMP redundancy and compensatory mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Many MMPs are upregulated during acute and chronic inflammatory lung diseases.
• Potential MMP targets include extracellular matrix proteins, adhesion molecules, growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines.
• MMP redundancy likely evolved as a compensatory mechanism due to their critical regulatory importance.

Conclusions:

• A deeper understanding of MMP biology is necessary before considering MMP inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for lung conditions.
• The complex roles of MMPs in lung inflammation warrant further investigation.
• MMPs represent critical regulatory enzymes in lung homeostasis and disease.