Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Quantitative Proteomics Workflow using Multiple Reaction Monitoring Based Detection of Proteins from Human Brain Tissue
Published on: August 28, 2021
Matrix metalloproteinases and their multiple roles in neurodegenerative diseases
1Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA. grosenberg@salud.unm.edu
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and proteins containing a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain (ADAM) are important in neuroinflammation, and recent studies have linked their actions to neurodegenerative disorders. MMPs act as cell-surface sheddases and can affect cell signalling initiated by growth factors or death receptors. Four tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) regulate metalloproteinase activity. These proteases increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, which can cause oedema, haemorrhage, and cell death. MMPs also participate in tissue repair by promoting angiogenesis and neurogenesis. In vascular cognitive impairment, MMPs change permeability of the blood-brain barrier and might contribute to white matter damage. MMPs and ADAMs might contribute to the formation and degradation of amyloid proteins in Alzheimer's disease and cause death of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. In this Review, by examining the effects of neuroinflammation, we try to understand the role that MMPs might have in neurodegenerative diseases. Therapeutic strategies that use inhibitors of MMPs could represent potential novel treatments for neurological diseases.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and ADAMs play key roles in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibiting MMPs may offer novel therapeutic strategies for neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and ADAMs are implicated in neuroinflammation.
- Their roles in neurodegenerative disorders are increasingly recognized.
- Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) regulate MMP activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of MMPs in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.
- To explore the mechanisms by which MMPs affect neurological function.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting MMPs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MMPs, ADAMs, and neuroinflammation.
- Analysis of MMP involvement in blood-brain barrier permeability and tissue repair.
- Examination of MMP/ADAM roles in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Main Results:
- MMPs increase blood-brain barrier permeability, leading to edema and cell death.
- MMPs contribute to angiogenesis and neurogenesis in tissue repair.
- MMPs and ADAMs are linked to amyloid processing and dopaminergic neuron loss.
Conclusions:
- MMPs are significant contributors to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
- Targeting MMPs with inhibitors presents a promising therapeutic avenue for neurological diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
A...
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
