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Published on: September 27, 2020
MMP-12, a Promising Therapeutic Target for Neurological Diseases
Bharath Chelluboina1, Koteswara Rao Nalamolu1, Jeffrey D Klopfenstein1,2,3
1Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, One Illini Dr., Peoria, IL, 61605, USA.
Abstract:
The role of matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and asthma is well established. Several new studies and recent reports from our laboratory and others highlighted the detrimental role of MMP-12 in the pathogenesis of several neurological diseases. In this review, we discuss in detail the pathological role of MMP-12 and the possible underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to disease pathogenesis in the context of central nervous system diseases such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis. The available information on the specific MMP-12 inhibitors used in several preclinical and clinical studies is also reviewed. Based on the reported studies to date, MMP-12 suppression could emerge as a promising therapeutic target for several CNS diseases that were discussed in this review.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) contributes to inflammatory and neurological diseases. MMP-12 inhibitors show promise as a therapeutic target for central nervous system (CNS) conditions like stroke and multiple sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) is implicated in inflammatory diseases like COPD, emphysema, and asthma.
- Emerging research highlights MMP-12's detrimental role in neurological disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathological role of MMP-12 in central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying MMP-12's contribution to CNS diseases.
- To review MMP-12 inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MMP-12 in CNS diseases.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms involved in MMP-12-mediated pathogenesis.
- Review of preclinical and clinical data on MMP-12 inhibitors.
Main Results:
- MMP-12 plays a significant pathological role in CNS diseases including stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis.
- Specific molecular pathways mediate MMP-12's detrimental effects in the CNS.
- Various MMP-12 inhibitors have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical settings.
Conclusions:
- MMP-12 is a key factor in the pathogenesis of several CNS diseases.
- Targeting MMP-12 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis.
- Further research into MMP-12 inhibitors could lead to novel treatments for neurological disorders.

