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Matrix metalloproteinases in kidney homeostasis and diseases: an update

Roderick J Tan1,2, Youhua Liu3

  • 1Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.

American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology
|October 3, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial enzymes in kidney health and disease. This review details their complex roles and dysregulation in various kidney conditions, offering insights into disease mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases involved in extracellular matrix degradation.
  • MMPs regulate critical cellular processes including inflammation, proliferation, and angiogenesis.
  • Recent findings highlight direct impacts of MMPs on podocyte biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review on the complex biology of MMPs in kidney disease.
  • To detail the roles of MMPs in kidney homeostasis and pathology.
  • To summarize evidence of MMP dysregulation across various kidney pathologies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on MMPs in kidney disease.
  • Analysis of MMP functions beyond matrix degradation.
  • Examination of MMP involvement in specific kidney conditions.

Main Results:

  • MMPs degrade extracellular matrix and nonmatrix substrates.
  • MMPs regulate inflammation, epithelial plasticity, proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.
  • MMP dysregulation is evident in acute kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, and Alport syndrome.

Conclusions:

  • MMPs play multifaceted roles in kidney homeostasis and disease pathogenesis.
  • Dysregulated MMP activity is a significant factor in numerous kidney diseases.
  • Understanding MMP biology is vital for addressing kidney pathology.
Keywords:
MMPapoptosisepithelial-mesenchymal transitionfibrosisinflammationmatrix

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