Merck UK - MMP & TIMP Assays

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		Technical Information

		Calbiochem Information

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		Protease Assays

MMP (Matrix Metalloproteinase) & TIMP Assays

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Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc metalloendopeptidases secreted by cells, and are responsible for much of the turnover of matrix components. They are included in the “MB clan” of metallopeptidases, containing the motif HEXXHXXGXXH as the zinc-binding active site. The MB clan members are generically referred to as “Metzincins” since they all contain a conserved methionine that forms a turn eight residues downstream from the active site. Clan MB contains a number of families, and MMPs are in family M10. Family M10 is further divided into subfamilies A and B, and MMPs are in subfamily A, also known as the “matrixins.” MMPs from vertebrate species are given MMP numbers (i.e. MMP1, MMP2, etc.), and MMPs from invertebrates rely on trivial names. The MMP family consists of at least 26 members, all of which share a common catalytic core with a zinc molecule in the active site.

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