Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in brain injury and repair Ariel Miller, Sarah Shapiro, Nitza Lahat, Yanina Galboiz

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zincdependent proteolytic enzymes, together with their endogenous tissue inhibitors, TIMPs, are involved in remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) under a variety of physiological conditions. Recent studies, however, have implicated MMPs in various pathological conditions such as tumor invasion and metastasis, arteriosclerosis, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.