What is MMP8 Protein
Matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8) is a member of the MMP family and plays a key role in physiological and pathological processes.
What is MMP8 Protein?
MMP8, colloquially known as collagenase-2, constitutes a linchpin in extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics. Structurally, it boasts distinctive domains – a prodomain, catalytic domain, linker region, and hemopexin-like domain. The prodomain's regulatory prowess keeps MMP8 dormant until activation triggers, ensuring precision in its enzymatic functions.
The Function of MMP8 Protein
MMP8's paramount function resides in ECM modulation, specifically collagen degradation. The catalytic domain executes collagenolysis, with a predilection for collagen types I and II. This activity positions MMP8 as a linchpin in tissue remodeling, wound healing, and maintaining ECM equilibrium.
- Wound Healing and Tissue Remodeling
In wound healing, MMP8 spearheads the initial phases, clearing damaged tissue and laying the foundation for repair. Its collagenolytic prowess ensures the emergence of robust, functional tissue, marking MMP8 as a cornerstone in the orchestration of wound healing cascades.
- Bone and Cartilage Homeostasis
Within bone and cartilage, MMP8 presides over collagen turnover, vital for tissue integrity. Dysregulation precipitates pathologies like arthritis and osteoporosis, emphasizing MMP8's role in sustaining the delicate balance of these skeletal structures.
MMP8-Related Diseases
Dysregulated MMP8 activity emerges as a harbinger of various diseases, heralding the need for targeted therapeutic interventions.
- Arthritis
Elevated MMP8 expression in arthritis underscores its role in joint tissue degradation. Therapeutic avenues targeting MMP8 activation offer potential remedies, aiming to alleviate the destructive trajectory of arthritis.
- Cancer
MMP8's dual role in cancer—both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic—reveals its context-dependent impact on tumor progression. Understanding MMP8's intricate involvement in the tumor microenvironment unveils its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
Figure 1. Tumor-protective molecular mechanisms of MMP8. (Juurikka, K., et al. 2019)
- Cardiovascular Diseases
Implicated in cardiovascular diseases, MMP8's overexpression contributes to atherosclerotic plaque destabilization. Delving into the intricate regulatory networks of MMP8 within cardiovascular contexts unveils potential therapeutic avenues for conditions like atherosclerosis.
MMP8 Related Signaling Pathways
MMP8's activity is intricately governed by signal pathways responding to specific stimuli, shedding light on its nuanced regulation.
- Inflammatory Signaling
Activation of MMP8 hinges on inflammatory signals, orchestrated by the NF-κB pathway. This immune response mechanism underpins MMP8's role in tissue damage recognition, aligning with its function in the early stages of wound healing and inflammation.
- TGF-β Signaling
TGF-β, a pivotal player in MMP8 regulation, intricately modulates its expression. The duality of TGF-β's impact underscores the complexity of MMP8 regulation, offering insights into its diverse biological roles.
Applications of MMP8 in Biomedical Research
Amidst its implications in diseases, MMP8 unveils promising applications in the biomedical realm, heralding new diagnostic and therapeutic frontiers.
- Diagnostic Biomarker
MMP8's altered expression renders it a potential diagnostic biomarker. Detection of MMP8 levels in bodily fluids holds promise for non-invasive disease monitoring, revolutionizing early diagnoses for conditions like arthritis and certain cancers.
- Therapeutic Target
Strategically targeting MMP8 emerges as a therapeutic avenue in diseases marked by aberrant collagen turnover. Developing specific inhibitors to modulate MMP8 activity navigates the challenge of selectivity, ensuring therapeutic impact without compromising physiological functions of other MMPs.
- Tissue Engineering
In the realm of tissue engineering, comprehending MMP8's role in tissue remodeling paves the way for innovative biomaterial designs. Controlled modulation of MMP8 activity becomes pivotal in crafting scaffolds that foster appropriate tissue regeneration, amplifying the success of tissue engineering endeavors.
Continued exploration of the complexities of MMP8 promises transformative insights that advance our efforts to harness its potential to improve human health. Each revelation from related research brings us closer to unraveling the myriad mysteries of MMP8 in physiology and disease.
Recommended Products for MMP8 Protein
| Cat.# | Species | Product name | Source (Host) | Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMP8-648H | Human | Active Recombinant Human MMP8, His tagged | HEK293 | His |
| MMP8-1132H | Human | Active Recombinant Human MMP8 protein | HEK293 | N/A |
| MMP8-5437H | Human | Recombinant Human MMP8 Protein, GST-tagged | Wheat Germ | GST |
| MMP8-123H | Human | Recombinant Human MMP8 Protien, His-tagged | E. coli | His |
| MMP8-4454H | Human | Recombinant Human MMP8 Protein, His (Fc)-Avi-tagged | HEK293 | His (Fc)-Avi |
| Mmp8-610M | Mouse | Active Recombinant Mouse Mmp8 Protein, His-tagged | CHO | His |
| MmP8-1187M | Mouse | Recombinant Mouse MmP8, None tagged | Human Cell | N/A |
| Mmp8-1055R | Rat | Active Recombinant Rat Mmp8 Protein, His-tagged | Mammalian cells | His |
| Mmp8-750R | Rat | Recombinant Rat Mmp8 protein, His & T7-tagged | E.coli | His/T7 |
| Mmp8-1127R | Rat | Recombinant Rat Mmp8 Protein, His&SUMO-tagged | E.coli | N-His&SUMO |
Reference
- Juurikka, K., et al. The Role of MMP8 in Cancer: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2019, 20(18): 4506.
