MMP7

Fig1. MMP-7 roles, structure, function, and inhibition. (Steven R Van Doren, 2022)

What is MMP7 protein?

MMP7 gene (matrix metallopeptidase 7) is a protein coding gene which situated on the long arm of chromosome 11 at locus 11q22. This gene encodes a member of the peptidase M10 family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate the mature protease. This secreted protease breaks down proteoglycans, fibronectin, elastin and casein and differs from most MMP family members in that it lacks a conserved C-terminal hemopexin domain. The enzyme is involved in wound healing, and studies in mice suggest that it regulates the activity of defensins in intestinal mucosa. The MMP7 protein is consisted of 267 amino acids and MMP7 molecular weight is approximately 29.7 kDa.

What is the function of MMP7 protein?

MMP7 protein is a secreted zinc-dependent endopeptidase that plays a role in a variety of biological processes. MMP7 is capable of degrading extracellular matrix and through this degradation plays a regulatory role in physiological processes such as tissue repair, wound healing, bone growth and remodeling. In addition, MMP7 also plays an important role in the pathological process, especially in the occurrence and development of cancer, which can promote the proliferation, differentiation, metastasis and invasion of cancer cells. The expression of MMP7 is associated with clinical features in patients with multiple cancers, and its expression pattern can serve as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for a variety of human diseases.

MMP7 related signaling pathway

Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), also known as matrilysin, belongs to the family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases. It cleaves various ECM components, such as type IV collagen, laminin, and elastin, thereby facilitating cell migration, invasion, and tissue remodeling. MMP7 is upregulated by various signaling pathways, including those involving growth factors like epidermal growth factor (EGF) and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Its activity is tightly regulated by endogenous inhibitors called tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).

MMP7 related diseases

The MMP7 protein plays an important role in the occurrence and development of many diseases. The expression level of MMP7 is elevated in many types of cancer, including lung cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, etc., and its expression is closely related to tumor invasiveness, metastasis and prognosis. MMP7 is involved in tumor progression by promoting the proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion of tumor cells. In addition, MMP7 also plays a role in non-neoplastic diseases such as chronic kidney disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and its abnormal expression may lead to tissue damage and fibrosis.

Bioapplications of MMP7

By harnessing its ability to degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) components, rhMMP7 can facilitate the development of novel treatments for conditions characterized by excessive ECM deposition, such as fibrotic diseases and atherosclerosis. In oncology, rhMMP7 holds potential as a therapeutic agent to enhance drug delivery across biological barriers or as a targeted therapy for cancers overexpressing specific MMP7 receptors. Additionally, due to its role in ECM remodeling, rhMMP7 can be utilized in regenerative medicine to promote wound healing and tissue engineering applications. Furthermore, its specificity for certain ECM proteins makes it a candidate for imaging agents to visualize ECM changes in disease states.