Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
are a family of zinc- dependent endopeptidases that degrade a variety of
extracellular matrix components. They play important roles in tissue
morphogenesis, development and remodelling. The MMPs are secreted in latent
forms (pro-MMP) and activated extracellularly. Their expressions and activities
are regulated by the interaction with specific tissue inhibitors of
metalloproteinases (TIMPs).
Imbalance between activated MMPs
and their TIMPs results in pathological destruction or accumulation of the
extracellular matrix.Certain MMPs and TIMPs have been identified in human tooth
structures and reported to play different roles in various physiological and
pathological processes during human dentine—pulp complex formation and
maintenance. Among these MMPs, the distribution of gelatinases with
collagen-degrading ability (i.e., MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their inhibitors is of
particular interest because of their important roles in tooth formation and
mineralization, as well as in the process of caries progression and degradation
of dentine hybrid layers.
REF : JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY 39 , 2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment