What are the Regulatory Mechanisms of MMP Activity?
MMP activity is tightly regulated at multiple levels: 1. Gene expression: MMP genes are regulated by various cytokines, growth factors, and transcription factors. 2. Pro-enzyme activation: MMPs are synthesized as inactive pro-enzymes (zymogens) and require activation through proteolytic cleavage. 3. Inhibition: MMP activity is inhibited by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), which bind to the active site of MMPs, preventing substrate access.
