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Matrix metalloproteinases and their endogenous inhibitors in neuronal physiology of the adult brain
Author(s) -
Dzwonek Joanna,
Rylski Marcin,
Kaczmarek Leszek
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.03.070
Subject(s) - matrix metalloproteinase , endogeny , neuroscience , proteolysis , extracellular matrix , neuroplasticity , biology , premovement neuronal activity , microbiology and biotechnology , matrix (chemical analysis) , central nervous system , enzyme , chemistry , biochemistry , chromatography
More than 20 matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and four of their endogenous tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) act together to control tightly temporally restricted, focal proteolysis of extracellular matrix. In the neurons of the adult brain several components of the TIMP/MMP system are expressed and are responsive to changes in neuronal activity. Furthermore, functional studies, especially involving blocking of MMP activities, along with the identification of MMP substrates in the brain strongly suggest that this enzymatic system plays an important physiological role in adult brain neurons, possibly being pivotal for neuronal plasticity.