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Matrix metalloproteinases in plants: a brief overview
Author(s) -
Marino Giada,
Funk Christiane
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
physiologia plantarum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.351
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1399-3054
pISSN - 0031-9317
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3054.2011.01544.x
Subject(s) - matrix metalloproteinase , proteases , extracellular matrix , biology , clan , microbiology and biotechnology , botany , biochemistry , enzyme , sociology , anthropology
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc‐dependent endopeptidases belonging to the metzincin clan. MMPs have been characterized in detail in mammals, and they have been shown to play key roles in many physiological and pathological processes. Plant MMP‐like proteases exist, but relatively few have been characterized. It has been speculated that plant MMPs are involved in remodeling of the plant extracellular matrix during growth, development and stress response. However, the precise functions and physiological substrates in higher plants remain to be determined. In this brief overview, we summarize the current knowledge of MMPs in higher plants and algae.