The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) consist of 24 known human zinc proteases with essential roles in breaking down components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Additional MMP substrates include cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and binding proteins, cell/cell adhesion molecules, and other proteinases. With a few exceptions, MMPs share common structural motifs including a pro-peptide domain, a catalytic domain, a hinge region, and a hemopexin-like domain. Synthesized as pro-enzymes, most MMPs are secreted before conversion to their active form. MMP activities are modulated on several levels including transcription, pro-enzyme activation, or by their endogenous inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). A subset of MMPs are associated with membranes and designated as membrane-type metalloproteinases (MT-MMP).

72 kDa gelatinase; CLG4; CLG4A72 kDa type IV collagenase; collagenase type IV-A; EC 3.4.24; EC 3.4.24.24; Gelatinase A; matrix metallopeptidase 2 (gelatinase A, 72kDa gelatinase, 72kDa type IVcollagenase); matrix metalloproteinase 2 (gelatinase A, 72kD gelatinase, 72kD type IVcollagenase); Matrix metalloproteinase-2; matrix metalloproteinase-II; MMP2; MMP-2; MMP-II; MONA; neutrophil gelatinase; TBE-1matrix metalloproteinase 2 (gelatinase A, 72kDa gelatinase, 72kDa type IVcollagenase)