anti-MMP-12 (human), Rabbit Monoclonal (RM381)

Proteins of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development, reproduction and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes, such as arthritis and metastasis. Most MMP's are secreted as inactive proproteins which are activated when cleaved by extracellular proteinases. Active MMP-12 (Macrophage metalloelastase; MME; Macrophage elastase; ME) has a broad substrate range. In addition to its activity against elastin, MMP-12 has been shown to cleave human CXC-chemokines such as CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL5, and CXCL8. It also degrades collagen type IV, fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin, and certain proteoglycans. Although it seems to be mainly involved in COPD, MMP-12 has also been reported to be involved in malignant progression in colorectal, nonsmall cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, hepatocarcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The protease MMP12 is also involved in macrophage migration and potentially could have a crucial role in regulating the resolution of inflammation, by cleaving IFNγ, thereby rendering the cytokine unable to signal via its receptor.