Matrix metalloproteinases: structure, functions and genetic polymorphism
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes of the hydrolase class that carry out enzymatic catalysis with
the help of a zinc ion bound in the active center. MMP functions are diverse, and a disturbance in the balance of their activity may be one of the etiological factors of various diseases. In this review, the classification of human MMP, the features of their structure and regulation, as well as the role in physiological and pathological processes in the human body are considered. A list of the most studied polymorphic versions of MMP genes has been given, their functional effects have been described, and the results of associative studies have been presented.