MMP14 Antibody

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 MMPs are secreted as inactive proproteins which are activated when cleaved by extracellular proteinases. MMP14 seems to specifically activate progelatinase A, and may thus trigger invasion by tumor cells by activating progelatinase A on the tumor cell surface. Expression is significant in stromal cells of colon, breast, and head and neck.