MMP26

Matrix metalloproteinase-26 also known as matrilysin-2 and endometase is an is_associated_with::enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP26 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
Proteins of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family are involved in the breakdown of is_associated_with::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. The encoded protein degrades type IV is_associated_with::collagen, is_associated_with::fibronectin, is_associated_with::fibrinogen, is_associated_with::casein, is_associated_with::vitronectin, alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT), alpha 2-macroglobulin (A2M), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP), and activates is_associated_with::MMP9 by cleavage. The protein differs from most MMP family members in that it lacks a conserved C-terminal protein domain.