Matrix metallopeptidase 13

Collagenase 3 is an is_associated_with::enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP13 is_associated_with::gene. It is a member of the is_associated_with::matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. Like most MMPs, it is secreted as an inactive pro-form. It is activated once the pro-domain is cleaved, leaving an active enzyme composed of the catalytic domain and the hemopexin-like domain. Although the actual mechanism has not been described, the hemopexin domain participates in collagen degradation, the catalytic domain alone being particularly inefficient in collagen degradation. During embryonic development, MMP13 is expressed in the skeleton as required for restructuring the collagen matrix for bone mineralization. In pathological situations it is highly overexpressed; this occurs in human carcinomas, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.