Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14)

MMP14, also known as MT1-MMP, is a member of membrane type (MT) MMPs. It can degrade various components of the extracellular matrix such as type I collagen and activate pro-MMP-2 and process cell adhesion molecules such as CD44 and integrin alpha V. It is also essential for pericellular collagenolysis and modeling of skeletal and extra skeletal connective tissues during development. MMP14 plays a important role in many physiological and pathological processes such as angiogenesis and tumor invasion. This protein is mainly expressed in stromal cells of colon, breast, head and neck. There are four domains for native MMP14, a pro domain containing the furin cleavage site, a catalytic domain containing the zinc-binding site, a hemopexin-like domain and a transmembrane domain.