The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of peptidase enzymes responsible for the degradation of extracellular matrix components, including collagen, gelatin, fibronectin, laminin and proteoglycan. MMP-17 (also designated MT-MMP4 or MT4-MMP) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteinase and is mainly expressed in the brain, leukocytes, colon, ovary and testis.
