Mouse Anti-Human MMP1

This product recognizes human matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1). The MMP's are zinc-dependent endopeptidases responsible for degrading the extracellular matrix. They are also involved in cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and apoptosis. Most MMP's are synthesised as inactive zymogens and a propeptide region must be cleaved off before the enzyme becomes active. Their expression is increased dramatically in a variety of cancer types, where it indicates invasive disease and a poor prognosis. MMP-1 is one of the collagenases, capable of degrading collagens I, II and III, all main components of the interstitial stroma. It is overexpressed in invasive melanoma, colorectal and esophageal cancers. It has also been implicated in arthritis and might influence atherosclerotic lesion formation. It might also be involved in the repair processes of the heart after myocardial infarction.