Summary
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors essentially contribute to a
variety of pathophysiologies by modulating cell migration, tissue degradation and
inflammation. Platelet-associated MMP activity appears to play a major role in these
processes. First, platelets can concentrate leukocyte-derived MMP activity to sites
of vascular injury by leukocyte recruitment. Second, platelets stimulate MMP production
in e.g. leukocytes, endothelial cells, or tumour cells by direct receptor interaction
or/and by paracrine pathways. Third, platelets synthesise and secrete a variety of
MMPs including MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-14 (MT1-MMP), and potentially MMP-9 as
well as the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs). This review focuses on
platelet-derived and platelet-induced MMPs and their inhibitors.
Keywords
Platelets - MMP - EMMPRIN