What are the MMPs enzymes in cells?

MMPs are a family of proteolytic enzymes which cleave protein substrates based on the activation of an active site-bound water molecule by a Zn2+ ion. MMPs have several functions in cells. One is that they proteolyse ECM components following the release of bioactive proteins and fragments. Another function is that they are involved in membrane shedding of cells. MMPs also alter the activity of other proteases through degradation. Lastly, they have an important role in chemokine processing. MMPs are first synthesized as inactive proenzymes or zymogens and are produced by macrophages. It is important to note that MMPs degrade both matrix and non-matrix proteins.