A novel hydra matrix metalloproteinase (HMMP) functions in extracellular matrix degradation, morphogenesis and the maintenance of differentiated cells in the foot process. by Leontovich, A, Zhang, J, Shimokawa, K, Nagase, H, Sarras, M

“…In summary, these studies indicate that hydra has at least one MMP that is functionally tied to morphogenesis and cell transdifferentiation in this simple metazoan.…”

Structure and function of matrix metalloproteinases and TIMPs. by Nagase, H, Visse, R, Murphy, G

“…They play central roles in morphogenesis, wound healing, tissue repair and remodelling in response to injury, e.g. after myocardial infarction, and in progression of diseases such as atheroma, arthritis, cancer and chronic tissue ulcers. …”

Engineering of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases mutants as potential therapeutics. by Nagase, H, Brew, K

“…Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a central role in many biological processes such as development, morphogenesis and wound healing, but their unbalanced activities are implicated in numerous disease processes such as arthritis, cancer metastasis, atherosclerosis, nephritis and fibrosis. …”

Progress in matrix metalloproteinase research. by Murphy, G, Nagase, H

“…They play central roles in morphogenesis, wound healing, tissue repair and remodelling in response to injury and in the progression of diseases such as arthritis, cancer and cardiovascular disease. …”

Localizing matrix metalloproteinase activities in the pericellular environment. by Murphy, G, Nagase, H

“…They therefore play key roles in morphogenesis, wound healing, tissue repair and remodeling in diseases such as cancer and arthritis. …”

Regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I action by matrix metalloproteinase-3 involves selective disruption of IGF-I/IGF-binding protein-3 complexes. by Fowlkes, J, Serra, D, Bunn, R, Thrailkill, K, Enghild, J, Nagase, H

“…Thus, these studies suggest that matrix metalloproteinases, beyond their effects on extracellular matrix turnover, regulate cellular proliferation by modulating the bioavailability of IGFs, an event critical for such diverse phenomena as embryo development, morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and tumorigenesis.…”

Collagenase unwinds triple-helical collagen prior to peptide bond hydrolysis. by Chung, L, Dinakarpandian, D, Yoshida, N, Lauer-Fields, J, Fields, G, Visse, R, Nagase, H

“…Breakdown of triple-helical interstitial collagens is essential in embryonic development, organ morphogenesis and tissue remodelling and repair. Aberrant collagenolysis may result in diseases such as arthritis, cancer, atherosclerosis, aneurysm and fibrosis. …”

Structural insights into triple-helical collagen cleavage by matrix metalloproteinase 1. by Manka, S, Carafoli, F, Visse, R, Bihan, D, Raynal, N, Farndale, R, Murphy, G, Enghild, J, Hohenester, E, Nagase, H

“…Collagenases of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family play major roles in morphogenesis, tissue repair, and human diseases, but how they recognize and cleave the collagen triple helix is not fully understood. …”

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases: evolution, structure and function. by Brew, K, Dinakarpandian, D, Nagase, H

“…The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in the normal physiology of connective tissue during development, morphogenesis and wound healing, but their unregulated activity has been implicated in numerous disease processes including arthritis, tumor cell metastasis and atherosclerosis. …”