What is MMP8 Protein

      Matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8) is a member of the MMP family and plays a key role in physiological and pathological processes.

      What is MMP8 Protein?

      MMP8, colloquially known as collagenase-2, constitutes a linchpin in extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics. Structurally, it boasts distinctive domains – a prodomain, catalytic domain, linker region, and hemopexin-like domain. The prodomain's regulatory prowess keeps MMP8 dormant until activation triggers, ensuring precision in its enzymatic functions.

      The Function of MMP8 Protein

      MMP8's paramount function resides in ECM modulation, specifically collagen degradation. The catalytic domain executes collagenolysis, with a predilection for collagen types I and II. This activity positions MMP8 as a linchpin in tissue remodeling, wound healing, and maintaining ECM equilibrium.

      • Wound Healing and Tissue Remodeling

      In wound healing, MMP8 spearheads the initial phases, clearing damaged tissue and laying the foundation for repair. Its collagenolytic prowess ensures the emergence of robust, functional tissue, marking MMP8 as a cornerstone in the orchestration of wound healing cascades.

      • Bone and Cartilage Homeostasis

      Within bone and cartilage, MMP8 presides over collagen turnover, vital for tissue integrity. Dysregulation precipitates pathologies like arthritis and osteoporosis, emphasizing MMP8's role in sustaining the delicate balance of these skeletal structures.

      MMP8-Related Diseases

      Dysregulated MMP8 activity emerges as a harbinger of various diseases, heralding the need for targeted therapeutic interventions.

      • Arthritis

      Elevated MMP8 expression in arthritis underscores its role in joint tissue degradation. Therapeutic avenues targeting MMP8 activation offer potential remedies, aiming to alleviate the destructive trajectory of arthritis.

      • Cancer

      MMP8's dual role in cancer—both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic—reveals its context-dependent impact on tumor progression. Understanding MMP8's intricate involvement in the tumor microenvironment unveils its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.

      Tumor-protective molecular mechanisms of MMP8. (Juurikka, K., et al. 2019)

      Figure 1. Tumor-protective molecular mechanisms of MMP8. (Juurikka, K., et al. 2019)

      • Cardiovascular Diseases

      Implicated in cardiovascular diseases, MMP8's overexpression contributes to atherosclerotic plaque destabilization. Delving into the intricate regulatory networks of MMP8 within cardiovascular contexts unveils potential therapeutic avenues for conditions like atherosclerosis.

      MMP8 Related Signaling Pathways

      MMP8's activity is intricately governed by signal pathways responding to specific stimuli, shedding light on its nuanced regulation.

      • Inflammatory Signaling

      Activation of MMP8 hinges on inflammatory signals, orchestrated by the NF-κB pathway. This immune response mechanism underpins MMP8's role in tissue damage recognition, aligning with its function in the early stages of wound healing and inflammation.

      • TGF-β Signaling

      TGF-β, a pivotal player in MMP8 regulation, intricately modulates its expression. The duality of TGF-β's impact underscores the complexity of MMP8 regulation, offering insights into its diverse biological roles.

      Applications of MMP8 in Biomedical Research

      Amidst its implications in diseases, MMP8 unveils promising applications in the biomedical realm, heralding new diagnostic and therapeutic frontiers.

      • Diagnostic Biomarker

      MMP8's altered expression renders it a potential diagnostic biomarker. Detection of MMP8 levels in bodily fluids holds promise for non-invasive disease monitoring, revolutionizing early diagnoses for conditions like arthritis and certain cancers.

      • Therapeutic Target

      Strategically targeting MMP8 emerges as a therapeutic avenue in diseases marked by aberrant collagen turnover. Developing specific inhibitors to modulate MMP8 activity navigates the challenge of selectivity, ensuring therapeutic impact without compromising physiological functions of other MMPs.

      • Tissue Engineering

      In the realm of tissue engineering, comprehending MMP8's role in tissue remodeling paves the way for innovative biomaterial designs. Controlled modulation of MMP8 activity becomes pivotal in crafting scaffolds that foster appropriate tissue regeneration, amplifying the success of tissue engineering endeavors.

      Continued exploration of the complexities of MMP8 promises transformative insights that advance our efforts to harness its potential to improve human health. Each revelation from related research brings us closer to unraveling the myriad mysteries of MMP8 in physiology and disease.

      Recommended Products for MMP8 Protein

      Cat.# Species Product name Source (Host) Tag
      MMP8-648H Human Active Recombinant Human MMP8, His tagged HEK293 His
      MMP8-1132H Human Active Recombinant Human MMP8 protein HEK293 N/A
      MMP8-5437H Human Recombinant Human MMP8 Protein, GST-tagged Wheat Germ GST
      MMP8-123H Human Recombinant Human MMP8 Protien, His-tagged E. coli His
      MMP8-4454H Human Recombinant Human MMP8 Protein, His (Fc)-Avi-tagged HEK293 His (Fc)-Avi
      Mmp8-610M Mouse Active Recombinant Mouse Mmp8 Protein, His-tagged CHO His
      MmP8-1187M Mouse Recombinant Mouse MmP8, None tagged Human Cell N/A
      Mmp8-1055R Rat Active Recombinant Rat Mmp8 Protein, His-tagged Mammalian cells His
      Mmp8-750R Rat Recombinant Rat Mmp8 protein, His & T7-tagged E.coli His/T7
      Mmp8-1127R Rat Recombinant Rat Mmp8 Protein, His&SUMO-tagged E.coli N-His&SUMO

      Reference

      • Juurikka, K., et al. The Role of MMP8 in Cancer: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2019, 20(18): 4506.