Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) constitute a family of more than 20 endopeptidases. Identification of specific matrix and non-matrix components as MMP substrates showed that, aside from their initial role as extracellular matrix modifiers, MMPs play significant roles in highly complex processes such as the regulation of cell behavior, cell-cell communication, and tumor progression. Thanks to the comprehensive examination of the expanded MMP action radius, the initial view of proteases acting in the soluble phase has evolved into a kaleidoscope of proteolytic reactions connected to the cell surface. Important classes of cell surface molecules include adhesion molecules, mediators of apoptosis, receptors, chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, proteases, intercellular junction proteins, and structural molecules. Proteolysis of cell surface proteins by MMPs may have extremely diverse biological implications, ranging from maturation and activation, to inactivation or degradation of substrates. In this way, modification of membrane-associated proteins by MMPs is crucial for communication between cells and the extracellular milieu, and determines cell fate and the integrity of tissues. Hence, insights into the processing of cell surface proteins by MMPs and the concomitant effects on physiological processes as well as on disease onset and evolution, leads the way to innovative therapeutic approaches for cancer, as well as degenerative and inflammatory diseases.

中文翻译：

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基质金属蛋白酶处理过的细胞表面底物的生化，生物和病理万花筒。

基质金属蛋白酶（MMP）构成了20多种内肽酶的家族。特定基质和非基质成分作为MMP底物的鉴定表明，除了它们最初作为细胞外基质修饰剂外，MMP在高度复杂的过程中也起着重要作用，例如调节细胞行为，细胞间通讯和肿瘤进展。由于对扩展的MMP作用半径的全面检查，蛋白酶在可溶性相中的作用已初步发展为连接到细胞表面的蛋白水解反应的万花筒。细胞表面分子的重要类别包括粘附分子，凋亡介体，受体，趋化因子，细胞因子，生长因子，蛋白酶，细胞间连接蛋白和结构分子。MMP对细胞表面蛋白的蛋白水解可能具有极其多样的生物学意义，范围从成熟和激活到底物的失活或降解。这样，MMP对膜相关蛋白的修饰对于细胞与细胞外环境之间的通讯至关重要，并决定了细胞命运和组织的完整性。因此，对由MMP处理细胞表面蛋白的过程以及对生理过程以及疾病发作和演变的伴随影响的见解，为癌症以及退行性和炎性疾病的创新治疗方法提供了途径。MMP对膜相关蛋白的修饰对于细胞与细胞外环境之间的通讯至关重要，并决定了细胞命运和组织的完整性。因此，对由MMP处理细胞表面蛋白的过程以及对生理过程以及疾病发作和演变的伴随影响的见解，为癌症以及退行性和炎性疾病的创新治疗方法提供了途径。MMP对膜相关蛋白的修饰对于细胞与细胞外环境之间的通讯至关重要，并决定了细胞命运和组织的完整性。因此，对由MMP处理细胞表面蛋白的过程以及对生理过程以及疾病发作和演变的伴随影响的见解，为癌症以及退行性和炎性疾病的创新治疗方法提供了途径。