Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to a family of metal-dependent endopeptidases which contain a series of conserved pro-peptide domains and catalytic domains. MMPs have been widely found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. MMPs are involved in regulating numerous physiological processes, pathological processes, and immune responses. In addition, MMPs play a key role in disease occurrence, including tumors, cardiovascular diseases, and other diseases. Compared with invertebrate MMPs, vertebrate MMPs have diverse subtypes and complex functions. Therefore, it is difficult to study the function of MMPs in vertebrates. However, it is relatively easy to study invertebrate MMPs because there are fewer subtypes of MMPs in invertebrates. In the present review, the structure and function of MMPs in invertebrates were summarized, which will provide a theoretical basis for investigating the regulatory mechanism of MMPs in invertebrates.

基质金属蛋白酶（MMP）属于金属依赖性内肽酶家族，其中包含一系列保守的前肽域和催化域。MMP已在植物，动物和微生物中广泛发现。MMP参与调节许多生理过程，病理过程和免疫应答。此外，MMP在疾病的发生中起关键作用，包括肿瘤，心血管疾病和其他疾病。与无脊椎动物MMP相比，脊椎动物MMP具有不同的亚型和复杂的功能。因此，难以研究MMP在脊椎动物中的功能。但是，研究无脊椎动物MMP相对容易，因为无脊椎动物中MMP的亚型较少。在本综述中，总结了无脊椎动物中MMP的结构和功能，