Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and play essential roles in various physiological processes such as morphogenesis, differentiation, angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, as well as pathological processes including inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases and tumor invasion. Neutrophil collagenase, also known as Matrix metalloproteinase-8, MMP-8, and CLG1, is a member of the peptidase M10A family. MMP-8 may affect the metastatic behaviour of breast cancer cells through protection against lymph node metastasis, underlining the importance of anti-target identification in drug development. MMP-8 in the tumour may have a protective effect against lymph node metastasis. MMP-8 may affect the metastatic behaviour of breast cancer cells through protection against lymph node metastasis, underlining the importance of anti-target identification in drug development. MMP-8 participates in wound repair by contributing to the resolution of inflammation and open the possibility to develop new strategies for treating wound healing defects.
