A Brief Introduction to Proteinases

Abstract

Exactly how proteinases act on their various protein substrates is a critical component in almost all aspects of normal physiology and disease pathology.1 Therefore, any discussion on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) must place these enzymes in the context of other classes of proteinases in order to fully understand and appreciate their contributions to biology. Many proteinases show exquisite specificity in targeting their protein substrate, whereas others are far more promiscuous, showing broad degradative activity against many substrates.