Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) also known as matrilysin, pump-1 protease (PUMP-1), or uterine metalloproteinase is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP7gene. MMP-7 are commonly expressed in epithelial cells including ductal epithelium of exocrine glands in skin, salivary glands, pancreas, glandular epithelium of intestine and reproductive organ, liver, and breast. In addition, MMP7 is highly expressed in the luminal surface of dysplastic glands in human colorectal cancers. The expression of MMP7 is regulated by the Wnt/β catenin signaling pathway, and mediated by transformation growth factor β (TGF-β). The primary role of cleaved/activated MMP7 is to break down extracellular matrix by degrading macromolecules including casein, type I, II, IV, and V gelatins, fibronectin, and proteoglycan. The activated MMP-7 can cleave the propeptides of proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 to facilitate tumor invasion.
This kit is designed to measure total MMP-7 (natural and recombinant human active and pro-MMP-7).