Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) also known as Collagenase 3 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP13 gene. Like most MMPs, it is secreted as an inactive pro-form. It is activated once the pro-domain is cleaved, leaving an active enzyme composed of the catalytic domain and the hemopexin-like domain PDB 1PEX. During embryonic development, MMP13 is expressed in the skeleton as required for restructuring the collagen matrix for bone mineralization. In pathological situations it is highly overexpressed; this occurs in human carcinomas, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
This kit is designed to measure total MMP-13 (natural and recombinant human active and pro-MMP-13).