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Myasoedova VA1, Chistiakov DA2, Grechko AV3, Orekhov AN4.

J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2018 Aug 30;123:159-167. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2018.08.026. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a family of Zn2+ endopeptidases that process various components of the extracellular matrix. These enzymes are also involved in activation and inhibition of signaling cascades through proteolytic cleavage of surface receptors. Moreover, MMPs play a key role in tissue remodeling and and repair. Dysregulation of MMPs is observed in patholofgical conditions, including atherosclerosis, which is associated with hyperactivation of MMPs, aberrant tissue remodeling and neovascularization of the growing atherosclerotic plaques. This makes MMPs interesting therapeutic targets that can be employed for developing novel therapies to treat atherosclerosis and its complications. Currently, a growing number of synthetic MMP inhibitors is available. In this review, we will discuss the role of these enzymes in atherosclerosis pathology and the ways of their pothential therapeutic use.

KEYWORDS:

Atherosclerosis; Endothelial cells; MMP inhibitors; Matrix metalloproteinases; Vascular remodeling; Vascular smooth muscle cells