Proteolytic remodeling of extracellular matrix.

Matrix metalloproteinases and their natural inhibitors are ingredients of a fundamental cellular toolbox for effecting environmental change. These enzymes enable cells to alter their relationship to the environment by directly cleaving structural macromolecules of the extracellular matrix. In addition, evidence is emerging that they also play an important regulatory role in matrix remodeling by catalyzing the processing of inactive matrix metalloproteinase and cytokine precursors.