Identification of an Electrostatic Ruler Motif for Sequence-Specific Binding of Collagenase to Collagen

The Link between Oxygen and Basement Membranes

Epithelial tissues and the basement membranes they sit on did not appear for billions of years. Their appearance was delayed most likely by a lack of oxygen, which is required for collagen synthesis, and which only began to build up following the Great Oxygenation Event ~ 2.4 billion years ago. Both the oxygenation of Earth and the multiple roles of collagen require regulation by electrical forces.

Matrix metalloproteinase collagenolysis in health and disease

The proteolytic processing of collagen (collagenolysis) is critical in development and homeostasis, but also contributes to numerous pathologies. Mammalian interstitial collagenolytic enzymes include members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family and cathepsin K. While MMPs have long been recognized for their ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of collagen, the roles of individual MMPs in physiological and pathological collagenolysis are less defined. The use of knockout and mutant animal models, which reflect human diseases, has revealed distinct collagenolytic roles for MT1-MMP and MMP-13. A better understanding of temporal and spatial collagen processing, along with the knowledge of the specific MMP involved, will ultimately lead to more effective treatments for cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular conditions, and infectious diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Matrix Metalloproteinases edited by Rafael Fridman.