Expression of Human Collagenase I (MMP-1) andTIMP-1 in a Baculovirus-Based Expression System

Resident cells of tissues are capable of secreting an array of structurally related zinc endopeptidases known as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). They initiate the degradation of the surrounding macromolecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM), mostly proteoglycans and specific types of collagen. ECM degradation presumably contributes to the initial phase of tissue remodeling inherent to the physiological processes of morphogenesis, angiogenesis, involution of the uterus, bone resorption, inflammation, and wound healing. The aberrant activity of MMPs has been found to be involved in a variety of pathological processes, e.g., rheumatoid joint destruction, corneal ulceration, metastasis of tumor cells, and various genetic diseases (1 ,2 ).