This gene encodes a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases capable of degrading extracellular matrix proteins. This gene is expressed specifically in the ameloblasts and odontoblasts, and the encoded protein is an inactive zymogen that requires proteolytic rem
oval of a N-terminal propeptide to become enzymatically active. Mice lacking the encoded protein display an amelogenesis imperfecta phenotype. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2015]
This gene encodes a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes that are involved in tissue remodeling, wound repair, progression of atherosclerosis and tumor invasion. The encoded precursor undergoes proteolytic processing to generate a mature, zinc-depen