Matrix Metalloproteinases in Health and Disease

Sculpting the Human Body

The biochemistry and cell biology of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are not necessarily straightforward, but basic information on the history of these enzymes, their various functions that extend far beyond the cleaving of the extracellular matrix, and the complex mechanisms that control their expression are valuable to both scientists and clinicians. This volume summarizes the salient features and functions of MMPs and applies this information in a practical manner in order to understand how they contribute to normal physiology and pathology of selected diseases. Chapters by noted clinicians Jean-Michel Dayer, MD in rheumatology, Jian Cao, MD in oncology, and Peter Libby, MD in cardiology, represent important practical and clinically-oriented contributions.

Contents:

• A Brief Introduction to Proteinases (Constance E Brinckerhoff)
• Historical Perspective (Constance E Brinckerhoff)
• Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) Gene Expression (Constance E Brinckerhoff)
• "Matrix Metalloproteinases: They're Not Just for Matrix Anymore!" (Constance E Brinckerhoff)
• Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) in Homeostasis and Health: Can MMPs be Good for You? (Constance E Brinckerhoff)
• Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Cytokines in Rheumatology (Jean-Michel Dayer, Samantha Williamson, Adam P Croft, Christopher D Buckley and Carlo Chizzolini)
• Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) as Cancer Therapeutic Targets (Jillian Cathcart, Vincent M Alford and Jian Cao)
• Matrix Metalloproteinases in Cardiovascular Diseases (Merry L Lindsey and Peter Libby)
• Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) as Therapeutic Targets (Constance E Brinckerhoff)
• Through the Looking Glass into the Era of Precision Medicine (Constance E Brinckerhoff)

Readership: Researchers and clinicians interested in the applications of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs).
Key Features:

• Aimed at scientists and clinicians, not MMP specialists
• With contributions by noted clinicians Jean-Michel Dayer, MD in rheumatology, Jian Cao, MD in oncology, and Peter Libby, MD in cardiology