matrix metalloproteinase-21; matrixin 21 (MMP21)

Function

• may have specific function in embryogenesis
• cleaves alpha-1-antitrypsin
• precursor is cleaved by a furin endopeptidase

Cofactor:

• binds 1 Zn+2 per subunit (putative)
• Ca+2 (putative)

Structure

• the conserved Cys present in the cysteine-switch motif binds the catalytic Zn+2, thus inhibiting the enzyme
• dissociation of Cys from Zn+2 upon activation- peptide release activates the enzyme
• belongs to the peptidase M10A family
• contains 4 hemopexin-like domains

Compartment

secreted (putative)

Expression

• identified in fetal brain, kidney & liver
• in adult tissues found primarily in ovary, kidney, liver, lung, placenta, brain & peripheral blood leukocytes

Pathology

• may have role in tumor progression
• expressed in various cancer cell lines

More general terms

• matrixin or matrix metalloproteinase

Database

• Entrez gene: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=gene&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Graphics&list_uids=118856
• Kegg: http://www.genome.jp/dbget-bin/www_bget?hsa:118856
• OMIM: https://mirror.omim.org/entry/608416
• UniProt: http://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q8N119.html