A Novel Protective Role for Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 in the Pulmonary Vasculature.

Mechanical signaling through cell-matrix interactions plays a major role in progressive vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). MMP-8 (matrix metalloproteinase-8) is an interstitial collagenase involved in regulating inflammation and fibrosis of the lung and systemic vasculature, but its role in PAH pathogenesis remains unexplored. To evaluate MMP-8 as a modulator of pathogenic mechanical signaling in PAH.