MMP gene polymorphisms as contributors for cleft lip/palate: association with MMP3 but not MMP1.

Objective: Orofacial clefts result from failures of developing embryonic facial and palatal processes to either completely merge or fuse. Normal development of the facial primordia requires remodelling of the extracellular matrix, which is mediated in part by the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs can be considered a group of candidate proteins for the etiology of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) due to their role in craniofacial modelling.

Genetic polymorphisms in the MMP-1 and MMP-3 gene may contribute to chronic periodontitis in a Brazilian population.

Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -3 (MMP-1, MMP-3) represent proteinases that degrade macromolecules of the extracellular matrix. These enzymes play a fundamental role during destruction of periodontal tissues. Genetic polymorphisms were characterized in the promoter region of the MMP-1 and MMP-3 genes.