Membrane type (MT) 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and MMP-2 expression in ligature-induced periodontitis in the rat.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been shown to be involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In particular, MMP-2 and MMP-9 (gelatinase A and gelatinase B, respectively) have been identified as the predominant MMPs during periodontitis. Recent studies have indicated that a novel transmembrane MMP, mebrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), can activate pro-MMP-2 in tumor metastasis.