Role of matrix metalloproteinases in physiological processes & disease

[...]importantly, natural sequence variations in the promoter regions of the MMP genes may also modify the expression of the genes [7] . An interesting approach apart from synthetic MMPs inhibitor is the use of gene therapy aimed at delivering TIMPs at the site of the disease [17],[18] . [...]there is a new field of non-catalytic targeting of MMPs via substrate-targeted inhibitors. [...]the polymorphisms identified in MMP genes with functional significance could add to the already existing markers for pancreatitis and could be used in the diagnostic workup for patients with pancreatitis.