Anti-MMP-9 Antibody, clone 3D6.3 clone 3D6.3, from mouse

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (UniProt: P14780; also known as MMP-9, 92 kDa gelatinase, 92 kDa type IV collagenase, Gelatinase B, GELB) is encoded by the MMP9 (also known as CLG4B) gene (Gene ID: 4318) in human. MMP-9 is synthesized as inactive proenzyme with a 19 amino acids signal peptide and a 73 amino acids propeptide that are cleaved to generate the active enzyme. MMP-9 is produced by normal alveolar macrophages and granulocytes. It is zinc-binding enzyme that binds two zinc ions per subunit. It can be present as a monomer or a disulfide-linked homodimer. Macrophages and transformed cells usually produce only the monomeric form. MMP-9 contains a conserved cysteine that is present in the cysteine-switch motif and binds the catalytic zinc ion, thus inhibiting the enzyme. The dissociation of the cysteine from the zinc ion upon the activation-peptide release activates the enzyme. MMP-9 plays an essential role in local proteolysis of the extracellular matrix, in leukocyte migration, and bone osteoclastic resorption. It cleaves type IV and type V collagen into large C-terminal three quarter fragments and shorter N-terminal one quarter fragments. MMP-9 expression is regulated by several cytokines and growth factors that induce the expression and/or activation of c-Fos and c-Jun proto-oncogene products, which heterodimerize and bind activator protein-1 (AP-1) sites within of MMP-9 gene promoters. In coordination with other matrix metalloproteinases, it plays a role in normal tissue remodeling events, including neurite growth, embryonic development, angiogenesis, ovulation, mammary gland involution and wound healing. Abnormalities in MMP-9 are associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, polymyositis and atherosclerosis. Mutations in MMP9 gene are known to cause intervertebral disc disease (IDD) and metaphyseal anadysplasia that are characterized by various skeletal abnormalities.