Discussing recent advances in the field of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) research from a multidisciplinary perspective, Matrix Metalloproteinase Biologyis a collection of chapters written by leaders in the field of MMPs.  The book focuses on the challenges of understanding the mechanisms substrate degradation by MMPs, as well as how these enzymes are able to degrade large, highly ordered substrates such as collagen. All topics addressed are considered in relation to disease progression including roles in cancer metastasis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

The text first provides an overview of MMPs, focusing on the history, the development and failures of small molecule inhibitors in clinical trials, and work with TIMPS, the endogenous inhibitors of MMPs. These introductory chapters establish the foundation for later discussion of the recent progress on the design of different types of inhibitors, including novel antibody based therapeutics. The following section emphasizes research using novel methods to further the study of the MMPs. The third and final section focuses on in vivo research, particularly with respect to cancer models, degradation of the extracellular matrix, and MMP involvement in other disease states.

Written and edited by leaders in the field, Matrix Metalloproteinase Biology addresses the rapidly growth in MMP research, and will be an invaluable resource to advanced students and researchers studying cell and molecular biology.

Irit Sagi is Incumbent of the Maurizio Pontecorvo Professorial Chair in the Department of Biological Regulation at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.

Jean P. Gaffney completed her postdoctoral work in Dr. Sagi’s laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel. She is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.