Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3, Potential Therapeutic Target against Multiple Sclerosis

The Matrix Metalloproteinase Proteins (MMPs) comprise a large group of endoproteinases that cleave most, if not all, components of the extracellular matrix. The activities of MMPs are modulated by manipulation in the levels of natural MMP inhibitors, the "Tissue Inhibitors of Metallo Proteinases" (TIMPs). In a pathological processes of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the MMP-2 and 9 (Gelatinase) are over expressed and balance of TIMP and MMP expression is perturbed, leading to locally increased proteolytic activity of Gelatinase and uncontrolled degradation of the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) and myelin basic protein. Therefore, Gelatinase are the main mediators in the evolution of MS and TIMP has been proposed as a novel therapeutic target for MS therapy. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.