Effect of Microalgal Extracts on Human Matrix Metalloproteinases

Abstract

Homeostasis is a characteristic of cellular events, such as wound healing, tissue repair, tissue resorption, organ development, metamorphosis, and embryogenesis. It is a property of the living system, in which the system tries to maintain the body in the constant phase with regulated cellular movements and remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are ECM proteases required for destruction of matrix proteins and remodeling of ECM. Hence, their involvement in homeostasis is significant. Until now, more than 26 different types of MMPs have been discovered in humans. The role of MMPs in development and normal physiology is underlined in several ways such as degradation of ECM molecules for migration of cells, alteration of ECM micro-environment to alter the behavior of cells and modulation of the activity of biologically active molecules. The MMPs are classified into collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins, matrilysin, and membrane-type MMPs depending upon their substrate specificity. Role of MMPs in normal physiology is astonishing; however, they also have been known for their roles in various diseases such as cancer, arthritis, heart diseases etc. In several of these pathologies, MMPs were exceptionally functional, and hence, they became one of the crucial pharmaceutical targets. The Matrix metalloprotinases (MMPs) are first known proteases seriously considered as pharmaceutical targets to combat cancers due to their roles in ECM degradation and remodeling. Hence, several efforts were made towards generation of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs). The inhibitory activity of various potential components was studied against MMPs. The need of development of Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) always demanded that the focus of the research should be on minimizing side effect, design selectivity, potency of inhibitors towards class of MMPs.