Biochemistry

Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)

Definition

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade extracellular matrix components including collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans. MMPs play essential roles in tissue remodeling, wound healing, and angiogenesis, but dysregulated MMP activity contributes to chronic inflammation, tumor invasion, and tissue destruction. GHK-Cu modulates MMP activity by stimulating both MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) to balance matrix turnover.

Related Compounds

GHK-Cu

An in-depth review of GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide), a naturally occurring copper-peptide complex, covering its mechanism of action, research applications in skin regeneration, wound healing, collagen synthesis, and gene expression modulation.

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Related Studies

GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration

Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. · BioMed Research International (2015)

The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health

Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A · Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2012)

In vivo stimulation of connective tissue accumulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ in rat experimental wounds

Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, et al. · Journal of Clinical Investigation (1993)

More Biochemistry Terms

Amino Acid Anabolic Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Collagen Dipeptide Disulfide Bond Endogenous Peptide Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)

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