gms | German Medical Science

Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a familly of more than 25 zinc-containing enzymes, which are involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix. They are produced by tissue-residing and migrating cells and show variable levels of specificity. MMP-production and activiation is mediated by cytokines as well as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and MMPs themselves. MMPs are important in physiological (growth and wound healing), as well as pathologic processes (tumor invasion and angiogenesis).

In the eye MMPs are involved in epithelialisation as well as in initiation and progression corneal melts. By destroying basement membranes and components of the corneal stroma MMP-2 and -9 or MT-MMP1 promote corneal vascularisation. Tetracycline-derivatives are known broad-spectrum MMP-inhibitors which are already available now. However, since other MMPs were found to have an antiangiogenic effects, the role of MMPs in the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix of the cornea is clearly more complex and more specific inhibitors may be required. This presentation reviews the background as well as potential antiangiogenic approaches by MMP-inhibition.