The matrix metalloproteinases and their natural inhibitors: prospects for treating degenerative tissue diseases.

Uncontrolled matrix metalloproteinase activity is thought to be a cause of the tissue damage observed in many disease processes. None of the drugs currently in use can prevent tissue destruction, and strategies for the development of synthetic inhibitors have been hampered by a poor understanding of the biochemistry of matrix metalloproteinases. Recent cDNA cloning efforts and characterization of recombinant human matrix metalloproteinases have permitted structure-function analysis of the enzymes and their inhibitors. Progress in this area should help indicate a route to rational strategies for designing lead therapeutic compounds.