简介：Matrixmetalloproteinases(MMPs)andtissueinhibitorsofmetalloproteinases(TIMPs)playasignificantroleinregulatingangiogenesis,theprocessofnewbloodvesselformation.Interstitialcollagenase(MMP-1),72kDagelatinaseA/typeIVcollagenase(MMP-2),and92kDAgelatinaseB/typeIVcollagenase(MMP-9)dissolveextracellularmatrix(ECM)andmayinitiateandpromoteangiogenesis.TIMP-1,TIMP-2,TIMP-3,andpossibly,TIMP-4inhibitneovascularization.Anewparadignisemergingthatmatrilysin(MMP-7),MMP-9,andmetalloelastase(MMP-12)mayblockangiogenesisbyconvertingplasminogentoangiostatin,whichisoneofthemostpotentangiogenesisantagonists.MMPsandTIMPsplayacomplexroleinregulatingangiogenesis.Anunderstandingofthebiochemicalandcellularpathwaysandmechanismsofangiogenesiswillprovideimportantinformationtoallowthecontrolofangiogenesis,e.g.thestimulationofangiogenesisforcoronarycollateralcirculationformation;whiletheinhibitionfortreatingarthritisandcancer.