The activity of MMPs is tightly regulated at multiple levels:
- Gene Expression: MMP genes are regulated by cytokines, growth factors, and hormones. - Activation: MMPs are synthesized as inactive proenzymes (zymogens) and require activation by proteolytic cleavage. - Inhibition: Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases ([TIMPs](https://)) inhibit MMP activity by binding to active MMPs.
