A member of a group of enzymes that can break down proteins, such as collagen, that are normally found in the spaces between cells in tissues (i.e., extracellular matrix proteins). Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in wound healing, angiogenesis, and tumour cell metastasis.
A family of enzymes that contain the zinc metal ion (Zn²+) at their active sites. Among this family are the collagenases.