MMP20 : matrix metallopeptidase 20
Description
The MMP20 (matrix metallopeptidase 20) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11.
The MMP20 gene provides instructions for making a protein called enamelysin, which is crucial for normal tooth development. Enamelysin is involved in the formation of enamel, the hard, white outer layer of teeth. Enamel consists primarily of mineral crystals, arranged in organized bundles that give it strength and durability. Specific proteins are needed to shape and organize these crystals during their formation, but these proteins must be removed for enamel to harden properly. Enamelysin breaks down (cleaves) other proteins involved in enamel formation, like amelogenin and ameloblastin, into smaller pieces. Cleaving these proteins makes it easier to remove them when they are no longer needed.
MMP20, also known as enamelysin, breaks down amelogenin, the main protein in tooth enamel, as well as aggrecan and COMP, two key proteins in cartilage. This process is vital for the formation of enamel and may also play a role in cartilage development. MMP20 specifically cleaves aggrecan at the '360-Asn-|-Phe-361' site.
MMP20 is also known as AI2A2, MMP-20.
