Health Topics

Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

You Are Here:
Home →
Genetics →
Genes →
MMP14 gene
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/mmp14/

MMP14 gene

matrix metallopeptidase 14

Normal Function

The MMP14 gene (also known as MT1-MMP) provides instructions for making an enzyme called matrix metallopeptidase 14. This enzyme is found on the surface of many types of cells. It normally helps modify and break down various components of the extracellular matrix, which is the intricate lattice of proteins and other molecules that forms in the spaces between cells. These changes influence many cell activities and functions. For example, they have been shown to promote cell growth, stimulate cell movement (migration), and trigger the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).

Matrix metallopeptidase 14 also turns on (activates) a protein called matrix metallopeptidase 2 in the extracellular matrix. The activity of matrix metallopeptidase 2 appears to be important for a variety of body functions, including bone remodeling, which is a normal process in which old bone is broken down and new bone is created to replace it.

Although most research has focused on the role of matrix metallopeptidase 14 in the extracellular matrix, studies suggest that it may also be involved in signaling pathways within cells. Little is known about this function of the enzyme.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Winchester syndrome

At least one mutation in the MMP14 gene has been found to cause Winchester syndrome, a rare inherited bone disease that is characterized by a loss of bone tissue (osteolysis), particularly in the hands and feet, as well as joint and skin abnormalities. The mutation changes a single protein building block (amino acid) in matrix metallopeptidase 14. Specifically, it replaces the amino acid threonine with the amino acid arginine at position 17 (written as Thr17Arg or T17R).

The identified mutation alters matrix metallopeptidase 14 so that less of the enzyme is able to reach the cell surface. As a result, not enough of the enzyme is available to break down components of the extracellular matrix and activate matrix metallopeptidase 2. It is unclear how a shortage of this enzyme leads to the signs and symptoms of Winchester syndrome. It is possible that a loss of matrix metallopeptidase 2 activation somehow disrupts the balance of new bone creation and the breakdown of existing bone during bone remodeling, causing a progressive loss of bone tissue. How a reduced amount of matrix metallopeptidase 14 leads to the other features of Winchester syndrome is unknown.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • matrix metallopeptidase 14 (membrane-inserted)
  • matrix metalloproteinase-14
  • matrix metalloproteinase-14 preproprotein
  • membrane type 1 metalloprotease
  • membrane-type-1 matrix metalloproteinase
  • MMP-14
  • MMP-X1
  • MMP14_HUMAN
  • MT-MMP
  • MT-MMP 1
  • MT1-MMP
  • MT1MMP
  • MTMMP1
  • WNCHRS

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Evans BR, Mosig RA, Lobl M, Martignetti CR, Camacho C, Grum-Tokars V, Glucksman MJ, Martignetti JA. Mutation of membrane type-1 metalloproteinase, MT1-MMP, causes the multicentric osteolysis and arthritis disease Winchester syndrome. Am J Hum Genet. 2012 Sep 7;91(3):572-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.07.022. Epub 2012 Aug 23. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Itoh Y, Seiki M. MT1-MMP: a potent modifier of pericellular microenvironment. J Cell Physiol. 2006 Jan;206(1):1-8. doi: 10.1002/jcp.20431. Citation on PubMed
  • Itoh Y. MT1-MMP: a key regulator of cell migration in tissue. IUBMB Life. 2006 Oct;58(10):589-96. doi: 10.1080/15216540600962818. Citation on PubMed
  • Koziol A, Martin-Alonso M, Clemente C, Gonzalo P, Arroyo AG. Site-specific cellular functions of MT1-MMP. Eur J Cell Biol. 2012 Nov-Dec;91(11-12):889-95. doi: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2012.07.003. Epub 2012 Aug 30. Citation on PubMed

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.