Ian M. Clark

Research in the matrix metalloproteinase field began with the demonstration by Gross and Lapière, in 1962, that resorbing tadpole tail expressed an enzyme that could degrade collagen gels. These humble beginnings have led us to the elucidation of around twenty distinct vertebrate MMPs, along with a variety of homologs from such diverse organisms as sea urchin, plants, nematode worm, and bacteria. This, coupled with four known specific inhibitors of MMPs, the TIMPs, gives a complex picture. Part I of Matrix Metalloproteinase Protocols provides the reader with a selective overview of the MMP arena, and a chance to come to grips with where the field has been, where it is, and where it is going. I hope that this complements all of the methodology that comes later. Part II presents the reader with a diverse set of methods for the expression and purification of MMPs and TIMPs, bringing together the long and often hard-earned experience of a number of researchers. Part III allows the reader to detect MMPs and TIMPs at both the protein and mRNA level, whereas Part IV gives the ability to assay MMP and TIMP activities in a wide variety of circumstances.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Protocols

Barely beyond his teenage years, the warrior known as K'het travels Elder Earth as an outcast. Wrongly exiled from his home, K'het walks a lonely path in search of his destiny. When his journey brings him to the deserted town of Solomon, K'het encounters an evil as old as time itself. The vampire lord Caraloan is building an army of the undead, a mob of soulless hunters that stalk the night. Manipulating the vampire from the shadows is an ancient necromancer, aided by a deadly swordsman who kills without words or remorse. K'het and the wizard are bound together by prophecy, their destinies linked now and forever by bloodshed.

Prophecy of Shadows

Since the discovery of a collagen-degrading protease in the tadpole tail in 1962, matrix metalloproteinase research has led to the discovery of more than twenty distinct vertebrate MMPs, along with a variety of homologues from diverse organisms such as the sea urchin, plants, insects, and nematode worms. Fully updating and adding to the popular first edition, Matrix Metalloproteinase Protocols, Second Edition includes a series of state-of-the-art techniques provided by eminent experts in the field. Beginning with a brief overview of the MMP arena, from how these enzymes fit into the larger degradome to what occurs when their expression and function in the mouse is modulated, the volume continues with sections on the expression and purification of MMPs and TIMPs, the detection of MMPs and TIMPs at both the protein and mRNA level, and our ability to assay MMP and TIMP activities in a wide variety of circumstances. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Matrix Metalloproteinase Protocols, Second Edition is an ideal source for many of the essential laboratory techniques for both novice and seasoned researchers alike collected in one convenient volume.

Brian J. Nickoloff

Leroy Hood

From the simple discovery in 1962 that resorbing tadpole tail expressed an enzyme (MMP) that could degrade collagen gels, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) research has advanced to discover more than twenty distinct vertebrate MMPs and four specific inhibitors (TIMPS), a veritable family of enzymes involved in many physiological and pathological processes. In Matrix Metalloproteinase Protocols, leading experts detail proven laboratory techniques for the study of MMPs. The methods include those for the expression and purification of MMPs and TIMPs, for the detection of MMPs and TIMPs at both the protein and mRNA levels, and for the assay of MMP and TIMP activities in a wide variety of circumstances. Each method includes step-by-step instructions and notes on variant applications and pitfalls to avoid. A selective overview of the MMP arena spells out where the field has been, where it is, and where it is going. Comprehensive and highly practical, Matrix Metalloproteinase Protocols brings together the long and hard-earned experience of master experimentalists that will allow not only novices to get up to speed quickly, but also add to the repertoire of successful techniques in expert laboratories.

Ian M. Clark

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