Mmp13, also known as Matrix metalloproteinase-13, is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase belonging to the matrix metalloproteinase family. It plays a crucial role in degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) components, especially type II collagen, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of tissues such as cartilage. This function places it in pathways related to tissue remodeling, development, and repair. Its dysregulation is associated with various pathological conditions, making it an important target for research, and genetic models like KO/CKO mouse models can significantly aid in understanding its functions [1,3].

In osteoarthritis (OA), Mmp13 is the primary MMP involved in cartilage degradation, making it an attractive target for OA treatment [1]. In Alzheimer transgenic mice, inhibition of Mmp13 rescues cognitive decline by regulating BACE1, suggesting its potential therapeutic role in Alzheimer's disease [2]. In a mouse model of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), inhibiting Mmp13 attenuates DVT by reducing the expression of Pdpn, providing a novel gene target for DVT diagnosis and treatment [4].

In conclusion, Mmp13 is mainly involved in ECM degradation and tissue remodeling. Its study through KO/CKO mouse models has revealed its significance in diseases such as OA, Alzheimer's disease, and DVT. Understanding Mmp13's functions can potentially lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for these diseases.

References:

1. Hu, Qichan, Ecker, Melanie. 2021. Overview of MMP-13 as a Promising Target for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis. In International journal of molecular sciences, 22, . doi:10.3390/ijms22041742. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33572320/

2. Zhu, Bing-Lin, Long, Yan, Luo, Wei, Sun, Fei, Chen, Guo-Jun. . MMP13 inhibition rescues cognitive decline in Alzheimer transgenic mice via BACE1 regulation. In Brain : a journal of neurology, 142, 176-192. doi:10.1093/brain/awy305. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30596903/

3. Luchian, Ionut, Goriuc, Ancuta, Sandu, Darius, Covasa, Mihai. 2022. The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-13) in Periodontal and Peri-Implant Pathological Processes. In International journal of molecular sciences, 23, . doi:10.3390/ijms23031806. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35163727/

4. Luo, Ji, Zhou, Jin, Luo, Jing-Zeng, Zhao, Xue-Ling, Zhou, Ru-Dan. 2024. Inhibiting MMP13 Attenuates Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Mouse Model by Reducing the Expression of Pdpn. In Current medical science, 44, 369-379. doi:10.1007/s11596-024-2862-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38619683/