Matrix metalloproteinases and development.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling represents a key physiological process in the development of all pluricellular organisms from the simplest metazoa such as hydra up to mammals. In this context the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, along with their physiological inhibitors or TIMPs (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases) play a rather fundamental role. Virtually all developmental processes including gametogenesis, embryonic development and morphogenesis require adequate and finely controlled MMP expression and activity. Our knowledge on the role of the different MMPs involved in the different developmental processes along with the factors controlling their expression and activity is still far from to be complete but the intense research in this field over the last few years begun to elucidate the critical physiological function assolved by MMPs during development. In the present manuscript we'll attempt to summarize the available informations on MMP function during male and female gametogenesis, embryo implantation and morphogenesis.