Metalloproteinases in dermal homeostasis

Maintenance of skin homeostasis is a highly regulated and complex process involving a continuous remodeling by several extracellular matrix proteases, including metalloproteinases. The expression and activity of all metalloproteinases are under strict control, and their deregulation is often associated with diseases or chronic conditions, thereby being considered popular targets for developing new therapeutics. This review will highlight metalloproteinases of the MMP and ADAM families with functions in dermal homeostasis and give some insights into the mechanisms regulating their activity and expression. Furthermore, we discuss how the dysregulation of the most prominent family members affects dermal homeostasis by triggering disease development and influencing progression, focusing on cancer and aging. Here, recent discoveries and new approaches that target or exploit metalloproteinase activity in therapy are emphasized. The potential of naturally derived components in regulating metalloproteinase expression and activity in disease is discussed.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the regulation of metalloproteinases in maintaining skin homeostasis, particularly in dermal homeostasis. It discusses their activity and expression regulation mechanisms and how the dysregulation of these metalloproteinases affects disease development, particularly cancer and aging. Furthermore, it emphasizes recent discoveries and new therapeutic approaches that target metalloproteinase activity, as well as the potential of naturally derived components in regulating metalloproteinase expression and activity in disease.