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 Biology™ 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.

Review of the first edition: "The editor, Ian M. Clark, has done an excellent job in putting together a collection of articles that span what is now a fairly wide field. ...the content and writing are of a high standard...In chapter 3, covering structural studies and contributed by Wolfram Bode and Klaus Maskos, the authors point out the absence of specific discussions of three-dimensional structures amongst the plethora of general reviews on MMPs and TIMPs. Their contribution expertly fills that void....Indeed the 'Notes' section, at the end of each chapter, is where the benefit of much, often hard-earned, experience is to be reaped and is a valuable addition in almost every case. The last two sections, between them, cover detection of MMp and TIMP expression at both RNA and protein levels, and actively assays. Hore, particular mention must be made of the chapter dealing with zymography and reverse zymography in which Susan Hawkes and coauthors have carefully explained this technique. Their use of figures with detailed interpretation is really excellent and alone could justify the purchase of this book for many labs....this book is recommended as a reference text for all labs engaged in MMP research. There is enough variety for established research labs to find some new methods, and, for newcomers to the field, it should make working with MMPs and their inhibitors a very straightforward prospect." - TRENDS in Cell Biology