Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 Predominates Over Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 as the Functional Interstitial Collagenase in Mouse Atheromata

Abstract

These results show that among MMP interstitial collagenases in mice, MMP-13 prevails over MMP-8 in collagen degradation in atheromata. These findings provide a rationale for the identification and selective targeting a predominant collagenase for modulating key aspects of plaque structure considered critical in clinical complications, although they do not translate directly to human lesions, which also contain MMP-1.