Cartilage extracellular matrix component and metalloproteinase

The phrase "Cartilage extracellular matrix components and metalloproteinases" refers to two distinct, functionally related groups: (1) the structural proteins and polysaccharides that comprise the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cartilage—chiefly collagen type II, aggrecan, other proteoglycans, non-collagenous proteins, and glycoproteins; and (2) the enzymes, specifically matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and ADAMTS proteases, that remodel and degrade cartilage ECM during physiological turnover and in disease such as osteoarthritis. This is not a single molecular target, but a descriptive grouping of molecules central to cartilage homeostasis and pathology. Individually, certain MMPs (e.g., MMP-13) and ADAMTS enzymes (e.g., ADAMTS-4 and -5) are considered drug targets for osteoarthritis. Cartilage ECM components alone are not conventional drug targets, but are sometimes monitored as disease biomarkers. The term denotes a functionally associated group of structural macromolecules and enzymes, not a single defined target molecule nor a druggable receptor, enzyme, or transporter.

Other names

Cartilage ECM components and MMPsCartilage extracellular matrix and MMPs

Not applicable to the grouping; drugs targeting MMPs (or ADAMTS) act as enzyme inhibitors to block ECM degradation