Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to a family of proteases that play a crucial role in tissue remodeling and repair by degrading extracellular matrix proteins to enable cell migration. MMP-3 (also known as stromelysin-1) is thought to play a role in the vascular remodeling that occurs during aneurysm formation and may also be involved in wound repair, progression of atherosclerosis, and tumor initiation. MMP-3 inhibitor VIII is a cell permeable sulfonamide-based hydroxamic acid that binds to the active site of MMP-3 (Ki = 23 nM) and prevents its activity. This compound has also been shown to inhibit mouse macrophage metalloelastase MME/MMP-12 with an IC50 value of 13 nM.
