Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade most components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and process a number of bioactive molecules. Matrix metalloproteinase-20 (MMP20, also known as enamelysin; MEROPS identifier M10.019) degrades amelogenin, the major protein component of the enamel matrix and two of the macromolecules characterising the cartilage extracellular matrix: aggrecan and the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) [, ]. It facilitates ameloblast movements during enamel development and plays a central role in tooth enamel formation [, ].Mutations in MMP20 gene cause amelogenesis imperfecta, hypomaturation type, 2A2 (AI2A2), which is a defect of enamel formation [].
