DNA Arrays. Edited by J. B. Rampal

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) represent a diverse family of nzymes that historically were identified by their ability to proteoytically cleave proteins within the extracellular matrix. With furher investigation, additional substrates for these enzymes have een identified and the number of proteins within the family has xpanded to over 20 different species. Along with the identification of he MMPs, research has identified a small family of unique protease nhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), hich are able to regulate the activity of these proteases. The interest in the MMPs and TIMPs has undergone explosive rowth during the past two decades as the involvement of these nzymes in such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer metastasis, nd chronic dermal ulcers has been realized. Consequently, numerus research groups are in need of an authoritative handbook of ethodologies to examine these proteins in various tissues and disase states. The current Protocols text represents just such a handbook and is another in a series of methodology books published by Humana Press in the area of molecular biology. As with other volumes in the series, it is written by many of the leading investigators in the field who have provided a wealth of practical methods that run the gamut from transcriptional regulation to zymography. The volume is divided into four parts that cover an overview of the MMPs, expression and purification of the proteins, detection of MMPs at the protein and mRNA level in different types of samples, and finally measurement of MMP activity in a variety of tissues. In this way, the reader is able to understand all facets of the complex regulation of these proteases and their inhibitors. Part I of this volume includes an in-depth review of the protein structure of MMPs and TIMPs and specific domains and exosites. Dr. Woessner, a pioneer in this field, presents a succinct overview of the topic and other chapters examine gene regulation, cloning, and transgenic and gene-