MMPs are proteolytic enzymes capable of degrading connective tissue components. They have a common mode of activation, a conserved amino acid sequence in the putative metal binding-active site region, and are inhibited by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). MMPs and TIMPs play a significant role in regulating angiogenesis. MMP-2; also known as 72kDa collagenase IV or gelatinase A is synthesized as a 631 amino acid proenzyme which is activated by cleavage of the first 80 amino acids into an active form of 62kDa.