Airway epithelial cell migration dynamics: MMP-9 role in cell extracellular matrix remodeling

A study conducted on the location of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and its influence on migrating human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) revealed its function in controlling the migration of repairing HBEC through the remodeling of the provisional extracellular matrix in the primordial contacts. The role of MMP-9 in cell migration was verified when its deactivation resulted in cells remaining fixed on the primordial contacts without any sign of even relative advance.