MT1-MMP-deficient mice develop dwarfism, osteopenia, arthritis, and connective tissue disease due to inadequate collagen turnover

Mice deficient in a membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase, MT1-MMP, and the defects they develop as a result of having inadequate collagen turnover are discussed. They have connective tissue disease, osteopenia, dwarfism, and arthritis. MT1-MMP is a membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) that can mediate pericellular proteolysis of extracellular matrix components. MT1-MMP has a pivotal function in connective tissue metabolism.