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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2009 Nov 20.
Published in final edited form as: Trends Cell Biol. 2004 Feb;14(2):86–93. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2003.12.003

Figure 3.

Figure 3

Multiple roles of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) in endochondral ossification. MMPs are directly involved in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) through degradation of proteins such as collagens or proteoglycans. In addition, they have been implicated in more subtle functions such as apoptosis and the recruitment of cells, through the regulation of bioavailability and/or activation of factors sequestered into the ECM. For example, VEGF availability is regulated by this type of sequestration and release.