Abstract
This review concentrates on how the major component of extracellular matrix, collagen, is catabolized. This process is important in a number of aspects of orthodontics since matrix is constantly turning over, the rate of which differs in embryogenesis, ageing, disease, and physiological processes, such as orthodontic tooth movement. It is not the purpose of this review to consider each process in detail. The aim is to give a clear account of the matrix metalloproteinases (a major family of proteinases) including their classification, properties, and functions.
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