Novel matrix metalloproteinases

Abstract

The present invention provides genes encoding novel matrix metalloproteinases termed MMP; constructs and recombinant host cells incorporating the genes; the MMP polypeptides encoded by the genes; antibodies to the MMP polypeptides; and methods of making and using all of the foregoing.

1 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence homologous to sequences selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:4 to SEQ ID NO:6; said nucleic acid molecule encoding at least a portion of MMP, with the proviso that the nucleotide sequence is not SEQ ID NO:7.  
     
     
         2 . The isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1  comprising a sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:4 to SEQ ID NO:6.  
     
     
         3 . The isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1  comprising a sequence homologous to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:3.  
     
     
         4 . The isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1  comprising a sequence selected from the group of sequences consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:3.  
     
     
         5 . The isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1  wherein said nucleic acid molecule is DNA.  
     
     
         6 . The isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1  wherein said nucleic acid molecule is RNA.  
     
     
         7 . An expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims  1   
     
     
         8 . The expression vector of  claim 7  wherein said nucleic acid molecule comprises a sequence selected from the group of sequences consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:3.  
     
     
         9 . The expression vector of  claim 7  wherein said vector is a plasmid.  
     
     
         10 . The expression vector of  claim 7  wherein said vector is a viral particle.  
     
     
         11 . The expression vector of  claim 10  wherein said vector is selected from the group consisting of adenoviruses, baculoviruses, parvoviruses, herpesviruses, poxviruses, adeno-associated viruses, Semliki Forest viruses, vaccinia viruses, and retroviruses.