Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Musculoskeletal Diseases

Musculoskeletal disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, injury, stiffness, and bone loss. The prevalence of these conditions is frequent among elderly populations with significant mobility and mortality rates. This may lead to extreme discomfort and detrimental effect on the patient’s health and socioeconomic situation. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue are vital for body function and movement. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are regulatory proteases involved in synthesizing, degrading, and remodeling extracellular matrix (ECM) components. By modulating ECM reconstruction, cellular migration, and differentiation, MMPs preserve myofiber integrity and homeostasis. In this review, the role of MMPs in skeletal muscle function, muscle injury and repair, skeletal muscle inflammation, and muscular dystrophy and future approaches for MMP-based therapies in musculoskeletal disorders are discussed at the cellular and molecule level.