MMP7 also known as Matrilysin. MMP7 belongs to the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, which are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes, such as arthritis and metastasis. MMP7 protein enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK mitogen-activated protein kinases. MMP7 has directly functional target of miR-148a, participating in cell invasion. Recombinant human MMP7 was expressed in E.coli.