中文摘要：

基质金属蛋白酶（Matrix Metalloproteinases,MMPs）是一类高度保守的生物活性依赖于金属离子的内切酶家族,是参与降解细胞外基质（Extracellular Matrix,ECM）的重要蛋白酶,MMP几乎能降解细胞外基质的所有成分.研究发现,MMPs参与鱼类胶原蛋白的降解,是导致鱼类死后肌肉软化的重要原因.综述了基质金属蛋白酶的分类、结构、调节机制以及它们对鱼类肌肉胶原蛋白的作用.

英文摘要：

Matrix metalloproteinases（ MMPs） are genetically conserved and metal ion-dependent endoproteinases that are responsible for the degradation of extracellular matrix（ ECM） constituents. During the post-mortem storage of fish,MMPs play important roles for participation in the degradation of ECM proteins resulting muscle softening. In this review,the members of MMP family,their characteristics,proenzyme activation and their degradation effect on collagens in fish muscle are introduced.