Endopeptidase that degrades various components of the extracellular matrix, such as aggrecan and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (comp), during development, haemostasis and pathological conditions (arthritic disease). May also play a role in neovascularization or angiogenesis. Hydrolyzes collagen type IV, laminin, nidogen, nascin-C isoform, fibronectin, and type I gelatin.
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Extracellular space, Extracellular matrix
Expressed in mammary gland, placenta, lung, pancreas, ovary, small intestine, spleen, thymus, prostate, testis colon, heart and blood vessel walls. Not detected in brain and peripheral blood leukocytes. Also expressed in the synovial fluid of normal and rheumatoid patients .