Endopeptidase that degrades various components of the extracellular matrix such as collagen. Activates progelatinase A. Essential for pericellular collagenolysis and modeling of skeletal and extraskeletal connective tissues during development (By similarity). May be involved in actin cytoskeleton reorganization by cleaving PTK7 . Acts as a positive regulator of cell growth and migration via activation of MMP15. Involved in the formation of the fibrovascular tissues in association with pro-MMP2 . Cleaves ADGRB1 to release vasculostatin-40 which inhibits angiogenesis .
Subcellular locations: Membrane, Melanosome, Cytoplasm
Identified by mass spectrometry in melanosome fractions from stage I to stage IV. Forms a complex with BST2 and localizes to the cytoplasm.
Expressed in stromal cells of colon, breast, and head and neck. Expressed in lung tumors.