The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic noncellular structure that is crucial for maintaining tissue architecture and homeostasis. The dynamic nature of the ECM undergoes constant remodeling in response to stressors, tissue needs, and biochemical signals that is are mediated primarily by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which work to degrade and build up the ECM. Research on MMP-9 has demonstrated that this proteinase exists on the cell surface of many cell types in complex with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) or Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Through a novel yet ubiquitous signaling platform, MMP-9 is found to play a crucial role not only in the direct remodeling of the ECM but also in the transactivation of associated receptors to mediate and recruit additional remodeling proteins. Here, we summarize the role of MMP-9 as it exists in a tripartite complex on the cell surface and discuss how its association with each of the TrkA receptor, Toll-like receptors, epidermal growth factor receptor, and the insulin receptor contributes to various aspects of ECM remodeling.
Keywords: EGFR; GPCR; GPCR bias agonism; MMP-crosstalk; Toll-like receptor; biased signaling; extracellular matrix; functional selectivity; insulin receptor.