72 kDa type IV collagenase also known as matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and gelatinase A is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP2 gene.It belongs to the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and play essential roles in various physiological processes such as morphogenesis, differentiation, angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, as well as pathological processes including inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases and tumor invasion. MMP-2 is ubiquitinous metalloproteinase that is involved in diverse functions such as remodeling of the vasculature, angiogenesis, tissue repair, tumor invasion, inflammation, atherosclerotic plaque rupture, as well as degrading extracellular matrix proteins. MMP-2 can also act on several nonmatrix proteins such as big endothelial 1 and beta-type CGRP promoting vasoconstriction. MMP-2 cleaves KISS at a Gly-|-Leu bond and appears to have a role in myocardial cell death pathways.