Final answer:
The degradation of the extracellular matrix, including proteins like collagen, is primarily carried out by an enzyme family containing metal ions known as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
Step-by-step explanation:
The degradation of the extracellular matrix, along with cell surface proteins, is accomplished mostly by a metal ion-containing enzyme family called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
These enzymes play a significant role in tissue remodeling by degrading various components of the extracellular matrix such as collagen, laminin, and fibronectin. The activity of MMPs is highly regulated as dysregulation can lead to diseases like arthritis and metastasis in cancer.
Widely studied members of the MMP family are MMP2 and MMP9, which are known for their involvement in the invasion, progression, and metastasis of human tumors.
The specificity of MMPs to particular cleavage sites within ECM proteins enables targeted therapeutic strategies, such as deploying drug delivery systems that respond to MMP activity in the tumor microenvironment.