MMP7,matrix metalloproteinase-7, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MMP7 gene. The MMP7 protein has 267 amino acids and is significantly shorter than stromelysin or collagenase. By Southern and PCR analysis of 2 different panels of somatic cell hybrids and by isotopic in situ hybridization, the MMP7 gene is mapped to 11q21-q22. It is a member of matrix metalloproteinase family. The enzyme encoded by this gene degrades proteoglycans, fibronectin, elastin and casein and differs from most MMP family members in that it lacks a conserved C-terminal protein domain. The enzyme is involved in wound healing, and studies in mice suggest that it regulates the activity of defensins in intestinal mucosa.