The Matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14) (MT1-MMP) belongs to a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that are responsible for the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including collagens, elastins, gelatin, matrix glycoproteins and proteoglycans, during normal development and disease processes. MMPs can be classified into at least four different families of closely related members - collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins, and membrane-type MMPs (MT-MMPs). MMP-14 belongs to the family of MT-MMPs and is localized on cell surfaces via its transmembrane domain. MMP-14 is expressed in adult lung, placenta, kidney, ovaries, intestine, prostate and spleen along with certain carcinomas. The ability of MMP-14 to degrade type I