This gene encodes a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes that are involved in tissue remodeling, wound repair, progression of atherosclerosis and tumor invasion. The encoded preproprotein undergoes proteolytic processing to generate a mature, zinc-dependent endopeptidase enzyme that hydrolyzes collagens, gelatins, laminin, fibronectin and elastin. Mice lacking the encoded protein exhibit suppressed angiogenesis and attenuated features of human multicentric osteolysis with arthritis including abnormal skeletal and craniofacial development. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2016]