Figure 1

Structure comparison of Human MMP7 with metalloproteases. Details of the PDB structure codes of related proteins are as followed: ADAM: 2RJP, Astacin: 1QJI, Adamlysin II: 2AIG, Human MMP-7: 1MMR, P. aeruginosa alkaline protease: 1AKL, 3.4.24.11 protease: 1THL. It is interesting to notice the locations of the catalytic domain consisting of a red twisted β sheet as TAD and long yellow α helices which zinc-binding motif located on. All the structures are viewed in approximately the same orientation for better comparisons. TADs are presented in red ribbons, and catalytic HLH were presented in yellow ribbon. The main chains of the six metalloproteases are represented with ribbons in different colors. The Important motifs, such as calcium, zinc and their binding residues, and inhibitors are presented with ball-and-stick style. The side-chains of crucial basic residues discussed in the text are shown as colored sticks.