Fig. 2From: Effects of matrix metalloproteinases on the fate of mesenchymal stem cellsMMPs and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. β1 integrins engage with fibronectin and collagen type I in the ECM, resulting in the formation of MT1-MMP and β1 integrin complex. This complex initiates the expression of proMMP-2 and ALP, which is required for the formation of nodules and their mineralization, and allows the activation of proMMP-2 through MT1-MMP during the osteogenic differentiation. ECM extracellular matrix, MMP matrix metalloproteinase, MT-MMP membrane type-matrix metalloproteinaseBack to article page