Comparative Genomic Analysis of the Matrix Metalloproteinase Gene Family: Their Role in Wound Repair and Immune Response

Wound healing is a complex tissue response that requires a coordinated interplay of multiple cells in orchestrated biological processes to restore the skin's barrier function post-injury. Proteolytic enzymes, in particular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), contribute to all phases of the healing process by regulating immune cell influx, clearing out the extracellular matrix (ECM), and remodeling scar tissue. As a result of these various functions in the healing of skin wounds, uncontrolled activities of MMPs are associated with impaired wound healing. The MMP gene family consists of a highly conserved set of genes. Deleterious mutations in MMP genes cause developmental phenotypes that affect the heart, skeleton, and immune system response. The availability of contiguous draft genomes of non-model organisms enables the study of gene families through analysis of synteny and sequence identity. My project is aimed at conducting a comparative genomic analysis of the MMP gene family from the genomes of 29 tetrapod species—with an emphasis on reptiles. Results regarding the similarities and differences among MMP protein sequences can be further investigated to shed light on the causes which give rise to various adaptive mutations for specific species groups.