| Chemical and structural plasticity of synapses within the nervous system is thought to be the cellular means by which learning is possible. Reorganization of synaptic extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules contributes to morphological and physiological changes of neurons during learning-associated synaptic plasticity and is necessary for learning to occur. Remodeling of the ECM is attributed to a family of matrix-degrading enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Although alterations in MMP activity have been associated with cognitive aspects of several nervous system disorders, the possible role of MMPs in learning and synaptic plasticity had not been investigated. In the following papers, we describe learning-associated alterations in MMP expression and activity. |
