The article discusses the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in angiogenesis, a process essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis involves the formation of new blood vessels from existing endothelial cells, requiring proteolysis of the extracellular matrix and proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. MMPs, a family of extracellular endopeptidases, are crucial in this process by degrading the extracellular matrix. Inhibitors of MMPs, both synthetic and endogenous, effectively block angiogenic responses in vitro and in vivo. MMP-deficient mice exhibit delayed or diminished angiogenic responses, further highlighting their importance. The article explores the mechanisms by which MMPs, particularly MMP-2 and MT-1-MMP, activate and function in angiogenesis. MMP-2 is activated by MT-1-MMP through a complex involving TIMP-2, and this activation is critical for endothelial cell invasion. The role of MMPs in angiogenesis is context-dependent, as their activity can vary depending on the extracellular matrix environment. For example, MMP-2 binds to the αvβ3 integrin receptor, which may influence cell behavior and angiogenic responses. Recent studies have also identified MMPs' role in generating angiogenesis inhibitors, such as angiostatin and endostatin, by degrading specific matrix components. This dual role of MMPs in both promoting and inhibiting angiogenesis underscores the need for selective targeting of specific MMPs to develop effective therapeutic strategies against cancer and other angiogenic diseases.The article discusses the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in angiogenesis, a process essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis involves the formation of new blood vessels from existing endothelial cells, requiring proteolysis of the extracellular matrix and proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. MMPs, a family of extracellular endopeptidases, are crucial in this process by degrading the extracellular matrix. Inhibitors of MMPs, both synthetic and endogenous, effectively block angiogenic responses in vitro and in vivo. MMP-deficient mice exhibit delayed or diminished angiogenic responses, further highlighting their importance. The article explores the mechanisms by which MMPs, particularly MMP-2 and MT-1-MMP, activate and function in angiogenesis. MMP-2 is activated by MT-1-MMP through a complex involving TIMP-2, and this activation is critical for endothelial cell invasion. The role of MMPs in angiogenesis is context-dependent, as their activity can vary depending on the extracellular matrix environment. For example, MMP-2 binds to the αvβ3 integrin receptor, which may influence cell behavior and angiogenic responses. Recent studies have also identified MMPs' role in generating angiogenesis inhibitors, such as angiostatin and endostatin, by degrading specific matrix components. This dual role of MMPs in both promoting and inhibiting angiogenesis underscores the need for selective targeting of specific MMPs to develop effective therapeutic strategies against cancer and other angiogenic diseases.