Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play significant roles in both the biology and pathology of the nervous system. They are involved in various processes, including extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, angiogenesis, inflammation, and signaling. MMPs are part of a larger family of zinc-dependent metalloproteinases called metzincins, which include ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase), bacterial serralysins, and astacins. MMPs have a conserved sequence motif for zinc binding and a β-turn at the active site, essential for their function. They are categorized into subgroups based on substrate preference and domain structure, such as gelatinases, stromelysins, collagenases, and membrane-type (MT)-MMPs. MMPs are crucial for neural development and may have beneficial roles in CNS repair and ontogeny. However, their abnormal function can lead to pathological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), malignant gliomas, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and viral infections. ADAMs, which share some properties with MMPs, may also be involved in CNS pathophysiology. MMPs and ADAMs are involved in neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neuronal death. They can also contribute to the progression of brain tumors by promoting tumor invasiveness, angiogenesis, and survival. MMPs are regulated through various mechanisms, including transcriptional control, post-translational modifications, and interactions with tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). TIMPs can both inhibit and activate MMPs, highlighting the complex regulation of these enzymes. In the CNS, MMPs are involved in the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, which can lead to inflammation and demyelination. They also contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases such as MS and Alzheimer's disease by modulating the activity of other molecules, including cytokines and growth factors. MMPs and ADAMs are also involved in axonal growth and myelinogenesis, which are essential for neural development. However, their roles in adult CNS disorders are less clear. While some MMPs may have beneficial functions in tissue repair, their overexpression can lead to detrimental effects, such as neurotoxicity and inflammation. The development of specific MMP inhibitors could be beneficial in treating CNS diseases, but challenges remain in identifying the most effective targets and ensuring that inhibitors do not interfere with reparative processes. In summary, MMPs and ADAMs have complex roles in the nervous system, with both beneficial and detrimental effects. Understanding their functions and regulation is crucial for developing targeted therapies for neurological disorders.Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play significant roles in both the biology and pathology of the nervous system. They are involved in various processes, including extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, angiogenesis, inflammation, and signaling. MMPs are part of a larger family of zinc-dependent metalloproteinases called metzincins, which include ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase), bacterial serralysins, and astacins. MMPs have a conserved sequence motif for zinc binding and a β-turn at the active site, essential for their function. They are categorized into subgroups based on substrate preference and domain structure, such as gelatinases, stromelysins, collagenases, and membrane-type (MT)-MMPs. MMPs are crucial for neural development and may have beneficial roles in CNS repair and ontogeny. However, their abnormal function can lead to pathological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), malignant gliomas, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and viral infections. ADAMs, which share some properties with MMPs, may also be involved in CNS pathophysiology. MMPs and ADAMs are involved in neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neuronal death. They can also contribute to the progression of brain tumors by promoting tumor invasiveness, angiogenesis, and survival. MMPs are regulated through various mechanisms, including transcriptional control, post-translational modifications, and interactions with tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). TIMPs can both inhibit and activate MMPs, highlighting the complex regulation of these enzymes. In the CNS, MMPs are involved in the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, which can lead to inflammation and demyelination. They also contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases such as MS and Alzheimer's disease by modulating the activity of other molecules, including cytokines and growth factors. MMPs and ADAMs are also involved in axonal growth and myelinogenesis, which are essential for neural development. However, their roles in adult CNS disorders are less clear. While some MMPs may have beneficial functions in tissue repair, their overexpression can lead to detrimental effects, such as neurotoxicity and inflammation. The development of specific MMP inhibitors could be beneficial in treating CNS diseases, but challenges remain in identifying the most effective targets and ensuring that inhibitors do not interfere with reparative processes. In summary, MMPs and ADAMs have complex roles in the nervous system, with both beneficial and detrimental effects. Understanding their functions and regulation is crucial for developing targeted therapies for neurological disorders.