This gene encodes a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family. Proteins in this family are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix for both normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling, and disease processes, such as asthma and tumor metastasis. The encoded protein may play an important role in embryogenesis, particularly in neuronal cells, as well as in lymphocyte development and survival. [provided by RefSeq, May 2013]