Ubiquitinous metalloproteinase that is involved in diverse functions such as remodeling of the vasculature, angiogenesis, tissue repair, tumor invasion, inflammation, and atherosclerotic plaque rupture. As well as degrading extracellular matrix proteins, can also act on several nonmatrix proteins such as big endothelial 1 and beta-type CGRP promoting vasoconstriction. Also cleaves KISS at a Gly-|-Leu bond. Appears to have a role in myocardial cell death pathways. Contributes to myocardial oxidative stress by regulating the activity of GSK3beta. Cleaves GSK3beta in vitro Isoform 2: Mediates the proteolysis of CHUK/IKKA and initiates a primary innate immune response by inducing mitochondrial-nuclear stress signaling with activation of the pro- inflammatory NF-kappaB, NFAT and IRF transcriptional pathways
Tissue Specificity
Produced by normal skin fibroblasts. PEX is expressed in a number of tumors including gliomas, breast and prostate
Cellular Localization
Isoform 1: Secreted, extracellular space, extracellular matrix. Membrane. Nucleus. Note=Colocalizes with integrin alphaV/beta3 at the membrane surface in angiogenic blood vessels and melanomas. Found in mitochondria, along microfibrils, and in nuclei of cardiomyocytes