A macrophage metalloelastase produced by macrophages in th lung that is recruited with smoking.
Increased expression can lead to degradation of elastin.
Expression increased by a factor of 9 in alveolar macrophages of smokers compared to non-smokers.
Testing of 8300 children and adults for a single nucleotide polymorphism, a minor allele G, and measuring of lung function resulted in a positive effect on lung function in children with asthma and in adults who smoke (Hunninghake, GM).
The Normative Aging Study cohort revealed the absence of the allele G there was a 54% increase the risk of new onset COPD (Hunninghake, GM).
MMP12 is located on chromosome 11q22.3.
MMP12 single nucleotide polymorphism rs2276109 reduces MMP12 expression in pulmonary function, and associated with increases FEV1.