Fluorescent water soluble polymers for isozyme-selective interactions with matrix metalloproteinase-9.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are overexpressed in various pathological conditions, including cancers. Although these isozymes have similar active sites, the patterns of exposed amino acids on their surfaces are different. Herein, we report the synthesis and molecular interactions of two water soluble, fluorescent polymers which demonstrate selective interactions with MMP-9 compared to MMP-7 and -10.