Five genes potentially encoding novel matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been identified on the Arabidopsis thaliana data base. The predicted proteins have a similar domain structure to mammalian MMP-7, with a propeptide and catalytic domain but no C-terminal hemopexin-like domain. Four of the A. thaliana MMPs (At-MMPs) have a predicted C-terminal transmembrane domain. The At-MMPs are differentially expressed in flower, leaf, root, and stem tissues from 14-day-old plants. The cDNA for one of the At-MMPs (At1-MMP) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Following refolding and purification, the proenzyme At1-MMP was shown to undergo autolytic activation in the presence of an organomercurial with a concomitant decrease in M(r). In contrast to this, trypsin-treatment led to the formation of an inactive product. The activated At1-MMP digested myelin basic protein, but was unable to digest gelatin or casein. Three peptide substrates for MMPs were also cleaved by At1-MMP. The enzyme activity of At1-MMP was inhibited by human tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 and the hydroxamate inhibitor BB-94.