This gene (MMP23B) encodes a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, and it is part of a duplicated region of chromosome 1p36.3. Proteins of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes, such as arthritis and metastasis. This gene belongs to the more telomeric copy of the duplicated region. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].