Regulation of matrix metalloproteinases activity studied in human endometrium as a paradigm of cyclic tissue breakdown and regeneration

► Human endometrium is lysed by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) at each menstruation. ► MMP activity needs to be tightly controlled at other phases of the menstrual cycle. ► Progesterone regulates MMP expression, activation, inhibition and endocytosis. ► MMPs recruited at cell membrane are locally active despite TIMPs.