Metalloproteinases facilitate connection of wound bed vessels to pre-existing skin graft vasculature

► We studied vasculature and proteolytic activity in skin graft revascularization. ► Angiogenesis in the bed differed morphologically from angiogenic buds in the graft. ► Angiogenic buds in the graft were pruned after 72-96 hours. ► MT1-MMP was detected at sprout tips of in-growing vessels. ► MMP-2 was localized at the bed/graft interface.