Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is extracellularly operating protease that is expressed by the adult brain neurons and released in response to enhanced neuronal activity driven by glutamate. In addition, MMP-9 can also be produced by glial and endothelial cells as well as by infiltrating leukocytes. Extracellularly, the protein is activated in a cascade of steps that involves also other proteases and then is inhibited by tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Under physiological conditions, MMP-9 is involved in neuronal plasticity, including long-term potentiation as well as learning and memory. This function of MMP-9 may relate to its synaptic action that is a consequence of post-synaptic/dendritic locus of mRNA and protein storage and release. Under pathological conditions that involve excessive function of glutamate, such as excitotoxicity, stroke and traumatic brain injury, MMP-9 is detrimental to the brain tissue, probably because of its excessive activity. This complex functionality and dysfunctionality of MMP-9 is well documented by studies on its expression patterns as well as with an aid of chemical inhibitors and knockout mice.Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase that together with the most closely related MMP-2, forms a subfamily of gelatinases.1,2 MMPs operate extracellularly (predominantly secreted pericellularly, and some membrane-bound) and are locally inhibited by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) that bind MMPs non-covalently.