Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) compositions, inactive forms of MMPs (e.g. proMMPs), fragments, mutants, variants or combinations thereof. A pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more of the above in a pharmaceutical carrier. A composition comprises at least one of: a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), an inactive MMP or a proenzyme (proMMP) thereof, wherein the matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), inactive MMPs or proMMPs thereof, comprise: MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-11, MMP-12, MMP-13.MMP-14, MMP-15, MMP-16, MMP-17, MMP-18, MMP-19, MMP-20, MMP-21, MMP-23A, MMP-23B, MMP-24, MMP-25, MMP-26, MMP-27, MMP-28, active fragments, mutants, variants or any combinations thereof. The uses include isolation of cells, in particular stem cells, from tissues, dissociation of tissues, proteins and treatment of a variety of conditions.
