Efficient fluorogenic substrate for two matrix metalloproteinases: interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) and gelatinase (MMP-9). Dnp-Pro-Cha-Gly-Cys(Me)-His-Ala-Lys(N-Me-Abz)-amide has favorable solubility characteristics. Both enzymes cleave this substrate between Gly and Cys(Me) (Smc), liberating a cleavage product with a fluorescence signal suitable for inhibitor screening and determining Ki values. The major advantage of this FRET substrate is its adaptability to filters commonly available on commercial plate readers (excitation at 365 nm and emission at 450 nm).