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D R Edwards

Publications and source records attributed to D R Edwards.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 gene contains repressive elements within the promoter and intron 1.

Expression of the TIMP-1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1) gene is tightly controlled during embryonic development and in the adult animal. Previous studies have focused on elements within the gene promoter which activate transcription of the gene. Here, we identify two regions of the gene which repress transcription: An element upstream of the basal gene promoter at -1718/-1458, represses expression of a reporter gene by approximately 50%; addition of the first intron to any promoter-reporter construct also strongly represses gene expression. The TIMP-1 gene has a short first exon which is transcribed but not translated, with the translation start site located in exon 2. Deletion analysis through intron 1 reveals a number of potential regions which might mediate its effect. Protein binding studies and mutational analyses reveal that a repressive element at +684/+748 binds Sp1, Sp3, and an unidentified Ets-related factor to suppress transcription.

Base Sequence↗

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor enhances the invasion of mesothelioma cell lines and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases.

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) is a multifunctional factor involved both in development and tissue repair, as well as pathological processes such as cancer and metastasis. It has been identified in vivo in many types of tumours together with its tyrosine kinase receptor, Met. We show here that exogenous HGF/SF acts as a strong chemoattractant for human mesothelioma cell lines. The factor also enhanced cell adhesion to and invasion into Matrigel. The mesothelioma cell lines synthesized a panel of matrix metalloproteinases critical for tumour progression such as MMP-1, 2, 3, 9 and membrane-bound MT1-MMP. HGF/SF stimulated the expression of MMP-1, 9 and MT1-MMP and had a slight effect on expression of the MMP inhibitor TIMP-1 but not TIMP-2. However, there was no simple correlation between the levels of MMPs and TIMPs of the cell lines and their different invasion properties or between HGF/SF stimulatory effects on MMP expression and invasion. In addition, effects of protease inhibitors on invasion suggested that serine proteases were also expressed in human mesothelioma cell lines and were involved in HGF/SF-induced invasion. The results show a predominant role for HGF/SF in mesothelioma cell invasion, stimulating simultaneously adhesion, motility, invasion and regulation of MMP and TIMP levels.

Cell Adhesion↗

Localization of gelatinase-A and gelatinase-B mRNA and protein in human gliomas.

Malignant gliomas maintain a poor prognosis and survival rate due to their marked local invasive growth and neovascularization. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in glioma invasion and angiogenesis, but it is unknown whether they are produced by the tumor cells or surrounding stroma. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we found expression of mRNA for both gelatinase-A (MMP2) and gelatinase-B (MMP9) localized to tumor cells and vascular structures in glioma sections. Gelatinase-A protein expression was detected most prominently in tumor cells, with very little signal seen in vasculature. Gelatinase-B protein expression was prominent in vascular structures but was also expressed in tumor cells. Our data show that these proteases are produced by glioma cells and vascular structures and suggest that synthetic MMP inhibitors might be useful in this disease.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Matrix metalloproteinase-9/gelatinase B is required for process outgrowth by oligodendrocytes.

Oligodendrocytes (OLs) extend processes to contact axons as a prerequisite step in myelin formation. As the OL processes migrate toward their axonal targets, they modify adhesion to their substrate, an event that may be regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In the mouse optic nerve, MMP-9/gelatinase B increases during myelin formation. Although tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-3 also increases in parallel, the developing optic nerve has focally active MMPs demonstrable by in situ zymography. The distribution of proteolytic activity is similar to that of myelin basic protein, a marker of myelin formation. OLs in culture secrete MMP-9 and express active cell-associated metalloproteinases at the growing tips of their processes. TIMP-1 and a function-perturbing anti-MMP-9 antibody attenuate outgrowth of processes by OLs, indicating a requirement for MMP-9 in process outgrowth. Process reformation is retarded significantly in OLs cultured from MMP-9 null mice, as compared with controls, providing genetic evidence that MMP-9 is necessary for process outgrowth. These data show that MMP-9 facilitates process outgrowth by OLs in vivo and in culture.

Adult↗

Interleukin-6 regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) expression in malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

We showed previously that human malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) components through the action of metalloproteinases and that elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) correlated with a poor clinical outcome in patients with NHL. In the present study we sought to investigate whether there is any correlation between the expression of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), TIMP-1, and the expression of cytokines and growth factors such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in human NHL. In lymphoma tissues obtained from 32 patients, elevated expression of IL-6 correlated significantly with elevated messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of MMP-9, MMP-2, and TIMP-1. Moreover, in human lymphoid cell lines of B- and T-cell origin (Raji, Jurkat, and NC-37), IL-6 stimulated production of MMP-9 and MMP-2 but not TIMP-1. In the Matrigel invasion assay IL-6 significantly upregulated transmigration of Raji and Jurkat cells, which in turn was inhibited by recombinant human TIMP-1 and anti-MMP-9 and MMP-2 antibodies. We postulate that IL-6 may play a role in the clinical aggressiveness of human NHL by stimulating MMP production.

Collagenases↗

A sequence-selective single-strand DNA-binding protein regulates basal transcription of the murine tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (Timp-1) gene.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is important in maintaining the extracellular proteolytic balance during tissue remodeling processes. To allow homeostatic tissue turnover, the murine Timp-1 gene is expressed by most cells at a low basal level, and during acute remodeling its transcription is activated by a variety of stimuli. A non-consensus AP-1-binding site (5'-TGAGTAA-3') that is conserved in mammalian timp-1 genes is a critical element in basal and serum-stimulated transcription. We show here that each strand of this unusual AP-1 site binds a distinct single-stranded DNA-binding protein, although neither strand from a perfect consensus AP-1 site from the human collagenase gene shows similar binding. One of the single-strand binding factors, which we term ssT1, binds to a second upstream Timp-1 region between nucleotides -115 and -100. Deletion analysis demonstrated that this region is important in basal but not serum-inducible transcription. The ssT1 factor was 52-54 kDa by UV cross-linking of electrophoretic mobility shift assays and Southwestern blot analysis. Its binding to DNA shows sequence selectivity rather than specificity, with 5'-CT/ATTN((4-6))ATC-3' as a favored motif. Multiple ssT1-like activities were found in nuclear extracts from mouse fibroblasts and rat liver and testis, suggesting that these factors may regulate basal Timp-1 transcription in a tissue-specific fashion.

Animals↗

Growth factors and cytokines upregulate gelatinase expression in bone marrow CD34(+) cells and their transmigration through reconstituted basement membrane.

The mechanism(s) underlying the release of stem/progenitor cells from bone marrow into the circulation is poorly understood. We hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially gelatinases, which are believed to participate in the proteolysis of basement membranes and in the migration of leukocytes, may facilitate this process. First, we investigated whether CD34(+) stem/progenitor cells express gelatinases A (MMP-2) and/or B (MMP-9) and whether growth factors and cytokines (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF], granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF], stem cell factor [SCF], macrophage colony-stimulating factor [M-CSF], interleukin-3 [IL-3], IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha]) are able to modulate their expression. Next, we examined the transmigration of these stem/progenitor cells through reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel) and its modulation by growth factors and cytokines. CD34(+) cells were obtained from steady-state bone marrow and peripheral blood (from leukapheresis products collected either in steady-state hematopoiesis or after mobilization with G-CSF plus chemotherapy or G-CSF alone). We found that peripheral blood CD34(+) cells, regardless of whether they were mobilized or not, strongly expressed both gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in contrast to steady-state bone marrow CD34(+) cells, which did not. However, all the growth factors and cytokines tested could induce MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion by the latter cells. Moreover, the stimulatory effects of G-CSF and SCF on both MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion were found to be significantly higher in CD34(+) cells isolated from bone marrow than in those from peripheral blood. In addition TNF-alpha, GM-CSF, and IL-6 increased the secretion of a partially active form of MMP-2. Basal transmigration of bone marrow CD34(+) cells through Matrigel was lower than that of peripheral blood CD34(+) cells (P <.0001), but growth factors and cytokines increased it by 50% to 150%. Positive correlations were established between expression of gelatinases and CD34(+) cell migration (r >.9). The stimulatory effect of G-CSF was significantly greater on the migration of CD34(+) cells from bone marrow than on those from peripheral blood (P =.004). Moreover, CD34(+) cell migration was reduced to approximately 50% by antibodies to MMP-2 and MMP-9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (rhTIMP-1 and -2), and o-phenanthroline. TNF-alpha-induced gelatinase secretion and migration of CD34(+) cells and of clonogenic progenitors (colony-forming unit-granulocyte-macrophage [CFU-GM], burst-forming unit-erythroid [BFU-E], colony-forming unit granulocyte, erythroid, monocyte, megakaryocyte [CFU-GEMM], and colony-forming unit-megakaryocyte [CFU-MK]) were dose-dependent. Therefore, this study demonstrated that CD34(+) cells that are circulating in peripheral blood express both MMP-2 and MMP-9 and transmigrate through Matrigel. In contrast, CD34(+) cells from steady-state bone marrow acquire similar properties after exposure to growth factors and cytokines, which upregulate expression of gelatinases and transmigration of these cells when they enter the bloodstream. Hence, we suggest that growth factors and cytokines induce release of stem/progenitor cells from bone marrow into peripheral blood during mobilization, as well as during steady-state hematopoiesis, by signaling through gelatinase pathways.

Antigens, CD34↗

Reprogramming of TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 expression profiles in brain microvascular endothelial cells and astrocytes in response to proinflammatory cytokines.

Cytokine-dependent regulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) expression provides an important mechanism for controlling the activity of matrix metalloproteinases. We present data indicating that during inflammatory processes TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 may be involved in the proteolytic remodeling of subendothelial basement membrane of the brain microvascular system, a key step during leukocyte migration into the brain perivascular tissue. In brain endothelial cells the expression of TIMP-1 is dramatically up-regulated by major proinflammatory cytokines, with the combination of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) exhibiting the strongest synergistic stimulation. Simultaneously, IL-1beta/TNF alpha almost completely blocks TIMP-3 expression. Both synergistic effects are dose-dependent within the concentration range 0.05-5 ng/ml of both cytokines and correlate with the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, an endothelial cell activation marker. Down-regulation of TIMP-3 expression is also detected in astrocytes treated with TNF alpha or IFN-gamma whereas oncostatin M as well as TNF alpha up-regulate TIMP-1 mRNA level. We propose that the cytokine-modified balance between TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 expression provides a potential mechanism involved in the regulation of microvascular basement membrane proteolysis.

Animals↗

Expression and modulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in human embryonic CNS stem cells.

The expression and regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) in neuroectodermal precursor cells is undocumented. We report the presence of MMP-2, but no MMP-9, and of all the four known TIMPs in neuroepithelial stem cells isolated from the human CNS. The expression of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 was unchanged following stem cells differentiation into neurons and glia. In contrast, while MMP-2 and TIMP-4 were localized to both stem and mature CNS cells, their levels of expression were substantially reduced in the latter. TIMP-4 showed a 23-fold reduction in media conditioned by differentiated cells compared with stem cell-conditioned media, reflecting a 6-fold decrease in mRNA expression. Interestingly, TIMP-4 also differed from the other TIMPs in that it was cell-associated in the stem cells, where this fraction remained unchanged upon differentiation. Hence, regulation of selective MMPs and TIMPs occurs during differentiation of human neural precursors suggesting that MMP-2 and TIMP-4 in particular may perform regulatory roles in the developing CNS.

Cells, Cultured↗

Gelatinase-A (MMP-2), gelatinase-B (MMP-9) and membrane type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP) are involved in different aspects of the pathophysiology of malignant gliomas.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated as important factors in gliomas since they may both facilitate invasion into the surrounding brain and participate in neovascularization. We have tested the hypothesis that deregulated expression of gelatinase-A or B, or an activator of gelatinase-A, MT1-MMP, may contribute directly to human gliomas by quantifying the expression of these MMPs in 46 brain tumour specimens and seven control tissues. Quantitative RT-PCR and gelatin zymography showed that gelatinase-A in glioma specimens was higher than in normal tissue; these were significantly elevated in low grade gliomas and remained elevated in GBMs. Gelatinase-B transcript and activity levels were also higher than in normal brain and more strongly correlated with tumour grade. We did not see a close relationship between the levels of expression of MT1-MMP mRNA and amounts of activated gelatinase-A. In situ hybridization localized gelatinase-A and MT1-MMP transcripts to normal neuronal and glia, malignant glioma cells and blood vessels. In contrast, gelatinase-B showed a more restricted pattern of expression; it was strongly expressed in blood vessels at proliferating margins, as well as tumour cells in some cases. These data suggest that gelatinase-A, -B and MT1-MMP are important in the pathophysiology of human gliomas. The primary role of gelatinase-B may lie in remodelling associated with neovascularization, whereas gelatinase-A and MT1-MMP may be involved in both glial invasion and angiogenesis.

Brain↗

Reducing phosphorus runoff and improving poultry production with alum.

This is a review paper on the effects of aluminum sulfate (alum) on ammonia volatilization and P runoff from poultry litter. Initially, laboratory studies were conducted that showed P solubility could be reduced in poultry litter with Al, Ca, and Fe amendments, indicating that these amendments may reduce P runoff. These results were confirmed in small plot studies in which alum applications to litter were shown to decrease P concentrations in runoff by as much as 87%, while improving tall fescue yields. Leaf tissue analyses indicated that the yield improvements were due to increased N availability, which we hypothesized was due to reduced NH3 volatilization. This result was confirmed in laboratory studies that showed that alum was one of the most effective (and cost-effective) compounds for reducing NH3 volatilization. Field trials conducted at commercial broiler farms in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency showed that alum additions to poultry litter lowered litter pH, particularly during the first 3 to 4 wk of each growout, which resulted in less NH3 volatilization and lower atmospheric NH3. Ammonia volatilization rates were reduced by 97% for the first 4 wk of the growout. Broilers grown on alum-treated litter were heavier than the controls (1.73 vs 1.66 kg) and had lower mortality (3.9 vs 4.2%) and better feed efficiency (1.98 vs 2.04). Electricity and propane use were lower for alum-treated houses. As a result of these economic benefits to the integrator and grower, the benefit:cost ratio of alum addition was 1.96. Phosphorus concentrations in runoff from small watersheds were 75% lower from alum-treated litter than normal litter over a 3-yr period. Long-term small plot studies on alum use have shown that alum-treated litter results in lower soil test P levels than normal litter and does not increase Al availability in soils or uptake by plants.

Agriculture↗

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and -9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and -2) in acute myelogenous leukaemia blasts: comparison with normal bone marrow cells.

We compared the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in bone marrow acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) blasts and leukaemic cell lines (HEL, HL-60, K-562 and KG-1) with their expression in normal bone marrow cells. All AML samples and leukaemic cell lines tested expressed MMP-9 and/or MMP-2 mRNA and, accordingly, these gelatinases were secreted into media. Moreover, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA and secreted proteins were demonstrated in all the AML samples. Although all the leukaemic cell lines expressed TIMP-1, the HL-60 cells also expressed TIMP-2. In contrast, normal steady-state bone marrow immature progenitor cells (CD34+ cells) did not express or secrete either MMP-2 or MMP-9, but more mature mononuclear cells from normal bone marrow expressed and secreted MMP-9. Also, normal bone marrow CD34+ cells and mononuclear cells expressed TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA, but these proteins were not detectable by reverse zymography. Furthermore, whereas bone marrow fibroblasts and endothelial cells secreted only latent MMP-2, the activated form of this enzyme was found in media conditioned by cells obtained from long-term cultures of normal and AML bone marrow adherent layers. Our finding of up-regulated production of gelatinases, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 by leukaemic cells suggests that these proteins may be implicated in the invasive phenotype of AML.

Adolescent↗

Oncostatin M stimulates c-Fos to bind a transcriptionally responsive AP-1 element within the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 promoter.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) can be regulated by gp130 cytokines such as IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM). Polymerase chain reaction deletion analysis of the murine TIMP-1 proximal promoter in chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene constructs identified an AP-1 element (-59/-53) that allows maximal responsiveness to OSM in HepG2 cells. Fos and Jun nuclear factors bound constitutively to this site as identified by supershift analysis in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and oncostatin M (but not IL-6) induced an additional "complex 2" that contained c-Fos and JunD. OSM stimulated a rapid and transient increase in c-Fos mRNA and nuclear protein that coincided with complex 2 formation. Phorbol 13-myristate 12-acetate could also induce c-Fos but could not regulate the TIMP-1 reporter gene constructs. Transfection studies also showed that 3'-deletion of sequences downstream of the transcriptional start site (+1/+47) markedly reduced OSM -fold induction. Nuclear factors bound to SP1 and Ets sequences were detected, but were not altered upon OSM stimulation. Although OSM and IL-6 induced STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) factors to bind a high affinity Sis-inducible element DNA probe, binding to homologous TIMP-1 promoter sequences was not detected. Thus, OSM (but not IL-6) stimulates c-Fos, which participates in maximal activation of TIMP-1 transcription, likely in cooperation with other factors such as SP1 or as yet unidentified mechanisms involving the +1 to +47 region of the promoter.

Animals↗

Altered balance between matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in experimental biliary fibrosis.

A rat model of common bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced hepatic fibrosis was used to assess the expression and activities of collagen-degrading proteinases and their inhibitors during the progression of fibrosis. Expression of four members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family (MMP-2/gelatinase A, MMP-3, MMP-9/gelatinase B, and MMP-13) and three tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1, -2, and -3 (TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and TIMP-3) were evaluated by Northern blot analysis of RNA from liver tissue isolated at 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30 days after either a BDL or sham operation. In addition, we analyzed free gelatinase and TIMP activities by zymography and reverse zymography, respectively. We found that the proteolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 increased by 2 days after ligation, reached maximal levels at day 10, and remained high through the study period, whereas the gelatinolytic activities in plasma were unchanged. The increase in gelatinase activities was accompanied by an increase in the TIMP mRNA transcripts. TIMP-1 transcripts appeared at day 2, increased until day 10, and remained elevated throughout the study period. TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 transcripts become detectable on day 10 and remained stable afterwards. No corresponding increase in TIMP protein activity was detected by reverse zymography. This appears to result from the formation of TIMP/MMP complexes. These findings indicate a likely surplus in the BDL model of fibrosis of free gelatinases as compared with the TIMPs. Thus, excessive TIMP production is not a sufficient explanation for the observed extracellular matrix accumulation, but complex changes in the local MMP/TIMP balance may underlie the pathomechanisms of fibrosis.

Animals↗