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Structural insight into the complex formation of latent matrix metalloproteinase 2 with tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of multidomain enzymes involved in the physiological degradation of connective tissue, as well as in pathological states such as tumor invasion and arthritis. Apart from transcriptional regulation, MMPs are controlled by proenzyme activation and a class of specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) that bind to the catalytic site. TIMP-2 is a potent inhibitor of MMPs, but it has also been implicated in a unique cell surface activation mechanism of latent MMP-2/gelatinase A/type IV collagenase (proMMP-2), through its binding to the hemopexin domain of proMMP-2 on the one hand and to a membrane-type MMP activator on the other. The present crystal structure of the human proMMP-2/TIMP-2 complex reveals an interaction between the hemopexin domain of proMMP-2 and the C-terminal domain of TIMP-2, leaving the catalytic site of MMP-2 and the inhibitory site of TIMP-2 distant and spatially isolated. The interfacial contact of these two proteins is characterized by two distinct binding regions composed of alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. This unique structure provides information for how specificity for noninhibitory MMP/TIMP complex formation is achieved.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: Numerous reports have documented a direct involvement of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) overexpression in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In this study, the authors examined whether the expression of MMPs in HNSCC is correlated with other steps involved in tumor growth and metastasis, like angiogenesis, activation the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, and alteration of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. METHODS: MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression levels were examined immunohistochemically in samples from 43 patients with HNSCC. Microvessel density (MVD) was determined by immunostaining of endothelial cells with anti-CD31 monoclonal antibody. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and cyclic guanosine monophosphatate (cGMP) levels were assessed in fresh tumor samples, whereas exons 5-9 of the p53 gene were analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and were sequenced. RESULTS: MMP-1 overexpression (>10% of tumor cells) was identified in 32 tumors (74.5%), whereas elevated levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected in 17 tumors (39.5%) each. Tumors with MMP-9 overexpression were characterized by significantly higher MVD (P = 0.05) and significantly higher iNOS activity and cGMP levels (P = 0.005 and P = 0.02, respectively). Moreover, p53 mutation was associated strongly with MMP-9 overexpression (P = 0.004). Conversely, no correlation was found between MMP-1 and MMP-2 expression, angiogenesis, iNOS activity, cGMP levels, and p53 mutation in this series. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents the existence of a correlation between MMP-9 expression, activity of the iNOS pathway, p53 status, and angiogenesis in patients with HNSCC. This raises the possibility that p53 mutation, which frequently is present in HNSCC, may result in increased angiogenesis and invasiveness related to increased nitric oxide and MMP production by tumor cells, ultimately contributing to tumor progression.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in cutaneous melanocytic lesions.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an endothelial cell mitogen, plays a hierarchical role in regulating physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Moreover, the transformation from noninvasive to invasive carcinomas is accompanied by focal disruption and discontinuity of the basement membrane. Several groups of proteases have been implicated in tumor cell invasion, including the 72-kDa gelatinase A/Type IV collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase 2 [MMP-2]) and the 92-kDa gelatinase B/Type IV collagenase (MMP-9). METHODS: The authors assessed the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF and metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in paraffin embedded biopsy specimens of malignant melanomas (18 invasive melanomas and 10 in situ melanomas); dysplastic nevi with architectural disorder and cytologic atypia of melanocytes; Spitz nevi; and compound or predominantly intradermal, ordinary, benign melanocytic nevi. RESULTS: Strong cytoplasmic staining for VEGF was observed in melanoma cells in as many as 77% of primary invasive melanomas, whereas only 25% of the in situ melanomas exhibited a detectable immunoreactivity for VEGF. It is interesting to note that no immunoreactivity was shown by any nevi; Spitz nevi, in particular, showed negative immunoreactivity to VEGF. Invasive melanomas and in situ melanomas displayed coexpression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, although to a variable extent. In particular, high MMP-2 staining was observed in 14 of 18 invasive melanomas; moreover, strong MMP-2 expression also was observed in 60% of in situ melanomas, whereas the residual 40% of those melanomas showed a moderate level of positivity. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the current data showing that malignant melanocytic tumors displayed strong VEGF expression, whereas benign melanocytic proliferations showed no immunoreactivity for VEGF, VEGF also may be used as a discriminating factor to distinguish malignant melanoma from lesions of uncertain histology.

Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome↗

Dynamic in vivo changes in tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2, and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, during prostaglandin F(2alpha)-induced luteolysis in sheep.

Prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) typically initiates a cascade of events that leads to the functional and structural demise of the corpus luteum. A sheep model was used in which a 1-h, systemic infusion of PGF(2alpha) (20 microg/min) is given at midcycle. Such an infusion mimics the onset of spontaneous luteolysis by causing a transient decrease in peripheral plasma progesterone, which reaches a nadir ( approximately 60% of controls) at 8 h but returns to control levels by 16-24 h. We investigated whether PGF(2alpha) also influenced the endogenous protein levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, and matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9, all of which have been implicated in remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Corpora lutea (Day 11) were collected at 0 h and at 1, 8, 16, and 24 h post-PGF(2alpha) infusion (n = 3 sheep at each time). Immunoblot analysis revealed an immediate and precipitous decline in TIMP-1 (30 kDa) and TIMP-2 (19 kDa) protein levels (60% and 90%, respectively; P < 0.05) at the 1-h time point and remained depressed at 8 h (P < 0.05). Gelatin zymography and other procedures identified three MMPs (85, 70, and 64 kDa), which were shown to be the latent form of MMP-9 and the active and latent forms of MMP-2, respectively. In contrast to the rapid decrease in TIMP-1 and -2 levels, an increase in MMP-2 activity (165% of controls, P < 0.05) occurred at 8 h, which corresponded to the nadir in plasma progesterone. These early changes in TIMPs and MMPs indicate that alterations in the structure of the ECM by PGF(2alpha) may play a hitherto unsuspected role in the subsequent process of functional luteolysis.

Animals↗

Secretion of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases into follicular fluid during follicle development in equine ovaries.

Extensive tissue remodelling is required in equine ovaries for follicle growth and development and also migration of the follicle to the ovulatory fossa, where ovulation occurs. The mechanisms for these processes are largely unexplored. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are important for control of breakdown of extracellular matrix during tissue remodelling. The aims of this study were to determine the pattern and sites of secretion of the gelatinases MMP-2 and -9 and TIMPs into follicular fluid during follicle development in mare ovaries. The predominant gelatinase detected in follicular fluid was MMP-2, which was present in similar amounts throughout follicular development, as demonstrated by zymography. MMP-9 was also present in follicular fluid and secretion increased significantly (P < 0.05) with development of follicles from < 10 mm to 11-20 mm in diameter. Follicular fluid also contained TIMP-1, TIMP-2, unglycosylated and glycosylated TIMP-3, and TIMP-4, as shown by reverse zymography. The abundance of TIMPs remained largely unchanged during follicle development. MMP-2 and -9 were localized by immunohistochemistry to stromal cells and granulosa and theca cells. TIMP-1, -2, -3 and -4 were present in granulosa and theca cells of the follicle and in stromal cells and also associated with extracellular matrix of the ovarian stromal tissue. The MMPs and TIMPs are likely to be involved in the regulation of the breakdown of extracellular matrix during tissue remodelling for follicle development and migration to the ovulation fossa in mares.

Animals↗

Thrombin suppresses matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity and increases tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 synthesis in cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, high levels of intraperitoneally generated thrombin were found in the effluent of patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The aim of the present study was to investigate in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HMCs) the effect of thrombin on the activity and synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which regulate the degradation of basement membrane collagen. METHODS: Cultured HMCs were isolated from omental tissue and used at confluence for the experiments. Conditioned media were obtained by incubating cells with serum-free M199 containing the relevant doses of thrombin. Activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined by an activity assay system. The antigen levels of MMPs and of the specific tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) were measured by ELISA. Northern blot analysis was applied to analyze mRNA expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1. RESULTS: Incubation of HMCs with increasing doses of thrombin resulted in a concentration- and time-dependent suppression of MMP-2 activity. No changes in MMP-9 activity were seen. After a 48-hour stimulation period with thrombin (5 U/mL), MMP-2 activity decreased to 53% of that seen in control conditions. Antigen measurements revealed that this decrease was paralleled by a slight reduction in MMP-2 levels, which became significant at a thrombin dose of 5 U/mL [50.65 +/- 7.5 ng/10(5) cells (48 hours, 5 U/mL) vs 64.6 +/- 10.1 ng/10(5) cells (control)]. Under the same conditions, TIMP-1 levels were considerably increased [3.9 +/- 0.46 microg/10(5) cells (48 hours, 5 U/mL) vs 1.2 +/- 0.14 microg/10(5) cells (control)]. Hirudin (10 U/mL) completely inhibited the thrombin-induced effects on MMP-2 and TIMP-1 synthesis. These results were also reflected by Northern blot hybridization, where a slight decrease in MMP-2 and an increase in TIMP-1 mRNA expression were observed in response to thrombin. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that high thrombin levels suppress MMP-2 activity through decreased MMP-2 and increased TIMP-1 synthesis. Thus, thrombin may promote the accumulation of basement membrane collagen. In addition to fibrin formation, this mechanism may represent a further contribution by thrombin to peritoneal thickening during CAPD.

Cells, Cultured↗

Differential expression and origin of membrane-type 1 and 2 matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) in association with MMP2 activation in injured human livers.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) activation is associated with basement membrane remodeling that occurs in injured tissues and during tumor invasion. The newly described membrane-type MMPs (MT-MMPs) form a family of potential MMP2 activators. We investigated the localization and steady-state levels of MT1-MMP and MT2-MMP mRNA, compared with those of MMP2 and tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 in 22 hepatocellular carcinomas, 12 liver metastases from colonic adenocarcinomas, 13 nontumoral samples from livers with metastases, 10 benign tumors, and 6 normal livers. MMP2 activation was analyzed by zymography in the same series. The expression of MT1-MMP mRNA and the activation of MMP-2 were increased in hepatocellular carcinomas, metastases, and cholestatic nontumoral samples. MT2-MMP mRNA was rather stable in the different groups. MT1-MMP mRNA levels, but not MT2-MMP mRNA, correlated with MMP-2 and tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 mRNA levels and with MMP2 activation. In situ hybridization showed that MT1-MMP mRNA was expressed in stromal cells, and MT2-MMP mRNA was principally located in both hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. Consistently, freshly isolated hepatocytes expressed only MT2-MMP mRNA, and culture-activated hepatic stellate cells showed high levels of MT1-MMP mRNA. These results indicate that in injured livers, MMP2 activation is related to a coordinated high expression of MMP2, tissue inhibitor of MMP-2, and MT1-MMP. Furthermore, the finding of a preferential expression of MT2-MMP in hepatocytes, together with our previous demonstration that the activation of stellate cell-derived MMP2 in co-culture requires interactions with hepatocytes (Am J Pathol 1997, 150:51-58), suggests that parenchymal cells might play a pivotal role in the MMP2 activation process.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Activation of matrix-metalloproteinase-2 and membrane-type-1-matrix-metalloproteinase in endothelial cells and induction of vascular permeability in vivo by human immunodeficiency virus-1 Tat protein and basic fibroblast growth factor.

Previous studies indicated that the Tat protein of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) is a progression factor for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Specifically, extracellular Tat cooperates with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in promoting KS and endothelial cell growth and locomotion and in inducing KS-like lesions in vivo. Here we show that Tat and bFGF combined increase matrix-metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) secretion and activation in endothelial cells in an additive/synergistic manner. These effects are due to the activation of the membrane-type-1-matrix-metalloproteinase and to the induction of the membrane-bound tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) by Tat and bFGF combined, but also to Tat-mediated inhibition of both basal or bFGF-induced TIMP-1 and -2 secretion. Consistent with this, Tat and bFGF promote vascular permeability and edema in vivo that are blocked by a synthetic MMP inhibitor. Finally, high MMP-2 expression is detected in acquired immunodeficiency virus syndrome (AIDS)-KS lesions, and increased levels of MMP-2 are found in plasma from patients with AIDS-KS compared with HIV-uninfected individuals with classic KS, indicating that these mechanisms are operative in AIDS-KS. This suggests a novel pathway by which Tat can increase KS aggressiveness or induce vasculopathy in the setting of HIV-1 infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in otitis media with effusion.

A qualitative and quantitative study of the presence of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP 2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9), in the effusions of otitis media with effusion (OME), was performed. The activity of the above enzymes was compared in thick and thin effusions, and concentrations compared in samples from children with one, two, three and four sets of ventilation tubes. The activity of both MMP 2 and MMP 9 was higher in thick than thin effusions, P = 0.07 and P = 0.04, respectively. The concentrations of MMP 9 did not vary with the number of tube insertions but those of MMP 2 did (ANOVA P < 0.05). MMPs may be involved in tympanic membrane damage and prognosis of OME.

Child↗

Type IV collagen induces matrix metalloproteinase 2 activation in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells.

Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activation has been described as a "master switch" which triggers tumor spread and metastatic progression. We show here that type IV collagen, a major component of basement membranes, promotes MMP-2 activation by HT1080 cells. When plated on plastic, HT1080 cells constitutively processed the 66-kDa pro-MMP-2 into a 62-kDa intermediate activated form, most probably through a membrane type (MT) 1 MMP-dependent mechanism. In the presence of type IV collagen, part of this intermediate form was further processed to fully activated 59-kDa MMP-2. This activation was prevented by tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-2 and a broad-spectrum hydroxamic acid-based synthetic MMP inhibitor (GI129471). Type IV collagen-mediated pro-MMP-2 activation did not involve either a transcriptional modulation of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, or TIMP-2 expression nor any alteration of MT1-MMP protein synthesis or processing. An inverse relationship between MMP-2 activation and the concentration of secreted TIMP-2 was observed. This is consistent with our previous report that TIMP-2 degradation is probably linked to the MT1-MMP-dependent MMP-2 activation mechanism. Because invasive tumor cells must breach basement membranes at different steps of the metastatic dissemination, the ability of HT1080 cells to activate pro-MMP-2 in the presence of type IV collagen might represent a key regulatory mechanism for the acquisition of an invasive potential.

Collagen↗

Progression of mycosis fungoides is associated with changes in angiogenesis and expression of the matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9.

Changes in angiogenesis and expression of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes have been substantiated during progression of solid tumours, whereas information on haematological tumours remains circumstantial. In this study, 57 biopsies of mycosis fungoides (MF), a haematological tumour of T-cell lineage, were investigated immunohistochemically for the extent of angiogenesis, and by in situ hybridisation for the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2, collagenase A) and 9 (MMP-9, collagenase B). The biopsies we grouped according to the stage of progression: patch-->plaque-->nodular (most advanced). The extent of angiogenesis, as microvessel area, of MF lesions as a whole was significantly higher than that of normal uninjured skin, used as a control. When the stages of MF progression were compared, the values of MF patch stage overlapped that of control skin, while values were significantly higher in the plaque stage and even higher in the nodular stage. In these stages, microvessels were widely scattered in the tumour tissue, in close association with tumour cells, and they frequently displayed arborisation and microaneurysmatic dilation. In contrast, in the patch stage microvessels were irregularly distributed around the tumour aggregates, and arborisation or dilated structures were only rarely seen. The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNAs underwent significant upregulation in relation to advancing stage. Indeed, the upstaging was significantly associated with higher proportions of lesions positive for each mRNA or for both, and with lesions with the greatest intensity of expression for each mRNA. Besides tumour cells, the MMP-2 mRNA was expressed by microvascular endothelial cells of intratumour and peri-tumour vessels, and by fibroblasts which were especially abundant in the stroma adjacent to the tumour nodules. The MMP-9 mRNA was found to be present in a subset of tissue macrophages which were more frequently located in close vicinity to the tumour nodules. In contrast, in control skin, a weak positivity for the MMP-2 mRNA in very few microvascular endothelial cells and no signal for the MMP-9 mRNA were observed. These in situ data suggest that angiogenesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix occur simultaneously during MF progression. They imply that interaction between tumour cells and their microvasculature are all the more likely to occur during progression, occasionally with the contribution of tumour-associated stromal cells.

Aged↗

Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 by glial Müller cells: response to soluble and extracellular matrix-bound tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Glial Müller cells are known to undergo functional and morphological changes during retinal proliferative disorders, but very little is known of the contribution of these cells to extracellular matrix deposition during retinal wound healing and gliosis. This study constitutes the first demonstration that retinal Müller cells express two major matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), gelatinase A (MMP-2) and gelatinase B (MMP-9), implicated in cell migration and matrix degradation. Although mRNA and gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 remained unchanged in cultured Müller cells, basal levels of MMP-9 mRNA observed after subculture at 24 hours, markedly declined after 48 or 72 hours. This correlated with the expression of MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity that peaked at 24 hours, but gradually decreased at 48 and 72 hours. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in both a soluble form or bound to collagen and fibronectin, increased MMP-9 mRNA and gelatinolytic activity, but not MMP-2 expression, and its effect could be blocked by anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies. The results suggest that Müller cells may aid in the local control of extracellular matrix deposition during retinal proliferative disorders, and that interaction of these cells with matrix-bound cytokine may influence their pathological behavior. Control of Müller cell production of MMP-9 may constitute an important target for the design of new therapeutic approaches to treat and prevent retinal proliferative disease.

Adult↗

Increased expression of the matrix metalloproteinase 2 in differentiating Tera 2 human embryonal carcinoma cells.

Secretion of proteolytic enzymes by cells has been implicated in tissue remodeling during embryonic development as well as in invasive neoplastic diseases. We studied the regulation of type-IV-collagenase activity in Tera 2 human embryonal carcinoma cells, which in the undifferentiated state proliferate rapidly and are tumorigenic. The undifferentiated cells produced relatively low levels of matrix-metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity. This activity was not markedly affected by exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), even though the plasminogen activator activity of the cells was increased by these agents. Tera 2 cells can be induced by retinoic acid to differentiate into quiescent cells, of which many express neuronal characteristics. The type-IV-collagenase activity of the cells increased markedly during the differentiation. This increase was mainly due to increased expression of MMP-2. Expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) was not markedly affected by the differentiation of Tera 2 cells. The results show that in the Tera 2 cell system, increased expression of MMP-2 is characteristic of the differentiated derivatives. This is in contrast with many other model systems, where increased type-IV-collagenase activity is associated with the malignant phenotype. This pattern of regulation may reflect the facts that Tera 2 cells resemble early embryonic cells and that their differentiation mimics related cell-differentiation processes in the developing embryo.

Carcinoma, Embryonal↗

Small GTP-binding protein, Rho, both increased and decreased cellular motility, activation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and invasion of human osteosarcoma cells.

Rho, a member of the small GTP-binding proteins, and one of its downstream effectors ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase) play an important role in the invasion of tumor cells. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) activates Rho and ROCK and promotes the organization of stress fibers and focal adhesions. However, the effect of LPA on tumor cell invasion is still controversial. In the present study, human osteosarcoma cells treated with a high concentration of LPA (high LPA) showed considerable formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions compared to the cells treated with a low concentration of LPA (low LPA). C3 (inhibitor of Rho) or Y27632 (an inhibitor of ROCK) inhibited the effects of LPA, indicating that LPA activates the Rho-ROCK pathway in the cells. In addition, Rho activation assay showed that the activation level of Rho can be altered by changing the concentration of LPA. Low LPA stimulated the motility and invasion of the cells, while high LPA reduced both. The disruption of extracellular matrix (ECM) by matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) is also critical for tumor cell invasion. MMP2 is activated by membranous type-1 MMP (MT1-MMP) and type-2 tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP2). High LPA suppressed the activation of MMP2 through down-regulation of MT1-MMP and TIMP2. C3 and Y27632 reversed the suppression of the activation of MMP2 and expression of MT1-MMP and TIMP2, suggesting the involvement of the Rho-ROCK pathway in ECM degradation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was also required for the invasion of tumor cells to occur. Low LPA enhanced the tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK whereas high LPA reduced it. In conclusion, we suggest that Rho has a dual effect on the invasion of osteosarcoma cells by modulating the motility, the ability to degrade ECM and tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK.

Actins↗

Protein expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 and 2 in papillary thyroid carcinomas.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. There have been only a few studies on the protein expression of MMPs and TIMPs in thyroid carcinomas. Therefore, we investigated the protein expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in 86 papillary thyroid carcinomas using immunohistochemistry, semiquantitative scoring morphometry of immunohistochemistry, gelatin zymography, and western blotting. We also examined the correlations between the immunohistochemical scores and several clinicopathological parameters. The immunoreactivities of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were largely located in the tumor cells or non-tumor follicular cells and to a much lesser extent in the fibroblasts and endothelial cells in the tumor and non-tumor regions. Compared with non-tumor regions, these four proteins tended to be overexpressed in the tumor cells; the overexpression was found in 64 of 86 (74%), 80 of 86 (93%), 79 of 86 (92%), and 64 of 86 (74%) cases for MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2, respectively. Gelatin zymography showed distinct bands of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in tumor extracts but vague bands in non-tumor extracts. Western blotting revealed the specific bands of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in both tumor and non-tumor extracts. Morphometric scoring revealed that high expression of these proteins significantly correlated with large tumor size, presence of lymph node metastasis, high clinical stage, high intrathyroidal invasion, and high vascular invasion. These data suggest that MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 proteins and activities are increased in tumors cells of papillary thyroid carcinomas and that they play an important role in the invasion and metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinomas.

Adult↗

Posttranscriptional stimulation of endothelial cell matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 1 by endothelioma cells.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a critical role in the development of hemangioma-like vascular tumors in mice injected with murine eEnd.1 endothelioma cells. The current study was designed to (a) characterize the presence of MMPs in the vascular tumor, (b) define whether these MMPs originate from the transformed cells or from the recruited stromal cells and (c) study the stimulatory effect of eEnd.1 cells on the production of MMPs by endothelial cells. Several gelatinases were present in the eEnd.1 tumor extract, including latent and activated MMP-2 (72-kDa gelatinase A, EC 3.4.24. 24) and MMP-9 (92-kDa gelatinase B, EC 3.4.24.35). Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor revealed focal reactivity for MMP-2. No gelatinase was produced by cultured eEnd.1 cells, or by six of nine related endothelioma cell lines, suggesting that stroma cells, particularly endothelial cells recruited by the tumor cells, rather than eEnd.1 cells themselves, are the source of the gelatinases observed in the tumors in vivo. The conditioned medium of eEnd.1 cells stimulated the release of MMP-2 and MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase, EC 3.4.24.7) by endothelial cells, but not of the inhibitor TIMP-2. The increased production of MMP-2 and MMP-1, observed at the protein level (zymogram and Western blot analysis), occurred through a posttranscriptional mechanism, since no increase in mRNA was observed and the stimulation was not prevented by inhibitors of protein synthesis. The inhibitory effects of monensin and brefeldin A, inhibitors of protein secretion, and the decrease in cell-associated MMP-2 in stimulated endothelial cells indicated that regulation occurred mostly at the level of protease secretion. MMPs are known to be regulated at different levels; this study indicates that, in endothelial cells, the stimulation of MMPs can also occur at the level of secretion, a mechanism that provides a rapid mobilization of these crucial enzymes in the early phases of angiogenesis.

Animals↗

Messenger RNA for membrane-type 2 matrix metalloproteinase, MT2-MMP, is expressed in human placenta of first trimester.

An intimately regulated cell surface activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is believed to be of critical importance for the control of trophoblast invasion. A histological investigation of the expression and localization of three different MMPs, the membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 (MT1-MMP, MT2-MMP) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2/gelatinase A) was performed by in situ hybridization on consecutive sections from human placentae of first trimester pregnancies. Cytokeratin immunostaining identified trophoblast cells. Both normal and tubal implantation sites were studied. We observed a high degree of coexpression of MT2-MMP, MT1-MMP and MMP-2 mRNAs in single extravillous cytotrophoblasts that had invaded the endometrium and tubal wall. Furthermore, mRNAs for all three genes were also seen in cytotrophoblasts of cell islands. In contrast to this coexpression pattern, MT2-MMP expression was absent from cell columns and decidual cells, in which signals for MT1-MMP and MMP-2 mRNAs were seen. The present data on the cellular expression of MT2-MMP mRNA in placenta extend our knowledge of the proteolytic events that take place during early pregnancy. The data suggest that MT2-MMP, capable of activating MMP-2 in vitro, is involved in the invasion of extravillous cytotrophoblast, possibly related to the physiological activation of MMP-2.

Enzyme Activation↗

Matrix metalloproteinases 2, 9, and 13, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in experimental lung silicosis.

Exposure to silica induces granulomatous lung inflammation evolving to fibrosis through yet unclear pathogenic mechanisms. We examined the expression of extracellular matrix remodeling molecules: collagenase 3, gelatinases A and B, and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in experimental lung silicosis. Rats were instilled with 50 mg of silica and sacrificed after 15 and 60 d. At 60 d a significant increase in lung collagen content was found (170.2 +/- 34.4 versus 88.2 +/- 20.8 microgram/mg in controls, p = 0.01). Gelatin zymography of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 15 and 60 d revealed bands of progelatinase A and progelatinase B, and lung tissue zymograms showed in addition, the active gelatinase A form at 15 d. By in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, early silicotic granulomas exhibited intense staining for all matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and TIMPs assayed. Labeling was restricted inside granulomas and surrounding areas. Late silicotic granulomas at 60 d showed lower MMP expression than did early lesions, and in highly fibrotic nodules scarce signal was usually found. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 showed a moderate reduction in 60-d silicotic nodules. These findings suggest that an imbalance in the expression of MMPs and TIMPs may be implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling and basement membrane disruption during experimental lung silicosis.

Animals↗