Limited processing of pro-matrix metalloprotease-2 (gelatinase A) overexpressed by transfection in PC-3 human prostate tumor cells: association with restricted cell surface localization of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1

The Role of the Metzincin Superfamily in Prostate Cancer Progression: A Systematic-Like Review

Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity in men. Potentially important regulators of prostate cancer progression are members of the metzincin superfamily of proteases, principally through their regulation of the extracellular matrix. It is therefore timely to review the role of the metzincin superfamily in prostate cancer and its progression to better understand their involvement in this disease. A systematic-like search strategy was conducted. Articles that investigated the roles of members of the metzincin superfamily and their key regulators in prostate cancer were included. The extracted articles were synthesized and data presented in tabular and narrative forms. Two hundred and five studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 138 investigated the role of the Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) subgroup, 34 the Membrane-Tethered Matrix Metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) subgroup, 22 the A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM) subgroup, 8 the A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTS) subgroup and 53 the Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases (TIMP) family of regulators, noting that several studies investigated multiple family members. There was clear evidence that specific members of the metzincin superfamily are involved in prostate cancer progression, which can be either in a positive or negative manner. However, further understanding of their mechanisms of action and how they may be used as prognostic indicators or molecular targets is required.

Expression of MMP-1, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in prostate carcinoma and their influence on prognosis and survival

PURPOSE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) participate in tumorigenesis, and their association with disease outcome is highly controversial. The present study investigates the influence of MMP-1, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 on different clinicopathologic variables and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with prostate carcinoma.

METHODS

Hundred and forty-five cases are included in the study, and levels of MMP/TIMP expressions are assessed in three tissue compartments (i.e., tumor, stroma and normal glands) with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in tumor cells was associated with lower Gleason scores, pretreatment prostate-specific antigen levels and lower incidence of vascular, perineural and extracapsular invasions. Moreover, MMP-9 positivity and TIMP-2 expression in normal glands were correlated with lower Gleason patterns and early stage at presentation. Expression of MMP in tumor cells and the presence of TIMP-2 in normal glands were associated with better DFS.

CONCLUSION

Variability of MMP/TIMP expressions from case to case makes it difficult to evaluate their impact on clinical outcome. However, these proteins might be new and promising targets for prostate cancer therapy in the future.

Posttranslational regulation of membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) in mouse PTEN null prostate cancer cells: Enhanced surface expression and differential O-glycosylation of MT1-MMP

Membrane type 1 (MT1)-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a membrane-tethered MMP that has been shown to play a key role in promoting cancer cell invasion. MT1-MMP is highly expressed in bone metastasis of prostate cancer (PC) patients and promotes intraosseous tumor growth of PC cells in mice. The majority of metastatic prostate cancers harbor loss-of-function mutations or deletions of the tumor suppressor PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten). However, the role of PTEN inactivation in MT1-MMP expression in PC cells has not been examined. In this study, prostate epithelial cell lines derived from mice that are either heterozygous (PTEN(+/-)) or homozygous (PTEN(-/-)) for PTEN deletion or harboring a wild-type PTEN (PTEN(+/+)) were used to investigate the expression of MT1-MMP. We found that biallelic loss of PTEN is associated with posttranslational regulation of MT1-MMP protein in mouse PC cells. PTEN(-/-) PC cells display higher levels of MT1-MMP at the cell surface when compared to PTEN(+/+) and PTEN(+/-) cells and consequently exhibited enhanced migratory and collagen-invasive activities. MT1-MMP displayed by PTEN(-/-) cells is differentially O-glycosylated and exhibits a slow rate of turnover. MT1-MMP expression in PTEN(-/-) cells is under control of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, as determined using pharmacological inhibitors. Interestingly, rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, upregulates MT1-MMP expression in PTEN(+/+) cells via PI3K activity. Collectively, these data in a mouse prostate cell system uncover for the first time a novel and complex relationship between PTEN loss-mediated PI3K/AKT activation and posttranslational regulation of MT1-MMP, which may play a role in PC progression.

Concomitant reduction of matrix metalloproteinase-2 secretion and intracellular reactive oxygen species following anti-sense inhibition of telomerase activity in PC-3 prostate carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

The level of activity of the telomerase has been shown to correlate with the degree of invasiveness in several tumor types. In addition, cellular redox state is believed to regulate the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2).

AIMS

To determine the effect of anti-sense telomerase treatment of prostate cancer cells on MMP-2 activity, and the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (two effectors of cellular redox state).

METHODS

Anti-sense oligonucleotide against RNA component of human telomerase (hTR) was introduced into the cells using Fugene-6 transfection reagent. The activity of telomerase was assessed using Telomere Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP assay). Activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was determined by zymography. Levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide metabolites were measured by dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining and Griess reagent, respectively. The level of apoptosis was determined using TUNEL assay.

RESULTS

TRAP assay showed more than 90% inhibition of telomerase activity after 72 h of transfection. Pro-MMP-2 activity was decreased down to 50% of the control levels. Intracellular reactive oxygen species were also significantly decreased. Neither apoptosis rate nor the level of nitric oxide metabolites was significantly different between anti-sense treated and control cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant reduction of the pro-MMP-2 secretion and ROS in PC-3 cells following hTR inhibition suggests that over-activity of telomerase in cancer cells might increase the level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and thus, be directly involved in the invasion process through enhancement of intracellular oxidative stress.