Matrix metalloproteinase-9 controls proliferation of NG2+ progenitor cells immediately after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol. 2011;231:236-246. [PMID: 21756907 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.06.015]

Sexual dimorphism of early transcriptional reprogramming in degenerating peripheral nerves

Sexual dimorphism is a powerful yet understudied factor that influences the timing and efficiency of gene regulation in axonal injury and repair processes in the peripheral nervous system. Here, we identified common and distinct biological processes in female and male degenerating (distal) nerve stumps based on a snapshot of transcriptional reprogramming 24 h after axotomy reflecting the onset of early phase Wallerian degeneration (WD). Females exhibited transcriptional downregulation of a larger number of genes than males. RhoGDI, ERBB, and ERK5 signaling pathways increased activity in both sexes. Males upregulated genes and canonical pathways that exhibited robust baseline expression in females in both axotomized and sham nerves, including signaling pathways controlled by neuregulin and nerve growth factors. Cholesterol biosynthesis, reelin signaling, and synaptogenesis signaling pathways were downregulated in females. Signaling by Rho Family GTPases, cAMP-mediated signaling, and sulfated glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis were downregulated in both sexes. Estrogens potentially influenced sex-dependent injury response due to distinct regulation of estrogen receptor expression. A crosstalk of cytokines and growth hormones could promote sexually dimorphic transcriptional responses. We highlighted prospective regulatory activities due to protein phosphorylation, extracellular proteolysis, sex chromosome-specific expression, major urinary proteins (MUPs), and genes involved in thyroid hormone metabolism. Combined with our earlier findings in the corresponding dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and regenerating (proximal) nerve stumps, sex-specific and universal early phase molecular triggers of WD enrich our knowledge of transcriptional regulation in peripheral nerve injury and repair.

Proteolysis: a key post-translational modification regulating proteoglycans

Proteoglycans are composite molecules comprising a protein backbone, i.e., the core protein, with covalently attached glycosaminoglycan chains of distinct chemical types. Most proteoglycans are secreted or attached to the cell membrane. Their specialized structures, binding properties, and biophysical attributes underlie diverse biological roles, which include modulation of tissue mechanics, cell adhesion, and the sequestration and regulated release of morphogens, growth factors, and cytokines. As an irreversible post-translational modification, proteolysis has a profound impact on proteoglycan function, abundance, and localization. Proteolysis is required for molecular maturation of some proteoglycans, clearance of extracellular matrix proteoglycans during tissue remodeling, generation of bioactive fragments from proteoglycans, and ectodomain shedding of cell-surface proteoglycans. Genetic evidence shows that proteoglycan core protein proteolysis is essential for diverse morphogenetic events during embryonic development. In contrast, dysregulated proteoglycan proteolysis contributes to osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and inflammation. Proteolytic fragments of perlecan, versican, aggrecan, brevican, collagen XVIII, and other proteoglycans are associated with independent biological activities as so-called matrikines. Yet, proteoglycan proteolysis has been investigated to only a limited extent to date. Here, we review the actions of proteases on proteoglycans and illustrate their functional impact with several examples. We discuss the applications and limitations of strategies used to define cleavage sites in proteoglycans and explain how proteoglycanome-wide proteolytic mapping, which is desirable to fully understand the impact of proteolysis on proteoglycans, can be facilitated by integrating classical proteoglycan isolation methods with mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

Neural Stem Cells: Promoting Axonal Regeneration and Spinal Cord Connectivity

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to irreversible functional impairment caused by neuronal loss and the disruption of neuronal connections across the injury site. While several experimental strategies have been used to minimize tissue damage and to enhance axonal growth and regeneration, the corticospinal projection, which is the most important voluntary motor system in humans, remains largely refractory to regenerative therapeutic interventions. To date, one of the most promising pre-clinical therapeutic strategies has been neural stem cell (NSC) therapy for SCI. Over the last decade we have found that host axons regenerate into spinal NSC grafts placed into sites of SCI. These regenerating axons form synapses with the graft, and the graft in turn extends very large numbers of new axons from the injury site over long distances into the distal spinal cord. Here we discuss the pathophysiology of SCI that makes the spinal cord refractory to spontaneous regeneration, the most recent findings of neural stem cell therapy for SCI, how it has impacted motor systems including the corticospinal tract and the implications for sensory feedback.

Neutrophil, Extracellular Matrix Components, and Their Interlinked Action in Promoting Secondary Pathogenesis After Spinal Cord Injury

Secondary pathogenesis following primary mechanical damage to the spinal cord is believed to be the ultimate reason for the limitation of currently available therapies. Precisely, the complex cascade of secondary events-mediated scar formation is the sole hurdle in the recovery process due to its inhibitory effect on axonal regeneration, plasticity, and remyelination. Neutrophils initiate this secondary injury along with other extracellular matrix components such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). Together, they mediate inflammation, necrosis, apoptosis, lesion, and scar formation at the injury site. Activated neutrophil releases several proteases, cytokines, and chemokines that cause complete tissue destruction. Thus, neutrophil activation and infiltration in the acute phase of injury act as a roadmap for inducing tissue destruction. MMPs, are extracellular proteolytic enzymes that degrade the ECM proteins, increases vascular permeability, and are predominantly released by neutrophils. These MMPs, in turn, cleave NG2 proteoglycan, a subtype of CSPG, into the active form. This active or shed form is involved in both the fibrotic as well as glial scar formation. Since neutrophils and ECM components are closely associated with each other in pathological conditions. Herein, we emphasize the interaction of neutrophils and their influence on ECM protein expression during the acute and chronic phases to identify a promising targets for designing a therapeutic approach in spinal cord injury.

Extracellular Matrix in Neural Plasticity and Regeneration

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a fundamental component of biological tissues. The ECM in the central nervous system (CNS) is unique in both composition and function. Functions such as learning, memory, synaptogenesis, and plasticity are regulated by numerous ECM molecules. The neural ECM acts as a non-specific physical barrier that modulates neuronal plasticity and axon regeneration. There are two specialized types of ECM in the CNS, diffuse perisynaptic ECM and condensed ECM, which selectively surround the perikaryon and initial part of dendritic trees in subtypes of neurons, forming perineuronal nets. This review presents the current knowledge about the role of important neuronal ECM molecules in maintaining the basic functions of a neuron, including electrogenesis and the ability to form neural circuits. The review mainly focuses on the role of ECM components that participate in the control of key events such as cell survival, axonal growth, and synaptic remodeling. Particular attention is drawn to the numerous molecular partners of the main ECM components. These regulatory molecules are integrated into the cell membrane or disposed into the matrix itself in solid or soluble form. The interaction of the main matrix components with molecular partners seems essential in molecular mechanisms controlling neuronal functions. Special attention is paid to the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4, type 1 transmembrane protein, neural-glial antigen 2 (NG2/CSPG4), whose cleaved extracellular domain is such a molecular partner that it not only acts directly on neural and vascular cells, but also exerts its influence indirectly by binding to resident ECM molecules.

Matrix metalloproteinases shape the oligodendrocyte (niche) during development and upon demyelination

The oligodendrocyte lineage cell is crucial to proper brain function. During central nervous system development, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) migrate and proliferate to populate the entire brain and spinal cord, and subsequently differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes that wrap neuronal axons in an insulating myelin layer. When damage occurs to the myelin sheath, OPCs are activated and recruited to the demyelinated site, where they differentiate into oligodendrocytes that remyelinate the denuded axons. The process of OPC attraction and differentiation is influenced by a multitude of factors from the cell's niche. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are powerful and versatile enzymes that do not only degrade extracellular matrix proteins, but also cleave cell surface receptors, growth factors, signaling molecules, proteases and other precursor proteins, leading to their activation or degradation. MMPs are markedly upregulated during brain development and upon demyelinating injury, where their broad functions influence the behavior of neural progenitor cells (NPCs), OPCs and oligodendrocytes. In this review, we focus on the role of MMPs in (re)myelination. We will start out in the developing brain with describing the effects of MMPs on NPCs, OPCs and eventually oligodendrocytes. Then, we will outline their functions in oligodendrocyte process extension and developmental myelination. Finally, we will review their potential role in demyelination, describe their significance in remyelination and discuss the evidence for a role of MMPs in remyelination failure, focusing on multiple sclerosis. In conclusion, MMPs shape the oligodendrocyte (niche) both during development and upon demyelination, and thus are important players in directing the fate and behavior of oligodendrocyte lineage cells throughout their life cycle.

Perspectives and New Aspects of Metalloproteinases' Inhibitors in the Therapy of CNS Disorders: From Chemistry to Medicine

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and, at the same time, influence cell differentiation, migration, proliferation, and survival. Their importance in a variety of human diseases including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary emphysema and fibrotic disorders has been known for many years but special attention should be paid on the role of MMPs in the central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Till now, there are not many well documented physiological MMP target proteins in the brain but only some pathological ones. Numerous neurodegenerative diseases are a consequence of or result in disturbed remodeling of brain ECM, therefore proper action of MMPs as well as control of their activity may play crucial roles in the development of these diseases. In the present review, we discuss the role of metalloproteinase inhibitors, from the wellknown natural endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) to the exogenous synthetic ones like (4-phenoxyphenylsulfonyl)methylthiirane (SB-3CT), tetracyclines, batimastat (BB-94) and FN-439. As the MMP-TIMP system has been well described in physiological development as well as in pathological conditions mainly in neoplastic diseases, the knowledge about the enzymatic system in mammalian brain tissue still remains poorly understood in this context. Therefore, we focus on MMPs inhibition in the context of the physiological function of the adult brain as well as pathological conditions including neurodegenerative diseases, brain injuries, and others.

Impact of neonatal hypoxia-ischaemia on oligodendrocyte survival, maturation and myelinating potential

Hypoxic-ischaemic episodes experienced at the perinatal period commonly lead to a development of neurological disabilities and cognitive impairments in neonates or later in childhood. Clinical symptoms often are associated with the observed alterations in white matter in the brains of diseased children, suggesting contribution of triggered oligodendrocyte/myelin pathology to the resulting disorders. To date, the processes initiated by perinatal asphyxia remain unclear, hampering the ability to develop preventions. To address the issue, the effects of temporal hypoxia-ischaemia on survival, proliferation and the myelinating potential of oligodendrocytes were evaluated ex vivo using cultures of hippocampal organotypic slices and in vivo in rat model of perinatal asphyxia. The potential engagement of gelatinases in oligodendrocyte maturation was assessed as well. The results pointed to a significant decrease in the number of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), which is compensated for to a certain extent by the increased rate of OPC proliferation. Oligodendrocyte maturation seemed however to be significantly altered. An ultrastructural examination of selected brain regions performed several weeks after the insult showed however that the process of developing central nervous system myelination proceeds efficiently resulting in enwrapping the majority of axons in compact myelin. The increased angiogenesis in response to neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic insult was also noticed. In conclusion, the study shows that hypoxic-ischaemic episodes experienced during the most active period of nervous system development might be efficiently compensated for by the oligodendroglial cell response triggered by the insult. The main obstacle seems to be the inflammatory process modulating the local microenvironment.

Hypoxia Response Element-Regulated MMP-9 Promotes Neurological Recovery via Glial Scar Degradation and Angiogenesis in Delayed Stroke

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) plays a beneficial role in the delayed phase of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). However, the mechanism is obscure. Here, we constructed hypoxia response element (HRE)-regulated MMP-9 to explore its effect on glial scars and neurogenesis in delayed ischemic stroke. Adult male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice underwent MCAO and received a stereotactic injection of lentivirus carrying HRE-MMP-9 or normal saline (NS)/lentivirus-GFP 7 days after ischemia. We found that HRE-MMP-9 improved neurological outcomes, reduced ischemia-induced brain atrophy, and degraded glial scars (p < 0.05). Furthermore, HRE-MMP-9 increased the number of microvessels in the peri-infarct area (p < 0.001), which may have been due to the accumulation of endogenous endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the peri-infarct area after glial scar degradation. Finally, HRE-MMP-9 increased the number of bromodeoxyuridine-positive (BrdU⁺)/NeuN⁺ cells and the expression of PSD-95 in the peri-infarct area (p < 0.01). These changes could be blocked by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) inhibitor SU5416 and MMP-9 inhibitor 2-[[(4-phenoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]methyl]-thiirane (SB-3CT). Our results provided a novel mechanism by which glial scar degradation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGFR2-dependent angiogenesis may be key procedures for neurological recovery in delayed ischemic stroke after HRE-MMP-9 treatment. Therefore, HRE-MMP-9 overexpression in the delayed ischemic brain is a promising approach for neurological recovery.

Deletion of the Fractalkine Receptor, CX3CR1, Improves Endogenous Repair, Axon Sprouting, and Synaptogenesis after Spinal Cord Injury in Mice

Impaired signaling via CX3CR1, the fractalkine receptor, promotes recovery after traumatic spinal contusion injury in mice, a benefit achieved in part by reducing macrophage-mediated injury at the lesion epicenter. Here, we tested the hypothesis that CX3CR1-dependent changes in microglia and macrophage functions also will enhance neuroplasticity, at and several segments below the injury epicenter. New data show that in the presence of inflammatory stimuli, CX3CR1-deficient (CX3CR1^-/-) microglia and macrophages adopt a reparative phenotype and increase expression of genes that encode neurotrophic and gliogenic proteins. At the lesion epicenter (mid-thoracic spinal cord), the microenvironment created by CX3CR1^-/- microglia/macrophages enhances NG2 cell responses, axon sparing, and sprouting of serotonergic axons. In lumbar spinal cord, inflammatory signaling is reduced in CX3CR1^-/- microglia. This is associated with reduced dendritic pathology and improved axonal and synaptic plasticity on ventral horn motor neurons. Together, these data indicate that CX3CR1, a microglia-specific chemokine receptor, is a novel therapeutic target for enhancing neuroplasticity and recovery after SCI. Interventions that specifically target CX3CR1 could reduce the adverse effects of inflammation and augment activity-dependent plasticity and restoration of function. Indeed, limiting CX3CR1-dependent signaling could improve rehabilitation and spinal learning.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Published data show that genetic deletion of CX3CR1, a microglia-specific chemokine receptor, promotes recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury in mice, a benefit achieved in part by reducing macrophage-mediated injury at the lesion epicenter. Data in the current manuscript indicate that CX3CR1 deletion changes microglia and macrophage function, creating a tissue microenvironment that enhances endogenous repair and indices of neuroplasticity, at and several segments below the injury epicenter. Interventions that specifically target CX3CR1 might be used in the future to reduce the adverse effects of intraspinal inflammation and augment activity-dependent plasticity (e.g., rehabilitation) and restoration of function.

Reciprocal relationship between membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase and the algesic peptides of myelin basic protein contributes to chronic neuropathic pain

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is an auto-antigen able to induce intractable pain from innocuous mechanical stimulation (mechanical allodynia). The mechanisms provoking this algesic MBP activity remain obscure. Our present study demonstrates that membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP/MMP-14) releases the algesic MBP peptides from the damaged myelin, which then reciprocally enhance the expression of MT1-MMP in nerve to sustain a state of allodynia. Specifically, MT1-MMP expression and activity in rat sciatic nerve gradually increased starting at day 3 after chronic constriction injury (CCI). Inhibition of the MT1-MMP activity by intraneural injection of the function-blocking human DX2400 monoclonal antibody at day 3 post-CCI reduced mechanical allodynia and neuropathological signs of Wallerian degeneration, including axon demyelination, degeneration, edema and formation of myelin ovoids. Consistent with its role in allodynia, the MT1-MMP proteolysis of MBP generated the MBP69-86-containing epitope sequences in vitro. In agreement, the DX2400 therapy reduced the release of the MBP69-86 epitope in CCI nerve. Finally, intraneural injection of the algesic MBP69-86 and control MBP2-18 peptides differentially induced MT1-MMP and MMP-2 expression in the nerve. With these data we offer a novel, self-sustaining mechanism of persistent allodynia via the positive feedback loop between MT1-MMP and the algesic MBP peptides. Accordingly, short-term inhibition of MT1-MMP activity presents a feasible pharmacological approach to intervene in this molecular circuit and the development of neuropathic pain.

Repetitive magnetic stimulation affects the microenvironment of nerve regeneration and evoked potentials after spinal cord injury

Repetitive magnetic stimulation has been shown to alter local blood flow of the brain, excite the corticospinal tract and muscle, and induce motor function recovery. We established a rat model of acute spinal cord injury using the modified Allen's method. After 4 hours of injury, rat models received repetitive magnetic stimulation, with a stimulus intensity of 35% maximum output intensity, 5-Hz frequency, 5 seconds for each sequence, and an interval of 2 minutes. This was repeated for a total of 10 sequences, once a day, 5 days in a week, for 2 consecutive weeks. After repetitive magnetic stimulation, the number of apoptotic cells decreased, matrix metalloproteinase 9/2 gene and protein expression decreased, nestin expression increased, somatosensory and motor-evoked potentials recovered, and motor function recovered in the injured spinal cord. These findings confirm that repetitive magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord improved the microenvironment of neural regeneration, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and induced neuroprotective and repair effects on the injured spinal cord.

Spinal Glia Division Contributes to Conditioning Lesion-Induced Axon Regeneration Into the Injured Spinal Cord: Potential Role of Cyclic AMP-Induced Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1

Regeneration of sensory neurons after spinal cord injury depends on the function of dividing neuronal-glial antigen 2 (NG2)-expressing cells. We have shown that increases in the number of dividing NG2-positive cells through short-term pharmacologic inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases contributes to recovery after spinal cord injury. A conditioning sciatic nerve crush (SNC) preceding spinal cord injury stimulates central sensory axon regeneration via the intraganglionic action of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Here, using bromodeoxyuridine, mitomycin (mitosis inhibitor), and cholera toxin B tracer, we demonstrate that SNC-induced division of spinal glia is related to the spinal induction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and contributes to central sensory axon growth into the damaged spinal cord. Dividing cells were mainly NG2-positive and Iba1-positive and included myeloid NG2-positive populations. The cells dividing in response to SNC mainly matured into oligodendrocytes and microglia within the injured spinal cord. Some postmitotic cells remained NG2-reactive and were associated with regenerating fibers. Moreover, intraganglionic tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression was induced after administration of SNC or cyclic adenosine monophosphate analog (dbcAMP) to dorsal root ganglia in vivo and in primary adult dorsal root ganglia cultures. Collectively, these findings support a novel model whereby a cyclic adenosine monophosphate-activated regeneration program induced in sensory neurons by a conditioning peripheral nerve lesion uses tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 to protect against short-term proteolysis, enabling glial cell division and promoting axon growth into the damaged CNS.

Neuron-glial antigen 2 overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma predicts poor prognosis

AIM: To investigate whether neuron-glial antigen 2 (NG2) could be an effective prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS: NG2 expression was semi-quantitatively scored from the immunohistochemistry (IHC) data based on the number of positive cells and the staining intensity. A total of 132 HCC specimens and 96 adjacent noncancerous tissue samples were analyzed by IHC for NG2 protein expression. To confirm the NG2 expression levels observed by IHC, we measured NG2 expression in 30 randomly selected tumor and adjacent noncancerous tissue samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The correlations between NG2 protein expression and the clinicopathological features of HCC patients were analyzed using the χ² test. To assess the prognostic value of NG2 for HCC, the association between NG2 expression and survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test. To further evaluate the prognostic value of NG2 expression, a Cox multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis was performed with all the variables to derive risk estimates related to disease-free and overall survival and to control for confounders.

RESULTS: High NG2 expression was observed in significantly more primary tumor samples (63.6%; 84/132) compared with the adjacent noncancerous tissue samples (28.1%; 27/96) (P < 0.0001). Moreover, high NG2 protein expression was closely associated with tumor differentiation (χ² = 9.436, P = 0.0089), recurrence (χ² = 5.769, P = 0.0163), tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (χ² = 8.976, P = 0.0027), and invasion (χ² = 5.476, P = 0.0193). However, no significant relationship was observed between NG2 protein expression in HCC and other parameters, such as age, sex, tumor size, serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP), tumor number, or tumor capsule. The log-rank test indicated a significant difference in the overall survival of HCC patients with high NG2 expression compared with those with low NG2 expression (29.2% vs 9.5%, P < 0.001). Moreover, NG2 expression in HCC tissue significantly correlated with disease-free survival (15.2% vs 6.7%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that NG2 expression (HR = 2.035, P = 0.002), serum AFP (HR = 1.903, P = 0.003), TNM stage (HR = 2.039, P = 0.001), and portal vein invasion (HR = 1.938, P = 0.002) were independent prognostic indicators for OS in HCC patients. Furthermore, NG2 expression (HR = 1.974, P = 0.003), serum AFP (HR = 1.767, P = 0.008), TNM stage (HR = 2.078, P = 0.001), tumor capsule (HR = 0.652, P = 0.045), and portal vein invasion (HR = 1.941, P = 0.002) were independent prognostic indicators for DFS in HCC patients.

CONCLUSION: The up-regulation of NG2 is associated with poor prognosis in HCC. Therefore, NG2 could be useful as an additional prognostic marker to increase the resolution of traditional approaches.

Hypoxia-controlled matrix metalloproteinase-9 hyperexpression promotes behavioral recovery after ischemia

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays a beneficial role in the sub-acute phase after ischemic stroke. However, unrestrained MMP-9 may disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which has limited its use for the treatment of brain ischemia. In the present study, we constructed lentivirus mediated hypoxia-controlled MMP-9 expression and explored its role after stroke. Hypoxia response element (HRE) was used to confine MMP-9 expression only to the hypoxic region of mouse brain after 120-min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Lentiviruses were injected into the peri-infarct area on day 7 after transient ischemia. We found hyperexpression of exogenous HRE-MMP-9 under the control of hypoxia, and its expression was mainly located in neurons and astrocytes without aggravation of BBB damage compared to the CMV group. Furthermore, mice in the HRE-MMP-9 group showed the best behavioral recovery compared with the normal saline, GFP, and SB-3CT groups. Therefore, hypoxia-controlled MMP-9 hyperexpression during the sub-acute phase of ischemia may provide a novel promising approach of gene therapy for stroke.

Spinal cord regeneration

Three theories of regeneration dominate neuroscience today, all purporting to explain why the adult central nervous system (CNS) cannot regenerate. One theory proposes that Nogo, a molecule expressed by myelin, prevents axonal growth. The second theory emphasizes the role of glial scars. The third theory proposes that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) prevent axon growth. Blockade of Nogo, CSPG, and their receptors indeed can stop axon growth in vitro and improve functional recovery in animal spinal cord injury (SCI) models. These therapies also increase sprouting of surviving axons and plasticity. However, many investigators have reported regenerating spinal tracts without eliminating Nogo, glial scar, or CSPG. For example, many motor and sensory axons grow spontaneously in contused spinal cords, crossing gliotic tissue and white matter surrounding the injury site. Sensory axons grow long distances in injured dorsal columns after peripheral nerve lesions. Cell transplants and treatments that increase cAMP and neurotrophins stimulate motor and sensory axons to cross glial scars and to grow long distances in white matter. Genetic studies deleting all members of the Nogo family and even the Nogo receptor do not always improve regeneration in mice. A recent study reported that suppressing the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene promotes prolific corticospinal tract regeneration. These findings cannot be explained by the current theories proposing that Nogo and glial scars prevent regeneration. Spinal axons clearly can and will grow through glial scars and Nogo-expressing tissue under some circumstances. The observation that deleting PTEN allows corticospinal tract regeneration indicates that the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway regulates axonal growth. Finally, many other factors stimulate spinal axonal growth, including conditioning lesions, cAMP, glycogen synthetase kinase inhibition, and neurotrophins. To explain these disparate regenerative phenomena, I propose that the spinal cord has evolved regenerative mechanisms that are normally suppressed by multiple extrinsic and intrinsic factors but can be activated by injury, mediated by the PTEN/AKT/mTOR, cAMP, and GSK3b pathways, to stimulate neural growth and proliferation.

Involvement of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in amyloid-β 1-42-induced shedding of the pericyte proteoglycan NG2

Supplemental digital content is available in the text.

Deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) 1–42, the major component of senile plaques characteristic of Alzheimer disease, affects brain microvascular integrity and causes blood-brain barrier dysfunction, increased angiogenesis, and pericyte degeneration. To understand the cellular events underlying Aβ1–42 effects on microvascular alterations, we investigated whether different aggregation forms of Aβ1–42 affect shedding of the pericyte proteoglycan NG2 and whether they affect proteolytic cleavage mediated by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. We found decreased levels of soluble NG2, total MMP-9, and MMP-9 activity in pericyte culture supernatants in response to fibril-enriched preparations of Aβ1–42. Conversely, oligomer-enriched preparations of Aβ1–42 increased soluble NG2 levels in the supernatants. This increase was ablated by the MMP-9/MMP-2 inhibitor SB-3CT. There was also a trend toward increased MMP-9 activity observed after oligomeric Aβ1–42 exposure. Our results, demonstrating an Aβ1–42 aggregation-dependent effect on levels of NG2 and MMP-9, support previous studies showing an impact of Aβ1–42 on vascular integrity and thereby add to our understanding of mechanisms behind the microvascular changes commonly found in patients with Alzheimer disease.

Elevated MMP-9 in the lumbar cord early after thoracic spinal cord injury impedes motor relearning in mice

Spinal cord injury results in distant pathology around putative locomotor networks that may jeopardize the recovery of locomotion. We previously showed that activated microglia and increased cytokine expression extend at least 10 segments below the injury to influence sensory function. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a potent regulator of acute neuroinflammation. Whether MMP-9 is produced remote to the injury or influences locomotor plasticity remains unexamined. Therefore, we characterized the lumbar enlargement after a T9 spinal cord injury in C57BL/6 (wild-type [WT]) and MMP-9-null (knock-out [KO]) mice. Within 24 h, resident microglia displayed an activated phenotype alongside increased expression of progelatinase MMP-3 in WT mice. By 7 d, increases in active MMP-9 around lumbar vasculature and production of proinflammatory TNF-α were evident. Deletion of MMP-9 attenuated remote microglial activation and restored TNF-α expression to homeostatic levels. To determine whether MMP-9 impedes locomotor plasticity, we delivered lumbar-focused treadmill training in WT and KO mice during early (2-9 d) or late (35-42 d) phases of recovery. Robust behavioral improvements were observed by 7 d, when only trained KO mice stepped in the open field. Locomotor improvements were retained for 4 weeks as identified using state of the art mouse kinematics. Neither training nor MMP-9 depletion alone promoted recovery. The same intervention delivered late was ineffective, suggesting that lesion site sparing is insufficient to facilitate activity-based training and recovery. Our work suggests that by attenuating remote mechanisms of inflammation, acute treadmill training can harness endogenous spinal plasticity to promote robust recovery.

Selective inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 attenuates secondary damage resulting from severe traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and long-term disability. Following the initial insult, severe TBI progresses to a secondary injury phase associated with biochemical and cellular changes. The secondary injury is thought to be responsible for the development of many of the neurological deficits observed after TBI and also provides a window of opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9 or gelatinase B) expression is elevated in neurological diseases and its activation is an important factor in detrimental outcomes including excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, and increases in inflammatory responses and astrogliosis. In this study, we used an experimental mouse model of TBI to examine the role of MMP-9 and the therapeutic potential of SB-3CT, a mechanism-based gelatinase selective inhibitor, in ameliorating the secondary injury. We observed that activation of MMP-9 occurred within one day following TBI, and remained elevated for 7 days after the initial insult. SB-3CT effectively attenuated MMP-9 activity, reduced brain lesion volumes and prevented neuronal loss and dendritic degeneration. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that SB-3CT and its active metabolite, p-OH SB-3CT, were rapidly absorbed and distributed to the brain. Moreover, SB-3CT treatment mitigated microglial activation and astrogliosis after TBI. Importantly, SB-3CT treatment improved long-term neurobehavioral outcomes, including sensorimotor function, and hippocampus-associated spatial learning and memory. These results demonstrate that MMP-9 is a key target for therapy to attenuate secondary injury cascades and that this class of mechanism-based gelatinase inhibitor–with such desirable pharmacokinetic properties–holds considerable promise as a potential pharmacological treatment of TBI.

Permissive Schwann cell graft/spinal cord interfaces for axon regeneration

The transplantation of autologous Schwann cells (SCs) to repair the injured spinal cord is currently being evaluated in a clinical trial. In support, this study determined properties of spinal cord/SC bridge interfaces that enabled regenerated brainstem axons to cross them, possibly leading to improvement in rat hindlimb movement. Fluid bridges of SCs and Matrigel were placed in complete spinal cord transections. Compared to pregelled bridges of SCs and Matrigel, they improved regeneration of brainstem axons across the rostral interface. The regenerating brainstem axons formed synaptophysin(+) bouton-like terminals and contacted MAP2A(+) dendrites at the caudal interface. Brainstem axon regeneration was directly associated with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP(+)) astrocyte processes that elongated into the SC bridge. Electron microscopy revealed that axons, SCs, and astrocytes were enclosed together within tunnels bounded by a continuous basal lamina. Neuroglycan (NG2) expression was associated with these tunnels. One week after injury, the GFAP(+) processes coexpressed nestin and brain lipid-binding protein, and the tips of GFAP(+)/NG2(+) processes extended into the bridges together with the regenerating brainstem axons. Both brainstem axon regeneration and number of GFAP(+) processes in the bridges correlated with improvement in hindlimb locomotion. Following SCI, astrocytes may enter a reactive state that prohibits axon regeneration. Elongation of astrocyte processes into SC bridges, however, and formation of NG2(+) tunnels enable brainstem axon regeneration and improvement in function. It is important for spinal cord repair to define conditions that favor elongation of astrocytes into lesions/transplants.

Endoneurial fibroblast-like cells

Endoneurial fibroblast-like cells (EFLCs) have been described for more than 60 years, but the embryology, functions, and pathology of these cells are not well defined. Several hypotheses of their origin have been proposed. A previous study suggesting that they were of neural crest origin is supported by our data in humans. This lineage might account for EFLCs having multiple biologic functions and involvement in pathological processes. Here, we review what is known about the origin; functions in collagen synthesis, phagocytosis, inflammatory responses, and immune surveillance; and the pathological alterations of EFLCs based on the literature and on our personal observations.

Immunodominant fragments of myelin basic protein initiate T cell-dependent pain

Background

The myelin sheath provides electrical insulation of mechanosensory Aβ-afferent fibers. Myelin-degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) damage the myelin sheath. The resulting electrical instability of Aβ-fibers is believed to activate the nociceptive circuitry in Aβ-fibers and initiate pain from innocuous tactile stimulation (mechanical allodynia). The precise molecular mechanisms, responsible for the development of this neuropathic pain state after nerve injury (for example, chronic constriction injury, CCI), are not well understood.

Methods and results

Using mass spectrometry of the whole sciatic nerve proteome followed by bioinformatics analyses, we determined that the pathways, which are classified as the Infectious Disease and T-helper cell signaling, are readily activated in the nerves post-CCI. Inhibition of MMP-9/MMP-2 suppressed CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and concomitant TNF-α and IL-17A expression in nerves. MMP-9 proteolysis of myelin basic protein (MBP) generated the MBP84-104 and MBP68-86 digest peptides, which are prominent immunogenic epitopes. In agreement, the endogenous MBP69-86 epitope co-localized with MHCII and MMP-9 in Schwann cells and along the nodes of Ranvier. Administration of either the MBP84-104 or MBP68-86 peptides into the naïve nerve rapidly produced robust mechanical allodynia with a concomitant increase in T cells and MHCII-reactive cell populations at the injection site. As shown by the genome-wide expression profiling, a single intraneural MBP84-104 injection stimulated the inflammatory, immune cell trafficking, and antigen presentation pathways in the injected naïve nerves and the associated spinal cords. Both MBP84-104-induced mechanical allodynia and characteristic pathway activation were remarkably less prominent in the T cell-deficient athymic nude rats.

Conclusions

These data implicate MBP as a novel mediator of pain. Furthermore, the action of MMPs expressed within 1 day post-injury is critical to the generation of tactile allodynia, neuroinflammation, and the immunodominant MBP digest peptides in nerve. These MBP peptides initiate mechanical allodynia in both a T cell-dependent and -independent manner. In the course of Wallerian degeneration, the repeated exposure of the cryptic MBP epitopes, which are normally sheltered from immunosurveillance, may induce the MBP-specific T cell clones and a self-sustaining immune reaction, which may together contribute to the transition of acute pain into a chronic neuropathic pain state.

Inhibition of MMP-9 by a selective gelatinase inhibitor protects neurovasculature from embolic focal cerebral ischemia

Background

Cerebral ischemia has been shown to induce activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-9, which is associated with impairment of the neurovasculature, resulting in blood–brain barrier breakdown, hemorrhage and neurodegeneration. We previously reported that the thiirane inhibitor SB-3CT, which is selective for gelatinases (MMP-2 and −9), could antagonize neuronal apoptosis after transient focal cerebral ischemia.

Results

Here, we used a fibrin-rich clot to occlude the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and assessed the effects of SB-3CT on the neurovasculature. Results show that neurobehavioral deficits and infarct volumes induced by embolic ischemia are comparable to those induced by the filament-occluded transient MCA model. Confocal microscopy indicated embolus-blocked brain microvasculature and neuronal cell death. Post-ischemic SB-3CT treatment attenuated infarct volume, ameliorated neurobehavioral outcomes, and antagonized the increases in levels of proform and activated MMP-9. Embolic ischemia caused degradation of the neurovascular matrix component laminin and tight-junction protein ZO-1, contraction of pericytes, and loss of lectin-positive brain microvessels. Despite the presence of the embolus, SB-3CT mitigated these outcomes and reduced hemorrhagic volumes. Interestingly, SB-3CT treatment for seven days protected against neuronal laminin degradation and protected neurons from ischemic cell death.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate considerable promise for the thiirane class of selective gelatinase inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents in stroke therapy.

The MMP-9/TIMP-1 axis controls the status of differentiation and function of myelin-forming Schwann cells in nerve regeneration

Background

Myelinating Schwann cells (mSCs) form myelin in the peripheral nervous system. Because of the works by us and others, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has recently emerged as an essential component of the Schwann cell signaling network during sciatic nerve regeneration.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In the present study, using the genome-wide transcriptional profiling of normal and injured sciatic nerves in mice followed by extensive bioinformatics analyses of the data, we determined that an endogenous, specific MMP-9 inhibitor [tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1] was a top up-regulated gene in the injured nerve. MMP-9 capture followed by gelatin zymography and Western blotting of the isolated samples revealed the presence of the MMP-9/TIMP-1 heterodimers and the activated MMP-9 enzyme in the injured nerve within the first 24 h post-injury. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 co-localized in mSCs. Knockout of the MMP-9 gene in mice resulted in elevated numbers of de-differentiated/immature mSCs in the damaged nerve. Our comparative studies using MMP-9 knockout and wild-type mice documented an aberrantly enhanced proliferative activity and, accordingly, an increased number of post-mitotic Schwann cells, short internodes and additional nodal abnormalities in remyelinated nerves of MMP-9 knockout mice. These data imply that during the first days post-injury MMP-9 exhibits a functionally important anti-mitogenic activity in the wild-type mice. Pharmacological inhibition of MMP activity suppressed the expression of Na_v1.7/1.8 channels in the crushed nerves.

Conclusion/Significance

Collectively, our data established an essential role of the MMP-9/TIMP-1 axis in guiding the mSC differentiation and the molecular assembly of myelin domains in the course of the nerve repair process. Our findings of the MMP-dependent regulation of Na_v channels, which we document here for the first time, provide a basis for therapeutic intervention in sensorimotor pathologies and pain.

NG2 expression in rats with acute T10 spinal cord injury

Rat models of T₁₀ spinal cord injury were established with a clamp method. NG2 expression was detected with immunohistochemical staining and western blot. Ten days after spinal cord injury, the number of NG2-positive cells in the damaged areas and NG2 absorbance were both significantly increased. The findings indicate that acute T₁₀ spinal cord injury in rats can lead to upregulation of NG2 protein expression in damaged areas.

Protease regulation: the Yin and Yang of neural development and disease

The formation, maintenance, and plasticity of neural circuits rely upon a complex interplay between progressive and regressive events. Increasingly, new functions are being identified for axon guidance molecules in the dynamic processes that occur within the embryonic and adult nervous system. The magnitude, duration, and spatial activity of axon guidance molecule signaling are precisely regulated by a variety of molecular mechanisms. Here we focus on recent progress in understanding the role of protease-mediated cleavage of guidance factors required for directional axon growth, with a particular emphasis on the role of metalloprotease and γ-secretase. Since axon guidance molecules have also been linked to neural degeneration and regeneration in adults, studies of guidance receptor proteolysis are beginning to define new relationships between neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. These findings raise the possibility that the signaling checkpoints controlled by proteases could be useful targets to enhance regeneration.