Purification of the neutral proteoglycan-degrading metalloproteinase from human articular cartilage tissue and its identification as stromelysin matrix metalloproteinase-3

Matrix metalloproteinases in arthritis: towards precision medicine

Proteolysis of structural molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an irreversible post-translational modification in all arthropathies. Common joint disorders, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, have been associated with increased levels of matrix remodelling enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs, in concert with other host proteinases and glycanases, destroy proteoglycans, collagens and other ECM molecules. MMPs may also control joint remodelling indirectly by signalling through cell-surface receptors or by proteolysis of cytokines and receptor molecules. After synthesis as pro-forms, MMPs can be activated by various types of post-translational modifications, including proteolysis. Once activated, MMPs are controlled by general and specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In rheumatoid arthritis, proteolysis of the ECM results in so-called remnant epitopes that enhance and perpetuate autoimmune processes in susceptible hosts. In osteoarthritis, the considerable production of MMP-13 by chondrocytes, often concurrent with mechanical overload, is a key event. Hence, information about the regulation, timing, localization and activities of MMPs in specific disease phases and arthritic entities will help to develop better diagnostics. Insights into beneficial and detrimental effects of MMPs on joint tissue inflammation are also necessary to plan and execute (pre)clinical studies for better therapy and precision medicine with MMP inhibitors. With the advances in proteomics and single-cell transcriptomics, two critical points need attention: neglected neutrophil MMP biology, and the analysis of net proteolytic activities as the result of balances between MMPs and their inhibitors.

Targeting Dysregulation of Metalloproteinase Activity in Osteoarthritis

Metalloproteinases were first identified as collagen cleaving enzymes and are now appreciated to play important roles in a wide variety of biological processes. The aberrant activity and dysregulation of the metalloproteinase family are linked to numerous diseases including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, chronic wounds, cancer, fibrosis and arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent age-related joint disorder that causes pain and disability, but there are no disease-modifying drugs available. The hallmark of OA is loss of articular cartilage and elevated activities of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases are responsible. These enzymes do not exist in isolation and their activity is tightly regulated by a number of processes, such as transcription, proteolytic activation, interaction with their inhibitors, cell surface and extracellular matrix molecules, and endocytic clearance from the extracellular milieu. Here, we describe the functions and roles of metalloproteinase family in OA pathogenesis. We highlight recent studies that have illustrated novel mechanisms regulating their extracellular activity and impairment of such regulations that lead to the development of OA. We also discuss how to stop or slow down the degenerative processes by targeting aberrant metalloproteinase activity, which may in future become therapeutic interventions for the disease.

Structural studies of the MMP-3 interaction with triple-helical collagen introduce new roles for the enzyme in tissue remodelling

Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) participates in normal extracellular matrix turnover during embryonic development, organ morphogenesis and wound healing, and in tissue-destruction associated with aneurysm, cancer, arthritis and heart failure. Despite its inability to cleave triple-helical collagens, MMP-3 can still bind to them, but the mechanism, location and role of binding are not known. We used the Collagen Toolkits, libraries of triple-helical peptides that embrace the entire helical domains of collagens II and III, to map MMP-3 interaction sites. The enzyme recognises five sites on collagen II and three sites on collagen III. They share a glycine-phenylalanine-hydroxyproline/alanine (GFO/A) motif that is recognised by the enzyme in a context-dependent manner. Neither MMP-3 zymogen (proMMP-3) nor the individual catalytic (Cat) and hemopexin (Hpx) domains of MMP-3 interact with the peptides, revealing cooperative binding of both domains to the triple helix. The Toolkit binding data combined with molecular modelling enabled us to deduce the putative collagen-binding mode of MMP-3, where all three collagen chains make contacts with the enzyme in the valley running across both Cat and Hpx domains. The observed binding pattern casts light on how MMP-3 could regulate collagen turnover and compete with various collagen-binding proteins regulating cell adhesion and proliferation.

Current and emerging therapeutic strategies for preventing inflammation and aggrecanase-mediated cartilage destruction in arthritis

Arthritis is a multifactorial disease for which current therapeutic intervention with high efficacy remains challenging. Arthritis predominately affects articular joints, and cartilage deterioration and inflammation are key characteristics. Current therapeutics targeting inflammatory responses often cause severe side effects in patients because of the systemic inhibition of cytokines or other global immunosuppressive activities. Furthermore, a lack of primary response or failure to sustain a response to treatment through acquired drug resistance is an ongoing concern. Nevertheless, treatments such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, biological agents, and corticosteroids have revealed promising outcomes by decreasing pain and inflammation in patients and in some cases reducing radiographic progression of the disease. Emerging and anecdotal therapeutics with anti-inflammatory activity, alongside specific inhibitors of the A Disintegrin-like And Metalloproteinase domain with Thrombospondin-1 repeats (ADAMTS) cartilage-degrading aggrecanases, provide promising additions to current arthritis treatment strategies. Thus, it is paramount that treatment strategies be optimized to increase efficacy, reduce debilitating side effects, and improve the quality of life of patients with arthritis. Here, we review the current strategies that attempt to slow or halt the progression of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, providing an up-to-date summary of pharmaceutical treatment strategies and side effects. Importantly, we highlight their potential to indirectly regulate ADAMTS aggrecanase activity through their targeting of inflammatory mediators, thus providing insight into a mechanism by which they might inhibit cartilage destruction to slow or halt radiographic progression of the disease. We also contrast these with anecdotal or experimental administration of statins that could equally regulate ADAMTS aggrecanase activity and are available to arthritis sufferers worldwide. Finally, we review the current literature regarding the development of synthetic inhibitors directed toward the aggrecanases ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5, a strategy that might directly inhibit cartilage destruction and restore joint function in both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Recent findings on the role of gelatinases (matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9) in osteoarthritis

Several studies dealing with the pathomechanisms of OA refer to MMP-1, -3, -7, -8, and -13 whereas a smaller number of investigations have pointed out the pathogenic role of gelatinases in OA. These gelatinases are best known for their involvement in pulmonary, myocardial, and neoplastic disease but they are emerging as important proteases implicated in the OA progression. This paper highlights the role of the gelatinases as emerging factors in OA pathogenesis through the regulation of subchondral bone resorption and microvascular invasion. The most significant new findings over the last year that add to our knowledge of the activity of these proteins in OA have been reported.

Defining requirements for collagenase cleavage in collagen type III using a bacterial collagen system

Degradation of fibrillar collagens is important in many physiological and pathological events. These collagens are resistant to most proteases due to the tightly packed triple-helical structure, but are readily cleaved at a specific site by collagenases, selected members of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). To investigate the structural requirements for collagenolysis, varying numbers of GXY triplets from human type III collagen around the collagenase cleavage site were inserted between two triple helix domains of the Scl2 bacterial collagen protein. The original bacterial CL domain was not cleaved by MMP-1 (collagenase 1) or MMP-13 (collagenase 3). The minimum type III sequence necessary for cleavage by the two collagenases was 5 GXY triplets, including 4 residues before and 11 residues after the cleavage site (P4-P11′). Cleavage of these chimeric substrates was not achieved by the catalytic domain of MMP-1 or MMP-13, nor by full-length MMP-3. Kinetic analysis of the chimeras indicated that the rate of cleavage by MMP-1 of the chimera containing six triplets (P7-P11′) of collagen III was similar to that of native collagen III. The collagenase-susceptible chimeras were cleaved very slowly by trypsin, a property also seen for native collagen III, supporting a local structural relaxation of the triple helix near the collagenase cleavage site. The recombinant bacterial-human collagen system characterized here is a good model to investigate the specificity and mechanism of action of collagenases.

Proteases involved in cartilage matrix degradation in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease for which there are currently no disease-modifying drugs available. Degradation of the cartilage extracellular matrix is a central feature of the disease and is widely thought to be mediated by proteinases that degrade structural components of the matrix, primarily aggrecan and collagen. Studies on transgenic mice have confirmed the central role of Adamalysin with Thrombospondin Motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5) in aggrecan degradation, and the collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinase MMP-13 in collagen degradation. This review discusses recent advances in current understanding of the mechanisms regulating expression of these key enzymes, as well as reviewing the roles of other proteinases in cartilage destruction. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteolysis 50 years after the discovery of lysosome.

Purification of MMPs and TIMPs

A number of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors called tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) from natural sources have been identified. This chapter describes the purification methods of MMPs-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, -9, -10, -12, and -13 and TIMPs-1 and -2. The sources of the proteins and assay methods to detect their activities are also described.

Growth plate mechanics and mechanobiology. A survey of present understanding

The longitudinal growth of long bones occurs in growth plates where chondrocytes synthesize cartilage that is subsequently ossified. Altered growth and subsequent deformity resulting from abnormal mechanical loading is often referred to as mechanical modulation of bone growth. This phenomenon has key implications in the progression of infant and juvenile musculoskeletal deformities, such as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, hyperkyphosis, genu varus/valgus and tibia vara/valga, as well as neuromuscular diseases. Clinical management of these deformities is often directed at modifying the mechanical environment of affected bones. However, there is limited quantitative and physiological understanding of how bone growth is regulated in response to mechanical loading. This review of published work addresses the state of knowledge concerning key questions about mechanisms underlying biomechanical modulation of bone growth. The longitudinal growth of bones is apparently controlled by modifying the numbers of growth plate chondrocytes in the proliferative zone, their rate of proliferation, the amount of chondrocytic hypertrophy and the controlled synthesis and degradation of matrix throughout the growth plate. These variables may be modulated to produce a change in growth rate in the presence of sustained or cyclic mechanical load. Tissue and cellular deformations involved in the transduction of mechanical stimuli depend on the growth plate tissue material properties that are highly anisotropic, time-dependent, and that differ in different zones of the growth plate and with developmental stages. There is little information about the effects of time-varying changes in volume, water content, osmolarity of matrix, etc. on differentiation, maturation and metabolic activity of chondrocytes. Also, the effects of shear forces and torsion on the growth plate are incompletely characterized. Future work on growth plate mechanobiology should distinguish between changes in the regulation of bone growth resulting from different processes, such as direct stimulation of the cell nuclei, physico-chemical stimuli, mechanical degradation of matrix or cellular components and possible alterations of local blood supply.

Effects of in vivo static compressive loading on aggrecan and type II and X collagens in the rat growth plate extracellular matrix

Mechanical loads are essential to normal bone growth, but excessive loads can lead to progressive deformities. In addition, growth plate extracellular matrix remodelling is essential to regulate the normal longitudinal bone growth process and to ensure physiological bone mineralization. In order to investigate the effects of static compression on growth plate extracellular matrix using an in vivo animal model, a loading device was used to precisely apply a compressive stress of 0.2 MPa for two weeks on the seventh caudal vertebra (Cd7) of rats during the pubertal growth spurt. Control, sham and loaded groups were studied. Growth modulation was quantified based on calcein labelling, and three matrix components (type II and X collagens, and aggrecan) were assessed using immunohistochemistry/safranin-O staining. As well, extracellular matrix components and enzymes (MMP-3 and -13, ADAMTS-4 and -5) were studied by qRT-PCR. Loading reduced Cd7 growth by 29% (p<0.05) and 15% (p=0.07) when compared to controls and shams respectively. No significant change could be observed in the mRNA expression of collagens and the proteolytic enzyme MMP-13. However, MMP-3 was significantly increased in the loaded group as compared to the control group (p<0.05). No change was observed in aggrecan and ADAMTS-4 and -5 expression. Low immunostaining for type II and X collagens was observed in 83% of the loaded rats as compared to the control rats. This in vivo study shows that, during pubertal growth spurt, two-week static compression reduced caudal vertebrae growth rates; this mechanical growth modulation occurred with decreased type II and X collagen proteins in the growth plate.

Subchondral and trabecular bone metabolism regulation in canine experimental knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To determine trabecular and subchondral bone metabolic changes in experimental canine osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

OA was induced in 19 dogs by transection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the right knee through a stab wound. Dogs were sacrificed at 8 (n=7) and 12 weeks (n=12) after surgery. Non-operated normal dogs (n=6) were used as controls. After sacrifice, samples were obtained from the weight-bearing area of medial tibial plateaus. Explants and cell cultures were prepared from subchondral and trabecular bone. Osteocalcin (Oc), cellular alkaline phosphatase (ALPase), urokinase plasminogen-activator (uPA), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), metalloproteinase (MMP) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured using standard procedures.

RESULTS

ALPase production was significantly increased only at week 12 in subchondral and trabecular bone, while an increase in Oc was noted at week 8. uPA and MMP activity were increased significantly at week 12 in subchondral bone, while PGE2 levels were significantly higher in subchondral and trabecular bone at week 12 compared to normal. A decrease in NO production appeared late at week 12 in trabecular bone, whereas NO levels from subchondral bone were significantly increased compared to normal at week 8.

DISCUSSION

Intense bone remodeling takes place in both subchondral and trabecular bone in the knee following ACL transection. This process seems to occur around week 12, although Oc and NO appeared to be involved earlier at 8 weeks. These results suggest that not only subchondral but also trabecular bone metabolism is altered in this OA model.

MMPs and TIMPs--an historical perspective

There are currently 25 known vertebrate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and 4 tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). This article reviews these proteases from an historical perspective in terms of who discovered each protein, when the sequence was established, when action on protein substrates was demonstrated, and what names have been used. A similar approach is taken for the TIMPS, and their multiple functions in addition to protease inhibition are emphasized. MMPs from invertebrates, plants, and bacteria are also discussed. This review is an outgrowth and update of a chapter by the same name originally published in Matrix Metalloproteinase Protocols, pp. 1-23, edited by I. M. Clark and published by Humana Press in 2001.

Macrocyclic hydroxamate inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases and TNF-alpha production

Several macrocyclic, hydroxamate derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production. These macrocycles are anti-succinate based inhibitors linked from P1 to P2'. A variety of functionality was installed at the P1-P2' linkage, which gave inhibitors that displayed excellent MMP inhibition and good TNF-alpha suppression.

Inhibition of interleukin-1alpha-induced cartilage oligomeric matrix protein degradation in bovine articular cartilage by matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors: potential role for matrix metalloproteinases in the generation of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein fragments in arthritic synovial fluid

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) to produce fragments similar to those found in synovial fluid (SF) from patients with arthritis.

METHODS

COMP fragments were generated in vitro by treating (a) bovine articular cartilage with interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), (b) purified bovine COMP with MMPs, and (c) articular cartilage with MMPs. The fragments generated in each case were analyzed by Western blot, using an antibody to the C-terminal heptadecapeptide of COMP.

RESULTS

IL-1alpha stimulation of cartilage resulted in a fragmentation of COMP, which was inhibited by MMP inhibitors CGS 27023A and BB-94. Isolated, recombinant MMPs rapidly degraded purified COMP, as well as COMP residing in cartilage. Several COMP fragments produced in vitro had similar electrophoretic mobility to those in SF of patients with arthritis.

CONCLUSION

MMPs may contribute to the COMP fragments found in vivo. Quantitation of MMP-specific fragments may be useful in the evaluation of MMP inhibitors in patients with arthritis.

A matrix metalloproteinase proenzyme activator produced by articular cartilage

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in connective tissue turnover under physiological and pathological conditions. MMP activity is regulated by the requirement for zymogen activation. This report describes a proMMP-3 activator produced by articular cartilage. The activator initiates a step-wise processing of proMMP-3 to generate an array of active species. Sequencing of activation intermediates demonstrated cleavage on the NH2-terminal side of certain basic residues in the MMP-3 propeptide. Metal ion chelators inhibited activator-dependent proteolysis, and activity was restored by low levels of ZnCl2. These catalytic properties suggest similarity to members of the insulinase superfamily of metalloendopeptidases with in vitro specificity for single arginine or paired basic processing sites in a variety of prohormones. Dibasic sites also exist in the propeptides of several MMPs including proMMP-3. This is the first report that cartilage produces a potent MMP proenzyme activator, opening the possibility of a novel intrinsic activation pathway for catabolic processes in this avascular tissue.

Progressive polyarthritis induced in BALB/c mice by aggrecan from normal and osteoarthritic human cartilage

OBJECTIVE

To find an "unlimited" source of antigenic material (aggrecan) for arthritis induction in BALB/c mice; to analyze the specificities of immune reactions to aggrecan and type II collagen in 2 arthritis-susceptible murine strains, BALB/c mice for proteoglycan (aggrecan)-induced arthritis and DBA/1j mice for collagen-induced arthritis; to compare the histopathologic features of arthritis induced by purified aggrecans or total extracts of osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage; and to determine arthritis susceptibility in various BALB/c colonies.

METHODS

Aggrecans from total extracts of human fetal, normal adult, OA, and rheumatoid cartilage samples and from osteophytes were isolated, purified by gradient centrifugation, deglycosylated, characterized, and tested for arthritis induction. Purified type II collagen and salt-soluble collagens from OA cartilage were denatured, stromelysin treated, and used for immunization and arthritis induction in arthritis-susceptible (DBA/1j and BALB/c) murine strains.

RESULTS

Chondrocytes from OA cartilage synthesize predominantly fetal-type aggrecan, which is the most efficient antigenic material for arthritis induction in BALB/c mice. The critical autoimmune/arthritogenic T cell epitopes of aggrecan are located in the G1 domain. Although most of the aggrecan molecules are heavily degraded and lost from OA cartilage, the G1 domain-containing fragments accumulate in OA cartilage. The amount of G1-containing fragments is approximately twice as much in OA than in normal adult articular cartilage, and the arthritogenic epitope(s) remains intact in G1-containing fragments retained in cartilage. Thus, total extracts of OA cartilage (without additional purification), if deglycosylated appropriately, can be used as arthritogenic material in BALB/c mice.

CONCLUSION

Predominantly G1 domain-containing fragments of aggrecan accumulate in OA cartilage, and these are the fragments which induce arthritis in BALB/c mice. Arthritis induction is highly specific for aggrecan epitopes and dictated by the genetic background of the BALB/c strain.

Isothiazolones interfere with normal matrix metalloproteinase activation and inhibit cartilage proteoglycan degradation

A series of isothiazolones that inhibit pro-(matrix metallo-proteinase) (proMMP) activation but do not inhibit the active enzyme are effective as cartilage protectants in bovine nasal cartilage organ culture, preventing interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced proteoglycan (aggrecan) degradation without affecting its synthesis. These compounds were found to bind to prostromelysin (proMMP-3) in a non-dialysable and stoichiometric manner. Preincubation with cartilage-protectant isothiazolones prevented the binding of [14C]iodoacetamide to Cys75 of the MMP-3 propeptide, suggesting that the activity of these compounds involves their binding to the Cys75 of the MMP zymogen. Studies following chymotrypsin activation of proMMP-3 by SDS/PAGE indicated that altered processing of the 57 kDa zymogen to the active form occurred in the presence of compound. The 53 kDa intermediate seen on normal activation was not formed; instead a different intermediate appeared with a molecular mass of approx. 46 kDa. N-terminal sequence analysis indicated that this intermediate was formed by cleavage at the putative 4-aminophenylmercuric acid cleavage site. Importantly the 45 kDa active MMP-3 species formed in the presence of compound was one amino acid residue shorter than the native MMP-3. These results suggest that the inhibition of cartilage proteoglycan degradation by isothiazolones might be due to their ability to bind to the Cys75 in the propeptide region of the MMP zymogen and interfere with its normal activation process.

The new collagenase, collagenase-3, is expressed and synthesized by human chondrocytes but not by synoviocytes. A role in osteoarthritis

Recently, a new human collagenase, collagenase-3 has been identified. Since collagen changes are of particular importance in cartilage degeneration, we investigated if collagenase-3 plays a role in osteoarthritis (OA). Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis revealed that in articular tissues collagenase-3 was expressed by the chondrocytes but not by the synoviocytes. Northern blot analysis of the chondrocyte mRNA revealed the presence of two major gene transcripts of 3.0 and 2.5 kb, and a third one of 2.2 kb was occasionally present. Compared to normal, OA showed a significantly higher (3.0 kb, P < or = 0.05; 2.5 kb, P < or = 0.03) level of collagenase-3 mRNA expression. Collagenase-3 had a higher catalytic velocity tate (about fivefold) than collagenase-1 on type II collagen. With the use of two specific antibodies, we showed that human chondrocytes had the ability to produce collagenase-3 as a proenzyme and as a glycosylated doublet. The chondrocyte collagenase-3 protein is produced in a significantly higher (P < or = 0.04) level in OA (approximately 9.5-fold) than in normal. The synthesis and expression of this new collagenase could also be modulated by two proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This study provides novel and interesting data on collagenase-3 expression and synthesis in human cartilage cells and suggest its involvement in human OA cartilage patho-physiology.

Remodeling of human myocardial collagen in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Role of metalloproteinases and pyridinoline cross-links

A major contribution to the mechanical strength of the heart is provided by a continuous fibrillar collagen network embracing individual myocytes and forming an interstitial and perivascular framework. This study explores the possibility that idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy may involve extensive changes in this collagenous framework. Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy hearts were obtained at transplant and compared with control hearts from autopsy. Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy showed a doubling of collagen concentration and a quadrupling of the total collagen per heart, whereas the stable mature cross-link, pyridinoline, diminished from 2.07 mol/mol of collagen to 1.0. Neutrophil-type collagenase activity is elevated approximately 30-fold as is the activity of gelatinase. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase activity falls to negligible levels in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, whereas alpha 2-macroglobulin is high. It is postulated that collagen critical to mechanical stability of the heart is degraded by metalloproteinase activity and is replaced by fibrous intercellular deposits of poorly cross-linked collagen. These changes contribute to weakening and dilatation of the ventricular wall.

Collagen type IX from human cartilage: a structural profile of intermolecular cross-linking sites

Type IX collagen, a quantitatively minor collagenous component of cartilage, is known to be associated with and covalently cross-linked to type II collagen fibrils in chick and bovine cartilage. Type IX collagen molecules have also been shown to form covalent cross-links with each other in bovine cartilage. In the present study we demonstrate by structural analysis and location of cross-linking sites that, in human cartilage, type IX collagen is covalently cross-linked to type II collagen and to other molecules of type IX collagen. We also present evidence that, if the proteoglycan form of type IX collagen is present in human cartilage, it can only be a minor component of the matrix, similar to findings with bovine cartilage.

Glial hyaluronate-binding protein: a product of metalloproteinase digestion of versican?

Glial hyaluronate-binding protein (GHAP) is a 60 kDa glycoprotein with an amino acid sequence identical to that of the hyaluronate-binding region of versican, a large fibroblast aggregating proteoglycan found in the brain. Both GHAP and versican were identified by immunoblot in bovine brain extracts prepared only minutes after death. Human recombinant collagenase, stromelysin, mouse gelatinase and gelatinases isolated from human brain by affinity chromatography digest versican and give rise to a polypeptide with electrophoretic mobility identical to GHAP. Immunoblot analysis, peptide mapping and C-terminal amino acid sequencing indicate that the polypeptide generated by digestion with human brain gelatinases is identical to GHAP. We suggest that GHAP is a naturally occurring versican degradation product.

Characterization of rat uterine matrilysin and its cDNA. Relationship to human pump-1 and activation of procollagenases

A small uterine metalloproteinase of the rat has been shown by amino acid and cDNA sequencing to be orthologous to human pump-1. Both proteinases are now designated as matrilysin or matrix metalloproteinase 7. The properties of purified uterine metalloproteinase and recombinant pump-1 were compared. Their specificities on substrates (gelatins, fibronectin, transferrin, elastin, Azocoll, and (7-methoxycoumarin-4-yl)acetyl-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-(3,[2, 4-dinitrophenyl]-L-2, 3-diaminopropionyl)-Ala-Arg-NH2) are similar and distinct from those of the stromelysins and gelatinases. The two matrilysins have similar sensitivity to hydroxamate and pseudopeptide inhibitors. Rat matrilysin selectively cleaves the alpha 2(I) chain of rat gelatin, producing major cuts at Gly713-decreases-Ile714, Gly775-decreases-Leu776, and Gly809-decreases-Ile810. Rat matrilysin produces maximum activation of latent human interstitial collagenase 1 (pro-matrix metalloproteinase 1) when added in the presence of 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA) by cleaving the Gln80-decreases-Phe81 bond. Rat and human matrilysin do not directly activate latent rat collagenase 3 (matrix metalloproteinase 13) and do not enhance its activation when added together with APMA. Autoactivation of collagenase 3 in the presence of APMA results in cleavage at Val81-decreases-Tyr82 corresponding to the Gln80-decreases-Phe81 cleavage in collagenase 1. Thus collagenase 3 is capable of maximal autoactivation, whereas collagenase 1 is dependent upon another matrix metalloproteinase in order to be activated to its full potential.

Chondrocyte differentiation

Data obtained while investigating growth plate chondrocyte differentiation during endochondral bone formation both in vivo and in vitro indicate that initial chondrogenesis depends on positional signaling mediated by selected homeobox-containing genes and soluble mediators. Continuation of the process strongly relies on interactions of the differentiating cells with the microenvironment, that is, other cells and extracellular matrix. Production of and response to different hormones and growth factors are observed at all times and autocrine and paracrine cell stimulations are key elements of the process. Particularly relevant is the role of the TGF-beta superfamily, and more specifically of the BMP subfamily. Other factors include retinoids, FGFs, GH, and IGFs, and perhaps transferrin. The influence of local microenvironment might also offer an acceptable settlement to the debate about whether hypertrophic chondrocytes convert to bone cells and live, or remain chondrocytes and die. We suggest that the ultimate fate of hypertrophic chondrocytes may be different at different microanatomical sites.

Serum levels of collagenase, stromelysin-1, and TIMP-1. Age- and sex-related differences in normal subjects and relationship to the extent of joint involvement and serum levels of antigenic keratan sulfate in patients with osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To measure serum levels of collagenase (MMP-1), stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in normal subjects and in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and to assess how these correlate with biochemical and clinical indicators of disease activity in OA.

METHODS

Specific immunoassays were used to measure MMPs, TIMP-1, and antigenic keratan sulfate (KS). The total area of cartilage affected by the disease was measured (expressed as an articular index).

RESULTS

In the normal population (n = 118), the serum concentration of MMP-3, but not of MMP-1 or TIMP-1, increased with age and was approximately 2 times higher in males than in females. In the OA patients (n = 33), the serum levels of MMP-3, but not of MMP-1 or TIMP-1, were significantly elevated and correlated strongly with the articular index but poorly with objective and subjective functional capacity scores as well as with serum levels of antigenic KS and systemic parameters of inflammation.

CONCLUSION

These findings illustrate the importance of matching patients and normal controls for age and sex in further studies of MMP-3 and are consistent with the hypothesis that MMP-3 might play an important role in the degradation of joint cartilage in OA. Further, serum levels of MMP-3 may prove useful for monitoring therapy for OA.

Action of metalloproteinases on porcine dentin mineralization

Samples containing predentin and mineralized dentin involving the mineralized front (newly formed dentin) were prepared by scraping developing porcine teeth after odontoblastic cell debris had been removed from the predentin surfaces. An extract was obtained separately from the matrices of predentin and of the newly formed dentin with a 4 M guanidine solution before and after demineralization with acetic acid solution. Enzymography detected 56 and 61 kDa gelatinases and 25 kDa proteoglycanase as neutral metalloproteinases in both extracts and proved them to be in an active form. Approximately half of the 56 and 61 kDa gelatinases binds to collagen fibers in predentin matrix. Three high molecular weight proteoglycans (70-85 kDa, 130-180 kDa, and 290 kDa) were found in the predentin matrix, but not in the newly formed dentin. The proteoglycanases in predentin degraded 290 kDa proteoglycan, if incubated together with calcium (Ca) ions. The results of this investigation indicate that active proteoglycanases which existed in the predentin perform no substantial work in proteoglycan degradation because the Ca ions are masked in the predentin matrix by coexisting proteoglycans. When mineralization occurs, however, they can degrade the proteoglycan at the mineralization front because excess Ca ions may be supplied via odontoblastic processes.

Histopathological changes in rabbit craniomandibular joint associated with experimentally induced anterior disk displacement (ADD)

Several studies have shown that anterior disk displacement (ADD) of human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can lead to cellular and extracellular alterations in the disk proper, bilaminar zone (BZ), condyle, articular eminence and synovial membrane. Due to lack of an animal model for this disease, it is not known whether the mechanical displacement of the disk could lead to the observed histopathological changes. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the histopathological changes that occur in the rabbit craniomandibular joint (CMJ) following surgical induction of ADD. The right CMJ was exposed surgically and the discal attachments were severed except for the BZ attachments. Then the disk was displaced anteriorly and sutured to the zygomatic arch. The left joint served as surgical control. The CMJs were removed after 24 h, 1 week, 2 weeks or 6 weeks and stained with H&E or modified Masson stain. The results showed neovascularization, cell clustering and fibrillation of the displaced disk. The BZ showed marked fibrosis. The condyle showed subchondral hemorrhage and fibrosis followed by osteoarthritic changes in the articular cartilage. The articular eminence showed chondrocytic clustering and an increase in the amount of chondroid bone. Synovial membrane exhibited marked hyperplasia. We concluded that surgical induction of ADD in the rabbit CMJ leads to cellular and extracellular alterations in the disk proper, BZ, condyle, articular eminence and synovial membrane similar to those described previously in human ADD. It appears that the mechanical trauma resulting from ADD could lead to a cascade of reparative and degenerative changes of the affected joints similar to those described for osteoarthritis.

Differential in vivo expression of collagenase messenger RNA in synovium and cartilage. Quantitative comparison with stromelysin messenger RNA levels in human rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients and in two animal models of acute inflammatory arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To compare quantitatively the in vivo expression of collagenase messenger RNA (mRNA) and stromelysin mRNA in the joint tissues of human osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and in two animal models of acute inflammatory arthritis.

METHODS

In vivo levels of metalloproteinase mRNA and protein were determined by quantitative Northern hybridization and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.

RESULTS

In synovium, mean levels of collagenase mRNA were similar to those of stromelysin mRNA; however, in cartilage, mean levels of collagenase mRNA were significantly lower. The ratios of collagenase mRNA to stromelysin mRNA levels in RA and OA cartilage reflected similar ratios of collagenase protein to stromelysin protein levels in synovial fluid.

CONCLUSION

The regulation of collagenase mRNA expression in cartilage is distinct from that of stromelysin, suggesting distinct roles for these two metallo-proteinases in normal and abnormal physiologic functioning of cartilage.

Activation of cartilage stromelysin-1 at acid pH and its relation to enzyme pH optimum and osteoarthritis

Stromelysin-1 was purified from human articular cartilage and compared to synovial fibroblast enzyme and to recombinant enzyme. If the latent enzyme was incubated at pH 5.5 with substrates such as aggrecan, it spontaneously became active. Incubation of latent zymogen alone at pH 5.5 gave increasing activation over a period of at least 5 hours. However, this activation process was not accompanied by any shift in molecular weight even after continued incubation for 18 hours. Maximum activity observed was 45-60% of that seen with APMA activation. Stromelysin-1 has a pH optimum of 5.5-6.5 on various macromolecular and peptide substrates. Interaction with TIMP is reduced at pH 5.5 relative to that at 7.5. The hypothesis is presented that osteoarthritis may be initiated by acid activation of stromelysin-1.

Collagenase, its inhibitors, and decorin in the lower uterine segment in pregnant women

OBJECTIVE

It is postulated that collagenase activity in the cervix and lower uterine segment is important for dilatation at the time of labor. If so, the enzyme must partially escape from control by inhibitors. A second hypothesis is that an elevated ratio of decorin (dermatan sulfate proteoglycan) to collagen may also contribute to the dilatation process.

STUDY DESIGN

The activity of collagenase, its natural inhibitors (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and alpha 2-macroglobulin), elastase, hydroxyproline (collagen), and decorin were quantified in biopsies of the lower uterine segment at term (not dilated) and during active labor.

RESULTS

Collagenase concentration is 23 times higher in the cervix of patients in labor than at term. The sum of alpha 2-macroglobulin plus tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 increased only twofold in labor, as did elastase. The ratio of decorin to collagen doubled.

CONCLUSION

The imbalance caused by collagenase increasing much more than its inhibitors may contribute to collagen breakdown and dilatation. Neutrophils may be responsible for much of this increase of collagenase. The increased ratio of decorin to collagen supports the hypothesis that the interaction of these two components is important in dilatation.

In vivo effects of naproxen on composition, proteoglycan metabolism, and matrix metalloproteinase activities in canine articular cartilage

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used in the clinical treatment of joint disease. In this study, its effect in vivo on the biochemical composition, metabolic activities, and metalloproteinase activities of normal canine articular cartilage was analyzed. The articular cartilage from the knee joints of dogs who had been given naproxen for 4 weeks to maintain a serum level of 40-50 micrograms/ml was examined. Control animals were given a placebo. Treatment with naproxen was not found to change the composition (water, collagen, and proteoglycan) of the articular cartilage. The culture studies of cartilage explants indicated that proteoglycan synthesis rates were unaffected by the treatment with naproxen but that proteoglycan release from the tissue was suppressed. Analysis of the cartilage for matrix metalloproteinase activities showed reduced activity of neutral matrix metalloproteinase by 80%, of collagenase by 40%, and of gelatinase by 87%, with no change in activity of acid metalloproteinase or of tissue inhibitor for metalloproteinase. These findings indicate that in vivo treatment with naproxen has the capacity to modulate catabolic activities in articular cartilage.

An N-terminal peptide from link protein is rapidly degraded by chondrocytes, monocytes and B cells

A peptide cleaved from the link-protein component of human and pig proteoglycan aggregates by trypsin and stromelysin was taken up and degraded further by human monocytes, B cells, chondrocytes and by mouse peritoneal macrophages. Monocytes were able to process the peptide twice as rapidly as peritoneal macrophages and some 16 times more rapidly than articular chondrocytes. The B cell line Priess, which unlike the monocytes and macrophages could not take up or degrade whole proteoglycan aggregates, was able to degrade the peptide at a rapid rate. Synthetic, unglycosylated peptides consisting of the first 16 and 13 N-terminal amino acids of human link protein, corresponding to its stromelysin-cleavage and trypsin-cleavage products, were also taken up and degraded in a similar manner to the natural products and, in addition, were able to block uptake of the 125I-labelled natural peptides. The isoelectric points of the re-secreted breakdown fragment from both the synthetic and natural peptides were identical and each peptide was processed by the cells to produce a single radiolabelled fragment. Each of these fragments was eluted with the same retention time during HPLC, indicating that the natural peptides were derived from the N-terminal region of the link. Since a proportion of the link protein extracted from human and pig cartilage has already undergone proteolysis to remove peptides from its N-terminal region, these peptides may be produced in articular cartilage during the normal process of turnover and ageing. Although a physiological function for this protein has not been established, it may have a homeostatic role in the regulation of proteoglycan synthesis.

The effect of naproxen and interleukin-1 on proteoglycan catabolism and on neutral metalloproteinase activity in normal articular cartilage in vitro

The events in inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases involve major changes in the metabolic events in the articular cartilage. The effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on articular cartilage metabolism remain unclear, however. The objective of this catabolism of proteoglycans in articular cartilage explants maintained in culture. Release of proteoglycan from the cartilage was compared with release of neutral metalloproteinase activity. The effect of the drug also was determined on the IL-1-stimulated release of proteoglycan and neutral metalloproteinase activity from the explants. At concentrations that included those present in synovial fluids of patients treated with the drug, naproxen sodium was found to suppress the release of proteoglycan and neutral metalloproteinase activity from the articular cartilage extracts. This is in contrast to the well-documented effect of interleukin-1 (IL-1), which was shown to stimulate release of proteoglycan and neutral metalloproteinase activity from articular cartilage. The effect of naproxen sodium on the IL-1-stimulated release was to suppress, but not totally overcome, the increased release of proteoglycan and neutral metalloproteinase activity. In summary, these in vitro studies of cartilage metabolism indicate that naproxen sodium has the potential to suppress catabolic activities in articular cartilage, including those that are motivated by IL-1.

Metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitor, and proteoglycan fragments in knee synovial fluid in human osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the concentrations of human stromelysin-1, collagenase, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP), and proteoglycan fragments in knee synovial fluid in patients with injury to the meniscus or anterior cruciate ligament, posttraumatic osteoarthritis, primary osteoarthritis, or pyrophosphate arthritis.

METHODS

Synovial fluid samples were collected from patients with knee disease diagnosed arthroscopically and radiologically. Concentrations of stromelysin-1, collagenase, and TIMP-1 were determined by sandwich immunoassay, using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Fragments of cartilage proteoglycan containing the chondroitin sulfate-binding region were determined by immunoassay with a polyclonal antibody.

RESULTS

Average concentrations of metalloproteinases, TIMP, and proteoglycan fragments in joint fluid were significantly elevated in patients from all disease groups as compared with volunteers with healthy knees (reference group). Stromelysin concentrations in disease groups averaged 15-45 times that of the reference group. The molar ratios between stromelysin and collagenase varied between 10 and 150. The molar ratio between total stromelysin and free TIMP was 0.5 in the reference group and between 1.6 and 5.3 in the disease groups.

CONCLUSION

Stromelysin concentration in joint fluid is a parameter that distinguishes diseased joints from healthy joints, with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 90%. The high concentrations of metalloproteinase relative to TIMP in joint fluid from patients with the conditions studied may be associated with cartilage matrix degradation in these arthritides.

Matrix metalloproteinases: a review

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of nine or more highly homologous Zn(++)-endopeptidases that collectively cleave most if not all of the constituents of the extracellular matrix. The present review discusses in detail the primary structures and the overlapping yet distinct substrate specificities of MMPs as well as the mode of activation of the unique MMP precursors. The regulation of MMP activity at the transcriptional level and at the extracellular level (precursor activation, inhibition of activated, mature enzymes) is also discussed. A final segment of the review details the current knowledge of the involvement of MMP in specific developmental or pathological conditions, including human periodontal diseases.

High pressure gel-permeation assay for the proteolysis of human aggrecan by human stromelysin-1: kinetic constants for aggrecan hydrolysis

The adaptation of an analytical procedure for aggrecan based upon gel-permeation chromatography to an FPLC-based protocol has significantly sped up the analysis. The faster assay has permitted determination of the kinetic constants for digestion of human aggrecan by human stromelysin-1. Monomeric aggrecan appeared to be hydrolyzed by stromelysin-1 to multiple forms with lower molecular weight. The disappearance of high-molecular-weight aggrecan was first-order, showing Km much larger than 2 microM and kc/Km = 4000 M-1 s-1 at pH 7.5. The disappearance of high-molecular-weight aggrecan upon hydrolysis by stromelysin-1 at pH 5.5 was also first-order, with kc/Km = 10,700 M-1 s-1. The disappearance of high-molecular-weight aggrecan at pH 7.5 was first-order for digestion by human leukocyte elastase with kc/Km = 230,000 M-1 s-1, by human cathepsin G with kc/Km = 4200 M-1 S-1, and by human plasma plasmin with kc/Km = 2800 M-1 s-1, all with Km much larger than 2 microM.

Treatment of proteoglycan aggregates with physeal enzymes reduces their ability to inhibit hydroxyapatite proliferation in a gelatin gel

In vitro, cartilage proteoglycans (PGs) are effective inhibitors of hydroxyapatite formation and growth. Their inhibitory ability decreases with decreasing PG size and charge density. It has been suggested that the enzyme-mediated alteration in the size and conformation of PGs in the growth plate may similarly facilitate the calcification process. In this study, a gelatin gel system was used to monitor hydroxyapatite formation and growth in the presence of proteoglycan aggregates, before and after enzyme treatment. To reproduce the physeal degradation cascade, an enzyme preparation was used that contained all of the growth plate enzymes. At a concentration of 500 micrograms/ml, the untreated proteoglycan aggregates reduced the amount of mineral formed by 30%. When the aggregates were treated with the heat-inactivated enzyme, the same extent of inhibition was found. In contrast, treating the aggregates with the crude growth plate enzyme preparation removed all the inhibitory ability, such that 500 micrograms/ml of proteoglycan preparation yielded 10% more mineral than the controls. Treatment of the aggregates with chondroitinase ABC and trypsin, similarly removed all the inhibitory ability. These data, suggest that enzymatic degradation of proteoglycans may contribute to the regulation of growth plate calcification.

Preferential mRNA expression of prostromelysin relative to procollagenase and in situ localization in human articular cartilage

An imbalance between extracellular proteinases and their inhibitors is thought to underlie cartilage degradation. In cultures of adult cartilage, prostromelysin mRNA levels were much higher than those for procollagenase and this differential was increased in cultures stimulated with IL-1 beta. Analysis of mRNA prepared from freshly isolated chondrocytes showed abundant amounts of prostromelysin mRNA in normal adult cartilage but low levels in the neonate. Not all adult cartilage may possess such high levels of prostromelysin mRNA, as the message levels in the cartilage remaining on late-stage osteoarthritic joints were lower than those in normal adult cartilage. Relative to prostromelysin mRNA, little procollagenase and TIMP mRNA were found in the adult cartilage. In situ hybridization revealed that metalloproteinase mRNAs were localized in chondrocytes of the superficial zone in adult cartilage. However, upon IL-1 beta treatment, chondrocytes in all cartilage zones were observed to express prostromelysin mRNA. Relative to the neonate, the normal adult cartilage appears to have a high degradative potential, if one accepts that steady-state mRNA levels reflect prostromelysin production. As the adult cartilage is not apparently undergoing rapid turnover, it would appear that control of prostromelysin activation may be the major regulatory step in stromelysin-induced cartilage degradation.

Morphologic and biochemical changes in articular cartilages of immature beagle dogs dosed with difloxacin

Quinolones are efficacious antibacterial compounds, but they have been associated with arthralgia in human patients; experimentally, they have caused lesions in articular cartilages of immature animals. The earliest morphologic and biochemical changes induced in articular-epiphyseal cartilage complexes by difloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, were investigated in 27 3-month-old Beagle dogs that were dosed orally with the drug at 300 mg/kg body weight per day. Paraffin-embedded sections of humeral and femoral heads that were stained with either hematoxylin and eosin or toluidine blue and fast green were evaluated histologically, and lesions were scored according to established criteria. Although morphologic changes were not observed in cartilages of the control dogs or of the treated dogs in the 24-hr group, the severity of lesions, as represented by mean scores for lesions, increased during the 36-48 hr after dosing. The initial morphologic change, observed in cartilages from the treated dogs of the 36- and the 48-hr groups, was necrosis of chondrocytes that was rapidly followed by disruption of extracellular matrix and formation of fissures. Although glycosaminoglycan was aggregated along the margins of fissures, its concentration was not reduced in cartilages of any group of treated dogs. Collagen, however, was depleted from the cartilages of the dogs that were euthanized 36 or 48 hr after the first dose of difloxacin. Because degenerative changes were observed ultrastructurally in chondrocytes by 24 hr in a previous study, it was concluded that collagen was lost from affected cartilages as an early sequel to the degeneration of chondrocytes.

Methylprednisolone acetate induced release of cartilage proteoglycans: determination by high performance liquid chromatography

A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure suitable for the simultaneous determination of the molecular size and concentration of macromolecular hyaluronate and proteoglycans in synovial fluid has been developed. Irrigation of the equine tarsocrural joint with 20 ml physiological saline (PSS) caused a mild inflammation with an increase of proteoglycans in the synovial fluid over the baseline arthrocentesis control sample. Proteoglycan and hyaluronate in the synovial fluid did not interact to form hyaluronate-proteoglycan aggregates, but separated as distinct chromatographic peaks. This suggests that the cartilage derived proteoglycans in synovial fluid in the inflamed joint have been proteolytically cleaved from the non-covalent aggregates containing link protein and hyaluronate. Hyaluronidase digestion completely abolished the hyaluronate peak without affecting the proteoglycans. This seems to indicate that proteoglycan in synovial fluid is unable to interact with hyaluronate in synovial fluid to form cartilage type aggregates. Proteolytic degradation and the time dependent release into the synovial fluid of such digested proteoglycan also resulted from the intra-articular injection of methylprednisolone acetate into normal tarsocrural joints and joints irrigated with PSS. These proteoglycans were insensitive to hyaluronidase but may consist of a protein moiety with attached glycosaminoglycans, as suggested by their sensitivity to proteinase and keratanase/chondroitinase digestion. These observations with cartilage treated with methylprednisolone acetate and mildly stimulated articular cartilage are inconsistent with earlier work on osteoarthritic and rheumatoid articular cartilage and have interesting implications for the pathogenesis and for the therapeutic action of intraarticular corticosteroids. A rapid HPLC procedure applicable to unprocessed small volume samples of synovial fluid gives information simultaneously on hyaluronate and proteoglycan in synovial fluid which is not attainable with immunoradiometric or isotope tracer techniques. It therefore appears to be useful for the analysis of cartilage turnover and destruction in health and disease.

Detection of Stromelysin and Collagenase in Synovial Fluid From Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Posttraumatic Knee Injury

OBJECTIVE

To quantify stromelysin and collagenase in synovial fluid (SF) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or traumatic knee injury.

METHODS

Stromelysin and collagenase were measured in the SF of 33 patients with RA or posttraumatic knee injury, using specific double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Stromelysin was fractionated from representative SF, and the molecular form was identified by immunoblot analysis.

RESULTS

The stromelysin concentration was approximately 20-fold higher than the collagenase concentration in the fluids from patients with RA and approximately 8-fold higher in the fluids from patients with traumatic injury. For both metalloproteinases, there was a higher enzyme concentration in RA SF than in the SF from patients with trauma (stromelysin 40.1 +/- 26 micrograms/ml [mean +/- SD] in RA SF, 8.5 +/- 15 micrograms/ml in trauma SF; collagenase 2.2 +/- 3.3 micrograms/ml in RA SF, 1.1 +/- 2.3 micrograms/ml in trauma SF). The majority of the stromelysin within the SF bound to reactive red-agarose and was identified as prostromelysin based on electrophoretic mobility and immunoblotting with monospecific antibodies.

CONCLUSION

The finding of high levels of stromelysin in SF from patients with RA supports the proposal that this enzyme may play a role in the connective tissue degradation observed in this disease.