Novel Roles of MT1-MMP and MMP-2: Beyond the Extracellular Milieu

Circulating Matrix Metalloproteinases for Prediction of Aortic Dilatation in Children with Bicuspid Aortic Valve: A Single-Center, Observational Study

Circulating biomarkers have been proposed for early identification of aortic dilatation progression associated with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), but matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are distinguished as signatures of increased extracellular matrix degradation, a landmark of aneurysm formation. The current study aims to identify the role of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and the MMP inhibitor, TIMP-1, in identifying aortic dilation in children with BAV. We conducted a study on 73 children divided into two study groups, depending on the presence of aortic dilatation (group 1-43 BAV controls and group 2-30 children with BAV and aortic dilatation). Each patient underwent a cardiac ultrasound and, in each case, serum MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 were quantified using xMAP technology. Comparison of the MMPs between the two study groups revealed significantly higher values only in the case of TIMP-1, among BAV controls. Moreover, the same TIMP-1 inversely correlated with aortic annulus absolute size and z score, as well as with ascending aorta z score. No particular correlation between the aortic phenotype and the presence of aortic dilatation was found. Future longitudinal research starting at pediatric ages could show the significance of MMPs screening in BAV individuals as predictors of aortic aneurysm formation.

A network pharmacology approach to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of ellagic acid

Ellagic acid (EA) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in various fruits and vegetables like strawberries, raspberries, pomegranates, and nuts such as pecans and walnuts. With its antioxidant properties, EA has shown potential health benefits, although further research is necessary to fully comprehend its effects, mechanisms, and safe and effective application as a complementary medicine. Notably, there is accumulating evidence of EA's anti-inflammatory effects; however, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. To investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of EA, a network pharmacology approach was employed. The study identified 52 inflammation-related targets of EA and revealed significant signaling pathways and relevant diseases associated with inflammation through GO and KEGG analysis. Furthermore, topological analysis identified 10 important targets, including AKT1, VEGFA, TNF, MAPK3, ALB, SELP, MMP9, MMP2, PTGS2, and ICAM1. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted, indicating that AKT1, PTGS2, VEGFA, and MAPK3 are the most likely targets of EA, as evidenced by their molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area binding energy calculations. In summary, this study not only confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of EA observed in previous research but also identified the most probable targets of EA.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Dissection of triple-negative breast cancer microenvironment and identification of potential therapeutic drugs using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality in women worldwide. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive subtype characterized by rapid progression, poor prognosis, and lack of clear therapeutic targets. In the clinic, delineation of tumor heterogeneity and development of effective drugs continue to pose considerable challenges. Within the scope of our study, high heterogeneity inherent to breast cancer was uncovered based on the landscape constructed from both tumor and healthy breast tissue samples. Notably, TNBC exhibited significant specificity regarding cell proliferation, differentiation, and disease progression. Significant associations between tumor grade, prognosis, and TNBC oncogenes were established via pseudotime trajectory analysis. Consequently, we further performed comprehensive characterization of the TNBC microenvironment. A crucial epithelial subcluster, E8, was identified as highly malignant and strongly associated with tumor cell proliferation in TNBC. Additionally, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated fibroblast and M2 macrophage subclusters exerted an influence on E8 through cellular interactions, contributing to tumor growth. Characteristic genes in these three cluster cells could therefore serve as potential therapeutic targets for TNBC. The collective findings provided valuable insights that assisted in the screening of a series of therapeutic drugs, such as pelitinib. We further confirmed the anti-cancer effect of pelitinib in an orthotopic 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse model. Overall, our study sheds light on the unique characteristics of TNBC at single-cell resolution and the crucial cell types associated with tumor cell proliferation that may serve as potent tools in the development of effective anti-cancer drugs.

Enhancing the Inhibition of Corneal Neovascularization Efficacy by Self-Assembled into Supramolecular Hydrogel of Anti-Angiogenic Peptide

Background

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a common eye disease that leads to blindness. New treatment strategies are urgently needed due to the limitations of current treatment methods.

Methods

We report the synthesis of peptide Nap-FFEEPCAIWF ( Comp.3 ) via chemical conjugation of Nap-FFEE ( Comp.2 ) to antiangiogenic peptide PCAIWF (Comp.1). Comp.3 self-assembled into a hydrogel ( gel of 3 ) composed of nanofibers, which enhanced the antiangiogenic function of the epitope.

Results

We developed a novel peptide with an amphiphilic framework, Comp.3 , which could self-assemble into a supramolecular hydrogel with a well-ordered nanofiber structure. The nanofibers exhibited good biocompatibility with corneal epithelial cells, presenting a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of free peptide-based drugs in the treatment of ocular vascular diseases, such as CNV and other angiogenesis-related diseases.

Conclusion

Nap-FFEEPCAIWF nanofibers provide an alternative approach to enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of free peptide-based drugs against ocular vascular diseases.

HOTAIR/miR-1277-5p/FBN2 signaling axis is involved in recurrent spontaneous abortion by regulating the growth, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells†

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the specific pathways by which HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA contributes to the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion.

METHODS

Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to assess the differential expression levels of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA in chorionic villi tissues from unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion patients and women with voluntarily terminated pregnancies. HTR-8/SVneo served as a cellular model. Knockdown and overexpression of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA in the cells were achieved through siRNA transfection and pcDNA3.1 transfection, respectively. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were evaluated using cell counting kit-8, scratch, and Transwell assays, respectively. The interaction among the HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA /miR-1277-5p/fibrillin 2 axis was predicted through bioinformatics analysis and confirmed through in vitro experiments. Furthermore, the regulatory effects of the HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA /miR-1277-5p/fibrillin 2 signaling axis on cellular behaviors were validated in HTR-8/SVneo cells.

RESULTS

We found that HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA was downregulated in chorionic villi tissues from unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion patients. Overexpression of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA significantly enhanced the viability, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, while knockdown of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA had the opposite effects. We further confirmed the regulatory effect of the HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA /miR-1277-5p/fibrillin 2 signaling axis in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Specifically, HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA and fibrillin 2 were found to reduce the risk of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion by enhancing cell viability, migration, and invasion, whereas miR-1277-5p exerted the opposite effects.

CONCLUSION

HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA promotes unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion development by targeting inhibition of miR-1277-5p/fibrillin 2 axis.

A Versatile Microfluidic Platform for Extravasation Studies Based on DNA Origami-Cell Interactions

The adhesion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to the endothelial lumen and their extravasation to surrounding tissues are crucial in the seeding of metastases and remain the most complex events of the metastatic cascade to study. Integrins expressed on CTCs are major regulators of the extravasation process. This knowledge is primarily derived from animal models and biomimetic systems based on artificial endothelial layers, but these methods have ethical or technical limitations. We present a versatile microfluidic device to study cancer cell extravasation that mimics the endothelial barrier by using a porous membrane functionalized with DNA origami nanostructures (DONs) that display nanoscale patterns of adhesion peptides to circulating cancer cells. The device simulates physiological flow conditions and allows direct visualization of cell transmigration through microchannel pores using 3D confocal imaging. Using this system, we studied integrin-specific adhesion in the absence of other adhesive events. Specifically, we show that the transmigration ability of the metastatic cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 is influenced by the type, distance, and density of adhesion peptides present on the DONs. Furthermore, studies with mixed ligand systems indicate that integrins binding to RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) and IDS (isoleucine-aspartic acid-serine) did not synergistically enhance the extravasation process of MDA-MB-231 cells.

Molecular mechanism of Saikosaponin-d in the treatment of gastric cancer based on network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification

The study aimed to utilize network pharmacology combined with cell experiments to research the mechanism of action of Saikosaponin-d in the treatment of gastric cancer. Drug target genes were obtained from the PubChem database and the Swiss Target Prediction database. Additionally, target genes for gastric cancer were obtained from the GEO database and the Gene Cards database. The core targets were then identified and further analyzed through gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and GESA enrichment. The clinical relevance of the core targets was assessed using the GEPIA and HPA databases. Molecular docking of drug monomers and core target proteins was performed using Auto Duck Tools and Pymol software. Finally, in vitro cellular experiments including cell viability, apoptosis, cell scratch, transwell invasion, transwell migration, qRT-PCR, and Western blot were conducted to verify these findings of network pharmacology. The network pharmacology analysis predicted that the drug monomers interacted with 54 disease targets. Based on clinical relevance analysis, six core targets were selected: VEGFA, IL2, CASP3, BCL2L1, MMP2, and MMP1. Molecular docking results showed binding activity between the Saikosaponin-d monomer and these core targets. Saikosaponin-d could inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and inhibit cell migration and invasion.

Surface-modified cationic liposomes with a matrix metalloproteinase-degradable polyethylene glycol derivative improved doxorubicin delivery in murine colon cancer

PEGylation is a commonly used approach to prolong the blood circulation time of cationic liposomes. However, PEGylation is associated with the "PEG dilemma", which hinders binding and uptake into tumor cells. The cleavable PEG products are a possible solution to this problem. In the current research, doxorubicin-loaded cationic liposomes (Dox-CLs) surface-conjugated with a matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2)-sensitive octapeptide linker-PEG derivative were prepared and compared to non-PEGylated and PEGylated CLs in terms of size, surface charge, drug encapsulation and release, uptake, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and anticancer efficacy. It was postulated that PEG deshielding in response to the overexpressed MMP-2 in the tumor microenvironment increases the interaction of protected CLs with cellular membranes and improves their uptake by tumor cells/vasculature. MMP2-responsive Dox-CLs had particle sizes of ∼115-140 nm, surface charges of ∼+25 mV, and encapsulation efficiencies of ∼85-95%. In vitro cytotoxicity assessments showed significantly enhanced uptake and cytotoxicity of PEG-cleavable CLs compared to their non-cleavable PEG-coated counterparts or Caelyx®. Also, the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay showed great antiangiogenesis ability of Dox-CLs leading to target and prevent tumor neovascularization. Besides, in vivo studies showed an effective therapeutic efficacy of PEG-cleavable Dox-CLs in murine colorectal cancer with negligible hematological and histopathological toxicity. Altogether, our results showed that MMP2-responsive Dox-CLs could be served as a promising approach to improve tumor drug delivery and uptake.

A Review of Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation and the Pathogenesis of Congenital Hydrocephalus

The brain's ventricles are filled with a colorless fluid known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). When there is an excessive accumulation of CSF in the ventricles, it can result in high intracranial pressure, ventricular enlargement, and compression of the surrounding brain tissue, leading to potential damage. This condition is referred to as hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is classified into two categories: congenital and acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus (CH) poses significant challenges for affected children and their families, particularly in resource-poor countries. Recognizing the psychological and economic impacts is crucial for developing interventions and support systems that can help alleviate the distress and burden faced by these families. As our understanding of CSF production and circulation improves, we are gaining clearer insights into the causes of CH. In this article, we will summarize the current knowledge regarding CSF circulation pathways and the underlying causes of CH. The main causes of CH include abnormalities in the FoxJ1 pathway of ventricular cilia, dysfunctions in the choroid plexus transporter Na+-K+-2Cl- contransporter isoform 1, developmental abnormalities in the cerebral cortex, and structural abnormalities within the brain. Understanding the causes of CH is indeed crucial for advancing research and developing effective treatment strategies. In this review, we will summarize the findings from existing studies on the causes of CH and propose potential research directions to further our understanding of this condition.

The role of RUNX1/NF-κB in regulating PVAT inflammation in aortic dissection

The pathogenesis of aortic dissection (AD), an aortic disease associated with high mortality, involves significant vascular inflammatory infiltration. However, the precise relationship between perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and aortic dissection remains incompletely understood. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of PVAT inflammation in the pathogenesis of aortic dissection and identify novel therapeutic targets for this disease. The mouse model of aortic dissection was established in this study through intraperitoneal injection of Ang II and administration of BAPN in drinking water. Additionally, control groups were established at different time points including the 2-week group, 3-week group, and 4-week group. qPCR and immunohistochemistry techniques were employed to detect the expression of inflammatory markers and RUNX1 in PVAT surrounding the thoracic aorta in mice. Additionally, an aortic dissection model was established using RUNX1 knockout mice, and the aforementioned indicators were assessed. The 3T3-L1 cells were induced to differentiate into mature adipocytes in vitro, followed by lentivirus transfection for the knockdown or overexpression of RUNX1. The study aimed to investigate the potential cell-to-cell interactions by co-culturing 3T3-L1 cells with A7r5 or RAW264.7 cells. Subsequently, human aortic PVAT samples were obtained through clinical surgery and the aforementioned indicators were detected. In comparison to the control group, the aortic dissection model group exhibited decreased expression of MMP-2 and NF-κB in PVAT, while TNF-α and RUNX1 expression increased. Suppression of RUNX1 expression resulted in increased MMP-2 and NF-κB expression in PVAT, along with decreased TNF-α expression. Overexpression of RUNX1 upregulated the expression levels of NF-Κb, MMP-2, and TNF-α in adipocytes, whereas knockdown of RUNX1 exerted an opposite effect. Macrophages co-cultured with adipocytes overexpressing RUNX1 exhibited enhanced CD86 expression, while vascular smooth muscle cells co-cultured with these adipocytes showed reduced α-SMA expression. In human samples, there was an increase in both RUNX1 and MMP-2 expression levels, accompanied by a decrease in TNF-α and NF-Κb expression. The presence of aortic dissection is accompanied by evident inflammatory alterations in the PVAT, and this phenomenon appears to be associated with the involvement of RUNX1. It is plausible that the regulation of PVAT's inflammatory changes by RUNX1/NF-κB signaling pathway plays a role in the pathogenesis of aortic dissection.

Simvastatin induces degradation of the extracellular matrix in human leiomyomata: novel in vitro, in vivo, and patient level evidence of matrix metalloproteinase involvement

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of simvastatin on uterine leiomyoma growth and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition.

DESIGN

Laboratory analysis of human leiomyoma cell culture, xenograft in a mouse model, and patient tissue from a clinical trial.

SETTING

Academic research center.

PATIENT(S)

Tissue culture from human leiomyoma tissue and surgical leiomyoma tissue sections from a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

INTERVENTION(S)

Simvastatin treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Serum concentrations, xenograft volumes, and protein expression.

RESULTS

Mice xenografted with 3-dimensional human leiomyoma cultures were divided as follows: 7 untreated controls; 12 treated with activated simvastatin at 10 mg/kg body weight; and 15 at 20 mg/kg body weight. Simvastatin was detected in the serum of mice injected at the highest dose. Xenograft volumes were significantly smaller (mean 53% smaller at the highest concentration). There was dissolution of compact ECM, decreased ECM formation, and lower collagen protein expression in xenografts. Membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase was increased in vitro and in vivo. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 were increased in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Simvastatin exhibited antitumoral activity with ECM degradation and decreased leiomyoma tumor volume in vivo. Activation of the matrix metalloproteinase 2, membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase, and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 pathway may explain these findings.

MMP-2 regulates Src activation via repression of the CHK/MATK tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Doxorubicin, a first-line anticancer drug for osteosarcoma treatment, has been the subject of recent research exploring the mechanisms behind its chemoresistance and its ability to enhance cell migration at sublethal concentrations. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a type IV collagenase and zinc-dependent endopeptidase, is well-known for degrading the extracellular matrix and promoting cancer metastasis. Our previous work demonstrated that nuclear MMP-2 regulates ribosomal RNA transcription via histone clipping, thereby controlling gene expression. Additionally, MMP-2 activity is regulated by the non-receptor tyrosine kinase and oncogene, Src, which plays a crucial role in cell adhesion, invasion, and metastasis. Src kinase is primarily regulated by two endogenous inhibitors: C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) and Csk homologous kinase (CHK/MATK).

AIM

In this study, we reveal that the MMP-2 gene acts as an upstream regulator of Src kinase activity by suppressing its endogenous inhibitor, CHK/MATK, in osteosarcoma cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We show that enhanced osteosarcoma cell migration which is induced by sublethal concentrations of doxorubicin can be overcome by inactivating the MMP-2 gene or overexpressing CHK/MATK. Our findings highlight the MMP-2 gene as a promising additional target for combating cancer cell migration and metastasis. This is due to its role in suppressing on the gene and protein expression of the tumor suppressor CHK/MATK in osteosarcoma.

CONCLUSION

By targeting the MMP-2 gene, we can potentially enhance the effectiveness of doxorubicin treatment and reduce chemoresistance in osteosarcoma.

Mmp14 is required for matrisome homeostasis and circadian rhythm in fibroblasts

The circadian clock in tendon regulates the daily rhythmic synthesis of collagen-I and the appearance and disappearance of small-diameter collagen fibrils in the extracellular matrix. How the fibrils are assembled and removed is not fully understood. Here, we first showed that the collagenase, membrane type I-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, encoded by Mmp14), is regulated by the circadian clock in postnatal mouse tendon. Next, we generated tamoxifen-induced Col1a2-Cre-ERT2::Mmp14 KO mice (Mmp14 conditional knockout (CKO)). The CKO mice developed hind limb dorsiflexion and thickened tendons, which accumulated narrow-diameter collagen fibrils causing ultrastructural disorganization. Mass spectrometry of control tendons identified 1195 proteins of which 212 showed time-dependent abundance. In Mmp14 CKO mice 19 proteins had reversed temporal abundance and 176 proteins lost time dependency. Among these, the collagen crosslinking enzymes lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) and lysyl hydroxylase 1 (LH1; encoded by Plod2) were elevated and had lost time-dependent regulation. High-pressure chromatography confirmed elevated levels of hydroxylysine aldehyde (pyridinoline) crosslinking of collagen in CKO tendons. As a result, collagen-I was refractory to extraction. We also showed that CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of Mmp14 from cultured fibroblasts resulted in loss of circadian clock rhythmicity of period 2 (PER2), and recombinant MT1-MMP was highly effective at cleaving soluble collagen-I but less effective at cleaving collagen pre-assembled into fibrils. In conclusion, our study shows that circadian clock-regulated Mmp14 controls the rhythmic synthesis of small diameter collagen fibrils, regulates collagen crosslinking, and its absence disrupts the circadian clock and matrisome in tendon fibroblasts.

Novel roles of PIWI proteins and PIWI-interacting RNAs in human health and diseases

Non-coding RNA has aroused great research interest recently, they play a wide range of biological functions, such as regulating cell cycle, cell proliferation, and intracellular substance metabolism. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are emerging small non-coding RNAs that are 24-31 nucleotides in length. Previous studies on piRNAs were mainly limited to evaluating the binding to the PIWI protein family to play the biological role. However, recent studies have shed more lights on piRNA functions; aberrant piRNAs play unique roles in many human diseases, including diverse lethal cancers. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of piRNAs expression and the specific functional roles of piRNAs in human diseases is crucial for developing its clinical applications. Presently, research on piRNAs mainly focuses on their cancer-specific functions but lacks investigation of their expressions and epigenetic modifications. This review discusses piRNA's biogenesis and functional roles and the recent progress of functions of piRNA/PIWI protein complexes in human diseases. Video Abstract.

Immunomodulatory roles of metalloproteinases in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune pathology characterized by persistent synovial inflammation and gradually advancing bone destruction. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), as a family of zinc-containing enzymes, have been found to play an important role in degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM). MMPs participate in processes of cell proliferation, migration, inflammation, and cell metabolism. A growing number of persons have paid attention to their function in inflammatory and immune diseases. In this review, the details of regulation of MMPs expression and its expression in RA are summarized. The role of MMPs in ECM remodeling, angiogenesis, oxidative and nitrosative stress, cell migration and invasion, cytokine and chemokine production, PANoptosis and bone destruction in RA disease are discussed. Additionally, the review summarizes clinical trials targeting MMPs in inflammatory disease and discusses the potential of MMP inhibition in the therapeutic context of RA. MMPs may serve as biomarkers for drug response, pathology stratification, and precision medicine to improve clinical management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Combined dandelion extract and all-trans retinoic acid induces cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers among women worldwide. Recently, natural compounds have been widely used for the treatment of breast cancer. Present study evaluated antiproliferative and anti-metastasis activities of two natural compounds of dandelion and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells. We also evaluated the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, IL-1β, p53, NM23 and KAI1 genes. Data showed a clear additive cytotoxic effect in concentrations of 40 μM ATRA with 1.5 and 4 mg/ml of dandelion extract in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells, respectively. In both cell lines, compared with the untreated cells, the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β were significantly decreased while p53 and KAI1 expression levels were increased. Besides, MMP-2 and NM23 had different expressions in the two studied cell lines. In conclusion, dandelion/ATRA co-treatment, in addition to having strong cytotoxic effects, has putative effects on the expression of anti-metastatic genes in both breast cancer cells.

Vimentin-mediated myosin 10 aggregation at tips of cell extensions drives MT1-MMP-dependent collagen degradation in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a high prevalence adenocarcinoma with progressive increases in metastasis-related mortality, but the mechanisms governing the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation important for metastasis in CRC are not well-defined. We investigated a functional relationship between vimentin (Vim) and myosin 10 (Myo10), and whether this relationship is associated with cancer progression. We tested the hypothesis that Vim regulates the aggregation of Myo10 at the tips of cell extensions, which increases membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP)-associated local collagen proteolysis and ECM degradation. Analysis of CRC samples revealed colocalization of Vim with Myo10 and MT1-MMP in cell extensions adjacent to sites of collagen degradation, suggesting an association with local cell invasion. We analyzed cultured CRC cells and fibroblasts and found that Vim accelerates aggregation of Myo10 at cell tips, which increases the cell extension rate. Vim stabilizes the interaction of Myo10 with MT1-MMP, which in turn increases collagenolysis. Vim depletion reduced the aggregation of Myo10 at the cell extension tips and MT1-MMP-dependent collagenolysis. We propose that Vim interacts with Myo10, which in turn associates with MT1-MMP to facilitate the transport of these molecules to the termini of cell extensions and there enhance cancer invasion of soft connective tissues.

A potential relationship between MMP-9 rs2250889 and ischemic stroke susceptibility

Purpose

Ischemic stroke (IS), a serious cerebrovascular disease, greatly affects people's health and life. Genetic factors are indispensable for the occurrence of IS. As a biomarker for IS, the MMP-9 gene is widely involved in the pathophysiological process of IS. This study attempts to find out the relationship between MMP-9 polymorphisms and IS susceptibility.

Methods

A total of 700 IS patients and 700 healthy controls were recruited. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers of the MMP-9 gene were genotyped by the MassARRAY analyzer. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was applied to generate SNP-SNP interaction. Furthermore, the relationship between genetic variations (allele and genotype) of the MMP-9 gene and IS susceptibility was analyzed by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Our results demonstrated that rs2250889 could significantly increase the susceptibility to IS in the codominant, dominant, overdominant, and log-additive models (p < 0.05). Further stratification analysis showed that compared with the control group, rs2250889 was associated with IS risk in different case groups (age, female, smoking, and non-drinking) (p < 0.05). Based on MDR analysis, rs2250889 was the best model for predicting IS risk (cross-validation consistency: 10/10, OR = 1.56 (1.26-1.94), p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study preliminarily confirmed that SNP rs2250889 was significantly associated with susceptibility to IS.

The Potential Roles of CHI3L1 in Failed Autologous Arteriovenous Fistula in End-Stage Renal Disease

Autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is commonly placed for hemodialysis treatment. Recent studies show that increased baseline serum level of Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) is independently associated with a higher risk of the early failure of forearm AVFs. However, the changes and mechanisms of CHI3LI in local vascular tissues of failed AVF have not be revealed. This study aims to conduct the expression and mechanism of CHI3L1 in vascular tissues from patients. Immunoreactivity of CHI3L1, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) were detected in vascular tissues collected from nine patients with AVF surgery. Due to the significant stenosis clinically, six of the nine patients received arteriovenous fistula reconstruction. The expression differences of CHI3L1 between the initial vascular tissues and failed AVF are significant (P < 0.05). Failed AVF due to stenosis shows intraluminal thrombus, collagen fiber rupture, fibrous connective tissue hyperplasia, tube wall thickening, neovascularization, scattered inflammatory cell infiltration in the tunica media as well as high CHI3L1 expression level, and the expression of MMP-2 (r = 0.9022, P = 0.0139) and VEGF-A (r = 0.8355, P = 0.0393) was positively correlated with CHI3L1. CHI3L1 expression in vascular tissues possibly plays an important role in AVF failure. MMP-2 and VEGF-A may participate in venous stenosis with CHI3L1.

The versatile roles of ADAM8 in cancer cell migration, mechanics, and extracellular matrix remodeling

The posttranslational proteolytic cleavage is a unique and irreversible process that governs the function and half-life of numerous proteins. Thereby the role of the family of A disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs) plays a leading part. A member of this family, ADAM8, has gained attention in regulating disorders, such as neurogenerative diseases, immune function and cancer, by attenuating the function of proteins nearby the extracellular membrane leaflet. This process of "ectodomain shedding" can alter the turnover rate of a number of transmembrane proteins that function in cell adhesion and receptor signal transduction. In the past, the major focus of research about ADAMs have been on neurogenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer, however, there seems to be evidence for a connection between ADAM8 and cancer. The role of ADAMs in the field of cancer research has gained recent attention, but it has been not yet been extensively addressed. Thus, this review article highlights the various roles of ADAM8 with particular emphasis on pathological conditions, such as cancer and malignant cancer progression. Here, the shedding function, direct and indirect matrix degradation, effects on cancer cell mobility and transmigration, and the interplay of ADAM8 with matrix-embedded neighboring cells are presented and discussed. Moreover, the most probable mechanical impact of ADAM8 on cancer cells and their matrix environment is addressed and debated. In summary, this review presents recent advances in substrates/ligands and functions of ADAM8 in its new role in cancer and its potential link to cell mechanical properties and discusses matrix mechanics modifying properties. A deeper comprehension of the regulatory mechanisms governing the expression, subcellular localization, and activity of ADAM8 is expected to reveal appropriate drug targets that will permit a more tailored and fine-tuned modification of its proteolytic activity in cancer development and metastasis.

Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Musculoskeletal Diseases

Musculoskeletal disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, injury, stiffness, and bone loss. The prevalence of these conditions is frequent among elderly populations with significant mobility and mortality rates. This may lead to extreme discomfort and detrimental effect on the patient’s health and socioeconomic situation. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue are vital for body function and movement. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are regulatory proteases involved in synthesizing, degrading, and remodeling extracellular matrix (ECM) components. By modulating ECM reconstruction, cellular migration, and differentiation, MMPs preserve myofiber integrity and homeostasis. In this review, the role of MMPs in skeletal muscle function, muscle injury and repair, skeletal muscle inflammation, and muscular dystrophy and future approaches for MMP-based therapies in musculoskeletal disorders are discussed at the cellular and molecule level.