Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2(TIMP-2)-deficient mice display motor deficits

The degradation of the extracellular matrix is regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Matrix components of the basement membrane play critical roles in the development and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), yet almost nothing is known about the regulation of MMP and TIMP expression in either the pre- or postsynaptic compartments. Here, we demonstrate that TIMP-2 is expressed by both spinal motor neurons and skeletal muscle. To determine whether motor function is altered in the absence of TIMP-2, motor behavior was assessed using a battery of tests (e.g., RotaRod, balance beam, hindlimb extension, grip strength, loaded grid, and gait analysis). TIMP-2(-/-) mice fall off the RotaRod significantly faster than wild-type littermates. In addition, hindlimb extension is reduced and gait is both splayed and lengthened in TIMP-2(-/-) mice. Motor dysfunction is more pronounced during early postnatal development. A preliminary analysis revealed NMJ alterations in TIMP-2(-/-) mice. Juvenile TIMP-2(-/-) mice have increased nerve branching and acetylcholine receptor expression. Adult TIMP-2(-/-) endplates are enlarged and more complex. This suggests a role for TIMP-2 in NMJ sculpting during development. In contrast to the increased NMJ nerve branching, cerebellar Purkinje cells have decreased neurite outgrowth. Thus, the TIMP-2(-/-) motor phenotype is likely due to both peripheral and central defects. The tissue specificity of the nerve branching phenotype suggests the involvement of different MMPs and/or extracellular matrix molecules underlying the TIMP-2(-/-) motor phenotype.

Prepulse inhibition and fear-potentiated startle are altered in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) knockout mice

The ability to discriminate between potential dangers and recall those stimuli is essential for survival. This emotional learning requires the involvement of higher brain structures, including the amygdala, hippocampus and related cortical structures. Long-term changes in synaptic transmission and structure are important for the establishment and consolidation of fear memory. The structural changes associated with this synaptic plasticity likely require alterations in the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM integrity is maintained by the opposing action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). To date, no studies have examined the role of MMPs or TIMPs in conditioned fear. Here, we show that neither male nor female mice deficient in TIMP-2 (knockout) exhibit prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex, suggesting deficits in pre-attentional sensorimotor gating. In addition, knockout mice and mice expressing a mutant truncated TIMP-2 (knock-down) show deficits in fear-potentiated startle. This is the first report of a phenotype for the TIMP-2(-/-) mice and suggests that TIMP-2 may play a role in the synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory.

Diet-induced obesity and reduced skin cancer susceptibility in matrix metalloproteinase 19-deficient mice

Matrix metalloproteinase 19 (MMP-19) is a member of the MMP family of endopeptidases that, in contrast to most MMPs, is widely expressed in human tissues under normal quiescent conditions. MMP-19 has been found to be associated with ovulation and angiogenic processes and is deregulated in diverse pathological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. To gain further insights into the in vivo functions of this protease, we have generated mutant mice deficient in Mmp19. These mice are viable and fertile and do not display any obvious abnormalities. However, Mmp19-null mice develop a diet-induced obesity due to adipocyte hypertrophy and exhibit decreased susceptibility to skin tumors induced by chemical carcinogens. Based on these results, we suggest that this enzyme plays an in vivo role in some of the tissue remodeling events associated with adipogenesis, as well as in pathological processes such as tumor progression.

Cloning, characterization, and expression analysis of mouse enamelysin

Enamelysin is a recently isolated member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading enzymes. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of the mouse enamelysin cDNA. Expression of mouse enamelysin was detectable only in ameloblasts and odontoblasts of developing teeth. Characterization of mouse enamelysin demonstrated that it is highly conserved in both its sequence content and pattern of expression relative to the porcine, human, and bovine homologues previously described.

Isolation, characterization, and chromosomal location of the mouse enamelysin gene

Mouse enamelysin (Mmp20), a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes, shows a high degree of homology with other MMPs, particularly those of the stromelysin/collagenase subfamilies. It is expressed exclusively in ameloblasts and odontoblasts. The mouse enamelysin gene (Mmp20) is made up of 10 exons spanning approximately 65 kb within the MMP gene cluster at the centromeric end of chromosome 9.

MT1-MMP-deficient mice develop dwarfism, osteopenia, arthritis, and connective tissue disease due to inadequate collagen turnover

MT1-MMP is a membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) capable of mediating pericellular proteolysis of extracellular matrix components. MT1-MMP is therefore thought to be an important molecular tool for cellular remodeling of the surrounding matrix. To establish the biological role of this membrane proteinase we generated MT1-MMP-deficient mice by gene targeting. MT1-MMP deficiency causes craniofacial dysmorphism, arthritis, osteopenia, dwarfism, and fibrosis of soft tissues due to ablation of a collagenolytic activity that is essential for modeling of skeletal and extraskeletal connective tissues. Our findings demonstrate the pivotal function of MT1-MMP in connective tissue metabolism, and illustrate that modeling of the soft connective tissue matrix by resident cells is essential for the development and maintenance of the hard tissues of the skeleton.