MCT4 and CD147 colocalize with MMP14 in invadopodia and support matrix degradation and invasion by breast cancer cells

Expression levels of the lactate-H+ cotransporter MCT4 (also known as SLC16A3) and its chaperone CD147 (also known as basigin) are upregulated in breast cancers, correlating with decreased patient survival. Here, we test the hypothesis that MCT4 and CD147 favor breast cancer invasion through interdependent effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. MCT4 and CD147 expression and membrane localization were found to be strongly reciprocally interdependent in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Overexpression of MCT4 and/or CD147 increased, and their knockdown decreased, migration, invasion and the degradation of fluorescently labeled gelatin. Overexpression of both proteins led to increases in gelatin degradation and appearance of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-generated collagen-I cleavage product reC1M, and these increases were greater than those observed upon overexpression of each protein alone, suggesting a concerted role in ECM degradation. MCT4 and CD147 colocalized with invadopodia markers at the plasma membrane. They also colocalized with MMP14 and the lysosomal marker LAMP1, as well as partially with the autophagosome marker LC3, in F-actin-decorated intracellular vesicles. We conclude that MCT4 and CD147 reciprocally regulate each other and interdependently support migration and invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, this involves MCT4-CD147-dependent stimulation of ECM degradation and specifically of MMP-mediated collagen-I degradation. We suggest that the MCT4-CD147 complex is co-delivered to invadopodia with MMP14.

Calreticulin regulates the expression of MMP14 and ADAR1 through EIF2AK2 signaling to promote the proliferation and progression of malignant melanoma cells

It has been demonstrated that calreticulin (CALR) is expressed abnormally in various tumors and is involved in the occurrence and development of tumors. In this study, CALR and EIF2AK2 expression was measured in the clinical specimens of 39 patients with melanoma. Then, we constructed knockdown and overexpression cell models of CALR and EIF2AK2 and used wound healing and Transwell assays to observe cell migration and invasion. Apoptosis, EDU, and ROS assays were used to measure cell apoptosis and proliferation, as well as ROS levels. The effect of CALR on endoplasmic reticulum stress was detected using endoplasmic reticulum fluorescent probes. Western blotting was used to detect protein levels of CALR, EIF2AK2, ADAR1, and MMP14. The results indicated that CALR and EIF2AK2 expression levels were significantly higher in human melanoma tissues than in adjacent non-tumor tissue. In addition, we found a correlation between CALR and the expression of EIF2AK2 and MMP14, and the experimental results indicated that overexpression of CALR significantly upregulated the expression of EIF2AK2, MMP14, and ADAR1, while knockdown of CALR inhibited their expression. Notably, the knockdown of EIF2AK2 in the CALR overexpression group blocked the upregulation of MMP14 and ADAR1 expression by CALR, and the knockdown of both CALR and EIF2AK2 significantly inhibited MMP14 and ADAR1 expression. In conclusion, CALR and EIF2AK2 play a promoting role in melanoma progression, and knockdown of CALR and EIF2AK2 may be an effective anti-tumor target, and its mechanism may be through MMP14, ADAR1 signaling.

Intercellular transfer of cancer cell invasiveness via endosome-mediated protease shedding

Overexpression of the transmembrane matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP/MMP14 promotes cancer cell invasion. Here we show that MT1-MMP-positive cancer cells turn MT1-MMP-negative cells invasive by transferring a soluble catalytic ectodomain of MT1-MMP. Surprisingly, this effect depends on the presence of TKS4 and TKS5 in the donor cell, adaptor proteins previously implicated in invadopodia formation. In endosomes of the donor cell, TKS4/5 promote ADAM-mediated cleavage of MT1-MMP by bridging the two proteases, and cleavage is stimulated by the low intraluminal pH of endosomes. The bridging depends on the PX domains of TKS4/5, which coincidently interact with the cytosolic tail of MT1-MMP and endosomal phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate. MT1-MMP recruits TKS4/5 into multivesicular endosomes for their subsequent co-secretion in extracellular vesicles, together with the enzymatically active ectodomain. The shed ectodomain converts non-invasive recipient cells into an invasive phenotype. Thus, TKS4/5 promote intercellular transfer of cancer cell invasiveness by facilitating ADAM-mediated shedding of MT1-MMP in acidic endosomes.

MMP14high macrophages orchestrate progressive pulmonary fibrosis in SR-Ag-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (FHP) is a fatal interstitial pulmonary disease with limited treatment options. Lung macrophages are a heterogeneous cell population that exhibit distinct subsets with divergent functions, playing pivotal roles in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. However, the specific macrophage subpopulations and underlying mechanisms involved in the disease remain largely unexplored. In this study, a decision tree model showed that matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP14) had higher scores for important features in the up-regulated genes in macrophages from mice exposed to the Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula antigen (SR-Ag). Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) mice profiles, we identified MMP14high macrophage subcluster with a predominant M2 phenotype that exhibited higher activity in promoting fibroblast-to myofibroblast transition (FMT). We demonstrated that suppressing toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) could attenuate MMP14 expression and exosome secretion in macrophages stimulation with SR-Ag. The exosomes derived from MMP14-overexpressing macrophages were found to be more effective in regulating the transition of fibroblasts through exosomal MMP14. Importantly, it was observed that the transfer of MMP14-overexpressing macrophages into mice promoted lung inflammation and fibrosis induced by SR-Ag. NSC-405020 binding to the hemopexin domain (PEX) of MMP-14 ameliorated lung inflammation and fibrosis induced by SR-Ag in mice. Thus, MMP14-overexpressing macrophages may be an important mechanism contributing to the exacerbation of allergic reactions. Our results indicated that MMP14 in macrophages has the potential to be a therapeutic target for HP.

Clinical significance and immune characteristics analysis of miR-221-3p and its key target genes related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

MicroRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p) facilitates the advancement of breast cancer (BC) through the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our research aimed to utilize bioinformatics to discover possible EMT-related target genes (ETGs) of miR-221-3p and examine their roles in breast cancer.

METHODS

We employed bioinformatics techniques to identify ten key ETGs of miR-221-3p. Subsequently, we conducted an extensive analysis of both miR-221-3p and the ten ETGs, including clinical significance and immune characteristics.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-221-3p was notably higher in Basal-like BC compared to other subtypes and adjacent normal tissue. Our pathway analysis suggested that miR-221-3p might regulate EMT through the MAPK signaling pathway by targeting its ETGs. Among the ETGs, seven core genes (EGFR, IGF1, KDR, FGF2, KIT, FGFR1, and FGF1) exhibited downregulation in BC. Conversely, ERBB2, SDC1, and MMP14 showed upregulation in BC and displayed potential diagnostic value. The analysis of prognostication indicated that increased levels of SDC1 and MMP14 were correlated with an unfavorable prognosis, whereas elevated expression of KIT was associated with a more favorable prognosis. The infiltration of various immune cells and the expression of immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) exhibited positive correlations with most ETGs and miR-221-3p. SDC1 exhibited a greater tumor mutational burden (TMB) score, while ERBB2, KDR, FGF2, KIT, FGFR1, and FGF1 showed lower TMB scores. Furthermore, decreased ERBB2 and KDR expression levels were correlated with elevated microsatellite instability (MSI) scores. Elevated expression of ETGs was linked to decreased mRNA stemness indices (mRNAsi), whereas miR-221-3p displayed the opposite pattern. Most ETGs and miR-221-3p expression exhibited a negative correlation with IC50 values for drugs. Among the ETGs, amplification was the most significant genetic alteration, except for IGF1.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, miR-221-3p acts as a unique indicator for Basal-like BC. The examination revealed ten essential ETGs of miR-221-3p, some of which show potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers. The in-depth examination of these ten ETGs and miR-221-3p indicates their participation in the development of BC, emphasizing their promise as innovative targets for therapy in BC patients.

The selective regulation of immune responses by matrix metalloproteinase MMP14 in Ostrinia furnacalis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial for tissue remodeling and immune responses in insects, yet it remains unclear how MMPs affect the various immune processes against pathogenic infections and whether the responses vary among insects. In this study, we used the lepidopteran pest Ostrinia furnacalis larvae to address these questions by examining the changes of immune-related gene expression and antimicrobial activity after the knockdown of MMP14 and bacterial infections. We identified MMP14 in O. furnacalis using the rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends (RACE), and found that it was conserved and belonged to the MMP1 subfamily. Our functional investigations revealed that MMP14 is an infection-responsive gene, and its knockdown reduces phenoloxidase (PO) activity and Cecropin expression, while the expressions of Lysozyme, Attacin, Gloverin, and Moricin are enhanced after MMP14 knockdown. Further PO and lysozyme activity determinations showed consistent results with gene expression of these immune-related genes. Finally, the knockdown of MMP14 decreased larvae survival to bacterial infections. Taken together, our data indicate that MMP14 selectively regulates the immune responses, and is required to defend against bacterial infections in O. furnacalis larvae. Conserved MMPs may serve as a potential target for pest control using a combination of double-stranded RNA and bacterial infection.

CLDN1 silencing suppresses the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells by modulating MMP14

Airway remodeling is an important pathologic factor in the progression of asthma. Abnormal proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) are important pathologic mechanisms in severe asthma. In the current study, claudin-1 (CLDN1) was identified as an asthma-related gene and was upregulated in ASMCs stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB). Cell counting kit-8 and EdU assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation, and transwell assay was carried out to analyze cell migration and invasion. The levels of inflammatory factors were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that CLDN1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and inflammation of ASMCs treated with PDGF-BB, whereas overexpression of CLDN1 exhibited the opposite effects. Protein-protein interaction assay and co-immunoprecipitation revealed that CLDN1 directly interacted with matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14). CLDN1 positively regulated MMP14 expression in asthma, and MMP14 overexpression reversed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inflammation induced by silenced CLDN1. Taken together, CLDN1 promotes PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inflammatory responses of ASMCs by upregulating MMP14 expression, suggesting a potential role for CLDN1 in airway remodeling in asthma.

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.

Association of MMP3, MMP14, and MMP25 gene polymorphisms with cerebral stroke risk: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Cerebral stroke (CS) is the leading cause of death in China, and a complex disease caused by both alterable risk factors and genetic factors. This study intended to investigate the association of MMP3, MMP14, and MMP25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with CS risk in a Chinese Han population.

METHODS

A total of 1,348 Han Chinese were recruited in this case-control study. Four candidate loci including rs520540 A/G and rs679620 T/C of MMP3, rs2236302 G/C of MMP14, and rs10431961 T/C of MMP25 were successfully screened. The correlation between the four SNPs and CS risk was assessed by logistic regression analysis. The results were analyzed by false-positive report probability (FPRP) for chance or significance. The interactions between four SNPs associated with CS risk were assessed by multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR).

RESULTS

rs520540 A/G and rs679620 C/T SNP in MMP3 were associated with risk of CS in allele, codominant, dominant and log-additive models. Ischemic stroke risk were significantly lower in carriers with rs520540-A allele and rs679620-T allele than those with G/G or C/C genotypes. However, rs520540-A allele and rs679620-T allele were associated with higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Stratified analysis showed that these two SNPs were associated with reduced risk of CS in aged < 55 years, non-smoking and non-drinking participants, and rs679620 SNP also reduced CS risk in male participants. The levels of uric acid, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and eosinophil were different among patients with different genotypes of rs520540 and rs679620. No statistically significant association was found between MMP14 rs2236302 G/C or MMP25 rs10431961 T/C with CS even after stratification by stroke subtypes, age, gender as well as smoking and drinking conditions in all the genetic models.

CONCLUSION

MMP3 rs520540 A/G and rs679620 C/T polymorphisms were associated with CS risk in the Chinese Han population, which provides useful information for the prevention and diagnosis of CS.

Assessment of MMP14, CAV2, CLU and SPARCL1 expression profiles in endometriosis

Endometriotic cells exhibit a notable degree of invasiveness and some characteristics of tissue remodeling underlying lesion formation. In this regard, do matrix metalloproteinases 14 (MMP14) and other related genes such as SPARC-like protein 1 (SPARCL1), caveolin 2 (CAV2), and clusterin (CLU) exert any significant influence in the processes of endometriosis development and pathophysiology is not apparent. We aim to assess whether these genes could serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers in endometriosis. Microarray-based gene expression analysis was performed on total RNA extracted from endometriotic tissue samples treated with and without gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). The GnRHa untreated patients were considered the control group. The validation of genes was performed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). qRT-PCR analysis showed significant downregulation in the expression of MMP14 (p = 0.024), CAV2 (p = 0.017), and upregulation of CLU (p = 0.005) in endometriosis patients treated with GnRHa. SPARCL1 did not show any significant (p = 0.30) change in the expression compared to the control group. These data have the potential to contribute to the comprehension of the molecular pathways implicated in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, which is a vital step for the physiology of the endometrium. Based on the result, it is concluded that changes in the expression of MMP14, CAV2, and CLU post-treatment imply their role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker of endometriosis in response to GnRHa treatment in patients with ovarian endometrioma.

KIF16B drives MT1-MMP recycling in macrophages and promotes co-invasion of cancer cells

The matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP is a central effector of cellular proteolysis. Accordingly, regulation of the surface-localized pool of MT1-MMP is crucial for cell migration and invasion. Here, we identify the superprocessive kinesin KIF16B as a major driver of fast recycling of MT1-MMP to the surface of primary human macrophages. KIF16B associates with MT1-MMP on Rab14-positive vesicles, and its depletion results in strongly reduced MT1-MMP surface levels, as shown by microscopical, biochemical, and cell-sorting approaches. As a consequence, KIF16B-depleted macrophages exhibit strongly reduced matrix degradation and invasion. We further identify the cargo-binding C-terminus of KIF16B as a critical element of MT1-MMP transport, as its overexpression uncouples MT1-MMP vesicles from the endogenous motor, thus leading to a reduction of surface-associated MT1-MMP and to reduced matrix degradation and invasion. Importantly, depletion of KIF16B in primary macrophages also reduces the co-invasion of cancer cells from tumor spheroids, pointing to the KIF16B-driven recycling pathway in macrophages as an important regulatory element of the tumor microenvironment.

Global, but not chondrocyte-specific, MT1-MMP deficiency in adult mice causes inflammatory arthritis

Membrane-type I metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP/MMP14) plays a key role in various pathophysiological processes, indicating an unaddressed need for a targeted therapeutic approach. However, mice genetically deficient in Mmp14 show severe defects in development and growth. To investigate the possibility of MT1-MMP inhibition as a safe treatment in adults, we generated global Mmp14 tamoxifen-induced conditional knockout (Mmp14kd) mice and found that MT1-MMP deficiency in adult mice resulted in severe inflammatory arthritis. Mmp14kd mice started to show noticeably swollen joints two weeks after tamoxifen administration, which progressed rapidly. Mmp14kd mice reached a humane endpoint 6 to 8 weeks after tamoxifen administration due to severe arthritis. Plasma TNF-α levels were also significantly increased in Mmp14kd mice. Detailed analysis revealed chondrocyte hypertrophy, synovial fibrosis, and subchondral bone remodeling in the joints of Mmp14kd mice. However, global conditional knockout of MT1-MMP in adult mice did not affect body weight, blood glucose, or plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, we observed substantial expression of MT1-MMP in the articular cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis. We then developed chondrocyte-specific Mmp14 tamoxifen-induced conditional knockout (Mmp14chkd) mice. Chondrocyte MT1-MMP deficiency in adult mice also caused apparent chondrocyte hypertrophy. However, Mmp14chkd mice did not exhibit synovial hyperplasia or noticeable arthritis, suggesting that chondrocyte MT1-MMP is not solely responsible for the onset of severe arthritis observed in Mmp14kd mice. Our findings also suggest that highly cell-type specific inhibition of MT1-MMP is required for its potential therapeutic use.

Degradomic Identification of Membrane Type 1-Matrix Metalloproteinase as an ADAMTS9 and ADAMTS20 Substrate

The secreted metalloproteases ADAMTS9 and ADAMTS20 are implicated in extracellular matrix proteolysis and primary cilium biogenesis. Here, we show that clonal gene-edited RPE-1 cells in which ADAMTS9 was inactivated, and which constitutively lack ADAMTS20 expression, have morphologic characteristics distinct from parental RPE-1 cells. To investigate underlying proteolytic mechanisms, a quantitative terminomics method, terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates was used to compare the parental and gene-edited RPE-1 cells and their medium to identify ADAMTS9 substrates. Among differentially abundant neo-amino (N) terminal peptides arising from secreted and transmembrane proteins, a peptide with lower abundance in the medium of gene-edited cells suggested cleavage at the Tyr314-Gly315 bond in the ectodomain of the transmembrane metalloprotease membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), whose mRNA was also reduced in gene-edited cells. This cleavage, occurring in the MT1-MMP hinge, that is, between the catalytic and hemopexin domains, was orthogonally validated both by lack of an MT1-MMP catalytic domain fragment in the medium of gene-edited cells and restoration of its release from the cell surface by reexpression of ADAMTS9 and ADAMTS20 and was dependent on hinge O-glycosylation. A C-terminally semitryptic MT1-MMP peptide with greater abundance in WT RPE-1 medium identified a second ADAMTS9 cleavage site in the MT1-MMP hemopexin domain. Consistent with greater retention of MT1-MMP on the surface of gene-edited cells, pro-MMP2 activation, which requires cell surface MT1-MMP, was increased. MT1-MMP knockdown in gene-edited ADAMTS9/20-deficient cells restored focal adhesions but not ciliogenesis. The findings expand the web of interacting proteases at the cell surface, suggest a role for ADAMTS9 and ADAMTS20 in regulating cell surface activity of MT1-MMP, and indicate that MT1-MMP shedding does not underlie their observed requirement in ciliogenesis.

MT1-MMP Expression Levels and Catalytic Functions Dictate LDL Receptor-Related Protein-1 Ligand Internalization Capacity in U87 Glioblastoma Cells

Modulations in cell surface receptor ectodomain proteolytic shedding impact on receptor function and cancer biomarker expression. As such, heavily pursued therapeutic avenues have exploited LDL receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1)-mediated capacity in internalizing Angiopep-2 (An2), a brain-penetrating peptide that allows An2-drug conjugates to cross the blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB). Given that LRP-1 is proteolytically shed from the cell surface through matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, the balance between MMP expression/function and LRP-1-mediated An2 internalization is unknown. In this study, we found that membrane type-1 (MT1)-MMP expression increased from grade 1 to 4 brain tumors, while that of LRP-1 decreased inversely. MMP pharmacological inhibitors such as Ilomastat, Doxycycline and Actinonin increased in vitro An2 internalization by up to 2.5 fold within a human grade IV-derived U87 glioblastoma cell model. Transient siRNA-mediated MT1-MMP gene silencing resulted in increased basal An2 cell surface binding and intracellular uptake, while recombinant MT1-MMP overexpression reduced both cell surface LRP-1 expression as well as An2 internalization. The addition of Ilomastat to cells overexpressing recombinant MT1-MMP restored LRP-1 expression at the cell surface and An2 uptake to levels comparable to those observed in control cells. Collectively, our data suggest that MT1-MMP expression status dictates An2-mediated internalization processes in part by regulating cell surface LRP-1 functions. Such evidence prompts preclinical evaluations of combined MMP inhibitors/An2-drug conjugate administration to potentially increase the treatment of high-MT1-MMP-expressing brain tumors.

Progress on the role and mechanism of MT1-MMP in tumor metastasis

The matrix metallopeptidase family (matrix metallopeptidase, MMPs) is a class of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that can degrade most extracellular matrices. MT1-MMP (membrane type 1 metalloprotease) is an important metallopeptidase, which is located on plasma membrane and highly expressed in most tumors. MT1-MMP promotes cancer metastasis through affecting the extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. However, the mechanisms of MT1-MMP in different tumors have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we summarize the latest progress and the metastasis-promoting regulatory mechanisms of MT1-MMP in different tumors, which will provide references for its in-depth research and application in the field of cancer biology.

Atorvastatin attenuates NS1 (Non-structural protein-1) of dengue type-2 serotype-induced expressions of matrix metalloproteinases in HL-60 cells, differentiated to neutrophils: Implications for the immunopathogenesis of dengue viral disease

BACKGROUND

The dengue is a vector borne viral infection in humans. Bite of mosquito infected with a dengue virus transmits the disease. The neutrophils support more to the innate immune response by switching to infected tissues and triggering immunomodulatory mechanisms including the release of proteases and host defence peptides.

METHODS

Cell viability by MTT and trypan blue dye exclusion assay, bright field microscopy for assessment of cell morphology, cytokines measurements by ELISA, estimation of protein by Bradford assay were done. Assessments of matrix metalloproteinase genes mRNA expressions were done using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

In the present study, we have for the first time unveiled that, NS1 antigen of dengue type-2 serotype, induce and stimulate the neutrophils cells to express high levels of matrix metalloproteases. NS1 exposure of HL-60 cells differentiated to neutrophils affected cell morphology and in 24 h of exposure. We have demonstrated that, the NS1 antigen has induced MMP-2, MMP-14 and MMP-9 expressions in neutrophils in a 24hrs exposure time. NS1 exposure has also further upregulated MMP-1, MMP-13, and MMP-8 expressions in neutrophils in a 24hrs exposure time. Notably, treatment with atorvastatin concentrations downregulated the expression profile of the all matrix metalloprotease significantly. Importantly, NS1 antigen has significantly increased the IL-6, IL-13 release by the HL,60 cells which was reversed by atorvastatin. On the other hand, NS1 exposure enhanced the mRNA expressions of VEGF-A and VEGF-D which was reversed by atorvastatin. However, we found that, NS1 exposure reduced the mRNA expressions profile of VEGF-C, which was reversed by atorvastatin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we report that, neutrophils associated matrix metalloprotease are involved in the pathogenesis of dengue viral disease. VEGF growth factors may also be released by the neutrophils which may subsequently participate in the endothelial dysfunctions leading to dengue shock syndrome.

Endoglin and MMP14 Contribute to Ewing Sarcoma Spreading by Modulation of Cell–Matrix Interactions

Endoglin (ENG) is a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) marker typically expressed by active endothelium. This transmembrane glycoprotein is shed by matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14). Our previous work demonstrated potent preclinical activity of first-in-class anti-ENG antibody-drug conjugates as a nascent strategy to eradicate Ewing sarcoma (ES), a devastating rare bone/soft tissue cancer with a putative MSC origin. We also defined a correlation between ENG and MMP14 expression in ES. Herein, we show that ENG expression is significantly associated with a dismal prognosis in a large cohort of ES patients. Moreover, both ENG/MMP14 are frequently expressed in primary ES tumors and metastasis. To deepen in their functional relevance in ES, we conducted transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of in vitro ES models that unveiled a key role of ENG and MMP14 in cell mechano-transduction. Migration and adhesion assays confirmed that loss of ENG disrupts actin filament assembly and filopodia formation, with a concomitant effect on cell spreading. Furthermore, we observed that ENG regulates cell–matrix interaction through activation of focal adhesion signaling and protein kinase C expression. In turn, loss of MMP14 contributed to a more adhesive phenotype of ES cells by modulating the transcriptional extracellular matrix dynamics. Overall, these results suggest that ENG and MMP14 exert a significant role in mediating correct spreading machinery of ES cells, impacting the aggressiveness of the disease.

[Matrix metalloproteinase 14 and plasma kallikrein 1 may be potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis: a proteomics and bioinformatics analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze protein profiles in septic patients, and to find potential new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.

METHODS

A cross sectional observational study was conducted. From January to December 2019, 12 septic patients and 9 healthy volunteers were recruited in the emergency intensive care unit (EICU) of the emergency department of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University. The peripheral blood of the two groups was collected for protein mass spectrometry analysis, and the data-independent acquisition technology was used to obtain the expression data of each protein. The obtained data was imported into the online network tool Integrated Differential Expression and Pathway analysis (IDEP2), the data underwent ID converted and were homogenized to verify their comparability, and then principal component analysis was used to eliminate outlier data. Then data with P < 0.05, log₂fold change (FC) > 1 or log₂FC < -1 were considered to have a statistically significant difference, and the differential proteins were screened out. On the DAVID website, the screened differential proteins would be analyzed by gene ontology (GO), and the biological process, cellular components, and molecular function of the proteins would be analyzed. Protein enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed through the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes Database (STRING) website to find closely related proteins.

RESULTS

The data in this study were shown to be comparable after normalization. A total of 125 differential proteins were screened, of which 99 were up-regulated and 26 were down-regulated. GO enrichment analysis discovered that these proteins were mainly extracellular, with cellular regulatory functions and catalytic functions involved in biological regulation, metabolic process and immune process. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that these proteins were involved in amino acid, carbohydrate metabolism and immune-related pathways. PPI analysis showed that key proteins included matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14), fibulin 1 (FBLN1), plasma kallikrein 1 (KLKB1), etc., and finally screened out MMP14 and KLKB1, which were closely related to inflammation and immunity. Both might be potential new targets for early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

MMP14 and KLKB1 may be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of sepsis.

LongShengZhi alleviated cardiac remodeling via upregulation microRNA-150-5p with matrix metalloproteinase 14 as the target

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

LongShengZhi capsule (LSZ), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used for treatment of patients with vascular diseases. LSZ reduced doxorubicin-induced heart failure by reducing production of reactive oxygen species and inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was to explore whether LSZ could alleviate cardiac remodeling via upregulation of microRNA (miR)-150-5p and the downstream target. Cardiac remodeling was induced by Ang II in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

LSZ attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in rats, and in primary cardiomyocytes (CMs) and primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). MiR-150-5p was downregulated in Ang II-induced rat heart, CMs and CFs, and these decreases were reserved by LSZ. In vivo overexpression of miR-150-5p by transfection of miR-150-5p agomiR protected Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in rats. Meanwhile, its overexpression also reversed Ang II-induced upregulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) in rat hearts and primary CMs, as well as upregulation of collagen I, collagen III and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in rat hearts and primary CFs. Matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) was validated as the target gene of miR-150-5p, which was overexpressed in Ang II-induced rat heart, rat primary CMs and primary CFs. Notably, overexpression of MMP14 induced cardiac remodeling, and reversed the protective role of miR-150-5p in downregulating Ang II-induced upregulation of hypertrophy and fibrosis markers in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, LSZ protects Ang II-induced cardiac dysfunction and remodeling via upregulation of miR-150-5p to target MMP14. Administration of LSZ, upregulation of miR-150-5p or targeting of MMP14 may be strategies for cardiac remodeling therapy.

The Role of Functional Polymorphisms in the Extracellular Matrix Modulation-Related Genes on Dupuytren's Contracture

(1) Background: genetic variations, localized in the functional regions of the extracellular matrix (ECM) modulation-related genes, may alter the transcription process and impact the Dupuytren's contracture (DC). The present study investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), localized in the functional regions of the MMP8, MMP14, and CHST6 genes, with DC risk. (2) Methods: we enrolled 219 genomic DNA samples, which were extracted from 116 patients with DC and 103 healthy controls. Genotyping of selected SNPs was performed using TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping assay. Three polymorphisms (MMP8 rs11225395, MMP14 rs1042704, and CHST6 rs977987) were analyzed. All studied SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. (3) Results: significant associations of the studied SNPs with the previous onset of the disease were observed between the CHST6 rs977987 minor T allele (p = 0.036) and the MMP14 rs1042704 mutant AA genotype (p = 0.024). Significant associations with the previous onset of the disease were also observed with a positive family history of the DC (p = 0.035). Moreover, risk factor analysis revealed that a combination of major disease risk factors (smoking and manual labor) and the MMP14 minor A allele increases the risk of DC development by fourteen times (p = 0.010). (4) Conclusions: our findings suggest that CHST6 rs977987, MMP14 rs1042704, and positive family history are associated with the previous onset of Dupuytren's contracture. In addition, the combination of the MMP14 minor A allele and additional risk factors increase the likelihood of the manifestation of the DC.

Urine peptidome in combination with transcriptomics analysis highlights MMP7, MMP14 and PCSK5 for further investigation in chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by the loss of kidney function. The molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of CKD are still not fully understood. Among others, the urinary peptidome has been extensively studied, with several urinary peptides effectively detecting disease progression. However, their link to proteolytic events has not been made yet. This study aimed to predict the proteases involved in the generation of CKD-associated urinary excreted peptides in a well-matched (for age, sex, lack of heart disease) case-control study. The urinary peptide profiles from CKD (n = 241) and controls (n = 240) were compared and statistically analyzed. The in-silico analysis of the involved proteases was performed using Proteasix and proteases activity was predicted based on the abundance changes of the associated peptides. Predictions were cross-correlated to transcriptomics datasets by using the Nephroseq database. Information on the respective protease inhibitors was also retrieved from the MEROPS database. Totally, 303 urinary peptides were significantly associated with CKD. Among the most frequently observed were fragments of collagen types I, II and III, uromodulin, albumin and beta-2-microglobulin. Proteasix predicted 16 proteases involved in their generation. Through investigating CKD-associated transcriptomics datasets, several proteases are highlighted including members of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP7, MMP14) and serine proteases (PCSK5); laying the foundation for further studies towards elucidating their role in CKD pathophysiology.

[Leptin promotes the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by up regulating MMP14]

Objective To investigate the effect of matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) on the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells treated with leptin. Methods MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were randomly divided into control group and (50, 100, 200, 400) ng/mL leptin treated groups. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of MMP14 mRNA and protein in cancer cells. The MMP14 of MDA-MB-231 cells and leptin receptor genes were silenced and the silenced cells were stimulated with different concentrations of leptin, then cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay, cell migration was detected by scratch assay, and MMP14 protein expression was detected by Western blot. Results Compared with those in the control group, the mRNA and protein expressions of MMP14 increased in a dose-dependent manner in leptin treated groups. After knockdown of MMP14 and leptin receptor genes, the promoting effect of leptin on the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells and the expression of MMP14 protein were weakened. Conclusion Leptin up-regulates the expression of MMP14 in MDA-MB-231 cells and promotes cell proliferation and migration.

MT1-MMP Cooperates with TGF-β Receptor-Mediated Signaling to Trigger SNAIL and Induce Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal-like Transition in U87 Glioblastoma Cells

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) recapitulates metastasis and can be induced in vitro through transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling. A role for MMP activity in glioblastoma multiforme has been ascribed to EMT, but the molecular crosstalk between TGF-β signaling and membrane type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP) remains poorly understood. Here, the expression of common EMT biomarkers, induced through TGF-β and the MT1-MMP inducer concanavalin A (ConA), was explored using RNA-seq analysis and differential gene arrays in human U87 glioblastoma cells. TGF-β triggered SNAIL and fibronectin expressions in 2D-adherent and 3D-spheroid U87 glioblastoma cell models. Those inductions were antagonized by the TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor galunisertib, the JAK/STAT inhibitors AG490 and tofacitinib, and by the diet-derived epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Transient gene silencing of MT1-MMP prevented the induction of SNAIL by ConA and abrogated TGF-β-induced cell chemotaxis. Moreover, ConA induced STAT3 and Src phosphorylation, suggesting these pathways to be involved in the MT1-MMP-mediated signaling axis that led to SNAIL induction. Our findings highlight a new signaling axis linking MT1-MMP to TGF-β-mediated EMT-like induction in glioblastoma cells, the process of which can be prevented by the diet-derived EGCG.

Extracellular Matrix Remodeling by Fibroblast-MMP14 Regulates Melanoma Growth

Maintaining a balanced state in remodeling the extracellular matrix is crucial for tissue homeostasis, and this process is altered during skin cancer progression. In melanoma, several proteolytic enzymes are expressed in a time and compartmentalized manner to support tumor progression by generating a permissive environment. One of these proteases is the matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14). We could previously show that deletion of MMP14 in dermal fibroblasts results in the generation of a fibrotic-like skin in which melanoma growth is impaired. That was primarily due to collagen I accumulation due to lack of the collagenolytic activity of MMP14. However, as well as collagen I processing, MMP14 can also process several extracellular matrices. We investigated extracellular matrix alterations occurring in the MMP14-deleted fibroblasts that can contribute to the modulation of melanoma growth. The matrix deposited by cultured MMP14-deleted fibroblast displayed an antiproliferative and anti-migratory effect on melanoma cells in vitro. Analysis of the secreted and deposited-decellularized fibroblast's matrix identified a few altered proteins, among which the most significantly changed was collagen XIV. This collagen was increased because of post-translational events, while de novo synthesis was unchanged. Collagen XIV as a substrate was not pro-proliferative, pro-migratory, or adhesive, suggesting a negative regulatory role on melanoma cells. Consistent with that, increasing collagen XIV concentration in wild-type fibroblast-matrix led to reduced melanoma proliferation, migration, and adhesion. In support of its anti-tumor activity, enhanced accumulation of collagen XIV was detected in peritumoral areas of melanoma grown in mice with the fibroblast's deletion of MMP14. In advanced human melanoma samples, we detected reduced expression of collagen XIV compared to benign nevi, which showed a robust expression of this molecule around melanocytic nests. This study shows that loss of fibroblast-MMP14 affects melanoma growth through altering the peritumoral extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, with collagen XIV being a modulator of melanoma progression and a new proteolytic substrate to MMP14.

TC10 regulates breast cancer invasion and metastasis by controlling membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase at invadopodia

During breast cancer metastasis, cancer cell invasion is driven by actin-rich protrusions called invadopodia, which mediate the extracellular matrix degradation required for the success of the invasive cascade. In this study, we demonstrate that TC10, a member of a Cdc42 subfamily of p21 small GTPases, regulates the membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP)-driven extracellular matrix degradation at invadopodia. We show that TC10 is required for the plasma membrane surface exposure of MT1-MMP at these structures. By utilizing our Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor, we demonstrate the p190RhoGAP-dependent regulation of spatiotemporal TC10 activity at invadopodia. We identified a pathway that regulates invadopodia-associated TC10 activity and function through the activation of p190RhoGAP and the downstream interacting effector Exo70. Our findings reveal the role of a previously unknown regulator of vesicular fusion at invadopodia, TC10 GTPase, in breast cancer invasion and metastasis.

Overexpression of MMP14 predicts the poor prognosis in gastric cancer: Meta-analysis and database validation

BACKGROUND

Plenty of studies have showed matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) expression might be associated with the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). However, no definite conclusion has been obtained for the contradictory results.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of science, Embase, and Cochrane library for eligible studies. The association between MMP14 expression and prognostic outcomes of GC was evaluated. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were integrated to show the effect of MMP14 expression on the overall survival (OS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS). Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used to validate the association of MMP14 expression with OS or RFS in GC. A brief bioinformatics analysis was also performed to determine the prognostic role of MMP14 expression in GC.

RESULTS

High MMP14 expression was associated with shorter OS compared to low MMP14 expression in GC (HR = 1.95, P < .01). Patients with high MMP14 expression tended to have worse differentiation (P = .03), deeper tumor invasion (P < .01), earlier lymph node metastasis (P < .01), earlier distant metastasis (P < .01) and more advanced clinical stage (P < .01) compared to those with low MMP14 expression. The data from TCGA and GEO showed MMP14 was overexpressed in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues (P < .05), and high MMP14 expression was significantly related to shorter OS (HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.32-2.20, P < .01) and RFS (HR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.15-1.83, P < .01) compared to low MMP14 expression in GC. Expression of MMP14 was linked to functional networks involving the biological process, metabolic process, response to stimulus, cell communication and so on. Functional network analysis suggested that MMP14 regulated the protein digestion and absorption, extracellular matrix receptor interaction, focal adhesion, ribosome, spliceosome, and so on.

CONCLUSION

High MMP14 expression was associated with worse prognosis of GC compared to low MMP14 expression. MMP14 expression could serve as a prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target of GC.

Effect of sugar metabolite methylglyoxal on equine lamellar explants: An ex vivo model of laminitis

Laminitis is one of the most devastating diseases in equine medicine, and although several etiopathogenetic mechanisms have been proposed, few clear answers have been identified to date. Several lines of evidence point towards its underlying pathology as being metabolism-related. In the carbonyl stress pathway, sugars are converted to methylglyoxal (MG)-a highly reactive α-oxoaldehyde, mainly derived during glycolysis in eukaryotic cells from the triose phosphates: D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. One common hypothesis is that MG could be synthesized during the digestive process in horses, and excessive levels absorbed into peripheral blood could be delivered to the foot and lead to alterations in the hoof lamellar structure. In the present study, employing an ex vivo experimental design, different concentrations of MG were applied to hoof explants (HE), which were then incubated and maintained in a specific medium for 24 and 48 h. Macroscopic and histological analyses and a separation force test were performed at 24 and 48 h post-MG application. Gene expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -14 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 were also measured at each time point for all experimental conditions. High concentrations of MG induced macroscopic and histological changes mimicking laminitis. The separation force test revealed that hoof tissue samples incubated for 24 h in a high concentration of MG, or with lower doses but for a longer period (48 h), demonstrated significant weaknesses, and samples were easily separated. All results support that high levels of MG could induce irreversible damage in HEs, mimicking laminitis in an ex vivo model.

Bioinformatics analysis identified MMP14 and COL12A1 as immune-related biomarkers associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma prognosis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high mortality rates and a poor prognosis. There is an urgent need to determine the molecular mechanism of PAAD tumorigenesis and identify promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and targeted therapy of the disease.

METHODS

Three GEO datasets (GSE62165, GSE15471 and GSE62452) were analyzed to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The PPI networks and hub genes were identified through the STRING database and MCODE plugin in Cytoscape software. GO and KEGG enrichment pathways were analyzed by the DAVID database. The GEPIA database was utilized to estimate the prognostic value of hub genes. Furthermore, the roles of MMP14 and COL12A1 in immune infiltration and tumor-immune interaction and their biological functions in PAAD were explored by TIMER, TISIDB, GeneMANIA, Metascape and GSEA.

RESULTS

A total of 209 common DEGs in the three datasets were obtained. GO function analysis showed that the 209 DEGs were significantly enriched in calcium ion binding, serine-type endopeptidase activity, integrin binding, extracellular matrix structural constituent and collagen binding. KEGG pathway analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in focal adhesion, protein digestion and absorption and ECM-receptor interaction. The 14 genes with the highest degree of connectivity were defined as the hub genes of PAAD development. GEPIA revealed that PAAD patients with upregulated MMP14 and COL12A1 expression had poor prognoses. In addition, TIMER analysis revealed that MMP14 and COL12A1 were closely associated with the infiltration levels of macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells in PAAD. TISIDB revealed that MMP14 was strongly positively correlated with CD276, TNFSF4, CD70 and TNFSF9, while COL12A1 was strongly positively correlated with TNFSF4, CD276, ENTPD1 and CD70. GSEA revealed that MMP14 and COL12A1 were significantly enriched in epithelial mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix receptor interaction, apical junction, and focal adhesion in PAAD development.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that overexpression of MMP14 and COL12A1 is significantly correlated with PAAD patient poor prognosis. MMP14 and COL12A1 participate in regulating tumor immune interactions and might become promising biomarkers for PAAD.

Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy targeting TGFβ enhances the efficacy of irradiation therapy in a preclinical glioblastoma model

Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) have a poor prognosis, and inefficient delivery of drugs to tumors represents a major therapeutic hurdle. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-derived myeloid cells efficiently home to GBM and constitute up to 50% of intratumoral cells, making them highly appropriate therapeutic delivery vehicles. Because myeloid cells are ubiquitously present in the body, we recently established a lentiviral vector containing matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) promoter, which is active specifically in tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells as opposed to myeloid cells in other tissues, and resulted in a specific delivery of transgenes to brain metastases in HSC gene therapy. Here, we used this novel approach to target transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) as a key tumor-promoting factor in GBM. Transplantation of HSCs transduced with lentiviral vector expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) into lethally irradiated recipient mice was followed by intracranial implantation of GBM cells. Tumor-infiltrating HSC progeny was characterized by flow cytometry. In therapy studies, mice were transplanted with HSCs transduced with lentiviral vector expressing soluble TGFβ receptor II-Fc fusion protein under MMP14 promoter. This TGFβ-blocking therapy was compared with the targeted tumor irradiation, the combination of the two therapies, and control. Tumor growth and survival were quantified (statistical significance determined by t-test and log-rank test). T cell memory response was probed through a repeated tumor challenge. Myeloid cells were the most abundant HSC-derived population infiltrating GBM. TGFβ-blocking HSC gene therapy in combination with irradiation significantly reduced tumor burden as compared with monotherapies and the control, and significantly prolonged survival as compared with the control and TGFβ-blocking monotherapy. Long-term protection from GBM was achieved only with the combination treatment (25% of the mice) and was accompanied by a significant increase in CD8+ T cells at the tumor implantation site following tumor rechallenge. We demonstrated a preclinical proof-of-principle for tumor myeloid cell-specific HSC gene therapy in GBM. In the clinic, HSC gene therapy is being successfully used in non-cancerous brain disorders and the feasibility of HSC gene therapy in patients with glioma has been demonstrated in the context of bone marrow protection. This indicates an opportunity for clinical translation of our therapeutic approach.

A common SNP risk variant MT1-MMP causative for Dupuytren's disease has a specific defect in collagenolytic activity

Dupuytren's Disease (DD) is a common fibroproliferative disease of the palmar fascia. We previously identified a causal association with a non-synonymous variant (rs1042704, p.D273N) in MMP14 (encoding MT1-MMP). In this study, we investigated the functional consequences of this variant, and demonstrated that the variant MT1-MMP (MT1-N273) exhibits only 17% of cell surface collagenolytic activity compared to the ancestral enzyme (MT1-D273). Cells expressing both MT1-D273 and MT1-N273 in a 1:1 ratio, mimicking the heterozygous state, possess 38% of the collagenolytic activity compared to the cells expressing MT1-D273, suggesting that MT1-N273 acts in a dominant negative manner. Consistent with the above observation, patient-derived DD myofibroblasts with the alternate allele demonstrated around 30% of full collagenolytic activity detected in ancestral G/G genotype cells, regardless of the heterozygous (G/A) or homozygous (A/A) state. Small angle X-ray scattering analysis of purified soluble Fc-fusion enzymes allowed us to construct a 3D-molecular envelope of MT1-D273 and MT1-N273, and demonstrate altered flexibility and conformation of the ectodomains due to D273 to N substitution. Taking together, rs1042704 significantly reduces collagen catabolism in tissue, which tips the balance of homeostasis of collagen in tissue, contributing to the fibrotic phenotype of DD. Since around 30% of the worldwide population have at least one copy of the low collagenolytic alternate allele, further investigation of rs1042704 across multiple pathologies is needed.

LncRNA H19-Derived miR-675-5p Accelerates the Invasion of Extravillous Trophoblast Cells by Inhibiting GATA2 and Subsequently Activating Matrix Metalloproteinases

The invasion of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells into the maternal decidua, which plays a crucial role in the establishment of a successful pregnancy, is highly orchestrated by a complex array of regulatory mechanisms. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that fine-tune gene expression at epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels are involved in the regulatory mechanisms of EVT cell invasion. However, little is known about the characteristic features of EVT-associated ncRNAs. To elucidate the gene expression profiles of both coding and non-coding transcripts (i.e., mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs)) expressed in EVT cells, we performed RNA sequencing analysis of EVT cells isolated from first-trimester placentae. RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that the lncRNA H19 and its derived miRNA miR-675-5p were enriched in EVT cells. Although miR-675-5p acts as a placental/trophoblast growth suppressor, there is little information on the involvement of miR-675-5p in trophoblast cell invasion. Next, we evaluated a possible role of miR-675-5p in EVT cell invasion using the EVT cell lines HTR-8/SVneo and HChEpC1b; overexpression of miR-675-5p significantly promoted the invasion of both EVT cell lines. The transcription factor gene GATA2 was shown to be a target of miR-675-5p; moreover, small interfering RNA-mediated GATA2 knockdown significantly promoted cell invasion. Furthermore, we identified MMP13 and MMP14 as downstream effectors of miR-675-5p/GATA2-dependent EVT cell invasion. These findings suggest that miR-675-5p-mediated GATA2 inhibition accelerates EVT cell invasion by upregulating matrix metalloproteinases.

AG-9, an Elastin-Derived Peptide, Increases In Vitro Oral Tongue Carcinoma Cell Invasion, through an Increase in MMP-2 Secretion and MT1-MMP Expression, in a RPSA-Dependent Manner

Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most prevalent head and neck cancers. During tumor progression, elastin fragments are released in the tumor microenvironment. Among them, we previously identified a nonapeptide, AG-9, that stimulates melanoma progression in vivo in a mouse melanoma model. In the present paper, we studied AG-9 effect on tongue squamous cell carcinoma invasive properties. We demonstrated that AG-9 stimulates cell invasion in vitro in a modified Boyen chamber model. It increases MMP-2 secretion, analyzed by zymography and MT1-MMP expression, studied by Western blot. The stimulatory effect was mediated through Ribosomal Protein SA (RPSA) receptor binding as demonstrated by SiRNA experiments. The green tea-derived polyphenol, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), was previously shown to bind RPSA. Molecular docking experiments were performed to compare the preferred areas of interaction of AG-9 and EGCG with RPSA and suggested overlapping areas. This was confirmed by competition assays. EGCG abolished AG-9-induced invasion, MMP-2 secretion, and MT1-MMP expression.

A novel mechanism in wound healing: Laminin 332 drives MMP9/14 activity by recruiting syndecan-1 and CD44

Re-epithelialization describes the resurfacing of a skin wound with new epithelium. In response to various stimuli including that of growth factors, cytokines and extracellular matrix (ECM), wound edge epidermal keratinocytes undergo cytoskeleton rearrangements compatible with their motile behavior and develop protrusive adhesion contacts. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) expression is crucial for proper cell movement and ECM remodeling; however, their deposition mechanism is unknown in keratinocytes. Here, we show that similar to cytokine IL-1ß, the precursor laminin 332 pro-migratory fragment G45 induces expression of the MMP-9 pro-enzyme, which together with MMP-14, further exerts its proteolytic activity within epithelial podosomes. This event strictly depends on the expression of the proteoglycan receptor syndecan-1 that was found in a ring surrounding the podosome core, co-localised with CD44. Our findings uncover that by directly recruiting both syndecan-1 and CD44, the laminin-332 G45 domain plays a major role in regulating mechanisms underlying keratinocyte / ECM remodeling during wound repair.

The MMP14-caveolin axis and its potential relevance for lipoedema

Lipoedema is associated with widespread adipose tissue expansion, particularly in the proximal extremities. The mechanisms that drive the development of lipoedema are unclear. In this Perspective article, we propose a new model for the pathophysiology of lipoedema. We suggest that lipoedema is an oestrogen-dependent disorder of adipose tissue, which is triggered by a dysfunction of caveolin 1 (CAV1) and subsequent uncoupling of feedback mechanisms between CAV1, the matrix metalloproteinase MMP14 and oestrogen receptors. In addition, reduced CAV1 activity also leads to the activation of ERα and impaired regulation of the lymphatic system through the transcription factor prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1). The resulting upregulation of these factors could effectively explain the main known features of lipoedema, such as adipose hypertrophy, dysfunction of blood and lymphatic vessels, the overall oestrogen dependence and the associated sexual dimorphism, and the mechanical compliance of adipose tissue.

Neuronal MT1-MMP mediates ECM clearance and Lrp4 cleavage for agrin deposition and signaling in presynaptic development

Agrin is a crucial factor that induces postsynaptic differentiation at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), but how secreted agrin is locally deposited in the context of extracellular matrix (ECM) environment and its function in presynaptic differentiation remain largely unclear. Here, we report that the proteolytic activity of neuronal membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP; also known as MMP14) facilitates agrin deposition and signaling during presynaptic development at NMJs. Firstly, agrin deposition along axons exhibits a time-dependent increase in cultured neurons that requires MMP-mediated focal ECM degradation. Next, local agrin stimulation induces the clustering of mitochondria and synaptic vesicles, two well-known presynaptic markers, and regulates vesicular trafficking and surface insertion of MT1-MMP. MMP inhibitor or MT1-MMP knockdown suppresses agrin-induced presynaptic differentiation, which can be rescued by treatment with the ectodomain of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (Lrp4). Finally, neuronal MT1-MMP knockdown inhibits agrin deposition and nerve-induced acetylcholine receptor clustering in nerve-muscle co-cultures and affects synaptic structures at Xenopus NMJs in vivo Collectively, our results demonstrate a previously unappreciated role of agrin, as well as dual functions of neuronal MT1-MMP proteolytic activity in orchestrating agrin deposition and signaling, in presynaptic development.

Immunohistochemical Profiles of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Overexpression in the Antoni B Area of Vestibular Schwannomas

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical manifestations of cystic vestibular schwannomas (VSs), investigate the immunohistochemical profiles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in Antoni A and B areas, and speculate the pathogenesis of cystic formation and intratumoral hemorrhage.

METHODS

Clinical features and outcomes of 24 cases of cystic VSs and 38 cases of solid VSs were retrospectively compared. Immunohistochemical studies were conducted to evaluate the characteristics of MMPs and VEGF in cystic and solid VSs.

RESULTS

The tumor size was 38.92 ± 1.86 mm and 31.95 ± 1.74 mm in the cystic and solid VSs group, respectively (P = 0.011). Cystic VSs were rich in the Antoni B area. MMP-9 expression was low in the Antoni A and B areas. MMP-2 was moderately expressed. No significant difference in MMP-2 expression existed between the Antoni A and B areas (P > 0.05). VEGF and MMP-14 expression were moderate in the Antoni A area and intense in the Antoni B area, and the expression of both was significantly greater in the Antoni B area than in the Antoni A area (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MMP-14 and VEGF expression were significantly greater in the Antoni B area than in the Antoni A area. Upregulated MMP-14 may degrade loose collagen in the Antoni B area and contribute to cystic formation. MMP-14 can enhance VEGF activity, which may induce extravasation of a plasma ultrafiltrate, cystic expansion, and intratumoral hemorrhage. Therefore, MMP-14 inhibition may be a therapeutic strategy for treating cystic VSs.

High expression of MMP14 is associated with progression and poor short-term prognosis in muscle-invasive bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the short-term prognostic value of matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expression of MMP14 and clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were mined in MIBC patients to analyse expression differences and conduct survival analyses. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP14 in other tumours were analysed using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and The Human Protein Atlas. The expression level of MMP14 in bladder cancer (BC) cell lines and clinical samples and its clinical significance were indicated using quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The biological functions of MMP14 were investigated by examining cell migration using in vitro wound-healing assays and cell invasion using transwell invasion assays. Survival analyses were conducted with the collected clinical follow-up data.

RESULTS

Our study revealed that MMP14 is highly expressed in MIBC based, on both TCGA derived data and our clinical tissues (p<0.05). MMP14 is also highly expressed in head and neck cancer, renal cancer, pancreatic cancer and other cancers, as analysed using GEPIA and The Human Protein Atlas (p<0.05). Survival analyses of the TCGA data and our clinical follow-up data revealed high expression of MMP14 indicates a poor short-term prognosis in MIBC (p<0.05). Furthermore, downregulation of MMP14 suppressed BC cell invasion and migration abilities in vitro. MMP14 expression was closely correlated with tumour metastasis (p<0.05). T stage [hazard ratio (HR)=1.412, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.121-1.779, p=0.003] and metastasis (HR=2.256, 95% CI=1.242-4.100, p=0.008) were unfavourable prognostic factors in BC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In MIBC, MMP14 expression is upregulated and closely associated with disease progression and poor short-term prognosis.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy for Brain Metastases Using Myeloid Cell-Specific Gene Promoters

BACKGROUND

Brain metastases (BrM) develop in 20-40% of cancer patients and represent an unmet clinical need. Limited access of drugs into the brain because of the blood-brain barrier is at least partially responsible for therapeutic failure, necessitating improved drug delivery systems.

METHODS

Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transduced murine and nontransduced human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were administered into mice (n = 10 and 3). The HSC progeny in mouse BrM and in patient-derived BrM tissue (n = 6) was characterized by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Promoters driving gene expression, specifically within the BrM-infiltrating HSC progeny, were identified through differential gene-expression analysis and subsequent validation of a series of promoter-green fluorescent protein-reporter constructs in mice (n = 5). One of the promoters was used to deliver tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) to BrM in mice (n = 17/21 for TRAIL vs control group).

RESULTS

HSC progeny (consisting mostly of macrophages) efficiently homed to macrometastases (mean [SD] = 37.6% [7.2%] of all infiltrating cells for murine HSC progeny; 27.9% mean [SD] = 27.9% [4.9%] of infiltrating CD45+ hematopoietic cells for human HSC progeny) and micrometastases in mice (19.3-53.3% of all macrophages for murine HSCs). Macrophages were also abundant in patient-derived BrM tissue (mean [SD] = 8.8% [7.8%]). Collectively, this provided a rationale to optimize the delivery of gene therapy to BrM within myeloid cells. MMP14 promoter emerged as the strongest promoter construct capable of limiting gene expression to BrM-infiltrating myeloid cells in mice. TRAIL delivered under MMP14 promoter statistically significantly prolonged survival in mice (mean [SD] = 19.0 [3.4] vs mean [SD] = 15.0 [2.0] days for TRAIL vs control group; two-sided P = .006), demonstrating therapeutic and translational potential of our approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study establishes HSC gene therapy using a myeloid cell-specific promoter as a new strategy to target BrM. This approach, with strong translational value, has potential to overcome the blood-brain barrier, target micrometastases, and control multifocal lesions.

β1 integrin-mediated signaling regulates MT1-MMP phosphorylation to promote tumor cell invasion

Malignant cancer cells can invade extracellular matrix (ECM) through the formation of F-actin-rich subcellular structures termed invadopodia. ECM degradation at invadopodia is mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and recent findings indicate that membrane-anchored membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, also known as MMP14) has a primary role in this process. Maintenance of an invasive phenotype is dependent on internalization of MT1-MMP from the plasma membrane and its recycling to sites of ECM remodeling. Internalization of MT1-MMP is dependent on its phosphorylation, and here we examine the role of β1 integrin-mediated signaling in this process. Activation of β1 integrin using the antibody P4G11 induced phosphorylation and internalization of MT1-MMP and resulted in increased cellular invasiveness and invadopodium formation in vitro We also observed phosphorylation of Src and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and an increase in their association in response to β1 integrin activation, and determined that Src and EGFR promote phosphorylation of MT1-MMP on Thr567 These results suggest that MT1-MMP phosphorylation is regulated by a β1 integrin-Src-EGFR signaling pathway that promotes recycling of MT1-MMP to sites of invadopodia formation during cancer cell invasion.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

MMP-14 regulates innate immune responses to Eriocheir sinensis via tissue degradation

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a cluster of enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and some intracellular proteins; as such, they play an important role in tissue regeneration, infant growth, animal reproduction, and immunity. Most research into MMPs focuses mainly on their effects on the mammalian immune system. However, it is not clear how MMPs affect immune processes in crustaceans. Here, we cloned the open reading frame (ORF) of Eriocheir sinensis (Chinese mitten crab) MMP-14 (EsMMP-14) to explore the role of MMPs in crustacean innate immune responses. RT-PCR results showed that stimulation of crab with LPS and poly I:C upregulated expression of EsMMP-14 markedly. Besides, following the stimulation of 20-Hydroxyecdysone, the expression level of EsMMP-14 increased robustly, suggesting that EsMMP-14 involved in the molt process of E. sinensis. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of hepatopancreas and intestine revealed that knocking down EsMMP-14 maintained morphology following infection by Bacillus thuringiensis. Moreover, downregulated expression of EsMMP-14 increased the survival rate of infected E. sinensis. These results show that EsMMP-14 plays a role in innate immune responses of E. sinensis and fills a gap in our knowledge about the function of MMPs in crustaceans.

Regulation of MT1-MMP Activity through Its Association with ERMs

Membrane-bound proteases play a key role in biology by degrading matrix proteins or shedding adhesion receptors. MT1-MMP metalloproteinase is critical during cancer invasion, angiogenesis, and development. MT1-MMP activity is strictly regulated by internalization, recycling, autoprocessing but also through its incorporation into tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs), into invadopodia, or by its secretion on extracellular vesicles (EVs). We identified a juxtamembrane positively charged cluster responsible for the interaction of MT1-MMP with ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) cytoskeletal connectors in breast carcinoma cells. Linkage to ERMs regulates MT1-MMP subcellular distribution and internalization, but not its incorporation into extracellular vesicles. MT1-MMP association to ERMs and insertion into TEMs are independent phenomena, so that mutation of the ERM-binding motif in the cytoplasmic region of MT1-MMP does not preclude its association with the tetraspanin CD151, but impairs the accumulation and coalescence of CD151/MT1-MMP complexes at actin-rich structures. Conversely, gene deletion of CD151 does not impact on MT1-MMP colocalization with ERM molecules. At the plasma membrane MT1-MMP autoprocessing is severely dependent on ERM association and seems to be the dominant regulator of the enzyme collagenolytic activity. This newly characterized MT1-MMP/ERM association can thus be of relevance for tumor cell invasion.

Reduced cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) expression is involved in high glucose induced MMP14 expression in adipocytes and adipose tissues

In the present study, we investigate the effect of reduced cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) expression in high glucose induced metalloproteinases14 (MMP14) expression in adipocytes and visceral adipose tissues. Diabetic mice were prepared by injections of STZ and the expression of CSE, MMP14 in visceral adipose tissues were determined. Adipocytes were differentiated from 3T3-L1 cells and treated with high glucose (HG), H₂S slow-releasing compound GYY4137 or transfected with CSE siRNA. Then the expression of CSE, MMP14 were determined by western blotting. CSE knockout mice were generated by crossing CSE^+/- heterozygous mice and given intraperitoneally (i.p.) injections of GYY4137, and then the expression of CSE and MMP14 in visceral adipose tissues were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. The following results were obtained from the study. In adipose tissues of diabetic mice, the mRNA and protein expression of MMP14 increased while the mRNA and protein expression of CSE decreased. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, both HG DMEM and CSE siRNA transfection increased the mRNA and protein of MMP14. The addition of GYY4137 inhibited HG-induced upregulation of MMP14 expression. In CSE knockout mice, the mRNA and protein expression of MMP14 in adipose tissues increased, which could be inhibited by i.p. injections of GYY4137. In conclusion, high glucose increased the expression of MMP14 in adipocytes and visceral adipose tissues through inhibiting the expression of CSE.

p85α Inactivates MMP-2 and Suppresses Bladder Cancer Invasion by Inhibiting MMP-14 Transcription and TIMP-2 Degradation

Recent studies show p85α up-regulates epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, thereby promoting malignant cell transformation and migration in normal mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). However, the potential role of p85α in human bladder cancer (BC) remains unknown. Here, we show that p85α is down-regulated in BC tumor tissues. Ectopic expression of p85α inhibited cell invasion, but not migration, whereas p85α knockdown promoted invasion in BC cells, revealing that p85α inhibits BC invasion. Overexpression of kinase-deficient p110 in T24 T(p85α) cells inhibited BC cell migration, but not invasion, suggesting that the inhibition of p85α on invasion is independent of PI3K activity. The effect of p85α on inhibiting BC invasion was mediated by the inactivation of MMP-2 concomitant with the up-regulation of TIMP-2 and down-regulation of MMP-14. Mechanistic studies revealed c-Jun inactivation was associated with p85α knockdown-induced MMP-14 expression, and down-regulated miR-190, leading to ATG7 mRNA degradation. This suppressed the autophagy-dependent removal of TIMP-2 in human BC cells. The present results identify a novel function of p85α and clarify the mechanisms underlying its inhibition of BC invasion, providing insight into the role of p85α in normal and cancer cells.

Targeting a Designer TIMP-1 to the Cell Surface for Effective MT1-MMP Inhibition: A Potential Role for the Prion Protein in Renal Carcinoma Therapy

Renal carcinoma cells express Membrane Type 1-Matrix Metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, MMP-14) to degrade extracellular matrix components and a range of bioactive molecules to allow metastasis and cell proliferation. The activity of MT1-MMP is modulated by the endogenous inhibitors, Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In this study, we describe a novel strategy that would enable a "designer" TIMP-1 tailored specifically for MT1-MMP inhibition (V4A/P6V/T98L; K_i^app 1.66 nM) to be targeted to the plasma membrane for more effective MT1-MMP inhibition. To achieve this, we fuse the designer TIMP-1 to the glycosyl-phosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchor of the prion protein to create a membrane-tethered, high-affinity TIMP variant named "T1^{Pr αMT1}" that is predominantly located on the cell surface and co-localised with MT1-MMP. Confocal microscopy shows that T1^{Pr αMT1} is found throughout the cell surface in particular the membrane ruffles where MT1-MMP is most abundant. Expression of T1^{Pr αMT1} brings about a complete abrogation of the gelatinolytic activity of cellular MT1-MMP in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells whilst in renal carcinoma cells CaKi-1, the GPI-TIMP causes a disruption in MMP-mediated proteolysis of ECM components such as fibronectin, collagen I and laminin that consequently triggers a downstream senescence response. Moreover, the transduced cells also suffer from an impairment in proliferation and survival in vitro as well as in NOD/SCID mouse xenograft. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the GPI anchor of prion could be exploited as a targeting device in TIMP engineering for MT1-MMP inhibition with a potential in renal carcinoma therapy.

MMP-2-responsive fluorescent nanoprobes for enhanced selectivity of tumor cell uptake and imaging

It is difficult to develop highly selective substrate-based fluorescent nanoprobes for specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) due to overlapping substrate specificities among the family of MMP enzymes. To resolve this issue, we have developed novel fluorescent nanoprobes that are highly selective for soluble MMP-2. Herein, MMP-2-responsive nanoprobes were prepared by immobilizing fluorescent fusion proteins on nickel ferrite nanoparticles via the His-tag nickel chelation mechanism. The fusion protein consisted of a fluorescent mCherry protein with a cell penetrating peptide (CPP) moiety. An MMP-2 cleavage site was also introduced within the fusion protein, which was directly linked to the nickel ferrite nanoparticles. The selectivity of nanoprobes was modulated by hiding the cleavage site of MMP-2 substrates deeply inside the system, which could result in strong steric hindrance between the nanoprobes and MMPs, especially for membrane-tethered MMPs such as MMP-14. A cell-based assay demonstrated that the nanoprobes could only be activated by tumor cells secreting soluble MMP-2, but not membrane-tethered MMP-14. To further evaluate the contribution of the steric hindrance effect on the nanoprobes, a truncated recombinant MMP-14 was employed to confer their cleavage activity as compared to native membrane-tethered MMP-14. Furthermore, a designed probe with a diminished steric hindrance effect was proved to be activated by membrane-tethered type MMP-14. The results indicated that the design of fluorescent nanoprobes employing the steric hindrance effect can greatly enhance the selectivity of MMP-responsive nanoprobes realizing the specific detection of soluble MMP-2 in a tumor microenvironment. We believe that highly selective MMP-2-responsive fluorescent nanoprobes have broad impacts on biomedical applications including molecular imaging and labeling for tumor detection.

Melatonin disturbs SUMOylation-mediated crosstalk between c-Myc and nestin via MT1 activation and promotes the sensitivity of paclitaxel in brain cancer stem cells

Here the underlying antitumor mechanism of melatonin and its potency as a sensitizer of paclitaxel was investigated in X02 cancer stem cells. Melatonin suppressed sphere formation and induced G2/M arrest in X02 cells expressing nestin, CD133, CXCR4, and SOX-2 as biomarkers of stemness. Furthermore, melatonin reduced the expression of CDK2, CDK4, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and c-Myc and upregulated cyclin B1 in X02 cells. Notably, genes of c-Myc related mRNAs were differentially expressed in melatonin-treated X02 cells by microarray analysis. Consistently, melatonin reduced the expression of c-Myc at mRNA and protein levels, which was blocked by MG132. Of note, overexpression of c-Myc increased the expression of nestin, while overexpression of nestin enhanced c-Myc through crosstalk despite different locations, nucleus, and cytoplasm. Interestingly, melatonin attenuated small ubiquitin-related modifier-1 (SUMO-1) more than SUMO-2 or SUMO-3 and disturbed nuclear translocation of nestin for direct binding to c-Myc by SUMOylation of SUMO-1 protein by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation. Also, melatonin reduced trimethylated histone H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 more than dimethylation in X02 cells by Western blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Notably, melatonin upregulated MT1, not MT2, in X02 cells and melatonin receptor inhibitor luzindole blocked the ability of melatonin to decrease the expression of nestin, p-c-Myc(S62), and c-Myc. Furthermore, melatonin promoted cytotoxicity, sub-G1 accumulation, and apoptotic body formation by Paclitaxcel in X02 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that melatonin inhibits stemness via suppression of c-Myc, nestin, and histone methylation via MT1 activation and promotes anticancer effect of Paclitaxcel in brain cancer stem cells.

HRS-WASH axis governs actin-mediated endosomal recycling and cell invasion

Transmembrane proteins in the sorting endosome are either recycled to their point of origin or destined for lysosomal degradation. Lysosomal sorting is mediated by interaction of ubiquitylated transmembrane proteins with the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. In this study, we uncover an alternative role for the ESCRT-0 component hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (HRS) in promoting the constitutive recycling of transmembrane proteins. We find that endosomal localization of the actin nucleating factor Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome protein and SCAR homologue (WASH) requires HRS, which occupies adjacent endosomal subdomains. Depletion of HRS results in defective constitutive recycling of epidermal growth factor receptor and the matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP, leading to their accumulation in internal compartments. We show that direct interactions with endosomal actin are required for efficient recycling and use a model system of chimeric transferrin receptor trafficking to show that an actin-binding motif can counteract an ubiquitin signal for lysosomal sorting. Directed receptor recycling is used by cancer cells to achieve invasive migration. Accordingly, abrogating HRS- and actin-dependent MT1-MMP recycling results in defective matrix degradation and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Icariin Regulates Cellular Functions and Gene Expression of Osteoarthritis Patient-Derived Human Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes

Synovial inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progress of osteoarthritis (OA). There is an urgent need to find safe and effective drugs that can reduce the inflammation and regulate the pathogenesis of cytokines of the OA disease. Here, we investigated the effect of icariin, the major pharmacological active component of herb Epimedium on human osteoarthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (OA–FLSs). The OA–FLSs were isolated from patients with osteoarthritis and cultured in vitro with different concentrations of icariin. Then, cell viability, proliferation, and migration were investigated; MMP14, GRP78, and IL-1β gene expression levels were detected via qRT-PCR. Icariin showed low cytotoxicity to OA–FLSs at a concentration of under 10 μM and decreased the proliferation of the cells at concentrations of 1 and 10 μM. Icariin inhibited cell migration with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1 μM. Also, the expression of three cytokines for the pathogenesis of OA which include IL-1β, MMP14 and GRP78 was decreased by the various concentrations of icariin. These preliminary results imply that icariin might be an effective compound for the treatment of OA disease.

Organelle Specific O-Glycosylation Drives MMP14 Activation, Tumor Growth, and Metastasis

Cancers grow within tissues through molecular mechanisms still unclear. Invasiveness correlates with perturbed O-glycosylation, a covalent modification of cell-surface proteins. Here, we show that, in human and mouse liver cancers, initiation of O-glycosylation by the GALNT glycosyl-transferases increases and shifts from the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In a mouse liver cancer model, expressing an ER-targeted GALNT1 (ER-G1) massively increased tumor expansion, with median survival reduced from 23 to 10 weeks. In vitro cell growth was unaffected, but ER-G1 strongly enabled matrix degradation and tissue invasion. Unlike its Golgi-localized counterpart, ER-G1 glycosylates the matrix metalloproteinase MMP14, a process required for tumor expansion. Together, our results indicate that GALNTs strongly promote liver tumor growth after relocating to the ER.

VANGL2 interacts with integrin αv to regulate matrix metalloproteinase activity and cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix

Planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins are implicated in a variety of morphogenetic processes including embryonic cell migration and potentially cancer progression. During zebrafish gastrulation, the transmembrane protein Vang-like 2 (VANGL2) is required for PCP and directed cell migration. These cell behaviors occur in the context of a fibrillar extracellular matrix (ECM). While it is thought that interactions with the ECM regulate cell migration, it is unclear how PCP proteins such as VANGL2 influence these events. Using an in vitro cell culture model system, we previously showed that human VANGL2 negatively regulates membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP14) and activation of secreted matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Here, we investigated the functional relationship between VANGL2, integrin αvβ3, and MMP2 activation. We provide evidence that VANGL2 regulates cell surface integrin αvβ3 expression and adhesion to fibronectin, laminin, and vitronectin. Inhibition of MMP14/MMP2 activity suppressed the cell adhesion defect in VANGL2 knockdown cells. Furthermore, our data show that MMP14 and integrin αv are required for increased proteolysis by VANGL2 knockdown cells. Lastly, we have identified integrin αvβ3 as a novel VANGL2 binding partner. Together, these findings begin to dissect the molecular underpinnings of how VANGL2 regulates MMP activity and cell adhesion to the ECM.