Basement membrane laminin-5 is deposited in colorectal adenomas and carcinomas and serves as a ligand for alpha3beta1 integrin

Interplay between laminin-5 (Ln-5) and its integrin (Int) receptors alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta4 has been implicated in the progression and invasion of carcinomas. In this study we found abundant immunoreactivity for chains of Ln-5 (alpha3-beta3-gamma2) and Ln-10 (alpha5-beta1-gamma1), as well as for type VII collagen, in basement membranes (BM) of colorectal adenomas. In carcinomas of all differentiation grades, Lns were seen in tumor BMs, whereas type VII collagen was almost absent. Ln-5 appeared to accumulate along the invading edges of carcinomas, while Ln-10 was mostly absent. Immunoreactivity for Ln al chain, a component of Lns-1 and -3, was not seen in adenomas or carcinomas. Immunoreactivity for alpha2, alpha6, beta1 and beta4 Ints was found in all tumors and that for alpha3 Int in all adenomas and most of the carcinomas, often in colocalization with Ln-5. Immunoblotting of carcinoma tissues showed that the gamma2 chain of Ln-5 was present as typical Mr 105000 and 155000 isoforms. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed production of Ln-5 by cultured colon carcinoma cells. In quantitative cell adhesion experiments, function-blocking MAbs to alpha3 and beta1 Int subunits, but not those to Int alpha2 or alpha6 subunits, significantly inhibited the adhesion of cells to Ln-5. Our results suggest that BM composition in colorectal adenomas reflects the properties of surface epithelial BM of colorectal mucosa. In invading carcinomas, trimeric Ln-5, produced by carcinoma cells, is a major BM component and the cells use the alpha3beta1 Int complex for adhesion to Ln-5.     

Beta4 integrin and laminin 5 are aberrantly expressed in polycystic kidney disease: role in increased cell adhesion and migration

Extracellular matrix alterations have been suggested to be part of the early events occurring in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), a disease characterized by formation of renal cysts and progressive renal failure. Here we report that cDNA array analysis identified beta(4) integrin aberrant expression in ADPKD cells. Furthermore, laminin 5 (Ln-5), the main alpha(6)beta(4) integrin ligand, was also found to be abnormally expressed in ADPKD. Studies performed with ADPKD cyst-lining epithelial cells (CC) by comparison with normal tubular cells indicate that integrin alpha(6)beta(4)-Ln-5 interactions are involved in cellular events of potential importance for cystogenesis: 1) laminin 5 is a preferential adhesion substrate for CC, mainly through alpha(6)beta(4) interaction, 2) CC increased haptotactic and chemotactic motility depends on the presence of Ln-5 and requires integrin alpha(3)beta(1) cooperation, and 3) CC haptotactic or chemotactic migration is specifically increased by mAb-mediated beta(4) integrin ligation, through an alpha(3)beta(1) integrin-dependent and independent pathway, respectively. These results highlight the role of Ln-5 and alpha(6)beta(4) integrin in adhesive and motility properties of cyst-lining epithelial cells, and further suggest that integrins and extracellular matrix modifications may be of general relevance to kidney epithelial cell cyst formation.     

Biological and clinical relevance of Laminin-5 in cancer

The occurrence of metastases is the hallmark of cancer. Development of metastasis severely affects prognosis and survival. It limits or discourages therapeutic interventions since no therapies are available to block or prevent cancer invasion. In order to invade, epithelial cancer cells need to penetrate through the basement membrane (BM) and remove extra-cellular matrix (ECM) tissue boundaries. In this context, proteases play a key role since they can either degrade or process the ECM components and thereby support cancer cell invasion. Laminin-5 (Ln-5) is an ECM protein, expressed predominantly in the BM structure, that promotes static adhesion and hemidesmosome formation. However, it also stimulates cell migration and/or invasion after having been cleaved by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) such as MMP-2 and MT1-MMP. Based on its dual functions, it would be intriguing to elucidate the role that Ln-5 plays in cancer cell motility and metastasis. One possibility is that MMPs, secreted by cancer cells or by neighbouring stromal cells, can cleave the γ2 chain of Ln-5 deposited along the advancing edge of tumors. Ln-5, and in particular its γ2 chain, has been found to be preferentially expressed in the cytoplasm of epithelial human cancer cells located at the advancing edge of the tumor. Such a distribution, which is restricted only to malignancies, suggests that the γ2 chain may be implicated in epithelial cancer growth and invasion. Although the clinical significance of this finding is not yet clear, it seems often to be associated with a more aggressive and invasive cancer phenotype. This article will review the current body of evidence implicating the Ln-5 molecule, and in particular its γ2 chain, as an important player in the tumor cascade and progression to metastatic disease. This will then be followed by a discussion of the presented data and its limitations. Finally, suggestions will be provided to improve the current state of knowledge in the field and future implications will be briefly discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Role of metalloproteinases MMP-9 and MT1-MMP in CXCL12-promoted myeloma cell invasion across basement membranes

Malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma home to the bone marrow (BM), accumulate in different niches and, in late disease, migrate from the BM into blood. These migratory events involve cell trafficking across extracellular matrix (ECM)-rich basement membranes and interstitial tissues. Metalloproteinases (MMP) degrade ECM and facilitate tumour cell invasion. The chemokine CXCL12 is expressed in the BM, and it was previously shown that it triggers myeloma cell migration and activation. In the present work we show that CXCL12 promotes myeloma cell invasion across Matrigel-reconstituted basement membranes and type I collagen gels. MMP-9 activity was required for invasion through Matrigel towards CXCL12, whereas TIMP-1, a MMP-9 inhibitor that we found to be expressed by myeloma and BM stromal cells, impaired the invasion. In addition, we show that the membrane-bound MT1-MMP metalloproteinase is expressed by myeloma cells and contributes to CXCL12-promoted myeloma cell invasion across Matrigel. Increase in MT1-MMP expression, as well as induction of its membrane polarization by CXCL12 in myeloma cells, might represent potential mechanisms contributing to this invasion. CXCL12-promoted invasion across type I collagen involved metalloproteinases different from MT1-MMP. These data indicate that CXCL12 could contribute to myeloma cell trafficking in the BM involving MMP-9 and MT1-MMP activities.     

Interaction of MT1-MMP and laminin-5γ2 chain correlates with metastasis and invasiveness in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

To gain insights into metastatic mechanisms in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), we established sublines (MLuB1 and MLuC1) with different capacity of spontaneous lung metastasis by subcutaneous injection of a human ESCC cell line (EC 9706) into nude mices. The incidence of the mice with lung metastasis produced by MLuC1 (87%) was significantly higher than that of MLuB1 (22%). The gene expression profiles of the two sublines were compared with cDNA arrays containing 5,000 known genes, and 47 genes were differentially expressed ≥2.0 fold. Laminin-5γ2 chain (Ln-5γ2) was one of the up-regulated genes in MLuC1 cells. Proteolytically processed forms of γ2 are known to promote migration of a multitude of epithelial cells in vitro. Western-blotting analysis revealed that degraded fragments of Ln-5γ2 and active form of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP) in MLuC1 was significantly higher than those in MLuB1. Expression of MT1-MMP was observed in 60 of 75 Ln-5γ2-positive carcinoma tissues (80%). Co-expression of the two proteins was significantly associated with depth of invasion (P = 0.012). Moreover, proteolytic fragments of Ln-5γ2 and active forms of MT1-MMP were frequently found in tumor tissues, whereas in the corresponding normal esophageal tissues there were only intact forms of γ2 and MT1-MMP. siRNA-mediated silencing of MT1-MMP significantly reduced production of γ2′ and γ2x in MLuC1 cells and inhibited cell migration. The results suggest that MT1-MMP is an enzyme responsible for Ln-5γ2 cleavage in ESCC, and interaction between them may play a critical role in promoting invasion and metastasis of human ESCC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

SEPT7基因抑制人胶质瘤细胞系U251MG侵袭的研究

目的 研究SEPT7基因对人胶质瘤细胞系U251MG侵袭的抑制作用及其可能的分子机制.方法 以腺病毒为载体转导SEPT7(rAd5-SEFF7)入U251人脑胶质瘤细胞系;Transwell法和3-D Matrigel法观察U251胶质瘤细胞侵袭能力的变化,划痕实验和2-D Matrigel法观察细胞迁移能力的变化.应用蛋白印记检测MMP2,MMP9,MT1-MMP,TIMP1和TIMP2的表达变化,蛋白印记和免疫荧光检测整合素αvβ3的表达,以及应用激光扫描共聚焦显微镜观察细胞骨架蛋白tubulin-α结构的变化.结果 转染SEPT7后U251MG细胞的侵袭和迁移能力明显受到抑制、细胞MMP2、MMP9、MT1-MMP和整合素αvβ3的表达下调、TIMP1和TIMP2的表达则上调;肿瘤细胞的微管蛋白tubulin-α结构出现了重新分布,发生了扭曲及聚集现象,接近于正常的非肿瘤细胞的tubulin-α结构.结论 SEPT7基因可以抑制胶质瘤细胞的侵袭和迁移能力,其分子机制可能通过逆转MMPs/TIMPs的失衡状态,降低整合素αvβ3的表达,以及改变细胞骨架tubulin-α的结构而实现的.SEPT7可作为基因治疗胶质瘤的重要候选基因.     

Laminin alpha1 chain in human renal cell carcinomas and integrin-mediated adhesion of renal cell carcinoma cells to human laminin isoforms

In human tissues, the laminin (Ln) alpha1 chain shows a restricted and developmentally regulated distribution in basement membranes (BMs) of a subset of epithelial tissues, including those of renal proximal convoluted tubules. The present study investigated the distribution of the Ln alpha1 chain in renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and oncocytomas as well as in xenografted tumours induced in nude mice with four characterized RCC cell lines. These cell lines were also used in cell adhesion studies with purified laminins. By immunohistochemistry it was found that the Ln alpha1 chain is widely present in the BMs of RCCs, all of the specimens presenting immunoreactivity. High-grade RCCs tended to contain more BM-confined and stromal immunoreactivity than low-grade tumours, none of the grade 3 (G3) carcinomas being negative and all of the metastatic specimens showing partial or overall BM immunoreactivity. Double immunolabelling experiments showed that in RCC BMs but not in vessel walls, the Ln alpha1 chain was co-distributed with Ln alpha5, beta1, and beta2 chains, implying the presence of Ln-1/Ln-3 and Ln-10/Ln-11. In papillary RCCs, the Ln alpha1 chain co-localized with Ln-5. The oncocytomas lacked immunoreactivity for the Ln alpha1 chain. Xenografted tumours induced in nude mice showed BM-like deposition of the Ln alpha1 chain. In cell adhesion studies, mouse and human Ln-1 were equally effective in promoting cell adhesion of all RCC cell lines. For each cell line, Ln-10 and Ln-10/11 were equally effective adhesive substrates, all cell lines adhering more avidly to these laminins than to mouse or human Ln-1. As judged by inhibition assays employing specific integrin antibodies, adhesion of normal human renal proximal tubular epithelial (RPTE) cells and RCC cells from a G1 tumour to human Ln-1 was mediated mainly by alpha(6)beta(1) integrin, while only the G1 RCC cells adhered to mouse Ln-1 by using alpha(6)beta(1) integrin. For adhesion to Ln-10, RPTE cells and RCC cells from a G1 tumour used an unidentified beta(1) integrin. Cells from G3 tumours mainly used an alpha(3)beta(1) integrin complex for adhesion to mouse Ln-1 and to human Ln-1 and Ln-10. For all cells, adhesion to the Ln-10/11 mixture was mediated by an unidentified integrin complex or by other adhesion molecules. These results show that laminin trimers containing the alpha1 chain are, in contrast to oncocytomas, abundant in the BMs of RCCs. This is in keeping with their suggested origin from renal proximal tubular epithelium known for its capacity to produce the Ln alpha1 chain. The results also show that RCC cells utilize complex, mainly integrin alpha(3)beta(1)- and integrin alpha(6)beta(1)-mediated, mechanisms for adhesion to laminins. The adhesion to Ln-1 changes from integrin alpha(6)beta(1) to integrin alpha(3)beta(1) upon increasing malignancy and, especially for Ln-10 and Ln-10/11, other adhesion molecules of non-integrin type may contribute to the adhesion.     

Cytoplasmic tail of MT1-MMP regulates macrophage motility independently from its protease activity

Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a proinvasive protease that regulates various cellular functions as evidenced by myriad defects in different types of cells and tissues in MT1-MMP-deficient (MT1^−/–) mice. Here we demonstrate that MT1^−/– mice exhibit fewer infiltrating macrophages into sites of inflammation. MT1^−/–macrophages exhibited a reduced ability to invade reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel) and invasion by wild type (WT) macrophages was inhibited by a synthetic MMP inhibitor (BB94) to a level similar to that of MT1^−/– cells. The rate of migration of MT1^−/– macrophages was also low compared to that of the WT cells and re-expression of MT1-MMP in MT1^−/– macrophages reconstituted their migratory activity. Unexpectedly, however, BB94 did not inhibit the migration of WT macrophages. The migration-boosting activity of MT1-MMP is retained in a mutant that lacks most of the extracellular portion including the catalytic and hemopexin-like domains. In contrast, deletion of the cytoplasmic (CP) tail abolished the activity completely. Thus, we have demonstrated that MT1-MMP regulates macrophages via its invasion-promoting protease activity as well as its CP-dependent non-proteolytic activity to boost cell migration.     

Down-Regulation of MT1-MMP expression by the alpha3 chain of type IV collagen inhibits bronchial tumor cell line invasion

The basement membrane (BM) is the first barrier encountered by tumor cells when they become invasive. Moreover, some invasive tumor clusters are surrounded by a remnant or neosynthetized BM material. We have previously reported the presence of a particular alpha chain of type IV collagen, the alpha3(IV) chain, in bronchopulmonary carcinomas. This chain was not detected in the normal bronchial epithelium, but was found around some invasive tumor cluster BM. In the present study, we examined the effects of the alpha3(IV) chain on the invasive properties of bronchial tumor cell lines, with special emphasis on their expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its activator, membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), which is largely involved in tumor progression. Two epithelial bronchial cell lines (16HBE14o- and BZR), showing different invasive abilities, were evaluated. Using the Boyden chamber invasion assay, we demonstrated that the alpha3(IV) chain inhibits the invasive properties of BZR cells and modifies their morphology by inducing an epithelial cell shape. In the presence of the recombinant NC1 domain of the alpha3(IV) chain, the expression of MMP-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) was not modified in either cell line. The NC1 alpha3(IV) domain did not modulate the MT1-MMP expression of noninvasive 16HBE14o- cells, whereas a 50% decrease of MT1-MMP mRNA was observed in invasive BZR cells. Accordingly, Western blot analyses showed a disappearance of the 45-kd MT1-MMP form when BZR cells were treated with the recombinant NC1 alpha3(IV) domain. These findings suggest that the alpha3 chain of type IV collagen may play a role in tumor invasion, at least by decreasing the expression and synthesis of MT1-MMP.     

Intestinal epithelial restitution. Involvement of specific laminin isoforms and integrin laminin receptors in wound closure of a transformed model epithelium.

Disruptions in the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract reseal by epithelial cell migration, a process termed restitution. We examined the involvement of laminin isoforms and their integrin receptors in restitution using the intestinal epithelial cell line T84. T84 cells express primarily laminins 5, 6, and 7 as indicated by immunostaining using laminin subunit-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). A MAb (BM2) specific for the laminin alpha 3 subunit, a component of laminins 5, 6, and 7, completely inhibited the closure of mechanical wounds in T84 monolayers. Confocal microscopy using MAbs BM2 (laminin alpha 3 subunit) and 6F12 (laminin beta 3 subunit) revealed that laminin-5 is deposited in a basal matrix that extends into the wound. The MAbs 4E10 (laminin beta 1 subunit) and C4 (laminin beta 2 subunit) stained the lateral membranes between T84 cells. This staining was enhanced in cells adjoining wounds. Because T84 cells stained faintly with MAbs 4C7 (laminin alpha 1 subunit) and with MAbs 4F11 and 1B4 (laminin alpha 2 subunit), we suggest that expression of laminins 6 and 7 is enhanced in response to wounding. The alpha 3 beta 1 integrin and the alpha 6-containing integrins function in wound closure because MAbs specific for the beta 1 integrin subunit (MAb13), the alpha 3 subunit (IVA5), and the alpha 6 subunit (2B7) potently inhibited T84 migration into wounds. Immunofluorescence using UMA9, a beta 4-integrin-specific MAb, revealed that alpha 6 beta 4 integrin exists in a Triton-X-100-insoluble structure at the basal surface and that the staining of this structure is enhanced in cells adjoining wounds. In addition, a Triton-X-100-soluble pool of alpha 6 beta 4, as well as alpha 3 beta 1 and presumably alpha 6 beta 1, was found along lateral surfaces of T84 cells. On flattened cells adjoining wounds, staining for these integrins was distributed diffusely, suggesting a redistribution that accompanies cell migration. Taken together, these data suggest that wound-induced epithelial cell migration is a finely tuned process that is dependent upon the regulated function and localization of specific laminins and their integrin receptors.     

人肝细胞癌中整合素α5,β1亚基和纤维连接蛋白mRNAs的表达

目的研究肝细胞癌（ＨＣＣ）中整合素α５、β１亚基和纤维连接蛋白（ＦＮ）ｍＲＮＡｓ表达的生物学意义。方法应用Ｎｏｒｔｈｅｒｎ印迹杂交和核酸原位杂交技术，对１５例ＨＣＣ癌组织、５例癌旁肝硬化和３例正常肝组织中整合素α５、β１亚基和ＦＮｍＲＮＡｓ表达作杂交分析。结果高分化ＨＣＣ癌组织中三种ｍＲＮＡｓ表达水平与癌旁及正常肝组织相近，而低、中分化ＨＣＣ癌组织内明显减少，甚至消失（分别Ｐ＜００１）；整合素α５亚基和ＦＮｍＲＮＡｓ主要见于癌细胞胞浆内；ＨＣＣ伴肝内浸润和／或转移组癌组织内三种ｍＲＮＡｓ水平较无浸润转移组显著下降（Ｐ＜００５）；５例伴肝内转移的ＨＣＣ癌组织中ＦＮｍＲＮＡ呈异质性表达。结论ＨＣＣ中整合素α５、β１和ＦＮ蛋白的表达变化系癌细胞基因转录水平下调的结果，可能与ＨＣＣ细胞分化、浸润和转移相关；异质性ＦＮｍＲＮＡ及其编码的ＦＮ蛋白可能在ＨＣＣ转移中有意义。     

Cell membrane-associated MT1-MMP-dependent activation of pro-MMP-2 in A375 melanoma cells.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, can degrade extracellular matrix components under physiological conditions and during cancer invasion and metastasis. Among the MMPs, the 72 kDa type IV collagenase MMP-2 (gelatinase A) is activated in a membrane-associated manner by an activation complex composed of membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), tissue inhibitor of matrixmetalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), and pro-MMP-2 in the presence of alphavbeta3 integrin receptor. The activation of pro-MMP-2 correlates with increased occurrence of metastases. Increased MMP-2 activity has been demonstrated in many human tumors. In the present communication, we studied cell surface-associated activation of MMP-2 (72 kDa collagenase type IV) in the moderately metastatic human melanoma cell line A375. RESULTS: Activation of purified 72 kDa collagenase type IV, pro-MMP-2 from cervical cancer tissue homogenate and from serum-free culture medium of HT1080 cells grown in presence of concanavalin A, by A375 cells, was shown by gelatin zymography. A375 cells activated only pro-MMP-2 from purified MMP-9/MMP-2 mixture indicating that the activation is specific for MMP-2. Activation of MMP-2 and purified collagenase type IV by A375 membrane fraction and membrane extract was also demonstrated by gelatin zymography. When A375 cells were first incubated with anti-MT1-MMP polyclonal antibody, activation of collagenase type IV was significantly decreased, indicating that membrane-associated MMP-2 activation is MT1-MMP-mediated. Immunocytochemistry showed MT1-MMP localization at focal adhesion sites. The presence of the components of activation complex-MT1-MMP and integrin alphavbeta3-were confirmed by Western blot, cell adhesion assay, and integrin subunit assay. CONCLUSION: Our experimental findings furnish another example of the unique membrane-associated MMP-2 activation mechanism in A375 melanoma cells and clearly indicate the role of MT1-MMP in MMP-2 activation. The information could help in developing new therapies designed to interfere with MMP activation and management of cancer and metastases.     

Mapping proteolytic cancer cell-extracellular matrix interfaces

For cancer progression and metastatic dissemination, cancer cells migrate and penetrate through extracellular tissues. Cancer invasion is frequently facilitated by proteolytic processing of components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The cellular regions mediating proteolysis are diverse and depend upon the physical structure, composition, and dimensionality of the ECM contacted by the cell surface. Cancer cells migrating across 2D substrate contain proteolytic structures such as lamellipodia, invadopodia, and the trailing edge. Likewise, invasive mesenchymal migration through 3D fibrillar ECM, as monitored for HT1080 fibrosarcoma and MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells by submicron-resolved imaging, is mediated by several types of proteolytic structures rich in filamentous actin, ss1 integrin, and MT1-MMP with distinct location and function. These comprise (i) anterior pseudopod bifurcataions and the nucleus corresponding to zones of local cell compression by constraining collagen fibers, (ii) lateral small spikes that protrude into the ECM and cause small spot-like proteolytic foci, and (iii) a strongly proteolytic trailing edge sliding along reorganized ECM fibers. Through their combined action these proteolytic surface structures cleave, remove, and realign ECM barriers, support rear end retraction, generate tube-like matrix defects and laterally widen existing tracks during 3D tissue invasion.     

Up-regulation of angiopoietin-2, matrix metalloprotease-2, membrane type 1 metalloprotease, and laminin 5 gamma 2 correlates with the invasiveness of human glioma

Diffuse infiltration of malignant human glioma cells into surrounding brain structures occurs through the activation of multigenic programs. We recently showed that angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) induces glioma invasion through the activation of matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2). Here, we report that up-regulation of Ang2, MMP-2, membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP), and laminin 5 gamma 2 (LN 5 gamma 2) in tumor cells correlates with glioma invasion. Analyses of 57 clinical human glioma biopsies of World Health Organization grade I to IV tumors displaying a distinct invasive edge and 39 glioma specimens that only contain the central region of the tumor showed that Ang2, MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and LN 5 gamma 2 were co-overexpressed in invasive areas but not in the central regions of the glioma tissues. Statistical analyses revealed a significant link between the preferential expression of these molecules and invasiveness. Protein analyses of microdissected primary glioma tissue showed up-regulation and activation of MT1-MMP and LN 5 gamma 2 at the invasive edge of the tumors, supporting this observation. Concordantly, in human U87MG glioma xenografts engineered to express Ang2, increased expression of MT1-MMP and LN 5 gamma 2, along with MMP-2 up-regulation, in actively invading glioma cells was also evident. In cell culture, stimulation of glioma cells by overexpressing Ang2 or exposure to exogenous Ang2 promoted the expression and activation of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and LN 5 gamma 2. These results suggest that up-regulation of Ang2, MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and LN 5 gamma 2 is associated with the invasiveness displayed by human gliomas and that induction of these molecules by Ang2 may be essential for glioma invasion.     

38Dimerization of endogenous MT1-MMP is a regulatory step in the activation of the 72 kDa gelatinase, MMP-2, on fibroblasts and fibrosarcoma cells

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are centrally engaged in the processes of extracellular matrix turnover that occur during cancer invasion. An important MMP cascade reaction is initiated by the membrane-anchored matrix metalloprotease, MT1-MMP, which serves to activate the proenzyme form of the secreted gelatinase, matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2). This reaction occurs in an interplay with the matrix metalloprotease inhibitor, TIMP-2, and the proposed mechanism involves two molecules of MT1-MMP in complex with one TIMP-2 molecule. To study this, as well as other roles of MT1-MMP, we have now raised a panel of monoclonal antibodies against the protein. These antibodies have been raised in MT1-MMP knock-out mice and react against conserved epitopes in murine and human MT1-MMP. Using one of these antibodies we provide positive evidence that proMMP-2 activation is governed by dimerization of MT1-MMP on the surface of fibroblasts and fibrosarcoma cells. The antibody in question binds specifically to MT1-MMP on the cell surface, as shown by immunofluorescence experiments. It is directed against the hemopexin domain of MT1-MMP and has no effect on the catalytic activity of the protease domain. The antibody induces dimerization of the endogenous MT1-MMP on the cell surface. Through this reaction, it markedly stimulates the formation of the 62 kDa active MMP-2 and the processing into a 59 kDa product that retains gelatinolytic activity. This effect is indeed a consequence of MT1-MMP dimerization because it requires the divalent monoclonal antibody with no effect being obtained with monovalent Fab fragments. Since only a negligible level of proMMP-2 activation is obtained with MT1-MMP expressing cells in the absence of dimerization, our results identify the dimerization event as a critical level of proteolytic cascade regulation.     

肝细胞癌整合蛋白α5β1,纤维连接蛋白及其降解片段的表达

目的探讨整合蛋白α５β１、纤维连结蛋白（ＦＮ）及其降解片段——恶性疾病相关性ＤＮＡ结合蛋白２（ＭＡＤ２）与肝细胞癌（ＨＣＣ）生物学行为间的关系及血浆ＭＡＤ２检测的意义。方法应用免疫组化及图像分析技术对４０例ＨＣＣ组织作整合蛋白α５β１、ＦＮ和ＭＡＤ２定位和定量分析,并以酶联免疫吸附法检测３０／４０例ＨＣＣ患者血浆中ＭＡＤ２和ＦＮ浓度。结果高分化ＨＣＣ组织整合蛋白α５β１、ＦＮ和ＭＡＤ２表达与正常及癌旁组织相近,而中、低分化ＨＣＣ中三者均明显减弱或消失;肿瘤浸润包膜处三种蛋白表达减少,但血管内癌栓外侧缘癌细胞整合蛋白α５β１和ＦＮ表达较强,并与相应血管内皮的强表达相映。ＨＣＣ患者血浆ＭＡＤ２平均浓度显著高于慢性肝病及正常对照者。结论整合蛋白α５β１和ＦＮ表达可能在ＨＣＣ分化、浸润及转移中起作用;ＨＣＣ患者血浆ＭＡＤ２含量的检测可能有一定临床意义。