MAB3369 Sigma-AldrichAnti-MMP-3 Antibody, clone SL-1 IID4

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -2, -3 and -9 are up-regulated in several cell types on exposure to amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) and have Abeta-degrading activity in vitro. The aims of this study were to determine (i) the distribution of MMP-2, -3 and -9 in the cerebral cortex in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and control brains; (ii) whether the levels and activity of these proteases are increased in AD; and (iii) whether their activity is related to Abeta load. In addition, we examined whether promoter polymorphisms in the MMP-3 and -9 genes are associated with AD in the study cohort. Paraffin sections of frontal lobe from AD and control cases were immunostained for MMP-2, -3 and -9 and tissue homogenates used for MMP activity assays. DNA from these cases was genotyped for the MMP-3 5A/6A (-1171) and MMP-9 C-1562T promoter polymorphisms. Immunohistochemistry revealed MMP-3 in plaques and both MMP-3 and -9 around scattered neurones. The levels and activity of all three MMPs were similar in AD and control brains and bore no relationship to Abeta load. Analysis of MMP-3 -1171 5A/6A allele frequencies showed that the 6A allele (with reduced promoter activity) was associated with AD; the MMP-9 C-1562T polymorphism was not. The levels and activities of MMP-2, -3 and -9 are not increased in the frontal cortex in AD and are not related to Abeta load. Our findings suggest that altered expression of these proteases does not make a significant contribution to the accumulation of Abeta in AD.

Siberian hamsters adapt to seasonal changes by reducing their reproductive function during short days (SD). SD exposure reduces uterine mass and reproductive capacity, but underlying cellular mechanisms remain unknown. Because matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are important in uterine development, parturition, and postpartum remodeling, their expression in uterine tissue from Siberian hamsters undergoing photoperiod-mediated reproductive regression and recrudescence was investigated. Female hamsters were exposed to long day (LD, 16L:8D, controls) or SD (8L:16D) for 3-12 weeks (regression); a second group was exposed to SD or LD for 14 weeks and then transferred to LD for 0-8 weeks (recrudescence). Hamsters were euthanized, uteri collected, and homogenates analyzed by gelatin zymography or Western blotting for MMP and TIMP protein levels. Uterine weight decreased (67-75%) at SD weeks 12-14 and increased post-LD transfer (PT) reaching LD values by PT week 2. MMP-2, but not MMP-9 activity was reduced by SD week 12 or 14 but increased to LD levels at PT week 2. MMP-3 expression increased at SD week 9 compared to other SD and LD groups. MMP-14 and -13 protein levels decreased at SD week 3 but returned to LD levels by SD week 6. During recrudescence, MMP-3 (PT weeks 0-2), MMP-13 (PT week 4), and MMP-14 (PT weeks 2, 4) protein levels were higher than LD. TIMP-1 and 2 were present at low levels. Significant and differential variations in uterine MMP activity/expression during photoperiod-induced regression and recrudescence were observed. These changes likely reflect increases in tissue remodeling during both the adaptation to SD and the restoration of reproductive function.

Tumor invasiveness is an intrinsic feature of most glial tumors that accounts for their malignant and locally destructive nature. We evaluated the subcutaneous (sc) tumorigenicity and in vivo invasiveness of 9 astrocytoma cell lines together with their respective metalloprotease activity in order to establish their biologic behavior and malignant potential. Invasiveness was assessed with an in vivo invasion assay using tracheal xenotransplants subcutaneously implanted into Scid mice. This assay permitted us to evaluate the penetration of tumor cells into the transplanted deepithelialized tracheas previously inoculated with either normal primary glial cells or with astrocytoma-derived cell lines. Although only 2 cell lines were tumorigenic after sc inoculation, 5 out of 9 tumor cell lines were tumorigenic in the tracheal graft system. The astrocytoma cell lines showed varying levels of penetration into the tracheal wall. The tumor lines GOS3, M059K, CCFSTTG1 and A172, as well as primary normal astrocytes, were nontumorigenic and noninvasive in this experimental model. LN405, SW1088 and SW1783 cells that were not tumorigenic as sc xenotransplants, on the other hand, grew well in the tracheal graft system showing low levels of in vivo invasiveness. U87MG and U118MG cells were tumorigenic as sc xenotransplants and showed high levels of invasiveness. In parallel to these in vivo studies, the constitutive levels of secreted gelatinases and stromelysins (MMP-3 and MMP-11) were investigated using conditioned media submitted to gelatin or casein-substrate zymography and Western blot analysis. Neither the gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) nor MMP-11 showed a direct correlation with the levels of in vivo tumor cell invasiveness. Conversely, secretion of MMP-3 correlated closely with tumorigenicity and invasiveness. In vitro tumor cell invasiveness was significantly reduced after incubation with the metalloproteinase inhibitor GM6001. This positive correlation between MMP-3 and the depth of tracheal wall penetration led us to conclude that the invasive properties of brain tumor cells may be due to the direct or indirect proteolytic effects of MMP-3 on extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules and that this enzyme might be a potential target for future therapies.