Array-based in situ fluorescence assay for profiling multiplex matrix metalloproteinases activities in tissue section

Abstract

Herein, an array-based in situ fluorescence assay is proposed for high-throughput analysis and localization of multiplex matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activities in cell monolayers and tissue sections. Five specific MMPs (MMP-2, -3, -7, -9, and -14) peptide substrates containing FAM/Dabcyl fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair are directly spotted on the surface of cell monolayers or tissue sections, and hydrolyzed by localized MMPs, resulting in fluorescence recovery of FAM. MMPs activities are determined by the fluorescence intensity of stained cells/tissues due to the cellular internalization of peptide fragments with FAM moiety. We demonstrate that the array-based in situ fluorescence assay is suitable for identifying the MMPs expression patterns of cells, as well as determining the secreted MMPs activities in cell monolayer with high sensitivity (as low as hundreds of cells per square centimeter). The feasibility of the assay is further confirmed by evaluating inhibition potencies of six compounds toward five MMPs. Profiling of five MMPs activities in the localized parts of 32 thyroid tissues is performed without separation or extraction procedures, demonstrating the good practicality of the method.