Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer Research Articles

The DYRKP1 kinase regulates cell wall degradation in Chlamydomonas by inducing matrix metalloproteinase expression.

The cell wall of plants and algae is an important cell structure that protects cells from changes in the external physical and chemical environment. This extracellular matrix, composed of polysaccharides and glycoproteins, must be constantly remodeled throughout the life cycle. However, compared to matrix polysaccharides, little is known about the mechanisms regulating the formation and degradation of matrix glycoproteins. We report here that a plant kinase belonging to the DUAL-SPECIFICITY TYROSINE PHOSPHORYLATION-REGULATED KINASE (DYRK) family present in all eukaryotes regulates cell wall degradation after mitosis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by inducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Without the plant DYRK kinase (DYRKP1), daughter cells cannot disassemble parental cell walls and remain trapped inside for more than 10 days. On the other hand, the DYRKP1 complementation line shows normal degradation of the parental cell wall. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses indicate a marked down-regulation of MMP gene expression and accumulation, respectively, in the dyrkp1 mutants. The mutants deficient in MMPs retain palmelloid structures for a longer time than the background strain, like dyrkp1 mutants. Our findings show that DYRKP1, by ensuring timely MMP expression, enables the successful execution of the cell cycle. Altogether, this study provides insight into the life cycle regulation in plants and algae.

Escherichia coli induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and type IV collagen degradation is regulated by progesterone in human maternal decidual

BackgroundEscherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the main bacteria associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes by increasing pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (proMMP-9) and degradation of type IV collagen in human feto-maternal interface (HFMi). proMMP-9 is regulated by progesterone (P4) but it is unclear whether P4 inhibits proMMP in human maternal decidual (MDec). This study aimed to determine a role of P4 on proMMP-2 and − 9 and type IV collagen induced by E. coli infection in MDec.MethodsNine HFMi were mounted in a Transwell system. MDec was stimulated with P4 or E. coli for 3-, 6-, or 24-hours. proMMP-2, -9 and type IV collagen were assessed.ResultsGelatin zymography revealed an increase in proMMP-9 after 3, 6, and 24 h of stimulating MDec with E. coli. Using immunofluorescence, it was confirmed the increase in the HFMi tissue and a reduction on the amount of type IV collagen leading to the separation of fetal amniochorion and MDEc. The degradative activity of proMMP-9 was reduced by 20% by coincubation with P4.ConclusionsP4 modulates the activity of proMMP-9 induced by E. coli stimulation but it was unable to completely reverse the degradation of type IV collagen in human MDec tissue.

A Literature Review of the Role of Candida albicans in the Occurrence and Development of Several Cancers

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic fungus that usually colonizes specific parts of the human body and tends to infect hosts with immunocompromised function, including cancer patients. Several studies have pointed to the direct or indirect involvement of (C. albicans) in oral, esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, liver, breast, and skin cancers. So, this article reviews the relationship between C. albicans and various cancers and describes the mechanisms by which this fungus may be involved in the occurrence and development of these cancers. For this reason, keywords such as: "Candida," "cancer," "oral cancer," "esophageal cancer," "gastric cancer," "colorectal cancer," "pancreatic cancer," "liver cancer," "breast cancer," "skin cancer", "risk factors" and "epidemiology" were searched. Articles published in scientific databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, Elsevier, and Scopus, were used. In these articles, it is mentioned that C. albicans may play a role in the occurrence and development of various cancers via several mechanisms, such as modulation of the immune system, induction of matrix metalloproteinases, over-expression of prognostic marker genes related to metastatic events, damaging mucosal epithelium, microbiome changes, activation of oncogenic signalling pathways, induction of chronic inflammation and production of carcinogenic metabolites including nitrosamine and acetaldehyde.

Oncostatin M promotes epithelial barrier dysfunction in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

ABSTRACT Background Oncostatin M (OSM) may be involved in the promotion of mucosal epithelial barrier dysfunction in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (Eos CRSwNP) by inducing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) −1 and −7. The aim was to evaluate the roles and mechanisms of action of OSM on MMP-1 and −7 synthesis from nasal epithelial cells (NECs). Methods OSM, OSM receptor (OSMR), MMP-1 and −7 expression was evaluated in nasal mucosa or primary NECs from scrapings by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. OSM and other cytokines were used to stimulate air-liquid interface (ALI) cultured NECs. qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the expression of OSMR, MMP-1, −7 and occludin in NECs. Results Elevated levels of OSMRβ, MMP-1 and −7 were found in the tissues and scraped NECs of Eos CRSwNP in comparison to them obtained from the inferior turbinate (IT) and control subjects. The levels of OSM and OSMRβ mRNA in tissues were positively correlated with the levels of MMP-1 and −7. OSM stimulation of NECs increased the expression of MMP-1 and −7, and the responses were suppressed by a STAT3 inhibitor, and a PI3K inhibitor respectively. In parallel studies, we found that stimulation with OSM disrupted the localization of occludin, a tight junction protein in NECs. The response was suppressed by a pan-MMP inhibitor. Conclusion OSM induces the synthesis and release of MMP-1 and −7 in NECs. Furthermore, MMP-1 and −7 promote mucosal epithelial barrier dysfunction in patients with Eos CRSwNP.

Neuroprotective Effect of Ganoderic Acid against Focal Ischemic Stroke Induced by Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in the Rats via Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

Swiss Wistar rats were used for the current study. The rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to simulate transient focal ischemia, followed by reperfusion. Various neurological parameters, including infarct size, neurological deficit score, brain water content, Evans blue leakage, nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), antioxidant levels, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis markers, inflammatory parameters, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) levels, were estimated. Additionally, mRNA expressions were evaluated in the brain tissue. Dose dependently treatment of GA significantly (P < 0.001) suppressed the infarct size, neurological deflects score, brain water, evans blue leakage, NO, iNOS, LDH, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR-4), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S-100β) and K+-Cl- cotransporter 1 (KCC1) positive cells. GA altered the level of oxidative stress parameters like Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA); cytokines viz., tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10; inflammatory parameters such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin (PGE2), Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB); apoptosis parameters like B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated protein x (Bax), Caspase-3; matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) parameters like MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9, respectively. GA remarkably suppressed the mRNA expression of TRL-4, Syndecan-1, CSF, Aquaporin-1, OCT3, and RFX1. Ganoderic acid exhibited the protection against the cerebral ischemia reperfusion via multiple mechanism.

Matrix metalloproteinase 2-responsive dual-drug-loaded self-assembling peptides suppress tumor growth and enhance breast cancer therapy.

Conventional chemotherapeutic agents are limited by their lack of targeting and penetration and their short retention time, and chemotherapy might induce an immune suppressive environment. Peptide self-assembly can result in a specific morphology, and the resulting morphological changes are stimuli responsive to the external environment, which is important for drug permeation and retention of encapsulated chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, a polypeptide (Pep1) containing the peptide sequences PLGLAG and RGD that is responsive to matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) was successfully developed. Pep1 underwent a morphological transformation from a spherical structure to aggregates with a high aspect ratio in response to MMP-2 induction. This drug delivery system (DI/Pep1) can transport doxorubicin (DOX) and indomethacin (IND) simultaneously to target tumor cells for subsequent drug release while extending drug retention within tumor cells, which increases immunogenic cell death and facilitates the immunotherapeutic effect of CD4+ T cells. Ultimately, DI/Pep1 attenuated tumor-associated inflammation, enhanced the body's immune response, and inhibited breast cancer growth by combining the actions of DOX and IND. Our research offers an approach to hopefully enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Methoxylated Flavones from Casimiroa edulis La Llave Suppress MMP9 Expression via Inhibition of the JAK/STAT3 Pathway and TNFα-Dependent Pathways.

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), an MMP isozyme, plays a crucial role in tumor progression by degrading basement membranes. It has therefore been proposed that the pharmacological inhibition of MMP9 expression or activity could inhibit tumor metastasis. We previously isolated two novel methoxylated flavones, casedulones A and B, from the leaves and/or roots of Casimiroa edulis La Llave and determined that these casedulones have antitumor activity that acts via the reduction of MMP9. Here, we examined how these casedulones suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MMP9 expression in human monocytic THP-1 cells. The casedulones suppressed the LPS-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway, which participates in MMP9 induction. In addition, AG490 and S3I-201, inhibitors of Janus kinase (JAK) and STAT3, suppressed LPS-mediated MMP9 induction, suggesting that the casedulones suppressed MMP9 induction through the inhibition of JAK/STAT3 pathways. Based on the findings that cycloheximide, an inhibitor of de novo protein synthesis, completely inhibited LPS-mediated MMP9 induction, the role of de novo proteins in MMP9 induction was further investigated. We found that the casedulones inhibited the induction of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key inflammatory cytokine that participates in STAT3 activation. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-mediated MMP9 induction was significantly suppressed in the presence of the casedulones. Taken together, these findings suggest that casedulones inhibit the IL-6/STAT3 and TNFα pathways, which all involve LPS-mediated MMP9 induction.

Inhibition of Metalloproteinases Extends Longevity and Function of In Vitro Human iPSC-Derived Skeletal Muscle.

In vitro culture longevity has long been a concern for disease modeling and drug testing when using contractable cells. The dynamic nature of certain cells, such as skeletal muscle, contributes to cell surface release, which limits the system's ability to conduct long-term studies. This study hypothesized that regulating the extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics should be able to prolong cell attachment on a culture surface. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived skeletal muscle (SKM) culture was utilized to test this hypothesis due to its forceful contractions in mature muscle culture, which can cause cell detachment. By specifically inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that work to digest components of the ECM, it was shown that the SKM culture remained adhered for longer periods of time, up to 80 days. Functional testing of myofibers indicated that cells treated with the MMP inhibitors, tempol, and doxycycline, displayed a significantly reduced fatigue index, although the fidelity was not affected, while those treated with the MMP inducer, PMA, indicated a premature detachment and increased fatigue index. The MMP-modulating activity by the inhibitors and inducer was further validated by gel zymography analysis, where the MMP inhibitor showed minimally active MMPs, while the inducer-treated cells indicated high MMP activity. These data support the hypotheses that regulating the ECM dynamics can help maximize in vitro myotube longevity. This proof-of-principle strategy would benefit the modeling of diseases that require a long time to develop and the evaluation of chronic effects of potential therapeutics.

Abstract 462: Developing the miR-888 cluster as a therapeutic target for prostate cancer

Abstract Prostate Cancer (PCa) is a serious health crisis in the United States. 20% of men diagnosed with PCa will progress to fast-growing, advanced disease. There are no curative treatment options for PCa that has spread to distant sites and the 5-year survival rate for metastatic disease remains 30%. Recognizing the need for better PCa therapeutics, we are developing novel anti-microRNA delivery reagents targeted against the noncoding RNA miR-888 cluster to block prostate tumor progression. Our lab identified these oncomiRs in a biomarker discovery screen as elevated in human metastatic PCa cell lines and prostatic fluids from patients with high-grade PCa. We noted that over-expression of miR-888 cluster members (miR-888, miR-891a) promoted prostate cell growth and induced invasiveness in vitro. miR-888 and miR-891a also accelerated xenograft tumor growth in mice. Treatment of aggressive PCa cells in culture with synthetic antisense inhibitors against individual cluster members reversed these growth and invasion phenotypes, highlighting their clinical potential. We are testing pH Low Insertion Peptide (pHLIP)-Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA)-based antimiR conjugates against miR-888 and miR-891a. The delivery vehicle pHLIP is a 36-amino acid peptide that at low pH (&amp;lt; pH 6.5) adopts an alpha-helical conformational change and facilitates the insertion of its C-terminus across lipid bilayers to transport conjugated anti-miRNA cargo into cells. When administered systemically, pHLIP effectively targets solid tumors with acidic microenvironments. We found that these reagents are readily internalized by human PCa cells cultured at pH 6.0 and in prostate xenograft tumors when delivered systemically in mice. Treatment significantly repressed miR-888 and miR-891a and acted to slow prostate cell growth in vitro. We are currently moving these studies into mouse prostate models. Furthermore, we are investigating the downstream signaling pathways for the miR-888 cluster. Our work indicates that the miR-888 cluster network coordinates the repression of the Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase (TIMP) and SMAD4 anti-metastatic pathways to drive extracellular matrix degradation and prostate cell invasion, and as a consequence, induces matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Expression profiling arrays and luciferase reporter assays indicated that multiple members of the miR-888 cluster co-suppress TIMPs in the prostate and similarly elevate multiple MMPs as well as cadherins, fibronectin and heparinase, and co-modulated several immune response genes. We are currently studying the consequence of various CRISPR-mediated miR-888 cluster deletions to understand how this non-coding RNA cluster functionally overlaps to promote aggressive PCa. This work will establish new clinical tools for aggressive PCa and optimize patient treatment management. Citation Format: Katherine Routon, Trevor Fachko, Vishal Kasina, Raman Bahal, Aurora Esquela Kerscher. Developing the miR-888 cluster as a therapeutic target for prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 462.

Increased Elastase and Matrix Metalloproteinase Levels in the Pulmonary Arteries of Infants With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

BackgroundPulmonary vascular disease (PVD) complicated with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a leading cause of mortality in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Unfortunately, CDH patients are often resistant to PH therapy. Using the nitrogen CDH rat model, we previously demonstrated that CDH-associated PVD involves an induction of elastase and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities, increased osteopontin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels, and enhanced smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. Here, we aimed to determine whether the levels of the key members of this proteinase-induced pathway are also elevated in the pulmonary arteries (PAs) of CDH patients. MethodsNeutrophil elastase (NE), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), epidermal growth factor (EGF), tenascin-C, and osteopontin levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry in the PAs from the lungs of 11 CDH patients and 5 normal age-matched controls. Markers of proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)) and apoptosis (cleaved (active) caspase-3) were also used. ResultsWhile expressed by both control and CDH lungs, the levels of NE, MMP-2, EGF, as well as tenascin-C and osteopontin were significantly increased in the PAs from CDH patients. The percentage of PCNA-positive PA SMCs were also enhanced, while those positive for caspase-3 were slightly decreased. ConclusionsThese results suggest that increased elastase and MMPs, together with elevated tenascin-C and osteopontin levels in an EGF-rich environment may contribute to the PVD in CDH infants. The next step of this study is to expand our analysis to a larger cohort, and determine the potential of targeting this pathway for the treatment of CDH-associated PVD and PH. Type of StudyTherapeutic. Level of EvidenceLEVEL III.

Soluble CD147 regulates endostatin via its effects on the activities of MMP-9 and secreted proteasome 20S.

During progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), angiogenesis provides oxygen and nutrients for the cells' increased metabolic demands and number. To turn on angiogenesis, pro-angiogenic factors must outweigh anti-angiogenic factors. We have previously shown that CD147/extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) can induce the expression of the pro-angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) in a co-culture of the human HT1080 fibrosarcoma and U937 monocytic-like cell lines. However, whether CD147 influences anti-angiogenic factors was not known. We now show that relative to single cultures, the co-culture of these cells not only enhanced pro-angiogenic factors but also decreased the anti-angiogenic factors endostatin and thrombospondin-1 (Tsp-1), generally increasing the angiogenic potential as measured by a wound assay. Using anti-CD147 antibody, CD147 small interfering RNA (siRNA), and recombinant CD147, we demonstrate that CD147 hormetically regulates the generation of endostatin but has no effect on Tsp-1. Since endostatin is cleaved from collagen XVIII (Col18A), we applied different protease inhibitors and established that MMP-9 and proteasome 20S, but not cathepsins, are responsible for endostatin generation. MMP-9 and proteasome 20S collaborate to synergistically enhance endostatin generation, and in a non-cellular system, CD147 enhanced MMP-9 activity and hormetically regulated proteasome 20S activity. Serum samples obtained from RA patients and healthy controls mostly corroborated these findings, indicating clinical relevance. Cumulatively, these findings suggest that secreted CD147 mediates a possibly allosteric effect on MMP-9 and proteasome 20S activities and can serve as a switch that turns angiogenesis on or off, depending on its ambient concentrations in the microenvironment.

Anti-proliferative activity and apoptotic induction of tannins extracted from Quercus infectoria on oral cancer KB cell lines

The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemicals in Quercus infectoria ethanolic extract and to test the cytotoxic effect on an oral cancer cell line KERATIN-HeLa cells (KB cells). The cytotoxic potential of tannins extracted from Q. infectoria was tested by cell cycle analysis, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta expression, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) by fluorescent activated cell sorte, Caspase 3, and Caspase 9 expression by ELISA in KB cell lines treated with the extract. Specific protein (Bcl-2) and the gene expression in the KB cell line upon tannin treatment were detected by western blot and RT-PCR technique. The Caspase 3 and 9 enzymatic activity was carried out using the ELISA method. Virtual screening and molecular docking analysis were conducted to know the binding affinity against the targets matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), NF-kB, and RhoA, which are targets of oral cancer cells. Preliminary screening of Q. infectoria indicates it primarily contains tannins and glycosides. The IC50 value of the ethanolic extract was determined to be 76.82 μg/ml. Analysis of the cell cycle revealed that the extract induced dose-dependent arrest in the G0/G1 phase. It is also revealed that KB cell treatment with the extract led to downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Moreover, TGF beta expression was downregulated, and Caspase 3 and Caspase 9 were up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the extract induced mitochondrial membrane potential and MMP induction. Virtual screening and molecular docking revealed that tannins have a favorable binding affinity against MMP-2, NF-kB p65, and RhoA. The study identified that “6-O-digalloyl-1,2,3,4 tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose,” a gallotannin in Q. infectoria, is responsible for the anti-cancer activity. The results of our study found that Q. infectoria extracts have anti-proliferative and apoptotic induction activity, which can help in novel drug discovery and development to alleviate cancer.

IL-17 induces NSCLC cell migration and invasion by elevating MMP19 gene transcription and expression through the interaction of p300-dependent STAT3-K631 acetylation and its Y705-phosphorylation.

The cancer cell metastasis is a major death reason for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although researchers have disclosed that interleukin 17 (IL-17) can increase matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) induction causing NSCLC cell metastasis, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the study, we found that IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA), p300, p-STAT3, Ack-STAT3, and MMP19 were up-regulated both in NSCLC tissues and NSCLC cells stimulated with IL-17. p300, STAT3 and MMP19 overexpression or knockdown could raise or reduce IL-17-induced p-STAT3, Ack-STAT3 and MMP19 level as well as the cell migration and invasion. Mechanism investigation revealed that STAT3 and p300 bound to the same region (-544 to -389 nt) of MMP19 promoter, and p300 could acetylate STAT3-K631 elevating STAT3 transcriptional activity, p-STAT3 or MMP19 expression and the cell mobility exposed to IL-17. Meanwhile, p300-mediated STAT3-K631 acetylation and its Y705-phosphorylation could interact, synergistically facilitating MMP19 gene transcription and enhancing cell migration and invasion. Besides, the animal experiments exhibited that the nude mice inoculated with NSCLC cells by silencing p300, STAT3 or MMP19 gene plus IL-17 treatment, the nodule number, and MMP19, Ack-STAT3, or p-STAT3 production in the lung metastatic nodules were all alleviated. Collectively, these outcomes uncover that IL-17-triggered NSCLC metastasis involves up-regulating MMP19 expression via the interaction of STAT3-K631 acetylation by p300 and its Y705-phosphorylation, which provides a new mechanistic insight and potential strategy for NSCLC metastasis and therapy.

Hemolysis Induced Induction of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a monogenic disorder that impacts around 100,000 people in the United States and 20 million people worldwide. SCD is caused by a point mutation in the β-globin gene. SCD can lead to complications, such as hemolysis, vaso-occlusion, oxidative stress, organ injury, and erythrocyte sickling. Organ injury, specifically liver injury, is one of the main causes of mortality in SCD patients. Hemolysis induced accumulation of hemoglobin, heme and iron acts as potent damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP) and can cause chronic liver injury and inflammation. Previous studies in the lab have demonstrated exacerbated injury and inflammation in SCD liver. Chronic inflammation is known to activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which can then induce the expression of cytokines and chemokines. In this study, we examined the role of hemolysis-induced induction of MMPs using blood and liver samples from humanized townes SCD mouse model. Proteomic analysis using SCD mouse blood sample revealed increased expression of 8 MMPs in SCD mice following oxyhemoglobin treatment compared to their baseline expression. We next examined the mRNA expression of these MMPs in the liver by doing qRT-PCR. Interestingly, two MMPs- Steap3 and Timp3, showed significant upregulation in SCD mice liver compared to the littermate control, which positively correlated with hemolysis and the age of the mouse. Studies are currently underway to understand the role of Steap3 and Timp3 in hemolysis-induced chronic liver injury and their potential usage as novel biomarkers of hemolysis-induced chronic organ injury in SCD

Abstract 13109: Empagliflozin Reverses Oxidized LDL-Induced RECK Suppression, MMP Activation, and Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration

Empagliflozin, an FDA-approved anti-hyperglycemic agent, is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. It blocks glucose reabsorption and promotes glucose excretion via urine. Intriguingly, several clinical trials have reported the pleiotropic beneficial effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors in cardiovascular diseases, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Here we investigated whether empagliflozin reverses oxidatively modified LDL (OxLDL)-induced matrix metalloproteinase activation and smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and proliferation. Quiesced human aortic SMCs (Lonza) were treated with empagliflozin (1 uM) followed by human medium OxLDL (40 ug/mL; Kalen Biomedical). OxLDL stimulated SMC migration (1.8-fold, P&lt;0.05, n=4) and proliferation (1.5-fold, P&lt;0.05, n=4), and empagliflozin attenuated both by 67% (P&lt;0.05, n=4) and 61% (P&lt;0.05, n=4), respectively. Increased migration and proliferation by OxLDL were accompanied by elevated MMP-2 (3.2-fold, P&lt;0.05, n=5) and 9 (3.1-fold, P&lt;0.05, n=5) activities, which were also suppressed by empagliflozin by 65% and 67%, respectively (both P&lt;0.05, n=5). RECK (reversion inducing cysteine rich protein with Kazal motifs) is a membrane anchored MMP inhibitor, and we found that OxLDL dose-dependently downregulated RECK in SMCs (by 60%, P&lt;0.05, n=3) via NF-kB-dependent miR-30b induction. Intriguingly, empagliflozin restored the OxLDL downregulation of RECK to 88% of the control (n=3), as it inhibited miR-30b induction (by 49%, P&lt;0.05, n=5). Consistent with RECK-mediated effects of empagliflozin, adenoviral overexpression of RECK inhibited OxLDL-induced SMC migration (by 67%, P&lt;0.05, n=5) and proliferation (by 50%, P&lt;0.05, n=5). Together, these results suggest that the vasculoprotective effects of empagliflozin are at least in part mediated by restoring RECK, thereby attenuating SMC migration and proliferation under elevated oxidative stress condition. Our results also suggest therapeutic potential of empagliflozin or RECK overexpression in vascular proliferative diseases.

Establishment of a novel ER-stress induced myopia model in mice

BackgroundRecent studies have indicated a strong correlation between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and myopia and that eyedrops containing the ER stress inducer tunicamycin (Tm) can induce myopic changes in C57BL/6 J mice. Therefore, this study aimed to create a new myopia model using Tm eyedrops and to explore the mechanism of ER stress-mediated myopia development.MethodsThree-week-old C57BL/6 J mice were treated with different concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) and/or number of applications (zero, one, three, and seven) of Tm eyedrops. Refraction and axial length (AL) were measured before and one week after Tm treatment. Scleral collagen alterations were evaluated under polarised light after picrosirius red staining. ER stress-related indicators, such as the expression of collagen I and cleaved collagen were detected using Western blotting.ResultsCompared with the control group, mice administered eyedrops with 50 μg/mL Tm only once showed the greatest myopic shifts in refraction and AL elongation and reduced scleral expression of collagen I. Picrosirius red staining showed a lower percentage of bundled collagen in the Tm group. Expression of ER-stress indicators increased in the Tm groups. Furthermore, optimised administration of Tm induced matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) expression in the sclera, which plays a major role in collagen degradation.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated that ER stress in the sclera is involved in myopia progression. Tm eyedrops induced myopic changes, loosening of the scleral collagen and decreased expression of collagen I. This process may be associated with ER stress in the sclera, which upregulates the expression of MMP2 leading to collagen degradation.

TNFα induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in monocytic cells through ACSL1/JNK/ERK/NF-kB signaling pathways

Studies have established the association between increased plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and adipose tissue inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) was elevated in obesity and is involved in the induction of MMP-9 in monocytic cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism was incompletely understood. As per our recent report, TNFα mediates inflammatory responses through long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1). Therefore, we further investigated the role of ACSL1 in TNFα-mediated MMP-9 secretion in monocytic cells. THP-1 cells and primary monocytes were used to study MMP-9 expression. mRNA and protein levels of MMP-9 were determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Signaling pathways were studied using Western blotting, inhibitors, and NF-kB/AP1 reporter cells. We found that THP-1 cells and primary human monocytes displayed increased MMP-9 mRNA expression and protein secretion after incubation with TNFα. ACSL1 inhibition using triacsin C significantly reduced the expression of MMP-9 in the THP-1 cells. However, the inhibition of β-oxidation and ceramide biosynthesis did not affect the TNFα-induced MMP-9 production. Using small interfering RNA-mediated ACSL1 knockdown, we further confirmed that TNFα-induced MMP-9 expression/secretion was significantly reduced in ACSL1-deficient cells. TNFα-mediated MMP-9 expression was also significantly reduced by the inhibition of ERK1/ERK2, JNK, and NF-kB. We further observed that TNFα induced phosphorylation of SAPK/JNK (p54/46), ERK1/2 (p44/42 MAPK), and NF-kB p65. ACSL1 inhibition reduced the TNFα-mediated phosphorylation of SAPK/JNK, c-Jun, ERK1/2, and NF-kB. In addition, increased NF-κB/AP-1 activity was inhibited in triacsin C treated cells. Altogether, our findings suggest that ACSL1/JNK/ERK/NF-kB axis plays an important role in the regulation of MMP-9 induced by TNFα in monocytic THP-1 cells.

Ozanimod Differentially Preserves Human Cerebrovascular Endothelial Barrier Proteins and Attenuates MMP-9 Activity Following In Vitro Acute Ischemic Injury.

Endothelial integrity is critical in mitigating a vicious cascade of secondary injuries following acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a contributor to endothelial integrity loss, is elevated during stroke and is associated with worsened stroke outcome. We investigated the FDA approved selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) ligand, ozanimod, on the regulation/activity of MMP-9 as well as endothelial barrier components (PECAM-1, claudin-5, and ZO-1) in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) following hypoxia plus glucose deprivation (HGD). We previously reported that S1PR1 activation improves HBMEC integrity; however, mechanisms underlying S1PR1 involvement in endothelial cell barrier integrity have not been clearly elucidated. We hypothesized that ozanimod would attenuate an HGD-induced increase in MMP-9 activity which would concomitantly attenuate the loss of integral barrier components. Male HBMECs were treated with ozanimod or vehicle and exposed to 3h of normoxia (21% O2) or HGD (1% O2). Immunoblotting, zymography, qRT-PCR, and immunocytochemical labeling techniques assessed processes related to MMP-9 and barrier markers. We observed that HGD acutely increased MMP-9 activity and reduced claudin-5 and PECAM-1 levels, and ozanimod attenuated these responses. In situ analysis via PROSPER, suggested that attenuation of MMP-9 activity may be a primary factor in maintaining these integral barrier proteins. We also observed that HGD increased intracellular mechanisms associated with augmented MMP-9 activation, however ozanimod had no effect on these select factors. Thus, we conclude that ozanimod has the potential to attenuate HGD mediated decreases in HBMEC integrity in part by decreasing MMP-9 activity as well as preserving barrier properties.

Abstract P1047: The Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer And The Membrane Type 1 Matrix Metalloproteinase In Marfan Syndrome Related Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Objectives: Marfan Syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder commonly associated with Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (TAAs). TAAs occur because of abnormal remodeling of the aortic extracellular matrix (ECM). The balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the Tissue Inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), regulates these processes. The extracellular MMP inducer (EMMPRIN), is a widely expressed glycoprotein capable of stimulating the production of various MMPs, suggesting a direct role in driving pathology. The Membrane Type-1 MMP (MT1-MMP) can cause proteolytic shedding of EMMPRIN. Therefore, we investigated this relationship in MFS TAA tissue and plasma and tested the hypothesis that a unique proteolytic profile may exist. Methods: Levels of EMMPRIN, MT1-MMP, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-3, MMP-8, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were measured in aortic tissue and plasma from MFS patients with TAA and compared to healthy controls. Following modification of the abundance and location of MT1-MMP in isolated primary aortic fibroblasts, secreted EMMPRIN was measured in conditioned culture media. Results: Compared to controls, EMMPRIN is elevated in MFS TAA tissue and reduced in the plasma. Elevation of EMMPRIN abundance in tissue does not induce MMP-3, MMP-8, or TIMP-1 expression. MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 are elevated in MFS TAA tissue. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are reduced in MFS TAA tissue while increased in the plasma. In aortic fibroblasts we found that MT1-MMP must be internalized from the plasma membrane for EMMPRIN secretion. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the pathological consequences of MFS cause the shedding of EMMPRIN and its secretion from cells to be blocked, which leads to higher EMPRINN abundance in MFS TAA tissue. This process depends upon the cellular location of MT1-MMP. Taken together, these observations suggest that internalization of MT1-MMP from the plasma membrane is required for the cellular secretion of EMMPRIN from aortic fibroblasts.

Macrophage-based delivery of anti-fibrotic proteins alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by chronic, progressive, and fibrotic lung injury. Although remarkable progress has been made toward understanding the pathogenesis of PF, finding more effective treatments for this fatal disease remains a challenge. In this study, we describe an innovative macrophage-based approach to deliver anti-fibrotic protein to the lung and inhibit PF in a mouse model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung injury. We engineered macrophages to continuously secrete three types of proteins: interleukin-10, which prevents inflammation; TGFRcFc, a soluble truncated TGF-βR2 that blocks TGF-β; and CD147, which induces matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and causes collagen degradation. Infusing these engineered macrophages into the lungs of BLM-induced PF mouse models in an optimal pattern significantly ameliorated PF in mice. Specifically, the most effective therapeutic outcome was achieved by infusing IL-10-secreting macrophages on day 1, followed by TGFRcFc-secreting macrophages on day 7 and CD147-secreting macrophages on day 14 into the same mice after BLM treatment. Our data suggest that macrophage-based delivery of anti-fibrotic proteins to the lungs is a promising therapy for fibrotic lung disorders.