BACKGROUND Increasing data indicated that long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)were directly or indirectly involved in the occurrence and development of tumors,including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Recent studies had found t...BACKGROUND Increasing data indicated that long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)were directly or indirectly involved in the occurrence and development of tumors,including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Recent studies had found that the expression of lncRNA HAND2-AS1 was downregulated in HCC tissues,but its role in HCC progression is unclear.Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction mediated gene transfection is a new method to overexpress genes.AIM To study the role of ultrasound microbubbles(UTMBs)mediated HAND2-AS1 in the progression of HCC,in order to provide a new reference for the treatment of HCC.METHODS In vitro,we transfected HAND2-AS1 siRNA into HepG2 cells by UTMBs,and detected cell proliferation,apoptosis,invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)by cell counting kit-8 assay,flow cytometry,Transwell invasion assay and Western blotting,respectively.In addition,we transfected miR-837-5p mimic into UTMBs treated cells and observed the changes of cell behavior.Next,the UTMBs treated HepG2 cells were transfected together with miR-837-5p mimic and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2(TIMP2)overexpression vector,and we detected cell proliferation,apoptosis,invasion and EMT.In vivo,we established a mouse model of subcutaneous transplantation of HepG2 cells and observed the effect of HAND2-AS1 silencing on tumor formation ability.RESULTS We found that UTMBs carrying HAND2-AS1 restricted cell proliferation,invasion,and EMT,encouraged apoptosis,and HAND2-AS1 silencing eliminated the effect of UTMBs.Additionally,miR-873-5p targets the gene HAND2-AS1,which also targets the 3’UTR of TIMP2.And miR-873-5p mimic counteracted the impact of HAND2-AS1.Further,miR-873-5p mimic solely or in combination with pcDNA-TIMP2 had been transformed into HepG2 cells exposed to UTMBs.We discovered that TIMP2 reversed the effect of miR-873-5p mimic caused by the blocked signalling cascade for matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)2/MMP9.In vivo results showed that HAND2-AS1 silencing significantly inhibited tumor formation in mice.CONCLUSION LncRNA HAND2-AS1 promotes TIMP2 expression by targeting miR-873-5p to inhibit HepG2 cell growth and delay HCC progression.展开更多
ix metalloproteinase(MMPs) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disease,such as atherosclerosis.Among MMPs,MMP-2 is regarded as a major proteinase in atherosclerotic plaque lesions.Peroxisome p...ix metalloproteinase(MMPs) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disease,such as atherosclerosis.Among MMPs,MMP-2 is regarded as a major proteinase in atherosclerotic plaque lesions.Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma(PPARg) ameliorates oxidative stress and the inflammatory response.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Rosiglitazone on Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced MMP-2 activation as well as its possible mechanism.LPS-induced MMP-2 activity was inhibited by Rosiglitazone(PPARg agonist) in the rat aortic endothelial cells(RAEC).LPS-induced MMP-2 activation was diminished no matter exposure to NF-kB Activation Inhibitor II(JSH-23)or Ras inhibitor,farnesylthiosalicylic acid(FTS). Further study shows that LPS-induced activation of Phospho-Rho A and Phospho-MEKl/2 were significantly inhibited by Rosiglitazone.The activation of NF-kB p65 in the nuclear extract of cells was also significantly suppressed by Rosiglitazone, moreover,the expression of NF-κB p65 was partly activated by GW9662(PPARg antagonist).NF-kB DNA binding activity was also demolished by Rosiglitazone.In summary,our data showed that PPARg agonist,Rosiglitazone suppresses LPS-activated MMP-2 secretion via Ras-MEK1/2 signaling pathways and NF-kB activation.PPARg agonist and Ras-MEK1/2 pathway may be another potential therapeutic target for the disease induced by chronic inflammation.展开更多
Objectives The impairment of matrix metallopro- teinase-2(MMP-2)has been associated with the development of cardiac fibrosis.Although the Chinese herb Salvia miltior-rhiza has been widely used in patients with cardiov...Objectives The impairment of matrix metallopro- teinase-2(MMP-2)has been associated with the development of cardiac fibrosis.Although the Chinese herb Salvia miltior-rhiza has been widely used in patients with cardiovascular disorders,the mechanisms involved have not been elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the administration of cryptotanshinone,an active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza,could prevent the cardiac fibrosis induced by isoprenaline and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Methods and Results Male C57BL/6 mice were submitted to receive daily injection of 0.9%saline,3 mg/kg isoprenaline, or isoprenaline plus 20 mg/kg cryptotanshinone by gastric gavage for 2 weeks.Herein,we demonstrate that cryptotanshinone can significantly ameliorate the isoprenaline-induced cardiac fibrosis,which was associated with marked up-regulation and activation of MMP-2 in ventricular myocardium. Additionally,we demonstrate that cryptotanshinone can dose-dependently upregulate and activate MMP-2 in cultured cardiac fibroblast.Moreover,incubation with cryptotanshinone also can prevent isoprenaline-induced downregulation and inactivation of MMP-2 in cultured cardiac fibroblast. Conclusions Taken together,our data suggest that cryptotanshinone may become a novel and potent antifibrotic agent. The present findings might further our understanding of the role of MMP-2 in cardiac fibrosis and antifibrotic mechanisms of cryptotanshinone.展开更多
BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery is an efficient strategy for body weight and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM) management. Abnormal lipid deposition in visceral organs,especially the pancreas and liver, might cause beta-ce...BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery is an efficient strategy for body weight and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM) management. Abnormal lipid deposition in visceral organs,especially the pancreas and liver, might cause beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Extracellular matrix(ECM) remodeling allows adipose expansion, and matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) play essential roles in ECM construction.MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the substrates of MMP-7. Different studies have reported that MMP-2,-7, and-9 increase in patients with obesity and metabolic syndromes or T2 DM and are considered biomarkers in obesity and hyperglycemia patients.AIMTo prospectively investigate whether MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 differ after two bariatric surgeries: Gastric bypass(GB) and sleeve gastrectomy(SG).METHODS We performed GB in 23 and SG in 19 obese patients with T2 DM. We measured body weight, waist circumference, body mass index(BMI), and serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood sugar(FBS),hemoglobin A1 c(Hb A1 c), C-peptide, homeostasis model assessments of insulin resistance, and MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 levels at baseline and at 3, 12, and 24 mo post-operation.RESULTS Twenty-three patients aged 44.7 ± 9.7 years underwent GB, and 19 patients aged40.1 ± 9.1 years underwent SG. In the GB group, BMI decreased from 30.3 ± 3.4 to24.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2, Hb A1 c decreased from 9.2% ± 1.5% to 6.7% ± 1.4%, and FBS decreased from 171.6 ± 65.0 mg/d L to 117.7 ± 37.5 mg/d L 2 years post-operation(P < 0.001). However, the MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 levels pre-and post-GB were similar even 2 years post-operation(P = 0.107, 0.258, and 0.466,respectively). The SG group revealed similar results: BMI decreased from 36.2 ±5.1 to 26.9 ± 4.7 kg/m2, Hb A1 c decreased from 7.9% ± 1.7% to 5.8% ± 0.6%, and FBS decreased from 138.3 ± 55.6 mg/d L to 95.1 ± 3.1 mg/d L(P < 0.001). The serum MMP-2,-7, and-9 levels pre-and post-SG were not different(P = 0.083,0.869, and 0.1, respectively).CONCLUSION Improvements in obesity and T2 DM induced by bariatric surgery might be the result of MMP-2,-7, or-9 independent pathways.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA expression and clinicopathologic and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system parameter and prognosis in human gastric canc...AIM: To investigate the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA expression and clinicopathologic and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system parameter and prognosis in human gastric cancer.METHODS: Expression of MMP-2 mRNA, uPA, and uPA-R mRNA in tumor tissues and ≥5 cm adjacent normal tissues from 67 cases of gastric cancer was studied using RTPCR and Northern blot respectively. Survival analyses were done using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The expression rates of MMP-2 mRNA, uPA and uPA-R mRNA in tumor tissues (31%, 41%, and 51%, respectively) were significantly higher than those in ≥5 cm adjacent tissues (19%, 11%, and 9%; χ2 = 4.59, 43.58, and 53.24 respectively, P＜0.05, 0.0001, and 0.0001, respectively). Expression of MMP-2 mRNA was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (metastasis:61.9%, no metastasis: 39.1%, χ2= 7.61, P＜0.05), Lauren's classification of diffuse/mixed types: 54.2%, intestinal type: 26.3%, χ2 = 4.25, P＜0.05, expression of uPA and uPA-R mRNA (uPA+: 55.1%, uPA-: 22.2% and uPA-R+: 54.9%, uPA-R-: 18.8%, x2= 5.72 and 6.40 respectively, P＜0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of MMP-2 mRNA expression did not show significant difference in all 67 cases, but revealed an association of the expression of MMP-2 mRNA, uPA, and uPA-R mRNA with worse prognosis (P = 0.0083, 0.0160, and 0.0094, respectively). CONCLUSION: MMP-2 may play an important role in the development of invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer.展开更多
To study the role of the reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) gene and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the regulation of trophoblast invasion of early pregnancy. Immunohistochemistry...To study the role of the reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) gene and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the regulation of trophoblast invasion of early pregnancy. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and gelatin zymography were used to detect the RECK protein expression localization, expression level and MMP-2 activation level in the pla-cental tissues harvested from 52 normal pregnant women (27 in the early pregnancy, 25 in the term pregnancy). Immunohistochemistry showed that RECK expression was found both in villous tissues of early pregnancy group and term pregnancy group and was mainly observed in cell membrane and cytoplasm of cytotrophoblasts and syneytiotrophoblasts. RECK expression increased with gestational time. RECK expression of early pregnancy group was significantly lower than that of term pregnancy group (P<0.05). RECK expression was significantly lower in cellular column (CC) with invasion ability. Western blot showed that the RECK protein expression in early pregnancy group was signifi-cantly lower than that in term pregnancy (P<0.05). The optical density values of RECK protein ex-pression in early pregnancy group and term pregnancy group were 1.35±0.14 and 2.68±0.26, re-spectively, while MMP-2 activation ratio was contrary to RECK protein expression and decreased with the gestation time (P<0.01). The MMP-2 activation ratios of early pregnancy group and term pregnancy group were 0.46±0.05 and 0.10±0.02, respectively. The expression of the tumor inhibi-tory gene RECK was positively related with the invasion ability of trophoblasts, while the invasion gene MMP-2 was negatively related with the ability. The interaction between RECK and MMP-2 may play an important role in the regulation of the trophoblast invasion in early pregnancy.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the inhibitory effects of RNA interference (RNAi) on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene and invasiveness and adhesion of human pancreatic cancer cell line,BxPC-3.METHODS:RNAi was ...AIM:To investigate the inhibitory effects of RNA interference (RNAi) on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene and invasiveness and adhesion of human pancreatic cancer cell line,BxPC-3.METHODS:RNAi was performed using the vector (pGPU6)-based small interference RNA (siRNA) plasmid gene silence system to specifically knock down MMP-2 expression in pancreatic cancer cell line,BxPC-3. Four groups of different specific target sequence in coding region of MMP-2 and one non-specific sequence were chosen to construct four experimental siRNA plasmids of pGPU6-1,pGPU6-2,pGPU6-3 and pGPU6-4,and one negative control siRNA plasmid of pGPU6 (-). MMP-2 expression was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry,respectively. The abilities of adhesion and invasion were detected by cell adhesion assay and cell invasion assay using Transwell chambers.RESULTS:The expression of MMP-2 was inhibited and the inhibitory effects of different sequence varied. pGPU6-1 group had the most efficient inhibitory effect,followed by pGPU6-2 and pGPU6-3 groups.Invasiveness and adhesion were more significantly reduced in pGPU6-1,pGPU6-2 and pGPU6-3 groups as compared with pGPU6 (-) and blank control groups. However,no difference concerning cell proliferation and apoptosis was observed after transfection between experiment groups and control groups.CONCLUSION:RNAi against MMP-2 successfully inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2 in the pancreatic cancer cell line,BxPC-3,leading to a potent suppression of tumor cell adhesion and invasion without affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis. These findings suggest that the RNAi approach towards MMP-2 may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the clinical management of pancreatic tumor.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in hepatic fibrosis and the antifibrogenic role of exogenous interleukin-10 (IL-10).METHODS: Hepatic fibrosi...AIM: To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in hepatic fibrosis and the antifibrogenic role of exogenous interleukin-10 (IL-10).METHODS: Hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCl4administration and 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group (group N, 8rats), CCl4-induced group (group C, 28 rats) and IL-10-treated group (group I, 24 rats). At the beginning of the 7th and 11th wk, rats in each group were routinely perfused with pronase E and type Ⅳ collagenase through portal vein catheter and the suspension was centrifuged by 11%Nycodenz density gradient to isolate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). RT-PCR was used to analyze mRNA of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 from freshly isolated cells. Densitometric data were standardized with β-actin signals. Immunocytochemistry was performed to detect MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression in HSC cultured for 72 h.RESULTS: Compared to group N in the 7th wk, MMP-2and TIMP-1 mRNA increased in group C (P= 0.001/0.001)and group I (P = 0.001/0.009). The level of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 mRNA in group I was significantly lower than that in group C (P= 0.001/0.001). In the 11th wk, MMP-2 mRNAin group I was still lower than that in group C (P = 0.005),but both dropped compared with that in the 7th week (P = 0.001/0.004). TIMP-1 mRNA in group I was still lower than that in group C (P= 0.001), and increased in group C (P = 0.001) while decreased in group I (P = 0.042)compared with that in the 7th wk. Same results were found by immunocytochemistry.CONCLUSION: Expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 is increased in hepatic fibrosis. IL-10 exhibits an antifibrogenic effect by suppressing MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression.展开更多
The presence of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in dentin has been reported, but its distribution and activity level in mature human coronal dentin are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determin...The presence of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in dentin has been reported, but its distribution and activity level in mature human coronal dentin are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the MMP-2 distribution and relative activity in demineralized dentin. Crowns of twenty eight human molars were sectioned into inner (ID), middle (MD), and outer dentin (OD) regions and demineralized. MMP-2 was extracted with 0.33 mol·L -1 EDTA/2 mol·L -1 guanidine-HCl, pH 7.4, and MMP-2 concentration was estimated with enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA). Further characterization was accomplished by Western blotting analysis and gelatin zymography. The mean concentrations of MMP-2 per mg dentin protein in the dentin regions were significantly different (P=0.043): 0.9 ng (ID), 0.4 ng (MD), and 2.2 ng (OD), respectively. The pattern of MMP-2 concentration was OD>ID>MD. Western blotting analysis detected ～66 and ～72 kDa immunopositive proteins corresponding to pro-and mature MMP-2, respectively, in the ID and MD, and a ～66 kDa protein in the OD. Gelatinolytic activity consistent with MMP-2 was detected in all regions. Interestingly, the pattern of levels of Western blot immunodetection and gelatinolytic activity was MD>ID>OD. The concentration of MMP-2 in human coronal dentin was highest in the region of dentin that contains the dentinoenamel junction and least in the middle region of dentin. However, levels of Western blot immunodetection and gelatinolytic activity did not correlate with the estimated regional concentrations of MMP-2, potentially indicating region specific protein interactions.展开更多
The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression on matrix met-alloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells in vitro and the possible mechanism involved were investigated, and...The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression on matrix met-alloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells in vitro and the possible mechanism involved were investigated, and the correlation between the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 in NPC evaluated. The NPC cells were transfected with PAd-trackVEGF165 plasmid. The expression levels of VEGF and MMP-2 mRNA and protein in NPC cells were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. It was found that the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 mRNA and protein was significantly increased in NPC cells after transfection of VEGF165. It was concluded that the expression of VEGF was correlated to the in vitro invasion of NPC cells, and the induction of MMP-2 by VEGF was a key process of NPC cell invasion.展开更多
Objective To study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in different grade human glioma. To investigate their relation to the pathological grade and invasi...Objective To study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in different grade human glioma. To investigate their relation to the pathological grade and invasion of the tumor. Methods The expression of MMP-2 and VEGF were determined by immunohistochemical technique in 48 cases of human glioma and 10 specimens of normal brain tissue. Results The expression levels of MMP-2 and VEGF in human glioma were positively related to tumor grades (P<0.01), and their expressions in the glioma of grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ were significantly different from those in the glioma of grade Ⅰ-Ⅱand normal brain tissue (P<0.01). The expression of MMP-2 was positively correlated to that of VEGF (P<0.01). Conclusion MMP-2 and VEGF were highly expression in human glioma and were positively related to the tumor grades. The synergic interaction of MMP-2 and VEGF promoted the angiogenesis and invasion of human glioma.展开更多
Objective: To study the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2, 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9) of healthy implant and peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and evaluate the level...Objective: To study the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2, 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9) of healthy implant and peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and evaluate the level of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in sulcular fluid as an objective indicator of tissue inflammation around implants. Methods: A total of 40 implants were selected from 30 patients who were treated with dental implants and were divided into two groups: the inflammatory group and the healthy control group with 20 pieces respectively. ELISA double antibody sandwich method was used to detect the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PISF. Results: The MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions were significantly different between the healthy implant group and the peri-implant group (p < .05). The concentration of MMP-2, MMP-9, and the amount of sulcular fluid in the inflammatory implant group were positively correlated with the clinical parameters (probing depth [PD], modified sulcus bleeding index [mSBI]). Conclusions: Under physiological conditions, the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were low. When the periodontal tissue was stimulated by inflammation, the expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased, which could reflect the severity of inflammation. The increase levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PISF could better reflect the health status of peri-implant tissues, which could be used as an objective indicator to assist in the diagnosis of peri-implant inflammation.展开更多
To study the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 in human prostate cancer, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 were immunohistochemically detected in tissues of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia...To study the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 in human prostate cancer, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 were immunohistochemically detected in tissues of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our results showed that matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 levels in prostate cancer were much higher than those in tissues of BPH, with the cancer invasion being positively correlated with the expression of the metalloproteinases. It is concluded that matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 are better molecular markers, which are of help in the diagnosis and prediction of prognosis of prostate cancer.展开更多
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease characterized by destruction and progressive expansion of the abdominal aortic wall. An AAA is typically defined as an enlargement of the abdominal aorta with ...Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease characterized by destruction and progressive expansion of the abdominal aortic wall. An AAA is typically defined as an enlargement of the abdominal aorta with diameter ≥3 cm or ≥50% greater than the suprarenal diameter. The pathological changes associated with AAA include inflammatory cell infiltration, extracellular matrix (ECM) destruction and remodeling, and vascular smooth muscle cell loss. The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteins plays an important role in initiation and progression of AAA. Since understanding the regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in AAA is essential for treatment of AAA, this review summarized the regulatory mechanisms of MMPs to provide a reference for exploring novel therapeutic approaches.展开更多
Objective This study aimed to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)in the matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)signaling pathway and the risk of vascular senescence(VS).Methods In this cross-sect...Objective This study aimed to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)in the matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)signaling pathway and the risk of vascular senescence(VS).Methods In this cross-sectional study,between May and November 2022,peripheral venous blood of151 VS patients(case group)and 233 volunteers(control group)were collected.Fourteen SNPs were identified in five genes encoding the components of the MMP-2 signaling pathway,assessed through carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(cf PWV),and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.The multigene influence on the risk of VS was assessed using multifactor dimensionality reduction(MDR)and generalized multifactor dimensionality regression(GMDR)modeling.Results Within the multivariate logistic regression models,four SNPs were screened to have significant associations with VS:chemokine(C-C motif)ligand 2(CCL2)rs4586,MMP2 rs14070,MMP2rs7201,and MMP2 rs1053605.Carriers of the T/C genotype of MMP2 rs14070 had a 2.17-fold increased risk of developing VS compared with those of the C/C genotype,and those of the T/T genotype had a19.375-fold increased risk.CCL2 rs4586 and MMP-2 rs14070 exhibited the most significant interactions.Conclusion CCL2 rs4586,MMP-2 rs14070,MMP-2 rs7201,and MMP-2 rs1053605 polymorphisms were significantly associated with the risk of VS.展开更多
The interaction of extracellular matrix-integrin markedly influences the adhesion, outgrowth, differentiation and expression of serine proteinases by the blastocyst, so it is regarded as a vital factor in blastocyst i...The interaction of extracellular matrix-integrin markedly influences the adhesion, outgrowth, differentiation and expression of serine proteinases by the blastocyst, so it is regarded as a vital factor in blastocyst implantation. Al- though the mechanism of extracellular interactions between extracellular matrix and integrins has been well elucidated, the roles of the signaling molecules in the extracellular ma- trix-integrin signal transduction pathway in blastocyst im- plantation are unknown. This limits the understanding of blastocyst implantation and ECM-integrin signal transduc- tion pathway. In the present study, in vitro blastocyst culture and indirect immunocytochemistry, matrix metallopro- teinases (MMPs) zymography and antisense oligodeoxynu- cleotide (ODN) were used to investigate the expression of a fundamental molecule of integrin-dependent signal trans- duction pathways, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), in mouse blastocysts and its influence on mouse blastocyst adhesion, outgrowth and MMP-2. The results showed that mouse blas- tocysts expressed FAK. FAK protein was clustered in the peripheral migrating trophoblast cells and dispersed in the central area of blastocyst outgrowth. Fibronectin triggered pro-MMP-2 and 64 kD MMP-2 activities. The antisense ODN to FAK attenuated pro-MMP-2 and 64 kD MMP-2 activities which decreased abruptly and tended to disappear with increasing concentrations of the antisense ODN. Both mouse blastocyst adhesion and outgrowth on fibronectin were also influenced by the antisense ODN. Up to 20 mg/mL of the antisense ODN concentration, the adhesion and out- growth rates were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The results indicated that FAK influenced mouse blastocyst adhesion, outgrowth and MMP-2 activity by intracellular signal transduction. In other words, FAK regulates mouse implantation in terms of blastocyst adhesive and invasive abilities.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Increasing data indicated that long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)were directly or indirectly involved in the occurrence and development of tumors,including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Recent studies had found that the expression of lncRNA HAND2-AS1 was downregulated in HCC tissues,but its role in HCC progression is unclear.Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction mediated gene transfection is a new method to overexpress genes.AIM To study the role of ultrasound microbubbles(UTMBs)mediated HAND2-AS1 in the progression of HCC,in order to provide a new reference for the treatment of HCC.METHODS In vitro,we transfected HAND2-AS1 siRNA into HepG2 cells by UTMBs,and detected cell proliferation,apoptosis,invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)by cell counting kit-8 assay,flow cytometry,Transwell invasion assay and Western blotting,respectively.In addition,we transfected miR-837-5p mimic into UTMBs treated cells and observed the changes of cell behavior.Next,the UTMBs treated HepG2 cells were transfected together with miR-837-5p mimic and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2(TIMP2)overexpression vector,and we detected cell proliferation,apoptosis,invasion and EMT.In vivo,we established a mouse model of subcutaneous transplantation of HepG2 cells and observed the effect of HAND2-AS1 silencing on tumor formation ability.RESULTS We found that UTMBs carrying HAND2-AS1 restricted cell proliferation,invasion,and EMT,encouraged apoptosis,and HAND2-AS1 silencing eliminated the effect of UTMBs.Additionally,miR-873-5p targets the gene HAND2-AS1,which also targets the 3’UTR of TIMP2.And miR-873-5p mimic counteracted the impact of HAND2-AS1.Further,miR-873-5p mimic solely or in combination with pcDNA-TIMP2 had been transformed into HepG2 cells exposed to UTMBs.We discovered that TIMP2 reversed the effect of miR-873-5p mimic caused by the blocked signalling cascade for matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)2/MMP9.In vivo results showed that HAND2-AS1 silencing significantly inhibited tumor formation in mice.CONCLUSION LncRNA HAND2-AS1 promotes TIMP2 expression by targeting miR-873-5p to inhibit HepG2 cell growth and delay HCC progression.
文摘ix metalloproteinase(MMPs) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disease,such as atherosclerosis.Among MMPs,MMP-2 is regarded as a major proteinase in atherosclerotic plaque lesions.Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma(PPARg) ameliorates oxidative stress and the inflammatory response.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Rosiglitazone on Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced MMP-2 activation as well as its possible mechanism.LPS-induced MMP-2 activity was inhibited by Rosiglitazone(PPARg agonist) in the rat aortic endothelial cells(RAEC).LPS-induced MMP-2 activation was diminished no matter exposure to NF-kB Activation Inhibitor II(JSH-23)or Ras inhibitor,farnesylthiosalicylic acid(FTS). Further study shows that LPS-induced activation of Phospho-Rho A and Phospho-MEKl/2 were significantly inhibited by Rosiglitazone.The activation of NF-kB p65 in the nuclear extract of cells was also significantly suppressed by Rosiglitazone, moreover,the expression of NF-κB p65 was partly activated by GW9662(PPARg antagonist).NF-kB DNA binding activity was also demolished by Rosiglitazone.In summary,our data showed that PPARg agonist,Rosiglitazone suppresses LPS-activated MMP-2 secretion via Ras-MEK1/2 signaling pathways and NF-kB activation.PPARg agonist and Ras-MEK1/2 pathway may be another potential therapeutic target for the disease induced by chronic inflammation.
文摘Objectives The impairment of matrix metallopro- teinase-2(MMP-2)has been associated with the development of cardiac fibrosis.Although the Chinese herb Salvia miltior-rhiza has been widely used in patients with cardiovascular disorders,the mechanisms involved have not been elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the administration of cryptotanshinone,an active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza,could prevent the cardiac fibrosis induced by isoprenaline and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Methods and Results Male C57BL/6 mice were submitted to receive daily injection of 0.9%saline,3 mg/kg isoprenaline, or isoprenaline plus 20 mg/kg cryptotanshinone by gastric gavage for 2 weeks.Herein,we demonstrate that cryptotanshinone can significantly ameliorate the isoprenaline-induced cardiac fibrosis,which was associated with marked up-regulation and activation of MMP-2 in ventricular myocardium. Additionally,we demonstrate that cryptotanshinone can dose-dependently upregulate and activate MMP-2 in cultured cardiac fibroblast.Moreover,incubation with cryptotanshinone also can prevent isoprenaline-induced downregulation and inactivation of MMP-2 in cultured cardiac fibroblast. Conclusions Taken together,our data suggest that cryptotanshinone may become a novel and potent antifibrotic agent. The present findings might further our understanding of the role of MMP-2 in cardiac fibrosis and antifibrotic mechanisms of cryptotanshinone.
基金Supported by grants from MinSheng General Hospital,Taoyuan,Far Eastern Memorial Hospital-National Yang-Ming University Joint Research Program,No. 105DN15,No. 106DN15,and No. 107DN14 to Lee TH and Chen CY。
文摘BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery is an efficient strategy for body weight and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM) management. Abnormal lipid deposition in visceral organs,especially the pancreas and liver, might cause beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Extracellular matrix(ECM) remodeling allows adipose expansion, and matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) play essential roles in ECM construction.MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the substrates of MMP-7. Different studies have reported that MMP-2,-7, and-9 increase in patients with obesity and metabolic syndromes or T2 DM and are considered biomarkers in obesity and hyperglycemia patients.AIMTo prospectively investigate whether MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 differ after two bariatric surgeries: Gastric bypass(GB) and sleeve gastrectomy(SG).METHODS We performed GB in 23 and SG in 19 obese patients with T2 DM. We measured body weight, waist circumference, body mass index(BMI), and serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood sugar(FBS),hemoglobin A1 c(Hb A1 c), C-peptide, homeostasis model assessments of insulin resistance, and MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 levels at baseline and at 3, 12, and 24 mo post-operation.RESULTS Twenty-three patients aged 44.7 ± 9.7 years underwent GB, and 19 patients aged40.1 ± 9.1 years underwent SG. In the GB group, BMI decreased from 30.3 ± 3.4 to24.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2, Hb A1 c decreased from 9.2% ± 1.5% to 6.7% ± 1.4%, and FBS decreased from 171.6 ± 65.0 mg/d L to 117.7 ± 37.5 mg/d L 2 years post-operation(P < 0.001). However, the MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 levels pre-and post-GB were similar even 2 years post-operation(P = 0.107, 0.258, and 0.466,respectively). The SG group revealed similar results: BMI decreased from 36.2 ±5.1 to 26.9 ± 4.7 kg/m2, Hb A1 c decreased from 7.9% ± 1.7% to 5.8% ± 0.6%, and FBS decreased from 138.3 ± 55.6 mg/d L to 95.1 ± 3.1 mg/d L(P < 0.001). The serum MMP-2,-7, and-9 levels pre-and post-SG were not different(P = 0.083,0.869, and 0.1, respectively).CONCLUSION Improvements in obesity and T2 DM induced by bariatric surgery might be the result of MMP-2,-7, or-9 independent pathways.
文摘AIM: To investigate the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA expression and clinicopathologic and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system parameter and prognosis in human gastric cancer.METHODS: Expression of MMP-2 mRNA, uPA, and uPA-R mRNA in tumor tissues and ≥5 cm adjacent normal tissues from 67 cases of gastric cancer was studied using RTPCR and Northern blot respectively. Survival analyses were done using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The expression rates of MMP-2 mRNA, uPA and uPA-R mRNA in tumor tissues (31%, 41%, and 51%, respectively) were significantly higher than those in ≥5 cm adjacent tissues (19%, 11%, and 9%; χ2 = 4.59, 43.58, and 53.24 respectively, P＜0.05, 0.0001, and 0.0001, respectively). Expression of MMP-2 mRNA was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (metastasis:61.9%, no metastasis: 39.1%, χ2= 7.61, P＜0.05), Lauren's classification of diffuse/mixed types: 54.2%, intestinal type: 26.3%, χ2 = 4.25, P＜0.05, expression of uPA and uPA-R mRNA (uPA+: 55.1%, uPA-: 22.2% and uPA-R+: 54.9%, uPA-R-: 18.8%, x2= 5.72 and 6.40 respectively, P＜0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of MMP-2 mRNA expression did not show significant difference in all 67 cases, but revealed an association of the expression of MMP-2 mRNA, uPA, and uPA-R mRNA with worse prognosis (P = 0.0083, 0.0160, and 0.0094, respectively). CONCLUSION: MMP-2 may play an important role in the development of invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer.
文摘To study the role of the reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) gene and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the regulation of trophoblast invasion of early pregnancy. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and gelatin zymography were used to detect the RECK protein expression localization, expression level and MMP-2 activation level in the pla-cental tissues harvested from 52 normal pregnant women (27 in the early pregnancy, 25 in the term pregnancy). Immunohistochemistry showed that RECK expression was found both in villous tissues of early pregnancy group and term pregnancy group and was mainly observed in cell membrane and cytoplasm of cytotrophoblasts and syneytiotrophoblasts. RECK expression increased with gestational time. RECK expression of early pregnancy group was significantly lower than that of term pregnancy group (P<0.05). RECK expression was significantly lower in cellular column (CC) with invasion ability. Western blot showed that the RECK protein expression in early pregnancy group was signifi-cantly lower than that in term pregnancy (P<0.05). The optical density values of RECK protein ex-pression in early pregnancy group and term pregnancy group were 1.35±0.14 and 2.68±0.26, re-spectively, while MMP-2 activation ratio was contrary to RECK protein expression and decreased with the gestation time (P<0.01). The MMP-2 activation ratios of early pregnancy group and term pregnancy group were 0.46±0.05 and 0.10±0.02, respectively. The expression of the tumor inhibi-tory gene RECK was positively related with the invasion ability of trophoblasts, while the invasion gene MMP-2 was negatively related with the ability. The interaction between RECK and MMP-2 may play an important role in the regulation of the trophoblast invasion in early pregnancy.
基金Supported by Tiantan Hospital Scientific Project Grant Fund
文摘AIM:To investigate the inhibitory effects of RNA interference (RNAi) on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene and invasiveness and adhesion of human pancreatic cancer cell line,BxPC-3.METHODS:RNAi was performed using the vector (pGPU6)-based small interference RNA (siRNA) plasmid gene silence system to specifically knock down MMP-2 expression in pancreatic cancer cell line,BxPC-3. Four groups of different specific target sequence in coding region of MMP-2 and one non-specific sequence were chosen to construct four experimental siRNA plasmids of pGPU6-1,pGPU6-2,pGPU6-3 and pGPU6-4,and one negative control siRNA plasmid of pGPU6 (-). MMP-2 expression was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry,respectively. The abilities of adhesion and invasion were detected by cell adhesion assay and cell invasion assay using Transwell chambers.RESULTS:The expression of MMP-2 was inhibited and the inhibitory effects of different sequence varied. pGPU6-1 group had the most efficient inhibitory effect,followed by pGPU6-2 and pGPU6-3 groups.Invasiveness and adhesion were more significantly reduced in pGPU6-1,pGPU6-2 and pGPU6-3 groups as compared with pGPU6 (-) and blank control groups. However,no difference concerning cell proliferation and apoptosis was observed after transfection between experiment groups and control groups.CONCLUSION:RNAi against MMP-2 successfully inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2 in the pancreatic cancer cell line,BxPC-3,leading to a potent suppression of tumor cell adhesion and invasion without affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis. These findings suggest that the RNAi approach towards MMP-2 may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the clinical management of pancreatic tumor.
基金Supported by the Science and Technology Project of Fujian Educational Committee, No. JA04198
文摘AIM: To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in hepatic fibrosis and the antifibrogenic role of exogenous interleukin-10 (IL-10).METHODS: Hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCl4administration and 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group (group N, 8rats), CCl4-induced group (group C, 28 rats) and IL-10-treated group (group I, 24 rats). At the beginning of the 7th and 11th wk, rats in each group were routinely perfused with pronase E and type Ⅳ collagenase through portal vein catheter and the suspension was centrifuged by 11%Nycodenz density gradient to isolate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). RT-PCR was used to analyze mRNA of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 from freshly isolated cells. Densitometric data were standardized with β-actin signals. Immunocytochemistry was performed to detect MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression in HSC cultured for 72 h.RESULTS: Compared to group N in the 7th wk, MMP-2and TIMP-1 mRNA increased in group C (P= 0.001/0.001)and group I (P = 0.001/0.009). The level of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 mRNA in group I was significantly lower than that in group C (P= 0.001/0.001). In the 11th wk, MMP-2 mRNAin group I was still lower than that in group C (P = 0.005),but both dropped compared with that in the 7th week (P = 0.001/0.004). TIMP-1 mRNA in group I was still lower than that in group C (P= 0.001), and increased in group C (P = 0.001) while decreased in group I (P = 0.042)compared with that in the 7th wk. Same results were found by immunocytochemistry.CONCLUSION: Expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 is increased in hepatic fibrosis. IL-10 exhibits an antifibrogenic effect by suppressing MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression.
文摘The presence of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in dentin has been reported, but its distribution and activity level in mature human coronal dentin are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the MMP-2 distribution and relative activity in demineralized dentin. Crowns of twenty eight human molars were sectioned into inner (ID), middle (MD), and outer dentin (OD) regions and demineralized. MMP-2 was extracted with 0.33 mol·L -1 EDTA/2 mol·L -1 guanidine-HCl, pH 7.4, and MMP-2 concentration was estimated with enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA). Further characterization was accomplished by Western blotting analysis and gelatin zymography. The mean concentrations of MMP-2 per mg dentin protein in the dentin regions were significantly different (P=0.043): 0.9 ng (ID), 0.4 ng (MD), and 2.2 ng (OD), respectively. The pattern of MMP-2 concentration was OD>ID>MD. Western blotting analysis detected ～66 and ～72 kDa immunopositive proteins corresponding to pro-and mature MMP-2, respectively, in the ID and MD, and a ～66 kDa protein in the OD. Gelatinolytic activity consistent with MMP-2 was detected in all regions. Interestingly, the pattern of levels of Western blot immunodetection and gelatinolytic activity was MD>ID>OD. The concentration of MMP-2 in human coronal dentin was highest in the region of dentin that contains the dentinoenamel junction and least in the middle region of dentin. However, levels of Western blot immunodetection and gelatinolytic activity did not correlate with the estimated regional concentrations of MMP-2, potentially indicating region specific protein interactions.
基金This project was supported by grants from National Excellent Young Scientists Foundation of China (No.39925035) the Major Clinical Project of Ministry of Health (No.22012332).
文摘The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression on matrix met-alloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells in vitro and the possible mechanism involved were investigated, and the correlation between the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 in NPC evaluated. The NPC cells were transfected with PAd-trackVEGF165 plasmid. The expression levels of VEGF and MMP-2 mRNA and protein in NPC cells were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. It was found that the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 mRNA and protein was significantly increased in NPC cells after transfection of VEGF165. It was concluded that the expression of VEGF was correlated to the in vitro invasion of NPC cells, and the induction of MMP-2 by VEGF was a key process of NPC cell invasion.
文摘Objective To study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in different grade human glioma. To investigate their relation to the pathological grade and invasion of the tumor. Methods The expression of MMP-2 and VEGF were determined by immunohistochemical technique in 48 cases of human glioma and 10 specimens of normal brain tissue. Results The expression levels of MMP-2 and VEGF in human glioma were positively related to tumor grades (P<0.01), and their expressions in the glioma of grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ were significantly different from those in the glioma of grade Ⅰ-Ⅱand normal brain tissue (P<0.01). The expression of MMP-2 was positively correlated to that of VEGF (P<0.01). Conclusion MMP-2 and VEGF were highly expression in human glioma and were positively related to the tumor grades. The synergic interaction of MMP-2 and VEGF promoted the angiogenesis and invasion of human glioma.
文摘Objective: To study the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2, 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9) of healthy implant and peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and evaluate the level of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in sulcular fluid as an objective indicator of tissue inflammation around implants. Methods: A total of 40 implants were selected from 30 patients who were treated with dental implants and were divided into two groups: the inflammatory group and the healthy control group with 20 pieces respectively. ELISA double antibody sandwich method was used to detect the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PISF. Results: The MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions were significantly different between the healthy implant group and the peri-implant group (p < .05). The concentration of MMP-2, MMP-9, and the amount of sulcular fluid in the inflammatory implant group were positively correlated with the clinical parameters (probing depth [PD], modified sulcus bleeding index [mSBI]). Conclusions: Under physiological conditions, the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were low. When the periodontal tissue was stimulated by inflammation, the expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased, which could reflect the severity of inflammation. The increase levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PISF could better reflect the health status of peri-implant tissues, which could be used as an objective indicator to assist in the diagnosis of peri-implant inflammation.
文摘To study the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 in human prostate cancer, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 were immunohistochemically detected in tissues of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our results showed that matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 levels in prostate cancer were much higher than those in tissues of BPH, with the cancer invasion being positively correlated with the expression of the metalloproteinases. It is concluded that matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 are better molecular markers, which are of help in the diagnosis and prediction of prognosis of prostate cancer.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (82070875,82070300).
文摘Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease characterized by destruction and progressive expansion of the abdominal aortic wall. An AAA is typically defined as an enlargement of the abdominal aorta with diameter ≥3 cm or ≥50% greater than the suprarenal diameter. The pathological changes associated with AAA include inflammatory cell infiltration, extracellular matrix (ECM) destruction and remodeling, and vascular smooth muscle cell loss. The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteins plays an important role in initiation and progression of AAA. Since understanding the regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in AAA is essential for treatment of AAA, this review summarized the regulatory mechanisms of MMPs to provide a reference for exploring novel therapeutic approaches.
基金supported by the Construction of Prevention and Treatment System of Geriatric Syndromes Focusing on Disability and Dementia(No.21-1-2-2-zyyd-nsh)。
文摘Objective This study aimed to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)in the matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)signaling pathway and the risk of vascular senescence(VS).Methods In this cross-sectional study,between May and November 2022,peripheral venous blood of151 VS patients(case group)and 233 volunteers(control group)were collected.Fourteen SNPs were identified in five genes encoding the components of the MMP-2 signaling pathway,assessed through carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(cf PWV),and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.The multigene influence on the risk of VS was assessed using multifactor dimensionality reduction(MDR)and generalized multifactor dimensionality regression(GMDR)modeling.Results Within the multivariate logistic regression models,four SNPs were screened to have significant associations with VS:chemokine(C-C motif)ligand 2(CCL2)rs4586,MMP2 rs14070,MMP2rs7201,and MMP2 rs1053605.Carriers of the T/C genotype of MMP2 rs14070 had a 2.17-fold increased risk of developing VS compared with those of the C/C genotype,and those of the T/T genotype had a19.375-fold increased risk.CCL2 rs4586 and MMP-2 rs14070 exhibited the most significant interactions.Conclusion CCL2 rs4586,MMP-2 rs14070,MMP-2 rs7201,and MMP-2 rs1053605 polymorphisms were significantly associated with the risk of VS.
基金the"One-Hundred Scientists"Project(Grant No.A2998044)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.A1102004)the State Key Lab of Reproductive Biology
文摘The interaction of extracellular matrix-integrin markedly influences the adhesion, outgrowth, differentiation and expression of serine proteinases by the blastocyst, so it is regarded as a vital factor in blastocyst implantation. Al- though the mechanism of extracellular interactions between extracellular matrix and integrins has been well elucidated, the roles of the signaling molecules in the extracellular ma- trix-integrin signal transduction pathway in blastocyst im- plantation are unknown. This limits the understanding of blastocyst implantation and ECM-integrin signal transduc- tion pathway. In the present study, in vitro blastocyst culture and indirect immunocytochemistry, matrix metallopro- teinases (MMPs) zymography and antisense oligodeoxynu- cleotide (ODN) were used to investigate the expression of a fundamental molecule of integrin-dependent signal trans- duction pathways, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), in mouse blastocysts and its influence on mouse blastocyst adhesion, outgrowth and MMP-2. The results showed that mouse blas- tocysts expressed FAK. FAK protein was clustered in the peripheral migrating trophoblast cells and dispersed in the central area of blastocyst outgrowth. Fibronectin triggered pro-MMP-2 and 64 kD MMP-2 activities. The antisense ODN to FAK attenuated pro-MMP-2 and 64 kD MMP-2 activities which decreased abruptly and tended to disappear with increasing concentrations of the antisense ODN. Both mouse blastocyst adhesion and outgrowth on fibronectin were also influenced by the antisense ODN. Up to 20 mg/mL of the antisense ODN concentration, the adhesion and out- growth rates were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The results indicated that FAK influenced mouse blastocyst adhesion, outgrowth and MMP-2 activity by intracellular signal transduction. In other words, FAK regulates mouse implantation in terms of blastocyst adhesive and invasive abilities.
