scholarly journals The Mouse Testis Is the Source of Various Serine Proteases and Serine Proteinase Inhibitors (SERPINs): Serine Proteases and SERPINs Identified in Leydig Cells Are under Gonadotropin Regulation

Endocrinology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 147 (9) ◽  
pp. 4374-4383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanny Odet ◽  
Adélie Verot ◽  
Brigitte Le Magueresse-Battistoni
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Proteinase Inhibitors ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Serine Proteinases ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components

The occurrence of various serine proteinases and serine proteinases inhibitors (SERPINs) was investigated by RT-PCR in whole testes of 1-, 3-, and 8-wk-old mice in crude and enriched germ cell fractions, mouse Leydig tumor cells (mLTC-1), and primary cultures of 3- and 8-wk-old enriched fractions of Leydig cells and 3-wk-old Sertoli cells. New members were identified in the testis protease repertoire. Within the Leydig repertoire, a PCR product was found for plasminogen activators urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue plasminogen activator (8-wk-old cells), matriptase-2 (mLTC-1), kallikrein-21, SERPINA5, SERPINB2 (primary cultures), and serine peptidase inhibitor Kunitz type 2 (SPINT2). The gonadotropin regulation was explored by semiquantitative RT-PCR, using steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) as a positive control. Matriptase-2, kallikrein-21, SPINT2, and SERPINA5 were down-regulated, whereas uPA and its receptor were up-regulated by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) via cAMP in the mLTC-1 cells. Positive effects were observed transiently after 1–8 h of hCG exposure, and negative effects, first evidenced after 6 h, lasted 48 h. The hCG-induced effects were confirmed in primary cultures. In addition, SERPINB2 was augmented by hCG in primary cultures. Addition of either trypsin or protease inhibitors did not alter the hCG-induced surge of StAR. Because hCG regulated proteases and SERPINs (whereas testosterone did not), it could alter the proteolytic balance of Leydig cells and consequently the metabolism of extracellular matrix components. Therefore, even though a direct interplay between the early hCG-induced surge of uPA and StAR is unlikely, our data together with the literature suggest that extracellular matrix proteins alter Leydig cell steroidogenesis.

scholarly journals Markers of breast cancer stromal fibroblasts in the primary tumour site associated with lymph node metastasis: a systematic review including our case series

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Aparecida Azevedo Koike Folgueira ◽  
Simone Maistro ◽  
Maria Lucia Hirata Katayama ◽  
Rosimeire Aparecida Roela ◽  
Fiorita Gonzales Lopes Mundim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Lymph Node ◽  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Lymph Node Status ◽  
Positive Staining ◽  
Regional Metastasis ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components

CAFs (cancer-associated fibroblasts), the most abundant cell type in breast cancer stroma, produce a plethora of chemokines, growth factors and ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins, that may contribute to dissemination and metastasis. Axillary nodes are the first metastatic site in breast cancer; however, to the present date, there is no consensus of which specific proteins, synthesized by CAFs, might be related with lymph node involvement. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of CAF biomarkers associated with the presence of regional metastasis. PubMed was searched using the words: ‘breast cancer’ and ‘lymph node’ and fibroblast or stroma or microenvironment. After exclusions, eight studies evaluating biomarkers immunoexpression in CAFs and lymph node status were selected. Biomarkers evaluated in these studies may be divided in two groups, according to their ontology: extracellular matrix components [MMP13 (matrix metalloproteinase 13), TIMP2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2), THBS1 (thrombospondin 1), LGALS1 (lectin, galactoside-binding, soluble, 1)] and response to wounding [PDPN (podoplanin), PLAU (plasminogen activator, urokinase), PLAUR (plasminogen activator, urokinase receptor), CAV1 (caveolin 1), THBS1, LGALS1]. A positive expression of MMP13 and LGALS1 in CAFs was associated with enhanced OR (odds ratio) for regional metastasis. Contrariwise, CAV1 positive staining of fibroblasts was associated with decreased OR for nodal involvement. Expression of MMP13, PDPN and CAV1 was further tested in a new series of 65 samples of invasive ductal breast carcinomas by immunohistochemistry and no association between biomarkers expression in CAFs and nodal status was found. It was suggested that breast cancer subtypes may differentially affect CAFs behaviour. It would be interesting to evaluate the prognostic significance of these biomarkers in CAFs from different tumour types.

Analysis of human skeletal muscle after 48 h immobilization reveals alterations in mRNA and protein for extracellular matrix components

2006 ◽  
Vol 101 (4) ◽  
pp. 1136-1148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria L. Urso ◽  
Angus G. Scrimgeour ◽  
Yi-Wen Chen ◽  
Paul D. Thompson ◽  
Priscilla M. Clarkson
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Human Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Collagen Iii ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components ◽  
Phosphorylated Akt ◽  
Mrna Content

We examined the effects of 48 h of knee immobilization on alterations in mRNA and protein in human skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that 48 h of immobilization would increase gene expression and respective protein products for ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) components. Also, we used microarray analysis to identify novel pathways. Biopsies were taken from the vastus muscle of five men (20.4 ± 0.5 yr) before and after 48-h immobilization. Global changes in gene expression were analyzed by use of Affymetrix GeneChips. Candidate genes were confirmed via quantitative RT-PCR. Western blotting (WB) was used to quantify protein products of candidate genes and to assess Akt pathway activation. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize proteins found to be altered when assessed via WB. The greatest percentage of genes showing altered expression with the GeneChip included genes involved in the UPP, metallothionein function, and extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed increases in mRNA for UPP components [USP-6, small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO-1)] and the metallothioneins (MT2A, MT1F, MT1H, MT1X) and decreases in mRNA content for matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-28, TIMP-1) and ECM structural components [collagen III (COLIII) and IV (COLIV)]. Only phosphorylated Akt (Ser473, Thr308), COLIII and COLIV protein levels were significantly different postimmobilization (25, 10, 88, and 28% decrease, respectively). Immunohistochemistry confirmed WB showing decreased staining for collagens postimmobilization. Our results suggest that 48 h of immobilization increases mRNA content for components of the UPP and metallothionein function while decreasing mRNA and protein for ECM components as well as decreased phosphorylation of Akt.

scholarly journals Differential expression of extracellular matrix components in the bovine oviduct during the oestrous cycle

Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 121-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Gabler ◽  
GJ Killian ◽  
R Einspanier
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Growth Factors ◽  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Tissue Inhibitors Of Metalloproteinases ◽  
Ribonuclease Protection Assay ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components ◽  
Matrix Components ◽  
Pai 1

Components of the extracellular matrix take part in tissue rebuilding as well as activating surface-bound growth factors. In the present study, expression and selected activities of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), their inhibitors (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)) were examined in bovine oviducts by RT--PCR, ribonuclease protection assay and activity assays. A high content of mRNA encoding for uPA was detected before ovulation with a three-fold decrease after ovulation. In contrast, PAI-1 expression appeared to be stable during the oestrous cycle. Oviductal flushings produced caseinolytic zones in zymograms containing plasminogen at approximately 50 kDa and 28 kDa. An activity assay for uPA showed highest net activity during the early to mid-luteal phase. Increased TIMP-1 and MMP-2 mRNA concentrations were found around the time of ovulation compared with the luteal phase. In contrast, MMP-1 mRNA transcripts were enriched during the early to mid-luteal phase. Gelatin zymograms detected a 70--72 kDa protease activity showing an oestrous cycle-dependent activity with highest activity before ovulation. Reverse zymography detecting TIMPs revealed proteins between 21 kDa and 24 kDa. Only for the smallest (21 kDa) protein were amounts increased around the time of ovulation compared with the luteal phase. The observation that several extracellular matrix components were regulated distinctly in bovine oviducts indicates that local interactions between these components, growth factors, gametes and the embryo are possible and may influence fertilization and early embryonic development.

scholarly journals An old enzyme with a new function: purification and characterization of a distinct matrix-degrading metalloproteinase in rat kidney cortex and its identification as meprin.

1994 ◽  
Vol 126 (5) ◽  
pp. 1319-1327 ◽  
Author(s):  
G P Kaushal ◽  
P D Walker ◽  
S V Shah
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Proteinase Inhibitors ◽  
Rat Kidney ◽  
Gel Filtration ◽  
Biochemical Properties ◽  
Tissue Inhibitors Of Metalloproteinases ◽  
Kidney Cortex ◽  
Rat Kidney Cortex ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components

We have purified to homogeneity the enzyme in the kidney cortex which accounts for the vast majority of matrix-degrading activity at neutral pH. The purified enzyme has an apparent molecular mass of 350 kD by gel filtration and of 85 kD on SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions; and it degrades laminin, type IV collagen and fibronectin. The enzyme was inhibited by EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline, but not by other proteinase inhibitors. The enzyme was not activated by organomercurials or by trypsin and was not inhibited by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases indicating that it is distinct from the other matrix-degrading metalloproteinases. Unexpectedly, the amino acid sequence of the NH2-terminal and two internal peptides of the enzyme showed complete homology to those alpha subunits of rat meprin, an enzyme previously shown to degrade azocasein and insulin B chain but not known to degrade extracellular matrix components. Immunoprecipitation studies, Western blot analyses and other biochemical properties of the purified enzyme confirm that the distinct matrix-degrading enzyme is indeed meprin. Our data also demonstrate that meprin is the major enzyme in the renal cortex capable of degrading components of the extracellular matrix. The demonstration of this hitherto unknown function of meprin suggests its potential role in renal pathophysiology.

scholarly journals The Plasminogen–Activator Plasmin System in Physiological and Pathophysiological Angiogenesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 337
Author(s):  
Asmaa Anwar Ismail ◽  
Baraah Tariq Shaker ◽  
Khalid Bajou
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor ◽  
Cellular Migration ◽  
Tissue Type ◽  
Matrix Remodeling ◽  
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pai 1

Angiogenesis is a process associated with the migration and proliferation of endothelial cells (EC) to form new blood vessels. It is involved in various physiological and pathophysiological conditions and is controlled by a wide range of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic molecules. The plasminogen activator–plasmin system plays a major role in the extracellular matrix remodeling process necessary for angiogenesis. Urokinase/tissue-type plasminogen activators (uPA/tPA) convert plasminogen into the active enzyme plasmin, which in turn activates matrix metalloproteinases and degrades the extracellular matrix releasing growth factors and proangiogenic molecules such as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A). The plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is the main inhibitor of uPA and tPA, thereby an inhibitor of pericellular proteolysis and intravascular fibrinolysis, respectively. Paradoxically, PAI-1, which is expressed by EC during angiogenesis, is elevated in several cancers and is found to promote angiogenesis by regulating plasmin-mediated proteolysis and by promoting cellular migration through vitronectin. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) also induces EC cellular migration during angiogenesis via interacting with signaling partners. Understanding the molecular functions of the plasminogen activator plasmin system and targeting angiogenesis via blocking serine proteases or their interactions with other molecules is one of the major therapeutic strategies scientists have been attracted to in controlling tumor growth and other pathological conditions characterized by neovascularization.

scholarly journals Discovery of potent and specific inhibitors targeting the active site of MMP-9 from the engineered SPINK2 library

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244656
Author(s):  
Hidenori Yano ◽  
Daisuke Nishimiya ◽  
Yoshirou Kawaguchi ◽  
Masakazu Tamura ◽  
Ryuji Hashimoto
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Protease Inhibitor ◽  
Active Site ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Serine Protease Inhibitor ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components ◽  
Matrix Components ◽  
Specific Inhibitors

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to many physiological and pathological phenomena via the proteolysis of extracellular matrix components. Specific blocking of the active site of each MMP sheds light on its particular role. However, it remains difficult to acquire an active-site inhibitor with high specificity for only the target MMP due to the highly conserved structure around the active site of MMPs. Recently, we reported that potent and specific inhibitors of serine proteases were obtained from our proprietary engineered serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 2 (SPINK2) library. In this research, using this library, we succeeded in obtaining potent and specific MMP-9 inhibitors. The obtained inhibitors bound to the active site of MMP-9 and inhibited MMP-9 with low nanomolar Ki values. The inhibitors did not cross-react with other MMPs that we tested. Further analysis using MMP-9 mutants demonstrated that the inhibitors recognize not only the residues around the conserved active site of MMP-9 but also different and unique residues in exosites that are distant from each other. This unique recognition manner, which can be achieved by the large interface provided by engineered SPINK2, may contribute to the generation of specific active-site inhibitors of MMPs.

Novel roles of protease inhibitors in infection and inflammation

2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. S. Hiemstra
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Protease Inhibitors ◽  
Neutrophil Elastase ◽  
Proteinase Inhibitor ◽  
Tissue Repair ◽  
Proteinase Inhibitors ◽  
Serine Proteinase ◽  
Serine Proteinases ◽  
Matrix Synthesis ◽  
Infection And Inflammation

The local balance between proteinase inhibitors and proteinases determines local proteolytic activity. Various studies have demonstrated the importance of serine proteinase inhibitors in regulating the activity of serine proteinases that are released by leucocytes during inflammation. Recently it has been shown that these inhibitors may also display functions that are distinct from those associated with the inhibition of leucocyte-derived proteinases. In this review the results of selected studies focusing on three inhibitors of neutrophil elastase, i.e. α1-proteinase inhibitor, secretory leucocyte proteinase inhibitor and elafin, are presented, with the aim of illustrating their possible involvement in the regulation of inflammation, host defence against infection, tissue repair and extracellular matrix synthesis.

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