Background: Previously we have shown that a fraction of the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) synthesized by the
macrophage cell line THP-1 was bound to a chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) core protein as a reduction sensitive
heteromer. Several biochemical properties of the enzyme were changed when it was bound to the CSPG.
Methodology/Principal Findings: By use of affinity chromatography, zymography, and radioactive labelling, various
macrophage stimulators were tested for their effect on the synthesis of the proMMP-9/CSPG heteromer and its components
by THP-1 cells. Of the stimulators, only PMA largely increased the biosynthesis of the heteromer. As PMA is an activator of
PKC, we determined which PKC isoenzymes were expressed by performing RT-PCR and Western Blotting. Subsequently
specific inhibitors were used to investigate their involvement in the biosynthesis of the heteromer. Of the inhibitors, only
Rottlerin repressed the biosynthesis of proMMP-9/CSPG and its two components. Much lower concentrations of Rottlerin
were needed to reduce the amount of CSPG than what was needed to repress the synthesis of the heteromer and MMP-9.
Furthermore, Rottlerin caused a minor reduction in the activation of the PKC isoenzymes d, e, h and u (PKD3) in both control
and PMA exposed cells.
Conclusions/Significance: The biosynthesis of the proMMP-9/CSPG heteromer and proMMP-9 in THP-1 cells involves a
Rottlerin-sensitive pathway that is different from the Rottlerin sensitive pathway involved in the CSPG biosynthesis. MMP-9
and CSPGs are known to be involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Formation of complexes may
influence both the specificity and localization of the enzyme. Therefore, knowledge about biosynthetic pathways and
factors involved in the formation of the MMP-9/CSPG heteromer may contribute to insight in the heteromers biological
function as well as pointing to future targets for therapeutic agents.
Seredkina, Natalya; Rekvik, Ole Petter(Journal article; Tidsskriftartikkel; Peer reviewed, 2011)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
An acquired loss of renal DNaseI has recently been shown to promote transformation of mild
mesangial lupus nephritis into membrano-proliferative end-stage organ disease. In this study, we analyzed expression profiles of DNaseI in other organs of lupus-prone (NZBxNZW)F1 mice during disease progression to determine if silencing of the renal DNaseI gene is an organ
specific feature or if loss of DNaseI reflects a systemic error in mice with sever lupus nephritis. Our results demonstrate normal or elevated levels of DNaseI mRNA and enzyme activity in liver, spleen and serum samples of (NZBxNZW)F1 mice throughout all stages of lupus nephritis. DNaseI activity was dramatically reduced only in kidneys of mice with sever
nephritis and was the only nuclease that was down-regulated, while 6 other nucleases
(DNaseIl1-3, caspase activated deoxyribonuclease, Dnase2a, and endonuclease G) were largely normally expressed in kidneys, liver and spleen. Loss of renal DNaseI was not accompanied by changes in serum DNaseI activity, suggesting an independent mechanism of DNaseI regulation in circulation and in kidneys, and an absence of compensatory upregulation of serum DNaseI activity in case of renal DNaseI deficiency. Thus, silencing of renal DNaseI is a unique renal feature in membrano-proliferative lupus nephritis.
Determination of mechanism(s) responsible for DNaseI down-regulation is a future step in
generation of new therapeutic targets to treat and prevent progressive lupus nephritis.
The MYCN oncogene is frequently amplified in neuroblastoma. It is one of the most consistent markers of a bad prognosis for this disease. Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is a secreted protein of the Dickkopf family of Wnt regulators. It functions as a tumor suppressor in a range of cancers, including neuroblastoma. MYCN was recently found
to downregulate DKK3 mRNA. In this study, we show that MYCN knockdown in MYCN-amplified (MNA) neuroblastoma cell lines increases secretion of endogenous DKK3 to the culture media.
MiRNAs are ~20-nt-long RNAs encoded by the genome that downregulate mRNAs by targeting the 3`untranslated region (3’UTR). Many miRNAs regulate genes involved in the pathogenesis of cancer and are extensively deregulated in different tumors. Using miRNA target prediction software, we found several MYCN-regulated
miRNAs that could target the 3’UTR sequence of DKK3, including mir-92a, mir-92b and let-7e. Luciferase expression from a reporter vector containing the DKK3-3`UTR was decreased when this construct was cotransfected with mir-92a, mir-92b and let-7e in HEK293 cells. Mutation of the mir-92 seed sequence in the 3’UTR completely
rescued the observed decrease in reporter expression when cotransfected with mir-92a
and mir-92b. Antagomir and miRNA-mimic transfections in neuroblastoma cell lines
confirmed that DKK3 secretion to the culture media is regulated by these miRNAs.
Consistent with reports from other cancers, we found DKK3 to be expressed in the endothelium of primary neuroblastoma samples and to be absent in tumors with MYCN amplification. These data demonstrate a previously unknown tumor promoting
mechanism for MYCN-regulated miRNAs.