Expression of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase in human gastric carcinomas.
We have examined the implications of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) for activation of the zymogen of MMP-2 (proMMP-2) in human gastric carcinoma. Northern blot analysis demonstrated exclusive expression of MT-MMP in the carcinoma tissues. Immunohistochemically, MT-MMP was colocalized in the carcinoma cells in almost all MMP-2-positive cases (13 of 14 cases). Gelatin zymography of the culture media showed a correlation of the proMMP-2 activation with MT-MMP expression in the carcinoma cells. A microdissection study indicated that proMMP-2 activation is caused only in the carcinoma cell nests that express MT-MMP but not in the normal gastric mucosa. These results are the first demonstration of the MT-MMP-assisted activation of proMMP-2 in the human gastric carcinoma.
Nomura
H
H
Department of Molecular Immunology and Pathology, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan.
Sato
H
H
Seiki
M
M
Mai
M
M
Okada
Y
Y
D002277:Carcinoma / Q000201:enzymology*; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004792:Enzyme Precursors / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D053504:Matrix Metalloproteinases, Membrane-Associated; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000032:analysis*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology*
D004792:Enzyme Precursors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D053504:Matrix Metalloproteinases, Membrane-Associated; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases