Coordinate expression of membrane type-matrix metalloproteinases-2 and 3 (MT2-MMP and MT3-MMP) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in primary and metastatic melanoma cells.
Expression of MMP-2 in melanoma cells has been demonstrated to be involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix during melanoma growth and to correlate with later melanoma metastasis. MMP-2 is considered to be activated by membrane-associated matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs). To know whether MT-MMPs are involved in the activation of MMP-2 in melanoma cells, immunohistochemical studies were performed in primary and metastatic melanoma by use of the antibodies for MT1-MMP, MT2-MMP and MT3-MMP. Expression of MT1-MMP, MT2-MMP, MT3-MMP and MMP-2 in nevocellular nevus (n = 5), dysplastic nevus (n = 2) and juvenile melanoma (n = 3) was undetectable or detected in only a few cells. Superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) (n = 3) and acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) (n = 3) showed a moderate expression of MT1 approximately 3-MMP. In nodular melanoma (NM) (n = 2) and metastatic melanoma (n = 3), MT1 approximately 3-MMP was more intensely expressed. Double immunofluorescence demonstrated a consistent colocalization of MT2-MMP/MMP-2 and MT3-MMP/MMP-2 in the NM and metastatic melanoma cells. The colocalization of MT2,3-MMP and MMP-2 in nodular and metastatic melanoma cells suggests that MT-MMPs and MMP-2 co-operate in the invasive and metastatic process of melanoma cells.
Ohnishi
Y
Y
Department of Dermatology, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-8513 Japan.
Tajima
S
S
Ishibashi
A
A
D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D053517:Matrix Metalloproteinase 15; D053513:Matrix Metalloproteinase 16; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D053504:Matrix Metalloproteinases, Membrane-Associated; D008545:Melanoma / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D012867:Skin / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology
C507098:MMP15 protein, human; C507102:MMP16 protein, human; D053517:Matrix Metalloproteinase 15; D053513:Matrix Metalloproteinase 16; D053504:Matrix Metalloproteinases, Membrane-Associated; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2