title: Induction of matrix metalloproteinase-9 by galectin-7 through p38 MAPK signaling in HeLa human cervical epithelial adenocarcinoma cells.
abstract: The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been reported in various cancers. Its expression is associated with tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis. Studies have shown that galectin-7, a beta-galactoside-binding animal lectin, is involved in various processes including the suppression of tumor growth. However, a recent study reported that the development of thymic lymphoma is accelerated by galectin-7 expression. In this report, we demonstrate that the expression of MMP-9 was increased by galectin-7 in human cervix epithelial cells (HeLa). When the galectin-7 gene was transfected to HeLa cells with the ECFP vector, the expression of MMP-9 mRNA increased, as compared to non-transfected cells. As a result, MMP-9 protein levels also increased, as indicated by Western blot and gelatin zymography. In addition, galectin-7-transfected cells exhibited increased invasion in the matrigel invasion system. Expression of MMP-9 is involved in several signaling pathways by various stimulation factors. Therefore, we investigated how the signaling pathway in galectin-7-transfected cells differs from that of non-transfected cells. Upon transfection of galectin-7, p38 MAPK was activated and SB203580, a chemical inhibitor of p38 MAPK, reversed the effects of galectin-7. These results indicate that galectin-7 increases the expression of MMP-9 through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Cheju National University, Jeju, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Weon Y
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Moonjae
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cho
mesh_terms: D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000737:chemistry; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D037161:Galectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D011485:Protein Binding; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D002241:Carbohydrates; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D037161:Galectins; C092525:LGALS7 protein, human; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9