title: Matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression: new regulatory elements.
abstract: Retinal ganglion cells apoptosis is linked to matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) controlled changes of extracellular matrix. Abnormal expression of MMP-9 is associated with glaucomatous alterations. Thus, the knowledge of MMP-9 regulation is important for the understanding the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Here, we investigated the role of 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) and microRNAs in MMP-9 regulation. We used in vitro mutagenesis and Luc reporter system to identify regulatory elements in the 3'-UTR of MMP-9. microRNAs were analyzed by qRT-PCR, and their role was investigated with inhibitors and mimics. We identified targets for miRNAs in 3'-UTR of MMP-9 involved in the regulation of MMP-9 expression. We then isolated miRNAs from the optic nerve A7 astrocytes and 293 T cells and confirmed the role of mi340 in the regulation using specific inhibitors and mimics. The results obtained show a new miRNA-mediated mechanism of MMP-9 expression regulation.
authors.forename: Irina
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Surgucheva
authors.forename: Kumaravel
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chidambaram
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Willoughby
authors.forename: Andrei
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Surguchov