MT1-MMP modulates bFGF-induced VEGF-A expression in corneal fibroblasts.
The cornea is physiologically avascular. Following a corneal injury, wound healing often proceeds without neovascularization (NV); however, corneal NV may be induced during wound healing in certain inflammatory, infectious, degenerative, and traumatic states. Such states disrupt the physiologic balance between pro-angiogenic and antiangiogenic mediators, favoring angiogenesis. Contributors to such states are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are key factors in both extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis. Similarly, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) exert pro-angiogenic effects. Here, we elaborate on the facilitative role of MMPs-specifically Membrane Type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP, MMP14)-in corneal NV. Additionally, we provide new insight into the signaling relating to MT1-MMP, Ras, and ERK in the bFGF-induced VEGF-A expression pathways within the corneal fibroblasts.
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Kyu-Yeon
KY
Han
Daoud C
DC
Fahd
Makambo
M
Tshionyi
Norma
N
Allemann
Sandeep
S
Jain
Jin-Hong
JH
Chang
Dimitri T
DT
Azar
D000818:Animals; D002461:Cell Line, Transformed; D003315:Cornea / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D055879:Gene Knock-In Techniques; D055786:Gene Knockout Techniques; D006160:Guanosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D053511:Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D010766:Phosphorylation; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000378:metabolism; D018631:ras Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D006160:Guanosine Triphosphate; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; D053511:Matrix Metalloproteinase 14; D018631:ras Proteins