title: MT2-MMP expression during early avian morphogenesis.
abstract: Membrane-type 2 matrix metalloproteinase (MT2-MMP; also called MMP15) is a membrane-bound protease that degrades extracellular matrix and activates proMMPs such as proMMP-2. MMP-2 expression in avian embryos is well documented, but it is not clear how proMMP-2 is activated during avian embryogenesis. Herein, we report that MT2-MMP mRNA is expressed in several tissues including the neural folds and epidermal ectoderm, intermediate mesoderm, pharyngeal arches, limb buds, and dermis. Several, but not all, of these tissues are known to express MMP-2. These observations suggest MT2-MMP may play a role during embryonic development not only through its own proteolytic activity but also by activating proMMP-2.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
authors.forename: Rachel A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Cavanaugh
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cantemir
authors.forename: Philip R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Brauer
authors.forename: Mark V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Reedy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001934:Branchial Region / Q000378:metabolism; D002642:Chick Embryo / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D020405:Dermis / Q000378:metabolism; D004475:Ectoderm / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D018878:Limb Buds / Q000378:metabolism; D053517:Matrix Metalloproteinase 15 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000378:metabolism; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D009432:Neural Crest / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D053517:Matrix Metalloproteinase 15