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M. Liliana Slongo, Marzia Zampieri, Maurizio Onisto
Expression of Matrix Metalloproteases (MMP-2, MT1-MMP) and Their Tissue Inhibitor (TIMP-2) by Rat Sertoli Cells in Culture: Implications for Spermatogenesis
During testicular development and maturation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling is a fundamental process which requires the presence of several proteases and protease inhibitors. Among the proteases, a pivotal role has been proposed for matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Here we report an analysis of MMP-2, MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 expression by rat Sertoli cells in culture using RTPCR and zymographic techniques. Stimulating Sertoli cells with folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) in vitro induced evident changes in the level of their mRNA in a timedependent manner. In the case of TIMP-2 and MT1-MMP, the respective transcripts were augmented up to threefold after 24 h of treatment, and MMP-2 transcripts increased by four times in the same period. MMP-2 activity determined by gelatin zymography showed an increase in enzyme secretion after FSH stimulation. The results of this study suggest that: (i) at the surface of Sertoli cells proMMP-2 activation mediated by MT1-MMP may occur, involving TIMP-2 as a receptor; and (ii) the expression of these molecules is not constitutive in this cell type, but may be modulated by FSH and is therefore implicated in spermatogenesis.
Biological Chemistry, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 1431-6730
Volume: 383, 01/2002
Pages: 235 - 239