Overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 mediates phenotypic transformation of lens epithelial cells

• Published in: Biochemical journal 2001-08, Vol.358 (Pt 1), p.41-48
• Main Authors: Seomun, Y, Kim, J, Lee, E H, Joo, C K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Blotting, Northern; Blotting, Western; Cell Line; DNA, Complementary - metabolism; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Epithelial Cells - enzymology; Epithelial Cells - ultrastructure; Fibrosis - metabolism; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Lens, Crystalline - enzymology; Lens, Crystalline - ultrastructure; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 - biosynthesis; Microscopy, Electron; Organ Culture Techniques; Phenotype; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Time Factors; Transfection; Transforming Growth Factor beta - pharmacology; Transforming Growth Factor beta1
• ISSN: 0264-6021; 1470-8728
• DOI: 10.1042/0264-6021:3580041

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is known to be a causative factor in pathological fibrosis and the metastasis of cancer cells, through effects on molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM). We evaluated the influence of TGF-beta(1) on the gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in lens epithelial cells (LECs). The results showed that TGF-beta(1) induced the expression of mRNA for MMP-2 in LECs. Subsequently, in order to examine the role of MMP-2, we overexpressed MMP-2 in LECs by stable transfection. The MMP-2-overexpressing LECs showed typical indicators of a myofibroblast-like cell phenotype, such as multiple layers of cells, elongated morphology, and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin. We also showed that an MMP inhibitor blocked the TGF-beta(1)-induced morphological change in LECs. These results demonstrate that MMP-2 plays a role in the transformation of LECs, which has implications for the pathological fibrosis of these cells.