Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Detection of microRNA Expression in Peritoneal Membrane of Rats Using Quantitative Real-time PCR
08:56

Detection of microRNA Expression in Peritoneal Membrane of Rats Using Quantitative Real-time PCR

Published on: June 27, 2017

Expression of messenger RNAs for membrane-type 1, 2, and 3 matrix metalloproteinases in human renal cell carcinomas

Y Kitagawa1, K Kunimi, T Uchibayashi

  • 1Department of Urology, Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Cancer Research Institute, Ishikawa, Japan.

The Journal of Urology
|August 24, 1999
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Three membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) show increased mRNA expression in renal cell carcinomas compared to normal tissue. MT1-MMP is linked to advanced tumor stages, and MT3-MMP is elevated in clear cell subtypes, suggesting roles in kidney cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) activate proMMP-2, a key enzyme in extracellular matrix degradation.
  • MT-MMPs are implicated in the invasion and metastasis of various human carcinomas.
  • Understanding MT-MMP roles in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is crucial for targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mRNA expression levels of three MT-MMPs (MT1, MT2, and MT3-MMP) in human renal cell carcinomas.
  • To correlate MT-MMP expression with clinicopathological features of RCC.

Main Methods:

  • mRNA was extracted from 25 RCC specimens and 23 normal renal parenchyma samples.
  • Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect MT-MMP mRNA.
  • PCR products were analyzed using hybridization with 32P-labeled probes and a bioimage analyzer.

Main Results:

  • MT1, MT2, and MT3-MMP mRNA expression was significantly higher in RCC tissues than in normal tissues.
  • MT1-MMP mRNA expression correlated positively with advanced pathological stages (pT2 and pT3).
  • MT3-MMP mRNA expression was notably higher in clear cell subtype RCC compared to other subtypes.

Conclusions:

  • The three MT-MMPs likely contribute to the pathogenesis of human renal cell carcinoma.
  • MT1-MMP appears particularly important in the invasive behavior of carcinoma cells.
  • Elevated MT3-MMP expression in RCC, especially clear cell type, may offer insights into kidney cancer's molecular mechanisms.

Related Concept Videos

MAPK Signaling Cascades01:07

MAPK Signaling Cascades

Mitogen-activated protein kinase, or MAPK pathway, activates three sequential kinases to regulate cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. The canonical MAPK pathway starts with a mitogen or growth factor binding to an RTK. The activated RTKs stimulate Ras, which recruits Raf or MAP3 Kinase (MAPKKK), the first kinase of the MAPK signaling cascade. Raf further phosphorylates and activates MEK or MAP2 Kinases (MAPKK), which in turn phosphorylates MAP...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult body.
A...