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Published on: September 13, 2022
Expression of emmprin (CD147), a cell surface inducer of matrix metalloproteinases, in normal human brain and gliomas
T Sameshima1, K Nabeshima, B P Toole
1Department of Neurosurgery, Miyazaki Medical College, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan.
Abstract:
EMMPRIN (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer), also called CD147, basigin or M6 in the human, is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that is present on the surface of tumor cells and stimulates adjacent fibroblasts to produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In our study, we investigated expression of EMMPRIN in human normal brain and gliomas, since mouse basigin and chicken HT7, the species homologues of human EMMPRIN, are associated with neuronal interactions and normal blood-brain barrier function, respectively. EMMPRIN expression was detected in all samples of non-neoplastic brain and glioma tissues examined. However, expression levels of EMMPRIN mRNA and protein were significantly higher in gliomas than in non-neoplastic brain. Moreover, levels of mRNA expression and immunohistochemical staining correlated with tumor progression in gliomas: They were highest in the most malignant form of glioma, glioblastoma multiforme, followed by anaplastic astrocytoma and then low-grade astrocytoma. Also, immunolocalization revealed quite different distributions in non-neoplastic brain and glioma: EMMPRIN was demonstrated only in vascular endothelium in non-neoplastic regions of the brain, whereas it was present in tumor cells but not in proliferating blood vessels in malignant gliomas. These data indicate that an MMP inducer molecule EMMPRIN is differently expressed in human normal brain and gliomas and could be associated with astrocytoma progression. Possible mechanisms whereby glioma cell EMMPRIN could influence tumor progression will be discussed.
Insights
Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is more highly expressed in gliomas than normal brain tissue. EMMPRIN levels correlate with glioma malignancy, suggesting its role in astrocytoma progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- EMMPRIN (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer), also known as CD147, is an immunoglobulin superfamily member found on tumor cells.
- EMMPRIN stimulates fibroblasts to produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
- Homologues of EMMPRIN are involved in neuronal interactions and blood-brain barrier function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate EMMPRIN expression in human normal brain and gliomas.
- To determine the correlation between EMMPRIN levels and glioma progression.
- To analyze the cellular distribution of EMMPRIN in normal brain and gliomas.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of EMMPRIN mRNA and protein expression.
- Immunohistochemical staining for EMMPRIN localization.
- Comparison of expression and distribution in non-neoplastic brain, low-grade astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, and glioblastoma multiforme.
Main Results:
- EMMPRIN expression (mRNA and protein) was detected in all brain and glioma tissues.
- Gliomas exhibited significantly higher EMMPRIN levels than non-neoplastic brain.
- EMMPRIN expression levels and staining intensity correlated positively with glioma grade, being highest in glioblastoma multiforme.
Conclusions:
- EMMPRIN is differentially expressed in human gliomas compared to normal brain.
- EMMPRIN expression is associated with astrocytoma progression and malignancy.
- The distinct cellular localization of EMMPRIN in gliomas suggests a role in tumor cell-specific functions.
