Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
09:30
Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography
Published on: November 8, 2010
Matrilysin (matrix metalloproteinase-7) expression in human junctional epithelium
V-J Uitto1, J I Salonen, J D Firth
1Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 2199 Wesbrook mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada. jukka.uitto@helsinki.fi
Journal of Dental Research
|July 5, 2002
Summary
Matrilysin, a matrix metalloproteinase, is found in junctional epithelium. Certain oral bacteria significantly increase its expression, suggesting a role in periodontal health.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Biochemistry
- Periodontology
Background:
- Matrilysin is a matrix metalloproteinase present in various human epithelial tissues.
- Its presence and function in the periodontium, particularly junctional epithelium, are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and localization of matrilysin in human junctional epithelium.
- To determine the effect of oral bacteria on matrilysin expression in periodontal ligament epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining of human periodontal tissues.
- Tissue culture model of junctional epithelium.
- Co-culture of porcine periodontal ligament epithelial cells with oral bacterial species.
Main Results:
- Matrilysin was detected in suprabasal cells of junctional epithelium and epithelial cell rests of Malassez.
- No matrilysin expression was observed in periodontal pocket tissue.
- Four anaerobic oral bacterial species (F. nucleatum, F. necrophorum, P. endodontalis, P. denticola) significantly stimulated matrilysin expression in epithelial cells.
- The enzyme was localized in intracytoplasmic vesicles containing lysosomal membrane protein h-lamp-1.
Conclusions:
- Matrilysin is expressed in the junctional epithelium.
- Oral bacteria can modulate matrilysin expression in periodontal ligament epithelial cells.
- Matrilysin likely plays a significant role in the physiological processes of the junctional epithelium.
Related Concept Videos
01:42The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.
01:23Role 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...
A...
01:24Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
01:29Tight Junctions
Tight junctions are molecular seals between cells that prevent the leaking of fluids, ions, and other small solutes across cavities and compartments in multicellular organisms. They are mainly composed of claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, and other proteins such as tricellulin and JAM (junctional adhesion molecule). All these proteins are 4-pass transmembrane proteins, except JAM, which is a single-pass transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The...
01:23Epithelial Tissues and Their Functions
Epithelial tissues are large sheets of cells covering all of the surfaces of the body. These surfaces can be internal or external, for example, skin, airways, the digestive tract, the urinary system, and the reproductive system. Hollow organs and body cavities that do not connect to the body's exterior, including blood vessels and serous membranes, are lined by epithelial tissue known as the endothelium.
Epithelial tissues provide the body's first line of protection from physical, chemical, and...
Epithelial tissues provide the body's first line of protection from physical, chemical, and...