Expression of membrane-type 5 matrix metalloproteinase in human endometrium and endometriosis
Regine Gaetje1, Uwe Holtrich, Knut Engels
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany. gaetje@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Background:
The metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes involved in tissue remodeling and cell migration. Endometrial tissue remodeling proceeds during the menstrual cycle and requires a temporary and spatially balanced expression of several different MMPs. Various members of the MMPs also seem to play an important role in the invasion process of endometriosis; however, so far only a limited number of studies have focused on membrane-associated MMPs.
Methods:
The present study investigated the expression of membrane-type 5 metalloproteinase (MT5-MMP) in the human endometrium and endometriotic lesions by microarray hybridization, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunofluorescence.
Results:
Both the gene chip expression analyses as well as PCR indicated expression of MT5-MMP in normal human endometrium and strongly elevated transcript levels in most peritoneal endometriosis lesions analyzed. Moreover we detected enhanced MT5-MMP expression in the eutopic endometrium from patients suffering from endometriosis, further supporting a role of MT5-MMP in the formation of endometriosis. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to determine the intracellular localization and tissue distribution of MT5-MMP. While the MT5-MMP antigen expression could be clearly attributed to the membrane of epithelial cells, a highly complex differential immunohistochemical staining of MT5-MMP in the various compartments of endometrial tissue was observed. The strongest staining was seen in luminal epithelial cells, whereas endometrial glands frequently showed partial expression of MT5-MMP.
Conclusion:
Our microarray analysis and real-time PCR of MT5-MMP transcripts may point to an elevated tissue remodeling and cell migration in endometrium from endometriosis patients as implied by the function of related MMPs.
Insights
Membrane-type 5 metalloproteinase (MT5-MMP) is elevated in endometriosis, suggesting increased tissue remodeling and cell migration. This study investigated MT5-MMP expression in endometrial and endometriotic tissues.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial for tissue remodeling and cell migration.
- Endometriosis involves abnormal tissue remodeling and invasion.
- Limited research exists on membrane-associated MMPs in endometriosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of membrane-type 5 metalloproteinase (MT5-MMP) in human endometrium and endometriotic lesions.
- To determine the role of MT5-MMP in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Main Methods:
- Microarray hybridization
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry
Main Results:
- MT5-MMP gene expression was detected in normal endometrium.
- Significantly elevated MT5-MMP transcript levels were found in most endometriosis lesions.
- Enhanced MT5-MMP expression was observed in the eutopic endometrium of endometriosis patients.
- MT5-MMP was localized to the membrane of epithelial cells, with differential staining patterns in endometrial tissue.
Conclusions:
- Elevated MT5-MMP expression in endometriosis suggests increased tissue remodeling and cell migration.
- MT5-MMP may play a role in the development and invasion of endometriosis.
