Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
High Efficiency Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Cardiomyocytes and Characterization by Flow Cytometry
Published on: September 23, 2014
Identification of a novel human MT5-MMP transcript variant in multipotent NT2 cells
Heather H Ross1, Helen L Fillmore
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, United States.
Abstract:
Membrane-type 5 matrix metalloproteinase (MT5-MMP) expression is ubiquitous in brain development while restricted to regions of neuroplasticity in adult. In the multipotent NT2 model of neurogenesis and differentiation, MT5-MMP is differentially expressed with significantly higher mRNA levels in the differentiated neuronal hNT cells. MT5-MMP cDNA cloned from NT2 cells unexpectedly revealed a novel sequence (MT5-MMPvar) characterized by a 162bp deletion. Both transcripts were identified in NT2, hNT and adult human hippocampus. In vitro, MT5-MMPvar translated into a approximately 55 kDa protein. It was also detected in NT2, hNT and adult human hippocampus. These results suggest more than one human MT5-MMP transcript may exist in the central nervous system.
Insights
Researchers discovered a new variant of membrane-type 5 matrix metalloproteinase (MT5-MMP) in the human brain. This novel MT5-MMP variant suggests multiple forms of this protein may play roles in neurogenesis and adult neuroplasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Membrane-type 5 matrix metalloproteinase (MT5-MMP) is crucial during brain development and in adult neuroplasticity.
- Its expression patterns in the central nervous system are not fully understood.
- The multipotent NT2 cell model offers a platform to study neurogenesis and MT5-MMP expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and potential novel forms of MT5-MMP in human neural cells and brain tissue.
- To characterize the differential expression of MT5-MMP during neurogenesis.
- To identify any new transcripts or protein variants of MT5-MMP.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the NT2 cell model for studying neurogenesis and differentiation.
- Performed mRNA level analysis (e.g., quantitative PCR) to assess MT5-MMP expression.
- Cloned MT5-MMP cDNA from NT2 cells to identify sequence variations.
- Conducted in vitro translation and protein detection assays.
- Analyzed human brain tissue samples (adult hippocampus) and cell lines (NT2, hNT).
Main Results:
- MT5-MMP mRNA levels were significantly higher in differentiated neuronal hNT cells compared to NT2 cells.
- A novel MT5-MMP variant (MT5-MMPvar) with a 162bp deletion was identified in NT2 cells.
- Both standard MT5-MMP and MT5-MMPvar transcripts were found in NT2, hNT cells, and adult human hippocampus.
- MT5-MMPvar was translated in vitro into a protein of approximately 55 kDa and detected in neural cells and brain tissue.
Conclusions:
- The human central nervous system may express more than one transcript of MT5-MMP.
- The novel MT5-MMPvar transcript and its protein product are present in neural cells and adult hippocampus.
- These findings suggest a more complex role for MT5-MMP in neural function and plasticity than previously recognized.
