Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

In vitro Coculture Assay to Assess Pathogen Induced Neutrophil Trans-epithelial Migration
Published on: January 6, 2014
PRSS14/Epithin is induced in macrophages by the IFN-γ/JAK/STAT pathway and mediates transendothelial migration
Deokjae Lee1, Hyo Seon Lee, Soo Jung Yang
1Department of Biological Sciences, Inha University, Yonghyun-dong, Incheon 402-751, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
PRSS14/Epithin (also known as matriptase and ST14), a member of the type II transmembrane serine proteases, is primarily found in a subpopulation of normal epithelial cells and in epithelial cancers. Its known functions include maintaining the epithelial barrier, thymic development, and cancer progression. In this study, we show that several macrophage cell lines and activated bone marrow-derived macrophages also express PRSS14/Epithin. Surface expression, as well as cytoplasmic expression, was detectable upon activation by IFN-γ, but not TNF-α or TGF-β. Induction of the protein appeared to be restricted to macrophages. IFN-γ showed a biphasic regulation in RAW264.7 cells, and upregulated expression was sustained for several days. This induction by IFN-γ was partially through the increase of PRSS14/Epithin mRNA production, which is downstream of the JAK pathway, shown by the inhibition by tyrphostin AG490. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we verified that two sites among six putative STAT1 binding sites in the PRSS14/Epithin promoter were occupied by STAT1 upon activation. Treatment with IFN-γ enhanced the serum-triggered transendothelial migration of RAW264.7 cells, but not that of PRSS14/Epithin knock-down RAW264.7 cells, although they express multiple markers such as ICAM1, CD80, and CD40 at normal levels. These data strongly suggest that PRSS14/Epithin plays an important role in the transendothelial migration of activated macrophages in the inflammatory microenvironment, and the mode of action is similar to the events in cancer metastasis.
Insights
PRSS14/Epithin is expressed in macrophages upon IFN-γ activation, regulating their migration. This finding suggests a role for PRSS14/Epithin in inflammatory responses and cancer metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Protease Research
Background:
- PRSS14/Epithin (matriptase/ST14), a type II transmembrane serine protease, is known for its roles in epithelial barrier function and cancer progression.
- It is typically found in epithelial cells and associated with epithelial cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of PRSS14/Epithin in macrophages.
- To determine the regulatory mechanisms of PRSS14/Epithin expression in macrophages and its role in macrophage migration.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of PRSS14/Epithin expression in macrophage cell lines and primary macrophages stimulated with various cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β).
- Investigation of the signaling pathways involved in PRSS14/Epithin induction using JAK pathway inhibitors and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to identify STAT1 binding sites.
- Assessment of macrophage transendothelial migration using PRSS14/Epithin knockdown cells.
Main Results:
- PRSS14/Epithin is expressed in macrophages upon activation by IFN-γ, but not TNF-α or TGF-β.
- IFN-γ-induced expression is regulated by JAK/STAT1 signaling and sustained over several days.
- PRSS14/Epithin is crucial for IFN-γ-enhanced macrophage transendothelial migration, independent of other surface markers like ICAM1, CD80, and CD40.
Conclusions:
- PRSS14/Epithin is induced in activated macrophages and plays a significant role in their transendothelial migration.
- This function in macrophages suggests a potential role in inflammatory processes and parallels its known function in cancer metastasis.
More Related Videos
07:55A Macrophage Reporter Cell Assay to Examine Toll-Like Receptor-Mediated NF-kB/AP-1 Signaling on Adsorbed Protein Layers on Polymeric Surfaces
Published on: January 7, 2020
11:48Isolation Protocol of Mouse Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells and Their Subsequent In Vitro Activation with Tumor Immune Complexes
Published on: May 31, 2018
Related Concept Videos
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Acute Inflammation II: Cellular Phase
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia