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Published on: July 8, 2017
Ligation induced matrix-metalloproteinase-9 activity in peripheral frog nervous system
Sihem Banasr1, Oualid Sbai, Adlane Ould-Yahoui
1Neurobiologie des Interactions Cellulaires et Neurophysiopathologie, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases that cleave matrix, soluble and membrane-bound proteins and are regulated by their endogenous inhibitors the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). MMP-2 and MMP-9 are two of the MMPs which are essential to contribute to inflammatory and degenerative processes in injured nerves. The aim of the present study was to examine expression and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the injured and control groups frog sciatic nerves using gelatin zymography. Our investigation demonstrated for the first time as far as we know the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in frog sciatic nerve. The expression and activity of MMP-9 were increased two fold on average following ligation. By contrast, MMP-2 activities remained unchanged. These findings suggest that we can consider MMP-9 as a marker for degenerative changes that follow nerve ligation in frog nerve.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key enzymes in nerve injury. This study found matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) significantly increases after frog sciatic nerve ligation, suggesting it as a marker for nerve degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that degrade extracellular matrix proteins.
- MMP-2 and MMP-9 are implicated in nerve inflammation and degeneration.
- Tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) regulate MMP activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in frog sciatic nerves following injury.
- To determine if MMP-2 and MMP-9 can serve as biomarkers for nerve degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Gelatin zymography was employed to assess MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and activity.
- Frog sciatic nerves were subjected to ligation to induce injury.
- Control and injured nerve groups were compared.
Main Results:
- MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was detected in frog sciatic nerves for the first time.
- MMP-9 expression and activity increased approximately two-fold after nerve ligation.
- MMP-2 activity remained unchanged in the injured nerves compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- MMP-9 is upregulated following sciatic nerve ligation in frogs.
- MMP-9 activity may serve as a valuable marker for degenerative processes in nerve injury.
- Further research into MMP roles in nerve regeneration is warranted.
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