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Classically activated macrophages use stable microtubules for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) secretion

Raed Hanania1, He Song Sun, Kewei Xu

  • 1Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|January 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Macrophages utilize microtubule (MT)-associated kinesin motors to traffic matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in vesicles. This mechanism is crucial for macrophage migration during inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Macrophages are key innate immune cells requiring migration to infected tissues.
  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-9, are essential for macrophage transmigration by degrading extracellular matrix.
  • While MMP-9 secretion is known, its intracellular trafficking dynamics and mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the intracellular distribution and trafficking mechanisms of MMP-9 in activated macrophages.
  • To elucidate the role of microtubules and motor proteins in MMP-9 transport.

Main Methods:

  • Immunofluorescent imaging of RAW 264.7 macrophages.
  • Analysis of microtubule dynamics and association with MMP-9 vesicles.
  • Investigation of Rab3D and kinesin involvement in MMP-9 vesicle transport.

Main Results:

  • Intracellular MMP-9 was localized to Golgi-derived vesicles containing calreticulin and protein-disulfide isomerase.
  • MMP-9 vesicles were found to align along stable microtubules.
  • Rab3D-dependent kinesin association with MMP-9 vesicles was enhanced upon macrophage activation.
  • Kinesin 5B and 3B isoforms were implicated in the extracellular trafficking of MMP-9.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophage activation enhances the stabilization of microtubules, facilitating MMP-9 vesicle transport.
  • Kinesin motors, particularly isoforms 5B and 3B, are critical for the efficient extracellular trafficking of MMP-9 via microtubule-dependent pathways.
  • Understanding these trafficking mechanisms provides insights into macrophage migration during inflammatory responses.

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