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Differential expression of MMP-9 and AQP4 in human glioma samples
Wei-Jiang Zhao1, Wei Zhang, Gui-Lin Li
1Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, China. neuromancn@yahoo.com.cn
Background:
Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) have been individually reported in glioma development. Here, we co-analyzed their expression in multiple forms of human glioma tissues graded from II to IV.
Material And Methods:
Levels of MMP-9 and AQP4 were evaluated on 50 resected human glioma tissues using immunohistochemistry. Protein levels of both molecules were evaluated by a staining score system based on the percentage of positive cells/staining degree in each dot section. The transwell method was also used to discriminate fast migrating cells and slow migrating cells, in which expression of both MMP-9 and AQP4 was investigated by using immunofluorescence.
Results:
The staining score of MMP-9 displayed a positively tumor grade dependent manner, whereas AQP4 expression showed a negatively tumor grade dependent manner. The nuclear translocation of both molecules was observed in astrocytomas with glioblastoma transition, or glioblastoma tissues. Fast migrating cells contain more AQP4, whereas more MMP-9 was localized in slow migrating cells.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest differential expression patterns of MMP-9 and AQP4 in different grades of gliomas. Nuclear translocation of MMP-9 and AQP4 may exert more functions in glioblastoma transition or deterioration.
Insights
Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression differs by glioma grade. Nuclear translocation of MMP-9 and AQP4 may indicate glioblastoma progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) are implicated in glioma development.
- Their co-expression patterns in human glioma tissues require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To co-analyze the expression of MMP-9 and AQP4 in human glioma tissues of varying grades (II-IV).
- To investigate the correlation between MMP-9 and AQP4 expression and glioma tumor grade.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate MMP-9 and AQP4 protein levels in 50 human glioma tissues.
- A staining score system quantified protein expression based on positive cell percentage and staining intensity.
- Immunofluorescence and transwell assays assessed MMP-9 and AQP4 expression in fast and slow migrating glioma cells.
Main Results:
- MMP-9 expression positively correlated with glioma tumor grade.
- AQP4 expression showed a negative correlation with glioma tumor grade.
- Nuclear translocation of both MMP-9 and AQP4 was observed in high-grade gliomas (glioblastoma transition/glioblastoma).
- Fast migrating cells exhibited higher AQP4 levels, while slow migrating cells showed higher MMP-9 levels.
Conclusions:
- MMP-9 and AQP4 exhibit distinct expression patterns across different glioma grades.
- Nuclear translocation of MMP-9 and AQP4 may play a significant role in glioblastoma progression and deterioration.
