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Published on: November 18, 2016
Matrix metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in canine leukaemias
Arianna Aricò1, Mery Giantin, Mariaelena Gelain
1Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Agripolis Legnaro (PD), Italy.
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play a coordinated role during neoplastic invasion and proliferation. VEGF and MMPs expression was investigated in canine leukaemias by immunocytochemistry (MMP-9, MMP-2, VEGF-A) and quantitative RT-PCR (MMP-2, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, RECK, VEGF-A, VEGF-164). Blood samples were obtained from dogs with acute leukaemia (AL; n = 11) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL; n = 12). Levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and VEGF-A were higher in CLL than AL and controls. Expression of TIMP-2 and MT1-MMP mRNA was significantly higher in AL than CLL. Significant positive correlations were found between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and between MMP-9 and VEGF-A in CLL. These results suggest a potential role of MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and VEGF in tissue migration and angiogenesis in canine leukaemia.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are key in canine leukaemia progression. Their expression levels varied between acute and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, suggesting roles in disease-specific tissue migration and angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are crucial in cancer development, influencing invasion and proliferation.
- Their specific roles in canine leukaemias, particularly the differences between acute leukaemia (AL) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of specific MMPs (MMP-9, MMP-2, MT1-MMP) and VEGF-A in canine leukaemias.
- To compare the expression levels of these molecules and their inhibitors/regulators (TIMP-1, TIMP-2, RECK) between AL, CLL, and control groups.
- To explore correlations between MMPs, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and VEGF-A in canine leukaemias.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry was used to detect MMP-9, MMP-2, and VEGF-A protein expression.
- Quantitative RT-PCR was employed to measure mRNA levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, RECK, VEGF-A, and VEGF-164.
- Blood samples were analyzed from dogs diagnosed with AL (n=11) and CLL (n=12), alongside control samples.
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and VEGF-A were observed in CLL compared to AL and control groups.
- Significantly higher mRNA expression of TIMP-2 and MT1-MMP was found in AL compared to CLL.
- Positive correlations were identified between MMP-9 and TIMP-1, and between MMP-9 and VEGF-A within the CLL group.
Conclusions:
- MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and VEGF likely play significant roles in the pathogenesis of canine leukaemias.
- These molecules may contribute to disease-specific processes such as tissue migration and angiogenesis in canine leukaemias.
