C-Src/Jak2/PDGFR/PKCδ-dependent MMP-9 induction is required for thrombin-stimulated rat brain astrocytes migration

Chih-Chung Lin1, I-Ta Lee, Pei-Ling Chi

  • 1Department of Anesthetics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Lin-Kou and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.

Molecular Neurobiology
|September 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Thrombin induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and cell migration in rat brain astrocytes via a signaling pathway involving c-Src, Jak2, PDGFR, PI3K, Akt, and PKCδ, leading to ATF2 and NF-κB activation.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), specifically MMP-9, are implicated in brain inflammatory diseases.
  • Thrombin is a known regulator of MMP-9 expression and cell migration, but its precise mechanisms in brain astrocytes are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the signaling pathways through which thrombin induces MMP-9 expression and cell migration in rat brain astrocytes (RBA-1 cells).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized inhibitors for various kinases (receptor tyrosine kinase, c-Src, Jak2, PDGFR, PI3K, Akt, PKCs) and NF-κB.
  • Employed small interfering RNA (siRNA) for key signaling molecules.
  • Assessed protein phosphorylation, complex formation, translocation, and DNA binding activity.
  • Measured pro-form MMP-9 expression and cell migration.

Main Results:

  • Thrombin induced pro-form MMP-9 expression and cell migration in RBA-1 cells.
  • This induction was attenuated by inhibitors and siRNA targeting c-Src, PDGFR, Akt, PKCδ, ATF2, p65, IKKα, and IKKβ.
  • Thrombin activated a signaling cascade involving c-Src, Jak2, PDGFR, PI3K, Akt, and PKCδ, leading to ATF2 and NF-κB activation.
  • Thrombin stimulated p65 binding to the MMP-9 promoter.

Conclusions:

  • Thrombin activates a specific signaling pathway (c-Src/Jak2/PDGFR/PI3K/Akt/PKCδ) in rat brain astrocytes.
  • This pathway culminates in the activation of ATF2 and NF-κB, ultimately driving MMP-9 expression and associated cell migration.