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Thrombin/Matrix Metalloproteinase-9-Dependent SK-N-SH Cell Migration is Mediated Through a PLC/PKC/MAPKs/NF-κB
Chien-Chung Yang1,2, Chih-Chung Lin3, Peter Tzu-Yu Chien1
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Health Ageing Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-San, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Thrombin has been known to activate inflammatory genes including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The elevated expression of MMP-9 has been observed in patients with neuroinflammatory diseases and may contribute to the pathology of brain diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying thrombin-induced MMP-9 expression in SK-N-SH cells remain unknown. The effects of thrombin on MMP-9 expression were examined in SK-N-SH cells by gelatin zymography, Western blot, real-time PCR, promoter activity assay, and cell migration assay. The detailed mechanisms were analyzed by using pharmacological inhibitors and small intefering RNA (siRNA) transfection. Here, we demonstrated that thrombin induced the expression of proform MMP-9 and migration of SK-N-SH cells, which were attenuated by pretreatment with the inhibitor of thrombin (PPACK), Gq (GPA2A), PC-PLC (D609), PI-PLC (ET-18-OCH3), nonselective protien kinase C (PKC, GF109203X), PKCα/βII (Gö6983), PKCδ (Rottlerin), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) (SB202190), JNK1/2 (SP600125), or NF-κB (Bay11-7082 or Helenalin) and transfection with siRNA of Gq, PKCα, PKCβ, PKCδ, p38, JNK1/2, IKKα, IKKβ, or p65. Moreover, thrombin-stimulated PKCα/βII, PKCδ, p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, or p65 phosphorylation was abrogated by their respective inhibitor of PPACK, GPA2A, D609, ET-18-OCH3, Gö6983, Rottlerin, SB202190, SP600125, Bay11-7082, or Helenalin. Pretreatment with these inhibitors or transfection with MMP-9 siRNA also blocked thrombin-induced SK-N-SH cell migration. Our results show that thrombin stimulates a Gq/PLC/PKCs/p38 MAPK and JNK1/2 cascade, which in turn triggers NF-κB activation and ultimately induces MMP-9 expression and cell migration in SK-N-SH cells.
Insights
Thrombin triggers matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and cell migration in SK-N-SH cells. This process involves a signaling cascade including Gq, protein kinase C (PKC), p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, and NF-κB activation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Thrombin is known to activate inflammatory genes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
- Elevated MMP-9 expression is observed in neuroinflammatory diseases, suggesting its role in brain pathology.
- The specific mechanisms of thrombin-induced MMP-9 expression in SK-N-SH cells were previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the signaling pathways involved in thrombin-induced MMP-9 expression and cell migration in SK-N-SH cells.
- To investigate the role of Gq, protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, and NF-κB in this process.
Main Methods:
- SK-N-SH cells were treated with thrombin.
- MMP-9 expression and cell migration were assessed using gelatin zymography, Western blot, real-time PCR, and cell migration assays.
- Mechanisms were analyzed using pharmacological inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting specific signaling molecules.
Main Results:
- Thrombin significantly increased proform MMP-9 expression and SK-N-SH cell migration.
- Inhibitors of thrombin, Gq, PLC, PKCs (including PKCα, PKCβ, PKCδ), p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, and NF-κB attenuated thrombin's effects.
- Thrombin-induced phosphorylation of PKCα/βII, PKCδ, p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, and p65 was blocked by specific inhibitors.
- siRNA-mediated knockdown of Gq, PKC isoforms, p38, JNK1/2, IKKα/β, or p65 also inhibited thrombin-induced MMP-9 expression and migration.
Conclusions:
- Thrombin activates MMP-9 expression and cell migration in SK-N-SH cells via a signaling pathway involving Gq, PLC, PKCs, p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, and NF-κB.
- This pathway is crucial for the observed cellular responses to thrombin in this neuronal cell model.
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