Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography
Published on: November 8, 2010
Matrix metalloproteinase-10 deficiency delays atherosclerosis progression and plaque calcification
Ana Purroy1, Carmen Roncal2, Josune Orbe2
1Laboratory of Atherothrombosis, Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.
Background And Aims:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. Among them, we reported that MMP10 is present in human atheroma, associated with atherosclerosis. However, it remains unclear whether MMP10 is involved in atherogenesis and vascular calcification.
Methods:
MMP10 was measured in serum from patients with subclinical atherosclerosis and analyzed in carotid endarterectomies by immunostaining. ApoE-deficient mice (Apoe-/-) were crossed to MMP10-deficient (Mmp10-/-) mice and followed up to 20 months. Plaque area and composition were assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry. Inflammatory markers were measured in atherosclerotic plaques by RT-qPCR, and leukocyte subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry. In vitro calcification assays were performed in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC).
Results:
MMP10 serum levels were associated with coronary calcification in subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis. Immunostaining revealed MMP10 expression in human atheromas, spatially associated with calcification areas, and complicated plaques released higher amounts of MMP10 than non-diseased segments. Interestingly, vascular MMP10 expression was confined to the atherosclerotic lesion in Apoe-/- mice, and Apoe-/-Mmp10-/- showed a substantial reduction in atherosclerotic lesion size, macrophage content and plaque calcification. Reduced local and systemic inflammatory markers could be demonstrated in Apoe-/-Mmp10-/- by gene expression and flow cytometry analysis. Calcium phosphate deposition and vascular calcification markers were downregulated in VSMC from Apoe-/-Mmp10-/- mice.
Conclusions:
Delayed plaque progression and altered cellular composition in the absence of MMP10 suggests that MMP10 plays a role in atherosclerosis, favoring inflammation, development and complication of the plaque.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP10) promotes atherosclerosis and vascular calcification by increasing inflammation and plaque complications. Its absence significantly reduces lesion size and calcification in mice.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in atherosclerosis and vascular calcification.
- MMP10 is present in human atheroma but its role in atherogenesis is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MMP10 in atherosclerosis and vascular calcification.
- To analyze MMP10's association with subclinical atherosclerosis and plaque complications.
Main Methods:
- Measured serum MMP10 levels in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis.
- Utilized ApoE-deficient mice crossed with MMP10-deficient mice to study atherosclerosis progression.
- Assessed plaque characteristics, inflammation, and in vitro vascular smooth muscle cell calcification.
Main Results:
- MMP10 serum levels correlated with coronary calcification.
- MMP10 expression was localized to atherosclerotic lesions and complicated plaques.
- Mice lacking MMP10 exhibited reduced lesion size, macrophage content, and plaque calcification.
Conclusions:
- MMP10 promotes atherosclerosis by driving inflammation and plaque development.
- Absence of MMP10 delays plaque progression and alters cellular composition.
- MMP10 is a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis and vascular calcification.
More Related Videos
07:36Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
Published on: September 26, 2018
09:43In vivo Near Infrared Fluorescence NIRF Intravascular Molecular Imaging of Inflammatory Plaque, a Multimodal Approach to Imaging of Atherosclerosis
Published on: August 4, 2011
Related Concept Videos
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
The Extracellular Matrix
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...