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Mechanistic Insights into Synergistic Collagen Degradation by MMP-3 and MMP-16 in Post-Mortem Abalone Muscle
Tian-Bo Zhang1, Fu-Hao Zhang1, Ling-Jing Zhang1
1College of Ocean Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China.
Abstract:
The rapid post-mortem softening of abalone muscle is primarily attributed to collagen degradation mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), although the synergistic mechanisms of different MMPs remain inadequately understood. In this study, we heterologously expressed MMP-3 and MMP-16 to investigate their combined effects on in vitro degradation of type I collagen and collagen fibers and then analyzed degradation products via mass spectrometry to elucidate the mechanism. Our findings showed that both enzymes degraded collagen individually, but their combined action accelerated collagen fiber degradation, causing more comprehensive breakdown. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that MMP-3 initiated degradation by cleaving collagen telopeptides and disrupting the triple helix, facilitating MMP-16 infiltration into relaxed fibers to promote extensive proteolysis. This study elucidates a synergistic loosening-then-degradation mechanism of MMP-mediated collagen degradation, which underlies post-mortem muscle softening of abalone and thus provides a theoretical basis for seafood preservation strategies.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) cause abalone muscle softening. This study shows MMP-3 and MMP-16 synergistically degrade collagen, revealing a mechanism for seafood preservation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Marine Biology
- Food Science
Background:
- Post-mortem muscle softening in abalone is linked to collagen breakdown by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
- The synergistic interactions between different MMPs in this process are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of MMP-3 and MMP-16 on type I collagen and collagen fiber degradation.
- To elucidate the mechanism of synergistic collagen degradation by MMPs.
Main Methods:
- Heterologous expression of MMP-3 and MMP-16.
- In vitro degradation assays of type I collagen and collagen fibers.
- Mass spectrometry analysis of degradation products.
Main Results:
- Both MMP-3 and MMP-16 degraded collagen individually.
- Combined action of MMP-3 and MMP-16 significantly accelerated collagen fiber degradation.
- MMP-3 cleaved telopeptides and disrupted the collagen triple helix, enabling MMP-16 to cause extensive proteolysis.
Conclusions:
- A synergistic loosening-then-degradation mechanism for MMP-mediated collagen breakdown was elucidated.
- This mechanism explains post-mortem muscle softening in abalone.
- Findings provide a theoretical basis for developing seafood preservation strategies.
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