Differences in proliferation and invasion by normal, transformed and NF1 Schwann cell cultures are influenced by matrix metalloproteinase expression

Loss of negative growth regulation and high invasive potential are neoplastic traits often associated with abnormal expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We previously found MMP-3 (stromelysin/transin) was secreted by quiescent rat Schwann cell cultures and expressed potent antiproliferative activity. In the present study we observed that human Schwann cells and cutaneous neurofibroma Schwann cell cultures secreted abundant MMP-3 and their proliferation was inhibited by autologous and rat Schwann cell conditioned media. Antiproliferative activities were depleted by immunoadsorption with anti-stromelysin antibodies. In contrast, plexiform neurofibroma cultures did not secrete MMP-3 and failed to respond to Schwann cell antiproliferative activities associated with MMP-3. Quiescent Schwann cells constitutively secreted low levels of MMP-2 (gelatinase A) and showed a low invasion potential in filter-based assays of basement membrane invasion. Cyclic AMP elevation, which profoundly influences cell differentiation, increased the invasion potential of rat Schwann cells and caused a corresponding increase in secretion of MMP-2. Schwann cells immortalized by protracted elevation of cAMP, as well as a schwannoma cell line (D6P2T), also rapidly invaded a reconstituted basement membrane and over-expressed MMP-2. Similarly, neurofibroma Schwann cells were highly invasive and secreted up to 10-fold more MMP-2 than normal human Schwann cells. Additionally, only cutaneous neurofibroma Schwann cell cultures secreted MMP-9 (gelatinase B) and MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) and also invaded native type I collagen barriers. Cultures of normal Schwann cells and plexiform neurofibroma tumor expressed little or no MMP-1 and did not invade type I collagen barriers. These results suggest a role for MMPs in the control of proliferation and invasion by Schwann cells and in the formation of peripheral nerve sheath tumors.