Molecular cloning of rabbit matrix metalloproteinase-2 and its broad expression at several tissues

We have cloned cDNA encoding rabbit matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, 72 kDa type IV collagenase) by a combination of conventional library screening, the 'single strand ligation to single-stranded cDNA (SLIC)' method and 'long and accurate PCR (LA-PCR)'. Deduced amino acid sequence was highly conserved through mammalian species. Northern blot analysis revealed that rabbit MMP-2 had 2 species of mRNA, 2.8 kbp and 3.5 kbp, and were expressed constitutively in all the tissues tested. This was totally different from mRNA expression of rabbit MMP-1, -3 and -9.