Matrix metalloproteinases expression in HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells during apoptosis

Human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells have been used as a model to study both the expression of matrix-metalloproteinases and the mechanisms of programmed cell death. In the present study we examined the expression of these proteases in HL-60 cells stimulated by different apoptotic triggers. As shown by zymography, HL-60 cells released three major isofroms of the matrix-degrading proteases; when the leukemic cells were grown in serum-free conditions, as well as after hyperthermia and methotrexate treatment, we found a significant loss of the constitutive production of the 92 kDa matrix-metalloprotease, with an unequivocable molecular and ultrastructural evidence of programmed cell death. These results suggest that in HL-60 cells the expression/release of matrix metalloproteases can be down-regulated in the presence of the apoptotic-induced alterations, and that the decreased matrix-degrading capacity of this leukemic cell line during apoptosis may reduce its invasive potential.