Purification and properties of a small latent matrix metalloproteinase of the rat uterus

A small metalloproteinase that digests Azocoll was found in the uterus of the rat. Its activity increased to high levels during the postpartum period in parallel with the breakdown of the extracellular matrix exclusive of collagen (Sellers, A., and Woessner, J.F., Jr. (1980) Biochem. J. 189, 521-531). This enzyme has now been purified almost 7,000-fold to homogeneity from 12 g of tissue using molecular sieve chromatography, blue sepharose chromatography, and zinc-chelate chromatography. Gel electrophoresis with sodium dodecyl sulfate and dithiothreitol gives Mr = 28,000 for the latent form of the enzyme and Mr = 19,000 for the active form that arises spontaneously or by treatment with aminophenylmercuric acetate. The enzyme digests components of the extracellular matrix including gelatins of types I, III, IV, and V, fibronectin, and proteoglycan. It digests the alpha 2(I) chain of gelatin in preference to the alpha 1(I) chain and cleaves dinitrophenyl-Pro-Leu-Gly-Ile-Ala-Gly-Pro-D-Arg. It cleaves the B chain of insulin at two points: Ala14-Leu15 and Tyr16-Leu17. It has no action on collagens of types I, III, IV, or V at 26 degrees C and no action on elastin or phenylazo-Pro-Leu-Gly-Pro-D-Arg. The pH optimum is at pH 7 and the pI at 5.9. The enzyme requires zinc and calcium ions for activity; cobalt and strontium can partially replace these metal ions. The enzyme is not inhibited by low levels of phosphoramidon or Zincov. Its properties clearly distinguish it from collagenase, gelatinase (matrix metalloproteinase 2), and stromelysin (matrix metalloproteinase 3); it therefore constitutes a further member of the family of extracellular matrix metalloendopeptidases. The name matrix metalloproteinase 7 is proposed.     

Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (stromelysin) activates the precursor for the human matrix metalloproteinase 9.

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), also known as 92-kDa gelatinase/type IV collagenase, is secreted from neutrophils, macrophages, and a number of transformed cells in zymogen form. Here we report that matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3/stromelysin) is an activator of the precursor of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (proMMP-9). MMP-3 initially cleaves proMMP-9 at the Glu40-Met41 bond located in the middle of the propeptide to generate an 86-kDa intermediate. Cleavage of this bond triggers a change in proMMP-9 that renders the Arg87-Phe88 bond susceptible to the second cleavage by MMP-3, resulting in conversion to an 82-kDa form. alpha 2-Macroglobulin binding studies of partially activated MMP-9 demonstrate that the 82-kDa species is proteolytically active, but not the initial intermediate of 86 kDa. This stepwise activation mechanism of proMMP-9 is analogous to those of other members of the MMP family, but the action of MMP-3 on proMMP-9 is the first example of zymogen activation that can be triggered by another member of the MMP family. The results imply that MMP-3 may be an effective activator of proMMP-9 in vivo.     

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-2). A new member of the metalloproteinase inhibitor family

Human melanoma cells secret a 21-kDa protein, termed CSC-21K, which binds with 1:1 molar stoichiometry to the matrix metalloproteinase type IV collagenase proenzyme (70-kDa gelatinase) secreted by the same cells. This binding protein has been purified and its complete primary structure determined by sequencing overlapping peptides which span the entire protein. The amino acid sequence demonstrates that this protein shares significant homology with human TIMP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase), including conservation of the positions of the 12 cysteine residues and 3 of 4 tryptophan residues. The identification of CSC-21K now indicates that a family of TIMP-related proteins exists. Individual members of this family may possess selective affinities for different members of the matrix metalloproteinase family. CSC-21K produced by tumor cells is isolated as a 1:1 molar complex with type IV procollagenase, as demonstrated by amino acid composition analysis. Addition of purified CSC-21K to the activated metalloproteinase results in inhibition of the collagenolytic activity in a stoichiometric fashion. Based on its sequence homology to TIMP and ability to inhibit type IV collagenolysis we propose the name TIMP-2 for this inhibitor.     

Proteolytic inactivation of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin by oxidatively activated human neutrophil metalloproteinases.

Human neutrophils use the H2O2-myeloperoxidase-chloride system to generate chlorinated oxidants capable of activating metalloproteinase zymogens that hydrolyze not only native and denatured collagens, but also the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1 PI). To identify the metalloenzyme that hydrolyzes and inactivates alpha 1 PI, neutrophil releasates were chromatographed over gelatin-Sepharose and divided into fractions containing either progelatinase or procollagenase. The gelatinase-containing fraction cleaved alpha 1 PI in a manner inhibitable by native type V, but not type I, collagen. Conversely, while the collagenase-containing fraction also cleaved alpha 1 PI, this activity was inhibited by type I, but not type V, collagen. Because type I and V collagens are competitive substrates for collagenase and gelatinase, respectively, each of the metalloproteinase zymogens were purified to apparent homogeneity and examined for alpha 1 PI-hydrolytic activities. Both purified gelatinase and collagenase inactivated alpha 1PI by hydrolyzing the serpin within its active-site loop at the Phe352-Leu353 and Pro357-Met358 bonds, albeit with distinct kinetic properties. Furthermore, purified collagenase, but not gelatinase, cleaved a second serpin, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, by hydrolyzing the Ala362-Leu363 bond within its active-site loop. These data demonstrate that human neutrophils use chlorinated oxidants to activate collagenolytic metalloproteinases whose substrate specificities can be extended to members of the serpin superfamily.     

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (92-kDa gelatinase/type IV collagenase) from HT 1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Purification and activation of the precursor and enzymic properties.

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) has been purified as an inactive zymogen of M(r) 92,000 (proMMP-9) from the culture medium of HT 1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. The NH2-terminal sequence of proMMP-9 is Ala-Pro-Arg-Gln-Arg-Gln-Ser-Thr-Leu-Val-Leu-Phe-Pro, which is identical to that of the 92-kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase. The zymogen can be activated by 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate, yielding an intermediate form of M(r) 83,000 and an active species of M(r) 67,000, the second of which has a new NH2 terminus of Met-Arg-Thr-Pro-Arg-(Cys)-Gly-Val-Pro-Asp-Leu-Gly-Arg-Phe-Gln-Thr- Phe-Glu. Immunoblot analyses demonstrate that this activation process is achieved by sequential processing of both NH2- and COOH-terminal peptides. TIMP-1 complexed with proMMP-9 inhibits the conversion of the intermediate form to the active species of M(r) 67,000. The proenzyme is fully activated by cathepsin G, trypsin, alpha-chymotrypsin, and MMP-3 (stromelysin 1) but not by plasmin, leukocyte elastase, plasma kallikrein, thrombin, or MMP-1 (tissue collagenase). During the activation by MMP-3, proMMP-9 is converted to an active species of M(r) 64,000 that lacks both NH2- and COOH-terminal peptides. In addition, HOCl partially activates the zymogen by reacting with an intermediate species of M(r) 83,000. The enzyme degrades type I gelatin rapidly and also cleaves native collagens including alpha 2 chain of type I collagen, collagen types III, IV, and V at undenaturing temperatures. These results indicate that MMP-9 has different activation mechanisms and substrate specificity from those of MMP-2 (72-kDa gelatinase/type IV collagenase).     

Purification of a metalloproteinase inhibitor from human rheumatoid synovial fluid.

A metalloproteinase inhibitor present in human rheumatoid synovial fluid was purified by a combination of heparin-Sepharose chromatography, concanavalin A-Sepharose chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The Mr of the purified inhibitor was 28000 by SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and 30000 by gel filtration. The inhibitor blocked the activity of the metalloproteinases collagenase, gelatinase and proteoglycanase, but not thermolysin or bacterial collagenase. The serine proteinase trypsin was not inhibited. The inhibitory activity was lost after treatment with trypsin (0.5 micrograms/ml) at 37 degrees C for 30 min, 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate (1 mM) at 37 degrees C for 3 h, after incubation for 30 min at 90 degrees C and by reduction and alkylation. These properties suggest that the inhibitor closely resembles the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases ('TIMP') recently purified from connective-tissue culture medium.     

An irreversible tissue inhibitor of collagenase in human amniotic fluid: Characterization and separation from fibronectin

Soluble fibronectin isolated from human plasma and amniotic fluid by gelatin-Sepharose affinity chromatography was tested for inhibitory activity against specific collagenase secreted by human and rabbit fibroblasts. The fibronectin preparation derived from plasma showed little inhibition, but the one derived from amniotic fluid contained potent inhibitory activity against collagenase. This activity was separated from fibronectin on a DE-52 cellulose column and did not cross-react with antibodies to fibronectin. The inhitor was a glycoprotein that was partially purified from amniotic fluid by concanavalin A-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Inhibition was irreversible and enzyme activity was not recovered after reaction with latent or activated collagenase by either trypsin or organomercurial treatment.     

Normal newt limb regeneration requires matrix metalloproteinase function

Newts regenerate lost limbs through a complex process involving dedifferentiation, migration, proliferation, and redifferentiation of cells proximal to the amputation plane. To identify the genes controlling these cellular events, we performed a differential display analysis between regenerating and nonregenerating limbs from the newt Notophthalmus viridescens. This analysis, coupled with a direct cloning approach, identified a previously unknown Notophthalmus collagenase gene (nCol) and three known matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes, MMP3/10a, MMP3/10b, and MMP9, all of which are upregulated within hours of limb amputation. MMP3/10b exhibits the highest and most ubiquitous expression and appears to account for the majority of the proteolytic activity in the limb as measured by gel zymography. By testing purified recombinant MMP proteins against potential substrates, we show that nCol is a true collagenase, MMP9 is a gelatinase, MMP3/10a is a stromelysin, and MMP3/10b has an unusually broad substrate profile, acting both as a stromelysin and noncanonical collagenase. Exposure of regenerating limbs to the synthetic MMP inhibitor GM6001 produces either dwarfed, malformed limb regenerates or limb stumps with distal scars. These data suggest that MMPs are required for normal newt limb regeneration and that MMPs function, in part, to prevent scar formation during the regenerative process.     

Characterization of the metalloproteinase inhibitor produced by bovine articular chondrocyte cultures

Primary cultures of bovine articular chondrocytes release a latent metalloproteinase which is activated by incubation with organomercurials to degrade proteoglycans. All the enzyme present in the culture medium is latent and binds to columns of heparin-Sepharose. The yield of activity from the heparin-Sepharose columns (measured after organomercurial treatment) is approximately 300–1000% depending on the chondrocyte culture batch. Recombination of column fractions shows that the increase in activity is due to the separation of an inhibitor of the metalloproteinase by the chromatographic step. The metalloproteinase inhibitor has a molecular weight of approximately 35 000 (determined by Bio-Gel P-60 chromatography) and binds reversibly to columns of concavalin A-Sepharose. It is relatively heat stable (30 min at 60°C) and resistant to inactivation by trypsin (2 h, 37°C, 10 μg/ml trypsin). The inhibitor is active against rat uterine collagenase and gelatinase but does not affect bacterial metalloproteinases such as thermolysin and Clostridium histolyticum collagenase.     

Identification,purification and partial characterization of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle

Bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle tissue possesses the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) as revealed by immunoblot studies of the cytosolic fraction with polyclonal TIMP-1 antibody. In this report, we described the purification and partial characterization of the inhibitor from the cytosolic fraction of the smooth muscle. This inhibitor was purified by a series of anion-exchange, gel filtration and affinity chromatographic procedure. The purified inhibitor showed an apparent molecular mass of 30 kDa in SDS-PAGE. Amino terminal sequence analysis for the first 22 amino acids of the purified inhibitor was also found to be identical to bovine TIMP-1. This glycosylated inhibitor was found to be active against matrix metallorpoteinase-9 (MMP-9, gelatinase B), the ambient matrix metalloproteinase in the pulmonary smooth muscle. The purified TIMP-1 was also found to be sensitive to pure rabbit and human fibroblast collagenase and type IV collagenase. In contrast, it had minimum inhibitory activity against bacterial collagenase. It was also found to be inactive against the serine proteases trypsin and plasmin. The inhibitor was heat and acid resistant and it had the sensitivity to trypsin degradation and reduction-alkylation.     

Comparison of extracellular matrix-degrading activities between 64-kDa and 90-kDa gelatinases purified in inhibitor-free forms from human schwannoma cells.

Two kinds of gelatinases (or type IV collagenases), 90-kDa and 64-kDa gelatinases, were purified in a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)- or TIMP-2-free form from the serum-free conditioned medium of human schwannoma YST-3 cells, and their activities on extracellular matrix proteins were compared. Sequential chromatographies on a gelatin-Sepharose column, an LCA-agarose column, and a gel filtration column in the presence of 5 M urea yielded 600 micrograms of the 64-kDa enzyme and 45 micrograms of the 90-kDa enzyme from 2.8 liters of the conditioned medium. The purified enzymes showed high gelatinolytic activities without activation by p-aminophenyl mercuric acetate (APMA), indicating that 5 M urea used in the final chromatography not only dissociated the inhibitors from the progelatinases but also activated the proenzymes. The inhibitor-free gelatinases showed a much higher activity than the APMA-activated inhibitor-bound enzymes. The specific activity of the 90-kDa enzyme was nearly 25 times higher than that of the 64-kDa enzyme. The 90-kDa gelatinase hydrolyzed type I collagen as well as native and pepsin-treated type IV collagens at 30 degrees C, while at 37 degrees C it potently hydrolyzed types I, III, and IV collagens but not fibronectin or laminin. The 64-kDa gelatinase showed a similar substrate specificity to that of the 90-kDa enzyme, except that it did not hydrolyze type I collagen and native type IV collagen at 30 degrees C.     

Expression of the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and the matrix metalloproteinase-2 in bronchopulmonary and breast lesions.

Tumor cells interact with stromal cells via soluble or cell-bound factors stimulating the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of enzymes largely involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in tumor invasion. Among these factors, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) has been shown to stimulate in vitro the fibroblast production of various MMPs such as interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), and gelatinase A (MMP-2). In this study, the EMMPRIN protein was detected by immunohistochemistry prominently in malignant proliferations of the breast and the lung. It was present at the surface of both tumor epithelial and peritumor stromal cells. Because previous studies have reported that stromal cells do not express EMMPRIN mRNAs, it is very likely that EMMPRIN is bound to stromal cells via a specific receptor. Moreover, our observations also demonstrated that the same peritumor stromal cells strongly express MMP-2. Our results show that EMMPRIN is an important factor in tumor progression by causing tumor-associated stromal cells to increase their MMP-2 production, thus facilitating tumor invasion and neoangiogenesis. (J Histochem Cytochem 47: 1575-1580, 1999)     

Identification of a new metalloproteinase inhibitor that forms tight-binding complexes with collagenase.

Connective-tissue cells produce a family of metalloproteinases which, once activated, can degrade all the components of the extracellular matrix. These potent enzymes are all inhibited by the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP), and it was thought that the levels of this inhibitor controlled the extracellular activity of these enzymes. We recently detected a new metalloproteinase inhibitor present in culture media of WI-38 fibroblasts. The inhibitor, named 'large inhibitor of metalloproteinases' (LIMP), can be separated from TIMP by gel filtration on Ultrogel AcA 44, where it is eluted with an apparent Mr of 76,000. A portion of this inhibitor-containing peak binds to concanavalin A-Sepharose, indicating that at least some of the inhibitor contains carbohydrate. LIMP inhibits collagenase (MMP-1), stromelysin (MMP-3) and gelatinase (MMP-2) in a dose-dependent fashion. Collagenase forms tight-binding complexes with LIMP, which can be separated from free collagenase on gel-filtration columns. The complex is eluted with Mr 81,600 (AcA 44) or Mr 60,000 (Superose 12). This complex is larger than that formed between collagenase and TIMP, which has Mr 52,800 (Aca 44) or 41,000 (Superose 12). Polyclonal antibody to TIMP does not recognize LIMP by immunoblotting, and will not block the inhibition of collagenase by LIMP, showing that LIMP is not a multimeric form of TIMP. The role of this new inhibitor in connective-tissue breakdown studies and its relationship to previously described inhibitors of metalloproteinases is discussed.     

Inhibition of neutrophil migration by a selective inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase: analysis by intravital microscopy

Observation of the microcirculation of the hamster cheek pouch by intravital microscopy revealed five steps of neutrophil migration from the venules after topical application of leukotriene B(4) to the microvasculature: rolling along the venular wall (Step 1), adhesion to it (Step 2), disappearance from the vascular lumen (Step 3), presence between the endothelial cells and the subendothelial basement membrane (Step 4) and passage through the basement membrane (Step 5). The present study was performed to examine whether a metalloproteinase inhibitor inhibits neutrophil migration at any of the above five steps. Chymostatin and leupeptin did not inhibit any of these five steps. In contrast, FN-439, a selective inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase, reduced the number of neutrophils in the perivascular space without affecting Steps 1 to 3. It was concluded that neutrophils may use metalloproteinase (collagenase/gelatinase) to penetrate the subendothelial basement membrane.     

Identification of structural elements important for matrix metalloproteinase type V collagenolytic activity as revealed by chimeric enzymes. Role of fibronectin-like domain and active site of gelatinase B

Digestion of type V collagen by the gelatinases is an important step in tumor cell metastasis because this collagen maintains the integrity of the extracellular matrix that must be breached during this pathological process. However, the structural elements that provide the gelatinases with this unique proteolytic activity among matrix metalloproteinases had not been thoroughly defined. To identify these elements, we examined the substrate specificity of chimeric enzymes containing domains of gelatinase B and fibroblast collagenase. We have found that the addition of the fibronectin-like domain of gelatinase B to fibroblast collagenase is sufficient to endow the enzyme with the ability to cleave type V collagen. In addition, the substitution of the catalytic zinc-binding active site region of fibroblast collagenase with that of gelatinase B increased the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme 3- to 4-fold. This observation led to the identification of amino acid residues, Leu(397), Ala(406), Asp(410), and Pro(415), in this region of gelatinase B that are important for its efficient catalysis as determined by substituting these amino acids with the corresponding residues from fibroblast collagenase. Leu(397) and Ala(406) are important for the general proteolytic activity of the enzyme, whereas Asp(410) and Pro(415) specifically enhance its ability to cleave type V collagen and gelatin, respectively. These data provide fundamental information about the structural elements that distinguish the gelatinases from other matrix metalloproteinases in terms of substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency.     

The latent collagenase and gelatinase of human polymorphonuclear neutrophil leucocytes.

Two metallo-proteinases of human neutrophil leucocytes, collagenase and gelatinase, were studied. Collagenase specifically cleaved native collagen into the TCA and TCB fragments, whereas gelatinase degraded denatured collagen, i.e. gelatin, and the TCA fragments produced by collagenase. On subcellular fractionation by zonal sedimentation, collagenase was found to be localized in the specific granules, separate from gelatinase, which was recovered in smaller subcellular organelles known as C-particles. Neither enzyme was present in the azurophil granules, which contain the two major serine proteinases of neutrophils, elastase and cathepsin G. Collagenase and gelatinase were separated by gel filtration from extracts of partially purified granules. Both enzymes were found to occur in latent forms and were activated either by trypsin or by 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate. Gelatinase was also activated by cathepsin G, which, however, destroyed collagenase. Both enzymes were destroyed by neutrophil elastase. Activation resulted in a decrease by 25 000 in the apparent mol. wt. of both latent metallo-proteinases.     

Purification and characterization of a bone metalloproteinase that degrades gelatin and types IV and V collagen

A third metalloendopeptidase activity, gelatinase, has been completely separated from the collagenase and proteoglycanase activities of rabbit bone culture medium. Although the proteinase could not be purified to homogeneity in large amounts, it was possible to obtain accurate molecular weight values and activity after electrophoresis on non-reduced SDS/polyacrylamide gels. The latent form had an Mr of 65 000 which could be activated with 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate, APMA, to a form of Mr 61 000; under reducing conditions the latent and active forms had Mr of 72 000 and 65 000, respectively. Trypsin was a very poor activator of the latent enzyme. Gelatinase degraded gelatins derived from the interstitial collagens and it also had low activity on native types IV and V collagen and on insoluble elastin. Gelatinase acted synergistically with collagenase in degrading insoluble interstitial collagen. The specific mammalian tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases inhibited gelatinase by forming a stable inactive complex. Comparison of the properties of gelatinase with those of collagenase and proteoglycanase suggest that the three proteinases form a family which together are capable of degrading all the major macromolecules of connective tissue matrices.     

Characterization of gelatinase from pig polymorphonuclear leucocytes. A metalloproteinase resembling tumour type IV collagenase.

The metalloproteinase 'gelatinase' stored in the granules of pig polymorphonuclear leucocytes has been purified in the latent form. The enzyme is secreted as an Mr 97,000 proenzyme that can be activated in the presence of 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA) by self-cleavage to generate lower-Mr species, of which an Mr 88,000 form was the most active. Trypsin-initiated activation generated different Mr gelatinases of much lower specific activity. Activation was slowed but not prevented by the presence of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, TIMP. The activated gelatinase formed a stable complex (Mr 144,000) with TIMP, in a Zn2+- and Ca2+-dependent manner, and complex formation was inhibited by the presence of the substrate gelatin. Similar to the human granulocyte gelatinase, the organomercurial-activated pig enzyme degraded gelatin and TCA and TCB fragments of type I collagen, as well as elastin and types IV and V collagen. The degradation of type IV collagen was shown, both by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and by electron microscopic analysis, to generate 3/4 and 1/4 fragments as described for mouse tumour type IV collagenase. Furthermore, an antiserum raised to mouse type IV collagenase recognized the pig granulocyte gelatinase. An antiserum to the pig polymorphonuclear leucocyte gelatinase recognized other high-Mr gelatinases, including those from human granulocytes, pig monocytes and rabbit connective tissue cells, but not the Mr 72,000 enzyme from connective tissue cells. These data suggest that there are two distinct major forms of gelatinolytic activity that also cause specific cleavage of type IV collagen. These enzymes are associated with a wide variety of normal connective tissue and haemopoietic cells, as well as many tumour cells.     

Activation of progelatinase A (MMP-2) by neutrophil elastase, cathepsin G, and proteinase-3: a role for inflammatory cells in tumor invasion and angiogenesis

Gelatinase A (MMP-2), a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) involved in tumor invasion and angiogenesis, is secreted as an inactive zymogen (proMMP-2) and activated by proteolytic cleavage. Here we report that polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)-derived elastase, cathepsin G, and proteinase-3 activate proMMP-2 through a mechanism that requires membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) expression. Immunoprecipitation of human PMN-conditioned medium with a mixture of antibodies to elastase, cathepsin G, and proteinase-3 abolished proMMP-2 activation, whereas individual antibodies were ineffective. Incubation of HT1080 cells with either purified PMN elastase or cathepsin G or proteinase-3 resulted in dose-and time-dependent proMMP-2 activation. Addition of PMN-conditioned medium to MT1-MMP expressing cells resulted in increased proMMP-2 activation and in vitro invasion of extracellular matrix (ECM), but had no effect with cells that express no MT1-MMP. MMP-2 activation by PMN-conditioned medium or purified elastase was blocked by the elastase inhibitor alpha(1)-antitrypsin but not by Batimastat, an MMP inhibitor, showing that elastase activation of MMP-2 is not mediated by MMP activities. The PMN-conditioned medium-induced increase in cell invasion was blocked by Batimastat as well as by alpha(1)-antitrypsin, showing that PMN serine proteinases trigger a proteinase cascade that entails proMMP-2 activation: this gelatinase is the downstream effector of the proinvasive activity of PMN proteinases. These findings indicate a novel role for PMN-mediated inflammation in a variety of tissue remodeling processes including tumor invasion and angiogenesis.     

Mouse macrophage elastase. Purification and characterization as a metalloproteinase.

Macrophage elastase was purified from tissue-culture medium conditioned by inflammatory mouse peritoneal macrophages. Characterized as a secreted neutral metalloproteinase, this enzyme was shown to be catalytically and immunochemically distinct from the mouse pancreatic and mouse granulocyte elastases, both of which are serine proteinases. Inhibition profiles, production of nascent N-terminal leucine residues and sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis of degraded elastin indicated that macrophage elastase is an endopeptidase, with properties of a metalloproteinase, rather than a serine proteinase. Macrophage elastase was inhibited by alpha 2-macroglobulin, but not by alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor. Macrophage elastase was resolved into three chromatographically distinct forms. The predominant form had mol.wt. 22 000 and was purified 4100-fold. Purification of biosynthetically radiolabelled elastase indicated that this form represented less than 0.5% of the secreted protein of macrophages. Approx. 800% of the starting activity was recovered after purification. Evidence was obtained for an excess of an endogenous inhibitor masking more than 80% of the secreted activity.