J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2006 Jul;47(7):1110-1116.

The Regulation of MMP-2 and -14 Expressions by TGF-beta in Lens Epithelial Cells

• Son MJ
• Kim JT
• Joo CK

Abstract

PURPOSE: TGF-beta is a key regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Among the TGF-beta responses, cell migration is closely associated with the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Therefore, we determined which MMPs are regulated by TGF-beta and examined the TGF-beta signaling involved in this event, focusing on Src family tyrosine kinases (SFKs)
METHODS
First we examined the expression of MMPs in rat lens explant culture treated with TGF-beta and LECs attached to the anterior capsules of patients with nuclear (N), anterior polar (AP) cataracts using RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. It was examined whether the expression of MMPs is regulated by SFKs.
RESULTS
The study using RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining showed the expression of MMP-2 and -14 in explants and the expression of MMP-14 LECs of AP cataracts. The expression of MMP-2 and -14 was blocked by PP2 in explants. Furthermore, the activated form of SFKs was observed in LECs of AP cataracts by immunofluorescence staining.
CONCLUSIONS
We suggest a novel role of SFKs signaling in the expression of MMP-14 induced by TGF-beta.

Keyword

Lens epithelial cell; Matrix metalloproteinase; Nuclear and anterior polar cataract; Transforming growth factor-beta

MeSH Terms

Animals
Capsules
Cataract
Cell Movement
Epithelial Cells*
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Fluorescent Antibody Technique
Humans
Matrix Metalloproteinases
Rats
src-Family Kinases
Transforming Growth Factor beta*
Capsules
Matrix Metalloproteinases
Transforming Growth Factor beta
src-Family Kinases