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Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 is involved in myelination of dorsal root ganglia neurons
Author(s) -
Lehmann Helmar C.,
Köhne Angelika,
Bernal Fabian,
Jangouk Parastoo,
Meyer Zu Hörste Gerd,
Dehmel Thomas,
Hartung HansPeter,
Previtali Stefano C.,
Kieseier Bernd C.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
glia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.954
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1098-1136
pISSN - 0894-1491
DOI - 10.1002/glia.20774
Subject(s) - remyelination , biology , myelin , matrix metalloproteinase , sural nerve , chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy , schwann cell , neuroscience , immunocytochemistry , pathology , peripheral nervous system , central nervous system , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , immunology , medicine , endocrinology , biochemistry , antibody
Abstract Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) comprise a large family of endopeptidases that are capable of degrading all extracellular matrix components. There is increasing evidence that MMPs are not only involved in tissue destruction but may also exert beneficial effects during axonal regeneration and nerve remyelination. Here, we provide evidence that MMP‐2 (gelatinase A) is associated with the physiological process of myelination in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In a myelinating co‐culture model of Schwann cells and dorsal root ganglia neurons, MMP‐2 expression correlated with the degree of myelination as determined by immunocytochemistry, zymography, and immunosorbent assay. Modulation of MMP‐2 activity by chemical inhibitors led to incomplete and aberrant myelin formation. In vivo MMP‐2 expression was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with Guillain‐Barré syndrome as well as in CSF and sural nerve biopsies of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Our findings suggest an important, previously unrecognized role for MMP‐2 during myelination in the PNS. Endogenous or exogenous modulation of MMP‐2 activity may be a relevant target to enhance regeneration in demyelinating diseases of the PNS. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.