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Fibrocytes express several matrix metalloproteinases. Possible role in migration and homing
Author(s) -
Alba Carolina Garcia,
Becerril Carina,
Reyes Silvia,
Selman Moises,
Pardo Annie
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.953.4
Subject(s) - fibrocyte , matrix metalloproteinase , homing (biology) , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , biology , anatomy , biochemistry , ecology
Circulating fibrocytes are mesenchymal progenitor cells that participate in tissue remodeling although the mechanisms involved in the migration and subsequent homing remain unclear. We hypothesized that fibrocytes should express matrix metalloproteases that facilitate their capacity for mobilization and homing. Fibrocytes were purified from CD14+ monocytes; purity of fibrocytes was ≥95% determined by flow cytometry using fibrocyte markers (Collagen I, CD45, CXCR4). Our results showed that fibrocytes expressed MMP‐2, ‐7, ‐8 and ‐9 mRNA while MMP‐1 was not detected. At protein level we found a marked release of MMP‐2, MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 to the medium and moderate amounts of MMP‐7. MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activities were revealed by gelatin zymography. Confocal microscopy demonstrated co‐localization of MMP‐8 with type I collagen in fibrocytes. Migration toward PDGF‐B or SDF‐1α, was significantly reduced by a specific MMP‐8 inhibitor. These findings reveal for the first time that fibrocytes, express a variety of MMPs including MMP‐8 and MMP‐7, metalloproteases commonly expressed by specific cell types such as neutrophils and epithelial cells respectively. These enzymes may play a role in the process of fibrocyte migration throughout the basement membranes and the interstitial collagen matrix, and may also be implicated in fibrotic tissue remodeling.