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Caspases from apoptotic myocytes degrade extracellular matrix: a novel remodeling paradigm
Author(s) -
Cowan Kyle Northcote,
Leung Wesley C. Y.,
Mar Christopher,
Bhattacharjee Rakesh,
Zhu Yong Hong,
Rabinovitch Marlene
Publication year - 2005
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/fj.05-3706fje
Subject(s) - elastin , extracellular matrix , microbiology and biotechnology , apoptosis , matrix metalloproteinase , caspase , chemistry , myocyte , elastase , extracellular , programmed cell death , biology , biochemistry , enzyme , genetics
Induction of smooth muscle cell apoptosis is critical to the reversal of severe structural remodeling in hypertensive pulmonary arteries during disease regression (1, 2). This process involves coordinated resorption of pathologically deposited extracellular matrix, including elastin, and occurs in the presence of serine elastase and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (2). Here, we show that apoptotic smooth muscle cells exhibit extensive degradation of elastin coincident with cell surface immunolocalization and release of caspases. We further document that recombinant caspase‐2, ‐3, and ‐7 are potently elastolytic. These enzymes are present in an active form on apoptotic cell surfaces and caspase inhibitors attenuate their elastolytic activity. Our results reveal a previously undescribed function for apoptotic cells and a novel paradigm whereby removal of cells is coordinated with degradation of excess extracellular matrix during remodeling in development and disease.