Metalloproteinase generation by human glomerular epithelial cells

Production and Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors by Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells

Objective

Human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) are likely to be involved in maintenance of the peritoneal membrane. We determined whether these cells were able to synthesize the matrix degrading enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), likely to be responsible for the breakdown of this membrane, and whether this secretion could be modulated by cytokines involved in the inflammatory response.

Design

MMP activity in conditioned medium of growth-arrested HPMC was measured by zymography. Cultures were incubated in the presence and absence of the cytokines transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) and interleukin (IL)-1β in order to determine the effects of these cytokines on this process. The mRNA for these MMPs, together with that of their specific inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), was also examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

HPMC were shown to constitutively secrete the metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-3 in vitro. In response to the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, the protein and mRNA for MMP-9 was induced, while secretion of MMP-2 was unaltered. Similarly, the mRNA for MMP-3 was also increased relative to actin following the addition of IL-1β. TGFβ was shown to slightly induce the secretion of MMP-2 together with the mRNA for TIMP I, TIMP II, and, to a greater extent, TIMP III. Used peritoneal dialysate was also shown to induce MMP-9 secretion, and this effect was blocked by the co-incubation of IL-1 receptor antagonist. The secretion of enzyme activity was shown to be from the apical surface of the cells.

Conclusion

HPMC have the ability to control the accumulation of extracellular matrix by secreting the matrix degrading molecules MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9. In addition, the secretion of these enzymes, together with that of their inhibitors (TIMPs) is regulated by the cytokines IL-1β and TGFβ. This process is likely to be important in both the normal maintenance of the integrity of the peritoneal membrane and in the changes that occur following prolonged peritoneal dialysis.

The role of the Mpv17 protein mutations of which cause mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDDS): lessons from homologs in different species

Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes (MDDS) are severe pediatric diseases with diverse clinical manifestations. Gene mutations that underlie MDDS have been associated with alterations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication machinery or in mitochondrial deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate pools. However, the nuclear gene MPV17, whose mutated forms are associated with hepatocerebral MDDS in humans, plays a so-far unknown role in mtDNA maintenance. A high degree of conservation has been determined between MPV17 and its mouse (Mpv17), zebrafish (tra) and yeast (SYM1) homologs, respectively, whereby mutants in these cause very different phenotypes. While dysfunction in this gene in humans causes fatal liver disease, kidney pathology is induced in mice. Moreover, in zebrafish inactivation of the Mpv17 homolog was detected as a viable dyscolouration mutant. Knock out of the yeast ortholog results in a temperature-sensitive metabolic growth phenotype. Detailed analyses on common denominators between these different phenotypes strengthen the hypothesis that the Mpv17 protein forms a channel in the inner mitochondrial membrane, allowing small molecules - in vertebrates probably nucleotides, and in yeast probably intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle - to pass. Moreover, a function modifying the pathologic manifestations of MPV17-related disease in mice has been identified. This signaling pathway remarkably involves the non-mitochondrial catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (PRKDC), important in double-strand break repair resistance against reactive oxygen-induced genotoxic stress.

Increase in extracellular cross-linking by tissue transglutaminase and reduction in expression of MMP-9 contribute differentially to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in rats

Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is a Ca(2+)-dependent enzyme which stabilizes the extracellular matrix (ECM) through post-translational modification, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Here, we have investigated whether tTG contributes to the glomerular ECM expansion in the puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-injection-induced experimental rat model of FSGS. The localization and expression of tTG, MMP-9 gelatinase, and the ECM component fibronectin (FN) in kidneys was determined by immunohistochemistry and measured by semi-quantitative analysis. Protein levels of tTG and MMP-9 were also analyzed by Western blotting.In situtransglutaminase activity was assayed by measurement of incorporated substrate and the immunofluorescence staining for the cross-linking product, epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine. Prominent proteinuria, a typical pathological feature of FSGS, was observed in PAN injection group rats. tTG immunoreactivity was located markedly in glomeruli and the levels of this protein in whole-kidney homogenates of PAN injection group rats were significantly increased (361+/- 106% control, P< 0.05). Similarly, transglutaminase activity and epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine were also predominately located within glomeruli and were much more intense in the PAN-injected group than that in control animals. MMP-9 was also located primarily within glomeruli. In PAN-injected kidneys, protein levels of active MMP-9 were significantly reduced (59+/- 27% control, P< 0.01), while pro-MMP-9 levels increased (148+/- 42% control, P< 0.05). Remarkable expression of glomerular fibronectin (FN) was found in PAN injection group rats. Semi-quantitative analysis demonstrated this increased intensity of FN staining in the PAN-injected rats was 149+/- 23% of the control values (P< 0.05). Enhanced cross-linking of ECM by tissue transglutaminase and decreased degradation due to reduced active MMP-9 expression may be at least partially responsible for the deposition of FN within injured glomeruli in experimental FSGS.

ERK-dependent signaling pathway and transcriptional factor Ets-1 regulate matrix metalloproteinase-9 production in transforming growth factor-beta1 stimulated glomerular podocytes

The unregulated synthesis of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) components, extracelluar matrix (ECM) proteins, or the secretion of ECM-degradation enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), by podocytes under pathological conditions might be major factors in GBM damage. The present study examined the effects and the underlying molecular mechanism of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) on the production of gelatinase in cultured murine podocytes. Our results showed that TGFbeta1 is the most potent inducer of MMP-9 secretion in both a dose- and time-dependent manner, but has very little effect on MMP-2 secretion. TGFbeta1 upregulated MMP-9 mRNA levels, but did not affect the expression of matrix mettaloproteinases TIMP-1 mRNA. TGFbeta1 induced activation of both Smad2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2). However, blockade of Smad2 signaling pathway by Staurosporine did not affect the TGFbeta1-stimulated secretion of MMP-9, whereas inhibition of activation of ERK1/2 by PD98059 abolished TGFbeta1-stimulated secretion of MMP-9 and expression of MMP-9 mRNA. Protein levels of the transcriptional factor Ets-1 increased and were sustained for 12 h by TGFbeta1-stimulation. Our data also showed that blockage of ERK1/2 activation by PD98059 led to a reduction in the level of Ets-1 protein and to a consequent decrease in MMP-9 mRNA levels. These results demonstrate that TGFbeta1 can induce the production of MMP-9 in podocytes through the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway, and suggested that an increase in MMP-9 enzymatic activities may be involved in the damage of the GBM in response to inflammatory factors, ultimately leading to glomerulosclerosis.

High Ambient Glucose Levels Modulates the Production of MMP-9 and a5(IV) Collagen by Cultured Podocytes

Recent evidences have demonstrated an important role for glomerular visceral epithelial cell (podocyte) in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. We investigated the high-glucose (HG)-triggered signaling pathway and its role in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production in murine podocytes. The activity of 92-kDa (MMP-9) gelatinase, but not of 72 kDa (MMP-2), in an HG medium significantly increased during incubation of 2 to 3 days and decreased during incubation of more than 5 days revealed by Gelatin zymography. Opposite to the increases in MMP-9 activity, HG medium produced significant decreases in the protein levels of alpha5(IV) collagen. Changes in MMP-9 activity were associated with the same pattern as MMP-9 mRNA levels in podocytes exposed to HG media. HG medium rapidly activated ERK1/2 MAPK in podocytes. Moreover, ERK1/2 activation was required for HG-induced enhancement of MMP-9 activity and a decrease in the level of alpha5(IV) collagen. HG incubation rapidly induced an increase in the nuclear accumulation of Ets-1 protein. Blocking the ERK pathway suppressed HG-induced expression and nuclear accumulation of transcriptional factor Ets-1, and MMP-9 mRNA expression. We suggest that short- or long-term exposure to HG concentrations increases or decreases MMP-9 production and alpha5(IV) collagen expression in podocytes, this may contribute to the GBM abnormality caused by an imbalance in extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation, and may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy.

Renal expression of SIBLING proteins and their partner matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)

BACKGROUND

Three members of the small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) family of proteins have recently been shown to bind and activate specific promatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and to overcome the inhibition of tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). Although usually associated with mineralized tissues, we have shown that the SIBLINGs and their MMP partners, when known, are coexpressed in salivary gland ductal cells. The present study examined the expression patterns of both the SIBLINGs and their MMP partners in adult kidney.

METHODS

The expression patterns of all five SIBLINGs known to date, and their MMP partners were determined in monkey kidney using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques.

RESULTS

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and its partner, MMP-2, were coexpressed in both the proximal and distal tubules. Osteopontin, as previously shown, was expressed in the distal tubules while its partner MMP-3 was expressed in both the proximal tubule and distal tubles. Dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP1) and MMP-9 were coexpressed throughout the nephron, including both parietal cells of Bowman's capsule and the thin limb of the loop of Henle. Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) were expressed in the proximal tubule and distal tubule, and proximal tubule, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to salivary gland in which all SIBLINGs and their MMP partners were coexpressed throughout the length of the ducts, these proteins were differentially expressed within the normal adult nephron. We hypothesize that the cells use the SIBLING/MMP pairs in the normal turnover of cell surface proteins and/or pericellular matrix proteins such as those in basement membranes.

Selective modulation of the secretion of proteinases and their inhibitors by growth factors in cultured differentiated podocytes

Selective modulation of the secretion of proteinases and their inhibitors by growth factors in cultured differentiated podocytes.

BACKGROUND

Podocyte damage is considered to be an important factor in the development of glomerulosclerosis. Morphological studies on experimental models of progressive glomerular disease have identified the detachment of podocytes from the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) as a critical step in the development and progression of glomerulosclerosis. Degradation of the GBM by proteinases also might be a potential mechanism of the detachment because the process impairs the connection between podocytes and the GBM. The present study examined the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on the secretion of proteinases [cathepsin L and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)] and their inhibitors [cystatin C and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2)] from differentiated podocytes in culture.

METHODS

Expression of mRNAs for receptors of growth factors (bFGF, PDGF, TGF-beta1), the proteinases and their inhibitors in differentiated podocytes were shown by RT-PCR. The secretion of cathepsin L, cystatin C and TIMP-2 from differentiated podocytes were shown by immunoblot analysis. The activities of MMPs-2 and -9 from differentiated podocytes were shown by gelatin zymography.

RESULTS

Expression of mRNAs for receptors of the growth factors, the proteinases and their inhibitors were confirmed. bFGF increased the secretion of cathepsin L (5.04-fold at 20 ng/mL), but did not alter the secretion of its extracellular inhibitor, cystatin C. In contrast, TGF-beta1 increased the activities of MMPs-2 and -9 (3.23-fold at 10 ng/mL and 25.3-fold at 10 ng/mL, respectively) from differentiated podocytes, but did not enhance the secretion of its inhibitor, TIMP-2. In addition, bFGF enhanced the secretion of TIMP-2 (2.75-fold at 20 ng/mL) and TGF-beta1 enhanced the secretion of cystatin C (2.32-fold at 20 ng/mL). These results demonstrate the imbalance of the secretion of proteinases and their inhibitors after incubation of such growth factors. Of particular interest was the observation of differences in regulation of proteinases and their extracellular inhibitors in response to bFGF and TGF-beta1. PDGF only slightly increased the secretion of cathepsin L (2.54-fold at 20 ng/mL) but exerted no effect on the secretion of cystatin C, MMPs, and TIMP-2 from differentiated podocytes.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate, to our knowledge for the first time, that in differentiated podocytes, both cathepsin L and its inhibitor are independently regulated by different growth factors. It appears that increases in proteolytic activities may induce degradation of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), which plays an important role in the progression of glomerulosclerosis.

Strial marginal cells play a role in basement membrane homeostasis: in vitro and in vivo evidence

The interaction of extracellular matrix and receptors plays a role in tissue homeostasis. The thickened strial capillary basement membrane (SCBM) reported in animal models of presbycusis and Alport's syndrome might be secondary to elevated synthesis and/or decreased turnover of specific basement membrane (BM) components. In this study, expression of specific BM proteins, integrin receptors and mediators of matrix turnover in the murine lateral wall were determined using cDNA probes and antibodies. The presence of collagen alpha1 and alpha2(IV) and laminin-8 in the SCBM was verified. The integrin subunits alpha3, alphav and beta1, cell surface receptors for the BM proteins, localized primarily to the SCBM and/or the strial marginal cells as did TIMP-3, a tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase. The epithelial cell line SV-k1, derived from the lateral wall of the 'immortomouse', showed expression of the same BM proteins as well as demonstrating the presence of markers specific to strial marginal cells, namely Na,K-ATPase alpha1 and beta2 subunits. Thus, the cultured cells are identified as deriving from marginal cells of the stria vascularis. Moreover, these data suggest that a culture system using this marginal cell line will be useful to delineate mechanisms underlying the pathologic accumulation of extracellular matrix in the SCBM.

Interleukin-4 and -13 promote basolateral secretion of H(+) and cathepsin L by glomerular epithelial cells

Minimal change nephrosis (MCN) is characterized by massive proteinuria and ultrastructural alterations of glomerular visceral epithelial cells (GVEC). MCN has been associated with elevated production of interleukin (IL)-13 by circulating T lymphocytes and with T helper 2 lymphocyte-dependent conditions. We recently showed that GVEC express IL-4 and IL-13 receptors and that IL-4 and IL-13 increase transcellular ion transport over GVEC monolayers. We therefore hypothesized that IL-13 may directly injure GVEC. Here we demonstrate that IL-4 and IL-13 induce bafilomycin A1-sensitive basolateral proton secretion by cultured GVEC, indicating involvement of vacuolar H(+)-ATPase. The effects of IL-4 and IL-13 were accompanied by redistribution of the small GTPases Rab5b and Rab7, as shown by confocal immunofluorescence studies. Furthermore, Western blot analysis and assays for cysteine proteinase activity revealed basolateral secretion of the lysosomal proteinase procathepsin L by cultured GVEC, stimulated by IL-4 and IL-13. We speculate that IL-4 and IL-13 influence intracellular trafficking of proteins and promote proteolysis at the basolateral surface of GVEC, which may play a pathogenic role in altered glomerular permeability.

Induction of metalloproteinases by glomerular mesangial cells stimulated by proteins of the extracellular matrix

Human glomerular mesangial cells (HMC) are embedded in the mesangial matrix (MM) and control its turnover through a dynamic equilibrium between synthesis and degradation. Degradation is controlled by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), whose activity has been causally implicated in the progression of glomerular disease. In other systems, MMP secretion may be directly affected by exposure to specific matrix proteins. The present study, therefore, investigated the effect of different matrix components on the adherence of HMC and on their secretion and activation of the gelatinases MMP2 and MMP9. HMC adhered strongly (quantified using crystal violet staining) to collagen IV and collagen I (P < 0.01, relative to binding to control, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated wells) and to a lesser extent to gelatin IV and fibronectin (P < 0.05). Binding to vitronectin and laminin was not statistically different to control wells. After the addition of these matrix proteins (0.1 microg/ml to 100 microg/ml) to growth-arrested HMC for 72 h, zymography of the conditioned medium established that only fibronectin and collagens I and IV dose-dependently increased latent (72 kD) MMP2 secretion and activation. Fibronectin, however, also induced the secretion of MMP9. Membranes from HMC that had been co-cultured with fibronectin for 72 h were prepared to investigate whether the activation of MMP2 in this system was due to the action of membrane-type (MT)-MMP. When incubated with latent MMP2 for times up to 24 h, these membranes activated the enzyme in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The results demonstrate that specific matrix components increased the secretion of MMP2 and MMP9 from HMC. In addition, MT-MMP activity, selectively induced by fibronectin, was implicated in the activation of the secreted proteinases.

Inactive matrix metalloproteinase 2 is a normal constituent of human glomerular basement membrane. An immuno-electron microscopic study

Remodelling of the extracellular matrix requires tight control not only of matrix synthesis, but also of matrix degradation. Control of matrix degradation is achieved mainly through the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes. In the glomerulus, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are believed to be particularly important, as they have activity against type IV collagen. This study has demonstrated by immuno-electron microscopy that most of the immunoreactivity for MMP-2 in the normal glomerulus is located within the glomerular basement membranes and mesangial matrix. mRNA for MMP-2 is also detectable in normal glomeruli, but the other main gelatinase, MMP-9, could not be localized by immuno-electron microscopy. In the normal glomerulus, it seemed likely that MMP-2 is present in an inactive form. To confirm this, in situ zymography was carried out using frozen sections of normal kidney. Baseline activity of normal kidney was relatively weak, but this was dramatically increased by chemical activation of metalloproteinases. The results imply that MMP-2, in an inactive form, is a normal constituent of the extracellular matrix and glomerular basement membranes. Activation would presumably render the matrix 'self-degrading'; membrane-bound MMPs (MT-MMPs) seem particularly likely to be involved in leukocyte penetration of basement membranes in inflammation.

Role of distinct type IV collagen networks in glomerular development and function

BACKGROUND

In X-linked Alport syndrome, mutations in the COL4A5 gene encoding the alpha 5 chain of type IV collagen result in progressive renal failure. This nephropathy appears to relate to the arrest of a switch from an alpha 1/alpha 2 to an alpha 3/alpha 4/alpha 5 network of type IV collagen in the developing glomerular basement membrane (GBM; Kalluri et al, J Clin Invest 99:2470, 1997).

METHODS

We examined the role of this switch in glomerular development and function using a canine model of X-linked nephritis with a COL4A5 mutation. The electron microscopic appearance and the expression of the alpha 1-alpha 6 chains of type IV collagen in the GBM was correlated with glomerular function.

RESULTS

In normal neonatal glomeruli, once capillary loops were present, there was staining of GBM for the alpha 1-alpha 5 chains. Prior to this stage, only alpha 1 and alpha 2 chains were present, with rare glomeruli positive for the alpha 5 chain. As glomeruli matured, the alpha 1 and alpha 2 chains tended to disappear from the GBM, with the alpha 3-alpha 5 chains remaining. In affected male dogs, only the alpha 1 and alpha 2 chains were detected at any stage. GBM ultrastructure in these dogs remained normal until one month and proteinuria did not appear until two months.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that normal glomerular development involves a switch in type IV collagen networks. In affected male dogs, a failure of this switch results in an absence of the alpha 3/alpha 4/alpha 5 network and a persistence of the alpha 1/alpha 2 network in GBM. GBM ultrastructure and glomerular function remain normal for one month, indicating that GBM deterioration in Alport syndrome begins as a postnatal process. Hence, only the alpha 1/alpha 2 network is essential for normal glomerular development, whereas the alpha 3/alpha 4/alpha 5 network is essential for long-term maintenance of glomerular structure and function.

Expression of the recessive glomerulosclerosis gene Mpv17 regulates MMP-2 expression in fibroblasts, the kidney, and the inner ear of mice

The recessive mouse mutant Mpv17 is characterized by the development of early-onset glomerulosclerosis, concomitant hypertension, and structural alterations of the inner ear. The primary cause of the disease is the loss of function of the Mpv17 protein, a peroxisomal gene product involved in reactive oxygen metabolism. In our search of a common mediator exerting effects on several aspects of the phenotype, we discovered that the absence of the Mpv17 gene product causes a strong increase in matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) expression. This was seen in the kidney and cochlea of Mpv17-negative mice as well as in tissue culture cells derived from these animals. When these cells were transfected with the human Mpv17 homolog, an inverse causal relationship between Mpv17 and MMP-2 expression was established. These results indicate that the Mpv17 protein plays a crucial role in the regulation of MMP-2 and suggest that enhanced MMP-2 expression might mediate the mechanisms leading to glomerulosclerosis, inner ear disease, and hypertension in this model.

Human thyroid carcinoma cell lines and normal thyrocytes: expression and regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 messenger-RNA and protein

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) play an important role in remodeling the extracellular matrix in normal and pathological processes. The effect of phorbol-myristate acetate (PMA), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on MMP-1 and TIMP-1 expression was studied on highly purified thyrocytes and undifferentiated 8505 C, C 643, HTh 74, SW 1736 thyroid carcinoma cells compared with thyroid-derived fibroblasts. Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were monitored by competitive semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after 24 hours. Culture supernatants were assayed for free and/or complexed MMP-1 and TIMP-1 after 48 hours using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems (detection limit: <2 ng/mL). MMP-1 and TIMP-1 mRNA were present in all cell types, although thyrocytes showed MMP-1 mRNA levels near the detection limit. 8505 C expressed MMP-1 mRNA levels of up to 10(6) times those of the other cells analyzed. PMA and IL-1 increased MMP-1 mRNA in most cell types. TIMP-1 mRNA increased after treatment with PMA in all cells except 8505 C, whereas only slight effects were shown after IL-1 stimulation. MMP-1 protein was undetectable in normal thyrocyte cultures, but was secreted spontaneously by all cell lines ([ng/mL]; C 643: 15+/-7; HTh 74: 81+/-1; SW 1736: 13+/-2; 8505 C: 2097+/-320). There was a strong correlation between levels of MMP-1 mRNA and protein (r = 0.99, p < .0001). PMA and IL-1 increased MMP-1 secretion in all cell types after 48 hours. Fibroblasts ([ng/mL] 517+/-55) and the cell lines (C 643: 142+/-48; HTh 74: 115+/-13; SW 1736: 202+/-14; 8505C: 120+/-19) secreted TIMP-1 in unstimulated cultures, whereas only a trace amount was detected in thyrocyte cultures, even after PMA treatment. IL-1 upregulated TIMP-1 secretion after 48 hours in SW 1736, HTh 74, and C 643 cells. Our data suggest that in contrast to normal thyrocytes, dedifferentiated thyroid carcinoma cell lines are potential producers of MMP-1 as well as TIMP-1. High MMP-1 or MMP-1/TIMP-1 expression may play a role in tissue invasion of undifferentiated thyroid cancer cells.

Isoform switching of type IV collagen is developmentally arrested in X-linked Alport syndrome leading to increased susceptibility of renal basement membranes to endoproteolysis

Normal glomerular capillaries filter plasma through a basement membrane (GBM) rich in alpha3(IV), alpha4(IV), and alpha5(IV) chains of type IV collagen. We now show that these latter isoforms are absent biochemically from the glomeruli in patients with X-linked Alport syndrome (XAS). Their GBM instead retain a fetal distribution of alpha1(IV) and alpha2(IV) isoforms because they fail to developmentally switch their alpha-chain use. The anomalous persistence of these fetal isoforms of type IV collagen in the GBM in XAS also confers an unexpected increase in susceptibility to proteolytic attack by collagenases and cathepsins. The incorporation of cysteine-rich alpha3(IV), alpha4(IV), and alpha5(IV) chains into specialized basement membranes like the GBM may have normally evolved to protectively enhance their resistance to proteolytic degradation at the site of glomerular filtration. The relative absence of these potentially protective collagen IV isoforms in GBM from XAS may explain the progressive basement membrane splitting and increased damage as these kidneys deteriorate.

Matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9 are produced in early stages of kidney morphogenesis but only MMP9 is required for renal organogenesis in vitro

We analyzed matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production by 11-d embryonic mouse kidneys and the effects of these enzymes on subsequent renal organogenesis. In vivo, immunolocalization of metalloproteinases by laser scanning confocal microscopy and zymograms of kidney lysates showed that the mesenchyme of embryonic kidneys synthesized both MMP9 and MMP2 enzymes. In vitro, embryonic kidneys also secreted both enzymes when cultured in a medium devoid of hormone, growth factor, and serum for 24 h during which T-shaped branching of the ureter bud appeared. We then evaluated the role of MMP2 and MMP9 in kidney morphogenesis by adding anti-MMP2 or anti-MMP9 IgGs to the culture medium of 11-d kidneys for 24 or 72 h. Although it inhibited activity of the mouse enzyme, anti-MMP2 IgGs had no effect on kidney morphogenesis. In contrast, anti-MMP9 IgGs with enzyme-blocking activity impaired renal morphogenesis, in a concentration-dependent manner, by inhibiting T-shaped branching and further divisions of the ureter bud. This effect was irreversible, still observed after inductive events and reproduced by exogenous tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), the natural inhibitor of MMP9. These data provide the first demonstration of MMP9 and MMP2 production in vivo by 11-d embryonic kidneys and further show that MMP9 is required in vitro for branching morphogenesis of the ureter bud.