Keratoconus: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 activation and TIMP modulation

Smith, V. A.; Majid, M. A.; Matthews, Fiona; Cook, S. D.

Abstract

Keratoconus is an ocular condition that causes corneal thinning, cone formation and scarring. In view of a hypothesis that activated MMP-2 may initiate or facilitate disease progression, the MMP-2/TIMP systems of stromal cells derived from normal and keratoconic corneas have been compared. To achieve this, stromal cell cultures were established from normal, clear keratoconic (KCS-1) and scarred keratoconic (KCS-2) corneas. The secreted MMP-2 was assayed using [3H]Type IV collagen and analysed by zymography. Optimally maintained and nutrient deprived cells were subsequently incubated with [ 3H]lysine. The secreted radiolabelled macromolecules were separated and quantified. The results obtained indicated that optimally maintained KCS-1 stromal cells produced more MMP-2 than normal stromal cells but not TIMP. Nutrient deprivation induced MMP-2 activation and cell death. Surviving cells upregulated TIMP-1 synthesis and in this respect became similar to the KCS-2 stromal cells that did not excessively generate activated MMP-2 or die as a consequence of nutrient deprivation. From these results, it was concluded that KCS-1 stromal cells over-expressed MMP-2 without increasing TIMP production. This may facilitate MMP-2 activation in vivo and hence advance the keratoconic condition. KCS-2 cultures over-expressed both MMP-2 and TIMP-1. Because TIMP-1 inhibits MMP-2 activity and protects against cell death it may be of significance in initiating repair processes and curtailing keratoconus. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2006
• Journal: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Basis of Disease
• Print ISSN: 0925-4439
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1762
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 431-439
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.01.010
• Keywords: matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases, TIMPs, cornea, keratoconus, keratocytes
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1040352
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.01.010