Expression profiles of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in teleost fish provide evidence for its active role in initiation and resolution of inflammation

• Published in: Immunology
• Main Authors: Chadzinska, M.K., Baginski, P., Kolaczkowska, E., Savelkoul, H.F.J., Verburg-van Kemenade, B.M.L.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: cod gadus-morhua; cyprinus-carpio l; gelatinolytic activities; induced peritoneal inflammation; lymphoid organs; mast-cells; matrix-metalloproteinase inhibitors; neutrophil gelatinase b; spawning stage; zymosan peritonitis; Gadus morhua
• Online Access: https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/expression-profiles-of-matrix-metalloproteinase-9-in-teleost-fish; https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2567.2008.02874.x

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) belongs to a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases. As a consequence of its ability to cleave structural extracellular matrix molecules, mammalian MMP-9 is associated with vital inflammatory processes such as leucocyte migration and tissue remodelling and regeneration. Interestingly, MMP-9 genes have been identified in fish, but functional data are still limited and focus on the involvement of MMP-9 in embryonic development, reproduction and post-mortem tenderization. Here, we describe the involvement of MMP-9 in the innate immunity of carp. In carp, MMP-9 was most notably expressed in classical fish immune organs and in peritoneal and peripheral blood leucocytes, indicating a role of MMP-9 in immune responses. In our well-characterized zymosan-induced peritonitis model for carp, we analysed expression of the MMP-9 gene and the gelatinolytic levels of both pro- and activated forms of MMP-9. The biphasic profile of MMP-9 mRNA expression indicated involvement during the initial phase of inflammation and during the later phase of tissue remodelling. Also, in vitro stimulation of carp phagocytes with lipopolysaccharide or concanavalin A increased MMP-9 gene expression, with a peak at 24¿hr. The increase of MMP-9 mRNA correlated with the peak of MMP-9 gelatinolytic level in culture supernatants. These results provide evidence for an evolutionarily conserved and relevant role of MMP-9 in the innate immune response.