MMP-related gelatinase activity is strongly induced in scar tissue of injured adult spinal cord and forms pathways for ingrowing neurites.
Mol Cell Neurosci
; 17(6): 945-56, 2001 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11414785
ABSTRACT
Scar formation following adult spinal cord (SC) hemisection is accompanied by important remodeling of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Since ECM molecules provide the substrate for axon growth, these changes in ECM composition are likely to influence the process of axonal regeneration. Here we investigated whether scar formation could be associated with the activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a class of proteins implicated in ECM remodeling thought to favor axonal regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. Two members of the MMP family, MMP-2 and MMP-9, were found to be transiently upregulated in the SC wound. In situ fluorescent zymography revealed a MMP-related gelatinase activity (GA) in the wound, which was spatially and temporally correlated with scar formation. The GA formed a striking pattern of interwoven pathways along which neurites were seen to grow. These pathways corresponded to the distribution of other ECM molecules, which are known to have antagonistic effects on axonal regrowth. Our results suggest that neurite ingrowth into the wound may transiently benefit from this ECM remodeling and, in particular, from the upregulation of MMPs.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Spinal Cord Injuries
/
Cicatrix
/
Neurites
/
Gelatinases
/
Matrix Metalloproteinases
/
Extracellular Matrix
/
Nerve Regeneration
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Mol Cell Neurosci
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
NEUROLOGIA
Year:
2001
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
France