Activation of tumor cell matrix metalloproteinase-2 by neutrophil proteinases requires expression of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase

Background. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), an enzyme involved in tumor invasion, is secreted as an inactive proenzyme and requires interaction with membrane-type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP) for activation. We have previously demonstrated that polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) release a soluble factor(s) that activates pro-MMP-2. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that PMN-derived proteinases act in concert with MT1-MMP to activate pro-MMP-2. Methods. Human HT-1080 cells transfected with MT1-MMP cDNA (HT-SE) or the corresponding antisense cDNA (HT-AS) or an empty vector (HT-V), which expressed differing levels of MT1-MMP, were incubated with serum-free, human PMN-conditioned medium with or without proteinase inhibitors. The culture supernatants were analyzed by gelatin zymography. Results. HT-1080 cells expressing basal (HT-V) or low levels (HT-AS) of MT1-MMP secreted MMP-2 in proenzyme form (72 kd). HT-1080 cells with high levels of MT1-MMP (HT-SE) secreted proMMP-2 and a 68 kd intermediate activation product. Addition of PMN-conditioned medium to either HT-SE or HT-V clones resulted in dose- dependent generation of active, 62 kd MMP-2. In contrast, when PMN- conditioned medium was added to HT-AS clones, no MMP-2 activation occurred. Conclusions. PMN-derived serine proteinases act in concert with MT1-MMP to activate proMMP-2. This finding indicates a potential role for inflammatory cells in promoting extracellular matrix breakdown during tumor invasion.