Emmprin, a Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer, is Produced in the Cornea

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To report the presence of EMMPRIN, a metalloproteinase inducer in the cornea. Methods:Confocal microscopy, western blot analysis, zymography and real time PCR were performed on corneal tissues and cultured cells. Results: EMMPRIN protein was immunolocalized on the cell surface of epithelial and stromal cells of perforated human corneas, particularly at the perforated side. The presence of the protein was confirmed by confoncal microscopy and western-blot analysis using cultured human keratocytes. EMMPRIN mRNA was detected in human keratocytes and upregulated by TGF-b. The simultaneous addition of TGF-b and TNF-a inhibited this induction. Additionally, the induction of EMMPRIN mRNA was associated with an increased level of MMP-9 in the conditioned medium. Conclusions: EMMPRIN may play a role in the induction of MMPs associated with corneal wound healing.

Keywords: cornea: basic science • extracellular matrix • wound healing