Brg-1 is required for maximal transcription of the human matrix metalloproteinase-2 gene.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases whose aberrant expression are correlated with tumor invasion and angiogenesis. The transcription factors Sp1, Sp3, and AP-2 are required for constitutive expression of MMP-2 in tumor cells; however, the regulatory mechanisms of MMP-2 expression are not well understood. We investigated the involvement of Brg-1, the ATPase subunit of the SWI/SNF complex, in human MMP-2 gene transcription. Reconstitution of Brg-1 enhances MMP-2 transcription in Brg-1-deficient SW-13 cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrates that Brg-1 is required for recruitment of Sp1, AP-2, and polymerase II to the MMP-2 promoter, whereas the binding of Sp3 to the MMP-2 promoter is decreased upon Brg-1 reconstitution. Furthermore, Sp1 interacts with Brg-1 in vivo. Restriction enzyme accessibility assays indicate that accessibility of the MMP-2 promoter region is not changed in the absence or presence of Brg-1. These results illustrate the connection between the SWI/SNF complex and optimal expression of MMP-2 and highlight the critical function of Brg-1 in regulating the recruitment of Sp1, Sp3, AP-2, and polymerase II to the MMP-2 promoter.