Matsubara M, Girard M T, Kublin C L, Cintron C, Fini M E
Eye Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
Dev Biol. 1991 Oct;147(2):425-39. doi: 10.1016/0012-1606(91)90300-r.
We have documented changes in collagenolytic/gelatinolytic enzymes of the matrix metalloproteinase family (MMP) in remodelling rabbit cornea. MMP-2 (65 kDa gelatinase) in the proenzyme form is synthesized by the cells of the normal corneal stroma. After keratectomy the level of MMP-2 is increased in the stroma and enzyme appears in both pro- and activated forms. In addition, corneal cells synthesize MMP-9 (92 kDa gelatinase) in the proenzyme form after keratectomy; expression occurs in both the epithelial as well as stromal corneal layers. Changes in expression of both enzymes are precisely localized to the repairing portion of cornea, but demonstrate important differences in timing that correlate with the timing of specific events of matrix remodelling. Our data suggest that each of the gelatinases plays a different role in tissue remodelling after injury. We hypothesize that MMP-2 performs a surveillance function in normal cornea, catalyzing degradation of collagen molecules that occasionally become damaged. After wounding, this enzyme appears to participate in the prolonged process of collagen remodelling in the corneal stroma that eventually results in functional regeneration of the tissue. MMP-9 expression does not correlate with stromal remodelling, but we suggest that the enzyme might play a part in controlling resynthesis of the epithelial basement membrane.
我们已经记录了基质金属蛋白酶家族（MMP）中胶原酶/明胶酶在兔角膜重塑过程中的变化。正常角膜基质细胞合成前酶形式的MMP-2（65 kDa明胶酶）。角膜切除术后，基质中MMP-2的水平升高，且该酶以酶原和活化形式出现。此外，角膜切除术后角膜细胞合成前酶形式的MMP-9（92 kDa明胶酶）；在上皮和基质角膜层均有表达。两种酶表达的变化精确地定位于角膜的修复部位，但在时间上表现出重要差异，这与基质重塑的特定事件的时间相关。我们的数据表明，每种明胶酶在损伤后的组织重塑中发挥不同作用。我们推测，MMP-2在正常角膜中发挥监测功能，催化偶尔受损的胶原分子的降解。受伤后，这种酶似乎参与角膜基质中胶原重塑的长期过程，最终导致组织功能再生。MMP-9的表达与基质重塑无关，但我们认为该酶可能在控制上皮基底膜的再合成中起作用。
