Expression and cDNA Sequence of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in a Mammalian Model of Human Disease Processes: Tupaia belangeri

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is one of a family of proteolytic enzymes that are involved in the remodelling of tissue during normal growth processes and is capable of degrading structural components of the extracellular matrix. Increases in MMP-2 expression and activity have been reported in diseases that involve degradation of the extracellular matrix. Reported here for the first time are the relative levels of expression of MMP-2 in tissues of the tree shrew along with 2587 bases of the mRNA sequence. Translation of this sequence predicts a protein 660 amino acids in length, containing all of the features expected of mammalian MMP-2. The tree shrew is a species close to the primate line and is an emerging animal model for a variety of human diseases, including hepatitis and myopia that feature MMP-2 mediated remodelling of the extracellular matrix.

Modulation of Glycosaminoglycan Levels in Tree Shrew Sclera during Lens-Induced Myopia Development and Recovery

“…Selective upregulation of mRNA occurs for some matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (MMP-2 and the membrane type-1 MMP), and selective downregulation of mRNA occurs for some, but not all, tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-3). 17,18 Decreases in the levels of transforming growth factor beta (TGF␤) 19 and thrombospondin-1 20 have been found in tree shrew sclera during myopia development. Thus, evidence exists for remodeling of structural components of the sclera.…”

Candidate genes responsible for human hepatocellular carcinoma identified from differentially expressed genes in hepatocarcinogenesis of the tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinesis)

“…In addition, tree shrews can survive repeated laparotomies, making it possible to observe sequential changes in liver tissues biopsied from the same animal during hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, the tree shrew has been utilized for investigating AFB 1 metabolism, HBV mutation and some human pathological processes 14–17 …”

Reduced Scleral TIMP-2 Expression Is Associated With Myopia Development: TIMP-2 Supplementation Stabilizes Scleral Biomarkers of Myopia and Limits Myopia Development

“…The PCR assays were conducted in triplicate, to enhance the accuracy of estimates and in accordance with the highresolution quantitative PCR methodology previously validated and reported by this laboratory. 11,35,36 Sample cDNA templates or dilutions of gene-specific cDNA standards (4 lL) were mixed with primers (0.5 lM) and the FastStart DNA Master SYBR Green I kit (Roche Applied Science). Additional magnesium chloride was added as determined through optimization of a given primer pair.…”