RESUMO
PURPOSE: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been reported to play critical roles in the endothelial cell migration and matrix remodeling during angiogenic process. To investigate the roles of the membrane type MMP (MT1-MMP) by the matrix remodeling of endothelial cells, MT1-MMP expression vector was transfected into bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). Increased ex+pression of MT1-MMP in BAECs enhanced the activation of MMP-2, invasion and migration of BAECs. Moreover, the capacity of tube formation was increased by MT1-MMP transfectants. These observations indicate that MT1-MMP is involved in the angiogenic process of endothelial cells in vitro. In this study, we attempted these effects were confirmed in vivo system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we used MT1- MMP or Antisense MT1-MMP stable transfectants in HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used for the detection of angiogenesis in vivo and modified CAM assay for quantification of invasion of MT1-MMP transfected cells. RESULTS: In CAM assay, the formation of microvessels was stimulated by MT1-MMP transfectants. Invasive capacity of HT1080 cells was also increased in a novel in vivo metastasis model, PCR based CAM assay. CONCLUSION: These results identify the function of MT1- MMP during the neovascularization process.
