Induction of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -2 activity in mouse blastocyst by fibronectin-integrin interaction

Fibronectin, a major extracellular matrix, plays an important role in embryo implantation by mediating embryo adhesion and outgrowth. In this work, mouse blastocysts produced pro-matrix metalloproteinase-9, pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 64 ku matrix metalloproteinase-2 when they were co-cultured with fibronectin. In contrast, mouse blastocysts did not produce these proteinases without fibronectin. Focal adhesion kinase is a fundamental molecule of integrin signaling pathway and its antisense oligodeoxynucleiotide inhibited blastocyst matrix metalloproteinases expression induced by fibronectin. The results indicated that fibronectin triggered matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -2 expression in mouse blastocyst through its integrin receptors and subsequent signaling pathway, which enhanced the synchronization of blastocyst invasiveness and uterine receptivity and ensured the accuracy of events relative to implantation in timing and spatiality.     

Regulation of mouse blastocyst adhesion,outgrowth and secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 by cGMP and nitric oxide <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis>

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional messenger molecule produced through oxidation of L-arginine to L-citrulline by enzyme NO synthase (NOS). In the current study, mouse blastocysts were cultured in the different media, and the implantation capacity of blastocyst was evaluated by evaluating the percentage of embryos adhesion and outgrowth after culture for 12, 24 or 48 h. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA was detected by RT-PCR, and MMP-2 protein was detected by gelatin zymography. Inhibition of blastocyst adhesion and outgrowth was observed in embryo cultured with 500 μmol/L NOS inhibitor N^G-mono-methyI-L-arginine (L-NMMA) alone; however, 100 μmol/L S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a NO donor, and 20μmol/L cGMP analogue, 8-Br-cGMP could block this inhibition. The expression and production of MMP-2 in the blastocysts were suppressed by L-NMMA, and SNAP or 8-br-cGMP could reverse this suppression. These results suggest that NO induces embryo implantation by cGMP signaling pathway.     

The expression and function of VEGF at embryo implantation “window” in the mouse

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell-specific mitogen that plays a critical role in angiogenesis. Recent reports indicated that VEGF was closely involved in embryo implantation and embryonic vasculogenesis. However, very little information is available about the detailed expression and function of VEGF at implantation “window”. In this work, VEGFs were primarily present on uterine epithelial cell monolayer and blastocysts including the outgrew trophoblasts at implantation window. VEGF antibodies decreased the number of mice embryos implanted and the percentage of blastocysts with attachment and outgrowth in a co-culture model in a dose-dependant manner. These findings demonstrate that VEGF is one of the essential cytokines for embryo implanta-tion in mouse. VEGF may act as a local mediator to regulate the maternal-fetal interaction, and facilitate blastocyst implantation.     

Effect of matrix metallo-proteinase-26 (MMP-26) during embryo implantation in the mouse

Matrix metalloproteinase-26 (MMP-26, endometase and matrilysin-2), a novel member of the MMPs family, is detected not only in the placenta and uterus, but is widely expressed in malignant tumors from different sources as well as in diverse tumor cell lines. However, the function of MMP-26 in the reproductive system has never been reported. Expression of MMP-26 in mouse embryos and the function of the MMP-26 antibody during mouse embryo implantation was examined for the first time by injecting the uterine horn, immunohistochemistry,in situ hybridization, co-culture of mouse blastocysts and uterine monolayer epithelial cells, Western blot, RT-PCR, Northern blot and zymography. Our results show that there is strong expression of MMP-26 mRNA and protein in the mouse embryo. Furthermore, the MMP-26 antibody dramatically inhibited mouse embryo implantation and significantly inhibited adhesion and outgrowth of mouse blastocysts onin vitro uterine monolayer epithelial cells. At the same time, the MMP-26 antibody inhibited the expression of integrin αV mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggest that MMP-26 may play a role in some of the tissue-remodeling events associated with the invasion of the endometrium by trophoblast cells and facilitate successfully embryo implantation.     

Regulation of mouse blastocyst adhesion,outgrowth and matrix metalloproteinase—2 by focal adhesion kinase

The interaction of extracellular matrix-integrin markedly influences the adhesion,outgrowth,differentiation and expression of serine proteinases by the blastocyst,so it is regarded as a vital factor in blastocyst implantation.Although the mechanism of extracellular interactions between extracellular matrix and integrins has been well elucidated,the roles of the signaling molecules in the extracellular matrix-integrin signal transduction pathway in blastocyst implantation are unknown.This limits the understanding of blastocyst implantation and ECM-integrin signal transduction pathway.In the present study,in vitro blastocyst culture and indirect immunocytochemistry,matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) zymography and antisense oligodeoxynucleotide(ODN) were used to investigate the expression of a fundamental molecule of integrin-dependent signal transduction pathways,focal adhesion kinase(FAK),in mouse blastocysts and its influence on mouse blastocyst adhesion,outgrowth and MMP-2.The results showed that mouse blastocysts expressed FAK.FAK protein was clustered in the peripheral migrating trophoblast cells and dispersed in the central area of blastocyst outgrowth.Fibronectin triggered pro-MMP-2 and 64kD MMP-2 activities.The antisense ODN to FAK attnuated pro-MMP-2 and 64kD MMP-2 activites which decreased abruptly and tended to disappear with increasting concentrations of the antisense ODN.Both mouse blastocyst adhesion and outgrowth on fibronectin were also influenced by the antisense ODN.Up to 20μg/mL of the antisense ODN concentration,the adhesion and out-growth rates were decreased in a dose-dependent manner.The results indicated that FAK influenced mouse blastocyst adhesion,outgrowth and MMP-2 activity by intracellular signal transduction.In other words,FAK regulates mouse implantation in terms of blastocyst adhesive and invasive abilities.     

Regulation of embryo implantation by nitric oxide in mouse

Intrauterine injection and zymography were used to investigate the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on embryo implantation in mice. On day 3, one uterine horn of female pregnant mice was injected intraluminally with various doses of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), while the contralateral horn served as control. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation on day 7 of gestation, and the number of implanted embryos in each horn was calculated. The results showed that lower doses (0.05 mg L-NAME) did not inhibit implantation significantly (P > 0.05), but high doses (0.2 mg L- NAME) resulted in a significant reduction in the number of implanted embryos (P < 0.05). Co-administration of SNP, a generator of NO, with L-NAME would reverse the antiimplantation effect of L-NAME. To further understand the precise mechanism of NO in implantation, matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) activities were detected by gelatin zymography. The reduction in the number of implanted embryos in 0.2 mg L-NAME treated group was associated with decreased MMP-9 activity but a stable MMP-2 activity. The activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were not changed in L-NAME and SNP treated group. These data suggest that NO acts as a mediator to regulate the activity of MMP-9, and facilitates embryo implantation.     

P-5m八肽对肝癌HepG2细胞中MMP-2和MMP-9表达的抑制作用

目的探讨P-5m八肽对肝癌HepG2细胞中基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)表达的影响,以及P-5m八肽的抗肿瘤作用机制.方法用终浓度为10μmol/L和100μmol/L的P-5m八肽分别对处于对数生长期的HepG2细胞进行处理,药物作用时间为36 h,36 h后将细胞裂解.采用Real-time PCR方法检测给药后细胞中MMP-2和MMP-9 m RNA表达水平的变化;Western blot方法测定MMP-2和MMP-9蛋白表达水平的变化.结果Real-time PCR检测显示终浓度为10μmol/L和100μmol/L的P-5m八肽对HepG2细胞刺激后,MMP-2和MMP-9的m RNA表达均受到抑制,与对照组比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);Western blot检测结果表明:用10μmol/L和100μmol/L的P-5m八肽对HepG2细胞刺激后,MMP-2和MMP-9的蛋白表达均受到抑制,与对照组比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05).结论 P-5m八肽可明显抑制HepG2细胞中MMP-2和MMP-9的表达.     

rhEPO对预处理低氧损伤胶质细胞MMP-9表达的影响

 探讨人促红细胞生成素（rhEPO）对低氧损伤胶质细胞的影响及对金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）表达的影响。通过体外纯化培养第3代星形胶质细胞,将其分为正常组、低氧组、rhEPO预处理组;以四唑蓝（MTT）比色法测定低氧培养12、24、36h细胞的存活率,倒置显微镜和透射电镜观察低氧对胶质细胞形态的影响;免疫荧光和逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）方法研究低氧对星形胶质细胞MMP-9表达的影响。结果显示:低氧组星形胶质细胞在低氧培养下出现细胞肿胀,且随时间的延长而加重,rhEPO预处理组在各时间点细胞肿胀明显轻于低氧组。rhEPO能减轻细胞超微结构的改变及降低MTT比值。RT-PCR及免疫荧光检测表明：低氧组MMP-9 mRNA及蛋白的表达在低氧各时间点均高于正常组,在24h达到最高,在36h开始降低（P<0.05）;rhEPO预处理组MMP-9mRNA及蛋白的表达变化在12、24、36h较低氧组低（P<0.05）。由此得出结论：rhEPO通过抑制MMP-9的表达促进低氧条件下星形胶质细胞的存活。     

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in rat uterus during peri-implantation

The first distinct mark of rodent implantation is the increased vascular permeability and significant angiogenesis at the sites of blastocyst implantation, but its mechanism is not clearly defined. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the key mediator for angiogenesis during embryogenesis and adult span and also serves as a vascular permeability factor. The aim of this study is to explore VEGF regulation mechanism and the possible role that VEGF plays in implantation by studying the VEGF expression and angiogenesis in the rat uterus during estrous cycle, ovarioectomized and peri-implantation stages usingin situ message RNA hybridization and confocal laser scanning techniques. The results indicated that VEGF was regulated by ovarian steroid hormones. VEGF expression before implantation was localized at luminal epithelium, shifted to stroma as implantation initiated and extensively located at the decidualizing stroma region after implantation. Bandeiraea simplicifolia-1 (BS-1) agglutinin and antibody against von Willebrand factor (vWF) were used to mark the endothelial cells and blood vessels. The results showed that the active angiogenesis occurred during the implantation process and this effect was probably mediated by VEGF. The results suggest that under the regulation of ovarian steroid hormones, VEGF plays an essential role in angiogenesis and increasing vascular permeability in endometrium, which are necessary for successful implantation.     

失血性贫血小鼠恢复过程中骨髓基质金属蛋白酶变化

目的:观察失血性贫血小鼠恢复过程中骨髓基质金属蛋白酶-2和-9(MMP-2,MMP-9)的变化,并探讨其在造血调控中的作用.方法:采用全自动血细胞分析仪、免疫组化和酶谱电泳法分别检测失血性贫血小鼠恢复过程中外周血RBC和Hb数量、骨髓细胞MMP-2和MMP-9表达以及骨髓造血微环境MMP-2和MMP-9的活性变化.结果:(1)与正常对照组相比外周血RBC和Hb数量失血后第1d急剧下降.随着恢复时间的延长,二者数目逐渐上升,到第9d已接近正常对照组水平.(2)在正常对照组检测到了较弱的MMP-2和MMP-9的表达.与正常对照组相比,失血后1d组、3d、5d和7d组小鼠骨髓细胞中MMP-2和MMP-9表达明显增加,MMP-2和MMP-9表达分别于失血后5d和3d达到峰值.与1d组相比,3d组小鼠骨髓细胞中MMP-2和MMP-9表达以及5d组小鼠骨髓细胞中MMP-2表达明显增加.(3)正常对照组中检测到proMMP-2,proMMP-9和MMP-9 3条酶带,MMP-9的活性最强.失血后1d,proMMP-2,proMMP-9和MMP-9的活性均急剧升高.随着恢复时间的延长,3者的活性逐渐降低,到第9d时恢复到接近正常对照组水平.结论:失血性贫血小鼠可能通过骨髓细胞中MMPs表达增加以及骨髓造血微环境中MMPs活性升高来促进骨髓造血功能增强,使外周血RBC和Hb的数量恢复到正常水平.     

Functions of VEGF in female reproductive system

As a homodimeric glycoprotein,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)is a highly specific mitogen of vascular endothelial cells.It can induce proliferation and migration,and inhibit apoptosis of endothelial cell.VEGF is involved in many processes in the female reproductive system,such as ovulation,periodical changes of endometrium,embryo implantation and development,VEGF plays important roles in some reproductive diseases,including preeclampsia and fetal hypoevolutism in uterus.Based on our studies on angiogenesis and its relevant factors in the female reproductive system these years,the functions of VEGF in female reproductive system are reviewed,and the research prospect and application of VEGF are also discussed.     

Effects of blocking LeY oligosaccharide on cell surface to MMPs secreted by blastocysts and epithelial cells in mousein vitro

In order to understand the role of Le+Y oligosaccharide antigen (Le+Y) during implantation, the relationship of Le+Y on the cell surface with matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) secreted by blastocysts and monolayer epithelial cells during implantation in the mouse %in vitro% was studied by monoclonal antibody (mAb) AH-6, directed to Le+Y[Fuc α1-2 Gal β1-4 (Fuc α1-3) GlcNAc-], and gelatin zymography. The results showed that MMPs secretion was reduced after Le+Y on the cell surface of either epithelial cells or trophoblasts was blocked. It indicated that MMPs expression which played an important function during the process of implantation were regulated by Le+Y. Therefore, it was considered that Le+Y could regulate embryos invasion by some mechanism.     

Blastocyst implantation depends on maternal expression of leukaemia inhibitory factor.

A critical point during mammalian pregnancy is the implantation of the blastocyst when the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus. The autonomously developing preimplantation embryo then becomes dependent on the maternal environment for its continued development. Little is known about the regulation of implantation, except that a complex interaction between peptide and steroid hormones synchronizes the preparation of the uterus for implantation with the development of the embryo. Whether the implantation event is under maternal or embryonic control is also unclear (reviewed in refs 1, 2). We have previously shown that a cytokine, leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), is expressed in the uterine endometrial glands specifically on the fourth day of pregnancy. This burst of expression is under maternal control and always precedes implantation of the blastocyst. Here we report that transient expression of LIF in mice is essential for implantation. Females lacking a functional LIF gene are fertile, but their blastocysts fail to implant and do not develop. The blastocysts, however, are viable and, when transferred to wild-type pseudopregnant recipients, they can implant and develop to term.     

肝再生过程中肾desmin和GFAP的表达以及MMPs的变化

采用免疫组织化学法和明胶酶谱电泳法研究大鼠肝部分切除(PH)后再生过程中肾结蛋白(desmin)和胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)的表达以及基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2),-9(MMP-9)的活性变化.免疫组织化学结果显示,肝再生过程中肾小球系膜细胞、足细胞和间质细胞表达desmin和GFAP,而且二者的表达在PH后均经历了先减少后恢复的过程.明胶酶谱电泳结果显示,在对照组,检测到1条92 kD(pro MMP-9,MMP-9酶原形式)蛋白酶带,具有强的活性.在PH后8 d到14 d检测到了92 kD,86 kD(MMP-9),72 kD(pro MMP-2,MMP-2酶原形式)和66 kD(MMP-2)4条蛋白酶带.从第10 d到14 d,pro MMP-9和MMP-9活性逐渐增强,pro MMP-2和MMP-2活性逐渐降低.     

Replacement of inner cell mass in mouse

The intra- or inter-strain reconstituted blastocysts were produced by replacing the inner cell mass of Kunming mouse blastocysts with that of Kunming or C57BL/6 mouse strain blastocysts. A total of 192 intra-strain reconstituted blastocysts were transferred into 17 pseudopregnant Kunming mice, and 2 reconstituted embryos were developed into term: while 115 inter-strain reconstituted blastocysts were produced, analysis of the reconstituted blastocysts showed that the morphology and cytoskeleton srtucture of the blastocysts were not different from those of normal blastocysts, however, no viable offspring was obtained after embryo transfer for these inter-strain reconstituted blastocysts. The results demonstrated that the intra-strain reconstituted blastocysts could normally develop into term, whereas the inter-strain reconstituted blastocysts possessed less developmental potential as the intra-strain reconstituted blastocysts. This study may give light to solve the problem of low implantation rate and placenta abnormality in mammal cloning.     

Expression of LIF,VEGF, CD57 and CD68 after the transfer of rat embryos to mouse uteri

The high failure rate of interspecific preganacy is a major obstacle to the successful interspectific cloning of mammals,To in vestigate the reasons for the failure of inter-specfic pregnancy between rats and mice,we transferred rat blastocysts into mouse uteri on the third day of pseudopreg -nancy (D3),oure previous study showed that intact rat embryos could still be observed in mouse uteri on D9.In the present study ,we found that expression of CD57 and CD68 increased significantly at the maternal -fetal interface fol-lowing the transfer of rat embryos,Similarly ,Leukaemia inhibitory factor(LIF) expression increased ,but vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) expession decreased,In a co-culture system ,the percentage of rat ectoplacental cones (EPCs) with adhesion and outgrowth and outgrowth area on mouse uterine decidual cells were less than that of mouse EPCs,These results indicate that an increase in the immunological rejection response and a decrease in the in vasiveness of rat embryos may be important reasons for the failure of interspecific pregnancy between rat and mouse.     

A peptide fusion protein inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth by blocking VEGF binding to KDR

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binding to its tyrosine kinase receptors (KDR/FLK1, Flt-1) induces angiogenesis. In search of the peptides blocking VEGF binding to its receptor KDR/FLK1 to inhibit tumorangiogenesis and growth, we screened a phage display peptide library with KDR as target protein, and some candidate peptides were isolated. In this study, we cloned the DNA fragment coding the peptide K237 from the library, into a vector pQE42 to express fusion protein DHFR-K237 in E. coli M15. The affection of fusion protein DHFR-K237 on endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis was investigated. In vitro, DHFR-K237 could completely block VEGF binding to KDR and significantly inhibit the VEGF-mediated proliferation of the human vascular endothelial cells. In vivo, DHFR-K237 inhibited angiogenesis in chick embryo chorioallantoric membrane and tumor growth in nude mice. These results suggest that K237 is an effective antagonist of VEGF binding to KDR, and could be a potential agent for cancer biotherapy.     

IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-1 reversely regulate blastocyst implantation in mouse

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-Ⅱ and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1, members of IGF family, are important in the cyclic development of endometrium and the blastocyst implantation. In the present study, the indirect immunofluorescence showed that IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-1 were specifically expressed at the maternal-fetal interface. In a co-culture system, IGF-Ⅱ significantly enhanced the attachment and outgrowth of the blastocyst on monolayer of uterine epithelial cells, while IGFBP-1 did not affect the blastocyst attachment, but markedly inhibited the blastocyst outgrowth. The results of zymography showed that IGF-Ⅱ enhanced the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9, while IGFBP-1 did not affect the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. In conclusion, the equilibrium between the invasion of trophoblast and the inhibition of deciduas may be regulated by the interaction between the IGF-Ⅱ-expressing invading cytotrophoblast and maternal deciduas-derived IGFBP-1.