MT1‐MMP on the cell surface causes focal degradation of gelatin films

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Abstract
The membrane‐type matrix metalloproteinases (MT‐MMPs) are a subclass of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family which uniquely possess a C‐terminal transmembrane domain and are initiators of an activation cascade for progelatinase A (MMP‐2). Recent studies have shown that they can also efficiently directly degrade a number of matrix macromolecules. We now show that cells expressing MT1‐MMP on their cell surfaces cause subjacent proteolysis of a gelatin film and that this proteolysis is inhibited by TIMP‐2 but not by TIMP‐1. These data indicate that expression of MT1‐MMP on the cell surface may lead to both progelatinase A activation and extracellular matrix degradation.