Binding of Pro-Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 byFusobacterium nucleatumsubsp.nucleatumas a Mechanism To Promote the Invasion of a Reconstituted Basement Membrane

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Abstract
In this study, we investigated the ability ofFusobacterium nucleatumsubsp.nucleatumto increase its tissue-invasive potential by acquiring cell-associated human matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) activity. Binding of pro-MMP-9 to fusobacteria was demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Zymography and a colorimetric assay showed that bound pro-MMP-9 can be converted into a proteolytically active form. The potential contribution of this acquired host activity in tissue invasion was demonstrated using a reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel).