Posters

The role of matrix metalloproteinases in retinal pigment epithelial cell migration

Poster Details

First Author: M. Nagy EGYPT

Co Author(s): U. Shalaby   A. Saeed                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To determine the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 2 and 9 in directing the behavior of human retinal pigment epithelial (HRPE) cells during migration from agarose droplets.

Setting:

Ophthalmolgy Department, Banha University, Egypt

Methods:

Migration of HRPE cells from agarose droplets on uncoated tissue culture plastic in presence and absence of serum was evaluated for up to 48 hours using phase contrast microscopy and computer analysis of captured images. Expression of MMP-1, 2 and 9 by HRPE cells was determined by immunocytochemistry using some MMP-specific monoclonal antibodies. In addition, expression of MMPs in cultured HRPE cells was confirmed by western blotting in the absence and in the presence of the MMP synthetic inhibitor, Batimastat (BB-94), while the effect of BB-94 on HRPE cell migration was also studied.

Results:

HRPE cells migrated from agarose droplets in the presence of serum on uncoated tissue culture plastic. MMP-2 and 9 were expressed by HRPE cells in culture as shown by immunocytochemistry and by western blotting. BB-94 inhibited cellular migration from agarose droplets in a dose dependent manner. Expression of MMP-2 and 9 on western blots was inhibited after treatment of the HRPE cells with BB-94.

Conclusions:

Expression of MMP-2 and 9 by HRPE cells may be involved in the migratory behaviour since inhibition of expression of these enzymes correlated with reduced migration. These phenomena may reflect HRPE cell behaviour during PVR in which migration of HRPE cells from their basement membrane on to retinal surfaces requires an interaction between specific ECM protein and MMPs to permit cellular invasion.

Financial Disclosure:

None