Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Inhibitors of MMPs in the Avian Reproductive System: An Overview

Abstract

Many matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are produced in the mammalian reproductive system and participate in the regulation of its functions. In birds, the limited information available thus far indicates that MMPs are significant regulators of avian ovarian and oviductal functions, too. Some MMPs and inhibitors of MMPs are present in the hen reproductive tissues and their abundances and/or activities change according to the physiological state. The intraovarian role of MMPs likely includes the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during folliculogenesis, follicle atresia, and postovulatory regression. In the oviduct, MMPs are also involved in ECM turnover during oviduct development and regression. This study provides a review of the current knowledge on the presence, activity, and regulation of MMPs in the female reproductive system of birds.

Grade follicles transcriptional profiling analysis in different laying stages in chicken

“…The abilities of ECM to direct cell proliferation, differentiation, and function imply its remodeling in normal ovarian function [ 41 ]. The wall of the hen follicle is mainly composed of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which comprises collagenous fibers, dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, elastin, and hyaluronic acid [ 42 ].…”

Altered gene expression of selected matrix metalloproteinase system proteins in the broiler chicken gastrointestinal tract during post-hatch development and coccidia infection

“…Specificity of TIMP-2 and MMP-2 antibodies was checked by the manufacturers and recommended for chicken. Specificity of anti-MMP-2, -MMP-7, -MMP-9, and -TIMP-3 antibodies was checked by Western blot and reported in previous studies in chickens ( Lesniak-Walentyn and Hrabia, 2016 ; Hrabia et al, 2018 , 2019 ; Hrabia, 2021 ). Negative control slides were prepared by replacement of the primary antibody with non-immune rabbit or mouse IgG.…”

“…The family of MMPs is divided into several subgroups: collagenases (MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-13, MMP-18), gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), matrilysins (MMP-7, MMP-26), stromelysins (MMP-3, MMP-10, MMP-11), membrane-anchored MMPs (e.g., MMP-14, MMP-16), and other non-classified MMPs ( Murphy and Nagase, 2008 ; Jobin et al, 2017 ). The expression and activity of MMPs are regulated by a number of mechanisms ( Madzharova et al, 2019 ; Bassiouni et al, 2021 ; Hrabia, 2021 ) including inhibition by specific tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4) which act selectively on different MMPs. For example, TIMP-3 preferentially binds to MMP-9, while TIMP-2 has inhibitory activity toward MMP-2 ( Sternlicht and Werb, 2001 ; Murphy, 2011 ; Yamamoto et al, 2015 ).…”

“…The MMP-7, an important matrilysin, degrades not only ECM constituents such as collagen IV, laminin and elastin, but also possesses the ability to cleave molecules that are matrix bound or present on the cell surface including the Fas-ligand, growth factors, and cytokines. Thus, may control cell-extracellular matrix interactions and growth factors bioavailability ( Patterson et al, 2001 ; Page-McCaw et al, 2007 ; Hrabia, 2021 ). Participation of MMPs in ECM turnover and in modulation of cell function in different types of tissues ( Jobin et al, 2017 ; Young et al, 2019 ; Bassiouni et al, 2021 ; Hrabia, 2021 ), including the intestine ( O'Sullivan et al, 2015 ; Maronek et al, 2021 ) is well known.…”

“…Thus, may control cell-extracellular matrix interactions and growth factors bioavailability ( Patterson et al, 2001 ; Page-McCaw et al, 2007 ; Hrabia, 2021 ). Participation of MMPs in ECM turnover and in modulation of cell function in different types of tissues ( Jobin et al, 2017 ; Young et al, 2019 ; Bassiouni et al, 2021 ; Hrabia, 2021 ), including the intestine ( O'Sullivan et al, 2015 ; Maronek et al, 2021 ) is well known. However, in birds, there is limited information available, related to MMP involvement in physiological or pathological processes in the GIT.…”