Introduction
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), also known as type IV collagenase, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including the breakdown of the endometrial lining during menstruation, the formation of new blood vessels (vascularization), and the body's response to injury or infection (inflammatory response). This enzyme possesses several distinct regions, each with a specific function. These regions include a prodomain that is removed for activation, a catalytic domain containing the zinc binding site essential for its enzymatic activity, a fibronectin-like domain thought to be involved in substrate recognition, and a carboxyl-terminal (hemopexin-like) domain with two N-linked glycosylation sites. MMP-2 exhibits broad substrate specificity, capable of degrading various components of the extracellular matrix, including collagens (types IV, V, VII, and X) and gelatin type I. Additionally, it interacts with other molecules like THBS2, TIMP2, Thrombospondin 1, CCL7, and TIMP4, influencing their activities. Interestingly, MMP-2 can undergo autocatalytic cleavage in its C-terminal region, generating a fragment known as PEX, which possesses anti-angiogenic properties. This process appears to be facilitated by the interaction of MMP-2 with integrin β3. Defects in MMP-2 have been linked to a genetic disorder called Torg-Winchester syndrome (TWS), also known as multicentric osteolysis nodulosis and arthropathy (MONA).
Description
Recombinant Human MMP-2, expressed in HEK293 cells, is a precursor form of human MMP-2 encompassing amino acids Ala30 to Cys660. This protein, with a molecular weight of 71 kDa, is engineered with a polyhistidine tag at its C-terminus and purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Physical Appearance
MMP-2 is provided as a clear, sterile solution that has undergone filtration.
Formulation
MMP-2 is supplied in a 0.2 µm filtered solution containing 20 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.4), 150 mM NaCl, and 0.05% Brij 35.
Stability
For short-term storage (up to 2-4 weeks), MMP-2 should be kept at 4°C. For extended storage, it is recommended to store the protein frozen at -20°C. To maintain protein integrity, avoid repeated freezing and thawing cycles.
Purity
The purity of MMP-2 is determined to be greater than 95% using SDS-PAGE analysis.
Biological Activity
The enzymatic activity of MMP-2 is assessed based on its ability to cleave a specific fluorogenic peptide substrate, Mca-PLGL-Dpa-AR-NH2 (available from RND, Catalog # ES001). The specific activity is determined to be greater than 1,000 picomoles per minute per microgram of protein. It's important to note that the recombinant human MMP-2 protein is supplied in its pro-form, which requires activation using p-aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA) for enzymatic activity. Here's a detailed activation protocol: 1. Dilute the MMP-2 protein to a concentration of 100 µg/ml in the Assay Buffer, which consists of 50 mM Tris, 10 mM CaCl2, 150 mM NaCl, 0.05% (w/v) Brij 35, adjusted to pH 7.5. 2. Activate MMP-2 by adding APMA (Sigma, Catalog # A9563) to a final concentration of 1 mM from a 100 mM stock solution prepared in DMSO. 3. Incubate the mixture at 37°C for 1 hour to allow for complete activation.
Synonyms
72 kDa type IV collagenase, 72 kDa gelatinase, Gelatinase A, Matrix metalloproteinase-2, MMP-2, TBE-1, MMP2, CLG4A, CLG4, MONA, MMP-II.