Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), also known as interstitial collagenase, is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. These enzymes are responsible for the degradation of extracellular matrix components, playing a crucial role in tissue remodeling, wound healing, and various pathological processes such as arthritis and cancer metastasis. MMP-1 specifically targets interstitial collagens, including types I, II, and III, breaking down their triple-helical structure.
Human recombinant MMP-1 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the human MMP-1 gene into a host cell to produce the enzyme. The recombinant form of MMP-1 is often used in research to study its structure, function, and role in various biological processes. The recombinant enzyme is typically expressed in different host systems, including bacterial, yeast, and insect cells.
Sf9 cells, derived from the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), are commonly used in the baculovirus expression system for producing recombinant proteins. This system is advantageous due to its high expression levels, proper protein folding, and post-translational modifications. Human recombinant MMP-1 produced in Sf9 cells is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 460 amino acids, with a molecular mass of approximately 53.1 kDa .
The preparation of human recombinant MMP-1 in Sf9 cells involves several steps:
MMP-1 initiates the breakdown of interstitial collagens by cleaving the triple-helical structure of these collagens. The enzyme’s activity is often measured using fluorogenic peptide substrates, which release a fluorescent signal upon cleavage by MMP-1. This allows researchers to quantify the enzyme’s activity and study its kinetics.
The biological activity of recombinant MMP-1 is crucial for understanding its role in physiological and pathological processes. For instance, MMP-1’s ability to degrade collagen is essential for tissue remodeling but can also contribute to disease progression in conditions like arthritis and cancer.