Collagenase-3 (MMP-13) is expressed during human fetal ossification and re-expressed in postnatal bone remodeling and in rheumatoid arthritis.

摘要: To explore possible physiologic functions for the metalloproteinase collagenase-3, we have examined its temporal and spatial expression during human fetal development. Except mesenchymal cells in umbilical cord at 4 weeks of gestation, signal collagenase-3 mRNA was confined to mineralizing skeletal tissue detected hypertrophic chondrocytes osteoblastic involved ossification beginning 10 continuing through gestation. These were also immunoreactive with antiserum, indicating their ability produce protein. In cells, membrane-type 1 72-kd gelatinase mRNA, which capacity activate vitro, colocalized that collagenase-3. postnatal tissues, re-expressed processes involving remodeling, such as bone cysts ectopic cartilage formation. Multinucleated osteoclasts consistently negative Furthermore, patients seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, prominent articular cartilage, protein by immunoblotting synovial fluids. Consistent substrate specificities, a plausible function these is preferentially degrade type II collagen, thus serving role primary ossification, destructive joint disease.