Insights into the Structure and Domain Flexibility of Full-Length Pro-Matrix Metalloproteinase-9/Gelatinase B

Gabriel Rosenblum, Philippe E. Van den Steen, Sidney R. Cohen, J. Günter Grossmann, Jessica Frenkel, Rotem Sertchook, Nelle Slack, Richard W. Strange, Ghislain Opdenakker, Irit Sagi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

107 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The multidomain zinc endopeptidase matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a recognized therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases, vascular pathologies, and cancer. Despite its importance, structural characterization of full-length pro-MMP-9 is incomplete. Here, we report the structural model of full-length pro-MMP-9 and, in particular, the molecular character of its unique proline-rich and heavily O-glycosylated (OG) domain. Using a powerful combination of small-angle X-ray scattering and single-molecule imaging, we demonstrate that pro-MMP-9 possesses an elongated structure with two terminal globular domains connected by an unstructured OG domain. Image analysis highlights the flexibility of the OG domain, implicating its role in the varied enzyme conformations and in facilitating independent movements of the terminal domains. This may endorse recognition, binding, and processing of substrates, ligands, as well as receptors and marks this domain as an additional target for the design of selective regulators.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1227-1236
Number of pages10
JournalStructure
Volume15
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Oct 2007

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Structural Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Insights into the Structure and Domain Flexibility of Full-Length Pro-Matrix Metalloproteinase-9/Gelatinase B'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this