MMP9: A novel function in synaptic plasticity

• Published in: The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology Vol. 44; no. 5; pp. 709 - 713
• Main Authors: Dziembowska, Magdalena, Wlodarczyk, Jakub
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2012
• Subjects: Brain; cell biology; Dendritic spine morphology; Dendritic Spines - physiology; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Precursors - genetics; Enzyme Precursors - metabolism; Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials; gelatinase B; Gene Expression Regulation - physiology; Hippocampus - physiology; Humans; Long-Term Potentiation - physiology; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 - genetics; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 - metabolism; Matrix metalloproteinase-9; Memory and learning processes; messenger RNA; Models, Molecular; Neuronal Plasticity - physiology; neurons; RNA, Messenger - biosynthesis; secretion; Synapses - physiology; Synaptic plasticity; translation (genetics); Matrix metalloproteinase-9; Dendritic spine morphology; Brain; Memory and learning processes; Synaptic plasticity
• ISSN: 1357-2725; 1878-5875; 1878-5875
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.01.023

► MMP-9 mRNA is locally translated in neurons and released in response to enhanced synaptic activity. ► MMP-9 is present at the dendritic spines bearing asymmetric synapses. ► MMP-9 influences dendritic spine morphology and plays a key role in synaptic plasticity associated with learning and memory. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), an extracellularly acting, Zn2+-dependent endopeptidase is a subject to complex regulation at the level of transcription, mRNA dendritic translocation, and local translation as well as protein activation, as it is released extracellularly in a latent, pro-form with the enzymatic site covered by a propeptide that has to be cleaved off to reveal the activity. In neurons, MMP-9 is present at the postsynaptic domains of excitatory synapses. Here, we review the role of MMP-9 in induction of structural dendritic spine modifications and in synaptic plasticity. In particular, we focus on local translation, activity-dependent secretion and activation of MMP-9 leading to its role in long term potentiation and regulation of remodeling of dendritic spines.