Caveolin-1 is a negative regulator of MMP-1 gene expression in human dermal fibroblasts via inhibition of Erk1/2/Ets1 signaling pathway.

backgroundCaveolar raft domains, also termed caveolae, are flask shaped invaginations that require the expression of the structural protein caveolin-1 (cav-1). Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) is a collagenase capable of degrading insoluble triple helical collagens. Deregulation of MMP-1 contributes to various pathological processes, including tissue fibrosis and impaired wound healing.

objectiveIn this study we investigated the role of cav-1 in MMP-1 gene regulation in human dermal fibroblasts.

methodsFibroblasts were isolated from healthy subjects. Western blot was used to analyze protein levels and quantitative real time RT-PCR was used to measure mRNA expression. Cells were transiently transfected with siRNA oligos against acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) and cav-1, or transduced with adenoviruses overexpressing ASMase and cav-1. The specific pharmacological inhibitors UO126 and SP600125 were used to block Erk1/2 and JNK activity.

resultsThis study shows that siRNA-mediated depletion of ASMase or cav-1, results in upregulation of MMP-1 gene expression. Similarly, MMP-1 expression was decreased after overexpresssion of cav-1 via an adenoviral vector. Depletion of cav-1 had no effect on JNK phosphorylation, while it resulted in an increase in Erk1/2 and Ets1 phosphorylation levels. Furthermore, in cav-1 depleted cells treated with the Erk inhibitor UO126, there was no increase in the levels of phospho-Erk1/2, phospho-Ets1, and MMP-1, suggesting that cav-1 mediated effects on MMP-1 and phospho-Ets1 are Erk1/2 dependent.

conclusionsIn conclusion, this study has revealed an important role for cav-1 as a negative regulator of MMP-1 gene expression via inhibition of Erk1/2/Ets1 signaling. Cav-1 could potentially be a therapeutic target in diseases with deregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover.