Expression analysis of the entire MMP and TIMP gene families during mouse tissue development.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and adamalysins (ADAMs) cleave many extracellular proteins, including matrix, growth factors, and receptors. We profiled the RNA levels of every MMP, several ADAMs, and inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs and RECK) in numerous mouse tissues during development and in the uterus during pregnancy. Observations include: most secreted MMPs are expressed at low to undetectable levels in tissues, whereas membrane-bound MMPs, ADAMs and inhibitors are abundant; almost every proteinase and inhibitor is present in the uterus or placenta at some time during gestation; the mouse collagenases mColA and mColB are found exclusively in the uterus and testis; and each tissue has its unique signature of proteinase and inhibitor expression.

The POU homeodomain protein OCT3 as a potential transcriptional activator for fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4) in human breast cancer cells.

The POU (representing a homeodomain protein family of which the founder members are Pit-1, Oct-1/2 and Unc-86) homeodomain protein OCT3/Oct-3 (where OCT stands for octamer-binding protein) is an embryonic transcription factor expressed in oocytes, embryonic stem and embryonic carcinoma cells. We have demonstrated previously that human breast cancer cells regain the ability to express OCT3 mRNA [Jin, Branch, Zhang, Qi, Youngson and Goss (1999) Int. J.

Identification of an initiator-like element essential for the expression of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-4 (Timp-4) gene.

We have used real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (TaqMan) to quantify the expression of the four tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (Timp) genes in mouse tissues during development and in the adult. Among the four Timp genes, Timp-4 shows the most restricted pattern of expression, with highest RNA levels in brain, heart and testes. These data indicate that in the brain, Timp-4 transcripts are temporally regulated during development, becoming more abundant than those of the other Timps after birth.

An improved polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of Tritrichomonas foetus in cattle.

An improved polymerase chain reaction test has been developed to detect Tritrichomonas foetus, the causative agent of trichomoniasis in cattle. The test amplifies a region of the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene of T.

Subtilisin proprotein convertase-6 expression in the mouse uterus during implantation and artificially induced decidualization.

During implantation, a balance of factors regulates the invasive properties of the embryo and the anti-invasive properties of uterine decidua. Although antiproteinases such as the metalloproteinase inhibitor TIMP-3 are thought to play critical roles in preventing the overaggressive invasion of trophoblasts, the mechanism of antiproteinase regulation is unknown. Recently, the prohormone convertase SPC-6 has been found to be co-expressed in embryo-proximal decidua in association with TIMP-3.