Matrix metalloproteinase-7 as a surrogate marker predicts renal Wnt/β-catenin activity in CKD

J Am Soc Nephrol. 2012 Feb;23(2):294-304. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2011050490. Epub 2011 Nov 17.

Abstract

A variety of chronic kidney diseases exhibit reactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In some tissues, β-catenin transcriptionally regulates matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), but the association between MMP-7 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chronic kidney disease is unknown. Here, in mouse models of both obstructive nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (adriamycin nephropathy), we observed upregulation of MMP-7 mRNA and protein in a time-dependent manner. The pattern and extent of MMP-7 induction were positively associated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling in these models. Activation of β-catenin through ectopic expression of Wnt1 promoted MMP-7 expression in vivo, whereas delivery of the gene encoding the endogenous Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 abolished its induction. Levels of MMP-7 protein detected in the urine correlated with renal Wnt/β-catenin activity. Pharmacologic blockade of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by paricalcitol inhibited MMP-7 expression in diseased kidneys and reduced the levels detected in the urine. In vitro, β-catenin activation induced the expression and secretion of MMP-7 and promoted the binding of T cell factor to the MMP-7 promoter in kidney epithelial cells. We also observed higher levels of MMP-7 expression, which correlated with β-catenin, in kidney tissue from patients with various nephropathies. In summary, levels of renal MMP-7 correlate with Wnt/β-catenin activity, and urinary MMP-7 may be a noninvasive biomarker of this profibrotic signaling in the kidney.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 / physiology*
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 / urine
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Signal Transduction
  • TCF Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Wnt Proteins / physiology*
  • beta Catenin / physiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cadherins
  • TCF Transcription Factors
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 7