A new redox-dependent mechanism of MMP-1 activity control comprising reduced low-molecular-weight thiols and oxidizing radicals

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zinc-dependent proteinases, participate in remodeling and degradation of the extracellular matrix proteins. The activity of MMPs is thought to be predominately posttranslationally regulated via proteolytic activation of precursor zymogens or via their naturally occurring endogenous inhibitors. Here, using recombinant MMP-1, we investigated new redox-dependent mechanisms of proteinase activity regulation by low-molecular-weight thiols. We find that glutathione (GSH), cysteine, homocysteine, and N -acetylcysteine at physiological concentrations competitively reduce MMP-1 activity up to 75% with an efficiency of cysteine ≥ GSH > homocysteine > N -acetylcysteine. In contrast, S -derivatized thiols completely lack this inhibitory activity. Interestingly, the competitive GSH-mediated inhibition of MMP-1-activity can be fully reversed abrogated by oxidizing radicals like • NO 2 or Trolox radicals, here generated by UVA irradiation of nitrite or Trolox, two relevant agents in human skin physiology. This redox-dependent reactivation of the inactive GSH–MMP-1-complex comprises GSH oxidation and is significantly inhibited in the presence of ascorbic acid, an effective • NO 2 and Trolox radical scavenger. We here offer a new concept of redox-sensitive control of MMP-1 activity based on the inhibitory effect of reduced thiols and reactivation by a mechanism comprising derivatization or oxidation of the MMP-1-bound inhibitory-acting thiol.