Type-II Transmembrane Prolyl Dipeptidases and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Membrane Vesicles of Active Endothelial Cells

Endothelia cells in sparse culture are migratory and increase the production of gelatinases of serine- and metallo-classes in membrane vesicles. Collectively, proteases associated with membrane vesicles degrade extracellular matrix components including type-I and type-IV collagens, laminin and fibronectin. Inhibitor studies suggest the existence of small gelatinases that were derived from these serine- and metallo-proteases. Thus, further studies are warranted to demonstrate the cooperative action of metallo- and serine proteases on cell surfaces and in extracellular vesicles during endothelial cell migration in 3D collagenous matrices, and potential proteolytic activation mechanism for the…