MMP14 is required for delamination of chick neural crest cells independently of its catalytic activity

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.183954
• Publication Date: 2020-04-12T17:05:12Z
• Authors: Cyril Andrieu; Audrey Montigny; Anne Bibonne; Evangeline Despin...; Dominique Alfandari; Eric Théveneau
• Keywords: Matrix (chemical analysis)

ABSTRACT Matrix metalloproteinases have a broad spectrum of substrates ranging from extracellular matrix components and adhesion molecules to chemokines growth factors. Despite being mostly secreted, MMPs been detected in the cytosol, mitochondria or nucleus. Although most attention is focused on their role remodeling, diversity complex trafficking open possibility for non-canonical functions. Yet vivo examples experimental demonstration physiological relevance such activities are rare. Here, we used chick neural crest (NC) cells, highly migratory stem cell population likened invasive cancer as model epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We demonstrate that MMP14 required NC delamination. Interestingly, this independent its cytoplasmic tail catalytic activity. Our data indicate that, addition late pro-invasive factor, also likely be an early player, owing EMT.