Dr. Garner’s lab has a special interest in the type IV collagenase, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). This protein is known to be involved in keratinocyte migration during wound healing and has been found to be elevated in chronic wound environments. One recent publication evaluated the effect of exogenous MMP-9 on a murine wound model (Reiss, et al). A recent submission by Goldberg, et al examined the effects of MMP-9 and its proenzyme, proMMP-9, on cellular spreading, attachment, migration, and signaling. Another recent submission by Grimm, et al looked at the phenomenon of epithelial-mesenchymal transition that is known to occur during embryogenesis and is now believed to occur at deep epithelial ridges during wound healing. Current work by Travis, et al is looking at characteristics of wound healing in a human skin model engineered with keratinocytes that overproduce MMP-9 embedded in a dermal regeneration matrix. This line of work has also been examining the migration qualities of MMP-9-producing keratinocytes compared to normal human keratinocytes as well as their response to hyperglycemic conditions. Collaborator Yuan-Ping Han is interested in MMP-9 related to liver studies.
