4-Methylumbelliferone induces the expression of membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase in cultured human skin fibroblasts

Human skin fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of 4-methylumbelliferone, an inhibitor of hyaluronan synthesis. Gelatinolytic activity excreted in the medium was examined by zymography and gelatinase assay using a fluorogenic substrate. 4-Methylumbelliferone added to the medium activated the latent form of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Immunoblot analysis also showed the conversion of the latent form of...