Newly Generated Heparanase Knock-Out Mice Unravel Co-Regulation of Heparanase and Matrix Metalloproteinases

1Studies on the involvement of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules in cell attachment, growth and differentiation revealed a central role of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in embryogenesis, morphogenesis, angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions,,. Heparan sulfate (HS) chains interact with a multitude of proteins and ensure that a wide variety of bioactive molecules (e.g.-growth factors, chemokines, lipoproteins, enzymes) bind to the cell surface and ECM. HSPGs can thus influence a number of normal and pathological processes, among which are tissue repair, neurite outgrowth, inflammation and autoimmunity, tumor growth and metastasis, vasculogenesis and angiogenesis,,,,. The ECM provides an essential physical barrier between cells and tissues, as well as a scaffold for cell growth, migration, differentiation and survival. It undergoes continuous remodeling during development and in certain pathological conditions such as wound healing, inflammation and cancer. Cleavage of HS side chains is therefore expected not only to alter the structural integrity of the ECM, but also to release and modulate the activities of HS-bound biological mediators.

2Mutational studies in drosophila and targeted disruption of murine genes involved in HS biosynthesis, or encoding HSPG core proteins, have demonstrated a critical role for HSPGs in developmental processes,,. The observed phenotypes vary dramatically in severity, from failure to gastrulate to selective impairment of mast cell function in otherwise seemingly healthy mice.

3Heparanase is an endo-β-D-glucuronidase capable of cleaving HS side chains at a limited number of sites,,. Heparanase activity has been correlated and causally associated with the metastatic potential of tumor-derived cells, attributed to enhanced cell dissemination as a consequence of HS cleavage and remodeling of the ECM barrier,. Similarly, heparanase activity is implicated in neovascularization, inflammation and autoimmunity, involving migration of vascular endothelial cells and activated cells of the immune system,,. Moreover, heparanase upregulation correlates with increased tumor vascularity and poor post-operative survival of cancer patients,,,.

4The present study focuses on the generation of heparanase deficient mice by gene targeting. Despite complete lack of heparanase gene expression and enzymatic activity, the mice developed normally, were fertile and did not exhibit apparent anatomical and functional abnormalities, presumably because heparanase deficiency was compensated in most organs (i.e., liver, kidney) by a marked elevation in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase i.e., MMP-9 and MMP-14 family members. This newly discovered association between heparanase and MMPs suggests a combined interdependent control mechanism regulating the basal level of ECM degrading enzymes in cells and tissues.

5A 15-kb genomic clone containing the 5′ end of the heparanase gene (Hpse) was isolated from a bacteriophage mouse (strain 129/Sv) genomic library (Stratagene, Cedar Creek, TX). A 2.5-kb fragment upstream of exon 1 was cloned, as the short homologous arm, into pNT-Lox2 plasmid (kindly provided by Dr. Peter Carmeliet, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Catholic University, Leuven, Belgium) downstream of the neomycin resistance gene (neo cassette). A 4.8-kb fragment downstream of exon 1 was cloned upstream of the neo cassette as the long homologous arm of the endogenous gene. The targeting vector construct had a total size of about 14.5-kb.

6The targeting vector was linearized by the restriction enzyme Not I and electroporated into R1 embryonic stem (ES) cells. Clones expressing the neo-resistant gene were selected by including G418 (350 µg/ml; Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) in the cell culture medium and analyzed for target gene homologous recombination by Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA. The positive clones were injected into C57BL/6 blastocysts, and chimeric male founder mice were crossed with C57BL/6 females. Heterozygous mice were further crossed for 10 generations with C57BL/6J mice to produce Hpse-KO mice on a C57BL/6J background. All animal experiments were conducted in compliance with the Swedish and the Israeli legislation for animal welfare. All the animal experiments were approved by the animal committees of the Hebrew University, Jerusalem Israel (MD-89.49-4) and the Biomedical Center, University of Uppsala, Sweden (C176/2) according to the NIH guidelines.

7The genotype was determined by Southern blot analysis and PCR. Briefly, genomic DNA extracted from ES cells or tail biopsies was digested with either EcoRV or Sca1. The resulting fragments were separated on 0.8% agarose gels and blotted onto a Nylon membrane, followed by hybridization with 32P-labeled probe #3, as shown in Figure 1A.

8Total RNA was isolated from about 100 mg tissue using TRIzol (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA), according to the manufacturer's instructions, and quantified by spectrophotometry. After oligo (dT)-primed reverse transcription of 500 ng of total RNA, the resulting single stranded cDNA was amplified using the primers listed in Table 1. PCR conditions for heparanase were denaturation for 2 min at 94°C followed by 25 cycles of denaturation for 15 seconds at 94°C, annealing for 1 min at 58°C, and extension for 1 minute at 72°C. Aliquots (10 µl) of the amplified products were separated by electrophoresis on a 1.5% agarose gel and visualized by ethidium bromide staining (Hy Labs, Rehovot, Israel). The primers used for PCR are summarized in Table 1.

9Bovine corneal endothelial cells were established and cultured as described. For preparation of sulfate-labeled ECM, corneal endothelial cells were cultured in the presence of Na2[35S]O4 (GE Healthcare Bioscience, Uppsala, Sweden) added (25 µCi/mL) on days 1 and 5 after seeding. Seven to 10 days later, the cell monolayer was dissolved and the ECM exposed, as described,.

10Heparanase enzymatic activity was determined in blood samples and tissue extracts derived from heparanase deficient (Hpse -KO) and wild type (wt) mice. Serum samples were diluted 1:1 in reaction buffer (20 mM phosphate–citrate buffer pH 6.2, containing 1 mM dithiothreitol, 1 mM CaCl2, and 50 mM NaCl) and incubated (16 h, 37°C) with 35S-labeled ECM, prepared as described above. The incubation medium was centrifuged (20,000×g, 4°C, 1 min), and the supernatant containing 35S-labeled HS degradation fragments was analyzed by gel filtration on a Sepharose CL-6B column. Fractions (0.2 mL) were collected and the amount of radioactivity in each fraction was counted in a beta scintillation counter. Nearly intact HSPGs were eluted from Sepharose 6B just after the void volume (peak I, Kav<0.2), while HS degradation fragments are eluted towards the Vt of the column (peak II, 0.5<kav<0.8),,.

11For analysis of heparanase activity in tissue samples, 4 month old wt and Hpse-KO mice were sacrificed, and the organs were immediately homogenized in 2 ml PBS, pH 7.4, containing 1% Triton X-100 and a protease inhibitor cocktail (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO). The homogenates were incubated on ice for 30 min followed by centrifugation at 4°C, 15,000 rpm for 20 min. The supernatant was loaded onto a HiTrap heparin-Sepharose (GE Healthcare Bioscience) column equilibrated in the homogenization buffer. After washing with 10 ml PBS, the bound material was eluted with PBS containing 1M NaCl. The total amount of protein was determined by the Bradford method. Samples of 50 µg protein from the elution were incubated (37°C, overnight) with 5,000 cpm [3H]acetyl-labeled HS in 20 mM phosphate-citrate buffer, pH 5.8, 1 mM dithiothreitol, 1 mM CaCl2, and 50 mM NaCl. The resulted products were analyzed by gel chromatography on Superose-12 column (GE Healthcare Biosciences).

12Wild type and Hpse-KO mice were injected intra-peritoneally with 0.5 mCi Na2 35SO4 (specific activity 1,500 Ci/mmol; Perkin Elmer, Waltham, MA) and maintained for 45 min with free access to water and food. The animals were then sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the organs were dissected. The tissues were homogenized with a Dounce homogenizer in 6 volumes of ice-cold 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, 1% (v/v) Triton X-100, 4 M urea, 0.25 M NaCl containing a protease inhibitor cocktail (Sigma-Aldrich), followed by incubation at 4°C overnight. Following centrifugation, the supernatants were applied to DEAE-Sephacel columns equilibrated in 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, 0.3 M NaCl. The columns were extensively washed with the same buffer and were then eluted with the same buffer containing 1.5 M NaCl. Eluates were desalted, lyophilized and digested with chondroitinase ABC (Seikagaku, Tokyo, Japan) and benzonase (Merck, San Diego, CA). The digests were then re-applied to DEAE-Sephacel to remove degraded chondroitin sulfate and oligonucleotides. The HSPG fractions eluted with 1.5 M NaCl were pooled for further analysis.

13Gel chromatography of HSPGs and HS free chains was preformed on a Superose 12 column eluted with 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, 1 M NaCl, 0.1% Triton X- 100. To analyze domain organization, HS samples were subjected to cleavage at N-sulfated GlcN residues by treatment with nitrous acid at pH 1.5, followed by reduction with NaB[3H]4. The reduced products were separated by gel chromatography on a column (1×200 cm) of Bio-Gel P-10 (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA) in 0.5 M NaCl. A portion of the nitrous acid degradation products was applied to a Sephadex G-15 column and disaccharides were recovered. After desalting and concentration, the 3H or 35S labeled disaccharides, derived from N-sulfated domains, were further analyzed by anion-exchange HPLC on a Partisil-10 SAX column, as previously described.

14Urine samples (25 µl) were analyzed for total protein and creatinine content, using the automated Kodak 250 system. Blood samples (25 µl) were examined for creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) content, using an automated Kodak 950 system.

15Whole-mount mammary glands, prepared as described, were fixed in Tellys fixative (100 ml EtOH 70%, 5 ml formalin, 5 ml glacial acetic acid), rehydrated and stained with hematoxylin for 3 h. After staining, the glands were washed in tap water (1 h), dehydrated and stored in methyl salicylate.

16Real-time quantitative PCR analysis was performed with an automated rotor gene system RG-3000A (Corbett research, Sydney, Australia). The PCR reaction mix (20 µl) was composed of 10 µl QPCR sybr master mix (finnzymes, Espoo, Finland), 5 µl of diluted cDNA (each sample in a six-plicate) and a final concentration of 0.3 µM of each primer. PCR conditions were as follows: an initial denaturation step at 95°C for 15 min; 40 cycles of denaturation at 94°C for 15 s, hybridization at 57°C for 30 s, and elongation at 72°C for 30 s. The primers used for this reaction are summarized in Table 2. Actin primers were used as an internal standard. The expression level of different MMPs in the wt tissue was regarded as 100%, and the MMP levels in the Hpse-KO mice were calculated relative to this value.

17For immunoblot analysis, aliquots of tissue extracts (50 µg) were separated by electrophoresis in 10% SDS-polyacrylamide gel (PAGE) and transferred to Immobilon-P membrane (Millipore, Bedford, MA). MMP2 was detected by anti-mouse MMP2 monoclonal antibodies 801B (1:150, kindly provided by Dr. Rafael Fridman, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI). β-catenin was detected by anti-mouse monoclonal antibody (1:150, BD transduction laboratories, San Jose, CA), and anti mouse α-tubulin clone B-5-1-2 (1:5000; sigma). Membranes were incubated with primary antibodies for 2 h at room temperature, washed in TTBS and probed with HRP-conjugated secondary antibody (Jackson Laboratories, Bar Harbor, ME). After several washes in TTBS, detection of the secondary antibodies was performed using the SuperSignal Chemiluminescent Substrate system (Pierce, Rockford, IL). The chemical illumination signals were exposed to Fuji medical X-ray film (Super RX).

18Aortic ring assay was performed as previously described. Briefly, 1 mm mouse aortic rings were embedded in 3-dimensional growth factor depleted Matrigel (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA), and incubated in 0.5 ml Bio-MPM (Biological industries, Beit haemek, Israel) in the absence or presence of added FGF-2 (50 ng/mL). The rings were maintained for 6 days (37°C, 8% CO2, humidified atmosphere), and both the medium, and FGF-2 were replaced every 2 days. Vascular sprouting was evaluated every day for a period of 6 days, then fixed with 4% formalin for 24 h and stained with 0.02% crystal violet in ethanol (Sigma-Aldrich), and photographed using a Nikon Eclipse TS 100 phase-contrast microscope.

19Matrigel plug assay was performed as described. Briefly, mice were injected subcutaneously with 200 µL of growth factor depleted Matrigel, supplemented with FGF-2 (80 ng/mL). Seven days later, the Matrigel plugs were excised, photographed, homogenized in a hypotonic lysis buffer (250 µl of 0.1% Brij-35/plug) and centrifuged for 5 min at 5,000 g. The supernatant was used in duplicates to measure hemoglobin with Drabkin's reagent.

20Chromatin Immunoprecipitation assay was performed as described. Briefly, cross-linking between DNA and protein was preformed by adding formaldehyde (Merck) directly into the culture medium of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) derived from wt and Hpse-KO mice. After fixation and lysis, DNA pellets were sonicated into chromatin fragments of an average length of <500 bp. ChIP was performed with anti-β-catenin monoclonal antibody (1:150, BD transduction laboratories, San Jose, CA) preincubated with magnetic bead-conjugated mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) (Dynabeads M-280 sheep anti-mouse IgG, Dynal Biotech ASA) at 4°C, overnight with rotation. Elution of extensively washed immune complexes was carried out by the addition of 50 µL of elution buffer [50 mmol/L Tris-HCl (pH 8), 10 mmol/L EDTA, 1% SDS] at 65°C for 15 min with brief vortexing every 2 min. Reverse cross-linking was carried out by incubating at 65°C for overnight. RNA and unbound proteins were removed by the addition of 0.2 mg/mL RNase A for 1 h at 37°C, followed by the addition of 0.2 mg/mL proteinase K for 2 h at 55°C. Recovered chromatin was suspended in 50 µL TE buffer. Quantitative PCR analysis was performed using 5 µL of immunoprecipitated chromatin or input chromatin using Dynamo sybr master mix (Finnzymes, Espoo, Finland). Amplifications were done using specific primer sets flanking the putative Lef/Tcf motifs in the MMP-14 promoter. MMP14-Pro1: sense 5′-ttccccacccccacacacaa-3′, antisense 5′-caggaataaagccaggtaggaa-3′, MMP14-Pro2: sense 5′-ctacccaggcagttcacactt-3′, antisense 5′-caagagggttgtatgctgaga-3′.

21InStat statistical software, version 3.05 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA), was used to calculate statistical differences between groups (tested by the paired Student's t test). All P values were two-sided.

22We have generated heparanase deficient mice through targeted interruption of the gene in ES cells. A targeting vector was constructed to create a functional mutation by deleting the minimal promoter region (about 500 bp upstream of the transcription start point) and the entire first exon (Fig. 1A). Following electroporation, screening of 400 neo-resistant ES clones resulted in two homologous recombinations in the Hpse gene, identified by Southern blot analysis, with no additional integration sites. Microinjection of both clones into C57BL/6 blastocysts yielded chimeric animals, one of which showed germ line transmission. Breeding of the chimeric mouse with C57BL/6 strain yielded heterozygous mice which did not show any overt defects.

23Genotypic analysis of offsprings from intercrosses between heterozygous littermates (Fig. 1B) showed essentially Mendelian heritance, indicating no early embryonic death. To confirm complete interruption of the Hpse gene, we examined the expression of heparanase mRNA derived from different tissues of wt and Hpse-KO mice by real time PCR using specific primers as summarized in Table 1. The primers were designed to amplify the 5′, middle, and 3′ regions of the heparanase gene. As shown in figure 1C, heparanase mRNA was detected only in samples derived from wt mice, but not in samples from the Hpse-KO mice.

24To verify the elimination of heparanase enzymatic activity, we analyzed 4 blood serum samples and 3 tissues from wt and Hpse-KO mice using sulfate labeled intact ECM (Fig. 1D) or soluble HS side chains (Fig. 1E) as substrates. Regardless of the assay system, none of the samples from Hpse-KO mice showed heparanase activity, while the wt samples exhibited normal levels of heparanase activity (Fig. 1D and E). The degradation pattern exhibited by Hpse-KO derived serum samples is identical to that demonstrated by JAR human choriocarcinoma cells (Fig. 1D) shown to have no heparanase activity due to extensive promoter hypermethylation. Of particular significance is the lack of heparanase activity in serum samples containing activated platelets and white blood cells known to express exceedingly high levels of the enzyme. As demonstrated in figure 1D, blood samples derived from wt mice exhibited high levels of heparanase activity, as detected by the large amount of low molecular weight material eluted in fractions 20–40 (Fig. 1D, peak II). Labelled fragments eluted in peak II were shown to be degradation products of HS, as they were 5–6 fold smaller than intact HS chains of HSPGs, resistant to further digestion with papain and chondroitinase ABC, and susceptible to deamination by nitrous acid. In contrast, blood samples derived from Hpse-KO mice exhibited no heparanase activity as revealed by the lack of HS degradation fragments (peak II) and the release of high molecular weight material eluted in fractions 5–10 (peak I, Fig. 1D). This material, representing nearly intact HSPGs, is produced by proteolytic cleavage of the proteoglycan core protein by proteases residing in the ECM and cell lysate. Similarly, there was no cleavage of 3H-labeled HS upon incubation with extracts of liver, kidney and spleen derived from Hpse-KO mice (peak I) vs. a significant degradation of HS upon incubation with the corresponding wt tissue extracts (peak II, Fig. 1E). Altogether, these data clearly demonstrate complete elimination of heparanase enzymatic activity in the Hpse-KO mice.

25The homozygous mutant animals showed no obvious aberrant phenotype, were fertile and exhibited a normal life span. To examine any possible age-related phenotypes, 6-, 12- and 18-month old mice were sacrificed and organs were dissected and fixed in a solution containing 96% ethanol, 1% glacial acetic acid and 3% distilled water. Paraffin embedded tissue sections were stained with hematoxilin and eosin. Histological examination of sections derived from the brain, heart, liver, lung, kidney and spleen did not reveal significant structural or pathological abnormalities in the Hpse-KO mice (not shown).

26As degradation of HS is the major function of heparanase, we first examined the size of HS derived from selected organs. For this purpose, adult mice were metabolically labeled with Na2 35SO4 and total HS was isolated and subjected to gel filtration chromatography. As demonstrated in figure 2, HS chains from Hpse-KO liver (Fig. 2A, B) and kidney (Fig. 2C, D) were of higher molecular mass in comparison to HS extracted from wt tissues (Fig. 2). In addition, the elution peaks of free HS chains isolated from Hpse-KO tissues appeared narrower and more symmetrical (Fig. 2B,D), indicating less heterogeneity in size distribution in comparison with the elution profile of HS side chains isolated from wt tissues (the overall broad size of peaks reflects the state of HS biosynthesis). Structural analysis of HS sulfation and disaccharide composition did not show a detectable difference between samples derived from wt and Hpse-KO tissues (not shown).

27To examine the role of heparanase and effect of HS structural alternations on liver and kidney function, blood samples were taken from 15 wt and 15 Hpse-KO mice, before and after a 72h fasting. Samples were analysed for total protein and contents of creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). No significant differences between wt and Hpse-KO mice were detected, both before and after fasting (data not shown). Furthermore, since platelets contain high amount of heparanase, blood samples were also examined for coagulation properties (i.e., APTT). Again, there was no significant difference between the Hpse-KO and wt mice (not shown).

28We have previously reported that transgenic virgin mice over-expressing the human heparanase gene (hpa-tg mice) exhibited abnormal abundant branching of ducts in the mammary gland and precocious alveolar structures, typical of pregnant mice. Notably, these differences decreased during late stages of pregnancy and during involution and did not affect the function of the mammary gland. To our surprise, a similar morphology was noted in the mammary glands of 3-month old virgin homozygous Hpse-KO mice (Fig. 3, right panels), as compared to poorly developed mammary glands seen in the wt virgin mice (Fig. 3, Left panels). However, unlike the hpa-tg vs. control mice, there was no significant difference between the wt and Hpse-KO mice in the width of the primary ducts.

29The involvement of heparanase in cell migration and angiogenesis is well documented. We have, therefore, evaluated the effect of heparanase knockout on endothelial cell migration and sprouting. First, we applied an ex vivo aortic ring assay. Briefly, 8 wt and 8 Hpse-KO mice were sacrificed and their aortas were cleaned and cut into 1–2 mm thick rings. The rings were embedded in growth factor-depleted Matrigel and examined for endothelial sprouting upon simulation with FGF-2 (50 ng/ml). As expected, in the absence of FGF-2 there was little or no sprouting in either the wt or Hpse-KO rings (not shown). Upon stimulation with FGF-2, both wt and Hpse-KO rings showed endothelial sprouting (Fig. 4A). Notably, Hpse-KO derived rings exhibited a more pronounced sprouting (Fig. 4A, right panels) compared to wt aortic rings (Fig. 4A, left panels), suggesting an increased response to FGF-2 stimulation.

30To validate the ex vivo results, we performed an in vivo angiogenesis assay. For this purpose, Matrigel supplemented with FGF-2 was implanted subcutaneously and formation of a capillary network within the Matrigel implants was visualized. Seven days after implantation, mice (n = 8) were sacrificed and the plugs were evaluated for neovascularization by measuring the content of hemoglobin in the Matrigel plug. A profound angiogenic response was induced by Matrigel-embedded FGF-2 in the Hpse-KO mice (Fig. 4B, bottom) compared with wt mice (Fig. 4B, top), corroborating the ex-vivo results. Determination of hemoglobin revealed a 2.6-fold increase in the hemoglobin content of Matrigel plugs embedded in Hpse-KO compared to wt mice (55.75±7.18 mg/dl vs. 21±6.25 mg/dl; p≤0.0002, respectively) (Fig. 4B, right).

31The unexpected result of abnormal mammary gland morphology and increased neovascularization in Hpse-KO mice led us to search for a possible explanation for this phenotype. The immediate question was whether other ECM degrading enzyme(s) were compensating for the lack of heparanase expression. Hpa2, a gene exhibiting significant homology (∼38%) to the heparanase gene, but lacking a detectable heparanase enzymatic activity, was the first candidate to examine. For this purpose, total RNA extracted from the kidney, liver and mammary gland of Hpse-KO and wt mice, was analyzed using specific primers corresponding to Hpa2 (Table 2). Analysis of Hpa2 expression in the different tissues revealed no significant difference between wt and Hpse-KO mice (Fig. 5). These results were further corroborated by Western blot of Hpa2 showing no difference in protein level between Hpse-KO and wt mice (not shown). Moreover, the increased HS length found in Hpse-KO mice does not support upregulation of additional heparanase-like enzyme. Taking into account that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in rearranging the ECM structure and thereby in tissue remodeling, morphogenesis and neovascularization, we investigated the expression of MMPs (real-time PCR) in the Hpse-KO vs. wt mice. For this purpose, the RNA samples were further analyzed using specific primers corresponding to MMP-2, -3, -9, -14 and -25 (Table 2). The results (Fig. 6A) indicated that the lack of heparanase expression was associated with marked changes in the expression levels of several members of the MMP family. MMP-2 was over-expressed (2–3.5 fold) in all samples extracted from Hpse-KO vs. wt mice. MMP-14 was over-expressed (4–7 fold) in the liver and kidney, but down regulated (∼4 fold) in mammary glands derived from Hpse-KO vs. wt mice. MMP-9 and MMP-25 expression levels were altered, albeit to a lower extent, depending on the tissue (Fig. 6A).

32These results were further corroborated by Western blot analysis revealing increased levels of the MMP-2 protein in homogenized samples extracted from the liver, kidney and mammary glands of Hpse-KO vs. wt mice (Fig. 6B). We also investigated whether the increased expression of MMP-2 is manifested by elevated MMP-2 enzymatic activity. For this purpose, plasma samples derived from wt and Hpse-KO blood were subjected to zymography and evaluated for MMP-2 activity. MMP-2 activity was approximately 3 fold higher in plasma samples derived from Hpse-KO vs. wt mice (Fig. 6C).

33Next, we sought to investigate a possible molecular pathway involved in the interaction between heparanase and MMPs. Since β-catenin was previously implicated in MMP regulation,, we evaluated its content and staining pattern in tissues derived from wt and Hpse-KO mice by examining β-catenin accumulation. Western blot analysis of tissue extracts revealed accumulation of β-catenin in the soluble fraction of liver, kidney and mammary glands derived from Hpse-KO compared to wt mice (Fig. 6B, middle panel). Similarly, immunostaining of kidney tissue sections derived from wt and Hpse-KO mice (Fig. 6D) revealed a marked increase in β-catenin staining in Hpse-KO kidneys, corroborating the Western blot results.

34The increased levels of MMPs and β-catenin prompted us to apply chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis to test whether β-catenin binds directly to the MMP promoter. For this purpose, murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) derived from Hpse-KO and wt mice were first examined for MMP expression. As demonstrated in figure 7A, MMP-9 was 2 fold over expressed and MMP-2 was 4-fold under expressed in Hpse-KO compared to wt derived MEF. MMP-14 exhibited a marked 30 fold increased expression in Hpse-KO MEF and thus was chosen for ChIP analysis. Matinspector 2.2 promoter analysis software revealed two putative binding sites for the Lef/Tcf motif in the murine MMP-14 promoter, at positions −473 and −1057 from the transcription starting point (Fig. 7B). Following chemical cross-linking, chromatin was isolated from Hpse-KO and wt MEF, as described in ‘Materials and Methods’. The cross-linked chromatin was sonicated to ≤500-bp fragments and immunoprecipitated with anti β-catenin antibody. DNA obtained from the immunoprecipitated chromatin was amplified using two sets of MMP-14 promoter-specific primers (MMP14-Pro 1 & 2), flanking the two putative Lef/Tcf motifs (Fig. 7B), as well as a set of primers specific to the unrelated actin gene sequence, to normalize for equal chromatin amounts. Quantitative real time PCR revealed a 3–4 fold enrichment of MMP-14 promoter sequences in the two Lef/Tcf sites of Hpse-KO vs. wt MEF (Fig. 7C). No enrichment was observed when antibody directed against an irrelevant protein (Flt-1 tyrosine kinase receptor) was used for the ChIP analysis (data not shown). These results indicate direct binding of β-catenin to MMP-14 gene regulatory sequences.

35To further investigate the interrelation between heparanase and MMPs, we transfected human breast carcinoma MDA-NB-231 cells, normally expressing moderate levels of heparanase, with either active or double mutant heparanase (active site Gln 225 and Gln 343 replaced by Ala) lacking enzymatic activity. Both, the active and inactive mutant heparanase were ∼30 fold over-expressed in the Hpse-transfected cells as compared to mock transfected cells (Fig. 8A). As demonstrated in Fig. 8B, cells transfected with active heparanase exhibited a marked decrease in expression of MMP-2 (5.8 fold), MMP-9 (6.5 fold) and MMP-14 (3 fold), a mirror image of the increased expression found in Hpse-KO mice. In contrast, transfecting the MDA-231 cells with the double mutant inactive heparanase did not affect MMP expression (Fig. 8B), indicating that heparanase enzymatic activity is involved in the observed regulation of MMP expression.

36HS glycosaminoglycans bind to and assemble ECM proteins (i.e., laminin, fibronectin, collagen type IV) and thereby contribute significantly to the self assembly and integrity of the ECM. HS also play important roles in cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions,,,, as well as in physiological and pathological processes such as tissue morphogenesis and repair, vascularization and cancer metastasis,,. Over expression of heparanase, the predominant HS degrading enzyme, in transgenic mice and tumor tissues resulted in pronounced structural alterations of HS. Heparanase is therefore expected to exert significant effects on embryonic development and tissue morphogenesis and function.

37Here, we describe, for the first time, the generation of heparanase null mice. Southern blot analysis revealed specific integration of the vector, thereby deleting a part of the promoter and the first exon. This specific integration resulted in complete abolishment of heparanase mRNA expression and enzymatic activity, as revealed by PCR analysis applying 3 different pairs of primers and lack of heparanase enzymatic activity in blood samples and tissue extracts of the Hpse-KO mice. Generation of heparanase KO mice was further demonstrated by biochemical analysis revealing longer and more homogenous HS chains in Hpse-KO compared to wt mice. This molecular profile of HS is a mirror image of that found in heparanase over-expressing transgenic mice. There were no significant differences in sulfation level and disaccharide composition.

38HS structure and composition are known to affect embryonic development and tissue remodelling,. Surprisingly, either shorter or longer HS chains failed to significantly affect embryonic development and life span of our Hpse transgenic or null mice, suggesting a large degree of flexibility in HS chain length in affecting organ development and tissue function. The fact that HS chains were longer and that there was no apparent degradation of HS in the Hspe-KO mice further supports the notion that heparanase is the predominant and likely only functional endoglycosidase capable of degrading HS.

39Previous studies implicated heparanase in various normal and pathological processes ranging from bone remodelling, hair growth and kidney function to cancer metastasis, inflammation and angiogenesis,,,,,. Heparanase is thought to act both as a hydrolytic enzyme, facilitating cell migration and release of ECM-resident bioactive factors, and as a signalling molecule, independent of its enzymatic activity,,. Nevertheless, the Hpse-KO mice appeared normal, phenotypically and histologically, exhibiting a normal litter size and life expectancy. There were no detectable differences between the Hpse-KO and wt mice in platelet, kidney and liver functions, nor in their response to insults such as hepatectomy, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction or wound healing (our unpublished results). Unexpectedly, we noticed an increased angiogenic response, both ex-vivo and in-vivo, and over branching of ducts in mammary glands of the Hpse-KO vs. their wt counterpart mice.

40The lack of a major phenotype in the Hpse-KO mice could be attributed to changes in the expression levels of MMP family members, primarily MMP-2 and MMP-14, observed in the Hpse-KO mice. MMPs (i.e., MMP-2, MMP-14, MMP-9) degrade the ECM and, similar to heparanase, release bioactive molecules that are stored in the ECM, including, for example, pro-angiogenic factors such as FGF-2, VEGF and HGF,,. MMPs, particularly stromolysin, are also involved in morphogenesis and over branching of the mammary gland. It is therefore conceivable that MMPs may compensate for the lack of heparanase activity and hence mask some of the effects associated with its deficiency. In fact, at least 14 different MMP knockout mice have been generated, all of which survived to birth and exhibited notably subtle phenotypes. This observation was attributed to the fact that MMPs have many overlapping substrates in vitro, resulting in a possible redundancy in vivo. Unlike the large number of MMPs, a single functional heparanase appears to be used by cells to degrade the HS side chains of HSPGs, making it an ideal target for gene disruption. The present study suggests that heparanase, despite of having a different type of substrate, may, in some aspects, share redundancy with MMP family members by virtue of its action on a common global substrate, namely the extracellular matrix and basement membrane.

41The observed accumulation of β-catenin in Hpse-KO tissues and the increased occupation of the MMP-14 promoter by β-catenin, suggest a possible molecular pathway linking heparanase and MMPs. β-Catenin, previously implicated in regulating the expression of MMP-7,, MMP-14, MMP-2 and MMP-9, is a central mediator in the canonical Wnt signaling cascade involved in developmental processes. It is conceivable that ECM remodelling and tissue morphogenesis in the Hpse-KO mice are mediated by activation of the β-catenin pathway and the associated upregulation of MMPs.

42Over-expression of heparanase in breast carcinoma cells (MDA-MB-231) was associated with a marked decrease in the expression of MMP family members, yielding a mirror image of the results obtained with the Hpse-KO mice. Notably, this effect was dependent on heparanase enzymatic activity. Thus, when the cells were transfected with mutant heparanase lacking enzymatic activity, there was no change in MMP expression. It should be noted that not all MMPs are upregulated in response to heparanase gene silencing. Thus, unlike liver and kidney, we observed, for example, a decrease in MMP-14 and MMP-25 in the mammary glands of Hpse-KO mice (not shown), suggesting that a tissue specific co-regulation of heparanase and MMPs should be taken into account. Similarly, it appears that in a given tissue some MMPs are upregulated while other can be downregulated in response to heparanase gene knock out. Co-regulation of heparanase and MMP-9 expression was recently demonstrated in myeloma cells. In this system, however, transfection of heparanase into myeloma cells, or addition of recombinant active heparanase enhanced their expression of pro MMP-9 in vitro and knockdown of heparanase expression in wt myeloma cells reduced the level of MMP-9 expression. This effect is likely mediated by ERK signaling. Regardless of the mode of action, it appears that heparanase may function as a master regulator of protease expression and activity within tissues and the tumor microenvironment during the course of tissue morphogenesis and tumor progression. The newly identified interrelation between the two types of distinct ECM degrading enzymes, MMPs which degrade proteins and heparanase degrading HS saccharide chains, suggests a co-regulatory mechanism that affects the expression of both types of enzymes. It appears that a common cellular sensor monitors the need for ECM remodelling and regulates the balance between heparanase and MMP expression. It is conceivable that this putative sensor is activated upon release from the ECM depot, and, as proposed in our study, regulates MMP expression via the β-catenin pathway.

43Unexpectedly, both overbranching of mammary glands and the enhanced angiogenic response observed in the Hpse-KO mice resembled the phenotype seen in heparanase over-expressing transgenic mice. This presumed incongruity could be explained by the fact that both mammary morphogenesis and the angiogenic process involve massive ECM remodelling. In both the Hpse-KO and hpa-tg mice, regulation of heparanase expression levels appears to be compromised by up- and down- regulation of MMPs, respectively. The overall end morphological appearance is the net result of the balance and co-regulation of ECM-degrading enzymes such as heparanase and MMPs.

44Heparanase has been previously shown to affect gene expression. We have demonstrated, for example, that over-expression of the heparanase gene and even exogenous addition of recombinant heparanase, up-regulate the expression of VEGF and tissue factor. Applying the hpa-tg and Hpse-KO mouse models, we have demonstrated up-regulation and down-regulation (our unpublished results) of tissue factor levels, in vivo. Preliminary gene array studies indicate that other genes are affected, as well. It has also been demonstrated that nuclear translocation of heparanase is associated with induction of gene expression and cell differentiation,. It is, therefore, not surprising that heparanase gene silencing and/or over expression affect the expression of other ECM-degrading enzymes such as MMPs.

45Numerous studies emphasize the involvement of MMPs and heparanase in disease situations associated with cancer metastasis, angiogenesis and inflammation,,,,. Hence, the observed regulatory association between heparanase and members of the MMP superfamily may have important clinical implications. A major effort is invested in developing specific inhibitory molecules and strategies targeting heparanase, and MMPs,. Clinical trials evaluating the therapeutic potential of MMP inhibitors yielded disappointing results, in part due to redundancy among family members, compensating for the inhibited target enzyme. The observed up-regulation of MMPs in response to heparanase gene knockout favours a combined approach in which heparanase and MMP inhibiting compounds are co-administered.

46Our generation of viable Hpse-KO mice lacking major visible abnormalities is regarded as a good argument for the development of heparanase-based drugs, presumably with little or no side effects. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that subtle, unidentified phenotypes may cause some side effects, depending on the drug and the target tissue.