MMP-9 Knockdown in Airway Smooth Muscle Cells and Its Effect on Extracellular Matrix Deposition
Faculty Mentor Information
Wendy Harvey, College of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Aging has been associated with decreased lung elasticity, increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and a loss of gelatinases such as Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in the lungs. Our research aims to investigate the role of MMP-9 in ECM deposition and airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell rigidity. We used CRISPR Cas-9 technology to knock out MMP-9, and MMP-9 siRNAs and MMP-9 inhibitors to knock down MMP-9 in ASM cells. We hypothesize that reducing MMP-9 expression or activity will decrease ECM turnover, increase ECM deposition, and rigidity. To determine reduced MMP-9, Western blot analysis was used to examine MMP-9 levels after treatment with CRISPR Cas-9 plasmids, MMP-9 inhibitors, and MMP-9 targeting siRNAs. Changes in intracellular calcium following histamine-induced contraction measured ECM stiffness in reduced MMP-9 expression in ASM cells. Understanding the role of MMP-9 in ASM cells could provide a better understanding of lung rigidity accompanying age. Future research could utilize this as a model to examine MMP-9's role in the aging process and pulmonary diseases.
MMP-9 Knockdown in Airway Smooth Muscle Cells and Its Effect on Extracellular Matrix Deposition
Aging has been associated with decreased lung elasticity, increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and a loss of gelatinases such as Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in the lungs. Our research aims to investigate the role of MMP-9 in ECM deposition and airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell rigidity. We used CRISPR Cas-9 technology to knock out MMP-9, and MMP-9 siRNAs and MMP-9 inhibitors to knock down MMP-9 in ASM cells. We hypothesize that reducing MMP-9 expression or activity will decrease ECM turnover, increase ECM deposition, and rigidity. To determine reduced MMP-9, Western blot analysis was used to examine MMP-9 levels after treatment with CRISPR Cas-9 plasmids, MMP-9 inhibitors, and MMP-9 targeting siRNAs. Changes in intracellular calcium following histamine-induced contraction measured ECM stiffness in reduced MMP-9 expression in ASM cells. Understanding the role of MMP-9 in ASM cells could provide a better understanding of lung rigidity accompanying age. Future research could utilize this as a model to examine MMP-9's role in the aging process and pulmonary diseases.