biostudies-literatureUnknown75(4)Werb ZWe have observed that treatment of rabbit synovial fibroblasts with proteolytic enzymes can induce secretion of collagenase (EC 3.4.24.7) and plasminogen activator (EC 3.4.21.-). Cells treated for 2-24 hr with plasmin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, pancreatic elastase, papain, bromelain, thermolysin, or alpha-protease but not with thrombin or neuraminidase secreted detectable amounts of collagenase within 16-48 hr. Treatment of fibroblasts with trypsin also induced secretion of plasminogen activator. Proteases initiated secretion of collagenase (up to 20 units per 10(6) cells per 24 hr) only when treatment produced decreased cell adhesion. Collagenase production did not depend on continued presence of proteolytic activity or on subsequent cell adhesion, spreading, or proliferation. Routine subculProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America1839-43https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC392436biostudies-literatureProteases induce secretion of collagenase and plasminogen activator by fibroblasts.PMC392436Werb ZAggeler JfalseProteases induce secretion of collagenase and plasminogen activator by fibroblasts.We have observed that treatment of rabbit synovial fibroblasts with proteolytic enzymes can induce secretion of collagenase (EC 3.4.24.7) and plasminogen activator (EC 3.4.21.-). Cells treated for 2-24 hr with plasmin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, pancreatic elastase, papain, bromelain, thermolysin, or alpha-protease but not with thrombin or neuraminidase secreted detectable amounts of collagenase within 16-48 hr. Treatment of fibroblasts with trypsin also induced secretion of plasminogen activator. Proteases initiated secretion of collagenase (up to 20 units per 10(6) cells per 24 hr) only when treatment produced decreased cell adhesion. Collagenase production did not depend on continued presence of proteolytic activity or on subsequent cell adhesion, spreading, or proliferation. Routine subcul1978-01-01T00:00:00Z1978 Apr2025-04-21T15:57:32.745Z2024-12-04T05:27:21.547ZS-EPMC39243620587210.1073/pnas.75.4.1839