Thioredoxin stimulates MMP-9 expression, de-regulates the MMP-9/TIMP-1 equilibrium and promotes MMP-9 dependent invasion in human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

Increased expression of thioredoxin (Trx)-1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 associates with malignant breast cancer progression. Here, we describe a functional relationship between Trx-1 and MMP-9 in promoting MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell invasive behaviour. Trx-1 overexpression stimulated MMP-9 expression, de-regulated the MMP-9/TIMP-1 equilibrium and augmented MMP-9 involvement in a more invasive phenotype. Trx-1 augmented MMP-9 transcription through NF-κB, AP-1 and SP1 elements; stimulated p50/p65 NF-κB activity and recruitment to the MMP-9 promoter; and facilitated MMP-9 promoter-accessibility to NF-κB by preventing HDAC recruitment and maintaining MMP-9 promoter histone acetylation. Our data provide a functional basis for Trx-1 and MMP-9 association in malignant breast cancer and identify Trx-1 and NF-κB as potentially druggable targets for reducing MMP-9 involvement in malignant behaviour.