Identification of a splice variant of neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8).

We have identified a splice variant of human neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8) transcript (MMP-8alt) that has a 91 bp insertion between codons for amino acid residues 34 and 35 of MMP-8 cDNA. This splice variant encodes an open reading frame for a 444 residue protein, lacking a secretory signal sequence. Our data suggested that, as opposed to the original MMP-8, the translation product of MMP-8alt is not a secreted protein; nevertheless, it is enzymatically active. Further studies aimed at identifying the physiological substrates of MMP-8alt protein may lead to uncover novel roles it plays in cellular physiology.