Stress-induced Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinase in Tobacco Plants

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases produced by a variety of cell type, and have a fundamental role in the degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix. In this study, we screened the secretion of MMPs in leaves of different developmental stages and in response to environmental stress using tobacco. Compare with fully maturing leaves and older leaves, the rate of MMPs activity was high in expanding and younger leaves. It is tempting to speculate that MMPs may be involved in tissue modeling, which must occur during leaf expansion. The MMPs activity in tobacco leaves grown in the presence of stressors showed a significantly increase at salinity treatment and pathogen infection. The MMPs activity in salinity and pathogen treatment increased respectively, by 1.2- and 1.5-fold with respect to the control. These results suggest that MMPs may be involved in plant defence against adverse environment and pathogenic infection.