Matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) over-expression increases invasiveness and engraftment of transplanted hepatocytes

Background: Hepatocyte transplantation is a promising approach to correct hereditary metabolic liver disease. Our study describes a novel method to increase the invasiveness of transplanted cells by matrix degradation via the over-expression of matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) in transplanted cells. Methods: The murine Mmp14 gene was cloned from the Hepa1–6 liver tumor cell line and inserted into a lentiviral vector downstream of a SFFV promoter sequence. MMP14 lentiviral vector mediated over-expression was confirmed by qPCR and Western blot in HT1080 and Hepa1–6 cells. Invasiveness of transduced cells was te…