Nucleobindin-1 regulates ECM degradation by promoting intra-Golgi trafficking of MMPs

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade several ECM components and are crucial modulators of cell invasion and tissue organization. Although much has been reported about their function in remodeling ECM in health and disease, their trafficking across the Golgi apparatus remains poorly understood. Here we report that the cis-Golgi protein nucleobindin-1 (NUCB1) is critical for MMP2 and MT1-MMP trafficking along the Golgi apparatus. This process is Ca(2+-)dependent and is required for invasive MDA-MB-231 cell migration as well as for gelatin degradation in primary human macrophages. Our findings emphasize the importance of NUCB1 as an essential component of MMP transport and its overall impact on ECM remodeling.