Contraction of fibrillar type I collagen by endothelial cells: A study in vitro

The formation of microvascular sprouts during angiogenesis requires that endothelial cells move through an extracellular matrix. Endothelial cells that migrate in vitro generate forces of traction that compress (i.e., contract) and reorganize vicinial extracellular matrix, a process that might be important for angiogenic invasion and morphogenesis in vivo. To study potential relationships between traction and angiogenesis, we have measured the contraction of fibrillar type I collagen gels by endothelial cells in vitro. We found that the capacity of bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells to remodel type I collagen was similar to that of human dermal fibroblasts—a cell type that generates high levels of traction. Contraction of collagen by BAE cells was stimulated by fetal bovine serum, human plasma-derived serum, bovine serum albumin, and the angiogenic factors phorbol myristate acetate and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). In contrast, fibronectin and immunoglobulin from bovine serum, several nonserum proteins, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (a nonproteinaceous substitute for albumin in artificial plasma) were not stimulatory. Contraction of collagen by BAE cells was diminished by an inhibitor of metalloproteinases (1, 10-phenanthroline) at concentrations that were not obviously cytotoxic. Zymography of proteins secreted by BAE cells that had contracted collagen gels revealed matrix metalloproteinase 2. Subconfluent BAE cells that were migratory and proliferating were more effective contractors of collagen than were quiescent, confluent cells of the same strain. Moreover, bovine capillary endothelial cells contracted collagen gels to a greater degree than was seen with BAE cells. Collectively, our observations indicate that traction-driven reorganization of fibrillar type I collagen by endothelial cells is sensitive to different mediators, some of which, e.g., bFGF, are known regulators of angiogenesis in vivo. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

SPARC regulates processing of procollagen I and collagen fibrillogenesis in dermal fibroblasts

A characterization of the factors that control collagen fibril formation is critical for an understanding of tissue organization and the mechanisms that lead to fibrosis. SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) is a counter-adhesive protein that binds collagens. Herein we show that collagen fibrils in SPARC-null skin from mice 1 month of age were inefficient in fibril aggregation and accumulated in the diameter range of 60-70 nm, a proposed intermediate in collagen fibril growth. In vitro, procollagen I produced by SPARC-null dermal fibroblasts demonstrated an initial preferential association with cell layers, in comparison to that produced by wild-type fibroblasts. However, the collagen I produced by SPARC-null cells was not efficiently incorporated into detergent-insoluble fractions. Coincident with an initial increase in cell association, greater amounts of total collagen I were present as processed forms in SPARC-null versus wild-type cells. Addition of recombinant SPARC reversed collagen I association with cell layers and decreased the processing of procollagen I in SPARC-null cells. Although collagen fibers formed on the surface of SPARC-null fibroblasts earlier than those on wild-type cells, fibers on SPARC-null fibroblasts did not persist. We conclude that SPARC mediates the association of procollagen I with cells, as well as its processing and incorporation into the extracellular matrix.     

Vectorial secretion of extracellular matrix proteins, matrix-degrading proteinases, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases by endothelial cells

In a study of the vectorial secretion of proteins by bovine aortic arch endothelial cells, we found that the extracellular matrix macromolecules collagen and fibronectin as well as several matrix-degrading metalloproteinases were secreted selectively in the basal direction. In contrast, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases showed only a weak preference for the basal direction. Three proteins at 18-35 kDa were secreted with preference apically, counter to the basal secretion of approximately 70% of the total secreted protein. As expected, rabbit synovial fibroblasts, which were used as a control, secreted proteins, including collagen, gelatin-degrading proteinases, and casein-degrading proteinases, equally in apical and basal directions. The basal secretion of collagen, fibronectin, gelatinases, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases by bovine aortic arch endothelial cells suggests that the structural and functional polarity of these cells is manifested, in part, at the level of polarized secretion of matrix-related proteins.     

Role of endothelin-1 in the skin fibrosis of systemic sclerosis

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) acts as a key regulator of vasoconstriction and fibrosis. Many previous studies have focused on the role of ET-1 in scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc).We investigated the effects of ET-1 on the production of extracellular matrix in SSc and normal skin fibroblasts. Primary cultured dermal fibroblasts from SSc patients and healthy controls were treated with ET-1 (25 ng/mL) for 0 min, 15 min, 1 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. Our results showed that, in SSc fibroblasts, ET-1 upregulated collagen type I, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), type I plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and pAkt in a time-dependent manner within 72 h; in normal fibroblasts, 25 ng/mL ET-1 stimulation correlated with high levels of CTGF, PAI-1 and pAkt. The secretion of fibronectin (FN), collagen type I, and PAI-1 is markedly increased in the supernatant of both SSc fibroblasts and normal fibroblasts. Furthermore, ET-1 phosphorylates Smad2 and Smad3 in normal fibroblasts, but not in SSc fibroblasts. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that ET-1 may induce fibrosis in dermal fibroblasts through Akt signals.     

Regulation of gene expression by SPARC during angiogenesis in vitro. Changes in fibronectin, thrombospondin-1, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

Angiogenesis in vitro, the formation of capillary-like structures by cultured endothelial cells, is associated with changes in the expression of several extracellular matrix proteins. The expression of SPARC, a secreted collagen-binding glycoprotein, has been shown to increase significantly during this process. We now show that addition of purified SPARC protein, or an N-terminal synthetic peptide (SPARC4-23), to strains of bovine aortic endothelial cells undergoing angiogenesis in vitro resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the synthesis of fibronectin and thrombospondin-1 and an increase in the synthesis of type 1-plasminogen activator inhibitor. SPARC decreased fibronectin mRNA by 75% over 48 h, an effect that was inhibited by anti-SPARC immunoglobulins. Levels of thrombospondin-1 mRNA were diminished by 80%. Over a similar time course, both mRNA and protein levels of type 1-plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) were enhanced by SPARC and the SPARC4-23 peptide. The effects were dose-dependent with concentrations of SPARC between 1 and 30 micrograms/ml. In contrast, no changes were observed in the levels of either type I collagen mRNA or secreted gelatinases. Half-maximal induction of PAI-1 mRNA or inhibition of fibronectin and thrombospondin mRNAs occurred with 2-5 micrograms/ml SPARC and approximately 0.05 mM SPARC4-23. Strains of endothelial cells that did not form cords and tubes in vitro had reduced or undetectable responses to SPARC under identical conditions. These results demonstrate that SPARC modulates the synthesis of a subset of secreted proteins and identify an N-terminal acidic sequence as a region of the protein that provides an active site. SPARC might therefore function, in part, to achieve an optimal ratio among different components of the extracellular matrix. This activity would be consistent with known effects of SPARC on cellular morphology and proliferation that might contribute to the regulation of angiogenesis in vivo.     

The localization and secretion of type IV collagen in synovial capillaries by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody against human type IV collagen

The localization and the secretion of type IV collagen in synovial capillaries have been investigated by detecting the antigenic determinant of the major triple helix of human type IV collagen. Type IV collagen was indicated to be localized mainly in the lamina densa of basement membranes (BM) and to be secreted by both endothelial cells and pericytes. The pericytes secreted this collagen to both surfaces facing endothelial cells and the interstitial connective tissue. On the contrary, the direction of type IV collagen secretion by the endothelial cells was strictly confined to one side, namely towards the surface facing the BM. The absence of the antigenic determinant in rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus of the endothelial cells and pericytes indicated that the major triple helix of type IV collagen is mainly formed in the secretory vesicles after budding from the Golgi apparatus.     

Regulation of retinal capillary cells by basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and hypoxia

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) feature prominently in retinal neovascular diseases. Although the role of VEGF in retinal angiogenesis is well established, the importance of bFGF in this process requires further clarification. This study was undertaken to investigate the responses of retinal capillary cells (endothelial cells and pericytes) to bFGF under hypoxic conditions, as well as the potentially synergistic effects of bFGF and VEGF on the proliferation and cord formation of retinal endothelial cells. Cell proliferation was determined by cell number and by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Cord formation was assessed in three-dimensional gels of collagen type I. VEGF and bFGF increased 3H-thymidine incorporation by both cell types, an effect that was more pronounced in a hypoxic environment. Moreover, the proliferation of pericytes was stimulated to a greater extent by bFGF relative to VEGF. Endothelial migration in collagen gels, however, was induced more effectively by VEGF than by bFGF. A synergistic effect of VEGF and bFGF on cell invasion was observed in the collagen gel assay. VEGF and bFGF each augment proliferation of these cells, especially under hypoxia. We thus propose that these two cytokines have a synergistic effect at several stages of angiogenesis in the retina.     

The biosynthesis of extracellular-matrix components by bovine retinal endothelial cells displaying distinctive morphological phenotypes.

Previous studies have indicated that the morphology and behaviour of bovine retinal microvessel endothelial cells are influenced by culture conditions in vitro. Data are presented here concerning the biosynthesis of matrix macromolecules by bovine retinal endothelial cells cultured under conditions in which the cells display either the 'cobblestone' or the 'sprouting' phenotype. Newly synthesized matrix proteins were identified by their characteristic electrophoretic mobilities, immunoprecipitation with specific antibodies, susceptibilities to enzymic digestions and chromatographic behaviour. Type IV procollagen was the major collagenous species synthesized by early-passage cells forming a 'cobblestone' monolayer. In contrast, cells displaying the 'sprouting' morphology switched to the predominant synthesis of interstitial fibrillar collagens (types I and III). Fibronectin was synthesized by retinal endothelial cells under all the experimental conditions studied. A non-collagenous glycoprotein of Mr approx. 47,000 was also a major biosynthetic product of these cells. The synthesis of thrombospondin was very much dependent on the nature of the substratum on which the cells were cultured. This glycoprotein was synthesized in large amounts by 'cobblestone' endothelial cells cultured on gelatin-coated dishes, whereas its synthesis was markedly decreased by culturing the cells on collagen gels, and the protein appeared to be absent when the cells were plated within collagen gels ('sprouting' cells). Late-passage retinal cells synthesized predominantly type I procollagen, variable amounts of type III procollagen and only traces of type IV procollagen, irrespective of whether the cells displayed a 'cobblestone' or 'sprouting' morphology.     

A Bacillus stearothermophilus Esterase Produced by a Recombinant Bacillus brevis Stabilized by Sulfhydryl Compounds

In the microvascular system, pericytes are located at the abdominal side of capillary endothelial cells.

To discover the role of pericytes in the microvascular system, we have analyzed the extracellular proteins secreted from pericytes isolated from microvessel fragments of rat epididymal fat pads and found that they synthesize substantial amounts of basement membrane components such as type IV collagen and laminins. Secretion of type IV collagen was markedly stimulated by ascorbic acid phosphate. Reducing and non-reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis showed that pericytes produce six laminin chains assembled into different trimeric isoforms. Two of them were similar to laminin variants produced by aortic and pulmonal endothelial cells but others were suggested to be novel variants.     

Laminin and collagen modulate expression of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan fibromodulin in rat anterior pituitary gland

The anterior pituitary is a complex organ consisting of five types of hormone-producing cells, non–hormone-producing cells such as folliculostellate (FS) cells and vascular cells (endothelial cells and pericytes). We have previously shown that FS cells and pericytes produce fibromodulin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP). SLRPs are major proteoglycans of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are important in regulating cell signaling pathways and ECM assembly. However, the mechanism regulating fibromodulin expression in the anterior pituitary has not been elucidated. Here, we investigate whether fibromodulin expression is modulated by major anterior pituitary ECM components such as laminin and type I collagen. Using transgenic rats expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) specifically in FS cells, we examine fibromodulin expression in GFP-positive (FS cells) and GFP-negative cells (e.g., pericytes, endocrine cells and endothelial cells). Immunostaining and Western blot analysis were used to assess protein expression in the presence and absence of laminin or type I collagen. We confirmed fibromodulin expression in the pituitary and observed the up-regulation of fibromodulin in FS cells in the presence of ECM components. However, neither laminin nor type I collagen affected expression in GFP-negative cells. This suggests that laminin and type I collagen support the function of FS cells by increasing fibromodulin protein expression in the anterior pituitary.     

The effect of a native collagen gel substratum on the synthesis of collagen by bovine brain capillary endothelial cells

Cultured capillary endothelial cells, derived from bovine brain, and maintained on a plastic substratum synthesized predominantly interstitial collagens of which approximately 75 per cent were secreted into the medium. When grown on a native hydrated collagen type I gel, although no marked alteration in the 'collagen synthetic pattern' was observed, the overall level of collagen synthesis was increased by approximately 100 per cent. More dramatic, however, was the alteration in the distribution of these molecules between medium and cell layer. Interstitial collagens produced by cells grown on collagen gels were almost exclusively associated with the cell layer or collagenous gel. These studies, thus, demonstrate that an extracellular matrix may exert a considerable influence on the cellular synthetic activities and possibly cellular polarity of capillary endothelial cells.     

Fibroblast growth factor-2 did not restore plasminogen system activity in endothelial cells on glycated collagen

People with diabetes experience morbidity and mortality from unregulated microvascular remodeling, which may be linked to hyperglycemia. Elevated glucose leads to extracellular matrix collagen glycation, which delays endothelial capillary-like tube formation in vitro. Glucose also increases endothelial cell fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) release and extracellular matrix storage, which should increase tube formation. In this study, we determined if FGF-2 could restore plasminogen system activity and angiogenic function in endothelial cells on glycated collagen. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on native or glycated collagen substrates were stimulated with FGF-2. Plasminogen system activity, cell migration, and capillary-like tube formation were measured, along with plasminogen system protein and mRNA levels. Glycated collagen decreased endothelial cell plasminogen system activity, cell migration, and tube length. FGF-2 did not restore plasminogen system activity or tube formation in cells on glycated collagen, despite decreasing plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) protein level. We now show that PAI-1 binds to glycated collagen, which may localize PAI-1 to the extracellular matrix. These data suggest that FGF-2 may not restore angiogenic functions in endothelial cells on glycated collagen due to PAI-1 bound to glycated collagen.     

Synthesis of types I and III procollagen and collagen by monkey aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro.

Analysis of pepsin-resistant proteins produced in culture by monkey aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) indicates the synthesis of types I and III collagen. As determined by carboxymethylcellulose chromatography and disc gel electrophoresis, SMC cultures synthesize more type III collagen than monkey skin fibroblast cultures; aortic adventitial cell cultures (a mixture of SMC and fibroblasts) synthesize an intermediate amount of type III collagen. Both types I and III procollagens can also be isolated from the culture medium of SMC and skin fibroblasts. The procollagens were separated by diethylaminoethylcellulose (DEAE-cellulose) chromatography in identified by electrophoresis and after cleavage with pepsin and cyanogen bromide. Quantitation of the procollagen by DEAE-cellulose chromatography suggests that 68% of the SMC procollagens and less than 10% of the skin fibroblast procollagens are type III. On the other hand, estimation of the proportions of collagen types secreted by cells, employing pepsin digestion of cell culture medium at 15 degrees C, leads to an underestimation of the amount of type III collagen relative to type I. SMC and fibroblasts may differ in their ability to convert type I procollagen to collagen ad indicated by the observation that skin fibroblast culture medium contains both pN and pC collagen intermediates after 24 h, while cultures of SMC essentially lack the pC collagen intermediates.     

Studies on type I collagen in skin fibroblasts cultured from twins with lethal osteogenesis imperfecta

Studies on type I procollagen produced by skin fibroblasts cultured from twins with lethal type II of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) showed that biosynthesis of collagen (measured by L-[5-(3)H]proline incorporation into proteins susceptible to the action of bacterial collagenase) was slightly increased as compared to the control healthy infant. SDS/PAGE showed that the fibroblasts synthesized and secreted only normal type I procollagen. Electrophoretic analysis of collagen chains and CNBr peptides showed the same pattern of electrophoretic migration as in the controls. The lack of posttranslational overmodification of the collagen molecule suggested a molecular defect near the amino terminus of the collagen helix. Digestion of OI type I collagen with trypsin at 30 degrees C for 5 min generated a shorter than normal alpha2 chain which melted at 36 degrees C. Direct sequencing of an asymmetric PCR product revealed a heterozygous single nucleotide change C-->G causing a substitution of histidine by aspartic acid in the alpha2 chain at position 92. Pericellular processing of type I procollagen by the twin's fibroblasts yielded a later appearance of the intermediate pC-alpha1(I) form as compared with control cells.     

Identification and partial characterisation of a low Mr collagen synthesised by bovine retinal pericytes. Apparent relationship to type X collagen

Bovine retinal pericytes (BRP) in culture synthesise a low Mr collagenous polypeptide which appears similar, but not identical, to bovine type X collagen and which we have called 'BRP collagen'. This polypeptide displays the following characteristics: (i) it is sensitive to digestion by bacterial collagenase and is resistant to pepsin digestion; (ii) it has an apparent Mr of 45 kDa (pepsinised form); (iii) it is recognised by specific antibodies to type X collagen using immunoblotting; (iv) it is present in the cell layer/matrix but not in the medium of pericyte cultures; and (v) it is not disulphide-bonded into higher Mr multimers. The latter two properties distinguish BRP collagen from bovine type X collagen. We have recently shown that pericytes calcify in vitro. We now report that this calcification is associated with an increased synthesis of BRP collagen.     

PKC/MAPK signaling suppression by retinal pericyte conditioned medium prevents retinal endothelial cell proliferation

Little is known about the regulation mechanism of endothelial cell proliferation by retinal pericytes. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the suppression mechanism of retinal capillary endothelial cell growth by soluble factors derived from retinal pericytes. Conditioned medium of retinal pericytes (rPCT1-CM) suppressed ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization. The growth and DNA synthesis of TR-iBRB2 cells, a conditionally immortalized rat retinal capillary endothelial cell line, were suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner by concentrated rPCT1-CM. The number of human cultured endothelial cells was also reduced by rPCT1-CM. These results provide the first evidence that CM from the cultivation of pericytes alone can inhibit retinal neovascularization in vivo and in vitro. Although the growth reduction of TR-iBRB2 cells was only partly reversed by treatment of rPCT1-CM with antibodies to transforming growth factor-beta1, it was completely lost by heat-treatment of rPCT1-CM, suggesting that anti-angiogenic factors are soluble proteins. The levels of expression of G1/S-phase-related proteins, such as cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)4, cdk6, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, were reduced and a cdk inhibitor, p21(Cip1), was induced in rPCT1-CM-treated TR-iBRB2 cells. Moreover, phosphorylated p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p44/42 MAPK) in TR-iBRB2 cells was reduced by rPCT1-CM treatment and phosphorylated protein kinase C (PKC)alpha/betaII, which is upstream of p44/42 MAPK, was also suppressed. In conclusion, CM from retinal pericytes suppresses PKC-p44/42 MAPK signaling, inhibits endothelial cell growth, and prevents retinal neovascularization. Anti-angiogenic factors derived from retinal pericytes are likely to play a critical role in the regulation of retinal endothelial cell growth.     

Interaction of human breast fibroblasts with collagen I increases secretion of procathepsin B

Interactions of stromal and tumor cells with the extracellular matrix may regulate expression of proteases including the lysosomal proteases cathepsins B and D. In the present study, we determined whether the expression of these two proteases in human breast fibroblasts was modulated by interactions with the extracellular matrix component, collagen I. Breast fibroblasts were isolated from non-malignant breast tissue as well as from tissue surrounding malignant human breast tumors. Growth of these fibroblasts on collagen I gels affected cell morphology, but not the intracellular localization of vesicles staining for cathepsin B or D. Cathepsins B and D levels (mRNA or intracellular protein) were not affected in fibroblasts growing on collagen I gels or plastic, nor was cathepsin D secreted from these cells. In contrast, protein expression and secretion of cathepsin B, primarily procathepsin B, was induced by growth on collagen I gels. The induced secretion appeared to be mediated by integrins binding to collagen I, as inhibitory antibodies against alpha(1), alpha(2), and beta(1) integrin subunits prevented procathepsin B secretion from fibroblasts grown on collagen. In addition, procathepsin B secretion was induced when cells were plated on beta(1) integrin antibodies. To our knowledge, this is the first examination of cathepsin B and D expression and localization in human breast fibroblasts and their regulation by a matrix protein. Secretion of the cysteine protease procathepsin B from breast fibroblasts may have physiological and pathological consequences, as proteases are required for normal development and for lactation of the mammary gland, yet can also initiate and accelerate the progression of breast cancer.     

Type I collagen synthesis by corneal endothelial cells modulated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes

When primary corneal endothelial cells were grown in polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-conditioned medium, a minor population of cells acquired fibroblastic morphology. Such modulated endothelial cells supported by PMN-conditioned medium grew much faster than the major nonresponding polygonal endothelial cell. Upon serial passages, the modulated endothelial cells became the dominant cell type and eventually formed a homogeneous fibroblastic culture. At the same time, phenotypic changes of collagen were observed. The primary endothelial cells grown in PMN-conditioned medium, consisting of responding elongated cells and nonresponding polygonal endothelial cells, produced predominantly type IV collagen with type III collagen as a minor component. As cells were subcultured and fibroblastic cells became dominant, type IV collagen synthesis was dramatically decreased and type I collagen synthesis was increased in parallel. When they reached the fully modulated stage, the cultures synthesized types I and III collagen, with type I accounting for 75-85% of the total. Type I collagen synthesized by the fibroblastic endothelial cells shared common characteristics with known type I collagen, such as migration behavior on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, CNBr peptide profiles, and immunologic identity. Thus, PMNs apparently contribute to the modulation of corneal endothelial cells, causing them to acquire characteristics of fibroblasts, cell multilayering, and deposition of interstitial extracellular matrix composed predominantly of interstitial type I collagen.