Inhibitory effects of Cnidium officinale Makino and Tabanus fulvus Meigan on the high glucose-induced proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells

This study describes a potent activity of Cnidium officinale Makino (Cnidii rhizoma) and Tabanus fulvus Meigan (Tabanus) as an inhibitor of high glucose-induced proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs). Raising the ambient glucose concentration from 5.6 to 25 mM for 24 h caused a dramatic increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation, and these increases were attenuated by treatment of GMCs with the extracts of Cnidii rhizoma and Tabanus (2.5-20 microg/ml) in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, extracts of Cnidii rhizoma or Tabanus (20 microg/ml) did not change the growth of GMCs cultured under normal glucose condition. To clarify the mechanism involved in anti-proliferative activity of these medicines, this study examined the effects of Cnidii rhizoma and Tabanus on high glucose-stimulated extracellular matrix (ECM) protein accumulation and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) production. Exposure of GMCs to high glucose significantly stimulated the ECM protein, collagen and fibronectin, accumulation and TGF-beta1 secretion, and these changes were dramatically diminished by treatment of GMCs with extracts of Cnidii rhizoma or Tabanus (10 microg/ml). Taken together, these results indicate that Cnidii rhizoma and Tabanus inhibit the high glucose-induced GMC proliferation partially through suppressing the ECM accumulation and TGF-beta1 production, suggesting that these medicines may be a promising agent for treating the development and progression of diabetic glomerulopathy.     

Modulation of tissue transglutaminase in tubular epithelial cells alters extracellular matrix levels: A potential mechanism of tissue scarring

The up-regulation and trafficking of tissue transglutaminase (TG2) by tubular epithelial cells (TEC) has been implicated in the development of kidney scarring. TG2 catalyses the crosslinking of proteins via the formation of highly stable ε(γ-glutamyl) lysine bonds. We have proposed that TG2 may contribute to kidney scarring by accelerating extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and by stabilising the ECM against proteolytic decay.To investigate this, we have studied ECM metabolism in Opossum kidney (OK) TEC induced to over-express TG2 by stable transfection and in tubular cells isolated from TG2 knockout mice.Increasing the expression of TG2 led to increased extracellular TG2 activity (p < 0.05), elevated ε(γ-glutamyl) lysine crosslinking in the ECM and higher levels of ECM collagen per cell by ³H-proline labelling. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that this was attributable to increased collagen III and IV levels. Higher TG2 levels were associated with an accelerated collagen deposition rate and a reduced ECM breakdown by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).In contrast, a lack of TG2 was associated with reduced ε(γ-glutamyl) lysine crosslinking in the ECM, causing reduced ECM collagen levels and lower ECM per cell.We report that TG2 contributes to ECM accumulation primarily by accelerating collagen deposition, but also by altering the susceptibility of the tubular ECM to decay. These findings support a role for TG2 in the expansion of the ECM associated with kidney scarring.     

Progesterone and gravidity differentially regulate expression of extracellular matrix components in the pregnant rat myometrium

Myometrial growth and remodeling during pregnancy depends on increased synthesis of interstitial matrix proteins. We hypothesize that the presence of mechanical tension in a specific hormonal environment regulates the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the uterus. Myometrial tissue was collected from pregnant rats on Gestational Days 0, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23 (labor), and 1 day postpartum and ECM expression was analyzed by Northern blotting. Expression of fibronectin, laminin beta2, and collagen IV mRNA was low during early gestation but increased dramatically on Day 23 during labor. Expression of fibrillar collagens (type I and III) peaked Day 19 and decreased near term. In contrast, elastin mRNA remained elevated from midgestation onward. Injection of progesterone (P4) on Days 20-23 (to maintain elevated plasma P4 levels) delayed the onset of labor, caused dramatic reductions in the levels of fibronectin and laminin mRNA, and prevented the fall of collagen III mRNA levels on Day 23. Treatment of pregnant rats with the progesterone receptor antagonist RU486 on Day 19 induced preterm labor on Day 20 and a premature increase in mRNA levels of collagen IV, fibronectin, and laminin. Analysis of the uterine tissue from unilaterally pregnant rats revealed that most of the changes in ECM gene expression occurred specifically in the gravid horn. Our results show a decrease in expression of fibrillar collagens and a coordinated temporal increase in expression of components of the basement membrane near term associated with decreased P4 and increased mechanical tension. These ECM changes contribute to myometrial growth and remodeling during late pregnancy and the preparation for the synchronized contractions of labor.     

Multiple beta 1 integrins mediate enhancement of human airway smooth muscle cytokine secretion by fibronectin and type I collagen

Altered airway smooth muscle (ASM) function and enrichment of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with interstitial collagen and fibronectin are major pathological features of airway remodeling in asthma. We have previously shown that these ECM components confer enhanced ASM proliferation in vitro, but their action on its newly characterized secretory function is unknown. Here, we examined the effects of fibronectin and collagen types I, III, and V on IL-1beta-dependent secretory responses of human ASM cells, and characterized the involvement of specific integrins. Cytokine production (eotaxin, RANTES, and GM-CSF) was evaluated by ELISA, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry. Function-blocking integrin mAbs and RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp)-blocking peptides were used to identify integrin involvement. IL-1beta-dependent release of eotaxin, RANTES, and GM-CSF was enhanced by fibronectin and by fibrillar and monomeric type I collagen, with similar changes in mRNA abundance. Collagen types III and V had no effect on eotaxin or RANTES release but did modulate GM-CSF. Analogous changes in intracellular cytokine accumulation were found, but in <25% of the total ASM cell population. Function-blocking Ab and RGD peptide studies revealed that alpha2beta1, alpha5beta1, alphavbeta1, and alphavbeta3 integrins were required for up-regulation of IL-1beta-dependent ASM secretory responses by fibronectin, while alpha2beta1 was an important transducer for type I collagen. Thus, fibronectin and type I collagen enhance IL-1beta-dependent ASM secretory responses through a beta1 integrin-dependent mechanism. Enhancement of cytokine release from ASM by these ECM components may contribute to airway wall inflammation and remodeling in asthma.     

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) causes a persistent increase in steady-state amounts of type I and type III collagen and fibronectin mRNAs in normal human dermal fibroblasts.

It has been previously shown that transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) is capable of stimulating fibroblast collagen and fibronectin biosynthesis. The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanisms involved in TGF beta stimulation of fibroblast biosynthetic activity. Our results indicate that TGF beta causes a marked enhancement of the production of types I and III collagens and fibronectin by cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts. The rate of collagen production by fibroblasts exposed to TGF beta was 2-3-fold greater than that of control cells. These effects were associated with a 2-3-fold increase in the steady-state amounts of types I and III collagen mRNAs and a 5-8-fold increase in the amounts of fibronectin mRNAs as determined by dot-blot hybridization with specific cloned cDNA probes. In addition, the increased production of collagen and fibronectin and the increased amounts of their corresponding mRNAs remained elevated for at least 72 h after removal of TGF beta. These findings suggest that TGF beta may play a major role in the normal regulation of extracellular matrix production in vivo and may contribute to the development of pathological states of fibrosis.     

Transglutaminase bonds in neurofibrillary tangles and paired helical filament tau early in Alzheimer's disease.

Transglutaminase-catalyzed epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine cross-links exist in Alzheimer's disease (AD) paired helical filament (PHF) tau protein but not normal soluble tau. To test the hypothesis that these cross-links could play a role in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), we used single- and double-label immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and immunoaffinity purification and immunoblotting to examine epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine cross-links in AD and control brains. The number of neurons that are immunoreactive with an antibody directed at the epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine bond was significantly higher in AD cortex compared with age-matched controls and schizophrenics. PHF tau-directed antibodies AT8, MC-1 and PHF-1 co-localized with epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine immunolabeling in AD NFT. Immunoaffinity purification and immunoblotting experiments demonstrated that PHF tau contains epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine bonds in parietal and frontal cortex in AD. In control cases with NFT present in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, indicative of Braak and Braak stage II, epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine bonds were present in PHF tau in parietal and frontal cortex, despite the lack of microscopically detectable NFT or senile plaques in these cortical regions. The presence of PHF tau with epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine bonds in brain regions devoid of NFT in stage II (but regions, which would be expected to contain NFT in stage III) suggests that these bonds occur early in the formation of NFT.     

Bronchial branching correlates with specific glycosidase activity, extracellular glycosaminoglycan accumulation, TGF beta(2), and IL-1 localization during chick embryo lung development.

During organ differentiation, cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions are required. The components of the ECM, such as glycosaminoglycans, fibronectin, laminin, and collagens, change in relation to cytokine and enzyme activity. Moreover, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are components of the ECM that play an important role in both cytokine regulation and cell activities. In this work we studied the accumulation of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (PGs), beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase activity, the presence of transforming growth factor beta(2) (TGF beta(2)), and interleukin-1 (IL-1), and the localization of fibronectin, laminin, and collagen I and IV during the early stages of chick embryo lung development. We also determined the levels of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and heparan sulfate GAGs and the activity of beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase with biochemical methods. Our data show that beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase activity increases in each cell, especially in the epithelial growth front at the emergence of each bronchial bud, where hyaluronic acid and IL-1 are located in the surrounding mesenchymal areas. Chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate PGs, fibronectin, laminin, and collagen I and IV are evident in the area near the basal membrane along the sides where the forming structures are stabilized. Biochemical data show that beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase activity increases in cells during lung development and is related to GAG decrease and to modifications of the nonsulfated/sulfated GAG ratio. These modifications could change cytokine activity and play an important role in bronchial branching development.     

Matrix-specific suppression of integrin activation in shear stress signaling

Atherosclerotic plaque develops at sites of disturbed flow. We previously showed that flow activates endothelial cell integrins, which then bind to the subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM), and, in cells on fibronectin or fibrinogen, trigger nuclear factor-kappaB activation. Additionally, fibronectin and fibrinogen are deposited into the subendothelial ECM at atherosclerosis-prone sites at early times. We now show that flow activates ECM-specific signals that establish patterns of integrin dominance. Flow induced alpha2beta1 activation in cells on collagen, but not on fibronectin or fibrinogen. Conversely, alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 are activated on fibronectin and fibrinogen, but not collagen. Failure of these integrins to be activated on nonpermissive ECM is because of active suppression by the integrins that are ligated. Protein kinase A is activated specifically on collagen and suppresses flow-induced alphavbeta3 activation. Alternatively, protein kinase Calpha is activated on fibronectin and mediates alpha2beta1 suppression. Thus, integrins actively cross-inhibit through specific kinase pathways. These mechanisms may determine cellular responses to complex extracellular matrices.     

Induction of extracellular matrix gene expression in normal human keratinocytes by transforming growth factor beta is altered by cellular differentiation

Changes in epithelial substrate have been related to the cellular capacity for proliferation and to changes in cellular behavior. The effect of TGF beta 1 on the expression of the basement membrane genes, fibronectin, laminin B1, and collagen alpha 1 (IV), was examined. Northern analysis revealed that treatment of normal human epidermal keratinocytes with 100 pM TGF beta 1 increased the expression of each extracellular matrix (ECM) gene within 4 h of treatment. Maximal induction was reached within 24 h after treatment. The induction of ECM mRNA expression was dose dependent and was observed at doses as low as 1-3 pM TGF beta 1. Incremental doses of TGF beta 1 also increased cellular levels of fibronectin protein in undifferentiated keratinocytes and resulted in increased secretion of fibronectin. Squamous-differentiated cultures of keratinocytes expressed lower levels of the extracellular matrix RNAs than did undifferentiated cells. Treatment of these differentiated cells with TGF beta 1 induced the expression of fibronectin mRNA to levels seen in TGF beta-treated, undifferentiated keratinocytes but only marginally increased the expression of collagen alpha 1 (IV) and laminin B1 mRNA. The increased fibronectin mRNA expression in the differentiated keratinocytes was also reflected by increased accumulation of cellular and secreted fibronectin protein. The inclusion of cycloheximide in the protocol indicated that TGF beta induction of collagen alpha 1 (IV) mRNA was signaled by proteins already present in the cells but that TGF beta required the synthesis of a protein(s) to fully induce expression of fibronectin and laminin B1 mRNA. The differential regulation of these genes in differentiated cells may be important to TGF beta action in regulating reepithelialization.     

Effects of fibrogenic mediators on the development of pancreatic fibrosis in a TGF-beta1 transgenic mouse model

The pancreas morphology of transgenic mice that overexpress transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in the pancreas resembles partially morphological features of chronic pancreatitis, such as progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Using this transgenic mouse model, we characterized the composition of pancreatic fibrosis and involved fibrogenic mediators. On day 14 after birth, fibrotic tissue was mainly composed of collagen type I and III. At this time, mRNA levels of TGF-beta1 were increased. On day 70, the ECM composition was expanded by increased deposition of fibronectin, whereas connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1, and FGF-2 mRNA expression levels were elevated in addition to TGF-beta1. In parallel, the number of pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) increased over time. In vitro, TGF-beta1 stimulated collagen type I expression but not fibronectin expression in PSC, in contrast to FGF-2, which stimulated both. This confirms that TGF-beta1 mediates pancreatic fibrosis through activation of PSC and deposition of collagen type I and III at early time points. Furthermore, this points to an indirect mechanism in which TGF-beta regulates pancreatic ECM assembly by induction of additional growth factors.     

Angiogenic regulatory influence of extracellular matrix deposited by resting state asthmatic and non-asthmatic airway smooth muscle cells is similar

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the tissue microenvironment that regulates the characteristics of stromal and systemic cells to control processes such as inflammation and angiogenesis. Despite ongoing anti-inflammatory treatment, low levels of inflammation exist in the airways in asthma, which alters ECM deposition by airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. The altered ECM causes aberrant behaviour of cells, such as endothelial cells, in the airway tissue. We therefore sought to characterize the composition and angiogenic potential of the ECM deposited by asthmatic and non-asthmatic ASM. After 72 hours under non-stimulated conditions, the ECM deposited by primary human asthmatic ASM cells was equal in total protein, collagen I, III and fibronectin content to that from non-asthmatic ASM cells. Further, the matrices of non-asthmatic and asthmatic ASM cells were equivalent in regulating the growth, activity, attachment and migration of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Under basal conditions, asthmatic and non-asthmatic ASM cells intrinsically deposit an ECM of equivalent composition and angiogenic potential. Previous findings indicate that dysregulation of the airway ECM is driven even by low levels of inflammatory provocation. This study suggests the need for more effective anti-inflammatory therapies in asthma to maintain the airway ECM and regulate ECM-mediated aberrant angiogenesis.     

Scavenger Receptor Cysteine-Rich domains of Lysyl Oxidase-Like2 regulate endothelial ECM and angiogenesis through non-catalytic scaffolding mechanisms

Lysyl oxidases are major actors of microenvironment and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. These cross-linking enzymes are thus involved in many aspects of physiopathology, including tumor progression, fibrosis and cardiovascular diseases. We have already shown that Lysyl Oxidase-Like 2 (LOXL2) regulates collagen IV deposition by endothelial cells and angiogenesis. We here provide evidence that LOXL2 also affects deposition of other ECM components, including fibronectin, thus altering structural and mechanical properties of the matrix generated by endothelial cells. LOXL2 interacts intracellularly and directly with collagen IV and fibronectin before incorporation into ECM fibrillar structures upon exocytosis, as demonstrated by TIRF time-lapse microscopy. Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance experiments using recombinant scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains truncated for the catalytic domain demonstrated their direct binding to collagen IV. We thus used directed mutagenesis to investigate the role of LOXL2 catalytic domain. Neither enzyme activity nor catalytic domain were necessary for collagen IV deposition and angiogenesis, whereas the SRCR domains were effective for these processes. Finally, surface coating with recombinant SRCR domains restored deposition of collagen IV by LOXL2-depleted cells. We thus propose that LOXL2 SRCR domains orchestrate scaffolding of the vascular basement membrane and angiogenesis through interactions with collagen IV and fibronectin, independently of the enzymatic cross-linking activity.     

Phytolacca americana inhibits the high glucose-induced mesangial proliferation via suppressing extracellular matrix accumulation and TGF-beta production.

This study describes a potential of Phytolaccaceae (Phytolacca americana var.) as an inhibitor of high glucose-stimulated production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and TGF-beta in cultured glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs). Raising the ambient glucose concentration for 24 hrs caused a dose-dependent increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation of GMCs, and the maximal response was achieved at 20 mM. Phytolaccaceae extracts (2.5-20 microg/ml) inhibited the high glucose-induced [3H]thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner, and the concentrations tested here did not affect to the cell viability. Exposure of the GMCs to 20 mM glucose caused both ECM (collagen and fibronectin) accumulation and TGF-beta secretion, and these changes were significantly diminished by treatment of GMCs with Phytolaccaceae (10 microg/ml). Taken together, these results indicate that Phytolaccaceae inhibits the high glucose-induced GMCs proliferation partially through suppressing accumulation of ECM components and TGF-beta production, suggesting that Phytolaccaceae may be a promising agent for treating the development and progression of diabetic glomerulopathy.     

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) promotes keratinocyte cell attachment and migration on collagen and fibronectin

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) induction of keratinocyte attachment and migration on provisional and basement membrane proteins was examined. KGF-treated keratinocytes showed increased attachment to collagen types I and IV and fibronectin, but, not to laminin-1, vitronectin, or tenascin. This increase was time- and dose-dependent. Increase in attachment occurred with 2 10 microg/ml of ECM proteins. This KGF-stimulated cell attachment was beta1 integrin-dependent but was not associated with stimulation of the cell surface expression nor affinity (activity) of the collagen integrin receptor (alpha2beta1) nor the fibronectin integrin receptors (alpha5beta1 or alphav). At the basal layer of KGF-treated cells significant accumulation of beta1 integrins was found at the leading edges, and actin stress fibers colocalized with beta1. KGF also induced migratory phenotype and stimulated keratinocyte migration on both fibronectin and collagen types I and IV but not on laminin-1, vitronectin nor tenascin. The results suggest that in addition to its proliferation promoting activity. KGF is able to modulate keratinocyte adhesion and migration on collagen and fibronectin. Our data suggest that KGF induced integrin avidity (clustering), a signaling event, which is not dependent on the alteration of cell surface integrin numbers.     

Mechanism of BMP-2 stimulated adhesion of osteoblastic cells to titanium alloy.

Cell adhesion is dependent on many factors, including the repertoire of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their receptors, e.g. integrins, synthesized by the cell, the composition of the ECM adsorbed to the surface, and the intrinsic chemistry of the surface. Factors that govern bone cell, i.e. osteoblast, adhesion and ECM elaboration significantly influence its re-modeling into mature bone, and ultimately its ability to integrate with biomaterials used for orthopedic prostheses. In this study, we have investigated how treatment with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily that promotes ectopic bone formation, modulates the organization and expression of osteoblastic cell proteins. Specifically, we analyzed how BMP-2 treatment affects cytoskeletal components, ECM, and alpha 5 and beta 1 integrin receptor subunits in osteoblastic cells plated on Ti6A14V, a titanium alloy widely used for orthopedic implants that interacts with bone cells in vitro and in vivo. Osteoblastic cells were pre-treated with BMP-2 for 12 h prior to plating; BMP-2 treatment stimulated adhesion and proliferation of osteoblastic cells and this adhesive advantage was reflected in enhanced long-term matrix mineralization in the BMP-2 pretreated cultures. Confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis of BMP-2 treated cells showed that enhanced cytoskeletal organization and focal contact formation occurred. These changes were accompanied by a concomitant increase in the spatial organization of fibronectin, whereas vitronectin, collagen type I, osteopontin, and osteocalcin showed little change. The changes in ECM organization correlated with increased fibronectin, alpha 5 and beta 1 integrin subunit, and focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK) expression, as well as increased p125FAK phosphorylation. By confocal microscopy, the alpha 5 integrin subunit was more concentrated in lamellipodia after BMP-2 treatment. These results demonstrate that BMP-2 significantly altered osteoblastic cytoskeletal and ECM organization and enhanced expression of fibronectin and of specific integrin receptor subunits, with concomitant changes in the levels and phosphorylation of p125FAK. These effects may contribute to downstream cellular responses important for bone cell function, and growth.     

Cellular localization of integrin isoforms in phenylephrine-induced hypertrophic cardiac myocytes

Cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Integrins are cell-surface molecules that link the ECM to the cellular cytoskeleton where they play roles as signaling molecules and transducers of mechanical force. To clarify the possible roles of integrins in cardiac myocyte hypertrophy, we investigated the cellular localization and expression of ECM proteins and integrins in both normal cardiac myocytes and phenylephrine-induced hypertrophic myocytes. Addition of phenylephrine (PE) to cultured neonatal cardiac myocytes induced sarcomeric organization, increase in cell size, and synthesis of the hypertrophic marker, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). In particular, fibronectin and collagen underwent dramatic localization changes during PE-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Significant changes were noted in the cellular localization of the respective collagen and fibronectin receptors, integrin alpha1 and alpha5, from diffuse to a sarcomeric banding pattern. Expression levels of integrins were also increased during hypertrophy. Treatment with okadaic acid (OA), an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), resulted in inhibition of hypertrophic response. These results suggest that dephosphorylation of integrin beta1 may be important in the induction of cardiac hypertrophy.     

ALK1 heterozygosity increases extracellular matrix protein expression,proliferation and migration in fibroblasts

Fibrosis is a pathological situation in which excessive amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) are deposited in the tissue. Myofibroblasts play a crucial role in the development and progress of fibrosis as they actively synthesize ECM components such as collagen I, fibronectin and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and cause organ fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) plays a major role in tissue fibrosis. Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) is a type I receptor of TGF-β1 with an important role in angiogenesis whose function in cellular biology and TGF-β signaling is well known in endothelial cells, but its role in fibroblast biology and its contribution to fibrosis is poorly studied. We have recently demonstrated that ALK1 regulates ECM protein expression in a mouse model of obstructive nephropathy. Our aim was to evaluate the role of ALK1 in several processes involved in fibrosis such as ECM protein expression, proliferation and migration in ALK1^+/+ and ALK1^+/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) after TGF-β1 stimulations and inhibitors. ALK1 heterozygous MEFs show increased expression of ECM proteins (collagen I, fibronectin and CTGF/CCN2), cell proliferation and migration due to an alteration of TGF-β/Smad signaling. ALK1 heterozygous disruption shows an increase of Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation that explains the increases in CTGF/CCN2, fibronectin and collagen I, proliferation and cell motility observed in these cells. Therefore, we suggest that ALK1 plays an important role in the regulation of ECM protein expression, proliferation and migration.     

The transforming growth factor-beta-inducible matrix protein (beta)ig-h3 interacts with fibronectin

Proper growth and development require the orderly synthesis and deposition of individual components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) into well ordered networks. Once formed, the ECM maintains tissue structure and houses resident cells. One ECM component, (beta)ig-h3, is a highly conserved transforming growth factor-beta-inducible protein that has been hypothesized to function as a bifunctional linker between individual matrix components and resident cells. To gain insights into its physiological function, full-length (beta)ig-h3 protein was produced using a baculovirus expression system and purified under native conditions. Human fibroblasts attached and spread on (beta)ig-h3-coated plates and developed actin stress fibers. Purified (beta)ig-h3 binds fibronectin (FN) and type I collagen (Col I) but does not bind gelatin. Using defined fragments of FN, we localized the (beta)ig-h3 recognition region to the gelatin/collagen binding domain present in the N-terminal region of the FN molecule. Our results identify FN and Col I as two ligands of (beta)ig-h3 in the ECM.     

Invasive growth and topoisomerase-switch induced by tumorous extracellular matrix in osteosarcoma cell culture

Osteosarcoma cells are capable of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. The ability of ECM to trigger the proliferation of a novel osteosarcoma cell line (OSCORT) was tested in this study in relation to a known tumor ECM, isolated from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) sarcoma (EHS-ECM). OSCORT was grown in monolayer, in EHS-ECM and in ECM deposited by the cells (OSCORT-ECM). Both EHS-ECM and OSCORT-ECM increased the proliferation and migration of OSCORT cells. Among the ECM biopolymers, heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) and fibronectin enhanced invasive growth, collagen type IV reduced it, while laminin had no effect. Among the ECM components HSPG and collagen IV increased both the synthesis and activation of collagenase type IV, and all the ECM components substantially increased beta1 integrin levels in the cells. The majority of ECM biopolymers decreased the level of topoisomerase I (except laminin) and elevated topoisomerase II (except fibronectin) in OSCORT. The switch in the ratio between the activities of topoisomerases I and II was mainly due to HSPG. The HSPG synthesized by OSCORT cells is described as agrin, which is a novel finding. The present study showed that HSPG (agrin) showed the most remarkable stimulatory action on the growth and migration of OSCORT cells. HSPG-induced topoisomerase II-induction deserves further experimentation, to discover its relevance to tumor progression.     

N epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine crosslinks in the blood clot of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus.

Clots were allowed to form in samples of whole blood taken from the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, in the absence and presence of dansylcadaverine (16), and were analyzed for their contents of N epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine and gamma-glutamyl-dansylcadaverine. Clots obtained without dansylcadaverine yielded significant amounts of N epsilon(gamma-glutamyl)lysine product. Clots formed in the presence of dansylcadaverine yielded only gamma-glutamyl-dansylcadaverine. Formation of these products reflects on the activity of transglutaminase released from the blood cells during coagulation.