Morphological study of lectin binding in the rabbit temporomandibular joint disc

Summary Glycoconjugates of the extracellular matrix are important for the normal mechanical functions of connective tissue structures such as the temporomandibular joint disc. Since lectins are known to bind to sugar residues with high affinity, a variety of lectins were used to study the presence and distribution of glycoconjugates in the temporomandibular joint disc. Discs were removed from 6 to 8-month-old rabbits and either sectioned in a cryostat and processed for light microscopy or fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde and processed for electron microscopy. The frozen sections were incubated with fluorescein- or peroxidaseconjugated lectin solutions. Ultrathin sections mounted on grids were incubated with lectins combined with a colloidal gold marker system for electron microscopical study. Our results indicate thatCanavalia ensiformis agglutinin (ConA) showed little or no binding to the discal tissue.Triticum vulgaris agglutinin (WGA) andMacluras pomifera (MPA) were bound strongly to both the synovium and the extracellular matrix and WGA also bound to the territorial matrix of chondrocyte-like cells.Glycine max andArachis hypogoea agglutinins (SBA and PNA), were localized in the synovium and extracellular matrix but to a lesser degree than WGA and MPA. WGA, MPA,Griffonia simplicifolia II andUlex europaeus were bound by discal fibroblasts. WGA was also localized in lysosomes of synovial A-cells (macrophages). The electron microscopical studies with lectins and colloidal gold marker systems indicated that some areas of the disc may be fibrocartilagenous as had been suggested by earlier immunohistochemical studies using monoclonal antibodies to characteristic glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in cartilage.     

Detection of glycosylated sites in embryonic rabbit kidney by lectin chemistry

The reciprocal cell biological interaction between mesenchymal and epithelial tissue plays a critical role during nephrogenesis. It is unknown to date whether the tissues interact during nephron induction by pure diffusion of substances or whether cellular contacts via gap junctions or focal adhesion molecules are involved. In neonatal rabbit kidney the interface between both tissues shows unique features. It consists of a distinct space, which is filled with specific extracellular matrix consisting of glycosylated proteins such as fibronectin, laminin, collagen, and proteoglycans. In the present experiments we tested by histochemistry whether it is possible to detect additional glycosylated proteins using Soybean agglutinin (SBA), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), Ulex europaeus I agglutinin (UEA I), and Peanut agglutinin (PNA) as molecular markers. All tested lectins showed distinct labeling patterns in embryonic renal tissue. Within the collecting duct ampulla, DBA and UEA I revealed intensive cellular reaction. In contrast, PNA and SBA reacted at the basal aspect of the collecting duct ampulla tip in addition to a cellular reaction. To identify the individual molecules labeled by the lectins, embryonic tissue was fractionated and separated by electrophoretic methods. For the first time, we were able to show by two-dimensional electrophoresis and subsequent western blot experiments that lectins bind to a series of individual protein spots, which have not been identified to date.     

Histochemical properties of cartilage proteoglycans

Proteoglycan interaction with alcian blue at different concentrations of magnesium chloride was studied both in vitro and in histological sections of paraffin-embedded tissues. Our experiments indicate that a) proteoglycans with different contents of chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate, prepared under nondegradative conditions, are not distinguishable on the basis of the critical electrolyte concentrations at which staining is abolished; b) the state of aggregation of proteoglycans only very slightly affects the alcian blue affinity of the macromolecules at different concentrations of magnesium chloride; c) the interaction of proteoglycans with other components of the connective tissue matrix is an important factor in determining the strength of binding of alcian blue to the polyanionic macromolecules in histological sections. These factors should be considered in interpreting histochemical data obtained by staining tissue sections with alcian blue at different concentrations of magnesium chloride. Proteoglycans, like glycosaminoglycans, are only weakly periodic acid-Schiff-positive.     

Lectin binding pattern and proteoglycan distribution in human eccrine sweat glands

The distribution pattern of glycoconjugates in human eccrine sweat glands has been studied by the binding of newly discovered lectins and by antibodies against a chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan and chondroitin sulphate glycosaminoglycans. Mannose-specific lectins labelled large intracellular granules, part of which could be extended cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus. In contrast, lectins specific for terminal mannose/glucose residues predominantly labelled basement membranes and the glycocalyx. Lectins recognizing terminal N-acetylgalactosamine groups left most parts of the glands unstained, but stained some dark cells intensely. These last cells were also intensively labelled by N-acetylglucosamine-specific and by fucose-specific lectins. Sialic acid residues were preferentially located in luminal borders of secretory coils. No terminal galactose residues were detected. All antibodies against chondroitin glycoconjugates stained large granules similar to those revealed by the mannose-specific lectins in the secretory cells. The basement membrane is only stained by the proteoglycan antibody and the chondroitin-6-sulphate antibody.Thus, a complex composition of glycoconjugates exists not only in matrix elements but also in the cells of eccrine glands of the human skin. A possible secretion of glycoconjugates is discussed.     

The effect of changes in salt concentration and pH on the interaction between glycosaminoglycans and cationic polypeptides.

Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy has been used to investigate the effects of changes in salt concentration and pH on the interactions between basic polypeptides and connective tissue glycosaminoglycans in dilute aqueous solution. The polypeptides undergo conformation-directing interactions in the presence of glycosaminoglycans, which are subject to transitions as the ionic strength and pH are varied. For poly(L -lysine), the conformational change due to interaction breaks down as the ionic strength (monovalent ions) is increased. Based on the ionic strength at which disruption occurs, the glycosaminoglycans can be placed in order of increasing strength of interaction: chondroitin 6-sulfate, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin 4-sulfate, heparin, and dermatan sulfate. Prior to the conformational transition, scattering effects are observed, indicating the development of larger aggregates. Each glycosaminoglycan induces α-helicity for poly(L -arginine), which does not break down as the ionic strength is increased, indicating a stronger interaction for this polypeptide. The pH-induced transitions are in the pH range 2.5–3.8 and are probably related to deionization of carboxyl groups. For poly(L -lysine) the conformational effect is disrupted at low pH. For poly(L -arginine), the transitions are not complete, but appear to correspond to an increase in scattering.     

Interaction of sulfated glycosaminoglycans with lectins

The sulfated glycosaminoglycans, such as keratan sulfate and chitin sulfate having 3-hydroxy free N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl residues as constituents, reacted with wheat germ agglutinin and Solanum tuberosum agglutinin by sugar-specific interaction. The glycosaminoglycans showed different inhibitory activities to the hemagglutination reaction of these lectins and keratan sulfate and its modified products formed insoluble complexes with both of the lectins at pH 7.0 in physiological saline solutions (0.15 M NaCl). S. tuberosum agglutinin was precipitated within a particularly narrow concentration range of keratan sulfate, and the formation of a soluble complex was observed by gel chromatography. These interactions were specifically inhibited by N,N'-diacetylchitobiose but not by 2 M NaCl. The specific interactions of the glycosaminoglycans with S. tuberosum agglutinin were confirmed by their ultraviolet difference spectra with two peaks at 285 and 298 nm attributable to the tryptophan residues in the binding site of the agglutinin. It was also found that S. tuberosum agglutinin and wheat germ agglutinin have different binding specificities. The presence of sulfate groups in either keratan sulfate or chitin sulfate did not interfere with their specific interactions with S. tuberosum agglutinin as strongly as with wheat germ agglutinin. The N-acetylneuraminic acid residues in keratan sulfate were found to be receptor sites for wheat germ agglutinin but not for S. tuberosum agglutinin.     

Detection of lectins in the nuclear matrix of nerve tissue cells

Lectins have been detected in the nuclear matrix of nerve tissue cells, and an extraction procedure for the protein fraction with lectin activity has been developed. The lectins are characterized by hemagglutinating activity that is inhibited by D-GlcNAc, D-Gal, Lac, and D-Glc. The existence of lectins with similar molecular masses (from 7 to 20 kD) in the nuclear matrix of calf and rat brain has been shown.     

Modifying effect of low-molecular metabolities on the state of extracellular matrix of connective tissue of animals

On the basis of complex approach to bone and haematopoetic tissue interaction the authors studied the influence of low weight metabolites on stromal fibroblasts and components of extacellular matrix of bone and skin (collagen and glycosaminoglycans). Specificity of different metabolites action on physico-chemical abilities of type I collagen, amino acid composition changes, surface charge, ratio of alpha- and beta-compounds, BrCN-fragments of alpha-1 component cross-links was shown. The dose dependence of formiate effect on processes of proteins glycosilation, cross-linking in bone and cartilage connective tissue and serum glycoproteins was established. The results obtained showed sensitivity of the bone tissue exstacellular matrix to influence of low-weight metabolites action at the level of post-synthetic modification of its components, their intermolecular interaction and process of osteogenesis.     

I-type lectins

The immunoglobulin superfamily is a large category of proteins defined by their structural similarity to immunoglobulins. The majority of these proteins are involved in protein-protein binding as receptors, antibodies or cell adhesion molecules. The I-type lectins are a subset of the immunoglobulin superfamily that are capable of carbohydrate-protein interactions. There are I-type lectins recognizing sialic acids, other sugars and glycosaminoglycans. The occurrence, structure, binding properties and (potential) biological functions of the I-type lectins are reviewed here.     

Partial biochemical and immunochemical characterization of avian eggshell extracellular matrices.

There is evidence to suggest that extracellular matrix molecules, such as proteoglycans, are involved in the regulation of mineral deposition in calcifying tissues. One mineralizing system which is characterized by extremely rapid mineralization is the hen eggshell. This eggshell consists of a pair of nonmineralized eggshell membranes subjacent to the calcified eggshell proper; the eggshell proper is organized into palisades (columns) of mineralized matrix separated by pores. Between the membranes and the shell proper are compacted foci of tissue called mammillary knobs, which are thought to be sites where mineralization is initiated. Previous work from this laboratory has shown the presence of types I, V, and X collagen in the shell membranes. To address the question of the possible role of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in mineralization of the eggshell, two approaches were used. First, immunohistochemistry was performed with monoclonal antibodies to various proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan epitopes. This analysis indicates that different glycosaminoglycans are localized to discrete regions within the eggshell. Dermatan sulfate is present within the matrix of the shell proper and, to a lesser extent, the mammillary knobs and the outer portion of the shell membranes. In contrast, keratan sulfate is found in the shell membranes and prominently in the mammillary knobs. Interestingly, different keratan sulfate antibodies immunostain distinct regions of the eggshell, which suggests that various types of keratan sulfate are distributed differently. The second approach utilized was to extract the eggshell membranes and recover anionic molecules by anion-exchange chromatography. This resulted in the extraction of material which was recognized by antibodies to keratan sulfate, but not to chondroitin sulfate. This material was very large, as evidenced by its elution in the void volume of a Sepharose CL-2B column. The large size may be due to the extensive cross-links known to occur in the eggshell. If eggshell membranes are extracted at elevated temperature, the material recovered is of much smaller size. These results indicate that molecules recognized by antibodies to glycosaminoglycans are present in the eggshell, and their localized distribution relative to the calcified matrix suggests that they may be involved in the regulation of mineral deposition.     

Specific interaction of human Tamm-Horsfall gylcoprotein with leucoagglutinin, a lectin from Phaseolus vulgaris (red kidney bean).

Human Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein inhibits lymphocyte transformation induced by leucoagglutinin and haemagglutinin from Phaseolus vulgaris (red kidney bean). The glycoprotein interacts with the two lectins, giving insoluble precipitates. The interaction with leucoagglutinin is highly specific, and the shape of the precipitin curve is that of an antigen-antibody reaction; precipitation is specifically inhibited by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine. Results are discussed, and it is suggested that inhibition of lymphocyte transformation is due to competition between human Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein and carbohydrate receptors on lymphocytes for the two lectins. The interaction between human Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein and Phaseolus vulgaris lectins has been used to develop a one-step procedure for the separation of the two lectins by affinity chromatography on (human Tamm-Horsfall-glycoprotein)-Sepharose.     

Distribution of glycoconjugates localized by peanut and Maclura pomifera agglutinins during mouse molar root development.

Glycolipids, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans and sialoglycoproteins have all been implicated in a number of developmentally significant processes related to complex interactions between cell surfaces and the extracellular matrix. The present study was designed to localize glycoconjugates recognized by peanut agglutinin (PNA) and Maclura pomifera (MPA) lectins during mouse molar root development. Postnatal ICR mice at 10, 15, 21, 28 and 42 days were used. Lower jaws were dissected, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, decalcified in 5% EDTA and embedded in paraffin. Serial sections were made and stained with FITC-conjugated PNA or MPA. beta-Lactose was used as an inhibitory sugar for PNA, and alpha-D-melibiose for MPA. PNA specifically stained Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS), whereas MPA stained a number of tissues. The outermost layer of root dentin, forming cellular cementum, alveolar bone and HERS showed positive reactions with MPA. Glycoconjugates localized by the lectins may be functionally related to molecules which contribute to root formation and cemento-genesis.     

Histochemistry of glycosaminoglycans in cartilage ground substance. Alcian-blue staining and lectin-binding affinities in semithin Epon sections

The critical-electrolyte-concentration staining method using Alcian blue (AB) was applied to etched semithin Epon-embedded sections. The distribution of various glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) was studied in hyaline, elastic, cellular and fibrous cartilage obtained from humans and rodents. The staining patterns in semithin sections were found to correspond to those obtained using paraffin-embedded material. Lectin histochemistry was performed on consecutive sections. The following peroxidase-labelled lectins were used: Ricinus communis A I, Arachis hypogaea, Ulex europaeus A I, Triticum vulgaris, Helix pomatia, Limax flavus, and concanavalin A. The lectin-binding capacity of cartilaginous ground substance was found to be low, as was expected on account of the few free sugar residues of GAGs. Chondroitin sulphate, the most widely distributed GAG, did not exhibit lectin staining. The lectin-binding sites (positive staining for all lectins tested except H. pomatia) observed corresponded to areas positive for keratan sulphate, as shown by AB staining in preceding or following sections. The pronounced lectin binding seen in cellular structures and the inner territorial matrix regions is considered to be due to higher concentrations of oligosaccharides involved in the metabolism of GAGs.     

Proteoglycans of uterine fibroids and keloid scars: similarity in their proteoglycan composition

Fibrosis is the formation of excess and abnormal fibrous connective tissue as a result of either a reparative or reactive process. A defining feature of connective tissue is its extracellular matrix, which provides structural support and also influences cellular activity. Two common human conditions that result from fibrosis are uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) and keloid scars. Because these conditions share a number of similarities and because their growth is due primarily to excessive extracellular matrix deposition, we compared the proteoglycans of uterine fibroids and keloid scars with corresponding normal tissues. Our analysis indicates that uterine fibroids and keloid scars contain higher amounts of glycosaminoglycans relative to normal myometrium and normal adult skin respectively. Proteoglycan composition is also different in the fibrotic tissues. Compared with unaffected tissues, uterine fibroids and keloid scars contain higher relative amounts of versican and lower relative amounts of decorin. There is also evidence for a higher level of versican catabolism in the fibrotic tissues compared with unaffected tissues. These qualitative and quantitative proteoglycan differences may play a role in the expansion of these fibroses and in their excessive matrix deposition and matrix disorganization, due to effects on cell proliferation, TGF (transforming growth factor)-β signalling and/or collagen fibril formation.     

Detection of glycosaminoglycans on the surface of human umbilical vein endothelial cells using gold-conjugated poly-l -lysine with silver enhancement

Summary Endothelial glycosaminoglycans are important in a diverse range of vascular functions. In the course of a biochemical and histological study exploring the role of glycosaminoglycans in inflammation, we have investigated the use of gold-conjugated poly-l-lysine with silver enhancement to establish the nature and physical location of glycosaminoglycans on the surface of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Cationic gold was effective in locating anionic sites in both cultured endothelial cells and in paraffin-embedded renal tissue. By manipulating pH, and by using enzymes specific for degrading glycosaminoglycans, it was found that, at pH 1.2, staining was directed primarily at glycosaminoglycans. The surface of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was found to be extensively covered in heparan sulphate, the histological appearance of which was dependent upon the fixation procedure employed. Heparan sulphate was also seen to co-distribute with the extracellular matrix protein, fibronectin, when endothelial cultures were simultaneously stained with cationic gold and an antibody to cellular fibronectin.     

The histochemical specificity of Streptomyces hyaluronidase and chondroitinase ABC.

Synopsis Treatment of tissue sections with enzymes which degrade specific types of glycosaminoglycans should provide a means for localizing glycosaminoglycans in tissue sections. The feasibility of this technique was examined by utilizing endogenously labelled glycosaminoglycans in chick and quail embryos. Less than 8% of the total glycosaminoglycans appear to be lost non-specifically during fixation and dehydration. BothStreptomyces hyaluronidase and chondroitinase ABC degraded more than 90% of their respective substrates and demonstrated minimal non-specific extraction of other glycosaminoglycans. The selectivity of chondroitinase ABC for sulphated glycosaminoglycans was substantially increased by raising the pH of the incubation buffer to 8.6. At this pH, chondroitinase ABC degraded negligible amounts of hyaluronic acid. Use of bothStreptomyces hyaluronidase and chondroitinase ABC confirmed that embryonic hyaluronic acid binds Alcian Blue under conditions that were previously believed specific for sulphated glycosaminoglycans. We suggest that this may be due to the increased molecular weight of embryonic hyaluronic acid compared to the hyaluronic acid in adult tissues. The results presented suggest that treatment of adjacent sections with buffer, chondroitinase ABC at pH 8.6, andStreptomyces hyaluronidase and subsequent staining with Alcian Blue provides a method for localizing and quantitating glycosaminoglycans in tissue sections.     

Spatial differences of endogenous lectin expression within the cellular organization of the human heart: a glycohistochemical, immunohistochemical, and glycobiochemical study

Protein-carbohydrate recognition may be involved in an array of molecular interactions on the cellular and subcellular levels. To gain insight into the role of proteins in this type of interaction, surgically removed specimens of human endomyocardial tissue were processed for histochemical and biochemical analysis. The inherent capacity of these sections to bind individual sugar moieties, which are constituents of the carbohydrate part of cellular glycoconjugates, was assessed using a panel of biotinylated neoglycoproteins according to a standardized procedure. Together with appropriate controls, it primarily allowed localization of endogenous lectins. Differences in lectin expression were observed between layers of endocardial tissue, myocardial cell constituents, connective-tissue elements, and vascular structures. The endocardium proved to be positive with beta-galactoside-bearing probes; with neoglycoproteins carrying beta-xylosides, alpha-fucosides, and galactose-6-phosphate moieties; and with probes containing a carboxyl group within the carbohydrate structure, namely sialic acid and glucuronic acid. In contrast, only fucose-and maltose-specific receptors were apparent in the elastic layers of the endocardium. Aside from ascertaining the specificity of the protein-carbohydrate interaction by controls, i.e., lack of binding of the probe in the presence of the unlabelled neoglycoprotein and lack of binding of the labelled sugar-free carrier protein, respective sugar receptors were isolated from heart extracts by using histochemically effective carbohydrates as immobilized affinity ligand. Moreover, affinity chromatography using immobilized lactose as affinity ligand as well as the use of polyclonal antibodies against the predominant beta-galactoside-specific lectin of heart demonstrated that the lactose-specific neoglycoprotein binding was due to this lectin. Remarkably, the labelled endogenous lectin, preferred to plant lectins for detecting ligands of the endogenous lectin, localized ligands in tissue parts where the lectin itself was detected glycohistochemically as well as immunohistologically. This demonstration of receptor-ligand presence in the same system is a further step toward functional assignment of the recorded protein-carbohydrate interaction. Overall, the observed patterns of lectin expression may serve as a guideline to elucidate the precise physiological relevance of lectins and to analyze pathological conditions comparatively.     

Desulfated galactosaminoglycans are potential ligands for galectins: evidence from frontal affinity chromatography

Galectins, a group of β-galactoside-binding lectins, are involved in multiple functions through specific binding to their oligosaccharide ligands. No previous work has focused on their interaction with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). In the present work, affinities of established members of human galectins toward a series of GAGs were investigated, using frontal affinity chromatography. Structurally-defined keratan sulfate (KS) oligosaccharides showed significant affinity to a wide range of galectins if Gal residue(s) remained unsulfated, while GlcNAc sulfation had relatively little effect. Consistently, galectins showed much higher affinity to corneal type I than cartilageous type II KS. Unexpectedly, galectin-3, -7, and -9 also exerted significant affinity to desulfated, GalNAc-containing GAGs, i.e., chondroitin and dermatan, but not at all to hyaluronan and N-acetylheparosan. These observations revealed that the integrity of 6-OH of βGalNAc is important for galectin recognition of these galactosaminoglycans, which were shown, for the first time, to be implicated as potential ligands of galectins.     

Collagenous substrata regulate the nature and distribution of glycosaminoglycans produced by differentiated cultures of mouse mammary epithelial cells

We have investigated the influence of culture substrata upon glycosaminoglycans produced in primary cultures of mouse mammary epithelial cells isolated from the glands of late pregnant mice. Three substrata have been used for experiments: tissue culture plastic, collagen (type I) gels attached to culture dishes, and collagen (type I) gels that have been floated in the culture medium after cell attachment. These latter gels contract significantly. Cells cultured on all three substrata produce hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfates and dermatan sulfate but the relative quantities accumulated and their distribution among cellular and extracellular compartments differ according to the nature of the culture substratum. Notably most of the glycosaminoglycans accumulated by cells on plastic are secreted into the culture medium, while cells on floating gels incorporate almost all their glycosaminoglycans into an extracellular matrix fraction. Cells on attached collagen gels secrete approx. 30% of their glycosaminoglycans and assemble most of the remainder into an extracellular matrix. Hyaluronic acid is produced in significant quantities by cells on plastic and attached gels but in relatively reduced quantity by cells on floating gels. In contrast, iduronyl-rich dermatan sulfate is accumulated by cells on floating gels, where it is primarily associated with the extracellular matrix fraction, but is proportionally reduced in cells on plastic and attached gels. The results are discussed in terms of polarized assembly of a morphologically distinct basal lamina, a process that occurs primarily when cells are on floating gels. In addition, as these cultures secrete certain milk proteins only when cultured on floating gels, we discuss the possibility that cell synthesized glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans may play a role in the maintenance of a differentiated phenotype.     

The interactions of cartilage proteoglycans with collagens are determined by their structures.

In the present work, the interaction of aggrecan, decorin and biglycan isolated from pig laryngeal cartilage and of the three squid cartilage proteoglycans with collagen type I and II was studied. The interaction was examined under conditions allowing the formation of collagen fibrils. It was found that biglycan interacted strongly with collagen type II and not with type I and the interaction seemed to proceed exclusively through its core proteins. Decorin interacted with collagen type I but not with type II. Aggrecan interacted very poorly with both collagen types. The two squid proteoglycans of large size, D1D1A and D1D2, interacted only with collagen type I through both glycosaminoglycans and core proteins. The third squid proteoglycan of small size, D1D1B, interacted poorly only with collagen type I. The results suggested that the interactions of cartilage proteoglycans with collagen were mainly due to the primary structure of both molecules, and would contribute to the maintenance of the integrity of the tissue. The biochemical significance of these interactions might be more critical in aged vertebrate cartilage, where loss of aggrecan and increase of the small proteoglycans was observed, a large proportion of which is found in the extracellular matrix free of glycosaminoglycan chains.