Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B R Olsen

Publications and source records attributed to B R Olsen.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

The human alpha 2(XI) collagen (COL11A2) chain. Molecular cloning of cDNA and genomic DNA reveals characteristics of a fibrillar collagen with differences in genomic organization.

We have isolated three overlapping cDNA clones encoding the pro alpha 2(XI) collagen chain from a human chondrocyte cDNA library. Together, the cDNAs code for 257 uninterrupted Gly-X-Y triplets (almost 80% of the triple helical domain) and about 200 amino acid residues of the carboxyl telopeptide and carboxyl propeptide. The identification of the clones as pro alpha 2(XI) cDNAs was based on the complete identity between the amino acid sequences of three tryptic peptides derived from human alpha 2(XI) collagen and the cDNA-derived sequence. We have also sequenced six exons within a human genomic alpha 2(XI) cosmid clone. This sequence shows that although type XI collagen belongs to the fibril-forming class of collagens, there are substantial differences in exon sizes at the 3' end of the gene when comparing the alpha 2(XI) gene with those of human types I, II, and III collagens. Finally, pro alpha 2(XI) cDNA has been used as a probe to determine the location of the gene by in situ hybridization of chromosome spreads. The results demonstrate that the gene is located close to the region p212 on chromosome 6. Northern blot analysis shows that the gene is expressed in cartilage but not in adult liver, skin, and tendon.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The structure of avian type XII collagen. Alpha 1 (XII) chains contain 190-kDa non-triple helical amino-terminal domains and form homotrimeric molecules.

The monoclonal antibody 75d7, specific for type XII collagen (Sugrue, S.P., Gordon, M.K., Seyer, J., Dublet, B., van der Rest, M., and Olsen, B. R. (1989) J. Cell Biol., in press), was used to characterize the intact form of type XII collagen from chick embryo leg tendons. On an immunoblot of a 6% polyacrylamide gel of tendon extracts, one sharp band is recognized by the antibody at Mr = 220,000, while two fuzzy and poorly resolved bands are seen at Mr = 270,000 and Mr = 290,000. By immunoprecipitation of radiolabeled tendon culture media and electrophoresis of the precipitated material, bands with the same mobilities are observed, indicating that type XII collagen is not proteolytically processed in the extracellular space. Type XII collagen was extracted from tendons with 1 M NaCl in a Tris-HCl buffer and partially purified by concanavalin A-Sepharose and gel permeation chromatographies, using dot immunoblots to monitor the purification. Fractions highly enriched in bacterial collagenase-sensitive proteins with the same electrophoretic properties as type XII collagen were obtained. These fractions did not stain with Alcian blue and neither they nor the immunostained type XII collagen were affected by chondroitinase ABC digestion, indicating that type XII collagen is not a proteoglycan. A disulfide-bonded trimeric CNBr peptide was isolated by affinity chromatography on an antibody column and further purified by gel electrophoresis. Its NH2-terminal amino acid sequence was shown to be unique, demonstrating that type XII collagen is a homotrimer [alpha 1 (XII)]3. After bacterial collagenase digestion, both the immunopurified radiolabeled preparation and the purified tendon extract fraction showed by gel electrophoresis the presence of a large disulfide-bonded, 3 x 190-kDa, collagenase-resistant domain. Rotary shadowing and electron microscopy of the purified type XII fraction demonstrated that the molecule has the structure of a cross consisting of a 75 nm collagenase-sensitive tail, a central globule, and three 60 nm arms each ending in a small globule. After heat denaturation and renaturation, only a very large globule can be seen, attached to the triple helical tail. These results show that type XII collagen has a unique structure and is different from the other matrix constituents described so far.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning of rat and human type IX collagen cDNA and localization of the alpha 1(IX) gene on the human chromosome 6.

Type IX collagen is found in hyaline cartilage, where it is associated with type II collagen in quarter-staggered collagen fibrils. Chicken type IX collagen has been extensively characterized and shown to contain molecules with three triple-helical domains, interspersed with non-triple-helical sequences. The molecule contains three, genetically distinct, subunits and one of these subunits carries a covalently bound glycosaminoglycan side chain. In the present report, we describe for the first time the primary structure of mammalian type IX collagen chains, based on cloning and sequencing of cDNA from rat and human cDNA libraries. The results suggest that mammalian alpha 1(IX) chains have the same multi-domain structure as the avian protein. We also demonstrate, by in situ hybridization of chromosome spreads, that the human alpha 1(IX) collagen gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 6. The cloning of human type IX collagen cDNA provides a probe for molecular studies of human chondrodysplasias that may involve abnormalities in this extracellular collagen-proteoglycan.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Transcriptional regulation of type X collagen during chondrocyte maturation.

The 18-day embryonic chick sternum expresses type X collagen only in the cephalic, presumptive mineralization zone which consists primarily of hypertrophic chondrocytes. The smaller chondrocytes of the caudal, permanent cartilaginous zone do not express this protein. Run-off transcriptions of nuclei isolated directly from cephalic and caudal 18-day embryonic sterna demonstrate that type X collagen is specifically transcribed by cells of the cephalic zone. In addition, type X mRNA is localized to the cephalic zone as detected by in situ hybridization. The results suggest that the cell-specific expression of the type X collagen gene is due entirely to transcriptional regulation.

Animals↗

Immunoidentification of type XII collagen in embryonic tissues.

We have generated a monoclonal antibody against a synthetic peptide whose sequence was derived from the nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding alpha 1(XII) collagen. The antibody, 75d7, has been used to identify the alpha 1(XII) chain on immunoblots of SDS-PAGE tendon extracts as a 220-kD polypeptide, under reducing conditions. Amino-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of an immunopurified cyanogen bromide fragment of type XII collagen from embryonic chick tendons gave a single sequence identical to that predicted from the cDNA, thus confirming that the antibody recognizes the type XII protein. Immunofluorescence studies with the antibody demonstrate that type XII collagen is localized in type I-containing dense connective tissue structures such as tendons, ligaments, perichondrium, and periosteum. With these data, taken together with previous results showing that a portion of the sequence domains of type XII collagen is similar to domains of type IX, a nonfibrillar collagen associated with cross-striated fibrils in cartilage, we suggest that types IX and XII collagens are members of a distinct class of extracellular matrix proteins found in association with quarter-staggered collagen fibrils.

Animals↗

The type X collagen gene. Intron sequences split the 5'-untranslated region and separate the coding regions for the non-collagenous amino-terminal and triple-helical domains.

Type X collagen, expressed by hypertrophic chondrocytes, consists of homotrimeric molecules with subunits that are only about one-half the size of the polypeptides of fibrillar collagens. In this report we describe for the first time the complete primary structure of type X collagen, based on cloning and sequencing of cDNA and genomic DNA. A comparison between the nucleotide sequences of the cDNA and genomic DNA clones has also allowed determination of the complete exon structure of the type X collagen gene. Our results demonstrate that the primary translation product of the chicken type X collagen mRNA is 682 amino acid residues long with a calculated molecular mass of 67,317 Da for the nonhydroxylated form. This calculated molecular mass is in excellent agreement with the observed electrophoretic mobility of cell-free translation products with both poly(A)+ RNA isolated from chondrocytes as well as RNA transcribed in vitro from a full length cDNA construct. It is also in agreement with the observed size of type X collagen polypeptides isolated from the media of cultured hypertrophic chondrocytes. Thus, our data exclude the possibility of a high molecular weight precursor form of type X collagen. Our results also confirm that the chicken type X gene has a most unusual exon structure when compared to other vertebrate collagen genes. The gene has only three exons. One exon (97 base pairs (bp)), codes for most of the 5'-untranslated region of the mRNA, a second exon (159 bp) codes for the signal peptide and a short non-triple-helical domain, while the third exon (2136 bp) contains the coding region for the entire triple-helix and a large non-triple-helical carboxyl domain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning and sequencing of pro-alpha 1 (XI) collagen cDNA demonstrates that type XI belongs to the fibrillar class of collagens and reveals that the expression of the gene is not restricted to cartilagenous tissue.

We have isolated several overlapping cDNA clones encoding alpha 1(XI) collagen chains from human and rat cDNA libraries. Together the human cDNAs code for 335 uninterrupted Gly-X-Y triplets, and a 264-amino acid C-propeptide, while the rat cDNAs cover the entire C-propeptide and about a third of the triple-helical domain. Comparison of the human and rodent nucleotide sequences showed a 95% sequence similarity. The identification of the clones as alpha 1(XI) cDNAs was based on the complete identity between the amino acid sequences of three human alpha 1(XI) cyanogen bromide peptides and the cDNA-derived sequence. Examination of and the cDNA-derived amino acid sequence showed a variety of structural features characteristic of fibrillar-forming collagens. In addition, nucleotide sequence analysis of a selected portion of the corresponding human gene revealed the characteristic 54-base pair exon motif. We conclude therefore that pro-alpha 1 (XI) collagen belongs to the group of fibrillar collagen genes. We also suggest that the expression of this gene is not restricted to cartilage, as previously thought, since the cDNA libraries from which the clones were isolated, originated from both cartilagenous and noncartilaginous tissues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cartilage type IX collagen-proteoglycan contains a large amino-terminal globular domain encoded by multiple exons.

Type IX collagen in cartilage consists of molecules composed of three genetically distinct polypeptide subunits. One of the subunits, alpha 2(IX), contains a covalently attached glycosaminoglycan side chain whereas a second subunit, alpha 1(IX), contains a large noncollagenous, amino-terminal domain called NC4. In this report, we describe for the first time the complete primary structure of this noncollagenous domain, based on cloning and sequencing of cDNA and genomic DNA as well as amino acid sequencing of tryptic peptides. Analysis of genomic clones has also allowed determination of the exon structure of NC4. Our results demonstrate that the noncollagenous, amino-terminal domain of alpha 1(IX) chains contains 266 amino acid residues (including the signal peptide) with 5 cysteinyl residues forming two disulfide bridges. The domain is basic with an estimated pI of 9.7, thus supporting the idea that it may participate in ionic interactions with polyanionic glycosaminoglycans in cartilage. Both the sequence and exon structure of the NC4 domain is unique among collagens and there is no obvious homology with the noncollagenous domains of other types of collagen, including the propeptides of fibrillar collagens.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mapping of a human fibrillar collagen gene, pro alpha 1 (XI) (COL11A1), to the p21 region of chromosome 1.

Type XI collagen is a minor and poorly characterized structural component of cartilage. Recently, cDNA and genomic clones coding for the pro alpha 1 chain of human Type XI collagen, formerly 1 alpha collagen, have been isolated and fully characterized. Here we have used one such probe to establish the chromosomal localization of the pro alpha 1 (XI) collagen gene (COL11A1) by hybridization to filter-bound DNA isolated from flow-sorted chromosomes and by in situ hybridization on metaphase chromosomes. This combination of approaches has enabled us to locate COL1A11 in the p21 region of chromosome 1. This represents the first mapping of a Type XI collagen gene and the first assignment of a collagen locus to chromosome 1. These studies also provide additional evidence for the nearly uniform dispersion of the human fibrillar collagen genes in the human genome.

Chromosome Banding↗

Embryonic chicken cornea and cartilage synthesize type IX collagen molecules with different amino-terminal domains.

We have analyzed embryonic chicken cornea for the presence of type IX collagen mRNA and protein. Using RNA transfer blot analysis, we demonstrate that alpha 1(IX) and alpha 2(IX) mRNAs are expressed by corneal epithelial cells at the time that the primary stromal components are synthesized. The levels of the mRNAs decrease with increasing developmental age and are barely detectable at day 11 of development. In contrast, type IX collagen protein is detectable by immunofluorescence at days 5 and 6 and undetectable by day 8. Using probes specific for alpha 1(IX) and alpha 2(IX) mRNAs, we demonstrate that the size of alpha 2(IX) mRNA is the same in cornea as in chondrocytes, the major source of type IX collagen. However, the alpha 1(IX) mRNA is about 700 nucleotides shorter in the cornea than in cartilage because the corneal form of the mRNA does not contain the 5' region that encodes the non-triple-helical amino-terminal globular domain of cartilage type IX collagen. Therefore, corneal type IX collagen must lack this domain. This structural modulation of an extracellular matrix protein is likely to contribute to the functional differences between cartilage matrix and the early corneal stroma, both of which are rich in type II collagen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Procollagen intermediates during tendon fibrillogenesis.

The purpose of this study was to correlate ultrastructural features of tendon collagen fibrils at various stages of development with the presence of procollagen, pN-collagen, pC-collagen, and the free amino propeptides and carboxyl propeptide of type I procollagen. Tendons from 10-, 14-, and 18-day chicken embryos reveal small, well-defined intercellular compartments containing collagen fibrils with diameters showing a unimodal distribution. At 21 days (hatching) and 9 days (post hatching) and at 5 weeks (post hatching), the compartments are larger, less well-defined, and there is multimodal distribution of tendon fibril diameters. Procollagen and the intermediates pN-collagen and pC-collagen are present in tendons up to 18 days. Thereafter there is a marked reduction in procollagen, whereas the intermediates persist throughout all stages of development. Similarly, free amino propeptides and carboxyl propeptides of type I procollagen were found at all stages. The amino propeptide of type III procollagen was restricted to the peritendineum until 7 weeks post hatching. At that time, a network of fibrils containing the amino propeptide of type III procollagen was seen delineating well-circumscribed compartments of collagen fibrils throughout the entire tendon. This study supports the notion that pN- and pC-collagen have an extracellular role and participate in collagen fibrillogenesis.

Animals↗

Secretion of collagen types I and II by epithelial and endothelial cells in the developing chick cornea demonstrated by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

Cells involved in the synthesis of collagen types I and II in the cornea of developing chick embryos have been studied by using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Corneas processed for in situ hybridization with the type I and II collagen probes demonstrated specific mRNAs in the epithelium of embryos at stage 18 with an increase at stages between 26 and 31, and then gradual decrease to the background level in the next several days. In the endothelium, a small amount of specific mRNA was recognized through these stages. In the stroma, only sections hybridized with the type I probe demonstrated mRNA in fibroblasts. Immunostaining demonstrated specific collagen types in the stroma at sites which were closely associated with cells containing specific mRNAs. Both collagens type I and II were present beneath the epithelium as narrow bands at stage 18; as the thicker primary stroma at stages 20 and 26; and as subepithelial, subendothelial and stromal staining at stage 31. Thereafter, type I collagen was increased in the stroma but it was also noted in the subepithelial and, to a lesser degree, subendothelial regions, whereas type II collagen was gradually confined to the subendothelial matrix. Electron microscopic examination of sections from 5-day-old (stage-27) embryo corneas using antibodies against the carboxyl propeptides of type I and II procollagens revealed the presence of these procollagens within the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi vesicles in both epithelial and endothelial cells. In the epithelial cells both the periderm and basal cells contained these procollagens within the cytoplasmic organelles. These results indicate that not only the epithelial cells, but also the endothelial cells secrete collagen types I and II during the formation of the primary corneal stroma and for several days after invasion of fibroblasts.

Animals↗

Amino and carboxyl propeptides in bone collagen fibrils during embryogenesis.

Collagen fibrillogenesis was studied in tibiae of chick embryos, 9, 11, and 14 days old. Specimens were incubated with antibodies against the amino and the carboxyl propeptides of type-I collagen and subjected to ferritin-labelling immuno-electron microscopy. The amino propeptide was found in thin fibrils, 20-40 nm in diameter, distributed at 60-nm periodicity. The carboxyl propeptide antibody labelled a wide spectrum of fibrils, although the majority were in the range of 40-100 nm, distinctly larger than those labelled with the amino propeptide antibody. The presence of pN (amino propeptide plus collagen) and pC (carboxyl propeptide plus collagen) collagen was also demonstrated by Western blotting in all specimens. This study suggests that the sequence of propeptide removal may regulate collagen fibril diameter.

Animals↗

Structure of the glycosaminoglycan domain in the type IX collagen-proteoglycan.

Type IX collagen represents 5-20% of the total collagen in hyaline cartilage. The molecules of this collagen are composed of three genetically distinct polypeptide subunits. One of these subunits, alpha 2(IX), contains covalently bound glycosaminoglycan (chondroitin sulfate or dermatan sulfate). We report here on the structure of the glycosaminoglycan attachment site of type IX collagen-proteoglycan. We show, by a combination of cDNA and peptide sequencing, that the attachment region contains the sequence Gly-Ser-Ala-Asp, located within the noncollagenous domain NC3 of the alpha 2(IX) chain. By comparing the exons encoding the NC3 domain in the alpha 2(IX) and alpha 1(IX) genes, we find that the exon coding for the glycosaminoglycan attachment site in the alpha 2(IX) gene is 48 base pairs long, whereas the homologous alpha 1(IX) exon is 33 base pairs. The NC3 domain is, therefore, five amino acid residues longer in alpha 2(IX) than in alpha 1(IX). The extra sequence in alpha 2(IX), Val-Glu-Gly-Ser-Ala, provides a simple explanation for the kink observed at the NC3 domain of type IX molecules when examined by electron microscopy. The inserted block of amino acid residues also provides the NC3 domain of alpha 2(IX) chains with a serine residue, not present in alpha 1(IX) that serves as attachment site for a glycosaminoglycan side chain. Our data show that the amino acid sequence that surrounds the glycosylated serine residue in type IX collagen-proteoglycan differs from glycosylated sequences in noncollagenous core proteins. The data also provide strong evidence that glycosylation of type IX collagen is not a chance glycosylation of a serine residue in a noncollagenous domain, but is a specific post-translational modification of this unusual collagen molecule.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Type XII collagen: distinct extracellular matrix component discovered by cDNA cloning.

We have screened a cDNA library constructed from tendon fibroblast mRNA for the presence of collagenous coding sequences. Nucleotide sequence analysis of one isolated clone, pMG377, reveals that the clone encodes a polypeptide that is homologous to, yet distinctly different from, type IX short-chain collagen polypeptides. The structure of the conceptual translation product of the cDNA is also different from that of all other collagen types. Therefore, we have given the type IX-like collagen chain encoded by pMG377 the designation alpha 1(XII). Ribonuclease protection assays with single-stranded cRNA probes demonstrate that alpha 1(XII) mRNA is present in several tissues such as calvaria, tendon, and sternal cartilage of 17-day-old chicken embryo and in cornea from 6-day-old embryos. Using pMG377 as the hybridization probe, we isolated a fragment of the corresponding gene from a chicken genomic library. Partial nucleotide sequence analysis of the genomic clone DG12 shows that the exon/intron structure of the alpha 1(XII) collagen gene appears to be homologous to that of the alpha 1(IX) and alpha 2(IX) collagen genes. Our data demonstrate that types IX and XII collagen are two homologous members of a family of unique collagenous proteins that show tissue-specific patterns of expression. Based on their structure and the properties of their genes, we conclude that this family of collagens is distinctly different from that of fibrillar collagens.

Amino Acid Sequence↗