Clinical evaluation of two thyrotropin radioimmunoassay kits: human serum matrix calibrators and bovine serum matrix calibrators.
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We investigated the degradation and tissue distribution of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in normal, osteoarthritic, and rheumatoid arthritic articular cartilage of the human knee. Cartilage was subjected to sequential extractions with buffers containing neutral salt, with EDTA, and finally with guanidine/HCl and then was analyzed by Western blotting with a polyclonal antiserum to human cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. Western blots of the nine neutral salt extracts from normal cartilage revealed mostly intact pentameric molecules of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, in contrast to the 13 osteoarthritic and five rheumatoid arthritic cartilage samples that demonstrated marked degradation of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein as noted by a predominance of reduction-sensitive bands at approximately 150 kDa and nonreduction-sensitive bands in the 67-94 kDa range. The EDTA and guanidine/HCl extracts from all groups were similar and showed mostly intact molecules of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, with smaller amounts of degraded cartilage oligomeric matrix protein identical to those resolved by the Western blots of the neutral salt extracts. Western blots of matched pairs of synovial fluid and cartilage extracts demonstrated cartilage oligomeric matrix protein fragments of the same molecular mass. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed significantly less cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in rheumatoid articular cartilage than in either normal or osteoarthritic cartilage. In contrast to normal cartilage, where cartilage oligomeric matrix protein was predominantly localized to the interterritorial matrix throughout all zones of the matrix, with increased staining in the deeper cartilaginous zones, the most intense staining in osteoarthritic cartilage was in the superficial zones of fibrillated cartilage, with little to no immunostaining in the midzones and relatively poor staining in the deeper cartilaginous zones. This distribution was the inverse of that for proteoglycans, as demonstrated by toluidine blue staining, where proteoglycans were depleted primarily from the superficial fibrillated cartilage. In mild to moderately affected rheumatoid cartilage, the tissue distribution of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein was similar to the distribution of proteoglycans, with relatively uniform staining of the interterritorial and territorial matrics. In more severely affected rheumatoid cartilage, the superficial zones demonstrated punctate immunostaining for cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in the interterritorial and territorial matrics, and staining was restricted to the territorial matrix in the deep cartilaginous zones. It is evident from this study that (a) noncollagenous proteins such as cartilage oligomeric matrix protein are greatly affected in arthritis, (b) degradation fragments released from the matrix into the synovial fluid reflect the processes occurring within the matrix, and (c) different zones of the articular cartilage are susceptible to degradation of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in the different disease processes.
Previously, using a new in vitro microsuperfusion procedure, we have demonstrated marked differences in the cholinergic presynaptic regulation of the release of [3H]dopamine continuously synthesized from [3H]tyrosine in two close striosomal- and matrix-enriched areas of the cat caudate nucleus. A tetrodotoxin-resistant stimulatory effect of acetylcholine mediated by muscarinic receptors was observed in both compartments. However, in addition, two opposing types of tetrodotoxin-sensitive acetylcholine-evoked regulation of [3H]dopamine release were only seen in the matrix: one facilitatory, involving nicotinic receptors located on as yet unidentified neurons, and the other inhibitory, mediated by muscarinic receptors located on dynorphin-containing neurons. In the present study, using the same approach, a functional heterogeneity was demonstrated in the matrix. Indeed, in various conditions the effects of acetylcholine (50 microM) on the release of [3H]dopamine were different in a matrix-enriched area (matrix 2) distinct from that previously investigated (matrix 1); these areas being characterized by the presence or absence of islands of striatonigral cells, respectively. As in matrix 1, acetylcholine induced a short-lasting stimulation of [3H]dopamine release in matrix 2 but, in contrast to that observed in matrix 1, the acetylcholine-evoked response in matrix 2 was not modified in the presence of tetrodotoxin (1 microM). Experiments made in the presence of the tetrodotoxin and atropine (1 microM) indicated that both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors are located on dopaminergic nerve terminals in matrix 2 while muscarinic receptors are only present in matrix 1. In the absence of tetrodotoxin, the short-lasting stimulation of [3H]dopamine release was transformed into a long-lasting response in the presence of pempidine (50 microM), in matrix 2 but not in matrix 1 while prolonged responses were seen in both matrix areas in the presence of atropine. Finally, the acetylcholine short stimulatory effect on [3H]dopamine release was transformed into a long stimulatory response in the presence of bicuculline (50 microM) but not naloxone (1 microM) in matrix 2 while the reverse was observed in matrix 1. By providing further evidence for a functional heterogeneity of the matrix, our results suggest that depending on the matrix area investigated, dynorphin- or GABA-containing neurons are involved in the indirect cholinergic inhibitory control of dopamine release.
We studied the proximal tibial growth plates of 15-day-old mice to determine if matrix vesicle concentration varies among growth plate zones or between the pericellular and territorial matrix compartment and the interterritorial matrix compartment. Growth plates were examined by electron microscopy and divided into five zones: reserve zone (RZ), upper proliferative zone (UPZ), lower proliferative zone (LPZ), upper hypertrophic zone (UHZ), and lower hypertrophic zone (LHZ) which included the calcifying zone. We measured the diameter and volume fraction of matrix vesicles and calculated their numerical density and volume per cell and number per cell in the pericellular and territorial matrix and in the interterritorial matrix of each zone. In the pericellular and territorial matrix compartment, the matrix vesicle concentration progressively decreased from the RZ to the LHZ. Changes in matrix vesicle concentration in the interterritorial matrix followed a different pattern. Between the RZ and the UPZ, matrix vesicle numerical density declined slightly and then increased to peak values in the LPZ and UHZ, followed by a decline between the UHZ and the LHZ. These changes in matrix vesicle concentration paralleled previously reported changes in intramitochondrial calcium content, suggesting that matrix vesicle production in growth plate may be related to intracellular calcium concentration. The existence of the maximum concentration of matrix vesicles in the LPZ and UHZ longitudinal septa which do not mineralize followed by a decline in matrix vesicle concentration in the LHZ longitudinal septa which mineralize suggests that a high concentration of matrix vesicles may be needed to prepare the matrix for mineralization or to initiate mineralization and that matrix vesicles are depleted during mineralization.
Subcutaneous implantation of coarse powders (74-420 micron) of demineralized diaphyseal bone matrix resulted in the local differentiation of endochondral bone. However, implantation of matrix with particle size of 44-74 micron (Fine matrix) did not induce bone. We have recently reported that the dissociative extraction of coarse matrix with 4 M guanidine HCl resulted in a complete loss of the ability of matrix to induce endochondral bone; the total loss of biological activity could be restored by reconstitution of extracted soluble components with inactive residue. To determine the possible biochemical potential of fine matrix to induce bone, the matrix was extracted in 4 M guanidine HCl and the extract was reconstituted with biologically inactive 4 M guanidine HCl-treated coarse bone matrix residue. There was a complete restoration of the biological activity by the extract of fine matrix upon reconstitution with extracted coarse matrix. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the extract of fine matrix revealed similar protein profiles as seen for the extract of coarse matrix. Gel filtration of the 4 M guanidine HCl extract of fine powder on Sepharose CL-6B and the subsequent reconstitution of various column fractions with inactive coarse residue showed that fractions with proteins of 20,000-50,000 mol wt induced new bone formation. These observations demonstrate that although fine bone matrix contains, osteoinductive proteins, matrix geometry (size) is a critical factor in triggering the biochemical cascade of endochondral bone differentiation. Mixing of coarse matrix with Fine results in partial response and it was confined to areas in contact with coarse particles. The results imply a role for geometry of extracellular bone matrix in anchorage-dependent proliferation and differentiation of cells.
Human WI-38 fibroblasts in cultures synthesized at least three molecular forms of the major, extracellular matrix glycoprotein (GP), GP140: (a) cytoplasmic GP140 (1.2 ng of GP140/micrograms of cell protein) was detergent-soluble, underglycosylated, and possessed detectable levels of intermolecular disulfide bonding; (b) matrix GP140 (3.6 ng of GP140/micrograms of cell protein) was detergent-insoluble, more highly glycosylated and polymerized by intermolecular disulfide bonding, and co-distributed in the extracellular matrix with fibronectin; and (c) released GP140 (2 ng of GP140/micrograms of cell protein per 24 h) was recovered in the conditioned culture media and lacked intermolecular disulfide bonding. Cytoplasmic GP140 was the immediate biosynthetic precursor of the matrix form of GP140. In addition, various human adult and fetal tissues contained a form of GP140 that resembled the fibroblast matrix GP140 in the degree of intermolecular disulfide bonding, relative molecular mass, and immunological reactivity. Analysis of the sequence of events in assembly of GP140 and fibronectin in the extracellular matrix detected the following: (a) fibronectin was first to appear in the extracellular matrix; (b) GP140 accumulated in the cytoplasm, then deposited in the extracellular matrix and co-aligned with the established fibronectin; and (c) maturation of the extracellular matrix proceeded by continued intermolecular disulfide bonding. To evaluate possible roles for intermolecular disulfide bonding in cell interactions, a unique assay system was utilized based on the ability of labeled cells to incorporate radioactive matrix components into a biotinylated exogenous matrix. Precipitation of the biotinylated matrix from extracts of the cultures using avidin indicated: (a) disulfide bonding of radioactive GP140 and fibronectin into the exogenous biotinylated matrix required cell contact with the matrix. The newly deposited GP140 and fibronectin derived from the cells and not from GP140 and fibronectin present in the conditioned culture media. (b) Pro-alpha 1 and Pro-alpha 2 procollagens, present in the culture media, bound to the exogenous matrix in a noncovalent manner and were independent of cell contact. (c) SV40 transformed cells (WI-38 VA13) synthesized released form GP140 but did not deposit GP140 into the biotinylated matrix.
Lipoprotein lipase (lipase), a key enzyme in lipoprotein triglyceride metabolism, has been shown to markedly increase low density lipoprotein (LDL) retention by subendothelial matrix. In the present study we assessed the role that lipoprotein and matrix components play in retention of LDL by lipase anchored to the subendothelial matrix. Lipase addition to subendothelial matrix increased LDL retention by 66-fold. Scatchard analysis of LDL binding to lipase-containing matrix yielded an association constant of 12 nM. Exogenous addition of the matrix components, heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate (i.e. chondroitin sulfate B), reduced LDL retention by greater than 90%. These glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) also reduced lipolytic activity associated with the matrix, suggesting that lipase was released from its binding sites on the matrix. In contrast, other matrix components (collagen, fibronectin, vitronectin, and chondroitin sulfate A) neither affected LDL release nor matrix lipolytic activity. Thus, heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate function to anchor lipase to the subendothelial cell matrix. The effects of apolipoprotein E (apoE) and apoA-I were also examined. Preincubation of the subendothelial matrix with apoE, followed by washing, did not affect subsequent lipase binding to the matrix nor its ability to retain LDL. However, the direct addition of apoE alone or in combination with phospholipid liposomes decreased lipase-mediated LDL retention in a concentration-dependent fashion. Addition of apoA-I had no effect. Thus, in these studies apoE functions to displace LDL bound to lipase, but not lipase anchored to the matrix. To further examine the physiologic implications of this process, we assessed the ability of human apoE-rich and apoE-poor high density lipoproteins (HDL) to displace LDL from matrix-anchored lipase. ApoE-rich HDL reduced LDL retention dramatically (86% at 2.5 micrograms/ml). In contrast, apoE-poor HDL, at the highest concentration evaluated (400 micrograms/ml), decreased LDL retention by only 32%. Overall, these data suggest apoE and specifically apoE-containing HDL reduce the lipase-mediated retention of LDL by subendothelial matrix. This observation, in part could explain the protective effects of apoE and apoE-containing HDL against atherosclerosis.
The question of whether the synaptic extracellular matrix undergoes remodeling and how this remodeling is related to nerve terminal plasticity was examined in living neuromuscular junctions of adult frogs. Sartorius muscles were double stained with a fluorescent nerve terminal dye 4-(4-diethylamino-styryl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide (4-Di-2-Asp) and rhodamine-tagged peanut agglutinin (PNA) which recognizes synaptic extracellular matrix. Both nerve terminals and synaptic extracellular matrix in 200 identified normal junctions were visualized in vivo two or three times over a period of 2.6-6 months. The majority of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) showed remodeling of both nerve terminals and synaptic extracellular matrix. Only 2.5% showed no changes in either synaptic element. The most commonly seen remodeling involved correlated changes in both nerve terminals and synaptic extracellular matrix. In this large group, while some junctions (20%) showed overall proportionate changes in all branches, most junctions (68%) showed disproportionate extension and/or retraction of some but not all individual branches. Another group of NMJs (9.5%) showed mismatched changes in the nerve terminal and synaptic extracellular matrix. In this group, some NMJs showed a decrease in the nerve terminal length without a corresponding reduction in synaptic extracellular matrix length. In other junctions that displayed extension of branches, the PNA-stained matrix was longer than the distal tip of the nerve terminal. Morphometric analysis indicated an average increase of 15.6% in total nerve terminal length and 13.6% in total synaptic extracellular matrix length. Although almost all NMJs displayed remodeling in at least one branch, about 50% of the 2201 individual branches examined did not show changes. The average change was 8.9% growth in the length of individual nerve terminal branches and 8.3% growth in the length of individual branches of synaptic extracellular matrix. There was no significant difference in the morphometry between the repeatedly observed junctions and the previously unobserved control junctions. Furthermore, junctions in which the synaptic extracellular matrix was longer than the nerve terminal also were seen in control as well as in experimental muscles. Cases where the nerve terminals were longer than the synaptic extracellular matrix were never observed in newly arising junctional branches. The present study has shown extensive remodeling in not only the nerve terminal but also the synaptic extracellular matrix in adult living frog NMJs. Results suggest that nerve terminals retract before the synaptic extracellular matrix. A hypothesis that extension of synaptic extracellular matrix precedes nerve terminal growth during synaptic remodeling is proposed.
Nuclear matrix prepared from bovine lymphocytes contained a significant amount of actin. Both nuclear matrix actin and rabbit muscle actin showed the same electrophoretic mobility on SDS-gel. The matrix-associated actin could be separated into three isoproteins which may correspond to alpha-, beta- and gamma-actin. The most acidic spot of these isoproteins co-migrated with rabbit muscle actin (alpha-actin) on two-dimensional electrophoresis. The amino-acid composition of the nuclear matrix actin was closely related to that of rabbit muscle and to that of porcine brain actin. Moreover, the actin filaments, treated with 0.75 M guanidine hydrochloride, changed from the polymerized form of the nuclear matrix actin into a monomeric form (G-actin), which had strong inhibitor activity against pancreatic DNase I. From this inhibition, the actin content of the nuclear matrix was estimated to be about 12% of total matrix protein. When the nuclear matrix was digested with trypsin, the bulk of matrix protein was hydrolyzed, but about 80% of the actin remained associated with sphere structures (trypsin-treated nuclear matrix) precipitable by low speed centrifugation. SDS-gel analysis revealed that actin was one of the major components of the trypsin-treated nuclear matrix, which had a similar size and structure as the untreated nuclear matrix. The fibrogranular structure and residual nucleoli of the original nuclear matrix were well preserved against trypsin digestion; however, the peripheral lamina was removed. These results indicate that the matrix-associated actin is localized predominantly in the matrix interior, where it presumably interacts closely with the fibrogranular structure and/or the residual nucleoli.
Polymerization of soluble fibronectin into extracellular matrix fibers occurs through the interaction between the amino terminus of fibronectin contained within a 70 kDa fragment and 'matrix assembly sites' on the cell surface. The present studies were performed to localize the 'matrix assembly sites' (defined by 70 kDa binding sites) on newly adherent cells and on cells containing preformed fibronectin matrix. Matrix nucleation sites on newly spread cells were visualized using Texas Red conjugated 70 kDa fragment and were found to colocalize with vinculin and substrate fibronectin fibrils. Cells plated onto vitronectin coated coverslips did not exhibit any 70 kDa binding sites although these cells were well-spread with fully developed focal adhesions. Time course studies indicated that 70 kDa binding sites could be detected on newly adherent cells within 30-40 minutes following cell plating onto fibronectin coated coverslips, prior to the reorganization of substrate fibronectin into fibrils. Similarly, exogenous fibronectin conjugated with Texas Red was also colocalized with vinculin when added to newly adherent cells. The disruption of actin filaments with cytochalasin D both prevented the expression of 70 kDa binding sites and also resulted in the loss of established 70 kDa binding sites on newly spread cells. After 3 days in culture, cells organized an extensive fibronectin matrix and 70 kDa was colocalized with two distinct types of matrix fibronectin fibers: fine linear cell-associated fibers which co-stained with the beta1 integrin and coarse extracellular fibers which did not stain for the beta1 integrin. There was also a third type of fibronectin fiber which was organized into a meshwork structure. There was no localization of either beta1 or 70 kDa to these structures. Treatment of 3-day cells with cytochalasin D resulted in the disruption of cell-matrix fibers and cell-associated 70 kDa binding sites. In contrast, the coarse extracellular matrix fibers as well as the meshwork fibers were unaffected by cytochalasin. In the presence of cytochalasin D, 70 kDa bound to sites which colocalized with the coarse extracellular matrix fibers. These data suggest that de novo assembly of fibronectin matrix occurs at sites of focal adhesion and as fibronectin polymerization proceeds, matrix nucleation sites colocalize along cell associated fibronectin fibers. At later times 70 kDa is localized to a subset of more mature fibronectin-containing fibers. These results suggest that there are at least three morphologically distinct 70 kDa binding sites on adherent cells: one which colocalizes with beta1 to focal adhesions, a second which colocalizes with beta1 and fibronectin in matrix contacts, and a third which localizes to extracellular matrix fibers.
In adult bone the calcified matrix and enclosed osteocytes are separated from the extracellular space by a continuous layer of bone lining cells. It thus appears that bone matrix is compartmentalised and, as such, may constitute a 'milieu intérieur' which is different from the general extracellular space. Since adult bone matrix is compartmentalised and matrix vesicles also form a microcompartment, it is conceivable that compartmentalisation, in early osteogenesis, may be a requirement for the initial events of the mineralisation process. We have therefore conducted an ultrastructural, tracer, and freeze-fracture study to determine the stage in which bone matrix becomes compartmentalised and also to find out whether there are tight junctions between osteoblasts. The results show that in early nonmineralised stages and in incipient mineralisation, lanthanum penetrates all intercellular spaces and the newly forming bone matrix which is rich in matrix vesicles and collagen. With the progression of mineralisation, when all matrix vesicles appear mineralised and calcification is 'spreading' to the surrounding matrix, lanthanum is restricted to intercellular spaces and conspicuous macular tight junctions are present between osteoblasts. We suggest that matrix vesicles act as microcompartments for calcification when the early bone matrix is in continuity with the surrounding extracellular space. In later stages, when lanthanum fails to penetrate the matrix, matrix vesicles may no longer be necessary because the bone matrix itself is compartmentalised, thus allowing for localised changes in composition that might favour mineral deposition.
Matrix vesicles are extracellular organelles produced with distinctive phospholipid composition and enzyme activity. They are produced by cells which typically calcify their extracellular matrix and their characteristics are cell-maturation dependent. Regulation of matrix vesicle structure and function occurs at the genomic and non-genomic levels. By following alkaline phosphatase gene transcription, protein concentration, and enzyme specific activity, we have shown that steroid hormones and growth factors exhibit a regulatory influence over gene transcription, protein synthesis, and matrix vesicle activity. Matrix vesicles respond to peptide hormones, other matrix proteins, like alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein, and autocoid mediators as well. Matrix vesicle metabolism can be directly affected by vitamin D metabolites, even in the absence of cells. The results indicate that 1,25-(OH)2D3(1,25D) or 24,25-(OH)2D3(24,25D) produced by the cells in culture can modulate matrix vesicle activity, and suggest that calcifying cells can modulate events in the matrix via autocrine/paracrine stimulation or inhibition of the matrix vesicles. 1,25D and 24,25D regulate matrix vesicle phospholipase A2 activity, fatty acid turnover, arachidonic acid release, PGE2 production and membrane fluidity, which act on the matrix vesicle to alter enzyme activity. Since vitamin D metabolite production is sensitive to both hormones and growth factors, there is potential for fine tuning matrix vesicle behavior.
An endothelial cell (EC) growth factor isolated from bovine brain stimulates in vitro growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and permits long term serial propagation. In the presence of increasing concentrations of EC growth factor, confluent cultures of early (CPDL less than or equal to 20) and late (CPDL greater than 20) passage human endothelial cells exhibit an increased incorporation of 3H-glucosamine and Na235SO4 into the glycosaminoglycans (GAG), hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, chondroitin-4-sulfate, dermatan-4-sulfate, and chondroitin-6-sulfate. An increase in both labelled sulfated and nonsulfated GAG was observed in the cytosol, membrane, secreted and extracellular matrix fractions. In contrast, endothelial cells grown in the presence of EC growth factor contained decreased amounts of labelled heparan sulfate than cells grown without EC growth factor. Confluent cultures of early passage cells had significantly more labelled GAG but significantly less heparan sulfate than cultures of late passage cells on a per cell basis. Extracellular matrix from early passage cells contained about two- to seven-fold more labelled GAG than extracellular matrix from late passage cells, but only about half as much labelled heparan sulfate. Cell adhesion was enhanced when cells were grown in the presence of EC growth factor as compared to adhesion of cells grown without EC growth factor. Conversely, trypsin-mediated detachment of cells grown in the presence of growth factor was inhibited as compared to detachment of cells grown in medium without EC growth factor. The composition of the extracellular matrix influenced incorporation of labelled GAG into extracellular matrix. Early passage cells grown to confluence on a matrix from late passage cells incorporated significantly less labelled GAG into extracellular matrix than when grown to confluence on matrix from early passage cells. Incorporation of labelled GAG into extracellular matrix was significantly higher when late passage cells were grown on a matrix from early passage endothelial cells than when grown on matrix from late passage cells. We conclude that EC growth factor selectively stimulates incorporation of isotopic precursors into GAG in cultures of early and late passage endothelial cells but inhibits incorporation of radiolabel into heparan sulfate; early passage cells contain more GAG but less heparan sulfate than late passage cells, extracellular matrix controls the amount of GAG and heparan sulfate incorporated into matrix.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The nuclear matrix of Physarum polycephalum is composed of two abundant polypeptides of 27 and 38 kDa as well as numerous minor polypeptides of various molecular weight. By contrast, the nuclear matrix of vertebrates consists of three major (the lamins) and many minor polypeptides mainly in the 60-70 kDa molecular weight range. In order to better characterize the major nuclear matrix proteins of P. polycephalum and, perhaps, define their relationship with the major nuclear matrix proteins of vertebrates, we have purified the abundant nuclear matrix proteins of P. polycephalum. In Western blot analyses, polyclonal antibodies raised against the purified 27 kDa polypeptide recognised polypeptides of 50 kDa, 45 kDa and several low molecular weight species (14-21 kDa) in the P. polycephalum nuclear matrix. The polyclonal antibodies did not react with the other abundant nuclear matrix protein of 38 kDa from P. polycephalum nor with polypeptides of the mouse nuclear matrix. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that the major nuclear matrix proteins of P. polycephalum were more basic than the major nuclear matrix proteins of vertebrates, the lamins. Moreover, both the 27 and 38 kDa polypeptides are post-translationally modified by either D-mannosyl or D-glycosyl moieties, and not by phosphorylation as has been demonstrated for the vertebrate lamins. DNA-binding assays further revealed that the immunologically related polypeptides of 50 kDa, 45 kDa, 27 kDa and low molecular weight species of 14-21 kDa preferentially bound single-stranded DNA, but the 38 kDa polypeptide of Physarum matrix did not. Based on these findings, we conclude that the abundant nuclear matrix protein of 27 kDa belongs to a group of immunologically-related nucleic acid-binding proteins, and is immunologically and functionally distinct from the other major nuclear matrix protein of 38 kDa from P. polycephalum and the vertebrate lamins.
Collagen matrix deposition and turnover were studied in skin fibroblasts from a control and from a patient with lethal perinatal osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) identified as a Gly667 to Arg substitution in the alpha 1(I) chain. A culture system where ascorbic acid was included to stimulate collagen matrix formation over extended culture periods was used. Serial extraction of the control cell collagen matrix confirmed that a substantial mature crosslinked collagen matrix was formed in the control fibroblast cell layer. In contrast, total collagen deposition by the OI fibroblasts was poor, with the quantity of collagen deposited only about a quarter of that of the control cells. Detailed analysis of the OI fibroblast matrix revealed that the mutant collagen chains were incorporated into the collagenous matrix. These data indicate that, when grown with ascorbate in long-term culture, OI fibroblasts reproduced the abnormal matrix deposition pattern of OI tissues in vivo. The overall dramatic reduction in collagen matrix formation was not accounted for by reduced collagen production, since during the period of matrix deposition (days 8-12) the rate of production by the OI cells was only slightly less than that of the control cells. The incorporation of the newly-synthesized OI collagen into the matrix was less efficient than in control cells, reflecting the cooperative nature of matrix deposition. The fate of this mutant collagen containing the Gly to Arg charge-change was followed in the matrix by a pulse-chase experiment and two-dimensional electrophoresis. These data demonstrated that the mutant incorporated into the matrix was unstable, with the proportion of mutant declining during the chase. The deposition of the mutant monomers into a pool more accessible to proteolytic degradation indicated that the mutant and normal collagens did not copolymerize to form collagen fibers of even collagen distribution, but rather the mutant collagen was either enriched on the exposed surfaces of mixed-composition fibers, or was unable to form copolymers efficiently and polymerized into mutant-only fibrillar assemblies more prone to proteolytic attack.
Mouse 3T6 fibroblasts deposited an organized collagenous extracellular matrix during long-term culture in the presence of ascorbic acid. The matrix produced by the cells had a similar distribution of collagen types as the mouse dermal matrix, comprising predominantly type I with smaller amounts of types III and V collagens. By day 8 of culture more than 70% of the collagen in the 3T6 matrix was involved in covalent crosslinkages and required pepsin digestion for extraction. Incorporation of NaB3H4 into reducible crosslinks and aldehydes directly demonstrated the involvement of the alpha 1 (I)CB6 and alpha 2(I)CB3.5 in crosslinks. The pattern of reducible crosslinks in the in vitro 3T6 matrix was similar to that in mouse skin suggesting a comparable fibril organization. Processing of procollagen to collagen occurred efficiently throughout the culture period and the rate of collagen production was unaltered during 15 days of culture, indicating that the development of a collagenous matrix does not directly play a role in procollagen processing or biosynthetic regulation. The existence of a preformed matrix did however, increase the efficiency with which newly synthesised collagen was incorporated into the pericellular matrix. At day 0, when there was no measurable matrix present, 29% of the collagen synthesised was deposited, while by day 15, 88% of the collagen was laid down in the matrix. The development of this 3T6 culture system, where collagen is efficiently incorporated into an organized extracellular matrix, will facilitate detailed studies on matrix organization and regulation and provide a system in which protein-engineered mutant collagens can be expressed to determine their effects on the production of a functional extracellular matrix.