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Three-dimensional imaging of extracellular matrix and extracellular matrix-cell interactions.

In summary, noninvasive and nondestructive imaging modalities such as reflection and autofluorescence can readily be used in conjunction with the 3-D optical sectioning capabilities of confocal and multiphoton microscopy to investigate biological processes within living systems. The elimination of specimen fixation and extensive processing reduces the possibility of structural artifacts and facilitates repeat observations within a single sample. Therefore, information representing up to four dimensions (x, y, z, and time) can be readily collected and reconstructed for purposes of visualization and/or quantitative analysis. An advantage of using the techniques described in this chapter is the possibility of performing quantitative measurement of cell size, surface area, volume, depth (in matrix), orientation, receptor density, as well as fluorescence-based indicators of phenotype and function. At present, we are effectively utilizing these techniques to study collagen fibrillogenesis and ECM assembly, structural aspects of ECM-based biomaterials, as well as cell interactions within 3-D matrices (e.g., migration). New insights provided by these techniques regarding ECM and ECM-cell signaling will further the understanding of tissue structure and function and contribute to the development of new and improved strategies for tissue repair, replacement, and maintenance.

Animals↗

TRAMP (tyrosine rich acidic matrix protein), a protein that co-purifies with lysyl oxidase from porcine skin. Identification of TRAMP as the dermatan sulphate proteoglycan-associated 22K extracellular matrix protein.

A protein (M(r)24 K) that co-purifies with porcine skin lysyl oxidase (M(r)34 K) has been isolated and characterised. Five variants of the 24 K protein were identified by Mono Q ion-exchange FPLC, as were four variants of lysyl oxidase. Amino acid analysis and partial sequencing revealed near identity of a 36-residue CNBr peptide from porcine skin lysyl oxidase to corresponding regions of the putative lysyl oxidase precursor derived from rat and human cDNA. The 24 K protein was found to be unrelated to lysyl oxidase, but comparison with a protein sequence database showed it to be the same as a recently described protein from bovine skin that is associated with dermatan sulphate proteoglycans. The 24 K protein is relatively rich in tyrosine, and isoelectric focussing shows it to be acidic, with pI's in the range 4.1 to 4.4. In view of these properties, we propose the name TRAMP (Tyrosine Rich Acidic Matrix Protein) to identify this protein. Though TRAMP appears not to be glycosylated, several experiments indicate the presence of sulphotyrosine residues. When assayed using an elastin substrate, the activity of lysyl oxidase is unaffected by TRAMP.

Alcian Blue↗

Do charge-remote fragmentations occur under matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization post-source decompositions and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization collisionally activated decompositions?

The precursor ions of tetraphenylporphyrins that are substituted with fatty acids can be introduced into the gas phase by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) and undergo post-source and collisionally activated decompositions (CAD) in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The goal of the research is to obtain a better understanding of post-source decompositions (PSD); specifically, we asked the question of whether ions undergoing PSD have sufficient energy to give charge-remote fragmentations along an alkyl chain. We chose the porphyrin macrocycle because we expected it to act as an inert "support," allowing the molecule to be desorbed by MALDI and to be amenable to charge-remote fragmentation. MALDI-PSD and MALDI-CAD spectra are similar to high-energy CAD spectra and considerably more informative than low-energy CAD spectra, showing that charge-remote fragmentations of the fatty acid moieties do occur upon MALDI-PSD and MALDI-CAD.

Fatty Acids↗

Role of matrix protein in assembling the membrane of vesicular stomatitis virus: reconstitution of matrix protein with negatively charged phospholipid vesicles.

The matrix (M) protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles by detergent dialysis. Reconstitution of the positively charged M protein occurred only in the presence of negatively charged phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid, or phosphatidylinositol. Preformed vesicles containing negatively charged phospholipids also bound free M protein. Derivatization of the positively charged lysines in M protein with acetic anhydride or succinic anhydride prevented M protein reconstitution but did not affect the biological property of M protein to inhibit in vitro VSV transcription. An additional indication of the electrostatic nature of the M protein binding to the vesicles was that M protein could not be reconstituted in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl. Nonelectrostatic forces also appear to be involved in the association of the M protein with vesicles, since previously reconstituted M protein remained associated with the vesicles upon subsequent exposure to 0.5 M NaCl.

Acetic Anhydrides↗

Cysteine array matrix metalloproteinase (CA-MMP)/MMP-23 is a type II transmembrane matrix metalloproteinase regulated by a single cleavage for both secretion and activation.

Matrix metalloproteinases characterized so far are either secreted or membrane anchored via a type I transmembrane domain or a glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage. Lacking either membrane-anchoring mechanism, the newly discovered CA-MMP/MMP-23 was reported to be expressed as a cell-associated protein. In this report, we present evidence that CA-MMP is expressed as an integral membrane zymogen with an N-terminal signal anchor, and secreted as a fully processed mature enzyme. We further demonstrate that L(20)GAALSGLCLLSALALL(36) is required for this unique membrane localization as a signal anchor and its secretion is regulated by a proprotein convertase motif RRRR(79) sandwiched between its pro- and catalytic domains. Thus, CA-MMP is a type II transmembrane MMP that can be regulated by a single proteolytic cleavage for both activation and secretion, establishing a novel paradigm for protein trafficking and processing within the secretory pathway.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases in sputum from patients with bronchial asthma.

To examine a possibility that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in the pathogenesis of asthma and/or the development of asthma attack, we measured the concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, and their respective tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2 and TIMP-1, in induced sputa collected from 28 patients with moderate to severe bronchial asthma. Specimens were collected during both the attack and the remission from 15 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. The concentration of MMP-9 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the patients, even during the remission, as compared to that in healthy controls. The concentrations of MMP-9 (p < 0.05) and its specific inhibitor TIMP-1 (p < 0.01), and MMP-2 (p < 0.01) in these patients during the attack were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. In these patients, the MMP-9 concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) during the attack than during the remission. These results suggest that MMPs and TIMPs may be involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, and that the increased MMP-9 might be involved in the development of attack in patients with chronic asthma.

Adolescent↗

Recognition of influenza A matrix protein by HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Use of analogues to orientate the matrix peptide in the HLA-A2 binding site.

CTL specific for the influenza A virus matrix peptide 57-68 and restricted by HLA-A2 were studied. Their ability to recognize a set of analogue peptides, each of which differed from the natural peptide by a single amino acid, was analyzed. This revealed a core of five amino acids, 61-65, where one or more changes completely abrogated recognition. The glycine at position 61 was the only residue where no substitution was tolerated. Analogue peptides that did not induce CTL-mediated lysis were tested as competitors with the natural peptide; those with substitutions at positions 60, 64, and 65 inhibited, identifying residues that interact with the TCR. Another approach was to test a set of four CTL clones on all of the analogues. Marked differences in recognition by individual CTL clones were observed for several substituted peptides. The data indicate that most of the analogues bind to HLA-A2 with possible differences in fine positioning of the peptide. An alpha helical orientation for the peptide is discussed.

Binding Sites↗

Chronology of events accompanying follicular atresia in hypophysectomized ewes. Changes in levels of steroidogenic enzymes, connexin 43, insulin-like growth factor II/mannose 6 phosphate receptor, extracellular matrix components, and matrix metalloproteinases.

The chronology of changes in levels of some proteins known to be altered during atresia of ovarian follicles was studied in ewes hypophysectomized at the end of the follicular phase of the estrous cycle. This study was performed by quantitative immunohistochemistry and zymography on large antral follicles (diameter > 3.5 mm) normally destined to ovulate, recovered 24, 36, or 72 h after pituitary ablation. The process of atresia was followed by comparing healthy follicles from intact ewes, with early atretic follicles recovered 24 h after hypophysectomy, clearly atretic follicles recovered 36 h after hypophysectomy, and late atretic follicles recovered 72 h after hypophysectomy. The earliest events of atresia induced by hypophysectomy were detected in theca and consisted of a strong decrease in levels of fibronectin (p < 0.001) and insulin-like growth factor II/mannose 6 phosphate (IGF-II/M6P) receptors (p < 0.05), occurring within the first 24 h following pituitary ablation. In intact animals, similar changes were observed in theca of early atretic follicles, suggesting that these changes may be important events involved in the onset of follicular atresia. In parallel, intrafollicular levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 were shown to increase as early as 24 h after hypophysectomy, and a further increase was observed until 72 h after hypophysectomy. These early events were followed by the disappearance of P450 aromatase in granulosa cells 36 h after hypophysectomy (p < 0.05), and a progressive decrease in levels of P450 17alpha-hydroxylase in the theca interna and of gap junction protein connexin-43 in granulosa cells; these markers were still detectable in late atretic follicles 72 h after hypophysectomy. The increase in levels of fibronectin, type IV collagen, laminin, and IGF-II/M6P receptors within granulosa cell layers (p < 0.05) was significant only in late atretic stages, suggesting that these changes may be consequences rather than causes of atresia.

Animals↗

Aggrecan is degraded by matrix metalloproteinases in human arthritis. Evidence that matrix metalloproteinase and aggrecanase activities can be independent.

Proteolytic degradation of aggrecan is a hallmark of the pathology of arthritis, yet the identity of the enzyme(s) in cartilage responsible for this degradation is unknown. Previous studies have suggested that the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may be involved but there has been no definitive evidence for their direct action in the proteolysis of aggrecan in human arthritis. We now show unequivocally that aggrecan fragments derived from the specific action of MMPs can be detected in synovial fluids from patients with both inflammatory and noninflammatory arthritis, with a neoepitope monoclonal antibody AF-28 that detects the NH2-terminal sequence F342FGVG.... The synovial fluid MMP fragments were of low buoyant density and distributed exclusively at the top of cesium chloride density gradients, suggesting that these fragments lacked chondroitin sulfate chains. AF-28 immunoblotting of synovial fluid aggrecan fragments revealed a population of small AF-28 fragments of 30-50 kD. Based on their size relative to characterized products of an MMP-8 digest (Fosang, A.J., K. Last, P. Gardiner, D.C. Jackson, and L. Brown. 1995, Biochem. J. 310:337-343), these AF-28 fragments were derived from proteinase cleavage at, or near, the ...ITEGE373 / ARGSV... aggrecanase site. Immunodetection with polyclonal anti-ITEGE antiserum revealed that these fragments lacked the ...ITEGE374 COOH terminus and were not therefore products of aggrecanase action. The same fluid samples contained a broad 68-90-kD G1 fragment that contained the COOH-terminal ...ITEGE374 neoepitope. The results suggest that in some circumstances, despite extensive proteolysis of the core protein, aggrecan molecules may be cleaved by MMPs or aggrecanase in the interglobular domain, but not both.

Aggrecans↗

Cloning and characterization of a rat ortholog of MMP-23 (matrix metalloproteinase-23), a unique type of membrane-anchored matrix metalloproteinase and conditioned switching of its expression during the ovarian follicular development.

In our attempt to study the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the process of mammalian ovulation, we isolated a rat ortholog of the recently reported human MMP-23 from gonadotropin-primed immature rat ovaries. Transient expression of epitope-tagged rat and human MMP-23 in COS-1 cells revealed that they were synthesized as a membrane-anchored glycoprotein with type II topology. Indirect immunofluorescent analysis showed that subcellular localization of MMP-23 was predominantly in the perinuclear regions. The transfected human MMP-23 protein was processed endogenously to the soluble form in COS-1 cells. However, cotransfection of MMP-23 with the mouse furin cDNA did not enhance this processing, indicating that furin may not be involved in this event. Notably, in situ hybridization analysis revealed a dramatic switching of MMP-23 mRNA localization from granulosa cells to theca-externa/fibroblasts and ovarian surface epithelium during the follicular development. In serum-free primary culture of rat granulosa cells, a drastic diminution of MMP-23 mRNA expression was observed in response to FSH action between 24 h and 48 h of culture. The observed effect of FSH on MMP-23 expression was mimicked by treatment of granulosa cells with forskolin or 8-bromo (Br)-cAMP. In contrast, MMP-23 mRNA levels increased in theca-interstitial cells regardless of the presence of LH in the culture. However, treatment of theca-interstitial cells with forskolin or 8-Br-cAMP markedly reduced the expression of MMP-23 with a concomitant increase in progesterone production. These results indicate that the MMP-23 gene is spatially and temporally regulated in a cell type-specific manner in ovary via the cAMP signaling pathway.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Effect of lipoprotein(a) and LDL on plasminogen binding to extracellular matrix and on matrix-dependent plasminogen activation by tissue plasminogen activator.

Lp(a) is an LDL-like lipoprotein plus an additional apolipoprotein apo(a). Based on the structural homology of apo(a) with plasminogen, it is hypothesized that Lp(a) interferes with fibrinolysis. Extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by human umbilical vein endothelial cells was used to study the effect of Lp(a) and LDL on plasminogen binding and activation. Both lipoproteins were isolated from the same plasma in a single step. Plasminogen bound to ECM via its lysine binding sites. Lp(a) as well as LDL were capable of competing with plasminogen binding. The degree of inhibition was dependent on the lipoprotein donor as well as the ECM donor. When Lp(a) and LDL obtained from one donor were compared, Lp(a) was always a much more potent competitor. The effect of both lipoproteins on plasminogen binding was reflected in their effect on plasminogen activation. It is speculated that Lp(a) interacts with ECM via its LDL-like lipoprotein moiety as well as via its apo(a) moiety.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 expression and synthetic matrix metalloproteinase-2 inhibitor binding in ovarian carcinomas and tumor cell lines.

Enhanced matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2/72-kd type IV collagenase) action correlates with invasion in neoplasia. MMP-2 is inhibited in vivo by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)-TIMP-1 and, especially, TIMP-2. A synthetic, biotinylated inhibitor specific for activated MMP-2 in solution phase, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression in cell lines and ovarian tumors and to analyze the surface-binding capacity of the inhibitors, which are potential therapeutic agents. Characterization of novel monoclonal antibodies to MMP-2 and TIMP-2 is described together with immunocytochemical staining of 83 paraffin-embedded ovarian tumors (67 malignant, 7 borderline, 9 benign) and 9 cell lines. Synthetic MMP-2 inhibitor binding under controlled conditions was visualized by immunofluorescence and avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase methods in cell lines and cryostat sections of ovarian tumors. MMP-2 and TIMP-2 showed heterogenous immunoreactivity, with enhanced staining on high-grade tumors, specifically at the invasive front and in vascular invasion. TIMP-2 immunoreactivity was maximal in malignant cell cytoplasm and less intense in desmoplastic fibroblasts. One monoclonal antibody to MMP-2 showed membrane immunoreactivity, apically polarized in benign and low-grade tumors but depolarized and strong in 37 of 44 cases of high-grade invasive tumors. Eleven of eighteen ovarian carcinomas and six of nine cell lines showed membrane localization of the synthetic inhibitor. Maximal binding occurred in the ovarian cell line OVCA 432 and the breast cell lines MCF 7 and MDA MB 435, all of which were immunoreactive for MMP-2. Cell lines propagated on type I collagen showed no enhancement in inhibitor binding. This study demonstrates cell surface binding of a synthetic MMP-2 inhibitor and provides new evidence of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 immunoreactivity in ovarian carcinomas and cell lines.

Amides↗

Association of protein kinase CK2 with nuclear matrix: influence of method of preparation of nuclear matrix.

Nuclear matrix (NM) plays a role of fundamental structural and functional significance as the site of replication, transcription, and RNA processing and transport, acting as an anchor or attachment site for a variety of enzymes and other proteins involved in these activities. We have previously documented that protein kinase CK2 translocates from the cytosol to the nucleus, where it associates preferentially with chromatin and NM, in response to certain growth stimuli. Considering that characteristics of the isolated NM can depend on the procedural employed for its isolation, we compared three standard methods for NM preparation to confirm the association of intrinsic CK2 with this structure. Our data suggest that the method used for isolating the NM can qualitatively influence the measurable NM-associated CK2. However, all three methods employed yielded qualitatively similar results with respect to the stimulus-mediated modulation of NM-associated CK2, thus further supporting the notion that NM is an important site for physiologically relevant functions of CK2. In addition, core filaments and cytoskeleton that were isolated by two of the preparative methods had a small but significant level of associated CK2 activity.

Animals↗

Bi-directional induction of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 during T lymphoma/endothelial cell contact: implication of ICAM-1.

The mechanisms that lead to the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMPs) during the invasive process of normal and transformed T cells remain largely unknown. Since vascular cells form a dynamic tissue capable of responding to local stimuli and activating cells through the expression of cytokine receptors and specific cell adhesion molecules, we hypothesized that the firm adhesion of T lymphoma cells to endothelial cells is a critical event in the local production of MMP and TIMP. In the present work, we show that adhesion of lymphoma cells to endothelial cells induced a transient and reciprocal de novo expression of MMP-9 mRNA and enzymatic activity by both cell types. Up-regulation of MMP-9 in T lymphoma cells was concomitant to that of TIMP-1, and required direct contact with endothelial cells. Induction of MMP-9, but not of TIMP-1, was blocked by anti-LFA-1 and anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 Abs, indicating that induction of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lymphoma cells required direct, yet distinct, intercellular contact. In contrast, the induction of MMP-9 in endothelial cells by T lymphoma cells did not necessitate direct contact and could be achieved by exposure to IL-1 and TNF, or to the supernatant of T lymphoma cell culture. Together, these results demonstrate that firm adhesion of T lymphoma cells to endothelial cells participates in the production of MMP-9 in both cell types through bi-directional signaling pathways, and identify intercellular adhesion molecule-1/LFA-1 as a key interaction in the up-regulation of MMP-9 in T lymphoma cells.

Animals↗

Clinical significance of osmotic matrix errors in automated hematology: the frequency of hyperglycemic osmotic matrix errors producing spurious macrocytosis.

Sporadic examples of spurious macrocytosis due to hyperglycemic osmotic matrix effects have been reported. The present study defines the degree of macrocytosis expected under hyperglycemic normonatremic conditions using a Coulter S + II Isoton + System and its frequency in a large inpatient and outpatient population. No examples of spurious macrocytosis due to hyperglycemia were encountered in a sample comprising 28,471 complete blood counts, of which 564 had macrocytosis.

Erythrocyte Indices↗

Monoclonal antibodies to influenza matrix protein: detection of low levels of matrix protein on abortively infected cells.

We have quantified the appearance of matrix (M-) protein on P815 mastocytoma cells infected with type A influenza virus using a monoclonal antibody specific for M-protein. In contrast to previously reported values, only low amounts (about 10(3) molecules/cell) of M-protein appear on the cell surface up to 16 h p.i. Since P815 cells are excellent targets for cross-reactive T-cell lysis 3 to 5 h after virus infection, when only about 10(2) M-protein sites are found on each cell surface. It appears less likely that the recognition of M-protein can account for the cross-reactivity of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes for different type A influenza viruses.

Animals↗

Coordinated effects of fibroblast growth factor-2 on expression of fibrillar collagens, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases by human vascular smooth muscle cells. Evidence for repressed collagen production and activated degradative capacity.

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is an established mediator of smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation after vascular injury. However, the influence of FGF-2 on collagen fiber remodeling, which may be a prerequisite for vascular SMC accumulation, is not well understood. We determined that FGF-2 almost completely abrogated the formation of immunodetectable type I collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix of cultured human vascular SMCs. This was associated with reduced expression of pro alpha-chains for types I and III collagen, as assessed by Western blot analysis, and a corresponding reduction in collagen synthesis. Densitometry of Northern blots indicated a potent reduction of mRNA encoding pro alpha-chains for types I and III collagen and a minor reduction in mRNA for pro alpha-chains for type V collagen. Interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), which is required for degradation of collagen types I and III, was not expressed by SMCs under basal culture conditions, but expression was induced by FGF-2, with a potent, dose-dependent increase in MMP-1 protein in conditioned medium. Metalloproteinase inhibitors TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and TIMP-3 were expressed by unstimulated SMCs and were differentially regulated by FGF-2. TIMP-1 expression increased modestly, TIMP-2 expression was repressed, and TIMP-3 was relatively unaffected. The net effect on substrate degradation, as assessed by zymography of conditioned media, was induction of MMP-1 lytic activity by FGF-2, with no effect on the activity of MMP-2, MMP-3, or MMP-9. These data indicate that stimulation of human SMCs with FGF-2 establishes a phenotype in which collagen fiber production is repressed and the capacity for fiber degradation activated. This coordinated response may be critical for SMC accumulation during vascular remodeling as well as atherosclerotic plaque destabilization.

Cells, Cultured↗

Matrix metalloproteinase and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor expression in endometrial stromal cells during progestin-initiated decidualization and menstruation-related progestin withdrawal.

Estradiol (E) primes human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) for the decidualizing effects of progesterone in vivo and in vitro. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression was evaluated in confluent HESCs incubated in control medium, and in medium supplemented with either E, or the synthetic progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (P), or E + P. Measurements with a specific ELISA indicated that basal pro-MMP-1 output was unaffected by E, whereas E + P, which induces the expression of several decidualization-related markers, produced a time-dependent inhibition in HESC-secreted levels of pro-MMP-1. Consistent with progestin inhibition of MMP-1 protein expression in the HESCs, P but not E, reduced steady state levels of MMP-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) as determined by Northern analysis. By contrast, mRNA levels for MMP-2 and the MMP inhibitor TIMP-1 were not altered by either P or E. Steroid withdrawal studies indicated that after MMP-1 expression was suppressed by incubation of the HESCs with E + P, 4 days of exposure to the antiprogestin RU 486 (mifepristone) significantly up-regulated MMP-1 levels in the conditioned medium by severalfold compared with cultures maintained in E + P. The change to steroid-free control medium required a more prolonged period of withdrawal to attain up regulatory effects that were comparable with those evoked by RU 486. The ELISA measurements were validated by immunoblot analysis with a specific MMP-1 antibody, which showed corresponding changes in a band at the expected mobility of about 50 kDa. Moreover, Northern analysis revealed parallel changes in MMP-1 mRNA levels, whereas neither MMP-2 nor TIMP-1 mRNA levels were modulated by adding or withdrawing steroids. The contrast between regulated MMP-1 expression and constitutive MMP-2 expression observed in the cultured HESCs is consistent with the demonstrated presence on the MMP-1 promoter of regulatory elements such as AP-1 and PEA-3 that are absent from the MMP-2 promoter. Extrapolation of these in vitro changes in HESCs to in vivo endometrial events suggests that: 1) inhibition of MMP-1 expression by E and progesterone would stabilize the perivascular endometrial ECM to prevent local hemorrhage during endovascular invasion by the implanting trophoblast; 2) enhanced expression of MMP-1 evoked by steroid withdrawal would mediate endometrial ECM degradation leading to sloughing of the functional layer during menstruation.

Blotting, Northern↗