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PubMed1991

Structural and compositional analyses of isolated cone matrix sheaths.

The cone matrix sheath is a biochemically and structurally distinct domain of the retinal interphotoreceptor matrix that is specifically associated with cone photoreceptor cell inner and outer segments. An aqueous extraction technique for the isolation of cone matrix sheath-enriched retinal fractions was developed and used to examine the structure and composition of this extracellular matrix domain. A complex substructural organization of the cone matrix sheath was observed. Many longitudinally oriented, filamentous structures extend the entire length of the sheath and terminate in filamentous rings at both the apical and basal ends. These longitudinal filaments are interconnected by a finer, anastomosing filamentous network. The basal rings of cone matrix sheaths are interconnected with similar rings of matrix material associated with rod photoreceptor inner segments. Gel electrophoresis and lectin blot analyses of cone matrix sheath-enriched fractions reveal the presence of 17- and 32-kilodalton bands, labeled by peanut lectin, that are likely to be components of the structural elements of cone matrix sheaths. Thus, structural elements potentially capable of mediating adhesion between the neural retina and the retinal pigmented epithelium are present in the cone matrix sheath and may be at least partially responsible for the observation that cone matrix sheaths are firmly adherent to the pigmented epithelium and the neural retina.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Structure and interactions of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix produced by cultured human fibroblasts.

Subconfluent cultures of human embryonic skin fibroblasts were labelled with [35S]sulphate for 3 days, after which cell-free extracellular matrix was isolated. A chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) and a heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) were purified from the matrix. Chromatography on Sepharose CL-2B gave peak Kav. values of 0.35 and 0.38 respectively for the CSPG and the HSPG. The polysaccharide chains released from the two PGs were of similar size (Kav. 0.50 on Sepharose CL-4B). Approx. 50% of the CSPG showed affinity for hyaluronic acid (HA). However, it differed immunologically from the HA-aggregating CSPG of human articular cartilage, and had a larger core protein (apparent molecular mass 290 kDa) than had the cartilage PG. Neither metabolically [35S]sulphate-labelled PGs, isolated from the medium of fibroblast cultures, nor chemically 3H-labelled polysaccharides (HA, CS, HS and heparin) were incorporated into the extracellular matrix when added to unlabelled cell cultures. These results indicate that the matrix PGs are not derived from the PGs present in the medium and that an interation between polysaccharide chains and matrix components is not sufficient for incorporation of PGs into the matrix. Incubation of cell-free 35S-labelled matrix with unlabelled polysaccharides did not lead to the release of any 35S-labelled material, supporting this conclusion. Furthermore, so-called 'link proteins' were not present in the fibroblast cultures, indicating that the CSPGs were anchored in the matrix in a manner different from the link-stabilized association of CSPG with HA in chondrocyte matrix. The identification of a proteinase, secreted by fibroblasts in culture, that after activation with heparin has the ability to release 35S-labelled PGs from the matrix may also indicate that the core proteins are important for the association of the PGs to the matrix.

Cartilage, Articular↗
PubMed1986

Rapid degradation restricts measles virus matrix protein expression in a subacute sclerosing panencephalitis cell line.

Measles virus matrix protein expression is restricted in the persistently infected brain cells of patients with the chronic neurological disease subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). Prior studies of the nature of this restriction have identified polyadenylylated matrix gene-encoded RNA transcripts unable to direct effective translation. The defective nature of these mRNAs readily accounted for the inability to detect matrix protein in these persistently infected cells and suggested that in SSPE the restriction of matrix protein expression is achieved by preventing its synthesis. Recently, however, we reported evidence that matrix protein is synthesized in at least one example of this persistent infection, the SSPE cell line IP-3-Ca. In this case, failure of matrix protein to accumulate normally accounted for its restricted expression [Sheppard, R. D., Raine, C. S., Bornstein, M. B. & Udem, S. A. (1985) Science 228, 1219-1221]. To clarify the nature of the restriction displayed by IP-3-Ca cells, the synthesis and fate of the matrix protein of this SSPE cell line were examined in detail. No evidence of constraints on the efficiency of matrix protein mRNA transcription or translation was found. Instead, the restricted expression proved to be the result of rapid posttranslational degradation of matrix protein. We suggest that matrix protein gene mutations incurred in the course of genome replication are likely to be responsible for the diversity of observed mechanisms restricting matrix protein expression. In that event, the nature and position of the nucleotide substitution(s) would be the determinants of the level at which restricted expression is achieved.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1991

Extracellular matrix molecules and their receptors: an overview with special emphasis on periodontal tissues.

Knowledge of extracellular matrix molecules and their cell receptors has increased exponentially during the last 2 decades. It is now known that the structure and function of each tissue is based on specific combinations of matrix molecules. The major constituents of the extracellular matrix are collagens, proteoglycans, and adhesive glycoproteins. The rapid development of biochemical, molecular biological, and immunological research has revealed a lot of interesting details pertaining to these molecules. Several new collagen types have been discovered. In addition to being responsible for the strength and form of tissues, each collagen type has specific sequences providing them with special features such as flexibility and the ability to interact with other matrix molecules and cells. Proteoglycans are another large group of matrix molecules with a variety of functions. Proteoglycans play an important role in tissue resilience and filtering. Some proteoglycans have a capacity to specifically bind other matrix molecules and growth factors, while others act as matrix receptors on the cell surface. An important part of regulation of the cell behavior is played by adhesive glycoproteins belonging to the fibronectin and laminin families. Several isoforms of fibronectin and laminin that result from alternative RNA splicing serve specific functions such as controlling the attachment, migration, and synthetic activity of cells. A major group of cell receptors for cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions is termed integrins. The integrins are cell surface proteins composed of two polypeptides whose structure dictates the specificity of each receptor. The cytoplasmic domain of the integrins interacts with cytoskeletal elements within the cell, and thereby relays the information from the extracellular space into the protein synthesis machinery. The expression of the integrins is controlled by the extracellular matrix and growth factors, most notably TGF beta. During periodontal diseases several aspects of the cell-matrix interactions may be disturbed. Therefore, an understanding of the special features of the extracellular matrix and their receptors in periodontal tissues is a prerequisite for developing new approaches to the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases.

Extracellular Matrix Proteins↗
PubMed1986

Development of a three-dimensional extracellular matrix synthesized by human diploid fibroblasts in vitro.

Development and maturation of an extracellular matrix, synthesized by human gingival fibroblasts, have been studied microscopically. Pairs of demineralized, fibronectin-coated slices of human tooth root, 300 micron thick, were placed on confluent cell layers, defining a 0.5 mm wide space. The cultures were grown under standard conditions with ascorbic acid (50 micrograms ml-1) added daily. At various times up to 13 weeks, the cultures were fixed and the samples prepared for light and electron microscopy. Cells from the monolayer became attached to, and migrated up, the vertical root surface and, during the time studied, completely filled the space between the root slices with an extracellular matrix. A close association was seen between the cell membrane and collagen fibres in the demineralized surface initially. A thin layer of fibrillar material was deposited between the cell and the vertical surface, and eventually an extracellular matrix surrounding the cells and attaching to the root surface was present. Samples fixed in the presence of Ruthenium Red showed intense staining of the fibrillar material, indicating the presence of anionic molecules. Additional cells migrated onto the newly synthesized matrix and up the root surface. Growth of the fibrillar networks on either side, horizontally and vertically, continued and, eventually, an extracellular matrix attaching to the vertical surfaces completely filled the previously empty space. Immunocytochemical staining showed that the matrix contained hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate, dermatan sulphate and fibronectin at this time. Collagen fibres were observed at 6 weeks, and at later times collagen types I, III and V were the primary matrix components. The fibroblasts attaching to the root slice and those present at the edge of the matrix had an elongated, polar form. The cells within the matrix frequently showed a stellate appearance with numerous extended processes, in contact with fibrillar material or collagen fibres. Fibroblast processes were at later times seen to enclose bundles of collagen fibres and to mediate cell-to-cell contact, occasionally via desmosome-like structures. The structure and composition of the matrix and the appearance and apparent behaviour of the cells were similar to that observed in the healing wound. This system thus could provide a model for studying various aspects of regeneration of extracellular matrix.

Collagen↗
PubMed1991

Effects of nonenzymatic glycosylation of mesangial matrix on proliferation of mesangial cells.

Cross-linking of cell matrix components by nonenzymatic glycosylation may contribute to diabetic glomerulopathy. We examined the effects of modification of matrix by nonenzymatic glycosylation on mesangial cell function. Matrix was generated by growing mesangial cells in tissue culture for 2 wk and removing the cells with a detergent cell-lysis solution. By indirect immunofluorescence and Northern-blot analysis, the remaining matrix contained laminin, fibronectin, and collagens type I and IV. The matrix was modified by incubation for 24 h with 50 mM glycolaldehyde, a highly reactive cross-linking nonenzymatic glycosylation product, or for 2 wk with 200 mM glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). Modification was carried out with or without equimolar aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of cross-link formation. Nonenzymatic glycosylation of the matrix by glycolaldehyde or G6P was confirmed by fluorometry and [14C]G6P incorporation and was prevented by aminoguanidine. [3H]thymidine incorporation for 24 h by mesangial cells plated onto unmodified or modified matrix was then performed. Modification of matrix had no effect on attachment of mesangial cells, determined 4 h after plating. Nonenzymatic glycosylation of matrix by glycolaldehyde or G6P significantly inhibited thymidine incorporation by mesangial cells. This effect was partially reversible by aminoguanidine. Aminoguanidine-modified matrix had no effect on thymidine incorporation. Thymidine-incorporation results were confirmed by direct cell counting. We conclude that modification of matrix by nonenzymatic glycosylation influences growth of mesangial cells, which could contribute to the mesangial abnormalities of diabetic glomerulopathy.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Bone marrow matrix promotes differentiation and prolongs the cell cycle of U-937 cells.

The extracellular matrix influences the growth and differentiation of a variety of cell types. In this study, the effects of bone marrow extracellular matrix on U-937 cells, a human histiocytic lymphoma cell line, were assessed. Sixty percent of U-937 cells adhered to extracellular matrix, whereas only 1% adhered to uncoated plastic. U-937 cells grown on extracellular matrix released significantly more lysozyme into the medium (8.3 +/- 0.3 micrograms/10(6) cells) compared to those grown on plastic (4.2 +/- 0.5 micrograms/10(6) cells). FMLP (f-met-leu-phe) receptor expression was also enhanced suggesting a more mature phenotype in cells grown on matrix (2980 cpm/10(6) cells vs 230 cpm/10(6) cells on plastic). Furthermore, bone marrow extracellular matrix inhibited proliferation of U-937 cells. After four days in culture, there was a 65% inhibition of cell growth in matrix-coated flasks compared to uncoated flasks. Since an arrest in G0/G1 usually precedes mammalian cell differentiation, DNA histograms were performed on U-937 cells grown on matrix to detect such an arrest. However, the cell cycle distribution of U-937 cells grown on extracellular matrix or uncoated plastic for various time periods was similar. In contrast, bromodeoxyuridine pulse labeling revealed approximately a 5 hr prolongation in cycle length in cells grown on extracellular matrix. We conclude that bone marrow extracellular matrix induced macrophage-like differentiation and inhibited proliferation of U-937 cells with a prolongation of the cell cycle that was not G0/G1 phase specific.

Bone Marrow↗
PubMed1988

Ultrastructure of odontogenic cells during enameloid matrix synthesis in tooth buds from an elasmobranch, Raja erinacae.

The ultrastructure of the inner dental epithelial cells (IDE) and odontoblasts in elasmobranch (Raja erinacae) tooth buds was investigated by transmission electron microscopy to determine what contribution each cell type makes to the forming enameloid matrix. Row II, early stage, IDE cells contained few organelles associated with protein synthesis, whereas preodontoblasts appeared competent to initiate extracellular matrix production. Row III IDE cells are also devoid of organelles related to secretory protein synthesis, although these IDE cells accumulated large pools of intracellular glycogen. The glycogen appeared to be packaged into vesicles and exocytosed into the lateral extracellular space toward the forming enameloid matrix. Row III odontoblasts had a morphology consistent with an active protein secretory cell. No procollagen granules were present within the odontoblasts, however, nor were many collagen fibers observed in the enameloid matrix. Instead, non-collagenous "giant" fibers having 17.5-nm periodic cross striations were associated with the invaginations of odontoblast cell processes. Giant fibers, which spanned a clear zone adjacent to the odontoblasts, terminated within the enameloid matrix. Smaller 25-nm-wide "unit" fibers emanated from the giant fiber tips to form the bulk of the enameloid matrix. The clear zone, which separated the odontoblasts from the enameloid matrix at early stages, diminished in size at later stages until the odontoblast processes were completely embedded in the enameloid matrix. Nascent enameloid crystallites were observed only after a layer of unmineralized predentin was deposited beneath fully formed enameloid matrix. The results suggest that the major constituent of the enameloid matrix in skates is a non-collagenous protein derived from the odontoblasts. The inner dental epithelial cells appear to contribute large quantities of carbohydrates to the forming enameloid matrix.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Association of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) with the nuclear matrix.

Nuclear matrices from uninfected Spodoptera frugiperda cells and those infected with Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) were isolated and their protein constituents were compared. Proteins were characterized according to size and several different antibodies to Drosophila nuclear proteins were employed in an attempt to identify the proteins comprising this nuclear substructure. Three species of lamins were identified as major constituents of the nuclear matrix of Spodoptera cells. Two DNA-binding proteins having molecular weights of 54 and 36 kDa were also identified as components of the nuclear matrix of uninfected cells. Infection resulted in a superimposition of viral proteins upon the nuclear matrix of the host cell. Polyhedrin, the basic viral DNA-binding protein (p6.9), and the major capsid protein of AcMNPV were identified immunologically as components of the nuclear matrix fraction of infected cells. Infection also resulted in the increased association of cellular histones with the nuclear matrix. DNA-binding assays demonstrated histones and p6.9 were the predominant DNA-binding proteins associated with the nuclear matrix of infected cells. Nuclear matrices from uninfected cells and cells infected with AcMNPV for 10 and 24 hr were examined using transmission electron microscopy. Morphologically, the nuclear matrix of the uninfected cell consists of the outer nuclear lamina (including nuclear pore complexes), an internal fibrogranular protein constituent, and a residual nucleolar structure. Numerous viral capsids were observed associated with the nuclear matrix in cells infected with either wild-type AcMNPV or a polyhedrin-deletion mutant by 10 hr p.i. The capsids appeared to be attached in an end-on association with the internal fibrogranular protein network of the nuclear matrix. The matrix-associated capsids were similar in width and length to those packaged within the polyhedra. In addition to the capsids, polyhedra in various stages of maturation were seen at 24 hr following infection of the cells with the wild-type virus. The nuclear matrix of the infected cell appears to play an important role in baculovirus assembly.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Regulation of acrosomal matrix dispersion in digitonin-permeabilized guinea pig spermatozoa.

Digitonin-permeabilized guinea pig spermatozoa undergo acrosomal matrix dispersion in response to 2.0 mM CaCl2. In this report, the effects of pH and metal ions on matrix dispersion in permeabilized spermatozoa are examined. Calcium-induced dispersion of the acrosomal matrix was dependent on the calcium concentration; the response was not observed at concentrations of CaCl2 less than 50 microM. Magnesium could not substitute for calcium and, in fact, had a retarding effect on the calcium-induced response. Matrix dispersion was also found to be pH-dependent. The induction of matrix dispersion was inhibited at pH 5.6 and pH 9.5 relative to the responses observed at pH 6.3 and pH 7.8. Nigericin induced acrosomal matrix dispersion in the absence of added calcium, indicating a possible role of Na+/H+ exchange across the outer acrosomal membrane in initiating the matrix modification. Sodium was required for the action of nigericin; the ionophore was ineffective in medium in which choline chloride or sucrose was substituted for NaCl. In contrast, the calcium-induced dispersion of the acrosomal matrix occurred in the absence of sodium. Furthermore, low concentrations of calcium inhibited an adenosine triphosphatase activity associated with isolated acrosomal apical segments. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that calcium induces alkalinization of the acrosome, leading to matrix dispersion. However, permeabilized spermatozoa incubated at either pH 9.5 or in the presence of 50 mM NH4Cl at pH 7.5 failed to undergo spontaneous matrix dispersion, suggesting that elevated intraacrosomal pH alone was not sufficient to initiate the reaction. The proposed alternative hypothesis is that calcium initiates matrix dispersion by a mechanism in which elevated intraacrosomal pH may be a secondary response.

Acrosome↗
PubMed1989

Subendothelial matrix of cultured endothelial cells contains fully processed high molecular weight von Willebrand factor.

Von Willebrand factor (vWf) is an adhesive glycoprotein composed of identical subunits linked by disulfide bonds to form multimers of varying sizes. VWf is found in platelets and plasma, where it functions in the adhesion of platelets to exposed subendothelium. Subendothelial matrix contains vWf, but the multimeric composition of matrix vWf, its binding site in matrix, and the mechanism by which it is delivered to matrix are unknown. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVE) cultures, we have partially characterized subendothelial matrix vWf. Matrix from HUVE was solubilized in sodium dodecyl sulfate and electrophoresed on 1.25% agarose gels. The extracted vWf was composed of extremely high molecular weight (HMW) multimers of vWf not normally found in plasma. The vWf content of HUVE supernatant, extract, and matrix was quantitated and characterized by radioimmunoassay, agarose gel electrophoresis, and densitometry. The matrix-bound or -associated vWf represented 4% to 18% of total HUVE vWf. Western blot analysis of matrix vWf after reduction showed a subunit species of 220 kd. Long-term incubation of HUVE with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a compound that causes release of HMW vWf from Weibel-Palade bodies in HUVE, resulted in a marked decrease in matrix vWf (0.2% to 1% of the total vWf). The multimeric pattern of the remaining matrix vWf continued to show predominantly HMW multimers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1988

Fibronectin's amino-terminal matrix assembly site is located within the 29-kDa amino-terminal domain containing five type I repeats.

Fibronectin is organized into disulfide cross-linked, insoluble pericellular matrix fibrils by fibroblasts in vitro. Two sites, the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-containing cell attachment domain and a site located in the first 70 kDa of fibronectin, are required for matrix assembly. The first 70 kDa of fibronectin contain two structural motifs termed type I and type II homologies, which are repeated nine and two times, respectively. Previous work has implicated the amino-terminal region and the carboxyl terminus containing three type I repeats in matrix assembly, suggesting that type I repeats possess binding activity essential for fibronectin matrix assembly. To test this hypothesis, we developed a sensitive capture immunoassay to quantify insoluble matrix fibronectin and tested a panel of fibronectin fragments, containing all of the type I repeats found in the intact protein, for their ability to inhibit matrix assembly. Only fragments containing the first five type I repeats inhibited fibronectin matrix assembly, although sequences carboxyl-terminal to this domain enhanced this activity. Additional evidence for the specific recognition of the amino-terminal type I repeats by matrix assembling cells was found when the reversible, detergent-sensitive binding of a 125I-labeled fragment containing the first five type I repeats (29 kDa) to cell monolayers was studied. Only monolayers of cell lines that incorporate fibronectin into a fibrillar matrix specifically bound 125I-labeled 29 kDa. Binding of the radiolabeled amino-terminal fragment to matrix-forming cells was inhibited by unlabeled fragments containing the first five type I repeats but not by unlabeled fragments containing the remaining seven type I repeats. Matrix assembly is therefore not a generalized property of type I repeats. Rather, a critical site is located within the first 29 kDa of fibronectin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Rod and cone specific domains in the interphotoreceptor matrix.

The insoluble matrix domain of the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) from normal dog, cat, and mouse retinae were characterized using lectin cytochemistry. The lectins WGA (wheat germ agglutinin) and PNA (peanut agglutinin) were used to label interphotoreceptor matrix microdomains in cryosections of retinal tissue and in extracted insoluble matrix. Retinal cryosections and extracted matrix were examined by epifluorescence microscopy and scanning confocal laser microscopy, the latter allowed for the removal of all background fluorescence and gave increased resolution. The insoluble matrix was extracted as a continuous sheet that was comprised of two photoreceptor-specific matrix domains distinguished both by the size of the domains, and by differential binding of WGA and PNA lectins. Each domain encloses a photoreceptor inner and outer segment. Individual rod-associated domains were connected into a hexagonal lattice and this pattern was regularly interrupted by the larger cone-associated domains which have 8-10 surrounding rod domains. The PNA lectin primarily labeled the cone-associated matrix with faint binding to the rod matrix; the WGA lectin labeled both the rod- and cone-associated matrix.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Immunohistochemical localization of matrix proteins in the femoral joint cartilage of growing commercial pigs.

The immunocytochemical localization of several matrix macromolecules, including collagen type II and proteoglycans, in the distal femoral articular-epiphyseal cartilage complex of 15 commercial pigs between the age of 6 and 18 weeks was studied. Early osteochondrotic lesions, i.e., chondronecrosis in the resting region of the growth cartilage, as well as extensions of necrotic cartilage into the subchondral bone, were present in all animals, except those 6 weeks old. A battery of antibodies were used for identification of macromolecules in the matrix at different stages of the disease. Chondrocyte involvement in the process could be studied by identifying the sequence of alterations in matrix macromolecules as the lesion developed. The immunostaining for aggrecan (large aggregating proteoglycans), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, fibronectin, collagen type II, fibromodulin, and biglycan was more prominent in the areas of chondronecrosis, extending into the subchondral bone, than in the normal resting region. This altered pattern of matrix macromolecules resembled that of the matrix of the proliferative chondrocytes and suggests that the chondrocyte maturation had stopped in the proliferative zone. The matrix in the areas of chondronecrosis in the resting region resembled that in the normal resting region. Thus the chondronecrosis appears to have preceded alterations of the matrix composition. The antibody reactivity pattern was, however, altered in the matrix of the clustered chondrocytes in areas of chondronecrosis. Staining in these regions suggested a more prominent appearance of fibronectin and collagen type II than in the normal matrix of the resting region. These changes are suggestive of attempt to repair.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Septal distribution and the relationship of matrix vesicle size to cartilage mineralization.

To estimate matrix vesicle distribution between longitudinal and transversal septal matrix in the proliferative, hypertrophic and calcifying zones of normal epiphyseal cartilage, the volume density of matrix vesicles in the longitudinal septal matrix was compared to that of total extralacunar matrix. The results confirm the qualitative observation by Anderson that matrix vesicles are located mainly in the longitudinal septa. To elucidate whether cartilage mineralization can be related to the disappearance of matrix vesicles of particular size classes, epiphyseal growth cartilage from three groups of animals were studied: normal rats, rats with florid rickets and rats with early healing rickets. The study was focused on the proliferative, hypertrophic and calcifying zones and in each zone the matrix vesicles were classified into four size classes: 1, less than or equal to 50 nm; 2, 51-67 nm; 3, 68-84 nm; 4, greater than or equal to 85 nm. The results show that the decrease in volume density previously demonstrated in normal rats to a large extent is due to a decreased number of larger vesicles. In florid rickets the decrease in this size group is much smaller while the values for healing rachitic animals fall between those of florid rachitic rats and those of controls. The data indicate that the decrease in the number of larger vesicles, which represents a considerable vesicle volume, is of particular importance. The heterogenous change in the concentration of matrix vesicles of different size classes during cartilage mineralization as well as under conditions of arrested calcification, is compatible with the existence of a matrix vesicle subpopulation of larger size.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Mesangial cell hillocks. Nodular foci of exaggerated growth of cells and matrix in prolonged culture.

To examine the capability of glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) to produce extracellular matrix, the authors studied MCs in culture by light and electron microscopy as well as immunocytochemistry. MCs were obtained from isolated rat glomeruli and maintained up to 12 weeks in medium containing 20% fetal calf serum. MC outgrowth of primary culture and of up to three subcultures showed characteristic organization consisting of bands of elongated or stellate intertwined cells. After confluency at 10-16 days, MCs continued to grow in irregular multilayers. MCs produced extracellular matrix material within 2-4 days after plating, and large amounts of matrix accumulated with time. By 2-3 weeks, foci of exaggerated MC proliferation, matrix secretion, and necrotic cell debris formed nodular protrusions, which gradually produced large hillocks. Immunocytochemical studies of MC outgrowths were performed on culture plates or on sectioned material with the use of specific rabbit polyclonal antibodies to isolated matrix proteins and FITC-conjugated, affinity-purified second antibodies. Within 3 days of culture, MCs elaborated fibronectin and collagen Types I, III, IV, and V. With time, strands of matrix, notably in the central mass of hillocks, stained extensively for these constituents. Staining for laminin was less pronounced. Smooth muscle cell myosin was regularly found on distinct intracellular fibrils and in the extracellular material of hillocks. Electron microscopy revealed the hillocks to be composed of elongated cells on the surface and stellate cells intermingled with matrix and necrotic cell debris in the core. The results show that proliferating MCs can be maintained in homogeneous culture for a prolonged time period. MCs produce large amounts of the extracellular matrix proteins (Type IV and V collagen, fibronectin, laminin), which are found in normal glomeruli. Cultured MCs also produce interstitial collagen Types I and III. MC hillocks show the nodular accumulation of matrix similar to that seen in the mesangium of diseased glomeruli. It is concluded that the in vitro model of prolonged MC outgrowth may facilitate the investigation of factors that govern mesangial matrix production. Such a model could be used in examining the response of the mesangium to defined inflammatory or metabolic stimuli.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Inhibition of growth and induction of differentiation in a malignant human glioma cell line by normal leptomeningeal extracellular matrix proteins.

We devised a model system to study the effects of extracellular matrix proteins on the malignant phenotype of an anaplastic glioma cell line, U 343 MG-A. Well-characterized cultures derived from normal human leptomeninges were grown to confluence and maintained for 2 weeks. The leptomeningeal cells were then removed with base and detergent, leaving behind an extracellular matrix enriched in laminin, fibronectin, type I and IV collagen, and procollagen III. U 343 MG-A tumor cells planted on top of this normal extracellular matrix were profoundly growth inhibited compared with glioma cells grown on plastic alone. Glioma cells grown on the extracellular matrix developed multiple, slender processes and assumed a more differentiated astrocytic phenotype; immunostains for glial fibrillary acidic protein revealed a more extensive intracytoplasmic network of intensely staining filaments than in control glioma cells. When glioma cells grown on the extracellular matrix were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for glial fibrillary acidic protein, the amount of this intermediate filament per cell was increased 20-fold compared with glioma cells growing on plastic. The growth and differentiation of U 343 MG-A glioma cells in flasks coated with purified fibronectin or laminin was not significantly perturbed; however, glioma cell cultures grown in flasks coated with purified type I or IV collagen showed decreased cellular proliferation, stellate cell formation, and increased levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein per cell compared with glioma cells growing on plastic. Gelatin gel analysis showed that U 343 MG-A glioma cells growing on plastic secreted a 65,000-D metalloproteinase that was not secreted by glioma cells grown on the leptomeningeal extracellular matrix. We conclude that in this system, the extracellular matrix of a normal human leptomeningeal culture substantially inhibited the proliferation of and induced differentiation in an anaplastic glioma cell line. Our analysis of single components of the extracellular matrix suggests that these effects may be mediated in part by type I and IV collagen. The mechanism by which the leptomeningeal extracellular matrix inhibits glioma cell proliferation may be by diminishing tumor-associated protease secretion so that the degradation of extracellular matrix macromolecules in the tumor cell microenvironment is prevented and tumor cell migration becomes less likely.

Cell Differentiation↗
PubMed1986

Invasion of reconstituted basement membrane matrix by metastatic human tumor cells.

A gel-like reconstituted basement membrane matrix containing type IV collagen, laminin, entactin, nidogen, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan was used to examine the invasive properties of human HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. Within several hours after seeding, the tumor cells initiated a random migration, leaving behind channels etched in the surface of the matrix. Eventually the channels became interconnected into a complex network. As the tumor cells proliferated, the channels became filled until the surrounding matrix was gradually dissolved. Cells then migrated outward, forming the typical disorganized cell monolayer normally observed when fibrosarcoma cells are cultured on plastic surfaces. In contrast to the fibrosarcoma cells, normal skin fibroblasts, while able to attach to the matrix, exhibited minimal migration, tracking, and invasion during the same time period. When tumor cells were seeded onto thick layers of matrix, the cells ultimately invaded downward into the matrix, leaving behind open tunnels. At the front of the invading cells, long irregular pseudopodia projected in the direction of movement. Electron microscopy demonstrated these filopodial and lamellopodial projections to directly extend into the surrounding matrix, with focal clearing of the matrix in the immediate vicinity of these invading pseudopodia. Thus, tumor cell invasion of extracellular matrices, including basal lamina, may proceed by the formation of specialized pseudopodia that not only form adhesion contacts with the matrix but also provide an efficient mechanism for the focal hydrolysis of the matrix at the site of directed cell movement.

Basement Membrane↗