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Acrosome biogenesis in the hamster: ultrastructurally distinct matrix regions are assembled from a common precursor polypeptide.

The hamster sperm acrosome contains a stable matrix complex that binds specific hydrolases and appears to regulate their release during the acrosome reaction. This complex comprises two contiguous but ultrastructurally distinct regions that are segregated to specific sites within the acrosome. In this study, we define the temporal expression, processing, and localization of major matrix proteins of 29 kDa (AM29) and 22 kDa (AM22) during spermiogenesis and post-testicular sperm maturation in the epididymis. Peptide mapping, N-terminal microsequence analysis, immunoblotting, and immunocytochemistry were used to demonstrate that AM29 and AM22 of mature spermatozoa are structurally related and appear to arise from a common 40-kDa precursor protein expressed in round spermatids. A monoclonal antibody that recognized only the mature forms of the matrix proteins and a polyclonal antibody that recognized both the precursor and fully processed matrix proteins were prepared and used to demonstrate that the precursor protein is present in the acrosome of round spermatids and that it undergoes size processing during the terminal stages of spermiogenesis so that the mature matrix polypeptides are evident in epididymal spermatozoa. Finally, using light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry, we demonstrated that the matrix polypeptides are excluded from the equatorial segment and are localized to both structurally distinct matrix domains of the mature acrosome. These data show that processing of the major proteins of the acrosomal matrix occurs in a temporally regulated fashion after their transport to the acrosome and that the processed products can assemble into ultrastructurally distinct matrix elements.

Acrosome↗

The influence of noise in full Monte Carlo ML-EM and dual matrix reconstructions in positron emission tomography.

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations in positron emission tomography (PET) play an important role in detector modeling and algorithm testing. Whereas the simulations are widely used in a forward projection manner to accomplish this task, ideally they should be included into the reconstruction process itself. It is therefore desirable to investigate the convergence properties and the propagation of MC noise of these kinds of reconstruction algorithms. MC simulations were integrated into the maximum likelihood expectation maximization (ML-EM) algorithm in two different ways. In the full matrix approach the system matrix was calculated by running MC simulations, including scatter. This matrix was used in both the projector and the backprojector. In the dual matrix (DM) approach, MC simulations were used to incorporate scatter in the projector, whereas the backprojector only comprised attenuation. Repeated reconstructions with different MC seeds allowed a statistical analysis of the error at each iteration step and made it possible to investigate separately the propagation of the MC noise that was introduced by the sinogram, by the projector, and by the matrix. Both approaches resulted in similar images, but the DM approach with unmatched projector and backprojector yielded a faster initial convergence when compared to the ideal full matrix approach. The analysis of the noise sources for the modeled single ring scanner in full matrix reconstruction showed that the noise introduced by the matrix became comparable to the noise introduced by the sinogram when using a matrix that was simulated with 10,000 emissions/voxel.

Algorithms↗

Investigation of basic imaging properties in digital radiography. 12. Effect of matrix configuration on spatial resolution.

We investigated the effects of three matrix configurations (a conventional 512 X 512 matrix, a double-sampling matrix, and a high-resolution 1024 X 1024 matrix) on the resolution properties of an image intensifier (II)-TV digital radiographic imaging system. Expressions for the optical transfer function were derived theoretically for each of the three matrix configurations, and the corresponding digital modulation transfer functions (MTF's) were calculated using the measured MTF's of the presampling analog components and the parameters of the digital system. In addition, digital images of a star pattern phantom and a hand phantom were obtained with the II-TV system for each matrix type. From our results, we conclude that, in order to increase the resolution of an II-TV digital imaging system, it is necessary not only to increase the matrix size, but also to improve the resolution capabilities of analog components such as the II and/or TV camera. In addition, if the system cannot be upgraded to a 1024 X 1024 matrix configuration, a double-sampling technique with an 512 X 512 matrix may be employed.

Hand↗

Interaction between two major outer membrane proteins of Escherichia coli: the matrix protein and the lipoprotein.

The affinity to the matrix protein, one of the major outer membrane proteins of Escherichia coli, for the peptidoglycan was examined of extracting the cell envelope complex at 55 degrees C and 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate containing different amounts of NaCl. It was found that the matrix protein was extracted from the peptidoglycan of a mutant strain (lpo) that lacks another major membrane protein, the lipoprotein, at a lower NaCl concentration than was the matrix protein of the wild-type cell (lpo+). When the envelope fraction of the wild-type strain was treated with trypsin, which is known to cleave the bound-form lipoprotein from the peptidoglycan, the affinity of the matrix protein for the peptidoglycan decreased to the same level as that of the affinity of the matrix protein for the peptidoglycan of the mutant strain. It was further shown that the free-form lipoprotein was also retained in the matrix protein-peptidoglycan complex, although the extent of retention of the free form of the lipoprotein was less than that of the matrix protein. These results indicate that both the free and the bound forms of the lipoprotein are closely associated with the matrix protein and that the bound form of the lipoprotein plays and important role in the association between the matrix protein and the peptidoglycan.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Organic matrix synthesis in the scleractinian coral stylophora pistillata: role in biomineralization and potential target of the organotin tributyltin

The kinetics of organic matrix biosynthesis and incorporation into scleractinian coral skeleton was studied using microcolonies of Stylophora pistillata. [14C]Aspartic acid was used to label the organic matrix since this acidic amino acid can represent up to 50 mol % of organic matrix proteins. External aspartate was rapidly incorporated into tissue protein without any detectable lag phase, suggesting either a small intracellular pool of aspartic acid or a pool with a fast turn-over rate. The incorporation of 14C-labelled macromolecules into the skeleton was linear over time, after an initial delay of 20 min. Rates of calcification, measured by the incorporation of 45Ca into the skeleton, and of organic matrix biosynthesis and incorporation into the skeleton were constant. Inhibition of calcification by the Ca2+ channel inhibitor verapamil reduced the incorporation of organic matrix proteins into the skeleton. Similarly, organic matrix incorporation into the skeleton, but not protein synthesis for incorporation into the tissue compartment, was dependent on the state of polymerization of both actin and tubulin, as shown by the sensitivity of this process to cytochalasin B and colchicin. These drugs may inhibit exocytosis of organic matrix proteins into the subcalicoblastic space. Finally, inhibition of protein synthesis by emetin or cycloheximide and inhibition of N-glycosylation by tunicamycin reduced both the incorporation of macromolecules into the skeleton and the rate of calcification. This suggests that organic matrix biosynthesis and its migration towards the site of calcification may be a prerequisite step in the calcification process. On the basis of these results, we investigated the effects of tributyltin (TBT), a component of antifouling painting known to interfere with biomineralization processes. Our results have shown that this xenobiotic significantly inhibits protein synthesis and the subsequent incorporation of protein into coral skeleton. This effect was correlated with a reduction in the rate of calcification. Protein synthesis was shown to be the parameter most sensitive to TBT (IC50=0.2 micromol l-1), followed by aspartic acid uptake by coral tissue (IC50=0.6 micromol l-1), skeletogenesis (IC50=3 micromol l-1) and Ca2+ uptake by coral tissue (IC50=20 micromol l-1). These results suggest that the mode of action of TBT on calcification may be the inhibition of organic matrix biosynthesis.

Journal Article↗

Enhanced expression of the inorganic phosphate transporter Pit-1 is involved in BMP-2-induced matrix mineralization in osteoblast-like cells.

UNLABELLED: Pi handling by osteogenic cells is important for bone mineralization. The role of Pi transport in BMP-2-induced matrix calcification was studied. BMP-2 enhances Pit-1 Pi transporters in osteogenic cells. Experimental analysis suggest that this response is required for bone matrix calcification. INTRODUCTION: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are produced by osteogenic cells and play an important role in bone formation. Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is a fundamental constituent of hydroxyapatite, and its transport by osteogenic cells is an important function for primary calcification of the bone matrix. In this study, we investigated the role of Pi transport in BMP-2-induced matrix mineralization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Confluent MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells were exposed to BMP-2 for various time periods. Pi and alanine transport was determined using radiolabeled substrate, Pit-1 and Pit-2 expression by Northern blot analysis, cell differentiation by alkaline phosphatase activity, matrix mineralization by alizarin red staining, and the characteristics of mineral deposited in the matrix by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction analysis, and Fourier transformed infrared resolution (FTIR). RESULTS: BMP-2 time- and dose-dependently stimulated Na-dependent Pi transport in MC3T3-E1 cells by increasing the V(max) of the transport system. This effect was preceded by an increase in mRNA encoding Pit-1 but not Pit-2. BMP-2 also dose-dependently enhanced extracellular matrix mineralization, an effect blunted by either phosphonoformic acid or expression of antisense Pit-1. Enhanced Pi transport and matrix mineralization induced by BMP-2 were blunted by a specific inhibitor of the c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Results presented in this study indicate that, in addition to its well-known effect on several markers of the differentiation of osteoblastic cells, BMP-2 also stimulates Pi transport activity through a selective increase in expression of type III Pi transporters Pit-1. In MC3T3-E1 cells, this effect is mediated by the JNK pathway and plays an essential role in bone matrix calcification induced by BMP-2.

3T3 Cells↗

Enhanced R-matrix algorithms for multilayered diffraction gratings.

I present enhanced R-matrix algorithms for analysis of general multilayered diffraction gratings. The previous R-matrix algorithms are enhanced in three aspects: computational efficiency, numerical stability, and application of half R-matrix in addition to full and quarter R-matrix recursions. On the basis of the eigensolutions of rigorous coupled-wave analysis, the enhanced R-matrix algorithms deal with eigen-submatrices directly and bypass the auxiliary layer R matrix. Such exclusion of a layer matrix leads to improvements in efficiency and algorithm robustness particularly for zero or small layer thickness relative to wavelength. Application of the enhanced algorithms to grating diffraction is exploited especially for the half and quarter R-matrix recursions. Comparison of various R-matrix algorithms via a table of flop counts shows that the enhanced algorithms are more efficient apart from being well conditioned.

Journal Article↗

A short-term and long-term comparison of root coverage with an acellular dermal matrix and a subepithelial graft.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining predictable and esthetic root coverage has become important. Unfortunately, there is only a limited amount of information available on the long-term results of root coverage procedures. The goal of this study was to evaluate the short-term and long-term root coverage results obtained with an acellular dermal matrix and a subepithelial graft. METHODS: An a priori power analysis was done to determine that 25 was an adequate sample size for each group in this study. Twenty-five patients treated with either an acellular dermal matrix or a subepithelial graft for root coverage were included in this study. The short-term (mean 12.3 to 13.2 weeks) and long-term (mean 48.1 to 49.2 months) results were compared. Additionally, various factors were evaluated to determine whether they could affect the results. This study was a retrospective study of patients in a fee-for-service private periodontal practice. The patients were not randomly assigned to treatment groups. RESULTS: The mean root coverages for the short-term acellular dermal matrix (93.4%), short-term subepithelial graft (96.6%), and long-term subepithelial graft (97.0%) were statistically similar. All three were statistically greater than the long-term acellular dermal matrix mean root coverage (65.8%). Similar results were noted in the change in recession. There were smaller probing reductions and less of an increase in keratinized tissue with the acellular dermal matrix than the subepithelial graft. None of the factors evaluated resulted in the acellular dermal graft having a statistically significant better result than the subepithelial graft. However, in long-term cases where multiple defects were treated with an acellular dermal matrix, the mean root coverage (70.8%) was greater than the mean root coverage in long-term cases where a single defect was treated with an acellular dermal matrix (50.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The mean results with the subepithelial graft held up with time better than the mean results with an acellular dermal matrix. However, the results were not universal. In 32.0% of the cases treated with an acellular dermal matrix, the results improved or remained stable with time.

Adult↗

Nuclear matrix proteins of bovine corneal and conjunctival epithelium.

PURPOSE: To present a preliminary biochemical and immunochemical analysis of nuclear matrix proteins isolated from ocular surface epithelium. METHODS: Nuclear matrix protein-enriched fractions were prepared from bovine corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells. The preparations were analyzed by 1D and 2D SDS-PAGE and Western immunoblotting. RESULTS: A comparison of corneal and conjunctival nuclear matrix preparations using 1D and 2D SDS-PAGE revealed subsets of both common and apparently unique proteins. Western immunoblotting analysis to corneal nuclear matrix preparations with antibody to nuclear lamins confirmed the presence of these proteins in the preparation. 1D and 2D immunoblotting analysis of corneal nuclear matrix preparations with antibodies to the keratin K12 revealed the presence of two protein species. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary biochemical analysis of ocular surface nuclear matrix provides evidence for cell-type specific components of this structure. Immunochemical analysis of corneal epithelial nuclear matrix preparations suggests that two keratin K12 pools may exist in these cells, one pool associated with the cytoplasmic intermediate filament network, and a second pool closely associated with the nuclear matrix framework. Keratin K12 may therefore play a role in the regulation of corneal epithelial cell gene and protein expression via its association with the nuclear matrix.

Animals↗

Fibrin sealant matrix supports outgrowth of peripheral sensory axons.

It has been suggested that fibrin-based matrix has an important role during the early stage of nerve regeneration. A fibrin sealant matrix, which was made by combining diluted human fibrinogen and thrombin, was used as a substrate for in vitro elongation of neurites and in vivo regeneration of axons. In the in vitro experiment, dissociated embryonic chick sensory neurons were cultured on dishes coated with fibrin sealant matrix and compared with the solution of thrombin/calcium chloride, or with poly-D-lysine (PDLctr). After 16 hours, cultures were stained immunohistochemically with a monoclonal antineurofilament antibody. The neurons survived well, and an abundant network of neurites, qualitatively similar to that on PDLctr, developed on the fibrin sealant matrix. The percentage of neurons that had outsprout at 16 hours was the same both in the fibrin sealant matrix and PDLctr groups. By contrast, all the neurons plated on the dishes treated with the solution of thrombin/calcium chloride were dead after 16 hours. Immunohistochemical staining of fibrinogen also showed an even distribution of fibrin matrix over the culture dishes. For the in vivo experiments, 48 rat sciatic nerves were cut and reconnected with two epineurial stitches. Fibrin sealant matrix or phosphate buffer solution was applied to the transsected and repaired region. Pinch reflex test showed that the regeneration of the leading sensory fibre was significantly faster in the fibrin sealant matrix group than in the control group at 3 and 4 days. These results indicate that fibrin sealant matrix accelerates regeneration of axons in vivo during the early phase, and also supports elongation of neurites in vitro.

Animals↗

Homologous acellular matrix graft for urethral reconstruction in the rabbit: histological and functional evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate urethral replacement by a free homologous graft of acellular urethral matrix in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 30 male New Zealand rabbits, a 0.8 to 1.1 cm. segment of the urethra was resected, replaced with an acellular matrix graft of 1.0 to 1.5 cm. (mean 1.3 cm.), and placed on an 8F feeding tube. Additionally 4 animals underwent sham operation. At varying intervals before sacrifice (from 10 days to 8 months), the animals underwent urodynamic evaluation and retrograde urethrography (for which 4 untreated rabbits served as control). The grafted specimens were prepared for evaluation histologically and by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: In all animals, the acellular matrix graft remained in its original position. Histological examination showed complete epithelialization and progressive vessel infiltration. At 3 months, smooth muscle bundles were first observed infiltrating the matrix at the end-to-end anastomosis; after 6 months, the smooth muscle bundles had grown into one-third of the matrix. Urodynamics did not detect any difference between the control and matrix-grafted animals in bladder volume, leak-point pressure and residual volume. RT-PCR detected an increase in IGF mRNA in the graft between week 3 and month 6 and in HB-EGF mRNA after day 10 through month 3. TGF-alpha mRNA was not detected; TGF-beta mRNA was unchanged from normal urethral tissue. By 8 months, the host and implant could not be differentiated by urethrography. CONCLUSION: The acellular urethral matrix allows single-stage urethral reconstruction. All tissue components were seen in the grafted matrix after 3 months, with further improvement over time; however, the smooth muscle in the matrix was less than in normal rabbit urethra and was not well oriented. RT-PCR revealed the importance of time-dependent growth factor influences during regeneration.

Animals↗

Matrix vesicles in aging cartilage.

The calcification process that occurs in aging has been studied with the electron microscope in costal and tracheal cartilage of rats and in human costal cartilage. In these tissues, the early stage of the calcification process is induced and regulated by matrix vesicles in the same way as it occurs in epiphyseal cartilage, bone, and dentine. However, the spreading of inorganic substance from vesicles into the surrounding matrix is frequently impaired in aged cartilage, either because of a too low concentration of calcium ions, or because the structure of the cartilage matrix is not suitable for inorganic substance deposition. This shows that matrix vesicles have a calcium affinity and calcium-binding potentiality greater than that of other components of the cartilage matrix. Most matrix vesicles are produced by "Verdämmerung der Zellen." This degenerative process of the chondrocytes leads also to the formation of pericellular halos consisting of aggregates of amorphous substance and thin filaments. Part of the material that forms these aggregates seems to be produced by disruption of matrix vesicles. Within this disruptive material, thick collagen fibrils can be formed. Moreover, this material seems capable of inducing calcification. These findings suggest that matrix vesicles, by releasing their content into the matrix, can be involved in some way in collagen formation, and that the released material maintains the calcium affinity and calcium-binding property it has within the vesicles.

Adolescent↗

Angiographic and histologic analysis of experimental aneurysms embolized with platinum coils, Matrix, and HydroCoil.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A report directly comparing platinum coils, Matrix coils, and HydroCoils in a single animal model does not currently exist. We evaluated and compared the performance of these three products in the embolization of experimental aneurysms. METHODS: Thirty-three elastase-induced saccular aneurysms were created in rabbits. Aneurysms were embolized with Matrix coils (n = 15), HydroCoils (n = 9), or platinum coils (n = 9). The groups were compared with respect to the following parameters: aneurysm size, procedure duration, number and total length of devices deposited, angiographic occlusion score, and volumetric occlusion percentage. Follow-up angiographic and histologic features at 2, 6, and 10 weeks after embolization were analyzed. Groups were compared by using analysis of variance and chi2 tests. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among groups regarding aneurysm size, total device length, initial angiographic occlusion score, or procedure time. The mean number of devices for Matrix subjects was less than that for platinum coils (P = .02) and HydroCoil (P = .03). Volumetric occlusion for HydroCoil (76%) was significantly greater (P < .0001) than both platinum coils (31%) and Matrix (23%). Angiographic durability was significantly increased in the HydroCoil group compared with Matrix (P = .03). Coil compaction was found more frequently in the Matrix group (five cases, 33%) than the HydroCoil (no cases, 0%), or platinum coil groups (two cases, 22%). The Matrix group showed greater tissue reaction compared with platinum coils (P < .05). CONCLUSION: In the rabbit model, the use of HydroCoils results in improved long-term occlusion rates compared with Matrix and platinum coils. The Matrix group showed an increase in inflammation and coil compaction compared with HydroCoils and platinum coils.

Animals↗

Pre-replicative association of multiple replicative enzyme activities with the nuclear matrix during rat liver regeneration.

As a step toward the molecular elucidation of the putative replicational apparatus associated with the nuclear matrix, we have investigated the possible matrix association of several replicational related enzymes. In addition to the previously identified DNA polymerase alpha, DNA primase, 3'-5' exonuclease, RNase H, and DNA methylase were all recovered at significant levels (20-30% of total nuclear activity) in nuclear matrix isolated from regenerating rat liver during maximal in vivo replication (22 h post-hepatectomy). In contrast, DNA ligase was not detected on the nuclear matrix even though significant activity was present in isolated nuclei. Examination of the replicative dependency of these enzyme activities following partial hepatectomy revealed pre-replicative elevations which were distinct for each matrix-bound enzyme. A second late-replicative peak in DNA methylase is consistent with a role of this matrix-bound enzyme in the maintenance of the inheritable methylation pattern. Mild sonication resulted in a significant release of all of these activities except RNase H. A major portion of the matrix-solubilized DNA polymerase alpha, DNA primase, 3'-5' exonuclease, and DNA methylase activities cosedimented on sucrose gradients between approximately 8-12 S. Our results are consistent with the organization of at least a portion of these replicative enzymes into nuclear matrix-bound replicational complexes. We also propose a novel pre-replicative assembly model of the matrix-bound replicational apparatus in which DNA primase plays an initial and critical role.

Animals↗

Ultrastructural studies of crystal-organic matrix relations in renal stones.

Biochemically the organic matrix of kidney stones contains mucoproteins, mucopolysaccharides, inorganic material and bound water. Morphologically, the organic matrix exists as either amorphous or fibrous forms. We have attempted to critically evaluate results from analytical and morphological studies on stone matrices using light microscopy, histochemistry, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray energy dispersive spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. On the surface of calcium oxalate stones, there are usually large masses of randomly deposited calcium oxalate crystals each coated with organic matrix. Transmission electron microscopy shows these large surface crystals are composed of rows of smaller crystallites interleaved by organic matrix in a fairly orderly manner suggesting the crystallites are held together by organic matrix. In the core of a calcium containing stone, the organic matrix frequently exists as concentric laminations alternating as calcium apatite covered fibrous matrix layers and amorphous matrix layers. Transmission electron microscopy suggests that the fibrous area is probably just an area heavily populated by calcium apatite crystallites which give the fibrous appearance while the amorphous area is sparsely populated. Organic matrix richness in stones can be associated with infection and calcium apatite crystal deposition is favored in infection stones.

Apatites↗

The specific binding of estrogens and androgens to the nuclear matrix of sex hormone responsive tissues.

Specific sex steroid hormone binding sites have been identified in a discrete nuclear subfraction that is chromatin-depleted and salt-insoluble. This structure, referred to as the nuclear matrix, contains a residual pore complex-lamina, remnants of an internal network, and a residual nucleolus. The nuclear matrix of an estrogen-responsive tissue (chicken liver) and of an androgen target tissue (rat ventral prostate) contains binding sites for estradiol and dihydrotestosterone, respectively. The binding of steroids to these sites is saturable, high affinity (Kd approximately 10(-9) M), steroid-specific (liver binds estrogens, prostate binds androgens), and heat- and pronase-sensitive. The levels of these matrix-associated steroid binding sites change in response to manipulation of the hormonal status of the animal. Thus, the liver nuclear matrix of laying hens contains a significant number of estradiol binding sites, whereas that of untreated chicks or roosters contains very few sites. Treatment of chicks or roosters with a dose of estrogen that stimulates the liver to synthesize vitellogenin leads to a marked increase in the number of estradiol binding sites associated with the liver nuclear matrix. In the rat ventral prostate, the nuclear matrix-associated binding sites for dihydrotestosterone that are present in intact adults essentially disappear within 24 h after castration. Androgen replacement therapy restores, within 1 h, the number of matrix binding sites for dihydrotestosterone to normal levels. Inhibitors of proteolysis (phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride) are essential for the protection of these androgen binding sites. Conditions that lead to the solubilization of the internal network material of the nuclear matrix also result in the extraction of 70 to 85% of the specific dihydrotestosterone binding sites from the matrix; a limited number of binding sites still remain associated with the peripheral lamina.

Animals↗

The alpha 5 beta 1 integrin fibronectin receptor, but not the alpha 5 cytoplasmic domain, functions in an early and essential step in fibronectin matrix assembly.

The alpha 5 beta 1 integrin mediates cell adhesion and migration on fibronectin, a glycoprotein critical for normal vertebrate embryonic development. Indirect evidence reported to date suggests that this receptor also functions in the deposition of fibronectin matrices. We used a molecular genetic approach to critically evaluate this role of alpha 5 beta 1 integrins. Mutant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells deficient in alpha 5 integrin expression could not assemble a fibronectin matrix. Reconstituting alpha 5 beta 1 integrin expression by transfecting them with a full-length cDNA encoding the human alpha 5 chain completely restored fibronectin matrix assembly. CHO cells expressing an alpha 5 chain lacking the cytoplasmic domain also assembled a fibronectin matrix. Removing the cytoplasmic domain of alpha 5 appears to increase its activity in fibronectin matrix assembly. In addition to alpha 5 beta 1 integrin binding to fibronectin's RGD-containing domain, cells must bind with high affinity to fibronectin's amino-terminal 29-kDa matrix assembly domain to form a fibronectin matrix. Studies with the alpha 5-deficient CHO cells show that the expression of alpha 5 beta 1 integrin is also necessary for cells to bind fragments containing this distinct site in fibronectin and that a fibronectin matrix increases binding of the 29-kDa fragment. Thus, alpha 5 beta 1 integrins not only mediate cell adhesion to fibronectin, but also play an essential role in the assembly of a fibronectin matrix. This role includes direct binding to fibronectin and modulating a distinct binding event involving the interaction of fibronectin's amino-terminal matrix assembly domain with the cell surface.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Differentiation of matrix proteins of influenza A viruses using enzyme immunoassay].

Matrix protein is known as a type-specific structural protein of influenza viruses. An attempt has been made to find out whether or not strain-specific components could be detected from matrix protein, in addition to its type-specific antigen determinants. The technique of enzyme immune assay was chosen as the optional method to differentiate between matrix proteins of various influenza-A viruses. Antigen titration was undertaken of several matrix proteins, using two specific anti-matrix-protein sera in each case. Information regarding serological relationships between the tested matrix proteins of various influenza-A viruses was obtained from a quotient between the titres of one antigen, on the one hand, and the two anti-matrix-protein sera used in titration, on the other. Two matrix protein sub-types were established in the context of the influenza-A viruses tested. Sub-type M1 was attributable to older strains (A/PR/8 and A/FM/1), whereas the matrix protein of sub-type M2 was found to be present in more recent strains (A/Hongkong and A/Port Chalmers).

Antigens, Viral↗