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Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression by estrogen in fibroblasts that are derived from the pelvic floor.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether estrogen suppresses matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 proenzyme expression by fibroblasts that are derived from the supportive connective tissue of the pelvic floor. STUDY DESIGN: A primary fibroblast culture that was developed from a biopsy specimen of the arcus tendineus was treated with interleukin-1 beta (10-15 ng/mL), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (5-15 ng/mL), 17 beta-estradiol (10(-9)-10(-7) mol/L), and Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) 182 780 (10(-8)-10(-6) mol/L). Cellular and extracellular protein were analyzed by Western blotting and substrate zymography, respectively, for the effect of each treatment on the amount of pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and the membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase protein. RESULTS: Both cellular and extracellular pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 protein were increased by transforming growth factor-beta1 (P =.01) and decreased by estradiol (P <.001) and ICI 182 780 (P =.02 and.002, respectively). Membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase was not affected by estradiol, ICI 182 780, interleukin-1 beta, or transforming growth factor-beta 1. Extracellular pro-matrix metalloproteinase-9 was increased by the cytokines interleukin-1 beta (P <.001) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (P <.001) and decreased by estradiol (P <.001) and ICI 182 780 (P <.001). CONCLUSION: The proenzymes of the tissue-degrading matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9 are decreased by 17-beta estradiol and ICI 182 780.

Adult↗

Collagen dissolution by keratinocytes requires cell surface plasminogen activation and matrix metalloproteinase activity.

Matrix metalloproteinase-14 is required for degradation of fibrillar collagen by mesenchymal cells. Here we show that keratinocytes use an alternative plasminogen and matrix metalloproteinase-13-dependent pathway for dissolution of collagen fibrils. Primary keratinocytes displayed an absolute requirement for serum to dissolve collagen. Dissolution of collagen was abolished in plasminogen-depleted serum and could be restored by the exogenous addition of plasminogen. Both plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase blocked collagen dissolution, demonstrating the requirement of both plasminogen activation and matrix metalloproteinase activity for degradation. Cell surface plasmin activity was critical for the degradation process as aprotinin, but not alpha(2)-antiplasmin, prevented collagen dissolution. Keratinocytes with single deficiencies in either urokinase or tissue plasminogen activator retained the ability to dissolve collagen. However, collagen fibril dissolution was abolished in keratinocytes with a combined deficiency in both urokinase and tissue plasminogen activator. Combined, but not single, urokinase and tissue plasminogen activator deficiency also completely blocked the activation of the fibrillar collagenase, matrix metalloproteinase-13, by keratinocytes. The activation of matrix metalloproteinase-13 in normal keratinocytes was prevented by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and aprotinin but not by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and -2, suggesting that plasmin activates matrix metalloproteinase-13 directly. We propose that plasminogen activation facilitates keratinocyte-mediated collagen breakdown via the direct activation of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and possibly other fibrillar collagenases.

Animals↗

Review: extracellular matrix regulates tooth morphogenesis.

Mineralized tissues are unique in that they use proteins to attract and organize calcium and phosphate ions into a structured mineral phase, thus precise knowledge of the expression and extracellular distribution of matrix proteins is very important to understand their function. Tooth development is regulated by sequential and reciprocal interactions between neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells and the oral environment. However, the precise molecular mechanisms that mediate interactions between epithelium and mesenchymal cells are not clear, although basement membrane (BM) components have been shown to play important roles in these regulatory events. In addition, the extracellular matrix layer, whose main components are laminin, collagen IV, nidogen, and sulfated proteoglycan, and the BM layer are both considered to be involved with cell proliferation and differentiation. During tooth morphogenesis, extracellular matrices are dramatically changed. Further, the BM components, laminin and collagen IV support dental epithelium; however, in the late stage, they begin the processes of enamel matrix secretion and calcification, after which the BM structure between the dental epithelium and mesenchyme disappears. In addition, tooth abnormalities associated with several kinds of human diseases that cause mutations in the extracellular matrix, as well as the molecular mechanisms of the basement membrane and enamel matrix during tooth morphogenesis, are not clearly understood. In our review, we discuss the role of the extracellular matrix, with focus on the BM and enamel matrix during tooth morphogenesis.

Ameloblasts↗

Matrix attachment region binding protein MFP1 is localized in discrete domains at the nuclear envelope.

Recently, it has been suggested that nuclear processes, such as replication, transcription, and splicing, are spatially organized and associated with a nuclear framework called the nuclear matrix, a structure of unknown molecular composition. It has been shown that chromatin is attached to the nuclear matrix via specific DNA fragments called matrix attachment regions (MARs). We have begun to dissect the plant nuclear matrix by isolating a DNA binding protein with specific affinity for MARs. Here, it is shown that MAR binding filament-like protein 1 (MFP1) is associated with specklelike structures at the nuclear periphery that are part of isolated nuclei and the nuclear matrix. A predicted N-terminal transmembrane domain is necessary for the specific targeting of MFP1 to the speckles, indicating an association with the nuclear envelope-endoplasmic reticulum continuum. In addition, it is shown that a marker protein for plant microtubule organizing centers, which has been shown to be localized on the outside of the plant nuclear envelope, is also part of the nuclear matrix. These findings indicate a close and previously undescribed connection in plants between the nuclear envelope and the internal nuclear matrix, and they suggest a function for MFP1 in attaching chromatin to specific sites at the nuclear periphery.

Arabidopsis Proteins↗

Extracellular matrix signaling through growth factor receptors during wound healing.

Recently, extracellular matrix components have been shown to contain domains that can interact with and activate receptors with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. These receptor tyrosine kinases are strong mediators of the cell responses of proliferation, migration, differentiation, and dedifferentiation. However, an interesting question is raised as to why cells would present growth factor receptor ligands in such a manner, as the majority of growth factors are small, soluble, or only transiently tethered ligands. With the exception of the discoidin domain receptors that bind collagen, the other described domains interact with a receptor that binds ubiquitous soluble peptide growth factors, the epidermal growth factor receptor. Unlike traditional growth factors, these individual "matrikine" domains within tenascin-C, laminin, collagen, and decorin possess relatively low binding affinity (high nanomolar or micromolar) and are often presented in multiple valency. The presentation of ligands within the extracellular matrix in this fashion might allow for unique biochemical and physiological outcomes. This new class of "matrikine" ligand may be critical for wound healing, as the majority of known extracellular matrix components possessing matrikines play a strong role, or are presented uniquely, during skin repair. Tenascin-C expression, for instance, is uniquely regulated spatially and has been proposed to present pro-migratory tracks during skin repair through its epidermal growth factor-like repeats. The epidermal growth factor-like repeats of laminin-5 act as cryptic ligands revealed upon matrix metalloproteinase-2 degradation of the surrounding extracellular matrix. The deletion of the discoidin domain receptors 1 and 2 for collagen have negative consequences on the role of fibroblasts and epithelial cells for matrix metalloproteinase production, migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix turnover. Finally, decorin can bind to, inhibit, and down-regulate epidermal growth factor receptor levels and signaling, suggesting a tonic role of the epidermal growth factor binding domain of decorin in the resolution of wound healing. We provide a model framework for further studies into this emerging class of signals.

Animals↗

Wound matrix attachment regulates actin content and organization in cells of the granulation tissue.

Actin cytoskeletal polymerization is associated with a pro-proliferative, pro-survival state. We hypothesized that the actin polymerization of wound cells is increased in the presence of wound matrix attachment and is decreased after disruption of this attachment. Musculocutaneous flap and wound splinting models were used to investigate the effect of wound matrix attachment on the actin cytoskeleton. Disruption of wound matrix attachment was accomplished by incision of the wound matrix/dermis interface (wound matrix release) and/or desplinting. Polymerized actin was assayed with phalloidin labeling of wound specimens 24 hours after disruption of attachment and a method to quantify the content and organization of polymerized actin in granulation tissue was used. Disruption of wound matrix attachment decreased the content of polymerized actin, the actin staining intensity, and the actin fiber organization in the granulation tissue of both the flap and splint models. Disruption of wound matrix attachment decreased actin polymerization and fiber organization in the granulation tissue. Our data support the concept that the state of wound matrix attachment regulates the actin cytoskeleton of wound cells.

Actins↗

The effects of high glucose and atorvastatin on endothelial cell matrix production.

BACKGROUND: Statins are known to enhance atherosclerotic plaque stability through influences on extracellular matrix homeostasis. Net matrix production reflects the relative balance of matrix production and degradation through enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMPs). The effects of statins on endothelial cell production of these parameters following co-exposure with a proatherogenic stimulus such as high glucose are not known. METHODS: Human endothelial cells were exposed for 72 h to 5 mm (control) or 25 mm (high) glucose +/- atorvastatin (1 micromol/l). Extracellular matrix homeostasis was assessed by measuring matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 secretion, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 and -2 secretion and net collagen IV production. Results were expressed as percentage +/- SEM of control values. RESULTS: Exposure to high glucose increased cellular collagen IV expression to 190.1 +/- 11.7% (P < 0.0001) of control levels. No change in MMP-2 secretion (111.6 +/- 5.2%; P > 0.05) was observed but both TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression were increased to 136.3 +/- 6.4% and 144.0 +/- 27.5%, respectively (both P < 0.05). The presence of atorvastatin in high glucose conditions reduced collagen IV expression to 136.1 +/- 20.6%. This was paralleled by increased secretion of MMP-2 to 145.8 +/- 7.8% (P < 0.01), increased TIMP-2 expression to 208.0 +/- 21.3% (P < 0.005 compared with high glucose) but no change in TIMP-1 expression (155.1 +/- 14.6%) compared with high glucose alone. The presence of atorvastatin in control conditions did not affect levels of collagen IV expression (114.5 +/- 13.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial cell exposure to high glucose was associated with a MMP/TIMP profile that increased extracellular matrix production which was attenuated by concurrent exposure to atorvastatin. Consequently, a mechanism by which the atherosclerotic plaque regression that is observed in patients taking these drugs has been demonstrated.

Atorvastatin↗

Extracellular matrix synthesis and turnover by type II pulmonary epithelial cells.

Both type I and type II pulmonary epithelial cells contact the extracellular matrix (ECM). Type II cell-ECM interactions are bidirectional; they involve matrix-mediated modulation of type II cell differentiation, as well as cellular synthesis and deposition of ECM components. The present experiments examine the kinetics of accumulation of newly synthesized proteins in cell and matrix fractions from primary cultures of type II pneumocytes. Cycloheximide-sensitive incorporation of [3H]leucine into total protein of both the cell and ECM fractions was linear for 24-30 h, when steady-state labeling was reached and maintained to at least day 8. Over this interval, the cells enlarged but did not divide. Newly synthesized proteins recovered in the matrix fraction averaged 1-2% of those in the cells. Relative rates of radiolabeling of matrix proteins peaked at culture day 2 and increased in the absence of serum. In short-pulse studies, initial rates of protein synthesis were equal on culture days 1 and 3; this suggested that the steady-state labeling kinetics above reflected protein turnover. This was supported by rapid loss of radioactivity from the ECM after fresh type II cells were seeded on a prelabeled, cell-free matrix surface. Fresh or conditioned Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 10% fetal calf serum had little effect on matrix stability. These results demonstrate regulated deposition and turnover of a complex ECM by type II cells and provide a basis for further investigations of factors that control these processes.

Animals↗

Composition of extracellular matrix of type II pulmonary epithelial cells in primary culture.

Type II pulmonary epithelial cells in primary culture synthesize and deposit an extracellular matrix which has reciprocal biological effects on cellular differentiation. The present work establishes conditions for metabolic labeling of matrix constituents and for separation of cells from the associated matrix; it also defines matrix composition, which does not appear to change qualitatively between days 2 and 6 of primary culture. Type II cells synthesize and deposit a spectrum of radiolabeled components on the culture surface. These include fibronectin, laminin, type IV collagen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, along with additional unidentified proteins. Few radiolabeled proteins in medium conditioned by type II cells bind nonspecifically to the culture surface in the absence of cells. Fibroblasts and macrophages, which may contaminate the primary cultures, do not appear to contribute substantially to the type II cell matrix. These results demonstrate that type II cells synthesize and deposit a complex multicomponent extracellular matrix. The work provides a basis for further investigations of bidirectional interactions between type II cells and the extracellular matrix.

Animals↗

Downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and collagens and suppression of cardiac fibrosis by inhibition of the proteasome.

Myocardial remodeling is an adaptive response of the myocardium to several forms of stress culminating in cardiac fibrosis, left ventricular dilation, and loss of contractility. The remodeling processes of the extracellular matrix are controlled by matrix metalloproteinases, which are in turn regulated by growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. The inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB has been implicated in the transcriptional regulation of several matrix metalloproteinases. Because activation of nuclear factor kappaB in turn is essentially controlled by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, we investigated the hypothesis that inhibition of the proteasome may prevent activation of matrix metalloproteinases. We demonstrate here that inhibition of the proteasome in rat cardiac fibroblasts suppressed not only expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, but also expression of collagen Ialpha1, Ialpha2, and IIIalpha1 as determined by in-gel zymography and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, myocardial expression of matrix metalloproteinases and collagens was effectively suppressed by systemic treatment of spontaneously hypertensive rats over 12 weeks with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, which resulted in a marked reduction of cardiac fibrosis (-38%) compared with control animals. We conclude that inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system may provide a new and attractive tool to interfere with collagen and matrix metalloproteinase expression, and therefore might be of possible use in the therapy of myocardial remodeling.

Animals↗

Cell-matrix interactions modulate 92-kD gelatinase expression by human bronchial epithelial cells.

We have previously reported that primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) cultured on types I + III collagen were able to differentially regulate the production of major constitutive 92-kD gelatinase, minor 72-kD gelatinase, and their tissue-specific inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting that HBECs may be involved in vivo in the active remodeling of the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we examined the possible effects of specific type IV collagen as compared with types I + III collagen on HBEC behavior and function. We investigated 92-kD gelatinase and TIMP-1 expression with zymography and reverse zymography, respectively, at the protein level, and with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the mRNA level. Results showed similar morphologic features and identical proliferation rates of HBECs in response to the two matrix substrates. Nevertheless, differences at the protein and mRNA levels between HBEC cultures on type IV collagen and on types I + III collagen included: (1) a lower basal level of 92-kD gelatinase production; (2) less upregulation of 92-kD gelatinase in response to LPS endotoxin or to the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha); and (3) loss of activation of the proforms of the 92-kD and 72-kD gelatinases. These findings, together with the maintenance of TIMP-1 expression, strongly suggest that type IV collagen used as a matrix substratum is associated with a homeostatic HBEC phenotype, and limits the ability of HBECs to degrade the matrix. In contrast, types I + III collagen may be associated with a matrix resorption phenotype corresponding to active matrix remodeling and repair. Thus, the ECM underlying HBECs may modulate matrix remodeling by HBECs, particularly in response to inflammatory processes during acute lung injury.

Bronchi↗

CAFs activated by YAP1 upregulate cancer matrix stiffness to mediate hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

BACKGROUND: The stiffness of the matrix is closely related to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although direct targeting of stromal rigidity in HCC remains a clinical challenge, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are considered key contributors to this process. Given the heterogeneity of CAFs, this study explored the relationship between specific CAF subsets and liver cancer matrix stiffness, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets for HCC patients. METHODS: Single-cell sequencing datasets were leveraged to identify cell types within liver cancer and characterize the transcriptomic profiles of CAFs. Prognostic analysis, utilizing the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) liver cancer datasets, assessed the correlation between matrix stiffness-related genes and HCC patient outcomes. Pseudo-time analysis was applied to trace the developmental trajectories of CAFs. By calculating intercellular communication probabilities and analyzing transcription factor activity, the functions and interactions of different CAF subsets were elucidated. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was used to explore the functional roles of CAFs in distinct Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) groups. Finally, cellular experiments and animal experiments were further conducted to validate the hypotheses of this study. RESULTS: This study identified CAF subpopulations based on single-cell sequencing data and analyzed transcriptional changes within these subpopulations. Key findings include the identification of collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), collagen type III alpha 1 (COL3A1), and lysyloxidase (LOX) as pivotal node genes during CAF development. Moreover, the expression of matrix stiffness-related genes was inversely correlated with the prognosis of HCC patients. Notably, the YAP1-positive CAF subpopulation emerged as the primary contributor to matrix stiffness in liver cancer. This subpopulation upregulates the expression of matrix stiffness-related genes and promotes tumor progression by activating signaling pathways such as autophagy and GTPase activity regulation. Cellular experiments and animal studies further validated this conclusion. CONCLUSION: This single-cell analysis uncovered the functional roles of CAFs in liver cancer. The YAP1-positive CAF subpopulation, in particular, was shown to contribute to matrix stiffness by upregulating the expression of relevant genes and promoting tumor progression through the activation of specific signaling pathways.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Paget's disease is associated with changes in the immunohistochemical distribution of noncollagenous matrix proteins in bone.

Paget's disease of bone is characterized histologically by abnormal architecture of bone matrix. Extensive areas of woven bone and numerous scalloped cement lines occur as a result of increased irregular remodeling. Noncollagenous proteins (NCP) play an important role in the organization and mineralization of bone matrix and promote distinct cell-matrix interactions necessary for normal remodeling. To gain insight into the pathological changes in the biochemical composition of Pagetic bone, the distribution of NCPs in the calcified matrix of bone from patients with known Paget's disease was compared to that of bone from normal healthy volunteers. Undecalcified plastic-embedded sections of bone were stained immunohistochemically using antibodies generated against several NCPs. In Pagetic and normal bone a similar distribution of osteopontin was observed at cement (reversal) lines, whereas significant differences were observed in the distribution of osteopontin in the matrix immediately adjacent to Haversian canals, where initial osteoclast recruitment and attachment occur. The differences in osteopontin distribution appeared to be related to the state and severity of the disease. Site-specific differences in the distribution of osteonectin, osteocalcin, and decorin were also observed between normal bone and cortical and periosteal de novo Pagetic bone, whereas the distribution of other matrix proteins, such as biglycan, was unchanged. We conclude that these site-specific changes in the biochemical distribution of NCPs in Pagetic bone probably reflect abnormal production and/or incorporation during bone remodeling and may lead to disorganized matrix assembly and mineralization as well as have profound effects on bone cell functions.

Adult↗

Vertebrate mineralized matrix proteins: structure and function.

The mineralized matrices of enamel, cementum, dentin, calcified cartilage and bone are similar in their ability to form a microenvironment that facilitates deposition of hydroxyapatite. However, they are not identical, as witnessed by the nature of apatite crystals that are formed. Enamel is devoid of collagen; and is composed of enamelins, amelogenins, tuftelin and ameloblastin, first described at this meeting. Cementum, dentin and bone matrices are composed primarily of type I collagen, however, each matrix may also contain unique moieties. The exact composition of cementum is not fully known, but in dentin there are unique matrix proteins, phosphophoryn (dentin phosphoprotein, DPP), a distinctive dentin matrix protein (DMP-1), and dentin sialoprotein (DSP). In bone, dentin and cementum, the matrix proteins include proteoglycans (versican, decorin, biglycan) and hyaluronan, glycoproteins which are often phosphorylated and sulfated (osteonectin, RGD-containing proteins) and gla-containing proteins (matrix gla protein, protein S, osteocalcin). The exact nature of all the non-collagenous proteins of calcified cartilage is not yet fully known. While there are no definitive functions for any of the mineralized matrix proteins to date, they most likely participate in regulation of cell metabolism, matrix deposition and mineralization, and bone turnover.

Animals↗

Interaction of osteoblasts with extracellular matrix: effect of mast cell chymase.

We studied the effect of mast cell chymase on the interaction between osteoblasts and extracellular matrix. Chymase was purified from mast cell lysate by anion exchange chromatography. Osteoblasts were isolated from rat calvarias by collagenase digestion. Incubation of osteoblasts with mast cell lysate (40-170 micrograms/ml) or purified chymase (8-32 micrograms/ml) resulted in changes in cell-matrix interaction and cell morphology. Osteoblasts treated with chymase also showed a gradual detachment from the artificial substrata and from the biomatrix (collagen-digested rib fragment). A similar effect of mast cell chymase on the osteoblasts was found in vitro on endosteum of an intact parietal bone. Neutral protease inhibitors abolished the effect of both crude and purified enzyme preparations on the cell-matrix interaction. Mast cell chymase had no effect on osteoblast viability. The effect of enzyme on osteoblast proliferation was studied with lower concentrations of enzyme (0.2 micrograms/ml) in order to avoid cell detachment; there was no effect on either the metaphase index or on the number of cells after 5 days of incubation with chymase. Osteoblast attachment and cell spreading on different matrix proteins (fibronectin, vitronectin, extract of noncollagenous matrix proteins from rat bone) were significantly altered by their pretreatment with chymase. Matrix fibronectin of osteoblasts in culture as well as soluble vitronectin and fibronectin were digested by rat mast cell chymase. Our data suggest that mast cells through action of neutral protease chymase may alter molecules in extracellular matrix that are important in osteoblast adhesion, cell spreading, maintenance of cell morphology, and, most likely, cell function.

Animals↗

Achondrogenesis type IB: agenesis of cartilage interterritorial matrix as the link between gene defect and pathological skeletal phenotype.

Achondrogenesis type IB is a lethal osteochondrodysplasia caused by mutations in the diastrophic dysplasia sulfate transporter gene. How these mutations lead to the skeletal phenotype is not known. Histology of plastic-embedded skeletal fetal achondrogenesis type IB samples suggested that interterritorial epiphyseal cartilage matrix was selectively missing. Cartilage was organized in "chondrons" separated by cleft spaces; chondrocyte seriation, longitudinal septa, and, in turn, mineralized cartilaginous septa were absent. Agenesis of interterritorial matrix as the key histologic change was confirmed by immunohistology using specific markers of territorial and interterritorial matrix. Biglycan-enriched territorial matrix was preserved; decorin-enriched interterritorial areas were absent, although immunostaining was observed within chondrocytes. Thus, in achondrogenesis type IB: (1) a complex derangement in cartilage matrix assembly lies downstream of the deficient sulfate transporter activity; (2) the severely impaired decorin deposition participates in the changes in matrix organization with lack of development of normal interterritorial matrix; and (3) this change determines the lack of the necessary structural substrate for proper endochondral bone formation and explains the severe skeletal phenotype.

Adult↗

Modulation of proteoglycan metabolism by human fibroblasts maintained in an endogenous three-dimensional matrix.

This report describes synthesis and degradation of proteoglycans by human gingival fibroblasts growing in an endogenous three-dimensional matrix. Cells grown in the matrix cultures demonstrated a high rate of proteoglycan synthesis, varying between 2 and 4 times that of cells maintained in monolayer cultures. In addition, the relative amount deposited into the cell layer was increased in the matrix cultures, constituting 70% to 90% of the synthesized material during the first 24 h. Comparable levels for the monolayer cultures were 30% to 60%. The majority of the 35S-sulfate-labeled material in both matrix (80%) and monolayer (62%) cultures was susceptible to chondroitin ABC-lyase digestion. The major product was a low Mr (120,000) proteoglycan which could be immunoprecipitated by an antibody against PGII (decorin). In addition, the cells synthesized two chondroitin ABC-lyase-sensitive proteoglycans, one with Mr greater than 400,000, one with an apparent Mr of 250,000, as well as two heparan sulfate proteoglycans with Mr greater than 250,000. The low Mr dermatan sulfate, decorin, was also the major component deposited in the three-dimensional matrix, constituting about 60% of the total sulfate incorporation. In contrast, fibroblasts in monolayer cultures deposited only a small amount (13%) of decorin (PGII) in the cell layer, and the major proteoglycan in this compartment was heparin sulfate. The rate of release of the newly deposited proteoglycans was the same in the two culture conditions, although material released from the three-dimensional matrix cultures contained small Mr components indicating a higher degree of degradation. These studies show differences in proteoglycan metabolism by gingival fibroblasts grown in an endogenous matrix and in monolayer cultures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cells, Cultured↗

Reattachment of cultured human retinal pigment epithelium to extracellular matrix and human Bruch's membrane.

PURPOSE: To determine the mechanism of reattachment of harvested human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to RPE-derived extracellular matrix and Bruch's membrane. METHODS: Confluent first-to third-passage human RPE were harvested from tissue culture and plated onto RPE-derived extracellular matrix or human Bruch's membrane exoplants denuded of cells by treatment with 0.02 N ammonium hydroxide. The authors measured RPE reattachment to uncoated surfaces or surfaces precoated with extracellular matrix proteins (fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin, or type IV collagen), antibodies to extracellular matrix-proteins, or the synthetic peptide RGDS (arginine-glycine-aspartate-serine). Some RPE were pretreated with anti-beta 1 integrin antibodies before plating onto either substrate. RESULTS: Coating the surface of either RPE-derived extracellular matrix or Bruch's membrane with fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin, or type IV collagen increased the RPE attachment rate. Exposing RPE to anti-beta 1 integrin antibodies or RGDS or precoating the surface with antibodies to fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin, or type IV collagen decreased the RPE attachment rate to both surfaces. The RPE attachment rate to Bruch's membrane was lower when the exoplants were harvested from the macula of older (age, 70 to 90 years) versus younger (age, 30 to 40 years) persons (52.4 +/- 3.6% versus 64.3 +/- 3.5%, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The attachment of cultured human RPE cells to human Bruch's membrane or to RPE-derived extracellular matrix is mediated by an interaction between the beta 1-subunit of integrin on the RPE surface and ligands in the extracellular matrix that include laminin, fibronectin, vitronectin, and type IV collagen. The lower rate of RPE reattachment to the macula from older human cadaveric eyes may have implications for studies aimed at RPE transplantation in elderly persons.

Adhesiveness↗