Multiple bone morphogenetic protein 1-related mammalian metalloproteinases process pro-lysyl oxidase at the correct physiological site and control lysyl oxidase activation in mouse embryo fibroblast cultures

DSP-PP precursor protein cleavage by tolloid-related-1 protein and by bone morphogenetic protein-1

Dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and phosphophoryn (PP), acidic proteins critical to dentin mineralization, are translated from a single transcript as a DSP-PP precursor that undergoes specific proteolytic processing to generate DSP and PP. The cleavage mechanism continues to be controversial, in part because of the difficulty of obtaining DSP-PP from mammalian cells and dentin matrix. We have infected Sf9 cells with a recombinant baculovirus to produce large amounts of secreted DSP-PP₂₄₀, a variant form of rat DSP-PP. Mass spectrometric analysis shows that DSP-PP₂₄₀ secreted by Sf9 cells undergoes specific cleavage at the site predicted from the N-terminal sequence of PP extracted from dentin matrix: SMQG⁴⁴⁷↓D⁴⁴⁸DPN. DSP-PP₂₄₀ is cleaved after secretion by a zinc-dependent activity secreted by Sf9 cells, generating DSP₄₃₀ and PP₂₄₀ products that are stable in the medium. DSP-PP processing activity is constitutively secreted by Sf9 cells, but secretion is diminished 3 days after infection. Using primers corresponding to the highly conserved catalytic domain of Drosophila melanogaster tolloid (a mammalian BMP1 homolog), we isolated a partial cDNA for a Spodopotera frugiperda tolloid-related-1 protein (TLR1) that is 78% identical to Drosophila TLR1 but only 65% identical to Drosophila tolloid. Tlr1 mRNA decreased rapidly in Sf9 cells after baculovirus infection and was undetectable 4d after infection, paralleling the observed decrease in secretion of the DSP-PP₂₄₀ processing activity after infection. Human BMP1 is more similar to Sf9 and Drosophila TLR1 than to tolloid, and Sf9 TLR1 is more similar to BMP1 than to other mammalian homologs. Recombinant human BMP1 correctly processed baculovirus-expressed DSP-PP₂₄₀ in a dose-dependent manner. Together, these data suggest that the physiologically accurate cleavage of mammalian DSP-PP₂₄₀ in the Sf9 cell system represents the action of a conserved processing enzyme and support the proposed role of BMP1 in processing DSP-PP in dentin matrix.

Lysyl oxidase, extracellular matrix remodeling and cancer metastasis

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) family oxidases, LOX and LOXL1-4, oxidize lysine residues in collagens and elastin, resulting in the covalent crosslinking and stabilization of these extracellular matrix (ECM) structural components, thus provide collagen and elastic fibers much of their tensile strength and structural integrity. Abnormality in LOX expression and/or activity results in connective tissue disorders and fibrotic diseases. Despite LOX family oxidases have been reported to function as tumor suppressors, recent studies have highlighted the roles of LOX family oxidases in promoting cancer metastasis. LOX family oxidases are highly expressed in invasive tumors, and are closely associated with metastasis and poor patient outcome. Consistent to their roles in connective tissue homeostasis, LOX family oxidases expedite tumorigenesis and metastasis through active remodeling of tumor microenvironment. LOX family oxidases are also actively involved in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an event critical in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress on LOX family oxidases, with much of the focus on the roles and mechanism of LOX in tumor progression and metastasis.

Stepwise proteolytic activation of type I procollagen to collagen within the secretory pathway of tendon fibroblasts in situ

Proteolytic cleavage of procollagen I to collagen I is essential for the formation of collagen fibrils in the extracellular matrix of vertebrate tissues. Procollagen is cleaved by the procollagen N- and C-proteinases, which remove the respective N- and C-propeptides from procollagen. Procollagen processing is initiated within the secretory pathway in tendon fibroblasts, which are adept in assembling an ordered extracellular matrix of collagen fibrils in vivo. It was thought that intracellular processing was restricted to the TGN (trans-Golgi network). In the present study, brefeldin A treatment of tendon explant cultures showed that N-proteinase activity is present in the resulting fused ER (endoplasmic reticulum)–Golgi compartment, but that C-proteinase activity is restricted to the TGN in embryonic chick tendon fibroblasts. In late embryonic and postnatal rat tail and postnatal mouse tail tendon, C-proteinase activity was detected in TGN and pre-TGN compartments. Preventing activation of the procollagen N- and C-proteinases with the furin inhibitor Dec-RVKR-CMK (decanoyl-Arg-Val-Lys-Arg-chloromethylketone) indicated that only a fraction of intracellular procollagen cleavage was mediated by newly activated proteinases. In conclusion, the N-propeptides are removed earlier in the secretory pathway than the C-propeptides. The removal of the C-propeptides in post-Golgi compartments most probably indicates preparation of collagen molecules for fibril formation at the cell–matrix interface.

Recombinant lysyl oxidase propeptide protein inhibits growth and promotes apoptosis of pre-existing murine breast cancer xenografts

Lysyl oxidase propeptide (LOX-PP) ectopic overexpression inhibits the growth of cancer xenografts. Here the ability and mode of action of purified recombinant LOX-PP (rLOX-PP) protein to inhibit the growth of pre-existing xenografts was determined. Experimental approaches employed were direct intratumoral injection (i.t.) of rLOX-PP protein into murine breast cancer NF639 xenografts, and application of a slow release formulation of rLOX-PP implanted adjacent to tumors in NCR nu/nu mice (n = 10). Tumors were monitored for growth, and after sacrifice were subjected to immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses for several markers of proliferation, apoptosis, and for rLOX-PP itself. Direct i.t. injection of rLOX-PP significantly reduced tumor volume on days 20, 22 and 25 and tumor weight at harvest on day 25 by 30% compared to control. Implantation of beads preloaded with 35 micrograms rLOX-PP (n = 10) in vivo reduced tumor volume and weight at sacrifice when compared to empty beads (p<0.05). A 30% reduction of tumor volume on days 22 and 25 (p<0.05) and final tumor weight on day 25 (p<0.05) were observed with a reduced tumor growth rate of 60% after implantation. rLOX-PP significantly reduced the expression of proliferation markers and Erk1/2 MAP kinase activation, while prominent increases in apoptosis markers were observed. rLOX-PP was detected by immunohistochemistry in harvested rLOX-PP tumors, but not in controls. Data provide pre-clinical findings that support proof of principle for the therapeutic anti-cancer potential of rLOX-PP protein formulations.

Metalloproteinases in Drosophila to humans that are central players in developmental processes

Many secreted proteins are synthesized as precursors with propeptides that must be cleaved to yield the mature functional form of the molecule. In addition, various growth factors occur in extracellular latent complexes with protein antagonists and are activated upon cleavage of such antagonists. Research in the separate fields of embryonic patterning and extracellular matrix formation has identified members of the BMP1/Tolloid-like family of metalloproteinases as key players in these types of biosynthetic processing events in species ranging from Drosophila to humans.

Titanium surface topography affects collagen biosynthesis of adherent cells

Collagen-dependent microstructure and physicochemical properties of newly formed bone around implant surfaces represent key determinants of implant biomechanics. This study investigated the effects of implant surface topography on collagen biosynthesis of adherent human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). hMSCs were grown for 0 to 42 days on titanium disks (20.0 × 1.0 mm) with smooth or rough surfaces. Cell attachment and spreading were evaluated by incubating cells with Texas-Red-conjugated phalloidin antibody. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA levels of Col1α1 and collagen modifying genes including prolyl hydroxylases (PHs), lysyl oxidases (LOXs) and lysyl hydroxylases (LHs). Osteogenesis was assessed at the level of osteoblast specific gene expression and alizarin red staining for mineralization. Cell layer-associated matrix and collagen content were determined by amino acid analysis. At 4h, 100% cells were flattened on both surfaces, however the cells on smooth surface had a fibroblast-like shape, while cells on rough surface lacked any defined long axis. PH, LH, and most LOX mRNA levels were greater in hMSCs grown on rough surfaces for 3 days. The mineralized area was greater for rough surface at 28 and 42 days. The collagen content (percent total protein) was also greater at rough surface compared to smooth surface at 28 (36% versus 26%) and 42 days (46% versus 29%), respectively (p<.05). In a cell culture model, rough surface topography positively modulates collagen biosynthesis and accumulation and the expression of genes associated with collagen cross-linking in adherent hMSC. The altered biosynthesis of the collagen-rich ECM adjacent to endosseous implants may influence the biomechanical properties of osseointegrated endosseous implants.

A novel proteolytic processing of prolysyl oxidase

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an amine oxidase that is critical for the stability of connective tissues. The secreted proLOX is enzymatically quiescent and is activated through proteolytic cleavage between residues Gly(162) and Asp(163) (residue numbers according to the mouse LOX) by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-1 gene products. Here we report a novel processing of proLOX identified in vitro and in vivo. Two forms of mature LOX were identified and characterized by their immunoreactivity to specific antibodies, amine oxidase activity, and mass spectrometry. One form was identified as a well-characterized BMP-1 processed LOX protein. Another was found to be a truncated form of LOX resulting from the cleavage at the carboxy terminus of Arg(192). The truncated form of LOX still appeared to retain amine oxidase activity. The results from the proLOX gene deletion and mutation experiments indicated that the processing occurs independent of the cleavage of proLOX by BMP-1 gene products and likely requires the presence of LOX propeptide. These results indicate that proLOX could be processed by two different mechanisms producing two forms of active LOX.

Activation of cellular chemotactic responses to chemokines coupled with oxidation of plasma membrane proteins by lysyl oxidase

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a potent chemokine inducing the migration of varied cell types. Here we demonstrate that inhibition of cellular LOX activity by preincubation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) with β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), the irreversible inhibitor of LOX activity, resulted in the marked suppression of the chemotactic response and sensitivity of these cells toward LOX and toward PDGF-BB. Plasma membranes purified from VSMC not previously exposed to BAPN contained a group of oxidized plasma membrane proteins, including the PDGF receptor, PDGFR-β. The oxidation of this receptor and other membrane proteins was largely prevented in cells preincubated with BAPN. Addition of purified LOX to BAPN-free cells, which had been previously exposed to BAPN, restored the profile of oxidized proteins towards that of control cells. The high affinity and capacity for the binding of PDGF-BB by cells was significantly diminished when compared with cells in which oxidation by LOX was prevented by BAPN. The chemotactic responses of LOX knock-out mouse embryonic fibroblasts mirrored those obtained with VSMC treated with BAPN. These novel findings suggest that LOX activity is essential to generate optimal chemotactic sensitivity of cells to chemoattractants by oxidizing specific cell surface proteins, such as PDGFR-β.

Role of lysyl oxidase propeptide in secretion and enzyme activity

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is secreted as a proenzyme (proLOX) that is proteolytically processed in the extracellular milieu to release the propeptide and mature, active LOX. LOX oxidizes lysyl residues of a number of protein substrates in the extracellular matrix and on the cell surface, which impacts several physiological and disease states. Although the LOX propeptide (LOX-PP) is glycosylated, little is known about the role of this modification in LOX secretion and activity. To gain insight into this issue, cells were transfected with native, full-length LOX cDNA (pre-pro-LOX), the N-glycosylation null pre-[N/Q]pro-LOX cDNA and the deletion mutant pre-LOX cDNA, referred to as secretory LOX, in which mature LOX is targeted to the secretory pathway without its N-terminal propeptide sequence. The results show that glycosylation of the LOX-PP is not required for secretion and extracellular processing of pro-LOX but it is required for optimal enzyme activity of the resulting mature LOX. Complete deletion of the propeptide sequence prevents mature LOX from exiting the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Taken together, our study points out the requirement of the LOX-PP for pro-LOX exit from the ER and is the first to highlight the influence of LOX-PP glycosylation on LOX enzyme activity.

Lysyl oxidase silencing impairs keratinocyte differentiation in a reconstructed-epidermis model

Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) is an extracellular enzyme involved in the maturation of connective tissues. It also acts in many cell types as a regulator of cell behaviour and phenotype through intracellular signalling pathways. Recently, LOX was shown to be present in human epidermis where its precise functions remain unclear. We showed here that in confluent monolayer cultures of normal human keratinocytes (KCs) and N/TERT-1-immortalized KCs, LOX expression was induced during the first differentiation steps. Moreover, the silencing of LOX by stable RNA interference disrupted the expression of early differentiation markers. In a reconstructed-epidermis model, LOX silencing did not impair the stratification process nor the formation of the first differentiated layers. However, terminal differentiation was strongly impaired, as shown by a decreased expression of late differentiation proteins and by the absence of stratum corneum. Nonetheless, inhibition of LOX enzymatic activity by β-aminopropionitrile did not affect the differentiation process. Therefore, LOX protein acts during the first steps of KC differentiation and is important for subsequent commitment into terminal differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that a finely regulated expression of LOX is necessary for normal KC differentiation and thus for maintenance of epidermal homeostasis.

T-lymphocytes mediate left ventricular fibrillar collagen cross-linking and diastolic dysfunction in mice

Aberrant concentrations of cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrillar collagen cross-linking have been proposed to be an underlying cause of cardiac diastolic dysfunction however the role of the adaptive immune system in this process has yet to be investigated. Fibrillar collagen cross-linking is a product of the enzymatic activities of lysyl oxidase (LOX and LOXL-3) released by the cardiac fibroblast and possibly cardiac myocytes. Our hypothesis is that stimulation of the TH1 lymphocytes activates lysyl oxidase mediated ECM cross-linking and thereby alters left ventricular function. Three-month old C57BL/J female mice were treated with selective TH1 lymphocyte inducers - T-cell receptor Vβ peptides (TCR). After 6 weeks, candidate gene expression, tissue enzymatic activity, ECM composition, and left ventricular mechanics were quantified. Lymphocyte gene expression and cytokine assay revealed TH1 immune polarization with TCR administration which was associated with a 2.6-fold and 3.1-fold increase of LOX and LOXL3 gene expression, respectively, and a 55% increase in cardiac LOX enzymatic activity. The ECM cross-linked fibrillar collagen increased by 95% when compared with the control. Concurrently, there was a 33% increased ventricular stiffness, decreased cardiac output, and normal ejection fraction. These data implicate the TH1 lymphocyte in the pathogenesis of diastolic dysfunction which has potential clinical application in the pathogenesis of diastolic heart failure.

Purification of high yields of catalytically active lysyl oxidase directly from Escherichia coli cell culture

Lysyl oxidase is a highly insoluble enzyme requiring high concentrations of urea to solubilize. A method to obtain lysyl oxidase in high yields directly from an Escherichia coli culture without the need for refolding of inclusion bodies has been developed using nutrient rich media. pET21b was used to overexpress the lysyl oxidase enzyme and to introduce a C-terminal 6X histidine tag for purification. Lysyl oxidase yields of 10 mg of active and properly folded enzyme per liter of media have been obtained. Purification was achieved via affinity chromatography using a Ni-NTA column. Copper content was found to be 19%. LTQ cofactor formation in LOX is a self-processing event in the presence of copper. LTQ content was determined to be 24% based on reaction with phenylhydrazine to form a phenylhydrazone adduct. Quantification of this adduct was attained using the previously reported extinction coefficient of 15.4 mM(-1)cm(-1). LTQ presence was also verified by redox cycling. Specific enzymatic activity was measured to be 0.31 U/mg, one of the highest activities reported.

Characterization of recombinant lysyl oxidase propeptide

Lysyl oxidase enzyme activity is critical for the biosynthesis of mature and functional collagens and elastin. In addition, lysyl oxidase has tumor suppressor activity that has been shown to depend on the propeptide region (LOX-PP) derived from pro-lysyl oxidase (Pro-LOX) and not on lysyl oxidase enzyme activity. Pro-LOX is secreted as a 50 kDa proenzyme and then undergoes biosynthetic proteolytic processing to active approximately 30 kDa LOX enzyme and LOX-PP. The present study reports the efficient recombinant expression and purification of rat LOX-PP. Moreover, using enzymatic deglycosylation and DTT derivatization combined with mass spectrometry technologies, it is shown for the first time that rLOX-PP and naturally occurring LOX-PP contain both N- and O-linked carbohydrates. Structure predictions furthermore suggest that LOX-PP is a mostly disordered protein, which was experimentally confirmed in circular dichroism studies. Due to its high isoelectric point and its disordered structure, we propose that LOX-PP can associate with extracellular and intracellular binding partners to affect its known biological activities as a tumor suppressor and inhibitor of cell proliferation.

Role of lysyl oxidase in myocardial fibrosis: from basic science to clinical aspects

Because of its dynamic nature, the composition and structure of the myocardial collagen network can be reversibly modified to adapt to transient cardiac injuries. In response to persistent injury, however, irreversible, maladaptive changes of the network occur leading to fibrosis, mostly characterized by the excessive interstitial and perivascular deposition of collagen types I and III fibers. It is now becoming apparent that myocardial fibrosis directly contributes to adverse myocardial remodeling and the resulting alterations of left ventricular (LV) anatomy and function present in the major types of cardiac diseases. The enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a copper-dependent extracellular enzyme that catalyzes lysine-derived cross-links in collagen and elastin. LOX-mediated cross-linking of collagen types I and III fibrils leads to the formation of stiff collagen types I and III fibers and their subsequent tissue deposition. Evidence from experimental and clinical studies shows that the excess of LOX is associated with an increased collagen cross-linking and stiffness. It is thus conceivable that LOX upregulation and/or overactivity could underlie myocardial fibrosis and altered LV mechanics and contribute to the compromise of LV function in cardiac diseases. This review will consider the molecular aspects related to the regulation and actions of LOX, namely, in the context of collagen synthesis. In addition, it will address the information related to the role of myocardial LOX in heart failure and the potential benefits of controlling its expression and function.

First evidence of bone morphogenetic protein 1 expression and activity in sheep ovarian follicles

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 1 is a vertebrate metalloproteinase of the astacin family. BMP1 plays a key role in regulating the formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly by processing the C-propeptide of fibrillar procollagens. BMP1 also promotes BMP signaling by releasing BMP signaling molecules from complexes with the BMP-antagonist chordin. As a result of BMP1's dual role in both ECM formation and BMP signaling, we hypothesized that BMP1 could play a role in ovarian physiology. Using the sheep ovary as a model system, we showed that BMP1 was expressed in the ovary throughout early fetal stages to adulthood. Furthermore, in adult ovaries, BMP1 was expressed along with chordin, BMP4, and twisted gastrulation, which together form an extracellular regulatory complex for BMP signaling. Within ovine ovaries, immunohistochemical localization demonstrated that BMP1 was present in granulosa cells at all stages of follicular development, from primordial to large antral follicles, and that the levels of BMP1 were not affected by the final follicle selection mechanism. In cultured granulosa cells, BMP1 expression was not affected by gonadotropins, but BMP4 and activin A had opposing effects on the levels of BMP1 mRNA. BMP1 appeared to be secreted into the follicular fluid of antral follicles, where it is able to exert procollagen C-proteinase and chordinase activities. Interestingly, BMP1 activity in follicular fluid decreased with follicular growth.

Effects of mechanical loading on collagen propeptides processing in cartilage repair

Injured articular cartilage has poor reparative capabilities and if left untreated may develop into osteoarthritis. Unsatisfactory results with conventional treatment methods have brought as an alternative treatment the development of matrix autologous chondrocyte transplants (MACTs). Recent evidence proposes that the maintenance of the original phenotype by isolated chondrocytes grown in a scaffold transplant is linked to mechanical compression, because macromolecules, particularly collagen, of the extracellular matrix have the ability to 'self-assemble'. In load-bearing tissues, collagen is abundantly present and mechanical properties depend on the collagen fibre architecture. Study of the active changes in collagen architecture is the focus of diverse fields of research, including developmental biology, biomechanics and tissue engineering. In this review, the structural model of collagen assembly is presented in order to understand how scaffold geometry plays a critical role in collagen propeptide processing and chondrocyte development. When physical forces are applied to different cell-based scaffolds, the resulting specific twist of the scaffolds might be accompanied by changes in the fibril pattern synthesis of the new collagen. The alteration in the scaffolds due to mechanical stress is associated with cellular signalling communication and the preservation of N-terminus procollagen moieties, which would regulate both the collagen synthesis and the diameter of the fibre. The structural difference would also affect actin stabilization, cytoskeleton remodelling and proteoglycan assembly. These effects seemed to be dependent on the magnitude and duration of the physical stress. This review will contribute to the understanding of mechanisms for collagen assembly in both a natural and an artificial environment.

Interaction between periostin and BMP-1 promotes proteolytic activation of lysyl oxidase

Intra- and intermolecular covalent cross-linking between collagen fibrils, catalyzed by lysyl oxidase (LOX), determines the mechanical properties of connective tissues; however, mechanisms that regulate the collagen cross-linking according to tissue specificity are not well understood. Here we show that periostin, a secretory protein in the dense connective tissues, promotes the activation of LOX. Previous studies showed that periostin null mice exhibit reduced collagen cross-linking in their femurs, periosteum, infarcted myocardium, and tendons. Presently, we showed that active LOX protein, formed by cleavage of its propeptide by bone morphogenetic protein-1 (BMP-1), was decreased in calvarial osteoblast cells derived from periostin null mice. Overexpression of periostin promoted the proteolytic cleavage of the propeptide, which increased the amount of active LOX protein. The results of co-immunoprecipitation and solid phase binding assays revealed that periostin interacted with BMP-1. Furthermore, this interaction probably resulted in enhanced deposition of BMP-1 on the extracellular matrix, suggesting that this enhanced deposition would lead to cleavage of the propeptide of LOX. Thus, we demonstrated that periostin supported BMP-1-mediated proteolytic activation of LOX on the extracellular matrix, which promoted collagen cross-linking.

Lysyl oxidase propeptide inhibits FGF-2-induced signaling and proliferation of osteoblasts

Pro-lysyl oxidase is secreted as a 50-kDa proenzyme and is then cleaved to a 30-kDa mature enzyme (lysyl oxidase (LOX)) and an 18-kDa propeptide (lysyl oxidase propeptide (LOX-PP)). The presence of LOX-PP in the cell layers of phenotypically normal osteoblast cultures led us to investigate the effects of LOX-PP on osteoblast differentiation. Data indicate that LOX-PP inhibits terminal mineralization in primary calvaria osteoblast cultures when added at early stages of differentiation, with no effects seen when present at later stages. LOX-PP was found to inhibit serum- and FGF-2-stimulated DNA synthesis and FGF-2-stimulated cell growth. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analyses show that LOX-PP inhibits FGF-2-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, signaling events that mediate the FGF-2-induced proliferative response. LOX-PP inhibits FGF-2-stimulated phosphorylation of FRS2alpha and FGF-2-stimulated DNA synthesis, even after inhibition of sulfation of heparan sulfate proteoglycans. These data point to a LOX-PP target at or near the level of fibroblast growth factor receptor binding or activation. Ligand binding assays on osteoblast cell layers with (125)I-FGF-2 demonstrate a concentration-dependent inhibition of FGF-2 binding to osteoblasts by LOX-PP. In vitro binding assays with recombinant fibroblast growth factor receptor protein revealed that LOX-PP inhibits FGF-2 binding in an uncompetitive manner. We propose a working model for the respective roles of LOX enzyme and LOX-PP in osteoblast phenotype development in which LOX-PP may act to inhibit the proliferative response possibly to allow cells to exit from the cell cycle and progress to the next stages of differentiation.

The role of endogenous bone morphogenetic proteins in normal skeletal repair

Bone morphogenetic proteins play a key role in the regulation of the three major phases of fracture healing; the inflammatory response, the chondrogenic stage and the osteogenic stage. BMP-2 and 4 show a rapid response during the initial inflammatory stage, and BMP-2 has been shown to be essential for fracture healing to occur. BMP-2 and 4 are also present in the chondrogenic stage, although expression levels of BMP-3b (GDF10) and BMP-6 seemingly have specific peaks at day 7, suggesting a crucial role in this process. BMP-3, 4 and 5 are also abundantly present during this stage. In the osteogenic stage studies have shown that BMPs 1, 2, 3, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8A have high levels of expression. It is important to note that of these, BMP-3 and 4 have a peak in their expression and BMP-7 and 8A are almost exclusively expressed during day 14 and 21. The expression of the different BMPs in these stages is believed to be orchestrated by autoregulatory activation between the BMPs, negative feed back loops and external antagonists. Alterations of the BMP signaling pathway, either by direct targeting of the BMPs or by their inhibitors has been shown to interfere with embryologic skeletal development and a post natal regenerative repair following skeletal trauma.

Fibulin-4 conducts proper elastogenesis via interaction with cross-linking enzyme lysyl oxidase

Great arteries, as well as lungs and skin, contain elastic fibers as important components to maintain their physiological functions. Although recent studies have revealed that a glycoprotein fibulin-4 (FBLN4) is indispensable for the assembly of mature elastic fibers, it remains to be elucidated how FBLN4 takes part in elastogenesis. Here, we report a dose-dependent requirement for FBLN4 in the development of the elastic fibers in arteries, and a specific role of FBLN4 in recruiting the elastin-cross-linking enzyme, lysyl oxidase (LOX). Reduced expression of Fbln4, which was achieved with a smooth muscle-specific Cre-mediated gene deletion, caused arterial stiffness. Electron-microscopic examination revealed disorganized thick elastic laminae with aberrant deposition of elastin. Aneurysmal dilation of the ascending aorta was found when the Fbln4 expression level was reduced to an even lower level, whereas systemic Fbln4 null mice died perinatally from rupture of the diaphragm. We also found a specific interaction between FBLN4 and the propeptide of LOX, which efficiently promotes assembly of LOX onto tropoelastin. These data suggest a mechanism of elastogenesis, in which a sufficient amount of FBLN4 is essential for tethering LOX to tropoelastin to facilitate cross-linking.

Lysyl oxidase (lox) gene deficiency affects osteoblastic phenotype

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) catalyzes cross-linking of elastin and collagen, which is essential for the structural integrity and function of bone tissue. The present study examined the role of Lox gene deficiency for the osteoblast phenotype in primary calvarial osteoblasts from E18.5 Lox knockout (Lox ( -/- )) and wild type (wt) (C57BL/6) mice. Next to Lox gene depletion, mRNA expression of Lox isoforms, LOXL1-4, was significantly downregulated in Lox ( -/- ) bone tissue. A significant decrease of DNA synthesis of Lox ( -/- ) osteoblasts compared to wt was found. Early stages of osteoblastic apoptosis studied by annexin-V binding as well as later stages of DNA fragmentation were not affected. However, mineral nodule formation and osteoblastic differentiation were markedly decreased, as revealed by significant downregulation of osteoblastic markers, type I collagen, bone sialoprotein, and Runx2/Cbfa1.

Fibronectin binds and enhances the activity of bone morphogenetic protein 1

Bone morphogenetic protein-1-like proteinases play key roles in formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in vertebrates via biosynthetic processing of precursors into mature functional proteins involved in ECM assembly. Such processing includes proteolytic activation of the zymogen for lysyl oxidase. Fibronectin (FN) is an abundant protein component of the ECM that is capable of regulating manifold cellular functions through its interactions with various ECM and cell surface proteins. It was previously shown that proteolytic activation of lysyl oxidase is much reduced in cultures of FN-null mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs). Here we demonstrate that cellular fibronectin, the form produced by fibroblasts and various other tissue cell types, and plasma fibronectin bind BMP1 with dissociation constants (KD) of approximately 100 nM, consistent with a physiological role. Also consistent with such a role, cellular fibronectin FN is shown to positively regulate BMP1 processing activity against Chordin, probiglycan, and type I procollagen in vitro. Endogenous FN and BMP1 are demonstrated to co-localize in cell layers and to form complexes in culture medium. In addition, processing of endogenous BMP1 substrates Chordin, probiglycan, and procollagen is demonstrated to be strikingly reduced in cultures of FN(-/-) MEFs compared with FN(+/-) MEF cultures despite similar levels of endogenous BMP1. These data support the conclusion that FN binds BMP1-like proteinases in vivo and that FN is an important determinant of the in vivo activity levels of BMP1-like proteinases.

Lysyl oxidase propeptide inhibits prostate cancer cell growth by mechanisms that target FGF-2-cell binding and signaling

Enhanced RAS signaling and decreased androgen dependence of prostate cancer cells accompany poor clinical outcomes. Elevated autocrine FGF-2 signaling promotes prostate cancer cell growth and survival. Expression of lysyl oxidase (LOX) inhibits RAS transforming activity. LOX is secreted as 50 kDa pro-lysyl oxidase protein and then undergoes extracellular proteolytic processing to form ~30 kDa lysyl oxidase enzyme and ~18 kDa pro-peptide (LOX-PP). We have previously shown that LOX-PP inhibits breast cancer cell transformation and tumor formation, but mechanisms of action of LOX-PP have not been fully elucidated. Here we report that LOX expression is reduced in prostate cancer cell lines and that recombinant LOX-PP protein inhibits serum-stimulated DNA synthesis and MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways in DU 145 and PC-3 androgen-independent cell lines. In DU 145 cells, treatment with a pharmacologic FGF-receptor inhibitor or a neutralizing anti-FGFR1 antibody mimicked LOX-PP inhibition of serum-stimulated DNA synthesis. FGF-2-stimulated DNA synthesis, ERK1/2, AKT, and FRS2α activation were found all to be inhibited by LOX-PP in DU 145 cells. LOX-PP reduced specific binding of FGF-2 to DU 145 cells, suggesting that LOX-PP targets FGF signaling at the receptor. Interestingly, PC-3 cells did not respond to FGF-2, consistent with previous reports. We conclude that LOX-PP inhibits proliferation of DU 145 cells by interfering with FGFR(s) binding and signaling, and that LOX-PP has other mechanisms of action in PC-3 cells.

Tumor suppressive effect of lysyl oxidase proenzyme

Lysyl oxidase acts as both a matrix modifying enzyme and an oncogene suppressor. It is synthesized as a 50-kDa proenzyme, secreted, and processed into an approximately 30 kDa mature, active enzyme and an 18-kDa propeptide. The tumor suppressive effect of lysyl oxidase appears to be exerted within the cell, so the subcellular localization of protein forms was investigated. Propeptide-specific antibody detected 50-kDa proenzyme in cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts of non-transformed mouse fibroblasts, but free 18-kDa propeptide was not detected in any extract. Antibody to epitope near the N-terminus of mature lysyl oxidase detected the proenzyme product in non-transformed cells, and a 30-kDa cytoplasmic protein in both non-transformed and transformed cells. RNA interference reduced the expression of lysyl oxidase mRNA and 50-kDa proenzyme in non-transformed cells, but had no effect on 30-kDa protein, indicating that although this protein displays a lysyl oxidase epitope, it is not derived from lysyl oxidase message. The absence of both free 18-kDa propeptide and mature lysyl oxidase within non-transformed cells suggests that cellular reversion after restoration of lysyl oxidase gene expression is mediated by the 50-kDa proenzyme within cells.

Analysis of dermal elastic fibers in the absence of fibulin-5 reveals potential roles for fibulin-5 in elastic fiber assembly

Fibulin-5 is a 66 kDa modular, extracellular matrix protein that localizes to elastic fibers. Although in vitro protein-protein binding studies have shown that fibulin-5 binds many proteins involved in elastic fiber formation, the specific role of fibulin-5 in elastogenesis remains unclear. To provide a more detailed analysis of elastic fiber assembly in the absence of fibulin-5, the dermis of wild-type and fibulin-5 gene knockout (Fbln5(-/-)) mice was examined with electron microscopy (EM). Although light microscopy showed apparently normal elastic fibers near the hair follicles and the absence of elastic fibers in the intervening dermis of the Fbln5(-/-) mouse, EM revealed the presence of aberrantly assembled elastic fibers in both locales. Instead of the elastin being incorporated into the microfibrillar scaffold, the elastin appeared as globules juxtaposed to the microfibrils. Desmosine analysis showed significantly lower levels of mature cross-linked elastin in the Fbln5(-/-) dermis, however, gene expression levels for tropoelastin and fibrillin-1, the major elastic fiber components, were unaffected. Based on these results, the nature of tropoelastin cross-linking was investigated using domain specific antibodies to lysyl oxidase like-1 (LOXL-1). Immunolocalization with an antibody to the N-terminal pro-peptide, which is cleaved to generate the active enzyme, revealed abundant staining in the Fbln5(-/-) dermis and no staining in the wild-type dermis. Overall, these results suggest two previously unrecognized functions for fibulin-5 in elastogenesis; first, to limit the extent of aggregation of tropoelastin monomers and/or coacervates and aid in the incorporation of elastin into the microfibril bundles, and second, to potentially assist in the activation of LOXL-1.

The lysyl oxidase pro-peptide attenuates fibronectin-mediated activation of focal adhesion kinase and p130Cas in breast cancer cells

The lysyl oxidase (LOX) gene encodes an enzyme (LOX) critical for extracellular matrix maturation. The LOX gene has also been shown to inhibit the transforming activity of Ras oncogene signaling. In particular, the pro-peptide domain (LOX-PP) released from the secreted precursor protein (Pro-LOX) was found to inhibit the transformed phenotype of breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer cells. However, the mechanisms of action of LOX-PP remained to be determined. Here, the ability of LOX-PP to attenuate the integrin signaling pathway, which leads to phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and the activation of its downstream target p130Cas, was determined. In NF639 breast cancer cells driven by Her-2/neu, which signals via Ras, ectopic Pro-LOX and LOX-PP expression inhibited fibronectin-stimulated protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Importantly, phosphorylation of FAK on Tyr-397 and Tyr-576, and p130Cas were substantially reduced. The amount of endogenous p130Cas in the Triton X-100-insoluble protein fraction, and fibronectin-activated haptotaxis were decreased. Interestingly, expression of mature LOX enzyme enhanced fibronectin-stimulated integrin signaling. Of note, treatment with recombinant LOX-PP selectively reduced fibronectin-mediated haptotaxis of NF639, MDA-MB-231, and Hs578T breast cancer cells. Thus, evidence is provided that one mechanism of action of LOX-PP tumor suppression is to block fibronectin-stimulated signaling and cell migration.

Bone and soft connective tissue alterations result from loss of fibrillin-2 expression

Fibrillins 1, 2 and 3 make up a family of genes that encode large, cysteine-rich extracellular matrix glycoproteins found in connective tissues, lung, blood vessels and other extensible tissues. Fibrillins 1 and 2 have both overlapping as well as separate distributions in human embryonic and adult tissues. Fibrillin-containing microfibrils are known to modulate morphogenetic events by proper targeting of growth factors to the extracellular matrix. Mutation of the fibrillin-2 gene causes a genetic disorder, congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA), that results in flexion contractures. Previously, we have shown a distinct fibrillin-2 distribution in the pericellular matrix of interior tenocytes and later demonstrated a unique fibrillin-2 containing structure that runs along the tendon cell arrays in the canine flexor tendon. We hypothesized that loss of these fibrillin-2 containing structures might affect normal tendon development. To test our hypothesis, connective tissues from mice null for fibrillin-2 gene expression were studied. Murine flexor digitorum longus tendons were evaluated for total collagen content, and the intermolecular collagen cross-links hydroxylysyl and lysyl pyridinoline. The results show decreased collagen cross-links in fibrillin-2 null mice, however total collagen content remained the same when compared to wild type. Bone morphology was studied using micro computed tomography (CT). Fibrillin-2 null mice display a focal area of decreased bone length in the extremities as compared to wild type mice. Together, these results demonstrate a role for fibrillin-2 in bone and soft connective tissue morphological and biochemical processes.

Effects of phosphodiesterase 7 inhibition by RNA interference on the gene expression and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cell-derived osteoblasts

The second messenger molecule cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plays an important role in the hormonal regulation of bone metabolism. cAMP is inactivated by the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs), a superfamily of enzymes divided into 11 known families designated PDE 1-11. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PDE7 and PDE8 inhibition on the gene expression and differentiation of human osteoblasts. Osteoblasts differentiated from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) were cultured and treated with short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) generated from PDE7 and PDE8 PCR products. Total RNA was isolated from the cells, and gene expression was assayed with cDNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR. bALP measurements were assayed during differentiation, and mineralization was determined by quantitative Alizarin red S staining. PDE7 and PDE8 inhibition by RNA interference decreased the gene expression of PDE7A by 60-70%, PDE7B by 40-50%, and PDE8A by 30%. PDE7 silencing increased the expression of beta-catenin, osteocalcin, caspase-8, and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein 5 (CREB-5) genes and decreased the expression of the 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor gene. PDE8A silencing increased the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, but decreased the expression of osteoglycin (osteoinductive factor) and bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP-1). PDE7 silencing increased bALP and mineralization up to three-fold compared to controls. Treatment with the PDE7-selective PDE inhibitor BRL-50481 had similar effects on mineralization as the gene silencing. The PDE7 silencing also increased forskolin stimulated cAMP response, but had no effect on the proliferation rate. Furthermore, osteocalcin expression was increased by PDE7 silencing by a mechanism dependent on protein kinase A. Our results show that specific gene silencing with the RNAi method is a useful tool for inhibiting the gene expression of specific PDEs and that PDE7 silencing upregulates several osteogenic genes and increases mineralization. PDE7 may play an important role in the regulation of osteoblastic differentiation.

VE-statin/egfl7 regulates vascular elastogenesis by interacting with lysyl oxidases

We previously characterized VE-statin/egfl7, a protein that is exclusively secreted by endothelial cells and modulates smooth muscle cell migration. Here, we show that VE-statin/egfl7 is the first known natural negative regulator of vascular elastogenesis. Transgenic mice, expressing VE-statin/egfl7 under the control of keratin-14 promoter, showed an accumulation of VE-statin/egfl7 in arterial walls where its presence correlated with an impaired organization of elastic fibres. In vitro, fibroblasts cultured in the presence of VE-statin/egfl7 were unable to deposit elastic fibres due to a deficient conversion of soluble tropoelastin into insoluble mature elastin. VE-statin/egfl7 interacts with the catalytic domain of lysyl oxidase (LOX) enzymes and, in endothelial cells, endogenous VE-statin/egfl7 colocalizes with LoxL2 and inhibits elastic fibre deposition. In contrast, mature elastic fibres are abundantly deposited by endothelial cells that are prevented from producing endogenous VE-statin/egfl7. We propose a model where VE-statin/egfl7 produced by endothelial cells binds to the catalytic domains of enzymes of the LOX family in the vascular wall, thereby preventing the crosslink of tropoelastin molecules into mature elastin polymers and regulating vascular elastogenesis.

Morpholino knockdown of lysyl oxidase impairs zebrafish development, and reflects some aspects of copper metabolism disorders

Lysyl oxidase (LOX), a copper-dependent amine oxidase known in mammals to catalyze the cross-linking of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix, is a member of a multigenic family. Eight genes encoding lysyl oxidase isoforms have been identified in zebrafish. Recent studies have revealed a critical role for two zebrafish lysyl oxidases-like in the formation of the notochord. We now present the role of Lox in zebrafish development. lox morpholino-mediated knockdown results in a mildly undulated notochord, truncated anterior-posterior axis, tail bending and smaller head. Analyses of morphants show a complete disorganization of muscle somites and neural defects, in accordance with the lox expression pattern. Lox inhibition also induces pigment defects and pharyngeal arch deformities consistent with neural crest dysfunction. Taken together, these data reveal a role for Lox in early morphogenesis, especially in muscle development and neurogenesis, and resume some aspects of physiopathology of copper metabolism.

The Inhibitory Effect of Minocycline on Hypertrophic Scarring

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases are enzymes that serve to degrade the extracellular matrix, giving them a central role in the inflammatory and wound-healing processes; they have been implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertrophic scarring. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of minocycline, a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, on hypertrophic scarring.

METHODS

Standardized wounds were created on the ears of eight New Zealand White rabbits. Half of the rabbits received daily injections of minocycline, whereas the other half received daily injections of saline (control). After 4 weeks, the resulting ear scars were harvested. Histologic slides were prepared from the thickest cross-sections of the scars, and from these slides the cross-sectional area of each scar was measured. A hypertrophic index was calculated by comparing the area of the scar to the baseline value of unwounded skin. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS/STAT NESTED Procedure for hierarchical data.

RESULTS

Among the rabbits treated with minocycline, the mean hypertrophic index was 1.08 +/- 0.01, compared with 1.54 +/- 0.03 in the control group (p = 0.03), representing an 85 percent reduction in hypertrophic area.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemically administered minocycline significantly reduces the severity of hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit model. Although not directly examined in this study, matrix metalloproteinase inhibition is hypothesized to be responsible for this effect.

Bone morphogenetic protein 1 processes prolactin to a 17-kDa antiangiogenic factor

In addition to classical expression patterns in pituitary and placenta and functions in growth and reproduction, members of the small family of hormones that includes prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), and placental lactogen are expressed by endothelia and have angiogenic effects. In contrast, 16- to 17-kDa proteolytic fragments of these hormones have antiangiogenic effects. Here we show that PRL and GH are bound and processed by members of the bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1) subgroup of extracellular metalloproteinases, previously shown to play key roles in forming extracellular matrix and in activating certain TGFbeta superfamily members. BMP1 has previously been suggested to play roles in angiogenesis, as high throughput screens have found its mRNA to be one of those induced to highest levels in tumor-associated endothelia compared with resting endothelia. PRL and GH cleavage is shown to occur in each hormone at a single site typical of sites previously characterized in known substrates of BMP1-like proteinases, and the approximately 17-kDa PRL N-terminal fragment so produced is demonstrated to have potent antiangiogenic activity. Mouse embryo fibroblasts are shown to produce both PRL and GH and to process them to approximately 17-kDa forms, whereas GH and PRL processing activity is lost in mouse embryo fibroblasts doubly null for two genes encoding BMP1-like proteinases.

The bone morphogenetic protein 1/Tolloid-like metalloproteinases

A decade ago, bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1) was shown to provide the activity necessary for proteolytic removal of the C-propeptides of procollagens I-III: precursors of the major fibrillar collagens. Subsequent studies have shown BMP1 to be the prototype of a small group of extracellular metalloproteinases that play manifold roles in regulating formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Soon after initial cloning of BMP1, genetic studies showed the related Drosophila proteinase Tolloid (TLD) to be necessary for the formation of the dorsal-ventral axis in early embryogenesis. It is now clear that the BMP1/TLD-like proteinases, conserved in species ranging from Drosophila to humans, act in dorsal-ventral patterning via activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta)-like proteins BMP2, BMP4 (vertebrates) and decapentaplegic (arthropods). More recently, it has become apparent that the BMP1/TLD-like proteinases are activators of a broader subset of the TGFbeta superfamily of proteins, with implications that these proteinases may be key in orchestrating the formation of ECM with growth factor activation and BMP signaling in morphogenetic processes.

Intracellular distribution of the lysyl oxidase propeptide in osteoblastic cells

Lysyl oxidase plays a critical role in the formation of the extracellular matrix, and its activity is required for the normal maturation and cross-linking of collagen and elastin. An 18-kDa lysyl oxidase propeptide (LOPP) is generated from 50-kDa prolysyl oxidase by extracellular proteolytic cleavage during the biosynthesis of active 30-kDa lysyl oxidase enzyme. The fate and the functions of the LOPP are largely unknown, although intact LOPP was previously observed in osteoblast cultures. We investigated the spatial localization of molecular forms of lysyl oxidase, including LOPP in proliferating and differentiating osteoblasts, by using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blots of cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts. In the present study, a stage-dependent intracellular distribution of LOPP in the osteoblastic cell was observed. In proliferating osteoblasts, LOPP epitopes were principally associated with the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum, and mature lysyl oxidase epitopes were found principally in the nucleus and perinuclear region. In differentiating cells, LOPP and mature lysyl oxidase immunostaining showed clear colocalization with the microtubule network. The subcellular distribution of LOPP and its temporal and physical association with microtubules were confirmed by Western blot and far Western blot studies. We also report that N-glycosylated and nonglycosylated LOPP are present in MC3T3-E1 cell cultures. We conclude that LOPP has a stage-dependent intracellular distribution in osteoblastic cells. Future studies are needed to investigate whether the LOPP associations with microtubules or the osteoblast nucleus have functional effects for osteoblast differentiation and bone formation.

Lysyl Oxidase Interacts with Hormone Placental Lactogen and Synergistically Promotes Breast Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Migration

Lysyl oxidase (LOX), an extracellular amine oxidase, catalyzes the cross-linking of collagen and elastin. LOX has been also shown to play an essential role in promoting the invasive and metastatic potential of breast tumor cells. However, the LOX-interacting factors in these processes are not known. In this study, we identified placental lactogen (PL), a member of the growth hormone/prolactin hormone family, as a LOX-interacting partner using yeast two-hybrid screens. PL is normally only expressed in placental syncytiotrophoblasts, but PL genes are amplified and expressed in a high percentage of invasive ductal breast carcinomas. We confirmed LOX-PL interactions using far Western and solid phase binding assays. In activity assays, PL was not a substrate or inhibitor of LOX. We further demonstrated that PL is expressed in breast tumor epithelial cells and detected LOX-PL interactions by coimmunoprecipitation in invasive breast cancer cells. In MCF-10A normal breast epithelial cells stably expressing LOX, PL, or both, LOX had no effect on cell proliferation, PL alone increased proliferation by 49%, and coexpression of LOX and PL led to a 121% increase in cell proliferation. Unlike in tumor cells, LOX did not induce a more migratory phenotype in MCF-10A cells; nor did PL. However, their coexpression resulted in a 240% increase in cell migration, suggesting that these interactions may be highly relevant to the transition of epithelial cells toward a migratory phenotype during the development and progression of breast carcinoma and a significant role for LOX-PL interactions in epithelial cell behavior.

Paradoxical roles for lysyl oxidases in cancer—A prospect

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) enzyme that catalyzes the cross-linking of collagens or elastin in the extracellular compartment, thereby regulating the tensile strength of tissues. However, recent reports have demonstrated novel roles for LOX, including the ability to regulate gene transcription, motility/migration, and cell adhesion. These diverse functions have led researchers to hypothesize that LOX may have multiple roles affecting both extra- and intracellular cell function(s). Particularly noteworthy is aberrant LOX expression and activity that have been observed in various cancerous tissues and neoplastic cell lines. Both down and upregulation of LOX in tumor tissues and cancer cell lines have been described, suggesting a dual role for LOX as a tumor suppressor, as well as a metastasis promoter gene--creating a conundrum within the LOX research field. Here, we review the body of evidence on LOX gene expression, regulation, and function(s) in various cancer cell types and tissues, as well as stromal-tumor cell interactions. Lastly, we will examine putative mechanisms in which LOX facilitates breast cancer invasion and metastasis. Taken together, the literature demonstrates the increasingly important role(s) that LOX may play in regulating tumor progression and the necessity to elucidate its myriad mechanisms of action in order to identify potentially novel therapeutics.

Overexpression and mechanistic characterization of blastula protease 10, a metalloprotease involved in sea urchin embryogenesis and development

Blastula protease 10 (BP10) is a metalloenzyme involved in sea urchin embryogenesis, which has been assigned to the astacin family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases. It shows greatest homology with the mammalian tolloid-like genes and contains conserved structural motifs consistent with astacin, tolloid, and bone morphogenetic protein 1. Astacin, a crustacean digestive enzyme, has been proposed to carry out hydrolysis via a metal-centered mechanism that involves a metal-coordinated "tyrosine switch." It has not been determined if the more structurally complex members of this family involved in eukaryotic development share this mechanism. The recombinant BP10 has been overexpressed in Escherichia coli, its metalloenzyme nature has been confirmed, and its catalytic properties have been characterized through kinetic studies. BP10 shows significant hydrolysis toward gelatin both in its native zinc-containing form and copper derivative. The copper derivative of BP10 shows a remarkable 960% rate acceleration toward the hydrolysis of the synthetic substrate N-benzoyl-arginine-p-nitroanilide when compared with the zinc form. The enzyme also shows calcium-dependent activation. These are the first thorough mechanistic studies reported on BP10 as a representative of the more structurally complex members of astacin-type enzymes in deuterostomes, which can add supporting data to corroborate the metal-centered mechanism proposed for astacin and the role of the coordinated Tyr. We have demonstrated the first mechanistic study of a tolloid-related metalloenzyme involved in sea urchin embryogenesis.

Developmental roles of the BMP1/TLD metalloproteinases

The astacin family (M12A) of the metzincin subclan MA(M) of metalloproteinases has been detected in developing and mature individuals of species that range from hydra to humans. Functions of this family of metalloproteinase vary from digestive degradation of polypeptides, to biosynthetic processing of extracellular proteins, to activation of growth factors. This review will focus on a small subgroup of the astacin family; the bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1)/Tolloid (TLD)-like metalloproteinases. In vertebrates, the BMP1/TLD-like metalloproteinases play key roles in regulating formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) via biosynthetic processing of various precursor proteins into mature functional enzymes, structural proteins, and proteins involved in initiating mineralization of the ECM of hard tissues. Roles in ECM formation include: processing of the C-propeptides of procollagens types I-III, to yield the major fibrous components of vertebrate ECM; proteolytic activation of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, necessary to formation of covalent cross-links in collagen and elastic fibers; processing of NH2-terminal globular domains and C-propeptides of types V and XI procollagen chains to yield monomers that are incorporated into and control the diameters of collagen type I and II fibrils, respectively; processing of precursors for laminin 5 and collagen type VII, both of which are involved in securing epidermis to underlying dermis; and maturation of small leucine-rich proteoglycans. The BMP1/TLD-related metalloproteinases are also capable of activating the vertebrate transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-like "chalones" growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8, also known as myostatin), and GDF11 (also known as BMP11), involved in negative feedback inhibition of muscle and neural tissue growth, respectively; by freeing them from noncovalent latent complexes with their cleaved prodomains. BMP1/TLD-like proteinases also liberate the vertebrate TGF-beta-like morphogens BMP2 and 4 and their invertebrate ortholog decapentaplegic, from latent complexes with the vertebrate extracellular antagonist chordin and its invertebrate ortholog short gastrulation (SOG), respectively. The result is formation of the BMP signaling gradients that form the dorsal-ventral axis in embryogenesis. Thus, BMP1/TLD-like proteinases appear to be key to regulating and orchestrating formation of the ECM and signaling by various TGF-beta-like proteins in morphogenetic and homeostatic events.

Lysyl oxidase in development, aging and pathologies of the skin

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a copper- and lysyl-tyrosyl cofactor containing amine oxidase that has been known to play a critical role in the catalysis of lysine-derived crosslinks in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the dermis. Changes in the composition and crosslinked state of the ECM and alterations in LOX synthesis and activity are known to be associated with aging and a range of acquired and heritable skin disorders. It has been assumed until recently that the LOX-related changes in the skin are mediated through the catalytic activity of LOX. However, work by several laboratories over the last few years has shown that LOX is a multifunctional protein. In this review we discuss the regulation of expression, localization and activation of LOX in the normal developing and adult skin, and alterations in LOX expression and activity associated with skin aging and senescence, and in pathological conditions, including wound healing, fibrosis, hypertrophic scarring, keloids, scleroderma, and diabetic skin. We further evaluate the role of LOX in skin ECM changes associated with the normal aging process and with these pathological states. In addition to collagen and elastin cross-linkages, regulatory and activation mechanisms and cell type specific LOX interactions may contribute to a range of novel intra- and extracellular LOX functions that appear critical determinants of the cellular microenvironment in the normal skin and in these skin disorders.

Diverse biological functions of extracellular collagen processing enzymes

Collagens are abundant proteins in higher organisms, and are formed by a complex biosynthetic pathway involving intracellular and extracellular post-translational modifications. Starting from simple soluble precursors, this interesting pathway produces insoluble functional fibrillar and non-fibrillar elements of the extracellular matrix. The present review highlights recent progress and new insights into biological regulation of extracellular procollagen processing, and some novel functions of byproducts of these extracellular enzymatic transformations. These findings underscore the notion that released propeptides and other proteolytic products of extracellular matrix proteins have important biological functions, and that structural proteins are multifunctional. An emerging concept is that a dynamic interplay exists between extracellular products and byproducts with cells that helps to maintain normal cellular phenotypes and tissue integrity.

The Pro-regions of lysyl oxidase and lysyl oxidase-like 1 are required for deposition onto elastic fibers

These studies were undertaken to determine how lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase like-1 (LOXL) enzymes are targeted to their substrates in the extracellular matrix. Full-length LOX/LOXL and constructs containing just the pro-regions of each enzyme localized to elastic fibers when expressed in cultured cells. However, the LOXL catalytic domain without the pro-region was secreted into the medium but did not associate with matrix. Ligand blot and mammalian two-hybrid assays confirmed an interaction between tropoelastin and the pro-regions of both LOX and LOXL. Immunofluorescence studies localized both enzymes to elastin at the earliest stages of elastic fiber assembly. Our results showed that the pro-regions of LOX and LOXL play a significant role in directing the deposition of both enzymes onto elastic fibers by mediating interactions with tropoelastin. These findings confirmed that an important element of substrate recognition lies in the pro-domain region of the molecule and that the pro-form of the enzyme is what initially interacts with the matrix substrate. These results have raised the interesting possibility that sequence differences between the pro-domain of LOX and LOXL account for some of the functional differences observed for the two enzymes.

Transformation of revertant murine cells by 5-azacytidine results in rapid inhibition of lysyl oxidase expression

Lysyl oxidase (LO) is synthesized intracellularly as a proenzyme that is secreted and then processed extracellularly to a mature form. LO is expressed in NIH3T3 cells, but only very low levels are observed after NIH 3T3 is transformed by c-H-ras or one of several other oncogenes. LO functions as a tumor suppressor. Treatment of ras-transformed cells with interferon-alpha with or without retinoic acid results in their persistent reversion to a non-transformed state that is dependent on the restoration of LO expression. When such revertant cells are treated with 5-azacytidine (5-azaC), they undergo rapid morphological retransformation. Within one passage after addition of 5-azaC, there was a down regulation of LO mRNA and proenzyme protein. These data suggest a direct relationship between the transformed state and LO expression.

Members of the lysyl oxidase family are expressed during the development of the frog Xenopus laevis

Lysyl oxidase (Lox) is a copper-dependent amine oxidase that catalyzes the cross-linking of collagen and elastin fibers in the extracellular matrix (ECM). In mammals, four closely related Lox-like enzymes have been described that share a highly conserved catalytic domain with Lox. We have characterized Xenopus laevis cDNAs for Lox, Loxl-1, and Loxl-3, and show that they are expressed during early embryonic development. Using RT-PCR we detected maternal transcripts for Xloxl-1, but levels remained low until tailbud stages. Transcripts for Xlox and Xloxl-3 were not detected until early neurulae, although transcripts for Xlox remained at low levels until tailbud stages. Whole mount in situ hybridization showed that transcripts for Xloxl-1 and Xloxl-3 are localized in the notochord, while transcripts for Xlox are found in the notochord, somites, and head. X. laevis Lox-like enzymes were inhibited by incubating embryos, from cleavage stages to tadpole stages, in beta-aminopropionitrile, a specific inhibitor of the catalytic domain. The resulting embryos appeared to differentiate normally but suffered from poor collagen fiber formation. Defects included kinks in the notochord, a posterior shift of the somites, abnormal gut coiling, and the formation of edemas. Our data suggest that Lox-related enzymes are required for the proper formation of the ECM during X. laevis development.

Functions for proteinases in the ovulatory process

The ovary is a unique and dynamic organ in respect to rapid and extensive degrees of tissue development and remodeling that are periodically repeated in the female reproductive activity. Ovulation is a directed and sequential process accompanied by broad-spectrum proteolysis and culminates in the follicular rupture to release the matured oocyte. This review will focus on the potential roles of six representative proteinases that are involved in various aspects of ovulatory processes: matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), plasminogen activator (PA)/plasmin, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain with thrombospondin motif (ADAMTS), cathepsin-L, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), and bone morphogenetic protein 1/mammalian Tolloid (BMP-1/mTld). Based on the studies of expression and function, these selected proteinases provide and share diverse functions ranging from cleaving components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to modulating non-ECM molecules, such as various growth factors and their binding proteins. Consistently, the genetic deletion of each individual gene in mice shows their functional overlap in the reproductive activity.