Hyaluronate binding properties of versican

Changes in xylosyltransferase activity and in proteoglycan deposition in bleomycin-induced lung injury in rat

Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis of the involvement of altered proteoglycan deposition in the development of lung diseases. UDP-D-xylose: core protein beta-D-xylosyltransferase (UDP-xylosyltransferase; EC 2.4.2.26) is a key enzyme for the glycosylation of proteoglycan core proteins. This study examined the catalytic activity of UDP-xylosyltransferase in lung tissue and in isolated fibroblasts, as well as the deposition of the proteoglycans versican, biglycan and decorin in rat lung tissue during bleomycin-induced lung injury. Rats were given, endotracheally, a single dose of bleomycin. Deposition of proteoglycans in lung tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and the catalytic activity of xylosyltransferase was determined with an acceptor peptide of the sequence Q-E-E-E-G-S-G-G-G-Q-G-G as a substrate. The results show coincidence of increasing xylosyltransferase activities in lung tissue with accumulation of versican at alveolar entrance rings and in fibrotic regions in close proximity to alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells. In contrast, no changes in biglycan and decorin deposition in fibrotic lungs were observed, except for decorin in alveolar type II pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages. Bleomycin treatment of isolated rat lung fibroblasts resulted in a concentration-dependent increase of xylosyltransferase activity up to 2 mU bleomycin x mL(-1). The data suggest a participation of myofibroblasts with increased xylosyltransferase activities in accumulation of versican in fibrotic foci of injured lung tissue at the early stages of development of lung fibrosis.

Identification of the motif in versican G3 domain that plays a dominant-negative effect on astrocytoma cell proliferation through inhibiting versican secretion and binding

This study was designed to investigate the mechanisms by which mutant versican constructs play a dominant-negative effect on astrocytoma cell proliferation. Although a mini-versican or a versican G3 construct promoted growth of U87 astrocytoma cells, a mini-versican lacking epidermal growth factor (EGF) motifs (versicanDeltaEGF) and a G3 mutant (G3DeltaEGF) exerted a dominant-negative effect on cell proliferation. G3DeltaEGF-transfected cells formed smaller colonies, arrested cell cycle at G(1) phase, inhibited expression of cell cycle proteins cdk4 and cyclin D1, and contained multiple nucleoli. In cell surface binding assays, G3 products expressed in COS-7 cells and bacteria bound to U87 cell surface. G3DeltaEGF products exhibited decreased binding activity, but higher levels of G3DeltaEGF products were able to inhibit the binding of G3 to the cell surface. G3DeltaEGF expression inhibited secretion of endogenous versican in astrocytoma cells and also inhibited the secretion of mini-versican in COS-7 cells co-transfected with the mini-versican and G3DeltaEGF constructs. The effect seems to depend on the expression efficiency of G3DeltaEGF, and it occurred via the carbohydrate recognition domain.

Structural and functional comparison of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes

Sugar molecules as well as enzymes degrading them are ubiquitously present in physiological systems, especially for vertebrates. Polysaccharides have at least two aspects to their function, one due to their mechanical properties and the second one involves multiple regulatory processes or interactions between molecules, cells, or extracellular space. Various bacteria exert exogenous pressures on their host organism to diversity glycans and their structures in order for the host organism to evade the destructive function of such microbes. Many bacterial organism produce glycan-degrading enzymes in order to facilitate their invasion of host tissues. Such polysaccharide degrading enzymes utilize mainly two modes of polysaccharide-degradation, a hydrolysis and a beta-elimination process. The three-dimensional structures of several of these enzymes have been elucidated recently using X-ray crystallography. There are many common structural motifs among these enzymes, mainly the presence of an elongated cleft transversing these molecules which functions as a polysaccharide substrate binding site as well as the catalytic site for these enzymes. The detailed structural information obtained about these enzymes allowed formulation of proposed mechanisms of their action. The polysaccharide lyases utilize a proton acceptance and donation mechanism (PAD), whereas polysaccharide hydrolases use a direct double displacement (DD) mechanism to degrade their substrates.

The proteoglycans aggrecan and Versican form networks with fibulin-2 through their lectin domain binding

Aggrecan, versican, neurocan, and brevican are important components of the extracellular matrix in various tissues. Their amino-terminal globular domains bind to hyaluronan, but the function of their carboxyl-terminal globular domains has long remained elusive. A picture is now emerging where the C-type lectin motif of this domain mediates binding to other extracellular matrix proteins. We here demonstrate that aggrecan, versican, and brevican lectin domains bind fibulin-2, whereas neurocan does not. As expected for a C-type lectin, the interactions are calcium-dependent, with K(D) values in the nanomolar range as measured by surface plasmon resonance. Solid phase competition assays with previously identified ligands demonstrated that fibulin-2 and tenascin-R bind the same site on the proteoglycan lectin domains. Fibulin-1 has affinity for the common site on versican but may bind to a different site on the aggrecan lectin domain. By using deletion mutants, the interaction sites for aggrecan and versican lectin domains were mapped to epidermal growth factor-like repeats in domain II of fibulin-2. Affinity chromatography and solid phase assays confirmed that also native full-length aggrecan and versican bind the lectin domain ligands. Electron microscopy confirmed the mapping and demonstrated that hyaluronan-aggrecan complexes can be cross-linked by the fibulins.

Basement membrane and interstitial proteoglycans produced by MDCK cells correspond to those expressed in the kidney cortex

Multiple proteoglycans (PGs) are present in all basement membranes (BM) and may contribute to their structure and function, but their effects on cell behavior are not well understood. Their postulated functions include: a structural role in maintaining tissue histoarchitecture, or aid in selective filtration processes; sequestration of growth factors; and regulation of cellular differentiation. Furthermore, expression PGs has been found to vary in several disease states. In order to elucidate the role of PGs in the BM, a well-characterized model of polarized epithelium, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells has been utilized. Proteoglycans were prepared from conditioned medium by DEAE anion exchange chromatography. The eluted PGs were treated with heparitinase or chondroitinase ABC (cABC), separately or combined, followed by SDS-PAGE. Western blot analysis, using antibodies specific for various PG core proteins or CS stubs generated by cABC treatment, revealed that both basement membrane and interstitial PGs are secreted by MDCK cells. HSPGs expressed by MDCK cells are perlecan, agrin, and collagen XVIII. Various CSPG core proteins are made by MDCK cells and have been identified as biglycan, bamacan, and versican (PG-M). These PGs are also associated with mammalian kidney tubules in vivo.

Binding of a large chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate proteoglycan, versican, to L-selectin, P-selectin, and CD44

Here we show that a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, versican, derived from a renal adenocarcinoma cell line ACHN, binds L-selectin, P-selectin, and CD44. The binding was mediated by the interaction of the chondroitin sulfate (CS) chain of versican with the carbohydrate-binding domain of L- and P-selectin and CD44. The binding of versican to L- and P-selectin was inhibited by CS B, CS E, and heparan sulfate (HS) but not by any other glycosaminoglycans tested. On the other hand, the binding to CD44 was inhibited by hyaluronic acid, chondroitin (CH), CS A, CS B, CS C, CS D, and CS E but not by HS or keratan sulfate. A cross-blocking study indicated that L- and P-selectin recognize close or overlapping sites on versican, whereas CD44 recognizes separate sites. We also show that soluble L- and P-selectin directly bind to immobilized CS B, CS E, and HS and that soluble CD44 directly binds to immobilized hyaluronic acid, CH, and all the CS chains examined. Consistent with these results, structural analysis showed that versican is modified with at least CS B and CS C. Thus, proteoglycans sufficiently modified with the appropriate glycosaminoglycans should be able to bind L-selectin, P-selectin, and/or CD44.

Proteoglycans in the developing brain: new conceptual insights for old proteins

Proteoglycans are a heterogeneous class of proteins bearing sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Some of the proteoglycans have distinct core protein structures, and others display similarities and thus may be grouped into families such as the syndecans, the glypicans, or the hyalectans (or lecticans). Proteoglycans can be found in almost all tissues being present in the extracellular matrix, on cellular surfaces, or in intracellular granules. In recent years, brain proteoglycans have attracted growing interest due to their highly regulated spatiotemporal expression during nervous system development and maturation. There is increasing evidence that different proteoglycans act as regulators of cell migration, axonal pathfinding, synaptogenesis, and structural plasticity. This review summarizes the most recent data on structures and functions of brain proteoglycans and focuses on new physiological concepts for their potential roles in the developing central nervous system.

Development of a peptide inhibitor of hyaluronan-mediated leukocyte trafficking

Hyaluronan (HA), a high molecular weight glycosaminoglycan, is expressed abundantly in the extracellular matrix and on cell surfaces. Although HA is known to bind many adhesion molecules, little information has been available with respect to its direct physiological role. In this study, we developed a novel 12-mer (GAHWQFNALTVR) peptide inhibitor of HA, termed "Pep-1," by using phage display technology. Pep-1 showed specific binding to soluble, immobilized, and cell-associated forms of HA, and it inhibited leukocyte adhesion to HA substrates almost completely. Systemic, local, or topical administration of Pep-1 inhibited the expression of contact hypersensitivity responses in mice by blocking skin-directed homing of inflammatory leukocytes. Pep-1 also inhibited the sensitization phase by blocking hapten-triggered migration of Langerhans cells from the epidermis. These observations document that HA plays an essential role in "two-way" trafficking of leukocytes to and from an inflamed tissue, and thus provide technical and conceptual bases for testing the potential efficacy of HA inhibitors (e.g., Pep-1) for inflammatory disorders.

Tandem repeats are involved in G1 domain inhibition of versican expression and secretion and the G3 domain enhances glycosaminoglycan modification and product secretion via the complement-binding protein-like motif

The large aggregating chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, including aggrecan, versican (PG-M), neurocan, and brevican, are characterized by N-terminal and C-terminal globular (or selectin-like) domains known as the G1 and G3 domains, respectively. For this study, we generated a series of expression constructs containing various combinations of chicken versican/PG-M domains and a leading peptide of link protein in order to examine the roles of the G1 and G3 domains in versican function. In transfection studies, we observed that the presence of the G1 domain was sufficient to inhibit product secretion, while the G3 domain enhanced this process. We also demonstrated that the G1 domain inhibited the attachment of glycosaminoglycan chains to the core proteins, while the G3 domain enhanced this process. Further studies revealed that inhibition of secretion by G1 was mediated by its two tandem repeats, while G3's promotion of glycosaminoglycan chain attachment was apparently dependent on G3's complement-binding protein (CBP)-like motif. The modulatory effects of these two molecular domains may contribute to versican's biological activities.

Isolation of proteoglycan (versican) aggregate from rat dental pulp

Versican is a large interstitial proteoglycan that is believed to be able to bind hyaluronan to form large aggregate structures, but no study has isolated native versican aggregates from any tissue. In this study, ternary aggregate structures consisting of versican, hyaluronan, and link protein were isolated from rat dental pulp by associative extractions followed by caesium sulphate rate zonal sedimentation centrifugation. Fractions from the centrifugation were analysed by dot blot and Western blot using monoclonal antibodies and hyaluronan-binding protein. About 60% of the hexuronic acid was extracted by associative extractions. Positive reactions for versican, hyaluronan and link protein were clearly detected in the bottom fractions from the centrifugation, but were barely detectable in the top fractions. These results suggest that the majority of the versican, hyaluronan, and link protein forms ternary aggregate structures in the rat dental pulp.

Identification and immunolocalization of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in tooth cementum

Proteoglycans (PGs) display a great diversity in their core proteins as well as carbohydrate structures and are thought to be involved in many biological functions. Recently we have identified and immunolocalized two keratan sulfate PGs, fibromodulin and lumican, in bovine tooth cementum (Cheng et al., Connect. Tissue Res. 34: 87-96, 1996). The objectives of this study were to identify and characterize chondroitin sulfate (CS) PGs in cementum. In order to explore their potential association with mineral, bovine cementum matrix molecules were fractionated into mineral-unbound and -bound matrices by sequential extraction. Both fractions were subjected to DEAE anion exchange column chromatography and the eluate collected was assayed for C4S and C6S isomers by dot blot immunoassay with specific monoclonal antibodies, 2-B-6 and 3-B-3, respectively. Two families of CSPGs were identified mainly in the mineral-unbound fraction. One contained only C4S glycosaminoglycan and the other both C6S and C4S. By biochemical and immunochemical analyses, decorin and biglycan were identified in the former and versican in the latter. The ratio of C6S to C4S isomers of cementum versican was approximately 7:1. Furthermore, these PGs were immunolocalized in and around tooth cementum using antibodies generated against the respective core proteins. Intensive immunostaining for versican was found almost exclusively in the lacunae housing cementocytes in cementum and osteocytes in alveolar bone, respectively. Immunostaining for decorin was mainly associated with collagen fibers in the periodontal ligament and slightly in cementum matrix, while the one for biglycan was mainly in cementoblasts/precementum. These differential tissue distributions of the CSPGs suggest that they may play distinct roles in cementogenesis.

Brain derived versican V2 is a potent inhibitor of axonal growth

In this paper, we identify the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan versican V2 as a major inhibitor of axonal growth in the extracellular matrix of the mature central nervous system. In immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization experiments we show that this tissue-specific splice variant of versican is predominantly present in myelinated fiber tracts of the brain and in the optic nerve, most likely being expressed by oligodendrocytes. We demonstrate that isolated versican V2 strongly inhibits neurite outgrowth of central and peripheral neurons in stripe-choice assays using laminin-1 as permissive substrate. The inhibitory character of versican V2 is maintained after removal of chondroitin sulfate and N- and O-linked oligosaccharide side chains, but it is abolished after core protein digestion with proteinase-K. Our data support the notion, that intact versican V2 prevents excessive axonal growth during late phases of development and hereby participates in the structural stabilization of the mature central nervous system.

Lipoprotein lipase enhances the binding of native and oxidized low density lipoproteins to versican and biglycan synthesized by cultured arterial smooth muscle cells

Retention of low density lipoproteins (LDL) by vascular proteoglycans and their subsequent oxidation are important in atherogenesis. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) can bind LDL and proteoglycans, although the effect of different proteoglycans to influence the ability of LPL to act as a bridge in the formation of LDL-proteoglycan complexes is unknown. Using an electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay, [(35)S]SO(4)-labeled versican and biglycan, two extracellular proteoglycans secreted by vascular cells, bound native LDL in a saturable fashion. The addition of bovine milk LPL dose-dependently increased the binding of native LDL to both versican and biglycan, approaching saturation at 30-40 microgram/ml LPL for versican and 20 microgram/ml LPL for biglycan. LDL was oxidized by several methods, including copper, 2, 2-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane)-2HCl and hypochlorite. Extensively copper- and hypochlorite-oxidized LDL bound poorly to versican and biglycan. Proteoglycan binding to LDL was correlated inversely with the extent of LDL; however, the addition of LPL to oxidized LDL together with biglycan or versican allowed the oxidized LDL to bind the proteoglycans in an LPL dose-dependent manner. Addition of LPL had a greater relative effect on the binding of extensively oxidized LDL to proteoglycans compared with native LDL. LPL had a slightly greater effect on increasing the binding of native and oxidized LDL to biglycan than versican. Thus, LPL in the artery wall might increase the atherogenicity of oxidized LDL, since it enables its binding to vascular biglycan and versican.

Enhanced proteoglycan deposition in the airway wall of atopic asthmatics

Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the airway wall contributes to the airway wall remodeling observed in asthmatics. Although alterations in collagen have been well described, less is known about changes in other components of the ECM, particularly proteoglycans (PGs). Endobronchial biopsies were obtained from seven patients with mild atopic asthma and six normal control subjects. Tissues were blocked in OCT and frozen in isopentane. Sections were immunostained with antibodies for the small leucine-rich PGs, lumican, biglycan, decorin, and fibromodulin and for versican, a large chondroitin sulfate PG. We calculated the area of positive staining in the subepithelial layer, correcting for basement membrane length. Lumican, biglycan, and versican were localized predominantly in the subepithelial layer of the airway wall in all groups. PG deposition was significantly increased in asthmatics as compared with that in control subjects. Furthermore, the degree of PG immunoreactivity was significantly correlated with airway responsiveness in the asthmatics (lumican; r = -0.77, p < 0.05; biglycan: r = -0.76, p < 0.05; versican: r = -0.74, p = 0.06). Our results suggest that PGs may play a role in airway wall remodeling and thereby, airway mechanics in asthma.

Fibulin-1 is a ligand for the C-type lectin domains of aggrecan and versican

The aggregating proteoglycans (aggrecan, versican, neurocan, and brevican) are important components of many extracellular matrices. Their N-terminal globular domain binds to hyaluronan, but the function of their C-terminal region containing a C-type lectin domain is less clear. We now report that a 90-kDa protein copurifies with recombinant lectin domains from aggrecan and versican, but not from the brain-specific neurocan and brevican. Amino acid sequencing of tryptic peptides from this protein identified it as fibulin-1. This extracellular matrix glycoprotein is strongly expressed in tissues where versican is expressed (blood vessels, skin, and developing heart), and also expressed in developing cartilage and bone. It is thus likely to interact with these proteoglycans in vivo. Surface plasmon resonance measurements confirmed that aggrecan and versican lectin domains bind fibulin-1, whereas brevican and neurocan do not. As expected for a C-type lectin, the interactions with fibulin-1 are Ca2+-dependent, with KD values in the low nanomolar range. Using various deletion mutants, the binding site for aggrecan and versican lectin domains was mapped to the epidermal growth factor-like repeats in domain II of fibulin-1. No difference in affinity was found for deglycosylated fibulin-1, indicating that the proteoglycan C-type lectin domains bind to the protein part of fibulin-1.

Versican/PG-M isoforms in vascular smooth muscle cells

The expression of increased amounts of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix may play a role in vascular stenosis and lipid retention. The large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan versican is synthesized by vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), accumulates during human atherosclerosis and restenosis, and has been shown to bind LDLs. We recently demonstrated that adult rat aortic SMCs express several versican mRNAs. Four versican splice variants, V0, V1, V2, and V3, have recently been described, which differ dramatically in length. These variants differ in the extent of modification by glycosaminoglycan chains, and V3 may lack glycosaminoglycan chains. In this study, we characterized versican RNAs from rat SMCs by cloning, sequencing, and hybridization with domain-specific probes. DNA sequence was obtained for the V3 isoform, and for a truncated V0 isoform. By hybridization of polyadenylated RNA with domain-specific probes, we determined that the V0, V1, and V3 isoforms are present in vascular SMCs. We confirmed the presence of the V3 isoform in polyadenylated RNA and in RT-PCR products by hybridization with an oligonucleotide that spans the splice junction between the hyaluronan-binding domain and the epidermal growth factor-like domain. In addition, a novel splice variant was cloned by PCR amplification from both rat and human SMC RNA. This appears to be an incompletely spliced variant, retaining the final intron. PCR analysis shows that this intron can be retained in both V1 and V3 isoforms. The predicted translation product of this variant would have a different carboxy-terminus than previously described versican isoforms.

Histochemical localization of hyaluronan and versican in the rat molar dental pulp

The distribution of hyaluronan and versican in the dental pulp of the young rat was mapped histochemically. The pattern of staining showed considerable variation between different teeth and different specimens. The most common pattern was a strong reaction for hyaluronan and a weak reaction for versican in the subodontoblastic region, with the reverse deeper in the pulp. This was not an entirely consistent pattern and there was considerable regional variation in the staining intensity for both molecules. The localization of these molecules at similar sites could thus indicate related roles in the connective tissue matrix rather than any chemical bonding between them.

Formation of hyaluronan- and versican-rich pericellular matrix is required for proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

The accumulation of hyaluronan (HA) and the HA-binding proteoglycan versican around smooth muscle cells in lesions of atherosclerosis suggests that together these molecules play an important role in the events of atherogenesis. In this study we have examined the formation of HA- and versican-rich pericellular matrices by human aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro, using a particle-exclusion assay, and the role of the pericellular matrix in cell proliferation and migration. The structural dependence of the pericellular matrix on HA can be demonstrated by the complete removal of the matrix with Streptomyces hyaluronidase. The presence of versican in the pericellular matrix was confirmed immunocytochemically. By electron microscopy, the cell coat was seen as a tangled network of hyaluronidase-sensitive filaments decorated with ruthenium red-positive proteoglycan granules. Ninety percent of migrating cells in wounded cultures, and virtually all mitotic cells, displayed abundant HA- and versican-rich coats. Time-lapse video imaging revealed that HA- and versican-rich pericellular matrix formation is dynamic and rapid, and coordinated specifically with cell detachment and mitotic cell rounding. HA oligosaccharides, which inhibit the binding of HA to the cell surface and prevent pericellular matrix formation, significantly reduced proliferation and migration in response to platelet-derived growth factor, whereas larger HA fragments and high molecular weight HA had no effect. Treatment with HA oligosaccharides also led to changes in cell shape from a typical fusiform morphology to a more spread and flattened appearance. These data suggest that organization of HA- and versican-rich pericellular matrices may facilitate migration and mitosis by diminishing cell surface adhesivity and affecting cell shape through steric exclusion and the viscous properties of HA proteoglycan gels.

Cell adhesion and proliferation mediated through the G1 domain of versican

We have demonstrated previously that versican stimulated cell proliferation through the G3 domain. In these experiments, we show that versican mini-gene-transfected cell lines exhibited decreased cell-substratum interaction and increased cell proliferation. Exogenous addition of growth medium containing the versican gene product produced the same results. Because the G1 domain of versican is structurally similar to the G1 domain of aggrecan and to link protein, both of which play role in cell adhesion, we hypothesized that versican's proliferative effects may be a consequence of its ability to reduce cell adhesion, and may be mediated through the G1 domain. To investigate this, we expressed a G1 construct in NIH3T3 cells and showed that it reduced cell adhesion and enhanced cell proliferation. We then demonstrated that deletion of the G1 domain from versican greatly, but not completely, reversed the effects of versican: G1-deletion mutants of versican show slightly reduced amounts of cell adhesion and slightly increased rates of proliferation. We concluded that versican can stimulate cell proliferation via two mechanisms: through two EGF-like motifs in the G3 domain which play a role in stimulating cell growth, and through the G1 domain, which destabilizes cell adhesion and facilitates cell growth. We purified the G1 product with an affinity column and demonstrated that it reduced cell adhesion and enhanced cell proliferation.

Interactions of neural glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans with protein ligands: assessment of selectivity, heterogeneity and the participation of core proteins in binding

The method of affinity coelectrophoresis was used to study the binding of nine representative glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-binding proteins, all thought to play roles in nervous system development, to GAGs and proteoglycans isolated from developing rat brain. Binding to heparin and non-neural heparan and chondroitin sulfates was also measured. All nine proteins-laminin-1, fibronectin, thrombospondin-1, NCAM, L1, protease nexin-1, urokinase plasminogen activator, thrombin, and fibroblast growth factor-2-bound brain heparan sulfate less strongly than heparin, but the degree of difference in affinity varied considerably. Protease nexin-1 bound brain heparan sulfate only 1.8-fold less tightly than heparin (Kdvalues of 35 vs. 20 nM, respectively), whereas NCAM and L1 bound heparin well (Kd approximately 140 nM) but failed to bind detectably to brain heparan sulfate (Kd>3 microM). Four proteins bound brain chondroitin sulfate, with affinities equal to or a few fold stronger than the same proteins displayed toward cartilage chondroitin sulfate. Overall, the highest affinities were observed with intact heparan sulfate proteoglycans: laminin-1's affinities for the proteoglycans cerebroglycan (glypican-2), glypican-1 and syndecan-3 were 300- to 1800-fold stronger than its affinity for brain heparan sulfate. In contrast, the affinities of fibroblast growth factor-2 for cerebroglycan and for brain heparan sulfate were similar. Interestingly, partial proteolysis of cerebroglycan resulted in a >400-fold loss of laminin affinity. These data support the views that (1) GAG-binding proteins can be differentially sensitive to variations in GAG structure, and (2) core proteins can have dramatic, ligand-specific influences on protein-proteoglycan interactions.

Hyaluronan bound to CD44 on keratinocytes is displaced by hyaluronan decasaccharides and not hexasaccharides

Abundant hyaluronan is present between epidermal keratinocytes. However, virtually nothing is known regarding its organization in the limited extracellular space between these cells. We have used metabolic labeling with [3H]glucosamine and [35S]sulfate and a hyaluronan-specific biotinylated probe to study the metabolism of hyaluronan and its localization in monolayer cultures of a rat epidermal keratinocyte cell line. Hyaluronan (approximately 20 fg/cell) was present on the apical and lateral surfaces of the cells in two nearly equal pools, either in patches (approximately 160/cell) or diffusely spread. The hyaluronan in the patches is bound to CD44 as indicated by co-localization with an antibody to CD44, and by displacement with hyaluronan decasaccharides as well as with an antibody that blocks hyaluronan binding to CD44. The inability of hyaluronan oligomers shorter than 10 monosaccharides to displace hyaluronan suggests that CD44 dimerization or cooperative interactions are required for tight binding. The diffuse hyaluronan pool is likely bound to hyaluronan synthase during its biosynthesis.

Matrix proteoglycans: from molecular design to cellular function

The proteoglycan superfamily now contains more than 30 full-time molecules that fulfill a variety of biological functions. Proteoglycans act as tissue organizers, influence cell growth and the maturation of specialized tissues, play a role as biological filters and modulate growth-factor activities, regulate collagen fibrillogenesis and skin tensile strength, affect tumor cell growth and invasion, and influence corneal transparency and neurite outgrowth. Additional roles, derived from studies of mutant animals, indicate that certain proteoglycans are essential to life whereas others might be redundant. The review focuses on the most recent genetic and molecular biological studies of the matrix proteoglycans, broadly defined as proteoglycans secreted into the pericellular matrix. Special emphasis is placed on the molecular organization of the protein core, the utilization of protein modules, the gene structure and transcriptional control, and the functional roles of the various proteoglycans. When possible, proteoglycans have been grouped into distinct gene families and subfamilies offering a simplified nomenclature based on their protein core design. The structure-function relationship of some paradigmatic proteoglycans is discussed in depth and novel aspects of their biology are examined.

BEHAB/brevican: a brain-specific lectican implicated in gliomas and glial cell motility

Several recent findings have advanced our understanding of the composition and function of the brain extracellular matrix (ECM). BEHAB/brevican, a recently identified CNS-specific proteoglycan, is a component of the brain ECM and is upregulated during glial cell motility. It is expressed at high levels during development, in response to injury, and in primary brain tumors. Cleavage of the BEHAB/brevican protein may increase invasion of tumor cells.

Versican expression is associated with chamber specification, septation, and valvulogenesis in the developing mouse heart

The versican (PG-M) gene encodes a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan that is nonpermissive for cell migration and appears in association with slow cell proliferation and cytodifferentiation. Using the techniques of in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry on sectioned mouse embryos, we found that the mRNA and protein for versican show similar distributions and are expressed in a dynamic pattern during development of the heart. Versican exhibits generalized expression in the tubular heart but becomes rapidly downregulated in the atrium and exhibits higher transcript levels on the right side of the ventricular chamber than the left, before the onset of ventricular septation. Versican is expressed strongly in the trabeculated ventricular myocardium, whereas the compact proliferative zone has lower transcript abundance. It is expressed in the outer layers and on the crest of the ventricular septum and is prominent on the mesenchymal cap of the primary atrial septum. Versican is particularly strongly expressed in the endocardial cushions of the atrioventricular and outflow tract regions and in the atrioventricular, semilunar, and venous valves. This study raises the possibility that versican may be involved in specification of the ventricular chambers, in growth and fusion of the atrial and ventricular septa, and in the transformation from epithelium to mesenchyme that characterizes development of the endocardial cushions. Versican may be a key participant in cardiogenesis, responding to the many diffusible signals that mediate interactions between the developing endocardium and myocardium.

The G3 domain of versican enhances cell proliferation via epidermial growth factor-like motifs

Versican is a member of the large aggregating chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan family. We have expressed in NIH3T3 fibroblasts a recombinant versican mini-gene comprising the G1 and G3 domains and 15% of the CS domain. We observed that expression of the mini-versican gene stimulated cell proliferation as determined by cell counting and cell cycle analysis. Addition of exogenous mini-versican protein to cultured cells produced the same result. The effects of the mini-versican were greatly reduced when the G3 domain was deleted. Expression of the G3 domain alone promotes cell proliferation, and addition of purified G3 gene products to NIH3T3 fibroblasts and cultured chicken fibroblasts enhances cell growth. Further, deletion of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like motifs in the versican G3 domain reduced the effects of the mini-versican on cell proliferation. In the presence of the purified mini-versican protein, antisense oligonucleotides to the EGF receptor inhibited proliferation of NIH3T3 fibroblasts, compared with control sense oligonucleotides. Taken together, these results imply that versican enhances cell proliferation, and this effect is mediated, at least in part, by the action of versican EGF-like motifs on endogenous EGF receptor.

Comparison of apolipoprotein and proteoglycan deposits in human coronary atherosclerotic plaques: colocalization of biglycan with apolipoproteins

BACKGROUND

Because the content of specific proteoglycans and apolipoproteins is increased in atherosclerotic plaques and in vitro studies have suggested a role for proteoglycans in mediating plaque apolipoprotein (apo) retention, immunohistochemistry was performed to systematically examine the relative locations of proteoglycans and apolipoproteins in human atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The spatial relationships of versican, biglycan, and apoE were compared on 68 human coronary artery segments; apoA-I and apoB also were evaluated on an additional 20 segments. Nonatherosclerotic intima contained extensive deposits of versican, whereas deposits of apoE, apoB, and apoA-I were much less prevalent. In contrast, nearly all atherosclerotic segments contained substantial deposits of biglycan, apoE, apoA-I, and apoB. There was a high degree of colocalization of apoE and biglycan deposits. ApoA-I, the major apolipoprotein of HDL, and apoB also were detected in regions with apoE and biglycan deposition. Exceptions to the localization of biglycan with apolipoproteins were found in regions that lacked intact extracellular matrix because of necrosis or dense macrophage accumulation. In vitro studies demonstrated that biglycan binds apoE-containing but not apoE-free HDL and that biglycan also binds LDL.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that biglycan may bind apoE and apoB in atherosclerotic intima. They also raise the possibility that apoE may act as a "bridging" molecule that traps apoA-I-containing HDL in atherosclerotic intima. Taken together, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that biglycan may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by trapping lipoproteins in the artery wall.

Versican V2 is a major extracellular matrix component of the mature bovine brain

We have isolated and characterized the proteoglycan isoforms of versican from bovine brain extracts. Our approach included (i) cDNA cloning and sequencing of the entire open reading frame encoding the bovine versican splice variants; (ii) preparation of antibodies against bovine versican using recombinant core protein fragments and synthetic peptides; (iii) isolation of versican isoforms by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by anion exchange and hyaluronan affinity chromatography; and (iv) characterization by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Coomassie Blue staining or immunoblotting. Our results demonstrate that versican V2 is, together with brevican, a major component of the mature brain extracellular matrix. Versicans V0 and V1 are only present in relatively small amounts. Versican V2 migrates after chondroitinase ABC digestion with an apparent molecular mass of about 400 kDa, whereas it barely enters a 4-15% polyacrylamide gel without the enzyme treatment. The 400-kDa product is recognized by antibodies against the glycosaminoglycan-alpha domain and against synthetic NH2- and COOH-terminal peptides. Our preparations contain no major proteolytic products of versican, e.g. hyaluronectin or glial hyaluronate-binding protein. Having biochemical quantities of versican V2 available will allow us to test its putative modulatory role in neuronal cell adhesion and axonal growth.

Characterization of collagens and proteoglycans at the insertion of the human Achilles tendon

This study provides a unique correlation between a molecular biological and biochemical analysis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules in one half of 28 human Achilles tendons with an immunohistochemical study of the other. Both the insertion site and the mid-tendon were studied. The insertion (enthesis) is characterized by three distinctive fibrocartilages, two in the tendon (enthesial and sesamoid) and one on the heel bone (periosteal). Thus, its structure contrasts markedly with the fibrous character of the mid-tendon. RT-PCR analyses were performed on RNA extracted from mid-tendon and from the tendon fibrocartilages to investigate transcription of collagens and proteoglycans. Western blotting was also used to identify and characterize these macromolecules, and immunohistochemistry to localize their distribution. The results demonstrate striking differences in the ECM between the mid-tendon and its insertion. Types I, III, V and VI collagens, decorin, biglycan, fibromodulin and lumican were found in both the mid-tendon and the fibrocartilages, although their precise distribution often differed with site. mRNA for type II collagen was constantly present in the fibrocartilages, but it was only found in the mid-tendon of one specimen. The patterns of distribution for versican and aggrecan mRNA were complimentary - versican mRNA was present in the mid-tendon and absent from the fibrocartilages, while aggrecan mRNA was present in the fibrocartilages and absent from the mid-tendon. The range and distribution of ECM molecules detected in the Achilles tendon reflect the differing forces acting on it - the mid-tendon largely transmits tension and is characterized by molecules typical of fibrous tissues, but the fibrocartilages must also resist compression and thus contain, in addition, molecules typical of cartilage.

Identification, partial characterization, and distribution of versican and link protein in bovine dental pulp

The dynamics of changes in the cellularity and extracellular matrix composition of dental pulp varies considerably during tooth development and maturation. In this paper, we studied matrix proteoglycans where we hypothesized that they played important roles in structural, spatial, and transport aspects of pulpal development and maintenance. The pulpal tissue was collected from partially erupted bovine incisors, pulverized, and then extracted with 6 M guanidine-HCl. The extract was subjected to anion column chromatography (DEAE-8HR), and the fractions collected were screened by dot-blot immunoassay by means of monoclonal antibodies generated against 4- and 6-sulfated chondroitin sulfate isomers, and keratan sulfate, 2-B-6, 3-B-3, and 5-D-4, respectively. The chondroitin-6-sulfate was the major glycosaminoglycan species and occurred as a large-molecular-weight proteoglycan (> 500 kDa). After further purification, it was subjected to agarose/acrylamide composite gel electrophoresis, and it migrated as a single band stained with Stains-All. The band was immunopositive against antibody 3-B-3 by Western blot analysis. The partial amino acid sequence analyses of the core protein clearly indicated this molecule to be versican. The presence of link protein was also confirmed by Western blot analysis with an anti-link protein monoclonal antibody, 8-A-4. Furthermore, immunohistochemical study indicated that the distributions of versican and link protein coincide in the dental pulp and are enriched in the peripheral area of the tissue just beneath the odontoblast layer. Since the dental pulp contains hyaluronan, versican may bind to hyaluronan via its hyaluronan-binding domain, where this association is stabilized by link protein. This complex, then, could form large hydrated proteoglycan aggregates that fill the extracellular space, support odontoblasts, and/or facilitate the transport function of metabolites and nutrients within the tissue.

On the adsorption of hyaluronan and ICAM-1 to modified hydrophobic resins

Hyaluronan is a negatively charged glycosaminoglycan that occurs in connective tissue and has a wide range of mechanical and cell biological functions. The purpose of this study was to utilize affinity chromatography resins for purification of detergent (Triton X-100) solubilized hyaluronan binding proteins from liver, the major organ of hyaluronan clearance from the blood. However, during these studies we made the unexpected finding that hyaluronan binds to Sepharose substituted with a hexamethylene chain, a commonly used spacer arm in affinity chromatography resins, capped with either a terminal primary amine or a terminal acetoamido group. Hyaluronan did not bind the hydrophobic resins hexyl- or octyl-Sepharose under the same conditions. It was also found that rat liver intercellular adhesion molecule-1 binds to resins containing the hexamethylene spacer arm, an interaction which could be inhibited with free hyaluronan oligosaccharides. Finally, we have determined that resins with ethylene spacer arms show no affinity for hyaluronan and can therefore be used to immobilize hyaluronan for chromatography of hyaluronan binding proteins. By using this resin we have purified two proteins of approximately 200 and 400 kDa from rat liver endothelial cells. In summary, this study demonstrates the efficacy of certain "capped-hydrophobic" resins for binding hyaluronan; these resins may provide a novel means for the study and/or purification of this glycosaminoglycan. This study further demonstrates the importance of the careful design of appropriate affinity columns for the specific purification of hyaluronan binding proteins.

The origin of hyaluronectin in human tumors

The origin of tumor stroma hyaluronectin (HN), a glycoprotein that binds to hyaluronan (HA), has long remained unknown. Histological observations of human tumors suggest that tumor HN could originate from stroma fibroblasts, and in some cases from inflammatory cells. The fibroblast origin was confirmed by the discovery of HN-like antigen along with hyaluronan in culture medium of tumor-derived fibroblasts. An HA-binding protein was characterized in the culture medium of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in both normal subjects and tumor-bearing patients and was found to be human HN. Cultivated monocytes did not produce HA. HN was not related to the HA-binding site CD44. Sequencing of brain HN-derived peptides demonstrated that each determined peptide sequence was similar to a sequence of the proteoglycan PG-M/versican, suggesting that HN is the HA-binding moiety of the proteoglycan. One probe was synthesized from human PBMC by polymerase chain reaction with primers derived from HN sequences also found in versican. Northern blots were positive only with HN-producing cells. The main RNAs were in the 6-8 kb range, and there was a limited proportion of smaller RNA, which was compatible with the size expected from the HN molecular mass. Southern blotting of monocytes and tumor cells demonstrated that the gene was limited to a unique band. We conclude that HN, an extracellular component of brain, connective embryonic, inflammatory and tumoral tissues, is a PG-M/versican-derived molecule. Our results suggest that tumor HN, which originates from fibroblasts and monocytes of tumor stroma, is a molecular component of the host-tumor relationship and could play a role in the regulation of HA activity in oncogenesis.

Sequence and chromosomal localization of the mouse brevican gene

Brevican is a brain-specific proteoglycan belonging to the aggrecan family. Phage clones containing the complete mouse brevican open reading frame of 2649 bp and the complete 3'-untranslated region of 341 bp were isolated from a mouse brain cDNA library, and cosmid clones containing the mouse brevican gene were isolated from a genomic library using a PCR-generated DNA fragment as probe. The obtained genomic sequence of 13,700 nucleotides revealed that the murine gene has a size of approximately 13 kb and contains the sequence of the mRNA for the secreted brevican isoform on 14 exons. The exon-intron structure reflected the structural organization of the multidomain protein brevican. No consensus TATA sequence was found upstream of the first exon, and RNase protection experiments revealed multiple transcriptional start sites for the brevican gene. The first part of the sequence of intron 8 corresponded to an alternative brevican cDNA, coding for a GPI-linked isoform. Single strand conformation polymorphism analysis mapped the brevican gene (Bcan) to chromosome 3 between the microsatellite markers D3Mit22 and D3Mit11.

TSG-6: an IL-1/TNF-inducible protein with anti-inflammatory activity

The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-alpha are primary mediators of the acute phase response, the complex reaction of the mammalian organism to infection and injury. Among the genes activated by TNF-alpha and IL-1 in a variety of cells is TNF-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6). The TSG-6 cDNA encodes a secreted 35 kDa glycoprotein which is abundant in synovial fluids of patients with various forms of arthritis and detectable in serum of patients with different inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. TSG-6 protein consists of two structural domains: a hyaluronan-binding link module, the characteristic domain of the hyaladherin family of proteins, and a C-terminal CUB domain, present in a variety of diverse proteins. TSG-6 forms a stable complex with components of the plasma protein inter-alpha-inhibitor (I[alpha]I), a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor. TSG-6 and I(alpha)I synergize to inhibit plasmin, a serine protease involved in the activation of matrix metalloproteinases which are part of the proteolytic cascade associated with inflammation. Recombinant human TSG-6 protein exerts a potent anti-inflammatory effect in a murine model of acute inflammation. Modulation of the proteolytic network associated with inflammatory processes may be a mechanism whereby TSG-6, in cooperation with I(alpha)I, inhibits inflammation. Activation of the TSG-6 gene by pro-inflammatory cytokines, presence of TSG-6 protein in inflammatory lesions and its anti-inflammatory effect suggest a role for TSG-6 in a negative feed-back control of the inflammatory response.

Proteoglycan expression by human trabecular meshworks

PURPOSE

Proteoglycans may serve important roles in trabecular meshwork structure or function. Detailed molecular characterization and identification of specific trabecular proteoglycan core proteins has been limited.

METHODS

Radiolabeled proteoglycans were extracted from cultured human trabecular meshworks and subjected to ion exchange and molecular sieve chromatography. Peaks were subjected to glycosaminoglycan content analysis. Reverse transcription with polymerase chain reaction was used to identify trabecular mRNAs of several common proteoglycan core proteins. Western immunoblots of trabecular extracts were also utilized to identify these proteoglycan core proteins.

RESULTS

The proteoglycans elute from ion exchange columns at high salt and molecular sieve column profiles, and they exhibit broad peaks typical of the proteoglycan microheterogeneity seen in other tissues. The four common glycosaminoglycan side-chains were identified on these proteoglycans. Trabecular cells in organ or cell culture contain mRNAs coding for decorin, biglycan, versican, perlecan and a basement membrane glycoprotein, SPARC. Syndecan-1 transcripts were present at very low levels, while aggrecan transcripts were not detectable. Decorin, biglycan, versican and perlecan core proteins were also identified by immunoblots of trabecular cell extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

Several common proteoglycans are expressed by trabecular cells in organ explant or cell culture. Their general characteristics are not unlike those found in other tissues. These proteoglycans may serve important functions in the trabecular outflow pathway.

Alternative splicing of the unique "PLUS" domain of chicken PG-M/versican is developmentally regulated

We investigated the occurrence of alternatively spliced forms (V0, V1, V2, and V3) of PG-M/versican, a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in developing chicken retinas, using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. We characterized the PLUS domain, which is apparently unique to the chicken molecule and is regulated by alternative splicing. PG-M in chicken retinas consisted of four forms with (V0, V1, V2, and V3) and two forms without (V1 and V3) the PLUS domain (PG-M+ and PG-M-, respectively). The four forms of PG-M+ were found in all samples examined, but the occurrence of the two PG-M- forms was regulated developmentally. Genomic analysis has revealed that the PLUS and CS-alpha domains are encoded by a single exon, and this exon has an internal alternative 5'-splice donor site, allowing alternative spliced forms that do not include the 3'-end of the exon. Sequences corresponding to the chicken PLUS domain (plus) were not found in mouse and human and may have disappeared during evolution. Sequence similarity suggests that the PLUS domain corresponds to the keratan sulfate attachment domain of aggrecan and that it has a distinct function in the chicken eye.

PG-M/versican-like proteoglycans are components of large disulfide-stabilized complexes in the axolotl embryo

Large disulfide-stabilized proteoglycan complexes were previously shown to be synthesized by the epidermis of axolotl embryos during stages crucial to subepidermal migration of neural crest cells. We now show that the complexes contain PG-M/versican-like monomers in addition to some other component with low buoyant density. Metabolically 35S-labeled proteoglycans were extracted from epidermal explants and separated by size exclusion chromatography and density equilibrium gradient centrifugation. The complexes, which elute in the void volume on Sepharose CL-2B, were recovered at buoyant density 1.42 g/ml in CsCl gradients, whereas the monomer proteoglycans, which could only be liberated from the complexes by reduction, had a higher buoyant density (1.48 g/ml). The native complexes did not aggregate with hyaluronan. The purified complexes reacted with antibodies against a portion of a cloned PG-M/versican-like axolotl proteoglycan. These antibodies were found to stain the subepidermal matrix of axolotl embryos, suggesting that the proteoglycan complexes are encountered by neural crest cells during subepidermal migration. From Western blot analysis, the core protein of the PG-M/versican-like monomers was found to be of similar size ( approximately 500 kDa) as those of PG-M/versican variants of other species. Another chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan that was present in small amounts in the epidermal extracts was found to be distinctly different from the similarly sized PG-M/versican-like monomers.

CD44: structure, function, and association with the malignant process

CD44 is a ubiquitous multistructural and multifunctional cells surface adhesion molecule involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Twenty exons are involved in the genomic organization of this molecule. The first five and the last 5 exons are constant, whereas the 10 exons located between these regions are subjected to alternative splicing, resulting in the generation of a variable region. Differential utilization of the 10 variable region exons, as well as variations in N-glycosylation, O-glycosylation, and glycosaminoglycanation (by heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate), generate multiple isoforms (at least 20 are known) of different molecular sizes (85-230 kDa). The smallest CD44 molecule (85-95 kDa), which lacks the entire variable region, is standard CD44 (CD44s). As it is expressed mainly on cells of lymphohematopoietic origin, CD44s is also known as hematopoietic CD44 (CD44H). CD44s is a single-chain molecule composed of a distal extracellular domain (containing, the ligand-binding sites), a membrane-proximal region, a transmembrane-spanning domain, and a cytoplasmic tail. The molecular sequence (with the exception of the membrane-proximal region) displays high interspecies homology. After immunological activation, T lymphocytes and other leukocytes transiently upregulate CD44 isoforms expressing variant exons (designated CD44v). A CD44 isform containing the last 3 exon products of the variable region (CD44V8-10, also known as epithelial CD44 or CD44E), is preferentially expressed on epithelial cells. The longest CD44 isoform expressing in tandem eight exons of the variable region (CD44V3-10) was detected in keratinocytes. Hyaluronic acid (HA), an important component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), is the principal, but by no means the only, ligand of CD44. Other CD44 ligands include the ECM components collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and chondroitin sulfate. Mucosal addressin, serglycin, osteopontin, and the class II invariant chain (Ii) are additional, ECM-unrelated, ligands of the molecule. In many, but not in all cases, CD44 does not bind HA unless it is stimulated by phorbol esters, activated by agonistic anti-CD44 antibody, or deglycosylated (e.g., by tunicamycin). CD44 is a multifunctional receptor involved in cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions, cell traffic, lymph node homing, presentation of chemokines and growth factors to traveling cells, and transmission of growth signals. CD44 also participates in the uptake and intracellular degradation of HA, as well as in transmission of signals mediating hematopoiesis and apoptosis. Many cancer cell types as well as their metastases express high levels of CD44. Whereas some tumors, such as gliomas, exclusively express standard CD44, other neoplasms, including gastrointestinal cancer, bladder cancer, uterine cervical cancer, breast cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, also express CD44 variants. Hence CD44, particularly its variants, may be used as diagnostic or prognostic markers of at least some human malignant diseases. Furthermore, it has been shown in animal models that injection of reagents interfering with CD44-ligand interaction (e.g., CD44s- or CD44v-specific antibodies) inhibit local tumor growth and metastatic spread. These findings suggest that CD44 may confer a growth advantage on some neoplastic cells and, therefore, could be used as a target for cancer therapy. It is hoped that identification of CD44 variants expressed on cancer but not on normal cells will lead to the development of anti-CD44 reagents restricted to the neoplastic growth.

IL-1 beta, a major stimulator of hyaluronan synthesis in vitro of human peritoneal mesothelial cells: relevance to peritonitis in CAPD

The effect of several different growth factors and cytokines on the synthesis of hyaluronan (HA) by human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) was investigated. Growth arrested HPMC synthesized low levels of HA, but co-culture with PDGF-bb, TGF-beta 1, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 at a concentration of 10 ng/ml all increased HA synthesis between two- to three-fold. At the same concentration IL-1 beta significantly increased the synthesis eight-fold (N = 3; P < 0.05). The effect of IL-1 beta was also dose- and time-dependent and could be totally negated with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 beta RcA). Non-infected and infected dialysate from patients receiving CAPD was also found to stimulate HA synthesis by HPMC. The levels found with non-infected fluid were 4 x 10(4) dpm/ml (N = 6) and 12.9 x 10(4) dpm/ml (N = 6; P < 0.002) and 8.7 x 10(4) dpm/ml (N = 6; P < 0.003) for infected fluid collected one and two days after the commencement of peritonitis. IL-1 beta RcA dramatically reduced the effect of infected but not non-infected dialysate. These results provide new insights into the manner in which HA synthesis is controlled in the mesothelium and suggest that IL-1 beta is a key cytokine in the inflammatory response in CAPD patients.

Chronic sun exposure alters both the content and distribution of dermal glycosaminoglycans

Chronic sun exposure leads to structural and functional alterations in exposed skin. Photoageing is a process distinct from the changes taking place due to chronological ageing. Unique alterations in the dermal extracellular matrix occur as a result of photoageing and are responsible for many of these physiological changes taking place in sun-damaged skin. Accompanying the deposition of abnormal elastic tissue, or solar elastosis, are significant alterations in dermal glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Accumulation of GAGs as a result of photoageing, as demonstrated in both humans and animal models of photoageing, seems almost paradoxical in view of the large amounts of GAGs present in the skin of newborns, making their skin well hydrated and supple, in sharp contrast to the weathered appearance of photoaged skin. We investigate the relative GAG content of photoaged skin using immunoperoxidase stains specific for hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate, and determine the location of these GAGs using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Our results demonstrate significant increases in GAG staining in sun-damaged vs. sun-protected skin from the same individuals, as measured by computer-based image analysis. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopy reveals that the increased dermal GAGs in sun-damaged skin are deposited on the elastotic material of the superficial dermis of photodamaged skin, and not between collagen and elastic fibres as in normal skin. The abnormal location of GAGs on these fibres may explain the apparent paradoxical weathered appearance of photodamaged skin despite increased GAGs.

Distinct rat aortic smooth muscle cells differ in versican/PG-M expression

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) with distinct phenotypes are present in blood vessels, and distinct culture types appear when SMCs are maintained in vitro. For example, cultured SMCs from rat adult media grow as bipolar cells, which differ in gene expression from the predominantly cobblestone-shaped SMCs from rat pup aortas and rat neointimas that we call pi SMCs. Since proteoglycans are present at different concentrations in the normal intima and media and are elevated in atherosclerotic plaque, we sought to determine whether pi and adult medial SMC types synthesize different or unique proteoglycans that are characteristic of each phenotype. [35S]sulfate-labeled proteoglycans were purified by ion-exchange chromatography. An adult medial SMC line synthesized a large proteoglycan (0.2 Kav on Sepharose CL-2B) that was not detectable in a pi SMC line. Digestion of this proteoglycan with chondroitin ABC lyase revealed three core glycoproteins of 330, 370, and 450 kD. By Western blot analysis, the two smallest of these reacted with two antibodies to the human fibroblast proteoglycan versican. RNAs hybridizing to versican probes were found only in adult medial-type SMCs, including an adult medial type clone from pup aorta, by Northern blot analysis. Both SMC types synthesize RNAs that hybridize to probes for other proteoglycans, such as perlecan, biglycan, and decorin. We conclude that rat pi SMC cultures, unlike monkey, human, and rat adult medial SMC cultures, express little or no versican. This difference in expression may be responsible for the different morphologies and growth properties of the two cell types.

Distribution of hyaluronan in articular cartilage as probed by a biotinylated binding region of aggrecan

The proportion of total tissue hyaluronan involved in interactions with aggrecan and link protein was estimated from extracts of canine knee articular cartilages using a biotinylated hyaluronan binding region-link protein complex (bHABC) of proteoglycan aggregate as a probe in an ELISA-like assay. Microscopic sections were stained with bHABC to reveal free hyaluronan in various sites and zones of the cartilages. Articular cartilage, cut into 20 microns-thick sections, was extracted with 4 M guanidinium chloride (GuCl). Aliquots of the extract (after removing GuCl) were assayed for hyaluronan, before and after papain digestion. The GuCl extraction residues were analyzed after solubilization by papain. It was found that 47-51% of total hyaluronan remained in the GuCl extraction residue, in contrast to the 8-15% of total proteoglycans. Analysis of the extract revealed that 24-50% of its hyaluronan was directly detectable with the probe, while 50-76% became available only after protease digestion. The extracellular matrix in cartilage sections was stained with the bHABC probe only in the superficial zone and the periphery of the articular surfaces, both sites known to have a relatively low proteoglycan concentration. Trypsin pretreatment of the sections enhanced the staining of the intermediate and deep zones, presumably by removing the steric obstruction caused by the chondroitin sulfate binding region of aggrecans. Enhanced matrix staining in these zones was also obtained by a limited digestion with chondroitinase ABC. The results indicate that a part of cartilage hyaluronan is free from endogenous binding proteins, such as aggrecan and link protein, but that the chondroitin sulfate-rich region of aggrecan inhibits its probing in intact tissue sections. Therefore, hyaluronan staining was more intense in cartilage areas with lower aggrecan content. A large proportion of hyaluronan resists GuCl extraction, even from 20-micrograms-thick tissue sections.

Biotinylated hyaluronan: a versatile and highly sensitive probe capable of detecting nanogram levels of hyaluronan binding proteins (hyaladherins) on electroblots by a novel affinity detection procedure

Hyaluronan influences cellular proliferation and migration in developing, regenerating and remodelling tissues and in tissues undergoing malignant tumour-cell invasion. The widespread occurrence of hyaluronan-binding proteins indicates that the recognition of hyaluronan is important to tissue organisation and the control of cellular behaviour. A number of extracellular matrix and cellular proteins, which have been termed the hyaladherins, have specific affinities for hyaluronan. These include cartilage link-protein, hyaluronectin, neurocan, versican and aggrecan, which all bind to HA within the extracellular matrix. Cellular receptors for hyaluronan such as CD44 and RHAMM (receptor for hyaluronate-mediated motility) have also been identified. In the present study biotinylated hyaluronan (bHA) was prepared by reacting adipic dihydrazide with a 170 kDa hyaluronan sample using the bifunctional reagent 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino) propyl] carbodiimide. The resultant free amine moeity of the hydrazido-hyaluronan was then reacted with biotin succinimidyl ester (sulfo-NHS-biotin) to prepare the bHA. After 4-20% gradient sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and electroblotting to nitrocellulose membranes, bHA and avidin alkaline phosphatase conjugate could be used in conjunction with nitroblue tetrazolium/5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate substrates to specifically visualise with high sensitivity (> or = 2 ng), bovine nasal cartilage link-protein, aggrecan hyaluronan binding region, and human fibroblast hyaluronan receptors such as CD-44. Conventional Western blotting using specific monoclonal antibodies to these proteins was also used to confirm the identities of these proteins.

Ectodermal stimulation of the production of hyaluronan-dependent pericellular matrix by embryonic limb mesodermal cells

Interaction of ectoderm and underlying mesoderm is essential for normal vertebrate limb morphogenesis. One of the functions of limb bud ectoderm is its influence on the composition of extracellular matrix in subectodermal mesoderm, which in turn participates in morphogenesis of this region of the limb. This matrix is highly enriched in hyaluronan, even at the time when the level of hyaluronan in the chondrogenic and myogenic regions of the limb decreases, due to secretion of a stimulatory factor by the ectoderm. In this study we show that limb bud ectoderm not only stimulates hyaluronan synthesis but induces formation of large hyaluronan-dependent, pericellular matrices around cultured limb bud mesodermal cells. The ectodermal activity is mimicked in great part by fibroblast growth factor-2 and transforming growth factor-beta, and antibodies to these proteins inhibit induction of mesodermal pericellular matrix by the ectodermal factor. It has been shown by other investigators that fibroblast growth factor-2 is produced by limb ectoderm whereas transforming growth factor-2 is produced by limb ectoderm whereas transforming growth factor-beta is present in limb mesodermal tissues. Thus we conclude that the unique properties of mesodermally produced matrix underlying limb bud ectoderm are regulated, at least in part, by ectodermal fibroblast growth factor-2, probably in concert with mesodermal transforming growth factor-beta.

Association of versican with dermal matrices and its potential role in hair follicle development and cycling

Versican is a member of the group of aggregating proteoglycans involved in matrix assembly and structure and in cell adhesion. We examined changes in the distribution of versican in mammalian skin, with emphasis on hair follicle development and cycling. In adult human skin, immunostaining for versican appeared predominantly in the dermis, with intense staining of the reticular dermis. Weak staining was observed at the dermoepidermal junction and the connective tissue sheath of hair follicles. Versican expression was also noted in the reticular dermis of rat skin, within dermal papillae, and possibly associated with follicle basement membranes. During mouse hair follicle development, versican was not expressed until the hair follicles were beginning to produce fibers. With follicle maturation, versican expression intensified in the dermal papillae, reaching a maximum at the height of the growth phase (anagen), after which it diminished as the end of this phase approached. Versican immunoreactivity in the papillae decreased further during catagen and was absent from these structures during telogen. However, intense staining for versican was then observed in the neck regions of telogen follicles. As the follicles entered the next hair cycle, versican disappeared from the necks and was again seen in the dermal papillae when follicles began producing fibers. This type of expression continued throughout subsequent hair cycles and is unlike any other dermal papilla component. The results of this study are consistent with a distinct supportive role for versican in the follicle matrices during hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling.

A novel glycosaminoglycan-binding protein is the vertebrate homologue of the cell cycle control protein, Cdc37

Using a monoclonal antibody, IVd4, that recognizes a novel group of hyaluronan-binding proteins, we have immunoscreened a cDNA library constructed from embryonic chick heart muscle mRNA. One of the cDNAs isolated from the library encodes a 29.3-kDa protein homologous to Cdc37, an essential cell cycle regulatory factor previously characterized genetically in yeast and Drosophila; this is the first vertebrate CDC37 gene to be cloned to date. We also present evidence for the existence of a second chick isoform that is identical to the 29.3-kDa protein over the first 175 amino acids but is entirely different at the carboxyl terminus and lacks the IVd4 epitope. The avian Cdc37 binds hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate and heparin in vitro, and both isoforms contain glycosaminoglycan-binding motifs previously described in several hyaluronan-binding proteins. These findings suggest a role for glycosaminoglycans in cell division control.