Human cathepsin K cleaves native type I and II collagens at the N-terminal end of the triple helix

Cephalometric characteristics and dentofacial abnormalities of pycnodysostosis: report of four cases from Brazil

Pycnodysostosis (PKND) is a human autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized mainly by osteosclerosis of the skeleton, severe bone fragility, and short stature. This syndrome usually presents very typical craniofacial deformities, such as beaked nose, micrognathia, hypoplastic midface, open mouth posture, grooved palate, anterior cross-bite, dental crowding, and over-retained deciduous teeth. Early diagnosis and intervention are of the utmost importance. Four cases from the northeast of Brazil are reported including 2 siblings. Features included maxillary retrusion, reduced facial height, open bite, and bone fracture history. Very poor oral hygiene, severe dental caries, and periodontal disease were also present.

Cathepsin K in the bone microenvironment: link between obesity and prostate cancer?

The skeleton is the most common site of metastasis in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Despite many advances in targeting skeletal metastases, the mechanisms behind the attraction of prostate cancer cells to the bone are not known. Osteoclast cathepsin K, due to its ability to effectively degrade bone matrix collagen I, has been implicated in colonization and growth of prostate tumours in the bone. Identification of new cathepsin K substrates in the bone microenvironment and the recent findings demonstrating its involvement in obesity and inflammation suggest additional roles for this enzyme in skeletal metastases of prostate cancer.

The S2 subsites of cathepsins K and L and their contribution to collagen degradation

The exchange of residues 67 and 205 of the S2 pocket of human cysteine cathepsins K and L induces a permutation of their substrate specificity toward fluorogenic peptide substrates. While the cathepsin L-like cathepsin K (Tyr67Leu/Leu205Ala) mutant has a marked preference for Phe, the Leu67Tyr/Ala205Leu cathepsin L variant shows an effective cathepsin K-like preference for Leu and Pro. A similar turnaround of inhibition was observed by using specific inhibitors of cathepsin K [1-(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-leucyl)-5-(N-Boc-phenylalanyl-leucyl)carbohydrazide] and cathepsin L [N-(4-biphenylacetyl)-S-methylcysteine-(D)-Arg-Phe-beta-phenethylamide]. Molecular modeling studies indicated that mutations alter the character of both S2 and S3 subsites, while docking calculations were consistent with kinetics data. The cathepsin K-like cathepsin L was unable to mimic the collagen-degrading activity of cathepsin K against collagens I and II, DQ-collagens I and IV, and elastin-Congo Red. In summary, double mutations of the S2 pocket of cathepsins K (Y67L/L205A) and L (L67Y/A205L) induce a switch of their enzymatic specificity toward small selective inhibitors and peptidyl substrates, confirming the key role of residues 67 and 205. However, mutations in the S2 subsite pocket of cathepsin L alone without engineering of binding sites to chondroitin sulfate are not sufficient to generate a cathepsin K-like collagenase, emphasizing the pivotal role of the complex formation between glycosaminoglycans and cathepsin K for its unique collagenolytic activity.

Collagen degradation in the abdominal aneurysm: a conspiracy of matrix metalloproteinase and cysteine collagenases

Growth and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) result from increased collagen turnover. Collagen turnover critically depends on specific collagenases that cleave the triple helical region of fibrillar collagen. As yet, the collagenases responsible for collagen degradation in AAAs have not been identified. Increased type I collagen degradation products confirmed collagen turnover in AAAs (median values: <1, 43, and 108 ng/mg protein in control, growing, and ruptured AAAs, respectively). mRNA and protein analysis identified neutrophil collagenase [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8] and cysteine collagenases cathepsin K, L, and S as the principle collagenases in growing and ruptured AAAs. Except for modestly increased MMP-14 mRNA levels, collagenase expression was similar in growing and ruptured AAAs (anterior-lateral wall). Evaluation of posttranslational regulation of protease activity showed a threefold increase in MMP-8, a fivefold increase in cathepsins K and L, and a 30-fold increase in cathepsin S activation in growing and ruptured AAAs. The presence of the osteoclastic proton pump indicated optimal conditions for extracellular cysteine protease activity. Protease inhibitor mRNA expression was similar in AAAs and controls, but AAA protein levels of cystatin C, the principle cysteine protease inhibitor, were profoundly reduced (>80%). We found indications that this secondary deficiency relates to cystatin C degradation by (neutrophil-derived) proteases.

High bone mineral density in pycnodysostotic patients with a novel mutation in the propeptide of cathepsin K

INTRODUCTION

Pycnodysostosis is typically associated with short stature, multiple fractures without adequate trauma and high bone density on x-ray. The increased bone density is due to a genetic defect of cathepsin K, leading to dysfunctional osteoclastic bone resorption and bone remodeling. We wanted to know how this defect influences the trabecular and cortical volumetric bone mineral density of long bones as measured quantitatively by pQCT.

METHODS

Three siblings of a consanguineous family were admitted to our hospital because of multiple fractures. Pycnodysostosis was diagnosed based on the clinical presentation with the characteristic dense appearance of their bones on x-ray. The distal and proximal radius of the patients and of control subjects was scanned using a Stratec XCT-2000 pQCT scanner and data were processed using the software provided by the manufacturer. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of all three patients and their parents. The coding exons of the cathepsin K gene (CTSK) were amplified and sequenced.

RESULTS

The patients displayed the typical features of pycnodysostosis: Short stature, delay of closure of the fontanelles, hypoplasia of the maxilla, spondylolysis of the lumbar spine, stubby hands and feet and a history of multiple fractures. Volumetric bone density was much higher in pycnodysostotic bone than in the control bones 686 +/- 28 mg/cm(3) in patients vs. 290 +/- 6 mg/cm(3) in controls; p = 0.001), especially in the trabecular compartment (733 +/- 26 mg/cm(3) in patients vs. 195 +/- 8 mg/cm(3) in controls; p < 0.001), but also in the cortical bone (1108 +/- 22 in patients vs. 1020 +/- 17 in controls; p < 0.01). In contrast to this finding, the patients displayed an elevation of alkaline phosphatase in the serum and free deoxypyridinoline-crosslinks (DPD) in the urine, suggesting osteomalacia. Sequencing of the cathepsin K gene revealed homozygosity for a novel missense mutation in all three patients predicting the amino acid exchange from arginine to tryptophan at position 46 (R46W).

CONCLUSION

We present here for the first time quantitative data on the mineral density of bones of pycnodysostotic patients with a novel mutation in the propeptide of cathepsin K. The elevated bone mineral density in the cortex and the changes in the serum markers suggest an effect of cathepsin K not only on bone volume, but also on bone mineralization. This might in part explain the increased susceptibility to fractures of patients with pycnodysostosis.

Cloning and characterization of cathepsin L-like peptidases of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes

Cysteine peptidases have potent activities in the pathogenesis of various parasitic infections. Two cDNA clones encoding cysteine peptidases were isolated from Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode (EmCLP1 and EmCLP2). EmCLP1 and EmCLP2 shared high similarity to the cathepsin L-like peptidases. Immunoblot analyses demonstrated that native EmCLP1 and EmCLP2 were present in excretory/secretory products and extracts of E. multilocularis metacestodes. By immunohistochemistry, native EmCLP1 and EmCLP2 were shown to localize to the germinal layer, the brood capsule and the protoscolex. Recombinant EmCLP1 and EmCLP2 expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibited substrate specificity against synthetic peptidyl substrates, Z-Leu-Arg-MCA and Z-Phe-Arg-MCA. Furthermore, recombinant enzymes degraded IgG, albumin, type I and IV collagens, and fibronectin, which suggested those key roles in parasite-host interactions. This is the first report of cysteine peptidases from E. multilocularis, and would contribute to control E. multilocularis infections by chemotherapeutic drugs and/or immunoprophylaxis.

Selective inhibition of the collagenase activity of cathepsin K

Cathepsin K, the main bone degrading protease, and chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4-S) form a complex with enhanced collagenase activity. In this report, we demonstrate the specific inhibition of the collagenase activity of cathepsin K by negatively charged polymers without affecting the overall proteolytic activity of the protease. Three different mechanisms to interfere with cathepsin-catalyzed collagen degradation are discussed: 1) inhibition of the formation of the cathepsin K/C4-S complex, 2) inhibition of the attachment of C4-S to collagen, and 3) masking of the collagenase cleavage sites in collagen. By targeting these interaction sites, collagen degradation can be modulated while the non-collagenolytic activities of cathepsin K remain intact. The main inhibitory effect on collagen degradation is due to the impeding effect on the active cathepsin K/C4-S complex. Essential structural elements in the inhibitor molecules are negative charges which compete with the sulfate groups of C4-S in the cathepsin K/C4-S complex. The inhibitory effect can be controlled by length and charge of the polymers. Longer negatively charged polymers (e.g. polyglutamates, oligonucleotides) tend to inhibit all three mechanisms, whereas shorter ones preferentially affect the cathepsin K/C4-S complex.

Chondrocyte hypertrophy can be induced by a cryptic sequence of type II collagen and is accompanied by the induction of MMP-13 and collagenase activity: implications for development and arthritis

The objective of this study was to determine whether a peptide of type II collagen which can induce collagenase activity can also induce chondrocyte terminal differentiation (hypertrophy) in articulate cartilage. Full depth explants of normal adult bovine articular cartilage were cultured with or without a 24 mer synthetic peptide of type II collagen (residues 195-218) (CB12-II). Peptide CB12-II lacks any RGD sequence and is derived from the CB12 fragment of type II collagen. Type II collagen cleavage by collagenase was measured by ELISA in cartilage and medium. Real-time RT-PCR was used to analyze gene expression of the chondrocyte hypertrophy markers COL10A1 and MMP-13. Immunostaining for anti-Ki67, anti-PCNA, (proliferation markers), type X collagen, cleavage of type II collagen by collagenases (hypertrophy markers) and TUNEL staining (hypertrophy and apoptosis markers) were used to detect progressive maturational stages of chondrocyte hypertrophy. At high but naturally occurring concentrations (10 microM and up) the collagen peptide CB12-II induced an increase in the expression of MMP-13 (24 h) and cleavage of type II collagen by collagenase in the mid zone (day 4) and also in the superficial zone (day 6). Furthermore the peptide induced an increase in proliferation on day 1 in the mid and deep zones extending to the superficial zone by day 4. There was also upregulation of COL10A1 expression at day 4 and of type X staining in the mid zone extending to the superficial zone by day 6. Apoptotic cell death was increased by day 4 in the lower deep zone and also in the superficial zone at day 7. The increase in apoptosis in the deep zone was also seen in controls. Our results show that the induction of collagenase activity by a cryptic peptide sequence of type II collagen, is accompanied by chondrocyte hypertrophy and associated with cellular and matrix changes. This induction occurs in the mid and superficial zones of previously healthy articular cartilage. This response of the chondrocyte to a cryptic sequence of denatured type II collagen may play a role in naturally occurring hypertrophy in endochondral ossification and in the development of cartilage pathology in osteoarthritis.

Interaction between human cathepsins K, L, and S and elastins: mechanism of elastinolysis and inhibition by macromolecular inhibitors

Proteolytic degradation of elastic fibers is associated with a broad spectrum of pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis and pulmonary emphysema. We have studied the interaction between elastins and human cysteine cathepsins K, L, and S, which are known to participate in elastinolytic activity in vivo. The enzymes showed distinctive preferences in degrading elastins from bovine neck ligament, aorta, and lung. Different susceptibility of these elastins to proteolysis was attributed to morphological differences observed by scanning electron microscopy. Kinetics of cathepsin binding to the insoluble substrate showed that the process occurs in two steps. The enzyme is initially adsorbed on the elastin surface in a nonproductive manner and then rearranges to form a catalytically competent complex. In contrast, soluble elastin is bound directly in a catalytically productive manner. Studies of enzyme partitioning between the phases showed that cathepsin K favors adsorption on elastin; cathepsin L prefers the aqueous environment, and cathepsin S is equally distributed among both phases. Our results suggest that elastinolysis by cysteine cathepsins proceeds in cycles of enzyme adsorption, binding of a susceptible peptide moiety, hydrolysis, and desorption. Alternatively, the enzyme may also form a new catalytic complex without prior desorption and re-adsorption. In both cases the active center of the enzymes remains at least partly accessible to inhibitors. Elastinolytic activity was readily abolished by cystatins, indicating that, unlike enzymes such as leukocyte elastase, pathological elastinolytic cysteine cathepsins might represent less problematic drug targets. In contrast, thyropins were relatively inefficient in preventing elastinolysis by cysteine cathepsins.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis: an update on current and future therapeutic options

Recent advances in osteoporosis have dramatically changed the management and treatment of this disease. This article reviews the safety and efficacy of US FDA-approved drugs for prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, as well as studies on combination, sequential or intermittent use of these agents. A review of promising agents for osteoporosis therapy is provided.

Understanding the role of tissue degrading enzymes and their inhibitors in development and disease

Cartilage and the underlying bone are destroyed in severe cases of arthritis preventing joints from functioning normally. Cartilage and bone collagen can be specifically cleaved by the collagenases, members of the matrix metalloproteinase family (MMPs), whilst cartilage aggrecan is degraded by members of the ADAMTS (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin repeats) family of proteinases. Intracellular cysteine proteinases are involved in bone resorption by osteoclasts and the serine proteinases are involved in activating MMPs. Together, these enzymes act in concert during normal growth and development, especially within the growth plate; however they are also involved in tissue destruction during disease. Synthetic MMP inhibitors have been investigated as a means to block tissue destruction in arthritis but have been unsuccessful, although recent trials with doxycycline suggest this may block joint destruction in osteoarthritis. It is likely that combinations of therapy will be required to ensure that joint destruction is prevented in arthritis patients.

SLRP interaction can protect collagen fibrils from cleavage by collagenases

Decorin, fibromodulin and lumican are small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycans (SLRPs) which interact with the surface of collagen fibrils. Together with other molecules they form a coat on the fibril surface which could impede the access to collagenolytic proteinases. To address this hypothesis, fibrils of type I or type II collagen were formed in vitro and treated with either collagenase-1 (MMP1) or collagenase-3 (MMP13). The fibrils were either treated directly or following incubation in the presence of the recombinant SLRPs. The susceptibility of the uncoated and SLRP-coated fibrils to collagenase cleavage was assessed by SDS/PAGE. Interaction with either recombinant decorin, fibromodulin or lumican results in decreased collagenase cleavage of both fibril types. Thus SLRP interaction can help protect collagen fibrils from cleavage by collagenases.

Drug delivery strategies for cathepsin inhibitors in joint diseases

Cathepsins play important roles in the development of joint and bone diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Cathepsin inhibitors are presently in development and clinical testing for use as novel disease-modifying drugs for the improved treatment of osteoporosis. They may also be applicable for the treatment of joint diseases. However, some barriers still hamper their clinical applications in these indications. Based on pathophysiological features of RA and OA, the authors discuss six potential drug delivery strategies for the effective delivery of cathepsin inhibitors or other antiarthritic drugs to the arthritic joint tissue. Successful application of these strategies may significantly contribute to a more effective and safe treatment of RA and OA.

Relative contribution of matrix metalloprotease and cysteine protease activities to cytokine-stimulated articular cartilage degradation

OBJECTIVE

Both matrix metalloprotease (MMP) activity and cathepsin K (CK) activity have been implicated in cartilage turnover. We investigated the relative contribution of MMP activity and CK activity in cartilage degradation using ex vivo and in vivo models.

METHODS

Bovine articular cartilage explants were stimulated with oncostatin M (OSM) 10 ng/ml and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) 20 ng/ml in the presence or absence of the broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor GM6001 and the cysteine protease inhibitor, E64. Cartilage degradation was evaluated in the conditioned medium by glycosaminoglycans (GAG), hydroxyproline, and cross-linked C-telopeptide fragments of type II collagen (CTX-II), which were compared to immunohistochemical evaluations of proteoglycans and CTX-II. We assessed MMP expression by gelatine zymography and CK expression by immunohistochemistry. In vivo, CTX-II release was measured from CK-deficient mice.

RESULTS

OSM and TNF-alpha combined induced significant (P<0.01) increase in cartilage degradation products measured by hydroxyproline and CTX-II compared to vehicle control. The cytokines potently induced MMP expression, assessed by zymography, and CK expression investigated by immunohistochemistry. Inhibition of MMP activity completely abrogated hydroxyproline and CTX-II release (P<0.01) and GAG release (P<0.05). In contrast, E64 resulted in increased CTX-II release by 100% (P<0.05) and inhibited GAG release by 30%. Up-regulation of CTX-II fragments was confirmed in vivo in CK null mice.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of MMP activity reduced both proteoglycan loss and type II collagen degradation. In contrast, inhibition of cysteine proteases resulted in an increase rather than a decrease in MMP derived fragments of collagen type II degradation, CTX-II, suggesting altered collagen metabolism.

Effects of antisense mediated inhibition of cathepsin K on human osteoclasts obtained from peripheral blood

Cathepsin K is a cystein protease that displays a proteolytic activity against Type I collagen and is abundantly and selectively expressed in osteoclasts where it plays a critical role in bone degradation. Its direct role in bone tissue has been defined by knock-out mice studies and inhibiting strategies in animals models. However, direct proof of cathepsin K function in human osteoclast model in vitro is lacking. The aim of this study is to analyze cathepsin K expression and localization in human osteoclasts obtained from peripheral blood and to examine cathepsin K function in these cells by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-ODN) strategy. AS-ODN was added to the culture of osteoclast precursors induced to differentiate by RANKL and M-CSF. AS-ODN treatment produced a significant down-regulation of cathepsin K mRNA (>80%) and protein expression, as verified respectively by Real-time PCR and by immunocytochemistry or Western blot. The cathepsin K inhibition caused an impairment of resorption activity as evaluated by a pit formation assay ( p = 0.045) and by electron microscopy, while the acidification process was unaffected. We demonstrated that antisense strategies against cathepsin K are selectively effective to inhibit resorption activity in human osteoclasts, like in animal models.

Collagen fragmentation in ruptured canine cranial cruciate ligament explants

Collagen fragmentation in cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) explants and stifle synovial fluid was investigated in dogs with ruptured and intact CCL. Cathepsin K and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activities were determined in CCL explant supernatants. Formation of collagen fragments was determined in explant supernatants and stifle synovial fluid. Cathepsin K(+) and TRAP(+) cells were stained specifically in histological sections of CCL. Formation of telopeptide collagen fragments was increased in ruptured CCL explants and stifle synovial fluid from dogs with ruptured CCL. In ruptured CCL explants, release of collagen fragments was associated with extracellular release of TRAP and the presence of cathepsin K(+) cells within CCL tissue. Cathepsin K(+) and TRAP(+) cells were only seen in ruptured CCL. It was concluded that infiltration of the CCL with TRAP(+) cells in dogs with CCL rupture is associated with increased collagenolysis. It is hypothesized that recruitment and activation of TRAP(+) mononuclear cells within the synovium and CCL precipitates CCL rupture through upregulation of collagenolytic enzymes and collagen degradation.

Substrate profiling of cysteine proteases using a combinatorial peptide library identifies functionally unique specificities

The substrate specificities of papain-like cysteine proteases (clan CA, family C1) papain, bromelain, and human cathepsins L, V, K, S, F, B, and five proteases of parasitic origin were studied using a completely diversified positional scanning synthetic combinatorial library. A bifunctional coumarin fluorophore was used that facilitated synthesis of the library and individual peptide substrates. The library has a total of 160,000 tetrapeptide substrate sequences completely randomizing each of the P1, P2, P3, and P4 positions with 20 amino acids. A microtiter plate assay format permitted a rapid determination of the specificity profile of each enzyme. Individual peptide substrates were then synthesized and tested for a quantitative determination of the specificity of the human cathepsins. Despite the conserved three-dimensional structure and similar substrate specificity of the enzymes studied, distinct amino acid preferences that differentiate each enzyme were identified. The specificities of cathepsins K and S partially match the cleavage site sequences in their physiological substrates. Capitalizing on its unique preference for proline and glycine at the P2 and P3 positions, respectively, selective substrates and a substrate-based inhibitor were developed for cathepsin K. A cluster analysis of the proteases based on the complete specificity profile provided a functional characterization distinct from standard sequence analysis. This approach provides useful information for developing selective chemical probes to study protease-related pathologies and physiologies.

cAMP-PKA signaling pathway regulates bone resorption mediated by processing of cathepsin K in cultured mouse osteoclasts

Cathepsin K (Cat K) is the major cysteine protease expressed in osteoclast and is thought to play a key role in matrix degradation during bone resorption. It is shown that the intracellular maturation of Cat K was prevented by the cAMP antagonist, Rp-cAMP, and the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors of KT5720 and H89. In contrast, forskolin, an adenylate cyclase agonist, rather induced Cat K processing and maturation in osteoclast. Furthermore, to determine whether Cat K processing and maturation signaling involves protein kinase C (PKC), mouse total bone cells were treated with calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of PKC, however, no effect was observed, indicating that PKC calphostin C did not affect to osteoclast-mediated Cat K processing and maturation in osteoclast. Thus, it is indicated that the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway regulate Cat K maturation in osteoclast. Since secreted proenzymes have the potential to reenter the cell via M6P receptor, to prevent this possibility, we tested cAMP antagonist Rp-cAMP and the PKA inhibitors KT5720 and H89 in the absence or presence of M6P. Inhibition of Cat K processing by Rp-cAMP, KT5720 or H89 was observed in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the addition of M6P resulted in enhanced potency of Rp-cAMP, KT5720 and H89, which dose-dependently inhibited in vitro bone resorption with potency similar to that observed for inhibition of Cat K processing.

Increased collagen degradation around loosened total hip replacement implants

OBJECTIVE

To assess collagen degradation and its relationship to some of the key collagenolytic proteinases in the aggressive synovial membrane-like interface tissue around aseptically loosened hip replacement implants.

METHODS

The medical indication for the primary total hip replacement was osteoarthritis in all study patients. Samples from the study patients were compared with control synovial membranes obtained from trauma (hip fracture) patients. Proteoglycans were extracted with 4M guanidinium chloride. Denatured collagen in the remaining matrix was solubilized with alpha-chymotrypsin. Nonsoluble matrix and supernatant fractions were acid hydrolyzed before measurement of hydroxyproline. The proportion of soluble (in vivo-degraded) collagen of the total sample collagen content was calculated. Proteinases were stained using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method.

RESULTS

Collagen in the interface membrane from the implants was highly degraded (mean +/- SEM 20 +/- 3%) compared with that in the control synovial membranes (12 +/- 1%; P = 0.007). In controls, the degree of collagen degradation did not correlate with levels of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), MMP-13, or cathepsin K, although MMP-1 approached statistical significance. In interface membranes, the correlations were r = 0.88 (P = 0.002), r = 0.92 (P = 0.001), and r = 0.98 (P < 0.0001) for MMP-1, MMP-13, and cathepsin K, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In normal synovial membrane, collagen matrix remodeling may be mainly an intracellular process. In contrast, pathologic tissue destruction in the interface membrane from prosthetic hip joints is associated with a shift toward MMP-13 and cathepsin K, which become activated and overcome their endogenous inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and cystatin C). The highly significant correlation between collagen degradation and cathepsin K indicates an extracellular role of this acidic endoproteinase, consistent with previous observations concerning the acidity of the interface membrane.

Disruption of the cathepsin K gene reduces atherosclerosis progression and induces plaque fibrosis but accelerates macrophage foam cell formation

BACKGROUND

Cathepsin K (catK), a lysosomal cysteine protease, was identified in a gene-profiling experiment that compared human early plaques, advanced stable plaques, and advanced atherosclerotic plaques containing a thrombus, where it was highly upregulated in advanced stable plaques.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To assess the function of catK in atherosclerosis, catK(-/-)/apolipoprotein (apo) E(-/-) mice were generated. At 26 weeks of age, plaque area in the catK(-/-)/apoE(-/-) mice was reduced (41.8%) owing to a decrease in the number of advanced lesions as well as a decrease in individual advanced plaque area. This suggests an important role for catK in atherosclerosis progression. Advanced plaques of catK(-/-)/apoE(-/-) mice showed an increase in collagen content. Medial elastin fibers were less prone to rupture than those of apoE(-/-) mice. Although the relative macrophage content did not differ, individual macrophage size increased. In vitro studies of bone marrow derived-macrophages confirmed this observation. Scavenger receptor-mediated uptake (particularly by CD36) of modified LDL increased in the absence of catK, resulting in an increased macrophage size because of increased cellular storage of cholesterol esters, thereby enlarging the lysosomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A deficiency of catK reduces plaque progression and induces plaque fibrosis but aggravates macrophage foam cell formation in atherosclerosis.

Inflammatory changes in ruptured canine cranial and human anterior cruciate ligaments

OBJECTIVE

To compare expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin K and histologic changes in canine cranial cruciate ligaments (CCLs) and human anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs).

STUDY POPULATION

Sections of cruciate ligaments from 15 dogs with ruptured CCLs, 8 aged dogs with intact CCLs, 14 human beings with ruptured ACLs, and 11 aged human beings with intact ACLs.

PROCEDURE

The CCLs and ACLs were evaluated histologically, and cells containing TRAP and cathepsin K were identified histochemically and immunohistochemically, respectively.

RESULTS

The proportion of ruptured CCLs that contained TRAP+ cells was significantly higher than the proportion of intact ACLs that did but similar to proportions of intact CCLs and ruptured ACLs that did. The proportion of ruptured CCLs that contained cathepsin K+ cells was significantly increased, compared with all other groups. Numbers of TRAP+ and cathepsin K+ cells were significantly increased in ruptured CCLs, compared with intact ACLs. The presence of TRAP+ cells was correlated with inflammatory changes, which were most prominent in ruptured CCLs.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggest that synovial macrophage-like cells that produce TRAP are an important feature of the inflammation associated with CCL rupture in dogs. Identification of TRAP and cathepsin K in intact CCLs and ACLs from aged dogs suggests that these enzymes have a functional role in cruciate ligament remodeling and repair. We hypothesize that recruitment and activation of TRAP+ macrophage-like cells into the stifle joint synovium and CCL epiligament are critical features of the inflammatory arthritis that promotes progressive degradation and eventual rupture of the CCL in dogs.

Biochemical markers of bone turnover: part I: biochemistry and variability

With the ageing population in most countries, disorders of bone and mineral metabolism are becoming increasingly relevant to every day clinical practice. Consequently, the interest in, and the need for effective measures to be used in the screening, diagnosis and follow-up of such pathologies has markedly grown. Together with clinical and imaging techniques, biochemical tests play an important role in the assessment and differential diagnosis of metabolic bone disease. In recent years, the isolation and characterisation of cellular and extracellular components of the skeletal matrix have resulted in the development of molecular markers that are considered to reflect either bone formation or bone resorption. These biochemical indices are non-invasive, comparatively inexpensive and, when applied and interpreted correctly, helpful tools in the diagnostic and therapeutic assessment of metabolic bone disease. Part I of this article provides an overview of the basic biochemistry of bone markers, and sources of non-specific variability. Part II (to be published in a subsequent issue of this journal) will review the current evidence regarding the clinical use of biochemical markers of bone remodelling in metabolic and metastatic bone disease.

Cystatin C levels are decreased in acute myocardial infarction: effect of cystatin C G73A gene polymorphism on plasma levels

BACKGROUND

Cystatin C is the most abundant protease inhibitor in the plasma. Low plasma levels have been found in patients with aortic aneurysms and they seem correlated with the extension of the aortic lesions in early aneurysms detected by ultrasonography.

METHODS

In this study, plasma levels of cystatin C have been investigated in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), unstable angina and controls. The effect on plasma levels of the G73A polymorphism of the CST3 gene has been also evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients with acute myocardial infarction showed significantly lower levels of cystatin C compared to unstable angina and controls, but levels were nearly normal in a week after the acute event. The genotype distribution of the G73A polymorphism was not different among the groups. Nevertheless, cystatin C levels decreased proportionally with the number of A alleles. Cystatin C levels were positively correlated with age, triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio and creatinine, and negatively with HDL cholesterol and the number of A alleles. All variables, but not HDL cholesterol, were independently correlated in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Cystatin C is decreased in acute myocardial infarction. It is still not clear whether lower cystatin C levels are causally linked to the acute event or just represent a negative acute phase response. The CST3 gene G73A polymorphism functionally affects cystatin C plasma levels.

Lack of Telopeptides in Fibrillar Collagen I Promotes the Invasion of a Metastatic Breast Tumor Cell Line

Defective fibrillar collagen polymerization in primary tumors has been correlated with increased metastasis. However, it is unclear how collagen organization influences tumor invasion. In this study, we show that collagen I polymerized without telopeptides (the flanking regions of collagen molecules) can differentially affect the three-dimensional migration of mammary carcinoma cells. MDA-MB-231 cells capable of proteolytic degradation and mesenchymal motion, invaded telopeptide-intact and telopeptide-free collagen gels to the same extent. In contrast, MDA-MB-435S cells, with typical features of amoeboid cells (poor collagenolytic activity, rounded cell morphology), were 5-fold more invasive in telopeptide-free than telopeptide-intact collagen. A fraction of the MDA-MB-435S cells that invaded telopeptide-intact or telopeptide-free collagen had a rounded morphology; however, in telopeptide-free collagen, a significant fraction of the cells switched from a rounded to elongated morphology (protrusion formation). The dynamic changes in cellular shape facilitated MDA-MB-435S locomotion through the narrow interfiber gaps, which were smaller than cell diameters. Based on the spherical morphology of MDA-MB-435S cells, we tested if the changes in cell shape and invasion were related to RhoA-ROCK activity; GTP-bound RhoA was measured in pull-down assays. RhoA activity was 1.8-fold higher for MDA-MB-435S cells seeded on telopeptide-free than telopeptide-intact collagen. Y27632 inhibition of ROCK, a Rho effector, significantly reduced the changes in cellular morphodynamics and the invasion of MDA-MB-435S cells but did not alter the invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, the higher RhoA activity of MDA-MB-435S cells in telopeptide-free collagen enhances the changes in cellular morphodynamics associated with motility and invasion.

Soluble cathepsin K: A novel marker for the prediction of nontraumatic fractures?

We sought to evaluate serum concentrations of cathepsin K in peripheral blood and to determine whether they correlated with bone-mineral density (BMD) and the incidence of nontraumatic fractures. We took blood samples from 162 patients (101 with osteoporosis, 48 with osteopenia) and 13 healthy controls, then conducted quantitative measurements of cathepsin K using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cathepsin K concentrations were correlated with the incidence of nontraumatic fracture, BMD, markers of bone turnover (alkaline phosphatase, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, and C-telopeptide). The correlations between cathepsin K concentrations in subjects without fractures and in those with multiple nontraumatic fractures were statistically significant ( t = -2.1, degrees of freedom = 107, P = .036). The cathepsin K levels of controls and patients with osteoporosis were significantly different ( t = -3.7, degrees of freedom = 58.9, p>0.0001) These results suggest that the serum level of cathepsin K could serve as a marker for fracture prediction and BMD.

Optimized transfection of diced siRNA into mature primary human osteoclasts: Inhibition of cathepsin K mediated bone resorption by siRNA

Osteoclasts are large multinucleated cells responsible for bone resorption. Bone resorption is dependent on the liberation of calcium by acid and protease destruction of the bone matrix by proteinases. The key proteinase produced by the osteoclast is cathepsin K. Targeted knock-down of cathepsin K was performed using small inhibitory RNA (siRNA). siRNA is a method that introduces short double-stranded RNA molecules that instruct the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to degrade mRNA species complementary to the siRNA. Transfection of siRNA by lipid cations allows for short-term inhibition of expression of the targeted gene. We show that transfection of primary human osteoclasts with siRNA to cathepsin K reduces expression by > or = 60% and significantly inhibits bone resorption with a reduction of both resorption pit numbers (P = 0.018) and resorbed area (P = 0.013). We also show that FuGENE 6 is an effective lipid transfection reagent with which to transfect primary human osteoclasts, that does not produce off-target effects.

Spontaneous development of synovitis and cartilage degeneration in transgenic mice overexpressing cathepsin K

OBJECTIVE

Several recent studies have demonstrated that cathepsin K, a proteolytic enzyme capable of degrading native fibrillar collagen, is overexpressed in osteoarthritic cartilage and inflamed synovial tissue. However, it is not known whether increased cathepsin K production is a primary or a secondary event in these diseases. The availability of transgenic UTU17 mice, which exhibit constitutive overexpression of the cathepsin K gene, prompted us to study possible arthritic changes in their knee joints.

METHODS

Progression of synovitis and articular cartilage degeneration in the knee joints of UTU17 mice and their nontransgenic littermates was monitored by histologic analyses at 7 and 12 months of age. Distribution of cathepsin K in the knee joints was studied by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

At the age of 7 months, UTU17 mice exhibited clear signs of synovitis, with strong immunostaining for cathepsin K in the synovial lining and the stroma, while control knee joints appeared normal. At 12 months, marked synovial thickening and fibrosis and severe degradation of cartilage and subchondral bone were observed in UTU17 mouse knee joints. In areas of cartilage degeneration, both chondrocytes and cells of hypertrophic synovia were positive for cathepsin K. At 12 months, synovia of control mice revealed only a few isolated cathepsin K-positive cells and mild changes in articular cartilage.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that overexpression of the cathepsin K gene under its own promoter in transgenic mice makes them susceptible to progressive synovitis, which, upon aging, results in synovial hyperplasia and fibrosis and subsequent destruction of articular cartilage and bone.

Novel nonmatrix-metalloproteinase-mediated collagen degradation

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors have long been believed to play a major role in the collagen loss seen in destructive temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. This project was originally designed to examine the expression of MMPs and the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) by diseased human TMJ synovial fibroblasts and to determine their ability to degrade Type I collagen. Reverse transcriptase-PCR indicated that these TMJ synovial fibroblasts expressed mRNA for multiple MMPs and TIMPs. The collagen degradation assay showed that these TMJ synovial fibroblasts at passage 3 to 8 were capable of digesting the collagen underneath them on collagen-coated plates. This degradation was inhibited by GM6001, a synthetic MMP inhibitor. During passage 8 to 13, these TMJ fibroblasts were able to digest all the collagen in the wells. This degradation was completely inhibited by combining GM6001 and soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI), a serine proteinase inhibitor. The collagen cleavage activity of collected conditioned media was dramatically inhibited by STI but not by 1,10-phenanthroline, an MMP inhibitor. The data suggest that these TMJ cells utilize a MMP-dependent pathway and a novel MMP-independent pathway to digest Type I collagen.

Extracellular matrix changes in early osteochondrotic defects in foals: a key role for collagen?

Osteochondrosis (OC) is the most important developmental orthopaedic disease in the horse. Despite some decades of research, much of the pathogenesis of the disorder remains obscure. Increasing knowledge of articular cartilage development in juvenile animals led to the presumption that the role of collagen in OC might be more important than previously thought. To study collagen characteristics of both cartilage and subchondral bone in young (5 and 11 months of age) horses, samples were taken of subchondral bone and articular cartilage from a group of 43 Dutch Warmblood foals and yearlings that suffered from varying degrees of OC. Based on a histological classification, lesions were graded as early, middle and end stage. Collagen content and some posttranslational modifications (lysyl hydroxylation, hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) and lysylpyridinoline (LP) cross-links) were determined, as was proteoglycan content. Data were compensated for site effects and analysed for differences due to the stage of the lesion. In early lesions total collagen was significantly decreased in both cartilage and subchondral bone of 5- and 11-month-old foals. Also in cartilage, HP cross-linking was reduced in the early lesions of 5- and 11-month-old foals, while LP cross-linking was decreased in subchondral bone of the end-stage lesions of both 5- and 11-month-old foals. Hydroxylysine content was unaffected. Collagen content remained reduced in cartilage from middle- and end-stage lesions, but returned to normal in subchondral bone. In cartilage there was a decrease in proteoglycan content in the end-stage lesions of both age groups. Thus, alterations of the collagen component, but not of the proteoglycan component, of the extracellular matrix might play a role in early OC. More severe lesions show a more general picture of an unspecific repair reaction. Biomarkers of collagen metabolism can be expected to be good candidates for early detection of OC.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Pathophysiology in Dogs With Cruciate Disease: A Review

Cruciate disease is a common cause of chronic lameness in dogs. Midsubstance rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) arises from progressive pathological failure, often under conditions of normal loading in adult dogs with CCL instability. A high risk of rupture is associated with inflammation of the synovium and adaptive or degenerative changes in the cells and matrix of the CCL. In contrast, CCL rupture in puppies is usually associated with traumatic injury and avulsion of the CCL from its sites of attachment.

Cathepsin K is the principal protease in giant cell tumor of bone

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a neoplasm of bone characterized by a localized osteolytic lesion. The nature of GCT is an enigma and the cell type(s) and protease(s) responsible for the extensive localized clinicoradiological osteolysis remain unresolved. We evaluated protease expression and cellular distribution of the proteolytic machinery responsible for the osteolysis. mRNA profiles showed that cathepsin K, cathepsin L, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were the preferentially expressed collagenases. Moderate expression was found for MMP-13, MMP-14, and cathepsin S. Specific protease activity assays revealed high cathepsin K activity but showed that MMP-9 was primarily present (98%) as inactive proenzyme. Activities of MMP-13 and MMP-14 were low. Immunohistochemistry revealed a clear spatial distribution: cathepsin K, its associated proton pump V-H(+)-ATPase, and MMP-9 were exclusively expressed in osteoclast-like giant cells, whereas cathepsin L expression was confined to mononuclear cells. To explore a possible role of cathepsin L in osteolysis, GCT-derived, cathepsin L-expressing, mononuclear cells were cultured on dentine disks. No evidence of osteolysis by these cells was found. These results implicate cathepsin K as the principal protease in GCT and suggest that osteoclast-like giant cells are responsible for the osteolysis. Inhibition of cathepsin K or its associated proton-pump may provide new therapeutic opportunities for GCT.

Up regulation of cathepsin K expression in articular chondrocytes in a transgenic mouse model for osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

To study the expression of cysteine proteinases, particularly cathepsin K, and their extracellular inhibitor cystatin C in articular cartilage of transgenic Del1 mice which harbour a short deletion mutation in a type II collagen transgene and are predisposed to early onset osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Northern analysis was used to measure mRNA levels of cathepsins B, H, K, L, and S, and cystatin C in total RNA extracted from knee joints of Del1 mice, using their non-transgenic litter mates as controls. Immunohistochemistry and morphometry was used to study the distribution of cathepsin K and cystatin C in the knee joints.

RESULTS

Up regulation of cathepsin K mRNA expression was seen in the knee joints of transgenic Del1 mice at the onset of cartilage degeneration. Cathepsin K was found near sites of matrix destruction in articular chondrocytes, particularly in clusters of proliferating cells, and in calcified cartilaginous matrix. In intact articular cartilage of control animals, cathepsin K was only seen in a small number of chondrocytes. Upon aging, control animals also developed osteoarthritis, which was accompanied by increased cathepsin K expression. Cystatin C was mostly localised in and around chondrocytes located in calcified cartilage, with no obvious association with the onset of cartilage degeneration.

CONCLUSION

The temporospatial distribution of cathepsin K in osteoarthritic cartilage suggests a role for this enzyme in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Because cathepsin K can digest cartilage matrix components it may contribute to the development of osteoarthritic lesions. These data may provide new clues for the development of treatments aimed at preventing cartilage degeneration.

Cathepsin K inhibitor–polymer conjugates: potential drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis

The role of the newly discovered cysteine protease, cathepsin K, in osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis is reviewed. The current development of cathepsin K inhibitors and their targeted delivery using synthetic polymer carriers are discussed. Future challenges and possible strategies to improve these delivery systems are addressed.

Products of lipid peroxidation induce missorting of the principal lysosomal protease in retinal pigment epithelium

Phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments (OS) by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for OS renewal and survival of photoreceptors. Internalized, oxidatively modified macromolecules perturb the lysosomal function of the RPE and can lead to impaired processing of photoreceptor outer segments. In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of intracellular accumulation of oxidatively damaged lipid-protein complexes on maturation and distribution of cathepsin D, the major lysosomal protease in the RPE. Primary cultures of human RPE cells were treated with copper-oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) and then challenged with serum-coated latex beads to stimulate phagocytosis. Three observations were noted to occur in this experimental system. First, immature forms of cathepsin D (52 and 46 kDa) were exclusively associated with latex-containing phagosomes. Second, maturation of cathepsin D was severely impaired in RPE cells loaded with oxidized LDL (oxLDL) prior to the phagocytic challenge. Third, pre-treatment with oxLDL caused sustained secretion of pro-cathepsin D and the latent form of gelatinase A into the extracellular space in a dose-dependent manner. These data stimulate the hypothesis that intracellular accumulation of poorly degradable, oxidized lipid-protein cross-links, may alter the turnover of cathepsin D, causing its mistargeting into the extracellular space together with the enhanced secretion of a gelatinase.

Increased expression of elastolytic cysteine proteases, cathepsins S and K, in the neointima of balloon-injured rat carotid arteries

The matrix-degrading activity of several proteases are involved in the accelerated breakdown of extracellular matrix associated with vascular remodeling during the development of atherosclerosis and vascular injury-induced neointimal formation. Previous studies have shown that the potent elastolytic cysteine proteases, cathepsins S and K, are overexpressed in atherosclerotic lesions in human and animal models. However, the role of these cathepsins in vascular remodeling remains unclear. In the present study, the expressions of cathepsin S and K and their inhibitor cystatin C were examined during arterial remodeling using a rat carotid artery balloon-injury model. The increase in both cathepsin S and K mRNA levels was observed from day 1 and day 3 through day 14 following the induction of balloon injury, respectively. Western blotting analysis revealed that both cathepsin S and K protein levels also increased in the carotid arteries during neointima formation, coinciding with an increase elastolytic activity assayed using Elastin-Congo red, whereas, no significant change in the expressions of cystatin C mRNA and protein was observed during follow-up periods after injury. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and in situ hybridization showed that the increase of cathepins S and K and the decrease of cystatin C occurred preferentially in the developing neointima. These findings suggest that cathepsin S and K may participate in the pathological arterial remodeling associated with restenosis.

Blockade of the sympathetic nervous system degrades ligament in a rat MCL model

We hypothesize that blockade of the sympathetic nervous system degrades ligament. We tested this hypothesis in a rat medial collateral ligament (MCL) model. Fifteen animals were treated for 10 days with the sympathetic chemotoxin guanethidine using osmotic pumps, whereas 15 control rats received pumps containing saline. A reduction in plasma concentrations of norepinephrine in the guanethidine rats indicated a significant decrease in sympathetic nerve activity. Vasoactive intestinal peptide and neuropeptide Y were decreased in MCLs from guanethidine animals, as quantified by radioimmunoassays. Tissue vascularity was substantially increased in guanethidine MCLs, whereas mechanical properties were significantly decreased. Proteases, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and cysteine proteases, play a major role in ligament degradation. The proteases MMP-13, cathepsin K, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) have collagenolytic activity and have been shown in rat ligament tissues. To determine whether the degradation seen in this study was due to protease activity, we determined the expression of these enzymes in control and treated MCLs. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that guanethidine treatment increased expression of MMP-13 and cathepsin K mRNAs, although overall expression levels of MMP-13 and TRAP were relatively low. Histology also identified increases in TRAP and cathepsin K, but not MMP-13, in guanethidine-treated tissues. Results support our hypothesis that blockade of the sympathetic nervous system substantially degrades ligament.

Regulation of Collagenase Activities of Human Cathepsins by Glycosaminoglycans

Cathepsin K, a lysosomal papain-like cysteine protease, forms collagenolytically highly active complexes with chondroitin sulfate and represents the most potent mammalian collagenase. Here we demonstrate that complex formation with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is unique for cathepsin K among human papain-like cysteine proteases and that different GAGs compete for the binding to cathepsin K. GAGs predominantly expressed in bone and cartilage, such as chondroitin and keratan sulfates, enhance the collagenolytic activity of cathepsin K, whereas dermatan, heparan sulfate, and heparin selectively inhibit this activity. Moreover, GAGs potently inhibit the collagenase activity of other cysteine proteases such as cathepsins L and S at 37 degrees C. Along this line MMP1-generated collagen fragments in the presence of GAGs are stable against further degradation at 28 degrees C by all cathepsins but cathepsin K, whereas thermal destabilization at 37 degrees C renders the fragments accessible to all cathepsins. These results suggest a novel mechanism for the regulation of matrix protein degradation by GAGs. It further implies that cathepsin K represents the only lysosomal collagenolytic activity under physiologically relevant conditions.

A cysteine-activated protease isolated from Todarodes pacificus squid degrades collagen below its denaturation temperature

Collagen purified from the mantle muscle of the Japanese common squid, Todarodes pacificus, showed autodegradation during incubation under acidic conditions at 25 degrees C, without the addition of exogenous enzymes. This suggests that the collagenolytic proteases bind to collagen tightly through the steps of collagen preparation. Collagenolytic activity also was detected in a crude extract of mantle muscle, and leupeptin and E-64 were observed to inhibit collagenolytic activity within the collagen fraction and muscle extract. We purified these collagenolytic cysteine proteases by leupeptin column chromatography and cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis. Optimal enzymatic activity was observed at pH 3.5, and collagenolytic activity was completely suppressed at neutral or alkaline pH. The purified enzymes were 28 kDa and 25 kDa in size, and both had gelatinolytic activity, as detected by gelatin zymography, and cut the specific site of denatured collagen alpha chain. The purified enzymes degraded squid collagen at 25 degrees C, which is 2.5 degrees lower than the temperature at which squid collagen normally denatures; however, the proteases were ineffective at 20 degrees C. Interestingly, the isolated proteases were capable of digesting both squid and bovine gelatin. In this article, we describe collagenolytic cysteine proteases that bind to the collagen of Todarodes pacificus, thereby digesting it by attacking microunfolding regions generated by incubation 2-3 degrees C below the denaturation temperature.

Inhibition of Drynariae Rhizoma extracts on bone resorption mediated by processing of cathepsin K in cultured mouse osteoclasts

In the traditional Korean medicine, Drynariae Rhizoma (DR) [Drynaria fortunei (kunze) J. Sm] has been reported as a good enhancer for bone healing. In this experiment, we investigate the effects of DR on bone resorption using the bone cells culture. Different concentrations of crude extract of DR were added to mouse bone cells culture. The mitochondria activity of the bone cells after exposure was determined by colorimetric MTT assay. It was demonstrated that DR has potential effects on the bone cells culture without any cytotoxicity. The most effective concentration of DR on bone cells was 100 micro g/ml. On the other hand, cathepsin K (Cat K) is the major cysteine protease expressed in osteoclasts and is thought to play a key role in matrix degradation during bone resorption. In this study, Mouse long bone cells including osteoclasts and osteoblast were treated with the PI3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin (WT), and a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), calphostin C. Although WT prevented the osteoclast-mediated intracellular processing of Cat K, calphostin C did not. Similarly, treatment of osteoclasts-containing long bone cells with Drynariae Rhizoma (DR) extracts prevented the intracellular maturation of Cat K, suggesting that DR may disrupt the intracellular trafficking of pro Cat K. This is similar to that of WT. Since secreted proenzymes have the potential to reenter the cell via mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) receptor, to prevent this possibility, we tested WT and DR in the absence or presence of M6P. Inhibition of Cat K processing by WT or DR was observed in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the addition of M6P resulted in enhanced potency of WT and DR. DR dose-dependently inhibited in vitro bone resorption with a potency similar to that observed for inhibition of Cat K processing.

Probing cathepsin K activity with a selective substrate spanning its active site

The limited availability of highly selective cathepsin substrates seriously impairs studies designed to monitor individual cathepsin activities in biological samples. Among mammalian cysteine proteases, cathepsin K has a unique preference for a proline residue at P2, the primary determinant of its substrate specificity. Interestingly, congopain from Trypanosoma congolense also accommodates a proline residue in its S2 subsite. Analysis of a congopain model showed that amino acids forming its S2 subsite are identical with those of cathepsin K, except Leu67 which is replaced by a tyrosine residue in cathepsin K. Furthermore, amino acid residues of the congopain S2' binding pocket, which accepts a proline residue, are strictly identical with those of cathepsin K. Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph [where Abz represents o-aminobenzoic acid and EDN2ph (=EDDnp) represents N -(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-ethylenediamine], a substrate initially developed for trypanosomal enzymes, was efficiently cleaved at the Gly-Gly bond by cathepsin K (kcat/ K(m)=426000 M(-1) x s(-1)). On the other hand, Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph was resistant to hydrolysis by cathepsins B, F, H, L, S and V (20 nM enzyme concentration) and the Y67L (Tyr67-->Leu)/L205A cathepsin K mutant (20 nM), but still acted as a competitive inhibitor. Taken together, the selectivity of Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph to cathepsin K primarily depends on the S2 and S2' subsite specificities of cathepsin K and the ionization state of histidine at P3. Whereas Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph was hydrolysed by wild-type mouse fibroblast lysates, its hydrolysis was completely abolished in the cathepsin K-deficient samples, indicating that Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph can be used to monitor selectively cathepsin K activity in physiological fluids and cell lysates.

S3 to S3' subsite specificity of recombinant human cathepsin K and development of selective internally quenched fluorescent substrates

We have systematically examined the S3 to S3' subsite substrate specificity requirements of cathepsin K using internally quenched fluorescent peptides derived from the lead sequence Abz-KLRFSKQ-EDDnp [where Abz is o -aminobenzoic acid and EDDnp is N -(2,4-dinitrophenyl)ethylenediamine]. We assayed six series of peptides, in which each position except Gln was substituted with various natural amino acids. The results indicated that the S3-S1 subsite requirements are more restricted than those of S1'-S3'. Cathepsin K preferentially accommodates hydrophobic amino acids with aliphatic side chains (Leu, Ile and Val) in the S2 site. Modifications at P1 residues also have a large influence on cathepsin K activity. Positively charged residues (Arg and Lys) represent the best accepted amino acids in this position, although a particular preference for Gly was found as well. Subsite S3 accepted preferentially basic amino acids such as Lys and Arg. A broad range of amino acids was accommodated in the remaining subsites. We further explored the acceptance of a Pro residue in the P2 position by cathepsin K in order to develop specific substrates for the enzyme. Two series of peptides with the general sequences Abz-KXPGSKQ-EDDnp and Abz-KPXGSKQ-EDDnp (where X denotes the position of the amino acid that is altered) were synthesized. The substrates Abz-KPRGSKQ-EDDnp and Abz-KKPGSKQ-EDDnp were cleaved by cathepsin K at the Arg-Gly and Gly-Ser bonds respectively, and have been shown to be specific for cathepsin K when compared with other lysosomal cysteine proteases such as cathepsins L and B and with the aspartyl protease cathepsin D.

Evaluation of ligament fibroblast viability in ruptured cranial cruciate ligament of dogs

OBJECTIVE

To determine fibroblast viability, assess development of apoptosis, and evaluate tissue hypoxia via histochemical, in-situ hybridization, or immunohistochemical staining in ruptured and intact cranial cruciate ligaments (CCLs) of dogs.

ANIMALS

32 dogs with ruptured CCLs, and 8 aged and 19 young dogs with intact CCLs.

PROCEDURE

Markers of cell viability (lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleatidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-nick end labeling [TUNEL] method), and hypoxia (hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha [HIF-1alpha] monoclonal antibody) were applied to CCL specimens; positive cells were assessed objectively (LDH) and subjectively (TUNEL and HIF-1alpha) in the main axial tissue component (core) and synovial intima and subintima (epiligamentous tissue).

RESULTS

Viable fibroblasts were seen in all intact and ruptured CCLs. More nonviable cells were found in the core regions of ruptured CCLs and intact CCLs of young dogs than in the epiligamentous regions. Number of nonviable cells in the core region of ruptured CCLs was greater than that in intact CCLs of young and aged dogs, whereas the number in the epiligamentous region was similar in all specimens. The TUNEL and HIF-1alpha staining was only found in the epiligamentous region of ruptured CCLs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ruptured CCLs contained a high number of nonviable cells but not a great number of apoptotic cells. Repair processes in the epiligamentous region of the CCL include a metabolic response to hypoxia, suggesting that necrosis of ligament fibroblasts and transformation of surviving cells to a spheroid phenotype may be a response to hypoxia cause by microinjury or inadequate blood flow.

Cleavage site specificity of cathepsin K toward cartilage proteoglycans and protease complex formation

Cathepsin K is a potent extracellular matrix-degrading protease that requires interactions with soluble glycosaminolycans for its collagenolytic activity in bone and cartilage. The major sources of glycosaminoglycans in cartilage are aggrecan aggregates. Therefore, we investigated whether cathepsin K activity is capable to hydrolyze aggrecan into fragments allowing the formation of glycosaminoglycan-cathepsin K complexes and determined the cleavage site specificity of cathepsin K toward the cartilage-resident link protein and aggrecan. The cleavage site specificity was compared with those of cathepsins S and L. All three cathepsins released glycosaminoglycans from native bovine cartilage at lysosomal pH and to a lesser degree at neutral extracellular pH. Cathepsin-predigested aggrecan complexes and cartilage provided suitable glycosaminoglycan fragments that allowed the formation of collagenolytically active cathepsin K complexes. A detailed analysis of the degradation of aggrecan aggregates revealed two cathepsin K cleavage sites in the link protein and several sites in aggrecan, including one site within the interglobular domain E1. In summary, these results demonstrate that cathepsin K is capable to degrade aggrecan complexes at specific cleavage sites and that cathepsin K activity alone is sufficient to self-provide the glycosaminoglycan fragments required for the formation of its collagenolytically active complex.

Differential distribution of cathepsins B and L in articular cartilage during skeletal development in the horse

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

This study was designed to examine a new role for cysteine proteinases in the process of endochondral ossification.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence and distribution of cathepsin B and cathepsin L in equine articular cartilage during development.

METHODS

Full-depth cartilage samples from a total of 40 horses (age range: 4 month fetuses to 2 years) were examined and enzymes detected by immunocytochemical localisation.

RESULTS

Observations on the presence of cathepsins B and L revealed significant age-related differences, resulting in clear division of the animals into 2 age groups: i) fetuses and neonates; ii) young growing horses (age 4 weeks to 2 years). Cathepsin B was not detected in cartilage from the majority of fetuses and neonates but was located characteristically in chondrocytes at the articular surface and hypertrophic zone in all growing horses. In contrast, cathepsin L was predominantly present in fetal and neonatal cartilage, located primarily in proliferating chondrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to demonstrate differential and site-specific roles for cathepsin B and cathepsin L in skeletal development in the horse.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

The demonstrated involvement of cathepsins B and L in endochondral ossification is of relevance to developmental orthopaedic diseases such as osteochondrosis in which there is a focal failure of bone formation.

Drugs in development: bisphosphonates and metalloproteinase inhibitors

The destruction of bone and cartilage is characteristic of the progression of musculoskeletal diseases. The present review discusses the developments made with two different classes of drugs, the bisphosphonates and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors. Bisphosphonates have proven to be an effective and safe treatment for the prevention of bone loss, especially in osteoporotic disease, and may have a role in the treatment of arthritic diseases. The development of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors and their role as potential therapies are also discussed, especially in the light of the disappointing human trials data so far published.

Induction of osteoarthritis in the rat by surgical tear of the meniscus: Inhibition of joint damage by a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor

OBJECTIVE

Characterize a model of osteoarthritis (OA) induced by a surgically transecting the medial collateral ligament and meniscus. Evaluate the effectiveness of a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor in this model.

METHODS

The medial collateral ligament of the right knee of rats was transected and a single full thickness cut was made through meniscus. Rats were sacrificed at various times after the surgery to assess the severity of gross cartilage damage using an image analyser and microscopically by histology. The effect of an MMP inhibitor in this model was assessed by administering compound twice daily for the 21 days and evaluating gross and histological joint damage at day 21. The in vitro potency of the MMP inhibitor (MMPI) against a panel of human recombinant MMPs was assessed kinetically using a quenched fluorescent substrate.

RESULTS

Surgical transection of the medial collateral ligament and meniscus resulted in a time dependent increase in the severity of the cartilage lesion (depth) as measured histologically but only a slight increase in the area of the lesion as assessed grossly by image analysis. Administration of a MMPI orally twice daily (b.i.d.) at 25mg/kg to rats in the meniscal tear model resulted in significant inhibition of cartilage degradation and osteophyte formation (total joint score) of 39+/-7% (mean+/-S.E.M., from four separate experiments).

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that MMP inhibition is effective in reducing the joint damage that occurs in the meniscal tear model of OA and support a potential therapeutic role for MMP inhibition in the treatment of human OA.

Evaluation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and cathepsin K in ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To determine localization of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin K in ruptured and healthy cranial cruciate ligaments (CCL) in dogs.

ANIMALS

30 dogs with ruptured CCL, 8 aged dogs without ruptured CCL, and 9 young dogs without ruptured CCL.

PROCEDURE

The CCL was examined histologically and cells containing TRAP and cathepsin K were identified histochemically and immunohistochemically, respectively.

RESULTS

Cathepsin K and TRAP were detected within the same cells, principally within the epiligamentous region and to a lesser extent in the core region of ruptured CCL. Numbers of cells containing TRAP and cathepsin K were significantly greater in ruptured CCL, compared with CCL from young or aged dogs, and numbers of such cells were greater in CCL from aged dogs, compared with those of young dogs. In aged dogs, small numbers of cells containing TRAP and cathepsin K were seen in intact CCL associated with ligament fascicles in which there was chondroid transformation of ligament fibroblasts and disruption of the extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ruptured CCL contain greater numbers of cells with the proteinases TRAP and cathepsin K than CCL from healthy, young, or aged dogs. Results suggest that cell-signaling pathways that regulate expression of these proteinases may form part of the mechanism that leads to upregulation of collagenolytic ligament remodeling and progressive structural failure of the CCL over time.