Interaction of fibronectin with C1q and its collagen-like fragment (CLF)

C1q-binding peptides share sequence similarity with C4 and induce complement activation

Two peptide motifs that bind to C1q have been identified from phage displayed libraries. A first panning cycle recovered phage that displayed a [N/S]PFxL motif. A synthetic peptide with that motif blocked those phage from binding to C1q. A second panning cycle was conducted with the [N/S]PFxL motif peptide present, leading to recovery of phage displaying a different motif, SHY. The two motifs are specific for C1q and are competed by DNA and the cognate synthetic peptide but not by immunoglobulins. Phage displayed peptide sequences containing the [N/S]PFxL have significant sequence similarity to a region of complement component C4, suggesting a possible site of interaction between C4, or one of its processed forms, and C1q. The SHY motif peptide induces C4 consumption in a hemolytic assay, suggesting that it activates C1 independent of immune complexes. This peptide may activate C1 by a mechanism similar to the beta-amyloid peptides found in Alzheimer's disease.

Fibronectin fragments and their role in inflammatory arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To identify potential immunopathogenic links between fibronectin (Fn) fragmentation and the inflammatory response in chronic joint disease.

METHODS

Scientific papers involving studies of Fn fragments and inflammatory processes important in the pathogenesis of arthritis, including chondrolysis, synoviocyte growth and adhesion, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) and monocyte function, proteolysis, and immune complex activation were reviewed. In addition, reports identifying Fn fragments in synovial fluid (SF) were assessed.

RESULTS

A series of Fn fragments have been identified in arthritic SF by several investigators. Fn and fragments ranging from 30 to 200 kd are present in elevated concentrations in inflammatory SF. SF Fn fragments display reduced affinity for fibrin and collagen. The 29- and 50-kd amino terminal fragments mediate release of proteoglycan from articular cartilage by RGD-independent mechanisms. Fn fragments can induce fibroblast gene expression of metalloproteinases or can act as proteinases themselves. A 90-kd plasmin generated fragment possesses homology with streptokinase. Fragments mediate PMN chemotaxis and enhance proliferation of CD4+ lymphocytes as well as binding to the C1q component of complement and influencing the behavior of immune complexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Fn fragments can be functionally and biochemically characterized in diseased SF. Modification of fragment formation and inhibition of fragment function may have potential therapeutic value in the interruption of chronic synovial inflammation.

Inhibition of human and mouse complement-dependent hemolytic activity by mouse fibronectin

Not only does mouse complement (C) have low hemolytic activity, but mouse serum has an inhibiting effect on hemolysis by human C. To purify and identify the putative mouse serum factor inhibiting human C activity, a sequential procedure of fractionated precipitation by PEG, followed by chromatographies with a heparin-Sepharose column, a phenyl-Sepharose column, a Protein G column, and a gel-filtration column was performed. The amino acid sequence analyses of two polypeptides obtained by digestion of the purified serum factor with TPCK-trypsin revealed that it was mouse fibronectin (FN). Highly purified mouse FN, but not human FN, has an inhibiting effect on human C-dependent hemolysis. Moreover, the hemolysis of sensitized rabbit erythrocytes by mouse C was also inhibited by the addition of mouse FN in a dose-dependent fashion, but not by the addition of human FN. These results suggest that FN is the putative internal C inhibitor in the mouse system.

Interaction of human plasma fibronectin with viral proteins of human immunodeficiency virus

Fibronectin (FN) is present in soluble and matrix forms in various body fluids and tissues, and has been shown to bind to several pathogens, including viruses. The interaction of FN with viral proteins of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) was investigated by immunofluorescence technique using a cell line chronically infected with HIV-1 (H9-V). The results of this study showed that FN binds to HIV-1 infected cells, especially at FN concentration of 5 micrograms/ml. In addition, FN-pentapeptide has shown the ability to bind to HIV-1 infected cells. On the other hand, preincubation with antibodies against FN abolished the binding of FN to HIV-1 infected cells. Finally, FN has shown to bind to HIV-1 glycoproteins, including gp41 and gp120. In contrast, no binding to HIV-1 core proteins, including p15 and p24, was noted. We suggest that FN, in binding HIV-1 particles, may reduce viremia and thus may be involved in the clearance of viral proteins from the cells.

120-kD surface glycoprotein of Pneumocystis carinii is a ligand for surfactant protein A

Pneumocystis carinii is the most common cause of life-threatening pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. In the current study, surfactant protein A (SP-A), the major nonserum protein constituent of pulmonary surfactant, is demonstrated to bind P. carinii in a specific and saturable manner. SP-A is surface bound and does not appear to be internalized or degraded by the P. carinii organism. Furthermore, SP-A binding to P. carinii is time- and calcium-dependent and is competitively inhibited by mannosyl albumin. In the absence of calcium or the presence of excess mannosyl albumin, SP-A binding to P. carinii is reduced by 95 and 71%, respectively. SP-A avidly binds P. carinii with a Kd of 8 x 10(-9) M and an estimated 8.4 x 10(6) SP-A binding sites per P. carinii organism, as determined from Scatchard plots. SP-A is shown to bind P. carinii in vivo, and a putative binding site for SP-A on P. carinii is demonstrated to be the mannoserich surface membrane glycoprotein gp120. These findings suggest that P. carinii can interact with the phospholipid-rich material in the alveolar spaces by specifically binding a major protein constituent of pulmonary surfactant.

Interaction of the envelope glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus with C1q and fibronectin under conditions present in human saliva

Human saliva has been shown to reduce the infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) particles in vitro. The factors in human saliva involved in this inhibition of HIV infectivity are unknown, although the salivary sediment of normal individuals has the major HIV neutralizing activity. Interestingly, the first complement component (C1) has been detected on the surface of the salivary sediment in the whole saliva of normal individuals. At the relatively low ionic strength of saliva, we determined that purified human C1q bound with high affinity to the envelope glycoprotein of HIV. Normally, the interaction of the C1q globular heads with immune complexes causes C1 activation. However, direct interactions between C1 and rgp120 (or rgp160) did not lead to C1 fixation, as determined by hemolytic studies with rate-limiting levels of C1, nor did rgp120 cause C1 activation as determined by activated C1s-mediated C4 conversion in normal human serum. Using ELISA, it was observed that intact C1, with the C1r2C1s2 tetramer associated with the collagen-like stem of C1q, did not bind to immobilized rgp120, whereas free C1q did bind. In addition, digestion of the C1q stem portion with collagenase completely eliminated its binding to rgp120. These findings suggest that the collagen-like stem region of C1q, rather than the globular heads, may participate in the binding to the envelope glycoprotein of HIV. Fibronectin, which is present in submandibular saliva, appeared to bind to rgp120 and to enhance the interaction of C1q with rgp120. It is conceivable that C1q and fibronectin, in binding and sequestering HIV particles (i.e. to the salivary sediment), may play an important role in the reduction of HIV transmission via saliva. Further studies will be needed to test the latter speculation.

Current status of fibronectin in transfusion medicine: focus on clinical studies

It has long been hypothesized that fibronectin (Fn) is essential to the function of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and that the reversal of Fn deficiency in critically ill patients would result in a clinical benefit to these patients. Fn administration to deficient patients was postulated to improve the function of the RES, decrease the incidence of organ failure, sepsis and ultimately mortality. Over the past 15 years, several clinical studies have been performed to test these hypotheses. The initial anecdotal studies using cryoprecipitate (a plasma fraction enriched in Fn) revealed promising results but were neither controlled nor blinded. Further controlled studies were published utilizing both cryoprecipitate and purified Fn. Unfortunately, the great majority of authors found no beneficial effects of Fn administration in critically ill patients, in relation to incidence of organ failure, sepsis, or mortality. These results do not support the use of Fn in this setting. Fn utilization in wound healing has shown promising results in case reports. Although its role in wound healing is not yet fully delineated, initial reports with corneal wounds show a beneficial influence of Fn administration. Further studies are needed to determine the exact function(s) of Fn in a healing wound. Efficacy must still be shown in controlled clinical trials; dosing and administration regimens need to be elucidated.

Diagnostic relevance of fibronectin in cryoprecipitates

Fibronectin is a known component of plasma cryoprecipitates. It is seen in cryoglobulins from patients with monoclonal gammopathies and also from rheumatoid arthritis, and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases. We evaluated the clinical relevance of measures of cryoprecipitable fibronectin from the sera of 88 patients with rheumatic diseases and 27 healthy controls. There were 28 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 19 with systemic vasculitis, 5 with cutaneous vasculitis, and 36 with a systemic connective tissue disorder. We measured total and cryoprecipitable fibronectin and for comparison immunoglobulins G, A, and M and complement C3 and C4. Cryoprecipitable fibronectin was detected in 33% control sera and 42% patient sera. The mean levels were higher in the sera of patients in all diagnostic groups. The highest levels were seen in rheumatoid patients with systemic disease, systemic vasculitis, and connective tissue diseases. The presence of cryoprecipitable fibronectin was related to the clinical activity of systemic vasculitis; none of the 6 patients with clinically inactive vasculitis had detectable fibronectin in their cryoprecipitates; but it was seen in 7 to 13 cases with active vasculitis. There were only weak relationships between cryoprecipitable fibronectin and immunoglobulin and complement levels in cryoprecipitates. We conclude that routinely measuring fibronectin levels in cryoprecipitates is generally of doubtful diagnostic value. However, it appears to be a useful marker of the clinical activity of systemic vasculitis and we recommend its use in the laboratory assessment of vasculitis.

Complement component C1q enhances invasion of human mononuclear phagocytes and fibroblasts by Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes

Internalization and infectivity of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes by macrophages is enhanced by prior treatment of parasites with normal human serum. Heating serum or removing C1q from serum abrogates the enhancement, but augmentation of attachment and infectivity is restored by addition of purified C1q to either serum source. Although both noninfective epimastigotes (Epi) and vertebrate-stage tissue culture trypomastigotes (TCT) bind C1q in saturable fashion at 4 degrees C, internalization by monocytes and macrophages of TCT but not Epi-bearing C1q is enhanced in comparison to untreated parasites. Adherence of human monocytes and macrophages to surfaces coated with C1q also induces a marked enhancement of the internalization of native TCT. C1q enhances attachment of both Epi and TCT to human foreskin fibroblasts, but only when C1q is on the parasite and not when the fibroblasts are plated on C1q-coated surfaces. Only TCT coated with C1q show enhanced invasion into fibroblasts. Although trypomastigotes produce an inhibitor of the complement cascade which limits C3 deposition during incubation in normal human serum, C1q binds to the parasite and enhances entry of trypomastigotes into target cells.

Fragmented fibronectin and other synovial fluid proteins in chronic arthritis: their relation to immune complexes

Fibronectin, an opsonic glycoprotein has been shown to exist in fragmented forms in serum and synovial fluid. Some fragments in synovial fluid appear to be polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitable, suggesting incorporation into immune complexes (IC). PEG precipitation, SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting were used to determine whether PEG precipitable fragments are real or artefactual. Disease specificity of fragmentation and IC incorporation of fibronectin and other proteins were also studied using these techniques. PEG precipitable fragments do not appear to be artefactual, although some fibronectin fragments are cryoprecipitable. Protein fragments showed similar distributions in whole serum and synovial fluid, disease specific differences being confined to PEG precipitates. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid PEG precipitates displayed the greatest array of fragmented immunoglobulins and fibronectin. No PEG precipitates contained albumin fragments. Protein fragments in IC may impair their effective removal from RA joints. Accumulated IC could lead to tissue damage via complement activation.

FN-C1q and C1 INH C1r-C1s complexes as indicators of complement activation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

We have previously found low levels of C1 and C4 INH in the sera of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients. Hypocomplementaemia was supposed to be the consequence of a permanent activation of the classical pathway. We have compared the levels of C1 INH-C1rC1s and C1q-FN complexes in the sera of 95 CLL patients and 100 healthy controls, because these complexes are known to be formed in the early stage of classical pathway activation. A significant increase in the level of both types of complexes was found in sera of CLL patients as compared to the controls. These findings support the assumption that the classical complement pathway is activated in the patients with CLL.

Inhibition of complement activation in aged individuals due to increased plasma fibronectin concentration

The influence of fibronectin levels on complement activation by immune complexes and non-immune activators in elderly humans was investigated. The present study demonstrates for the first time a shift in complement activation from the classical to the alternative pathway, if the fibronectin concentration rises above a certain level (near 1 mg/ml). Plasma of elderly individuals often contains large amounts of fibronectin, the reason for which is unknown. While C1 consumption is inhibited under these conditions, C3 depletion remains largely unaffected. This could be due to a compensatory triggering of the alternative reaction sequence caused by fibronectin deposition at and blockade of C1-activating sites. Probable physiologic implications of this changed complement activation pattern are discussed.

Antibody-independent interactions of fibronectin, C1q, and human neutrophils with Treponema pallidum

Although recent evidence suggests that fibronectin may be involved in the attachment of treponemes to mammalian cells, its possible role in promoting phagocytosis of Treponema pallidum has not been investigated. In the present study, we examined the antibody-independent interactions of fibronectin, C1q, and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes with T. pallidum. Binding of [125I]fibronectin was specific and saturable with an affinity constant of approximately 2 X 10(7) M-1. The number of binding sites per treponeme at 37 degrees C, irrespective of the mammalian source of fibronectin, was between 2,500 and 7,500, with a mean of approximately 4,700. Binding of [125I]C1q to T. pallidum, in the absence of antibodies to the organism, also was saturable and specific. Pretreatment of treponemes with C1q enhanced binding of soluble [125I]fibronectin two- to threefold and also increased attachment of 125I-surface-labeled treponemes to fibronectin-coated surfaces. Treatment of 125I-labeled T. pallidum with fibronectin alone, or together with C1q, however, did not enhance surface phagocytosis by neutrophils.

Serum and plasma fibronectin binds to complement reacted immune complexes primarily via Clq

The binding of fibronectin to human Clq, C3b, and complement-reacted immune complexes (IC) was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Microplates were coated with BSA followed by incubation with rabbit-anti-BSA IgG or F(ab')2 fragments of rabbit anti-BSA. Incubation of the solid phase with serum at 37 degrees C caused attachment of Clq and C3b. Addition of EDTA to the serum inhibited the binding of C3b, but not Clq, whereas substitution of the anti-BSA IgG on the solid phase with the F(ab')2 fragments abrogated the Clq, but not the C3b binding. Fibronectin binding was observed after incubation of the solid-phase IC with serum or plasma at conditions where Clq was also bound, whereas only minor amounts of fibronectin bound to the solid phase IC via C3b. Purified fibronectin showed a dose-dependent binding to solid-phase IC pretreated with Clq or fibronectin-depleted serum, confirming that the binding of fibronectin to IC largely occurred via Clq. Significantly smaller amounts of fibronectin were bound to solid-phase IC incubated with plasma instead of serum, despite the higher fibronectin concentration in plasma. This difference was found not to be due to a fibrinogen-fibronectin interaction in plasma. Binding of fibronectin to preformed fluid phase IC incubated with serum was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE analysis of PEG-precipitated IC.

Cryoprecipitation. In vitro studies on fibronectin as an independent cryoprecipitagogue

Fifteen patients affected by essential mixed cryoglobulinemia or secondary cryoglobulins were studied. Fibronectin was detected in the majority of essential mixed cryoglobulinemias, but in a minority of secondary cryoglobulins. In vitro studies gave strong evidence of an interaction between fibronectin and heat-aggregated gammaglobulins. The effects of fibronectin on cryoprecipitation of heat-aggregated gammaglobulins seem to support the independent role of the glycoprotein in the cryoformation mechanism, although its presence does not appear essential for cryoglobulin appearance.

Fibronectin binding to C1q associated with antigen-antibody complexes in EDTA-treated plasma

In this report we have investigated the association of fibronectin with antigen-antibody-C1q complexes incubated in fibronectin-depleted and C1q-depleted plasma. When BSA--anti-BSA immune aggregates are incubated in plasma depleted of both fibronectin and C1q to which 125I-fibronectin has been reconstituted, little radio-activity is bound to the immune complexes. However, pre-incubation of immune complexes with purified C1q prior to incubation in the plasma causes an approximately 10-fold increase in the amount of radioactivity bound. The binding of 125I-fibronectin to preformed antigen-antibody-C1q complexes is specific, since the reaction is inhibited by the addition of unlabelled fibronectin but not by ovalbumin. When antigen-antibody-C1q complexes are incubated in C1q-depleted plasma containing physiological concentrations of fibronectin, and analysed by immunoblotting, fibronectin antigens are detected on the immune complexes. Identical results are obtained using immune complexes composed of sheep erythrocyte rabbit anti-sheep erythrocyte C1q (EAC1q) cells. There is no specific requirement for preformed antigen-antibody-C1q complexes, since fibronectin can be detected on antigen-antibody complexes after incubation in normal human serum or in C1q-depleted ethylenediamineteraacetic acid (EDTA) serum reconstituted with purified C1q prior to incubation with the complexes. Finally, we also demonstrate that in the presence of C1q, 125I-fibronectin will associate with soluble antigen-antibody complexes.

Purification and complete primary structures of the heparin-, cell-, and DNA-binding domains of bovine plasma fibronectin

The complete amino acid sequences of the heparin-, cell- and DNA-binding domains of bovine plasma fibronectin have been determined. The fragments were generated from the 170-kDa central plasmic fragment by extensive digestion with chymotrypsin, and they contain 268, 300 and 269 amino acid residues, respectively. No half-cystines or cysteines were found in these sequences. A glucosamine-based oligosaccharide group is attached to Asn-108 in the sequence of the DNA-binding domain. Only one of the three types of internal homology found in fibronectin [Petersen et al. (1983) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 80, 137-141], namely the type III homology, occurs in these three fragments, and each of them consists of approximately three stretches of this type III homology. Part of the arrangement of peptides was derived by comparison with the partial cDNA sequence for human fibronectin recently reported [Kornblihtt et al. (1984) Nucleic Acids Res. 12, 5853-5868].

Fibronectin in polyethylene glycol precipitates: evidence for a role in immune complexes

Fibronectin is involved in the opsonic clearance of particulate material. It is present in plasma and synovial fluid and thus might be expected to have a role in the clearance of immune complexes. We have investigated this in a study of polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitable material from the serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other connective tissue disorders. Fibronectin is a significant component of PEG precipitates but the amount present is influenced by the method of preparation: more precipitates at 4 degrees C than at 20 degrees C. Fibronectin precipitation by PEG was considered to be related to immune complexes because: there was no direct relationship between serum fibronectin levels and the amount present in PEG precipitates; radiolabelled purified isolated fibronectin did not precipitate in 4% PEG; there was a direct relationship between the amount of fibronectin in PEG precipitates and the amounts of immunoglobulin G, A, and M. These results indicate that fibronectin is involved in immune complexes in rheumatic diseases, though they do not show it has an important biological role in these circumstances.

C1q, a subunit of the first component of complement, enhances binding of plasma fibronectin to bacteria

The interaction of plasma fibronectin with C1q of the complement system has been demonstrated in the past several years. In addition, the antibody-independent binding of C1q to bacteria, as well as the binding of plasma fibronectin to bacteria, is well documented. This study examines whether the binding of C1q to bacteria enhances the interaction of C1q and bacteria with plasma fibronectin. Highly purified 125I-C1q bound to several species of bacteria in the absence of antibody. The binding of 125I-C1q to bacteria was saturable and specific since the addition of unlabeled C1q inhibited binding while the presence of bovine serum albumin did not. Bacteria which had been pretreated with either buffer or unlabeled C1q were tested for their ability to bind 125I-fibronectin. When bacteria were preincubated with buffer, Staphylococcus aureus bound fivefold more 125I-fibronectin than did Escherichia coli. However, preincubation of E. coli with C1q increased the binding of 125I-fibronectin by up to 20-fold, whereas pretreatment of S. aureus with C1q increased fibronectin binding by only twofold. These results were confirmed by immunoblotting studies which demonstrated the presence of C1q, as well as an increase in fibronectin antigens on the C1q-treated bacteria as compared with the level of fibronectin on buffer-treated bacteria. In addition, preincubation of 3H-labeled bacteria with C1q enhanced their attachment to fibronectin-coated surfaces but not to albumin-coated surfaces. The biological consequences of these observations are discussed.

Secondary structure of human plasma fibronectin: conformational change induced by calf alveolar heparan sulfates

The quantitative analysis of circular dichroic spectra of native human plasma fibronectin according to the method of Provencher and Glöckner [Provencher, S. W., & Glöckner, J. (1981) Biochemistry 20, 33-37] indicated the presence of beta-sheet (79%), beta-turn (21%), but no alpha-helix or random coil in the secondary structure. The calf alveolar heparan sulfates induced a change in the conformation of fibronectin: the magnitude of the change depended on the molecular properties of the particular heparan sulfate preparations.

Interaction of fibronectin with C1q and collagen. Effects of ionic strength and denaturation of the collagenous component

By attaching native collagen and C1q to Sepharose, it was possible to test the binding of fibronectin (Fn) to the native and heat-denatured forms of these proteins without complications due to aggregation, precipitation, or fibril formation. Binding to the native proteins occurred only at low (sub-physiological) ionic strength whereas binding to the denatured proteins occurred even in 1 M NaCl. Thus both of these proteins possess one or more strong sites which are masked in the native state and become exposed during thermal denaturation. Fn did not bind to albumin-Sepharose or IgG-Sepharose either before or after heat-denaturation. C1q bound readily to native IgG-Sepharose but did not mediate the binding of Fn. Nor did Fn inhibit the reconstitution of C1 on antibody-coated erythrocytes. The fluorescence polarization of fluorescein-labeled collagen in 1 M NaCl displayed a downward transition at 38-40 degrees C consistent with unfolding of the triple helix. In the presence of Fn, the same material displayed an upward transition at slightly lower temperature suggesting that gross unfolding is not required to expose the strong binding site(s).

Fibronectin assays and their clinical application: a review

Cold insoluble globulin (fibronectin) was discovered 30 years ago but recently there has been a remarkable growth of knowledge concerning its interaction with the cell cytoskeleton and its role in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. The protein is also a major plasma opsonin with a role in regulating fixed macrophage activity and it is this area in which clinical applications are now beginning to develop. Methods are discussed for measuring the concentration of the protein and its opsonic function in vitro, and for the evaluation of fixed macrophage function in vivo. Also discussed are the metabolism of the protein, the implications of opsonin depletion in patients with serious injury or infection and the attempts to reverse this with plasma protein replacement therapy.

Fibronectin binding to complement subcomponent C1q. Localization of their respective binding sites

The interaction of purified human plasma fibronectin with the C1q subcomponent of complement was investigated by using a solid-phase radiobinding assay. 125I-fibronectin binding to native C1q, purified collagen domain (C1q-c) or globular domain (C1q-g) was compared. When the purified domains were insolubilized by binding to plastic, the C1q-c exhibited 59% of the binding demonstrated with intact C1q, whereas the C1q-g exhibited 35% of the binding. N-Terminal sequencing of the globular domain showed that a sequence of seven collagen-like amino acids was retained on each chain of the C1q-g fragment. 125I-fibronectin binding to C1q could be inhibited equally well by fluid-phase C1q and C1q-c, but not by fluid-phase C1q-g, implying that the collagen-like region retained on the C1q-g is masked in the fluid phase. In addition, studies were performed to determine which subunit(s) of C1q bind(s) fibronectin. The percentages of fibronectin bound by the A, B, and C chain of C1q were found to be 38, 21 and 41% respectively. Inhibition studies with purified 200-180 kDa, 50 kDa or 29 kDa fragments of fibronectin show that the binding site on fibronectin for C1q is the 50 kDa gelatin-binding domain.

Fibronectin on the surface of human lymphocytes

Fibronectin was detected by immunofluorescence technique on the surface of one part of separated normal peripheral blood lymphocytes by using FITC-conjugated anti-human fibronectin antibodies. Approximately one-fifth of isolated B cells and 7% of O cells contained surface-bound fibronectin but T cells failed to stain. There were no detectable free receptors for fibronectin on the surface of lymphocytes of different subsets as it was studied with FITC-labelled purified fibronectin. The percent of B and O cells bearing surface bound fibronectin was markedly decreased in patients with acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemias.

Differences between plasma and synovial fluid fibronectin

Fibronectin is a high molecular weight glycoprotein of plasma and tissue fluids, and one of its functions is to opsonise particulate material. Chromatographic and electrophoretic analyses showed that the main components of fibronectin are biochemically similar in rheumatoid patients' plasma and synovial fluid. But synovial fluid fibronectin also contains a slow-moving component seen on two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis, suggesting the presence of fibronectin complexes. Affinity chromatography provided evidence that these involved IgG, and in vitro studies showed that fibronectin influenced the reaction between IgG and anti-IgG. Synovial fluid fibronectin is functionally active in binding to gelatin in an haemagglutination assay, and it gave a relatively higher degree of haemagglutination than did plasma fibronectin, supporting the concept of multivalent fibronectin complexes in synovial fluid. These results suggest synovial fluid fibronectin may be involved in the opsonic removal of IgG-containing complexes from synovial fluid.

Plasma fibronectin as a marker for cancer and other diseases

The blood concentration of the high-molecular-weight glycoprotein fibronectin showed great promise as a marker for cancer and certain other disease states. However, it now appears that plasma fibronectin levels are influenced by many factors (e.g., age, sex, nutritional state, trauma, shock, inflammation, certain drugs), sometimes giving conflicting responses. Furthermore, unrecognized pitfalls exist in fibronectin determinations with respect to blood sampling methods, plasma preparation, plasma storage, and re-use and assay methods. It is concluded that the plasma fibronectin level, as frequently reported, has little value as a marker for cancer and other disease states.

Plasma fibronectin in psoriatic arthritis subgroups

Plasma from 38 patients suffering from one of the five broad clinical subgroups of Psoriatic Arthritis (PA) were studied for soluble plasma Fibronectin (pFn). The mean total concentration of pFn was 453.03 micrograms/ml +/- 142.83 SD, with a significant statistical difference (p less than 0.01) versus a healthy control group matched with respect to sex and age. In order to evaluate the biological role that pFn might play in this pathological condition, observed concentrations were correlated with the degree and duration of the psoriasis and arthritis. In addition, pFn was correlated to some biohumoral parameters that are modified during inflammatory processes (ESR, CRP, sCu, sFe, Hb) and to uric acid levels. Tissue typing (HLA) was done where possible. From our observations, we suggest that pFn most likely is not an acute phase protein and rather than having specificity for a particularly disease, might, in widespread and severe cases be, a general and useful marker of the connective-tissue organizing and repairing response, following its injury.

Complete primary structure of the collagen-binding domain of bovine fibronectin

The complete amino acid sequence of the collagen-binding domain of bovine plasma fibronectin has been determined. The fragment, generated by digestion of fibronectin with plasmin and chymotrypsin, contains 340 residues (260-599 of fibronectin) with threonine and tryptophan as the amino-terminal and carboxyl-terminal amino acids, respectively. 24 half-cystines and no cysteines are present in the sequence. Three glucosamine-based oligosaccharide groups are attached to Asn-399, Asn-497 and to Asn-511, respectively. Two of the three types (I and II) [Petersen et al. (1983) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 80, 137-141] of internal homology occur in the fragment, namely four of the at least twelve stretches of type I sequence homology, 'fingers', and two stretches of type II homology. The type I homology is present in two other plasmic fragments from fibronectin, while the type II homology has been found in the collagen-binding domain only.

Cross-linking of fibronectin to collagenous proteins

Attempts were made to cross-link several collagenous proteins to fibronectin with Factor XIIIa (plasma transglutaminase). Cross-linking was demonstrated with type I collagen, type II collagen, type III collagen, type V or AB collagen, and alpha 1(I)-CB7 and alpha 1(I)-CB8 cyanogen bromide fragments of type I collagen. Cross-linking was not demonstrated with type IV collagen, Clq, and cyanogen bromide fragment alpha 1(I)-CB6. The pH optimum for cross-linking of alpha 1(I)-CB7 to fibronectin was 8.5 to 9.6. Cross-linking of alpha 1(I)-CB7 to fibronectin was somewhat enhanced at lower than physiological ionic strength.

Plasma fibronectin-C1q complex formation and its effect on C1q inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation

The first component of complement (C1q) contains a collagen-like structure which evidently accounts for its ability to bind to platelets and to inhibit collagen-induced platelet aggregation. This present investigation explored the interaction among C1q, plasma fibronectin (Pl Fn) and platelets. Gel filtration chromatography (Sepharose 2B and 4B) of preincubated mixtures of C1q and Pl Fn yielded evidence of complex formation. Preincubation of Pl Fn with platelets did not affect collagen-induced platelet aggregation nor did preincubation of Pl Fn with C1q significantly affect C1q-mediated inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation. These observations may indicate that the site of interaction between Pl Fn and C1q is different from the site of interaction between C1q and platelets.

An extended C1q-binding assay using lactoperoxidase- and chloramine-T-iodinated C1q. Immediate distinction between immune-aggregate-mediated and non-immune-aggregate-mediated C1q binding

An extension of the C1q-binding assay for the detection of immune-aggregate-mediated and non-immune-aggregate-mediated C1q binding is reported. The assay involves the use of two different C1q preparations, one radioiodinated by means of lactoperoxidase (LPO-125I-C1q) and the other by means of chloramine-T (CT-125I-C1q). The treatment with CT for 20 min at room temperature before iodination for 1 min led to abolishment of the C1q-binding capacities to complexed IgG: approximately 50% of LPO-125I-C1q but only 2% of CT-125I-C1q bound to 80 micrograms/ml of IgG forming part of tetanus toxoid/anti-tetanus toxoid complexes or to 200 micrograms/ml of heat-aggregated human gamma globulin. Similar results were obtained with staphylococcal protein-A-aggregated IgG. CT-treated C1q was haemolytically inactive. In contrast to the results with complexed IgG, CT treatment did not markedly reduce binding capacities of C1q to heparin: approximately 55% of LPO- and CT-125I-C1q were bound by 127 U/ml of commercial heparin in normal human serum. Both C1q preparations bound to a comparable extent to fibronectin, fibrinogen, and various bacterial endotoxins. When the LPO- and CT-125I-C1q-binding patterns obtained on serum samples from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or essential mixed cryoglobulinaemia were compared with binding patterns observed using laboratory reactants, an immediate detection of non-immune-aggregate-mediated C1q binding became possible.

The first component of human complement (C1): activation and control

The first component of human complement (C1) is a 750 000 dalton glycoprotein that requires calcium or other specific metal ions to maintain its native structure and function. Under physiologic conditions, C1 comprises two weakly interacting subunits, C1q and C1r2s2, with C1q containing the binding site(s) for activators and C1r2s2 possessing enzymatic potential. C1 circulates in a precursor state and only after "activation" does it acquire functional activity, manifested as enzymatic activity specific for its natural substrates C2 and C4. C1 activation, which is accompanied by limited proteolysis and conformational changes, can be induced by immune complexes or certain nonimmune substances. With C1 binding to an immune complex, the strength of interaction between C1q and C1r2s2 increases. C1 also spontaneously activates at 37 degrees C by an intramolecular autocatalytic mechanism although at a slower rate than that induced by activators. C1 functions are controlled by the serum glycoprotein C1-inhibitor (C1-In) which blocks the enzymatic activities of activated C1 (C1). Under physiologic conditions, C1 has a half-life of only 13 seconds in the presence of C1-In. C1 is efficiently disassembled by C1-In, thereby releasing two inactive C1rC1s(C1-In)2 complexes per C1 molecule, leaving C1q activator-bound with biologically reactive sites uncovered that are not expressed in macromolecular C1. The most recently recognized function of C1-In is that of controlling the C1 activation process itself. While having only limited effect on immune complex-induced C1 activation, C1-In effectively controls certain nonimmune-induced as well as spontaneous C1 activation. Thus C1-In plays an important role in regulating nonspecific complement activation. The latter observation is relevant for the understanding of the human disease hereditary angioedema. An overabundance of spontaneous C1 autoactivation, due to low C1-In levels, might underlie the abnormal activation of complement via the classical pathway detected in the sera of these patients. Finally, recent studies indicate that C1 may have other important biologic functions in addition to initiating the complement cascade.

Fibronectin binds to some bacteria but does not promote their uptake by phagocytic cells

The involvement of plasma fibronectin in phagocytosis of bacteria was investigated by testing the binding of fibronectin to several species of bacteria and by evaluating the ability of fibronectin to promote binding and endocytosis of two species of these bacteria by phagocytic cells. Fibronectin binds non-covalently to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and to yeast but did not appear to be necessary or sufficient for uptake of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium by several different phagocytic cell types.

Interaction of plasma fibronectin with gelatin and complement C1q

A variety of techniques have been used to examine the interaction of human plasma fibronectin (Fn) with complement C1q in comparison to that with gelatin in phosphate buffered saline at pH 7.4. The precipitation of 3H-Fn by polyethylene glycol (PEG) was shifted to much lower concentrations of the polymer by addition of gelatin, and to a lesser extent, by C1q. Precipitation of 3H-Fn in the presence of C1q was close to that of C1q alone under identical conditions suggesting an affinity of Fn for solid phase C1q; a similar interaction was seen with heat-insolubilized C1q. Fibronectin bound tightly to gelatin-Sepharose and C1q-Sepharose and this binding could be inhibited by gelatin but not by C1q. The presence of gelatin retarded the anodal migration of Fn during immunoelectrophoresis under physiological conditions whereas C1q had an effect only at low ionic strength. Exclusion chromatography of Fn, alone and preincubated with gelatin or C1q, was also consistent with the formation of strong complexes with gelatin but not with C1q, whereas similar mixtures of Fn and gelatin exhibited a fast-sedimenting boundary and marked depletion of the 12S Fn peak. Titration of fluorescein-labeled alpha 2 chains of type I collagen with Fn produced an increase in fluorescence polarization which could be reversed by addition of unlabeled alpha 2 chains or gelatin but not by C1q or the pepsin-derived collagen-like domain of C1q. These observations indicate that the fluid-phase interaction of Fn with C1q is much weaker than that with gelatin but that Fn does have appreciable affinity for solid-phase C1q. Such interaction could signify a role for Fn in the clearance of immune complexes from circulation.

Interaction of fibronectin with complement component C3

The activation of the complement component C3 generates C3a and C3b fragments, and the physiological cleavage of C3b further yields C3c and C3d fragments. We studied here by enzyme immunoassay the ability of human plasma fibronectin to interact with native C3 of human sera and with isolated C3c and C3d fragments of C3. C3 from sera of all six individuals tested bound to solid-phase fibronectin. Soluble fibronectin bound to solid-phase C3c and C3d, and fluid-phase C3c and C3d also bound to solid-phase fibronectin. The binding of fibronectin to solid-phase C3c and C3d could be inhibited by fluid-phase C3c and C3d. The results suggest the possibility that soluble fibronectin may attach to C3-coated particles or that C3-coated particles may adhere to fibronectin-containing structures.

Partial primary structure of bovine plasma fibronectin: three types of internal homology

Approximately one-half of the amino acid sequence (911 amino acid residues out of 1,880 expected) for bovine plasma fibronectin (cold-insoluble globulin) has been determined. Three types of internal homology were identified, showing that a number of partial gene duplications (multiplications) have occurred during the evolution of this protein. Digestion of fibronectin with plasmin results in major fragments with molecular masses of 29, 170, 23, and 6 kilodaltons (kDal). The NH(2)-terminal 29-kDal fragment consists of 259 residues ordered as five mutually homologous domains (type I homology) with two disulfide bonds in each domain. The 170-kDal fragment shows two to three bands after NaDodSO(4) gel electrophoresis, indicating heterogeneity. This fragment contains the gelatin binding site and the strong heparin binding site present in fibronectin. Digestion of the 170-kDal fragment with chymotrypsin liberates a 45-kDal fragment that also binds to gelatin. This fragment contains at least one domain of type I homology and two domains of type II homology. Further digestion of the 170-kDal fragment with chymotrypsin results in the formation of a 30-kDal fragment that retains the heparin binding activity. This fragment contains sequences constituting type III homology. The 23-kDal fragment consists of 178 residues having three domains of type I homology. The 6-kDal fragment consists of two identical peptides of 26 residues, and these two peptides are linked to each other by two disulfide bonds that form the interchain bridges. Another one of the peptides for which the sequence was determined links the COOH-terminus of the 29-kDal fragment to the NH(2)-terminus of the 170-kDal fragment. This and the fact that the COOH-terminal residue of the 6-kDal fragment is a glutamic acid residue order the four plasmin-digestion fragments as 29-, 170-, 23-, and 6-kDal in the intact fibronectin molecule.

Three step purification of C1q by DNA precipitation, ion exchange and lectin affinity chromatography

The difficulties associated with the isolation of pure C1q in sufficient amounts are reflected by the substantial number of isolation procedures, which are being published. The two major problems are a low yield and contaminating immunoglobulins. In addition, some isolation protocols appear to produce C1q contaminated with an inhibitor (C1q-INH). The present isolation protocol involves precipitation of C1q by DNA, chromatography using Sephadex QAE A 50 followed by Con A affinity chromatography. By this combination of purification steps maximal advantage was taken of the cationic properties and high carbohydrate content of the C1q molecule. The yield was 1-2 mg C1q per 100 ml serum. The isolated C1q was free of any demonstrable contaminants as demonstrated by Ouchterlony double diffusion and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Association of fibronectin with carboxy-group-modified proteins in vitro

Treatment of human immunoglobulin G, albumin and fibronectin with water-soluble carbodi-imide at pH4.75 in the presence of glycine ethyl ester resulted in an avid binding of (125)I-labelled native fibrinectin to the modified proteins. Succinoylation, reduction and alkylation or heat-denaturation had no such effect. In affinity chromatography under physiological conditions, serum was depleted of fibronectin when run through columns of the carbodi-imide-treated proteins coupled to agarose. Fractions eluted from such columns with urea were enriched in fibronectin. The binding of radiolabelled fibronectin to the carbodi-imide-treated proteins was inhibited by unlabelled fibronectin in relatively low concentrations, but also by albumin in higher concentrations. Heat-denatured albumin inhibited at concentrations approx. 10-30 times lower than native albumin. The binding reaction had a pH optimum of 6-8. It was inhibited at high ionic strength and in the presence of urea. Anionic detergents inhibited at millimolar concentrations, but non-ionic detergents did not inhibit the binding reaction. The results were interpreted as showing that: (1) fibronectin is capable of binding to itself, to immunoglobulin G and to albumin after a reduction of the negative surface charge of these proteins, and may have a general ability to bind such modified proteins; (2) this binding can take place under physiological conditions; (3) carboxy-group-modified proteins selectively bind fibronectin from serum. This novel binding phenomenon could be important in terms of the opsonin function of circulatory fibronectin. We propose that fibronectin may recognize modified (denatured) proteins and mediate their uptake by the reticuloendothelial system.

Completion of the amino acid sequences of the A and B chains of subcomponent C1q of the first component of human complement

The sequences of amino acid residues 109--224 of the A chain, and residues 109--22 of the B chain, of human subcomponent C1q are given. These results, along with previously published sequence data on the N-terminal, collagen-like, regions of the A and B chains [Reid (1979) Biochem. J. 179, 367--371] yield the complete amino acid sequences of the A and B chains of subcomponent C1q. The asparagine residue at position A-124 has been identified as the major site of asparagine-linked carbohydrate in subcomponent C1q. When the sequences of the C-terminal, 135-residue-long, 'globular' regions of A and B chains are compared they show 40% homology. The degree of homology over certain stretches of 15--20 residues, within the C-terminal regions, rises up to values of 73%, indicating the presence of strongly conserved structures. Structure prediction studies indicate that both the A and B chain C-terminal regions may adopt a predominantly beta-type structure with apparently little alpha-helical structure.