Multiple classes of heparan sulfate proteoglycans from fibroblast substratum adhesion sites. Affinity fractionation on columns of platelet factor 4, plasma fibronectin, and octyl-sepharose

Heparan sulphate proteoglycan as mediator of some adhesive responses and cytoskeletal reorganization of cells on fibronectin matrices: independent versus cooperative functions

Fibronectin is a multifunctional glycoprotein which promotes the adhesion of a variety of cell types to extracellular matrices, including artificial tissue culture substrata. Biochemical analyses of substratum adhesion sites indicated important functions for cell-surface heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HS-PG) in directly mediating adhesive responses by the binding of heparan sulphate sequences to fibronectin. In addition, fibronectin has a binding domain for a cell surface 'receptor' (possibly a 140K glycoprotein) important in these responses. To differentiate the relative importance of these two binding activities, a proteolytically generated cell-binding fragment of fibronectin has been isolated which binds to the 140K 'receptor' but not to HS or to collagen. Platelet factor 4 (PF4), a tetravalent HS-binding protein, provides a model of the tetravalent HS-binding activity of fibronectin, as supported by affinity chromatography studies (these studies also reveal the complexity of HS-PG metabolism in adhesion sites). Responses are measured on substrata coated with the cell-binding fragment of fibronectin, intact fibronectin, or PF4, singly or in combination. Fibroblast-like BALB/c 3T3 cells form both close and tight-focal adhesive contacts with associated microfilament stress fibres on intact fibronectin. Whereas HS-PG binding appears to mediate the formation of close contacts and linear microfilament bundles, a cooperative relationship exists between the HS- and the cell-binding activities of the intact fibronectin molecule in the formation of focal contacts and stress fibres. Human dermal fibroblasts generate different adhesive responses on HS-binding or cell-binding substrata, which are dependent on whether cells have been grown in medium with ascorbate to maximize production of their own collagenous matrix. As with 3T3 cells, focal contact and stress fibre formations of dermal cells require both binding activities in the intact fibronectin molecule. A third system consists of neuroblastoma tumour cells which adhere and extend neurites on fibronectin. Cell-body adherence, but not neurite extension, occurs on HS-binding matrices whereas neurite extension requires only fibronectin's cell-binding activity; the responses of primary peripheral neurons were exactly the opposite and CNS neurons did not respond at all. These studies indicate the diversity of molecular mechanisms by which various cells interact with the multifunctional fibronectin molecule in order to perform specialized functions, as well as the independent or cooperative functions of heparan sulphate proteoglycan on the cell surface in mediating these responses.

Heparin sensitive and resistant vascular smooth muscle cells: biology and role in restenosis

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC)s are characterized by their acute growth inhibition by heparin and heparan sulfates; however, recently the isolation of VSMCs which display greatly diminished sensitivity to the antiproliferative action of heparin have been reported. These heparin resistant (HR) VSMCs have been derived through multiple passage of normal rat VSMCs in culture media containing high heparin doses, by transformation of VSMCs with oncogene-containing vectors, or have been isolated from vascular tissues of spontaneously hypertensive rats, healthy humans, or humans with restenosis where their presence is not limited to sites of injury. Initial characterizations of HR VSMCs are reviewed, and here we propose a definition of HR VSMCs. To date the mechanisms underlying heparin insensitivity remain elusive. Further study of HR VSMCs may expand our understanding of cell growth regulation by heparin, establish whether HR VSMCs contribute to the reported failure of heparin to combat restenosis in humans, and identify cellular mechanisms driving certain vascular proliferative diseases.

Morphogenesis of the avian trunk neural crest: use of morphological techniques in elucidating the process

Morphological data generated from light and electron microscopy form the basis of our understanding of avian morphogenesis. Because chicken embryos are readily and cheaply obtained and are easily accessible for experimental manipulation, morphogenetic processes have been studied extensively in this species. Such studies have allowed us to identify the cells involved during morphogenesis, observe the shape changes or cellular translocations that accompany a morphogenetic process, and determine the timing of these events. Elucidation of the molecular basis of morphogenesis has awaited the integration of several additional approaches. Among these are experimental embryology, which has allowed us to understand cellular behavior associated with morphogenesis; immunocytochemistry, which has identified the macromolecular cues that regulate cell movements and the environmental factors that control them; and molecular techniques, which will permit us eventually to clarify the genetic regulation of morphogenesis. Although current research in development is heavily biased towards molecular biology, morphological studies continue to frame the questions that are now being addressed using molecular techniques. This review focuses on the cells of the neural crest as a model system where questions of avian morphogenesis have been profitably addressed.

Molecular mechanisms of human melanocyte attachment to fibronectin

In this report we show that fetal and neonatal melanocyte attachment to fibronectin (FN) is inhibited by antibodies to the beta 1 integrin subunit, suggesting a role for these molecules in melanocyte attachment to FN. The VLA-5 integrin was shown to be the predominant receptor for fetal melanocyte attachment to FN, in contrast with neonatal melanocytes in which the very late antigen (VLA)-5, VLA-3, and alpha v integrins each contributed to melanocyte attachment to FN. Peptides containing the arginyl-glycyl-aspartyl-serine (RGDS) sequence inhibited fetal and neonatal melanocyte attachment to FN by a maximum of 48% and 85%, respectively. The almost complete inhibition of neonatal melanocyte attachment to FN by RGDS-containing peptides suggests that the central cell-binding domain of FN is the primary recognition site for neonatal cell attachment to FN. Fetal and neonatal melanocytes showed a concentration-dependent attachment to two proteolytically derived fragments of the FN molecule: a 75-kD fragment, which contains the central cell-binding domain, and 33/66-kD fragments of the FN molecule, which encompass the heparin-binding domains V and VI. Antibodies to the beta 1 subunit inhibited fetal and neonatal melanocyte attachment to the 33/66-kD fragments by a maximum of only 15% and 24%, respectively, suggesting that other, non-integrin, receptors are involved in melanocyte recognition of this portion of the FN molecule. We propose that human fetal and neonatal melanocytes attach to FN by different complements of receptors and ligand target sequences, and that these differences may direct melanocyte interactions with FN during development.

Modifications of adhesion properties and proteoglycan structure in rat embryo fibroblast cultures with increasing passages

Adhesion properties of rat embryo fibroblast cultures and proteoglycans (PGs) produced both in the growth medium and in the cell layer were investigated with increasing passages. Both cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion increased with increasing subculture number. Cell adhesion properties were improved by cell treatment with chondroitinase ABC. The increase in subculture number was coupled with a constant increase of PG molecular size, which was particularly evident in cell layer extracts. The ratio HS-PGs/DS-PGs increased with increasing passages. PG modifications are likely to represent evidence of changes in extracellular matrix organization and could play a role in the increase of cell adhesion properties.

Heparin inhibits the attachment and growth of Balb/c-3T3 fibroblasts on collagen substrata

In investigating the role of cell-extracellular matrix interactions in cell adhesion and growth control, the effects of heparin on cell-collagen interactions were examined. Exponentially growing Balb/c-3T3 fibroblasts were radiolabelled with 3H-thymidine and detached from tissue culture surfaces using EDTA, and cell attachment to various types of collagen substrata was assayed in the presence or absence of heparin or other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or dextran sulfate (40 K). Cells attached readily (70-90%) to films of types I and V, but not to type III collagen. The number of cells bound to types I and V collagen films was inhibited by 10-50% when heparin was present from 0.1-100 micrograms/ml. Cell-collagen attachment was also inhibited by dextran sulfate, and to a lesser extent by dermatan sulfate, but chondroitin sulfates A and C and hyaluronic acid showed no effect. Heparin was active even at early time points in the adhesion assay, suggesting it may disrupt cell-collagen attachment. To study the effects of heparin in modulating cell growth on collagen, growth arrested cells cultured on type I collagen films were serum stimulated in the presence of heparin or other GAGs for 3 days. Growth was inhibited (greater than 40%) only by heparin and dextran sulfate. Interaction of heparin fragments (Mr less than or equal to 6KD) with type I collagen was analyzed by affinity co-electrophoresis (Lee and Lander, 1991) and showed higher affinity heparin binding to native as compared with denatured collagen. These data suggest that sites within native collagen may mediate Balb cell-collagen and heparin-collagen interactions, and such interactions may be relevant towards understanding heparin's antiproliferative activity in vivo and in vitro.

Influence of high glucose concentrations on glycosaminoglycan and collagen synthesis in cultured human gingival fibroblasts

Human gingival fibroblasts were used to study the effects of increasing concentrations of glucose on protein, collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis. GAG-synthesis was measured as incorporation of 3H-glucosamine into pronase-resistant macromolecules and collagen synthesis was evaluated by 3H-proline incorporation into collagenase-sensitive protein. Incubation of the fibroblasts with glucose concentration ranging from 5 to 50 mM resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of collagen synthesis; labeled collagen in the culture medium was reduced to 60% of the control incubation (5mM glucose) when incubated with 50 mM glucose for 72 h. Cell-associated radioactivity was decreased to 80% under the same conditions. Although 3H-glycosamine incorporation into GAGs was reduced by increasing glucose concentrations (5 to 20 mM), protein synthesis and cell number were not influenced under the same conditions, as was also the case with distribution of macromolecules in the GAG fractions. The importance of these in vitro results to the incidence of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease in diabetic patients is discussed.

Role of cell-matrix contacts in cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation

Epithelial cells make contact with extracellular matrix via receptors on the basal surface that interact with the basal actin cortex. In 3D matrix, the mesenchymal cell makes contact with matrix all around its circumference via similar receptors. When moving, the fibroblasts is constantly constructing a new front end. We postulate in a 'fixed cortex' theory of cell motility that the circumferential actin cortex is firmly attached to matrix and that the myosin-rich endoplasm slides past it into the continually forming new front end. During epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, the presumptive mesenchymal cell seems to turn on the new front end mechanism as a way of emigrating from the epithelium into the underlying matrix with which it makes 'fixed' contacts. Master genes may exist that regulate the expression of epithelial genes on the one hand, and mesenchymal genes on the other.

Nonspecific interaction of proteoglycans with chromatography media and surfaces: effect of this interaction on the isolation efficiencies

Nonspecific adsorption of proteoglycans to chromatography media and surfaces is demonstrated. This adsorption is highly dependent on the nature of the chromatography media and the precise buffer conditions. For a given buffer the amount of adsorption decreases as the pH of the buffer is increased. It is also highly dependent on buffer concentration and increases as the buffer concentration is increased. The effect of salts such as LiCl, NaCl, KCl, and MgCl2 was generally small and complex so that the presence of the salt both increased and decreased the amount of adsorption depending on the buffer conditions. In contrast, the effect due to the presence of guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn-HCl) was relatively large and complex. At low Gdn-HCl concentrations there generally was a large increase in the amount of adsorption, reaching a maximum at approximately 0.5 M Gdn-HCl and decreasing with further increases in Gdn-HCl concentration. Detergents such as 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (Chaps) and sodium dodecylsulfate generally reduced the amount of nonspecific adsorption, although in the presence of both the detergent and Gdn-HCl, the effect due to Gdn-HCl predominated. In commonly used buffers such as 0.5 M sodium acetate (NaOAc), pH 7.0 (buffer F), and 4 M Gdn-HCl in 0.05 M NaOAc, pH 5.8 (buffer D), adsorption to surfaces and chromatography media such as Sepharose CL-2B, cellulose, and controlled pore glass (CPG) is highly significant and it is particularly large for cellulose and CPG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Distribution and biochemical characterization of the INO antigen during chick neural crest cell migration

The INO (inhibitor of neurite outgrowth) antibody recognizes a laminin-heparan sulfate proteoglycan complex and was isolated for its ability to functionally inhibit axonal outgrowth of peripheral neurons. Here, we examine the distribution and biochemical characteristics of INO in the early chick embryo. Because the INO antigen is sensitive to most classical fixation procedures and fixation leads to abundant nuclear staining, the antibody was directly injected into 1.5-2.5-day-old embryos prior to fixation. The distribution of the injected antibody was then observed in cryostat sections by indirect immunofluorescence. Particular attention was focussed upon regions of ongoing neural crest cell migration. The INO antigen was observed along both cranial and trunk neural crest cell migratory pathways. The antigen was seen around the basement membrane surrounding the neural tube and notochord, and underneath the ectoderm and endoderm. In addition, fibrillar staining was observed in the cranial mesenchyme and in both rostral and caudal halves of the somitic sclerotome in the trunk. The distribution pattern was identical to that previously observed for laminin or heparan sulfate proteoglycan. To confirm the nature of the INO antigen, we performed immunoprecipitations of chick embryos ranging from 1.5 to 9 days of incubation. Half of each sample was digested with heparinase prior to SDS-PAGE and silver staining. In material from young embryos, bands of 200 and 180 kD (probably corresponding to the B-chains of laminin) plus two broad smears of bands at 180-150 kD and 130-85 kD were observed without heparinase digestion. Following enzymatic digestion, the 200-kD and 180-kD bands remained, while the smears disappeared and were replaced by numerous low-molecular-weight bands. In contrast to preparations from young embryos, samples taken from embryos at day 3 or beyond did not enter the 8% gel without heparinase digestion, though the banding pattern appeared identical to younger samples after heparinase digestion in the presence or absence of Ca2+. This change in the INO antigen with age could result from an increase in the heparin-side-chains attached to similar core proteins, or from an increase in the stability of the laminin-heparan sulfate proteoglycan containing complex with time.

Cell migration into neural tube lumen provides evidence for the "fixed cortex" theory of cell motility

We present a model of cell motility based on emigration of neural crest cells into the neural tube lumen under in vitro conditions (10% fetal calf serum or YIGSR) that inhibit their normal emigration from the base of the neuroepithelium into surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Ultrastructural observations reveal that cells lining the lumen are joined by zonulae adherentes (ZA), which are points of strong intercellular attachment, and thereby serve as markers for fixed regions of plasmalemma and cortical actin. Three major observations of the relationship of cells to the ZA support the "fixed cortex" model of mesenchymal cell migration. First, cells extend apical cell processes past the ZA into the lumen. To do this, they must make new apical plasmalemma and actin cortex that the endoplasm slides into. Second, elongated cells are observed in the lumen that are still attached via ZA to the neuroepithelium. This indicates that all of the endoplasm finally slides past the ZA. Third, numerous cytoplasmic pieces, often attached to each other and to the neuroepithelium via ZA, are found at the site where cells appear to have detached from the epithelium after entering the lumen. Since the ZA is fixed in location, the endoplasm must have slid past it into newly manufactured anterior cortex and plasmalemma, with the trailing end of the cell finally snapping off. The "fixed cortex" theory of cell migration agrees with existing data in that it predicts the polarized insertion of new plasmalemma and actin at the leading end of the cell, but it differs significantly from existing theories of mesenchymal cell migration in that it states that the cell surface remains firmly attached to the substratum while the myosin-rich endoplasm slides past it.

Adhesion defective BHK cell mutant has cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan of altered properties

In the light of accumulating data that implicate cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) with a role in cell interactions with extracellular matrix molecules such as fibronectin, we have compared the properties of these molecules in wild-type BHK cells and an adhesion-defective ricin-resistant mutant (RicR14). Our results showed that the mutant, unlike BHK cells, cannot form focal adhesions when adherent to planar substrates in the presence of serum. Furthermore, while both cell lines possess similar amounts of cell surface HSPG with hydrophobic properties, that of RicR14 cells had decreased sulfation, reduced affinity for fibronectin and decreased half-life on the cell surface when compared to the normal counterpart. Our conclusions based on this data are that these altered properties may, in part, account for the adhesion defect in the ricin-resistant mutant. Whether this results from the known alteration in assembly of N-linked glycans affecting the carbohydrate chains on the proteoglycan or some other combination of factors is discussed.

A novel growth factor in rat spleen which promotes proliferation of hepatocytes in primary culture

We have identified a factor from adult rat spleen which stimulates the proliferation of rat hepatocytes. The activity was found in the spleen soluble matrix fraction (1,300xg supernatant of inter-cellular fraction). No activity was found in the spleen cell homogenate, in the spleen insoluble matrix fraction or rat serum. After 4 days of incubation with the spleen factor, the cell number increased 4-fold higher than that at inoculation. The growth stimulation were observed in both fetal bovine serum supplemented medium and hormonally defined medium which contains insulin, epidermal growth factor, glucagon, growth hormone and prolactin. The level of activity in the spleen soluble matrix was not affected by partial hepatectomy or trypsinization. These data indicate that the spleen factor is different from previously characterized effectors of hepatocyte proliferation. The novel factor has been named spleen derived growth factor (SDGF).

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the substratum adhesion sites of human neuroblastoma cells: modulation of affinity binding to fibronectin

Tissue culture substratum adhesion sites from EGTA-detached Platt human neuroblastoma cells were extracted with a buffer containing ocytlglucoside, NaCl, guanidine hydrochloride, and a variety of protease inhibitors, an extraction which resulted in quantitative solubilization of the 35SO4 = -radiolabeled proteoglycans and 3H-leucine-radiolabeled proteins. Of the sulfate-radiolabeled material, the vast majority was heparan sulfate proteoglycan (Kav = 0.15 on Sepharose C14B columns) and the remainder was chondroitin sulfate chains (no single chains of heparan sulfate were observed). This extract was then fractionated on DEAE-Sephadex columns under two different buffer elution conditions. Under DEAE-I conditions in low ionic strength acetate buffer, two major peaks of 35SO4 = -radiolabeled material (A,B) and a minor peak (C) could be resolved in the NaCl gradient; however, three-fourths of the material required 4 M guanidine hydrochloride to elute it from the column (peak D). Under DEAE-II conditions in acetate buffer supplemented with 8 M urea, the vast majority of the proteoglycan material could be eluted in the NaCl gradient as peak AB. Peak D material was shown to contain aggregated proteoglycan, along with nonproteoglycan protein, which high concentrations of urea or guanidine could dissociate, but not nonionic or zwitterionic detergents. Three different affinity chromatography systems were used to further characterize these components. Approximately 60% of peak A heparan sulfate proteoglycan from DEAE-I binds to the hydrophobic matrix, octyl-Sepharose, while 80% of the proteoglycan in DEAE-I peak D binds to this hydrophobic column. A sizable fraction of peak A proteoglycan fails to bind to plasma fibronectin but does bind to platelet factor-4 affinity columns. In contrast, peak AB proteoglycan from DEAE-II columns yields a much higher proportion of molecules which do bind to fibronectin. To examine the basis for these differences in affinity binding, nonproteoglycan protein from these adhesion sites was mixed with peak AB proteoglycan prior to affinity chromatography; proteoglycan binding to fibronectin decreased markedly while binding to platelet factor-4 was unaffected. This modulating activity involves the binding of nonproteoglycan protein in adhesion site extracts to both fibronectin on the column, as well as to heparan sulfate proteoglycan itself, and it could not be mimicked by a number of known proteins in adhesion site extracts or several other proteins. These results demonstrate selectivity and specificity in this modulation and indicate that a previously unidentified protein(s) is responsible.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Basement membrane proteoglycans and anionic sites in the fetal rat kidney during late gestation

Proteoglycans were studied in developing rat fetal kidney using cytological and biochemical techniques. These compounds were detected with immunoperoxidase in the nephron basement membranes from the earliest stages of differentiation. In the glomerular basement membrane, immunostaining appeared as both diffuse and granular deposits, as long as this membrane consisted of loose material; however, as soon as a three-layered membrane had formed, staining was confined to the laminae rarae as regularly arranged granules. The same pattern of staining was observed during differentiation of the basement membrane of the proximal tubule. In Bowman's capsule, immunostaining appeared as granules, which were sparsely distributed in the developing glomerulus and then regularly lined the stacked laminae when differentiation was complete. In all basement membranes, anionic sites (disclosed by polyethyleneimine) were colocated with immunostained granular deposits. Total glycosaminoglycan content gradually increased from the beginning of metanephros development to birth. During this period, the relative proportions of glycosaminoglycans changed: heparan sulfate increased and hyaluronic acid decreased as differentiation proceeded. The possible relationship between morphological observations and biochemical changes in glycosaminoglycan content is discussed.

Focal adhesions and cell-matrix interactions

Focal adhesions are areas of cell surfaces where specializations of cytoskeletal, membrane and extracellular components combine to produce stable cell-matrix interactions. The morphology of these adhesions and the components identified in them are discussed together with possible mechanisms of their formation.

Extracellular matrix fibers containing fibronectin and basement membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan coalign with focal contacts and microfilament bundles in stationary fibroblasts

Double-label immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy were performed on stationary cultures of Nil 8 fibroblasts to determine if fibronectin and basement membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans play coordinated roles in cell-to-substrate adhesion. Relationships between subcellular matrix fibers containing fibronectin plus proteoglycan, and focal contacts associated with microfilament bundles, were studied simultaneously using interference reflection microscopy, differential interference contrast microscopy, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Cells maintained in 0.3% FBS were doubly stained with monospecific anti-fibronectin IgG and antibodies against a basement membrane proteoglycan purified from the EHS (Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm) tumor. Coincident patterns of fibronectin and proteoglycan-containing fibers were found to codistribute with focal contacts and microfilament bundles in both early (6-h) and late (24-h) cultures. The early cells showed doubly-stained fibers colinear with substrate adhesion sites in 43% of the sample, while 100% of the later cells exhibited these coaligned matrix-cytoskeletal attachment complexes. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that both of these antigens were situated in the same type of extracellular matrix fiber that appeared to be loosely associated with the cell surface membrane. We hypothesize that the appearance of proteoglycan in subcellular matrix fibers of these fibroblasts might stabilize fibronectin-containing cell-to-substrate contacts.

Current ideas on the significance of protein glycosylation

Carbohydrate has been removed from a number of glycoproteins without major effect on the structure or enzyme activity of the protein. Thus carbohydrate has been suggested to underly a non-primary function for proteins, such as in relatively non-specific interactions with other carbohydrates or macromolecules, stabilization of protein conformation, or protection from proteolysis. This non-specific concept is consistent with both the general similarity in carbohydrate structure on very diverse glycoproteins and the frequent structural microheterogeneity of carbohydrate chains at given sites. The concept is supported in a general sense by the viability of cells whose glycosylation processes have been globally disrupted by mutation or pharmacological inhibitors. In contrast to the above observations, other studies have revealed the existence of specific, selective receptors for discrete oligosaccharide structures on glycoproteins which seem to be important for compartmentalization of the glycoprotein, or the positioning of cells on which the glycoprotein is concentrated. Sometimes multivalency in the carbohydrate-receptor interaction is crucial. There are additional possible roles for carbohydrate in the transduction of information upon binding to a receptor. The possibility of specific roles for carbohydrate is supported by the existence of numerous unique carbohydrate structures, many of which have been detected as glycoantigens by monoclonal antibodies, with unique distributions in developing and differentiated cells. This article attempts to summarize and rationalize the contradictory results. It appears that in general carbohydrate does in fact underlie only roles secondary to a protein's primary function. These secondary roles are simple non-specific ones of protection and stabilization, but often also satisfy the more sophisticated needs of spatial position control and compartmentalization in multicellular eukaryotic organisms. It is suggested that there are advantages, evolutionarily speaking, for the shared use of carbohydrate for non-specific roles and for specific roles primarily as luxury functions to be executed during the processes of cell differentiation and morphogenesis.

Normal and malignant cells, including neurons, deposit plasminogen activator on the growth substrata

The results of four different assay methods showed that both normal and malignant plasminogen activator-secreting cells deposited substantial amounts of this protease on tissue-culture substrata, including collagen coatings. The cells studied were Rous sarcoma virus (RSV)-transformed vole fibroblasts, a malignant neural cell line (NG108-15) capable of neurite formation, and normal mouse-regenerating sensory neurons. Deposited plasminogen activator was detected by a fibrin overlay assay at sites from which cells growing on coverslips had been gently dislodged, showing that active enzyme is left beneath cells and in the immediate pericellular area. For neuronal cells, fibrinolytic zones were detected not only at the previous positions of cell bodies but also along the terrain conditioned by neurite extension, suggesting that a trail of plasminogen activator is left behind during growth cone movement. Substratum-bound enzyme could be solubilized in buffers containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or Triton X-100 and demonstrated by zymography following electrophoresis or assayed for amidolytic activity with a chromogenic substrate (Kabi S-2251). The results suggest that plasminogen activator may be considered a component of substrate-adhesion material. Secretory proteases deposited directly on matrix molecules would seem strategically positioned to participate in local degradation of components of the extracellular environment.

Extracellular matrix-cytoskeletal interactions in rheumatoid arthritis. I. Immunoelectron microscopic analysis of the fibronexus at the adhesive surface of normal porcine type B synoviocytes in vitro

We studied cell surface interactions between the fibronectin (FN)-containing extracellular matrix and the actin cytoskeleton of normal porcine synoviocytes in vitro, using electron microscopic methods. These type B synovial cells were distinguishable from dermal fibroblasts co-isolated from the same organism, because of their very long cellular processes and their ability to synthesize prostaglandin E2 after stimulation with interleukin-1. With plastic sections, we found end-to-end (tandem) and track-like (lateral) transmembrane associations of extracellular fibers and cortical 5-nm microfilaments localized along the attenuated synoviocyte processes in postconfluent cultures. Very similar FN-actin complexes, termed fibronexus (FNX), have been observed on cultured fibroblasts and on granulation tissue myofibroblasts in vivo. Using double-label immunoelectron microscopy with monospecific antibodies applied to ultrathin frozen sections of synoviocytes cut in situ, we proved that these FNX were indeed composed of associated FN and actin filaments. The striking finding of numerous FNX in cultured type B synoviocytes strongly suggests that the FNX is a major cell surface adhesion site in normal synovium, which may play an important role in pannus formation, connective tissue remodeling, and synoviocyte proliferation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Complementary adhesive responses of human skin fibroblasts to the cell-binding domain of fibronectin and the heparan sulfate-binding protein, platelet factor-4

Plasma fibronectin (pFN) contains binding domains for an unidentified receptor on the surface of fibroblasts and for heparan sulfate chains of proteoglycans on these same cells. A series of experiments were designed to assess the relative importance of these activities in mediating substratum adhesion of human skin fibroblasts (strain 4449) grown in the absence of ascorbate (asc-) or in its presence (asc+) to minimize or maximize collagen production-maturation, respectively. The cell-binding fragment (CBF) of pFN was purified from chymotryptic digests free of any heparan sulfate-binding activity. The responses of cells to CBF were then compared with those mediated by the heparan sulfate-binding protein, platelet factor-4 (PF4). At early time points when cells had spread effectively on pFN, both asc- or asc+ cells extended spiky projections on PF4 and long projections on CBF with actively ruffling membranes at their tips. By 4 h, asc+ cells had spread much more effectively on CBF than asc+ cells on PF4 or asc- cells on either binding activity. Mixtures (w/w) of CBF:PF4 between 1:1 and 9:1 generated a more physiologically normal response than to either of the binding proteins alone, particularly for asc+ cells. Examination of cytoskeletal reorganization by fluorescence analysis with an antibody to 7S tubulin (for microtubules) and NBD-phallacidin (for F-actin) revealed condensations of microfilaments at the ruffling edges of asc- cells on CBF or on PF4 and for asc+ cells on PF4; in contrast, asc+ cells on CBF generated long bundles of microfilaments in their spreading lamellae within 4 h. Microtubule networks reorganized very well on CBF but only partially on PF4 with either cell type. Microfilament reorganization was comparable to that on intact pFN with CBF:PF4 mixtures of 1:1 and 9:1 for asc+ cells, whereas asc- cells generated condensations of microfilaments but little bundling. These studies reveal that the adhesive responses to mixtures of these two binding activities are significantly greater than to the individual activities and that the responses of asc+ cells approach the properties of cells on intact pFN, whereas asc- cells remain incapable of forming stress fiber-like bundles of microfilaments under all conditions.

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans of human neuroblastoma cells: affinity fractionation on columns of platelet factor-4+

Human neuroblastoma cells (Platt) were detached from tissue culture substrata with a Ca2+ chelating agent, and then the suspended cells were extracted with a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-containing buffer to maximally solubilize their sulfate-radiolabeled proteoglycans. The majority of the high-molecular-weight material in these dissociative extracts was heparan sulfate proteoglycan, which resolves into two heterodisperse size classes upon gel filtration on columns of Sepharose CL4B. After removal of SDS from these extracts by hydrophobic chromatography on Sep-Pak C18 cartridges, extracts were further fractionated on various affinity matrices. All of the sulfate-radiolabeled material eluted as one peak from DEAE-Sephadex ion-exchange columns. In contrast, affinity fractionation on Sepharose columns derivatized with the heparan sulfate-binding protein, platelet factor-4, resolved three major and one minor subsets of these components. The nonbinding fraction contained some heparan sulfate proteoglycan and some chondroitin sulfate. The weak-binding fraction contained principally heparan sulfate proteoglycan, as well as a small amount of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan; the gel-filtration properties of these proteoglycans before or after alkaline borohydride treatment indicated that they were small in size, containing perhaps 2 to 4 glycosaminoglycan chains. The high-affinity fraction eluted from platelet factor 4-Sepharose was composed entirely of "single-chain" heparan sulfate. A portion of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan of the original extract bound to the hydrophobic affinity matrix, octyl-Sepharose, and this hydrophobic proteoglycan partitioned into the nonbinding and weak-binding fractions of the platelet factor 4-Sepharose affinity columns. These studies reveal that the majority of the proteoglycan made by these neuronal cells in culture is of the heparan sulfate class, is small in size when compared to other characterized proteoglycans, and can be resolved into several overlapping subsets when fractionated on affinity matrices.

Proteoglycans and cell adhesion. Their putative role during tumorigenesis

In this review, evidence that proteoglycans are involved in cell adhesion and related behavior is considered, together with their putative role(s) during tumorigenesis. Proteoglycans are large, carboxylated and/or sulfated structures that interact with specific binding sites on cell surfaces. Their distribution and synthesis in tissues alter with the onset of tumorigenesis so that hyaluronic acid is generally increased and heparan sulfate decreased in the developing tumor and surrounding tissue. However, the precise role of proteoglycans during the tumorigenic process is far from clarified. Data suggest any putative roles will be related to the adhesive properties that these molecules confer to cells. Hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate appear to be weakly adhesive molecules that may promote 'transformed' characteristics when they occur on cells in large amounts. These characteristics include reduced cell spreading, increased cell motility, as well as reduced contact inhibition. Consistent with such properties, neither hyaluronic acid nor chondroitin sulfate are localized in specialized adhesion sites such as focal or close contacts. In contrast, heparan sulfate is associated with increased cell-substratum adhesion and is involved in the spreading of cells onto fibronectin and other substrata. Its presence is generally associated with reduced motility and with a well-spread morphology. Unlike hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate is found in specialized contacts. These adhesive properties of proteoglycans predict an instructive role in tumor development, and recent experiments have defined an involvement of these molecules in metastatic arrest. Additional studies utilizing invasive and metastatic tumor variants including tumor cells that employ different mechanisms to invade are required to clarify the role of proteoglycans in tumor progression.