Isolation and Partial Characterization of a Glial Hyaluronate-binding Protein

A review focuses on a neglected and controversial component of SCI: myelin debris

Myelin sheath, as the multilayer dense structure enclosing axons in humans and other higher organisms, may rupture due to various injury factors after spinal cord injury, thus producing myelin debris. The myelin debris contains a variety of myelin-associated inhibitors (MAIs) and lipid, all inhibiting the repair after spinal cord injury. Through summary and analysis, the present authors found that the inhibition of myelin debris can be mainly divided into two categories: firstly, the direct inhibition mediated by MAIs; secondly, the indirect inhibition mediated by lipid such as cholesterol. It is worth noting that phagocytes are required in the latter indirect inhibition, such as professional phagocytes (macrophages et al.) and non-professional phagocytes (astrocytes et al.). Moreover, complement and the immune system also participate in the phagocytosis of myelin debris, working together with phagocytes to aggravate spinal cord injury. In conclusion, this paper focuses on the direct and indirect effects of myelin debris on spinal cord injury, aiming to provide new inspiration and reflection for the basic research of spinal cord injury and the conception of related treatment.

Bioinformatics analysis of the prognosis and biological significance of VCAN in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of GC. In this study, we obtained differential expressed genes in GC tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas. After ESTIMATE and weighted correlation network analysis, we obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs). With further screening DEGs of immune infiltration and then through Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis and COX analysis, we found that VCAN was a gene positively correlated with high immune infiltration and poor prognosis of patients in GC. In addition, we selected a Gene Expression Omnibus dataset (GSE84433) to verify the effect of VCAN on the patient's prognosis, and analyzed the value of VCAN in immunotherapy through TIMER database and TISIDB. In conclusion, we hold the view that VCAN may affect the development of GC by regulating the TME, which may act as a potential therapeutic target for GC.

Insights into the Genomics of Clownfish Adaptive Radiation: Genetic Basis of the Mutualism with Sea Anemones

Clownfishes are an iconic group of coral reef fishes, especially known for their mutualism with sea anemones. This mutualism is particularly interesting as it likely acted as the key innovation that triggered clownfish adaptive radiation. Indeed, after the acquisition of the mutualism, clownfishes diversified into multiple ecological niches linked with host and habitat use. However, despite the importance of this mutualism, the genetic mechanisms allowing clownfishes to interact with sea anemones are still unclear. Here, we used a comparative genomics and molecular evolutionary analyses to investigate the genetic basis of clownfish mutualism with sea anemones. We assembled and annotated the genome of nine clownfish species and one closely related outgroup. Orthologous genes inferred between these species and additional publicly available teleost genomes resulted in almost 16,000 genes that were tested for positively selected substitutions potentially involved in the adaptation of clownfishes to live in sea anemones. We identified 17 genes with a signal of positive selection at the origin of clownfish radiation. Two of them (Versican core protein and Protein O-GlcNAse) show particularly interesting functions associated with N-acetylated sugars, which are known to be involved in sea anemone discharge of toxins. This study provides the first insights into the genetic mechanisms of clownfish mutualism with sea anemones. Indeed, we identified the first candidate genes likely to be associated with clownfish protection form sea anemones, and thus the evolution of their mutualism. Additionally, the genomic resources acquired represent a valuable resource for further investigation of the genomic basis of clownfish adaptive radiation.

Homotypic versican G1 domain interactions enhance hyaluronan incorporation into fibrillin microfibrils

Versican G1 domain-containing fragments (VG1Fs) have been identified in extracts from the dermis in which hyaluronan (HA)-versican-fibrillin complexes are found. However, the molecular assembly of VG1Fs in the HA-versican-microfibril macrocomplex has not yet been elucidated. Here, we clarify the role of VG1Fs in the extracellular macrocomplex, specifically in mediating the recruitment of HA to microfibrils. Sequential extraction studies suggested that the VG1Fs were not associated with dermal elements through HA binding properties alone. Overlay analyses of dermal tissue sections using the recombinant versican G1 domain, rVN, showed that rVN deposited onto the elastic fiber network. In solid-phase binding assays, rVN bound to isolated nondegraded microfibrils. rVN specifically bound to authentic versican core protein produced by dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, rVN bound to VG1Fs extracted from the dermis and to nondenatured versican but not to fibrillin-1. Homotypic binding of rVN was also seen. Consistent with these binding properties, macroaggregates containing VG1Fs were detected in high molecular weight fractions of sieved dermal extracts and visualized by electron microscopy, which revealed localization to microfibrils at the microscopic level. Importantly, exogenous rVN enhanced HA recruitment both to isolated microfibrils and to microfibrils in tissue sections in a dose-dependent manner. From these data, we propose that cleaved VG1Fs can be recaptured by microfibrils through VG1F homotypical interactions to enhance HA recruitment to microfibrils.

Extracellular matrix of the central nervous system: from neglect to challenge

The basic concept, that specialized extracellular matrices rich in hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (aggrecan, versican, neurocan, brevican, phosphacan), link proteins and tenascins (Tn-R, Tn-C) can regulate cellular migration and axonal growth and thus, actively participate in the development and maturation of the nervous system, has in recent years gained rapidly expanding experimental support. The swift assembly and remodeling of these matrices have been associated with axonal guidance functions in the periphery and with the structural stabilization of myelinated fiber tracts and synaptic contacts in the maturating central nervous system. Particular interest has been focused on the putative role of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in suppressing central nervous system regeneration after lesions. The axon growth inhibitory properties of several of these chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in vitro, and the partial recovery of structural plasticity in lesioned animals treated with chondroitin sulfate degrading enzymes in vivo have significantly contributed to the increased awareness of this long time neglected structure.

Differential expression of proteoglycans at central and peripheral nodes of Ranvier

The nodes of Ranvier are regularly spaced gaps between myelin sheaths that are markedly enriched in voltage-gated sodium channels and associated proteins. Myelinating glia play a key role in promoting node formation, although the requisite glial signals remain poorly understood. In this study, we have examined the expression of glial proteoglycans in the peripheral and central nodes. We report that the heparan sulfate proteoglycan, syndecan-3, becomes highly enriched with PNS node formation; its ligand, collagen V, is also concentrated at the PNS nodes and at lower levels along the abaxonal membrane. The V1 isoform of versican, a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, is also present in the nodal gap. By contrast, CNS nodes are enriched in versican isoform V2, but not syndecan-3. We have examined the molecular composition of the PNS nodes in syndecan-3 knockout mice. Nodal components are normally expressed in mice deficient in syndecan-3, suggesting that it has a nonessential role in the organization of nodes in the adult. These results indicate that the molecular composition and extracellular environment of the PNS and CNS nodes of Ranvier are significantly distinct.

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

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

Borrelia burgdorferi induces matrix metalloproteinases by neural cultures

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with chronic neurologic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and senile dementia. Lyme disease is a multisystemic infection involving the nervous system, skin, joints, and heart. Neurologic manifestations of chronic Lyme disease include encephalopathy and cranial and peripheral neuropathy. Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochaete causing Lyme disease, has been cultured from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and B. burgdorferi DNA is frequently detected in the CSF of patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis. We used cerebral and cerebellar primary cultures to determine whether B. burgdorferi induces the production of MMPs by primary neural cultures. B. burgdorferi in a dose- and time-dependent manner induced the expression of MMP-9 by primary neural cultures but had no effect on the expression of MMP-2. Human and rat type I astrocytes expressed MMP-9 when incubated with B. burgdorferi in the same manner as primary neural cultures. This response may play a role in the symptomatology and the pathogenesis of Lyme neuroborreliosis.

Versican/PG-M isoforms in vascular smooth muscle cells

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

Identification and characterization of ligands for L-selectin in the kidney. I. Versican, a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, is a ligand for L-selectin

Ligands for a leukocyte adhesion molecule, L-selectin, are expressed not only in the specific vascular endothelium in lymph nodes and Peyer's patches but also in the extravascular tissues such as the brain white matter, choroid plexus and the kidney distal straight tubuli. However, the biological significance of these extravascular ligands is currently unknown. We now report the purification and characterization of a novel extravascular ligand for L-selectin in the kidney using a tubule-derived cell line, ACHN. Binding of L-selectin-IgG chimera (LEC-IgG) to the isolated ligand was specifically blocked with either (i) anti-L-selectin mAb, (ii) EDTA, (iii) fucoidan, (iv) chondroitin sulfate (CS) B or CS E, or (v) treatment with chondroitinases. Partial amino acid sequencing, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation analyses showed that a major ligand for L-selectin in ACHN cells is versican of 1600 kDa. Histochemical as well as biochemical analyses verified that a versican subspecies in the kidney was indeed reactive with L-selectin. Studies with cell lines including those derived from the kidney indicated that a certain glycoform and/or splice form of versican is reactive with L-selectin. Under pathological conditions such as those induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction, versican was shed from the distal straight tubuli and became localized in the adjacent vascular bundles around which a substantial leukocyte infiltration was concomitantly observed. Possible involvement of versican in leukocyte trafficking into the kidney under diseased conditions is discussed.

Quantitative mapping analyzer for determining the distribution of neurochemicals in the human brain

We developed a human brain mapping analyzer to determine the quantitative distribution of specific molecules, such as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators, based on a fluorescence microphotometry system that we had previously developed. The immunohistochemical fluorescence emitted from each microarea of a brain slice is collected into a photomultiplier tube through the pinhole and objective lens of a microscope. The brain slice is moved in the x- or y-direction by a motorized scanning stage under the objective lens, and the fluorescence intensities are measured quantitatively. The scanning speed is approximately 100 microareas/s, the maximum stage motion is 150 x 150 mm, and an unlimited amount of data can be gathered continuously by transfer to external memory devices. In this paper, this analyzer is characterized in detail, and the methods used for the preparation and analysis of human brain slices are described. As an example, the cholinergic distribution in hemispheric coronal slices of the adult human brain is analyzed. Each slice, immunohistochemically stained for choline acetyltransferase, was divided into approximately 3 million microareas (one area is 50 microm in diameter), and the distribution of the cholinergic neurons is shown.

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

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

Novel 29 kDa heparin-binding lectin from human foetal brain

Heparin inhibitable lectins are physiologically important because of their interactions with extracellular matrix and with other cell surface glycoconjugates. However, due to the unstable nature of these animal lectins, it becomes necessary to purify them in the shortest possible time. In the present study, a chromatographic procedure was developed to separate heparin inhibitable lectin activity. Lectin activities from human foetal brain were separated on a Q-Sepharose column employing different equilibration conditions. When proteins were loaded on to a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) equilibrated column and eluted with salt gradient, only one lectin peak was obtained. However, when proteins were loaded on to a hypotonic equilibrated column and eluted with a salt gradient, four lectin peaks were obtained. The lectin peak obtained from the PBS equilibrated column was characterized as heparin inhibitable lectin. On SDS-PAGE analysis, it gave a single band of 29 kDa. For optimum lectin activity, a pH of around 7.0 was required. Lectin activity was stimulated by Mn++; amino acid composition was different from other known lectins. The lectin was particularly rich in acidic amino acids. Regional distribution of 29 kDa lectin in different foetal brain regions gave the highest content in the cerebral cortex, showing a caudoroastral distribution. Determination of the subcellular distribution of the lectin in the foetal cerebral cortex gave the highest value with a mitochondrial fraction.

S103L reactive chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (aggrecan) mRNA expressed in developing chick brain and cartilage is encoded by a single gene

A large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) identified in embryonic chick brain, and synthesized exclusively by neurons in a developmentally expressed pattern that coincides with migration and establishment of neuronal nuclei, reacts with a monoclonal antibody (S103L) developed against the cartilage-specific CSPG, aggrecan. The relationship of the brain and cartilage S103L CSPGs was established by chemical, biosynthetic and molecular analyses. Significant posttranslational differences (absence of keratan sulfate (KS), less CS, and different sulfation patterns) distinguish the brain S103L species from the cartilage S103L species. However, quantitative and qualitative Northern analysis, cassette RT-PCR and direct cloning and sequencing of the entire brain-specific S103L CSPG coding sequence, all indicate that the brain and cartilage core proteins are identical. Thus, although the S103L CSPG synthesized by chick brain and cartilage are the product of a single gene, they are clearly biochemically distinct and differentially expressed proteoglycan products, suggesting tissue specific roles for these proteoglycan homologs.

Molecular cloning of human fibroblast hyaluronic acid-binding protein confirms its identity with P-32, a protein co-purified with splicing factor SF2. Hyaluronic acid-binding protein as P-32 protein, co-purified with splicing factor SF2

The purification of a 68-kDa hyaluronic acid-binding protein (HA-binding protein), a homodimer of 34 kDa that binds specifically to hyaluronic acid, has been reported earlier by us (Gupta, S., Batchu, R.B., and Datta, K. (1991) Eur. J. Cell Biol. 56, 58-67). Here, we report the isolation of a partial cDNA clone from a lambda gt11 cDNA expression library of human skin fibroblast by immuno-screening with HA-binding protein antiserum. The internal polypeptide sequence (83 residues) of the purified hyaluronic acid-binding protein is identical to the predicted protein sequence derived from hyaluronic acid-binding protein cDNA, suggesting the authenticity of the clone. Interestingly, this hyaluronic acid-binding protein cDNA sequence has complete homology with the cDNA sequence of a protein P-32, co-purified with the human pre-mRNA splicing factor SF2 (Krainer, A.R., Mayeda, A., Kozak, D., and Binns, G. (1991) Cell 66, 383-394). Furthermore, the data on the N-terminal sequence of hyaluronic acid-binding protein and the predicted polypeptide of P-32 revealed the identical coding sequence of 209 amino acids for both the proteins. As the identity and functional characterization of P-32 have not yet been reported, P-32 cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant P-32 protein was purified by hyaluronic acid-Sepharose affinity chromatography. The recombinant P-32 protein showed immunocross-reactivity with the polyclonal antibodies raised against HA-binding protein. The predicted amino acid sequence of the protein fulfilled the minimal criteria for binding to hyaluronic acid, i.e. two basic amino acids flanking a seven-amino acid stretch, as reported for other hyaluronic acid affinity of the recombinant P-32 protein was confirmed by biotinylated hyaluronic acid binding assay. The binding of recombinant P-32 protein to biotinylated hyaluronic acid binding assay. The binding of recombinant P-32 protein to biotinylated hyaluronic acid can be competed only with excess unlabeled hyaluronic acid, confirming its specificity toward hyaluronic acid. All these results suggest that both P-32, co-purified with the human pre-mRNA splicing factor SF2, and 34-kDa hyaluronic acid-binding protein reported by us are the same protein and that it is a new member of the hyaluronic acid-binding protein family, the "hyaladherins."

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

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

A case of pretibial myxedema associated with Graves' disease: an immunohistochemical study of serum-derived hyaluronan-associated protein

The myxomatous materials in cutis from a patient with pretibial myxedema (PTM) with Graves' disease were found to be mainly hyaluronic acid (HA), which had accumulated extensively in the upper dermis. Fibroblasts were increased in number in the mid to lower dermis. To clarify the mechanism of the deposition of HA in the dermis, we employed an antibody against serum-derived hyaluronan-associated protein (SHAP). This immunohistochemical study disclosed that the greater part of the fibroblasts in the mid to lower dermis stained positively, while the fibroblasts surrounded by fairly large amounts of HA in the upper dermis stained faintly or not at all. From these results, we suspect that the accumulation of HA progresses from the upper to the low dermis and that the interaction of fibroblasts and SHAP leads to development of the physiophathological cutaneous changes seen in our case.

Evidence for the covalent binding of SHAP, heavy chains of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, to hyaluronan

We previously showed that serum-derived 85-kDa proteins (SHAPs, serum-derived hyaluronan associated proteins) are firmly bound to hyaluronan (HA) synthesized by cultured fibroblasts. SHAPs were then identified to be the heavy chains of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (ITI) (Huang, L., Yoneda, M., and Kimata, K. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 26725-26730). In this study, the SHAP.HA complex was isolated from pathological synovial fluid from human arthritis patients. The SHAP.HA complex was digested with thermolysin, followed by CsCl gradient centrifugation. The HA-containing fragments thus obtained were further digested with chondroitinase AC II and subjected to TSK gel high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Peptide-HA disaccharide-containing fractions (the SHAP.HA binding regions) were further purified by reverse phase HPLC. Major peaks were analyzed by protein sequencing and mass spectrometry (electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and collision induced dissociation-MS/MS). By comparison with the reported C-terminal sequences of the human ITI family, the peptides were found to correspond to tetrapeptides derived from the C termini of heavy chains 1 of and 2 of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (HC1 and HC2), and heavy chain 3 of pre-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (HC3), respectively, and a heptapeptide from HC1. Mass spectrometric analyses suggested that the C-terminal Asp of each heavy chain was esterified to the C6-hydroxyl group of an internal N-acetylglucosamine of HA chain. This report is the first demonstration to give evidence for the covalent binding of proteins to HA.

On the existence of a cartilage-like proteoglycan and link proteins in the central nervous system

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the major constituents of cartilage extracellular matrix, aggrecan and link protein, were screened by indirect immunofluorescence on frozen sections of bovine spinal cord. Antibodies against aggrecan and link protein gave rise to very similar perineuronal labeling in spinal cord gray matter. Aggrecan and link protein reactivities were seen in other regions of the central nervous system (CNS), although their distributions were not always coincident. Pretreatment of the tissue section with Streptomyces hyaluronidase, which is hyaluronate-specific, led to the loss of both reactivities. On Western blots, anti-aggrecan mAbs reacted with a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. The chondroitinase-treated CNS proteoglycan co-migrated with the chondroitinase- and keratanase-treated cartilage proteoglycan. In CNS tissue homogenates, the addition of Streptomyces hyaluronidase brought about the release of the proteoglycan from the tissue. Anti-link protein mAbs were reactive with two species in the bovine CNS, the mobilities of which were very similar to those of the cartilage link proteins. The release of these species from the tissue required hyaluronidase. A rabbit antiserum against aggrecan was used to identify a similar proteoglycan in the rat CNS. In spinal cord-derived cell cultures, the labeled material was associated with astrocytes. An aggrecan cDNA hybridized to a 9.5 kb mRNA in the rat CNS. We conclude that the perineuronal matrix consists, in part, of a hyaluronate-bound aggrecan-like proteoglycan and link proteins, and that the former is produced by astrocytes.

Expression of PG-M(V3), an alternatively spliced form of PG-M without a chondroitin sulfate attachment in region in mouse and human tissues

We showed previously that the alternative splicing of chondroitin sulfate attachment domains (CS alpha and CS beta) yielded multiforms of the PG-M core protein in mouse. A transcript encoding a new short form of the core protein PG-M(V3) was found in various mouse tissues using polymerase chain reaction. DNA sequences of the polymerase chain reaction products suggested that PG-M(V3) had no chondroitin sulfate attachment domain. PG-M(V3) was also detected in various human tissues. The presence of a transcript for PG-M(V3) was further supported by Northern blot analysis. Southern blot analysis confirmed that multiforms of the PG-M core protein, including PG-M(V3), were derived from a single genomic locus by an alternative splicing mechanism. Because PG-M(V3) has no chondroitin sulfate attachment region, which is the most distinctive portion of a proteoglycan molecule, this form may have a unique function.

Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study on normal human palmar aponeuroses

BACKGROUND

Human palmar aponeurosis can be affected by a fibrotic process whose aetiopathology is unknown. As the organization of that normal tissue has not been completely investigated, the aim of the present study was to define the ultrastructure of the aponeurosis in order to better understand its biology and behaviour in pathology.

METHODS

Bioptic samples from normal subjects of different ages were analysed by optical and electron microscopy and by immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

The aponeurotic branches consisted of thick, almost parallel collagen bundles containing columns of prominent cells, characterized by long cytoplasmic projections. Cells did not change in number and distribution with age and appeared longer and slighter in the old than in the young subjects. They exhibited plasma membrane almost completely decorated by pinocytic vesicles, intracytoplasmic bundles of thin filaments with zonal thickenings close to the cell membrane, and well-developed subcellular structures. Cells expressed smooth muscle cell alpha-actin, as revealed by immunostaining. The external surface of the plasma membrane was underlined by a discontinuous basement membrane-like structure and by a thick coat of interwoven filaments, highly positive to hyaluronan-recognizing antibodies. Immunocytochemical analyses revealed that collagen fibrils were positive for collagen types I, III, and VI and that elastin fiber composition was rather complex.

CONCLUSIONS

Independently of the age, normal palmar aponeurotic cells show peculiar morphological features and peculiar cell-matrix interactions, very likely mediated by hyaluronan. These findings indicate that normal aponeurotic cells cannot be regarded as typical tenocytes and suggest the need for a better definition of their phenotype in order to understand their behaviour in pathological processes.

The role of proteoglycans in hard and soft tissue repair

Healing of soft and hard tissues results from a progression of events initiated by injury and directed toward reestablishing normal structure and function. The ubiquity of proteoglycans in mammalian tissues virtually guarantees their involvement in tissue restitution. The dramatic advances in cellular and molecular biology in recent years have added significantly to understanding the specific roles played by proteoglycans in wound repair processes.

Identification of Gal(beta 1-3)GalNAc bearing glycoproteins at the nodes of Ranvier in peripheral nerve

A subset of human anti-GM1 ganglioside antibodies cross-reacts with Gal(beta 1-3)GalNAc bearing glycoproteins in peripheral nerve and spinal cord. The same oligosaccharide determinant is recognized by the lectin peanut agglutinin (PNA) which binds at the nodes of Ranvier in intact peripheral nerve. The Gal(beta 1-3)GalNAc bearing glycoproteins were isolated using PNA lectin affinity chromatography followed by separation on Western blot, and the proteins were subjected to partial amino acid sequence analysis. Two major PNA binding glycoproteins were identified in peripheral nerve and spinal cord; one had an approximate molecular weight of 120 kD and had sequence homology to the oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein (OMgp). The other migrated between 70 and 80 kD and had sequence homology to the hyaluronate binding domain of versican, which has been reported to share sequence homology with the 70 kD proteins hyaluronectin and the glial hyaluronic acid binding protein (GHAP). By immunocytochemistry, OMgp was localized to the paranodal region of myelin, and the protein homologous to the hyaluronate binding domain of versican was localized to the nodal gap in peripheral nerve. These PNA binding glycoproteins might be target antigens for autoantibodies in peripheral nerve.

A role for extracellular matrix degradation and matrix metalloproteinases in senile dementia?

In brain as in cartilage, the extracellular matrix contains aggregates formed by hyaluronic acid (HA) and proteoglycans. In osteoarthritic cartilage, release of the proteoglycans from the aggregates by cleavage of the HA-binding region results in the accumulation of the HA-binding region and in the fragmentation of the released proteoglycans. Stromelysin, a matrix neutral metalloproteinase, is one of the enzymes responsible for the cleavage of the HA-binding region. We suggest that a similar process also occurs in senile dementia. The brain proteoglycan contains sequences identical to those of aggrecan, which are recognized and cleaved by stromelysin, and is, in fact, susceptible to stromelysin digestion. Monoclonal antibodies reacting with glial HA-binding protein, but not with the parent protein, stained several senile plaques as defined by their reactivity with antibodies to the amyloid-beta protein in double-labeling experiments.

Nervous tissue proteoglycans

The structure, biosynthesis, localization, and possible functional roles of nervous tissue glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans were last reviewed several years ago. Since that time, there has been an exponential increase in publications on the neurobiology of proteoglycans. This review will therefore focus on reports which have appeared in the period after 1988, and especially on those concerning the properties of individual characterized nervous tissue proteoglycans. Related areas such as the regulation of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis and the roles of cell surface proteoglycans in adhesion and growth control are covered in other contributions to this special topic issue.

The link proteins

Aggregates of chondroitin-keratan sulfate proteoglycan (aggrecan) and hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) are the major space-filling components of cartilage. A glycoprotein, link protein (LP; 40-48 kDa) stabilizes the aggregate by binding to both hyaluronic acid and aggrecan. In the absence of LP, aggregates are smaller (as estimated by rotary shadowing of electron micrographs) and less stable (they dissociate at pH 5) than they are in the presence of LP. The proteoglycan aggregate, including LP, is dissociated in the presence of chaotropes such as 4 M guanidine hydrochloride. On removal of the chaotrope, the complex will reassociate. This forms the basis of the isolation of LP from cartilage and has been described in detail elsewhere. Tryptic digestion of the proteoglycan aggregates results in a high molecular weight product that consists of hyaluronic acid to which is bound LP and the N-terminal globular domain of aggrecan (hyaluronic acid binding region; HABR) in a 1:1 stoichiometry. The amino acid sequences of LP and HABR are surprisingly similar. The amino acid sequence can be divided into three domains; an N-terminal domain that falls into the immunoglobulin super-family and two C-terminal domains that are similar to each other. The DNA structure echoes this similarity, in that the major domains are reflected in three separate exons in both LP and HABR. The two C-terminal domains are largely responsible for the association with HA and are related to two recently described hyaluronate-binding proteins, CD44 and TSG-6. A variety of approaches, including analysis of the forms of LP in vivo, rotary shadowing and analysis of the sequence in the immunoglobulin-like domain, have shed considerable light on the structure-function relationships of LP. This review describes the structure and function of LP in detail, focusing on what can be inferred from the similarity of LP, HABR and related molecules such as immunoglobulins and lymphocyte HA-receptors.

Quantitative analysis of immunohistochemical distributions of cholinergic and catecholaminergic systems in the human brain

The distributions of the cholinergic system and catecholaminergic system in the normal human brain were analysed quantitatively by a microphotometry system. Consecutive coronal sections were obtained from the anterior area of the left hemisphere and were stained alternately with fluorescent immunohistochemical staining for choline acetyltransferase or tyrosine hydroxylase. Each stained section was divided into approximately 120,000 areas and the fluorescence intensity in each area was measured by a fluorescence microphotometry system which is a measuring microscope for distribution of fluorescence intensity in the tissue slice. Nonspecific autofluorescence was distributed in myelinated nerve fiber throughout the entire area, which was subtracted from the fluorescence intensity value in each measuring area. The obtained immunohistochemical fluorescence intensities of choline acetyltransferase and tyrosine hydroxylase were classified into eight ranks and were indicated by color graphics. Also, the intensity values of actual immunohistochemical fluorescence in the various brain regions were presented. The choline acetyltransferase and tyrosine hydroxylase concentrations varied greatly depending on the brain region. Relatively high levels of choline acetyltransferase and tyrosine hydroxylase were distributed in the putamen, caudate nucleus, claustrum, insula and some cortical regions. The immunohistochemical level of tyrosine hydroxylase was lower than that of choline acetyltransferase in a few brain regions such as the globus pallidus and amygdala. High levels of choline acetyltransferase and tyrosine hydroxylase were localized in the one area of the basal ganglia which developed from the telencephalic area, whereas middle levels of these were distributed in another, part of which developed from the diencephalic area.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of hyaluronidase on brain extracellular matrix in vivo and optic nerve regeneration

In the rat, intracerebral injection of bacterial hyaluronidase resulted in the almost complete disappearance of hyaluronic acid (HA) and glial hyaluronate-binding protein (GHAP) from cerebral hemispheres, brain stem, and cerebellum (but not from optic nerves and chiasm) starting 2-3 hr after the injection. HA and GHAP reappeared throughout the brain in characteristic patches 2-3 days after the injection. The patches gradually became confluent and after 12 days the brain appeared virtually normal. In normal rat optic nerve, staining for HA and GHAP ceased abruptly in the region of the lamina cribrosa. The retina was completely negative. HA and GHAP disappeared from hyaluronidase-injected optic nerve, chiasm, and contralateral optic nerve. In hyaluronidase-injected crushed optic nerves, regenerated axons were able to grow for short distances (about 500 microns) into the distal stump undergoing Wallerian degeneration. No such growth was observed in saline-injected controls.

Effects of extracellular matrix components on cell locomotion

The extracellular matrix (ecm), which is composed of collagens, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans, has emerged as an important regulator of cell locomotion. This review describes some of the mechanisms by which the ecm may regulate locomotion, focusing primarily on cell extension and lamellae formation. Ecm-receptor interactions form an important part of cell recognition of ecm. Such interactions can result in altered cell adhesion, signal transduction, and cytoskeletal organization, all of which impact on cell locomotion. It is important to note that although the effects of single ecm components have been studied, generally, the cell is likely to perceive ecm in vivo as a macromolecular complex. It will fall to future work to define how complexes of ecm regulate cell behavior. Because of our own particular research bias, we focus on reviewing the role of fibronectin, integrins, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronan, and hyaluronan receptors in the regulation of cell locomotion and examine their effect on adhesion, signal transduction, and cytoskeletal integrity. Cytoskeleton assembly mechanisms, particularly those that might be regulated by the ecm, are also described. These events are summarized in a working model of ecm-promoted locomotion.

Function of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix

Proteoglycans are glycosylated proteins which have covalently attached highly anionic glycosaminoglycans. Many forms of proteoglycans are present in virtually all extracellular matrices of connective tissues. The major biological function of proteoglycans derives from the physicochemical characteristics of the glycosaminoglycan component of the molecule, which provides hydration and swelling pressure to the tissue enabling it to withstand compressional forces. This function is best illustrated by the most abundant proteoglycan in cartilage tissues, aggrecan. During the past decade, diverse species of proteoglycans have been identified in many connective tissues, on cell surfaces and in intracellular compartments. These proteoglycans have distinct biological functions apart from their hydrodynamic functions, and their involvement in many aspects of cell and tissue activities has been demonstrated. For example, decorin, which is widely distributed in many connective tissues, may have functions in regulating collagen fibril formation and in modifying the activity of transforming growth factor-beta; perlecan, the major heparan sulfate proteoglycan in the glomerular basement membrane, may play an important role as the major anionic site responsible for the charge selectivity in glomerular filtration. Specific interactions between proteoglycans (through both their glycosaminoglycan and core protein components) and macromolecules in the extracellular matrix are the key factors in the functions of proteoglycans. Exciting biological functions of proteoglycans are now gradually emerging.

The link proteins

Aggregates of chondroitin-keratan sulfate proteoglycan (aggrecan) and hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) are the major space-filling components of cartilage. A glycoprotein, link protein (LP; 40-48 kDa) stabilizes the aggregate by binding to both hyaluronic acid and aggrecan. In the absence of LP, aggregates are smaller (as estimated by rotary shadowing of electron micrographs) and less stable (they dissociate at pH 5) than they are in the presence of LP. The proteoglycan aggregate, including LP, is dissociated in the presence of chaotropes such as 4 M guanidine hydrochloride. On removal of the chaotrope, the complex will reassociate. This forms the basis of the isolation of LP from cartilage and has been described in detail elsewhere. Tryptic digestion of the proteoglycan aggregates results in a high molecular weight product that consists of hyaluronic acid to which is bound LP and the N-terminal globular domain of aggrecan (hyaluronic acid binding region; HABR) in a 1:1 stoichiometry. The amino acid sequences of LP and HABR are surprisingly similar. The amino acid sequence can be divided into three domains; an N-terminal domain that falls into the immunoglobulin super-family and two C-terminal domains that are similar to each other. The DNA structure echoes this similarity, in that the major domains are reflected in three separate exons in both LP and HABR. The two C-terminal domains are largely responsible for the association with HA and are related to two recently described hyaluronate-binding proteins, CD44 and TSG-6. A variety of approaches, including analysis of the forms of LP found in vivo, rotary shadowing and analysis of the sequence in the immunoglobulin-like domain, have shed considerable light on the structure-function relationships of LP. This review describes the structure and function of LP in detail, focusing on what can be inferred from the similarity of LP, HABR and related molecules such as immunoglobulins and lymphocyte HA-receptors.

Nervous tissue proteoglycans

The structure, biosynthesis, localization, and possible functional roles of nervous tissue glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans were last reviewed several years ago. Since that time, there has been an exponential increase in publications on the neurobiology of proteoglycans. This review will therefore focus on reports which have appeared in the period after 1988, and especially on those concerning the properties of individual characterized nervous tissue proteoglycans. Related areas such as the regulation of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis and the roles of cell surface proteoglycans in adhesion and growth control are covered in other contributions to this special topic issue.

A glycoprotein expressed by human fibrous astrocytes is a hyaluronate-binding protein and a member of the CD44 family

We have isolated and characterized an antigen from normal human brain called p80, so called because it migrated with an M(r) of 80 kDa on SDS PAGE. The M(r) of 80 kDa consists of a protein of about 55-60 kDa and carbohydrate (20-25 kDa). The carbohydrate is almost entirely of the N-linked type, although a small amount of O-linked carbohydrate was detected. Cross-reactivity with monoclonal antibodies A3D8 and A1G3 showed that p80 could therefore be considered an isoform of the CD44 adhesion molecules. In addition, specific binding to hyaluronate which was not competed for by proteoglycan demonstrated that it involved different sites than the proteoglycan binding sites. We also observed that fucoidan and dextran sulphate increased the binding by 200-250% while chondroitin sulphate C also increased the binding but to a lesser extent. Heparin, heparan sulphate and chondroitin sulphates A and B did not have such an effect. The binding of p80 to hyaluronate was pH dependent with a maximum at pH 6.4. We concluded that p80 was an astrocyte specific adhesion molecule.

Versican, a hyaluronate-binding proteoglycan of embryonal precartilaginous mesenchyma, is mainly expressed postnatally in rat brain

The localization of versican, a large hyaluronate-binding fibroblast proteoglycan, was studied in rat prenatal and postnatal development. In adult rat white matter and cerebellum, the distribution of versican was identical to that previously reported for brain-specific glial hyaluronate-binding protein (GHAP). Versican was also found in gray matter where it formed characteristic coats around large neurons. It was also found in peripheral tissues, namely, kidney medulla, myotendinous junctions, and endoneurial and endomysial sheaths. In rat embryo the most notable finding was the presence of large amounts of versican immunoreactive material in precartilaginous mesenchyma. In embryonal CNS, versican was mainly confined to the marginal zone on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres. Versican expression mainly occurred postnatally in brain and spinal cord. In spinal cord white matter, versican immunoreactivity was already present in 3-day-old rats and preceded the appearance of GHAP, which was first detected on day 13 after the onset of myelination. Versican expression was markedly delayed in gray matter. The characteristic perineuronal coats were first observed on day 21 in the cerebral cortex. It is concluded that, with the exception of hyaluronate, brain extracellular matrix (ECM) is mainly produced postnatally and that the ECM protein produced by brain cells, most likely astrocytes, is similar to that produced by precartilaginous mesenchyma.

CD44 in human placenta: localization and binding to hyaluronic acid

CD44, a receptor for hyaluronic acid (HA), has been identified in the stroma of stem and terminal chorionic villi of human term placenta. The CD44 glycoprotein antigen, isolated from placenta by affinity to monoclonal antibody (mAb) 50B4, consisted mainly of species of M(r) 85,000 and 200,000. Radiolabelled CD44 bound specifically to HA attached to plastic, predominantly via the M(r) 85,000 species; this binding was inhibited by soluble HA and hyaluronidase. The binding of CD44 to HA was also inhibited by mAb 50B4 and IM7.8.1, which recognize epitopes of cluster I and II respectively, but was not blocked by a polyclonal antibody to peptide 18-30 of the B loop (residues 12-101). These results suggest that the portion of the B loop of CD44 implicated in the binding to HA is between amino acids 31-101 and that epitopes located outside the B loop, such as that recognized by mAb IM7.8.1 (between residues 132-215), contribute to this interaction. The presence of a functional CD44 molecule in the human term placenta suggest a role for this molecule in situ in the stabilization and orientation of HA network important in the maintenance of the structural integrity of the placenta.

Mapping of the versican proteoglycan gene (CSPG2) to the long arm of human chromosome 5 (5q12-5q14)

Versican is a major chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan of vascularized connective tissues whose eponym reflects its functional versatility in macromolecular affinity and interactions. In this report we have localized the versican gene (CSPG2) to the long arm of human chromosome 5 by utilizing a combination of somatic cell hybrids, Southern blotting, polymerase chain reaction, and chromosomal in situ hybridization. The proteoglycan gene segregated concordantly with hybrid cell lines containing the long arm of chromosome 5, comprising the 5q12-q14 band regions. To refine this locus further, we screened a chromosome 5-specific library and isolated several genomic clones encoding a portion of the 5' end of versican. One of these genomic clones was used as a probe for in situ hybridization of human chromosome metaphases. The results corroborated the data obtained using somatic cell hybrids and further refined the assignment of the versican gene to the narrow band region of 5q12-5q14, with the primary site likely to be 5q13.2. The availability of novel genomic clones and the mapping data presented here will make possible the identification of any defect genetically linked to this proteoglycan gene.

Hyaluronate binding and CD44 expression in human glioblastoma cells and astrocytes

CD44 is an integral membrane glycoprotein of approximately 90 kDa which has been implicated in the binding of hyaluronate to the cell surface. The expression of CD44 in astrocytes was investigated by means of indirect immunofluorescence on cultured cells. The vast majority of these cells were found to express CD44. Western blot analysis of these cells revealed a highly polydisperse species having an M(r) corresponding to 74-86 kDa. In order to visualize hyaluronate-binding cells, living cultures were probed with fluorescein-conjugated hyaluronate (FI-HA). Some astrocytes were able to bind FI-HA, provided that they were first treated with hyaluronidase. Streptomyces hyaluronidase, which is hyaluronate-specific, was effective in exposing the hyaluronate-binding capacity of these cells. This leads one to conclude that hyaluronate is bound to the surface of these cells and that it masks their capacity to bind hyaluronate. Provided that they were first treated with hyaluronidase, the U-87 MG (glioblastoma-astrocytoma), U-373 MG (glioblastoma), and Hs 683 (glioma) cell lines were also able to bind FI-HA. The U-138 MG (glioblastoma) cell line was unable to bind FI-HA, with or without prior hyaluronidase treatment. A quantitative assay was developed with the use of [3H]hyaluronate ([3H]HA). This revealed the binding to be highly specific, inasmuch as the addition of unlabeled hyaluronate, but not other glycosaminoglycans, was effective in inhibiting the binding of the [3H]HA. An anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody, 50B4, was able to inhibit the binding of the [3H]HA to the U-373 MG cell line. In this cell line, then, CD44 functions as a hyaluronate receptor and one may infer that this is also the case in some astrocytes.

The extracellular matrix of cerebral gray matter: Golgi's pericellular net and Nissl's nervösen grau revisited

Glial hyaluronate-binding protein (GHAP) and a large aggregating chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (Ag-Pg) similar to a fibroblast proteoglycan (versican) were localized in bovine, dog and cat central nervous system (CNS) gray matter by indirect immunofluorescence. The distribution of the two hyaluronate-binding proteins was identical with that of hyaluronate, an extracellular glycosaminoglycan. All substances formed a finely reticulated mesh in the neuropil with a condensation of the stain around large neurons. It is concluded that in gray matter, as in white matter, the extracellular matrix (ECM) contains hyaluronate-protein aggregates. We suggest that the hyaluronate-protein aggregates correspond to the pericellular network first described by Golgi.

The astrocyte--extracellular matrix complex in CNS myelinated tracts: a comparative study on the distribution of hyaluronate in rat, goldfish and lamprey

The localization of hyaluronate was studied in the CNS of rat, goldfish and lamprey. Cryostat sections were incubated with glial hyaluronate-binding protein of human origin and stained by indirect immunofluorescence with glial hyaluronate binding protein antibodies not reaching with rat and fish. As previously reported for glial hyaluronate-binding protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein, hyaluronate and glial fibrillary acidic protein had a similar distribution in rat spinal cord and optic nerve, both substances forming ring-like structures around individual myelinated axons. A similar periaxonal distribution was observed in goldfish spinal cord and medulla, except that the rings were much wider, to accommodate the large goldfish axons. The glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive neuroglial tissue forming distinctive structures in goldfish vagal lobes also stained for hyaluronate. In both rat and goldfish spinal cord, motoneurons were surrounded by a hyaluronate coat. Goldfish optic nerve and lamprey spinal cord were hyaluronate-negative and, as previously reported, they stained for keratin but not for glial fibrillary acidic protein. The findings suggest that hyaluronate in CNS fibre tracts in a product of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive neuroglia. They also suggest that the appearance of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive neuroglia and the formation of a hyaluronate-bound extracellular matrix are related phenomena in phylogeny.

The extracellular matrix of rat spinal cord: a comparative study on the localization of hyaluronic acid, glial hyaluronate-binding protein, and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan

The localization of hyaluronic acid (HA), glial hyaluronate-binding protein (GHAP), and chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycan was compared in cryostat sections of rat spinal cord. HA, GHAP, and CS proteoglycan were similarly distributed in white matter where they surrounded myelinated axons. In gray matter, large motoneurons were surrounded by a rim of reaction product in sections stained for HA and CS proteoglycan. GHAP immunoreactivity as well as HA had disappeared in hyaluronidase-digested sections, while CS proteoglycan immunoreactivity was not abolished under these conditions.