The basement membrane glycoprotein entactin promotes cell attachment and binds calcium ions

Retinal capillary basement membrane thickening: Role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy

Vascular basement membrane (BM) thickening has been hailed over half a century as the most prominent histological lesion in diabetic microangiopathy, and represents an early ultrastructural change in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Although vascular complications of DR have been clinically well established, specific cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying dysfunction of small vessels are not well understood. In DR, small vessels develop insidiously as BM thickening occurs. Studies examining high resolution imaging data have established BM thickening as one of the foremost structural abnormalities of retinal capillaries. This fundamental structural change develops, at least in part, from excess accumulation of BM components. Although BM thickening is closely associated with the development of DR, its contributory role in the pathogenesis of DR is coming to light recently. DR develops over several years before clinical manifestations appear, and it is during this clinically silent period that hyperglycemia induces excess synthesis of BM components, contributes to vascular BM thickening, and promotes structural and functional lesions including cell death and vascular leakage in the diabetic retina. Studies using animal models show promising results in preventing BM thickening with subsequent beneficial effects. Several gene regulatory approaches are being developed to prevent excess synthesis of vascular BM components in an effort to reduce BM thickening. This review highlights current understanding of capillary BM thickening development, role of BM thickening in retinal vascular lesions, and strategies for preventing vascular BM thickening as a potential therapeutic strategy in alleviating characteristic lesions associated with DR.

Morpholino-induced exon skipping stimulates cell-mediated and humoral responses to dystrophin in mdx mice

Exon skipping is a promising genetic therapeutic strategy for restoring dystrophin expression in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The potential for newly synthesized dystrophin to trigger an immune response in DMD patients, however, is not well established. We have evaluated the effect of chronic phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) treatment on skeletal muscle pathology and asked whether sustained dystrophin expression elicits a dystrophin-specific autoimmune response. Here, two independent cohorts of dystrophic mdx mice were treated chronically with either 800 mg/kg/month PMO for 6 months (n = 8) or 100 mg/kg/week PMO for 12 weeks (n = 11). We found that significant muscle inflammation persisted after exon skipping in skeletal muscle. Evaluation of humoral responses showed serum-circulating antibodies directed against de novo dystrophin in a subset of mice, as assessed both by Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining; however, no dystrophin-specific antibodies were observed in the control saline-treated mdx cohorts (n = 8) or in aged (12-month-old) mdx mice with expanded 'revertant' dystrophin-expressing fibers. Reactive antibodies recognized both full-length and truncated exon-skipped dystrophin isoforms in mouse skeletal muscle. We found more antigen-specific T-cell cytokine responses (e.g. IFN-g, IL-2) in dystrophin antibody-positive mice than in dystrophin antibody-negative mice. We also found expression of major histocompatibility complex class I on some of the dystrophin-expressing fibers along with CD8+ and perforin-positive T cells in the vicinity, suggesting an activation of cell-mediated damage had occurred in the muscle. Evaluation of complement membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition on the muscle fibers further revealed lower MAC deposition on muscle fibers of dystrophin antibody-negative mice than on those of dystrophin antibody-positive mice. Our results indicate that de novo dystrophin expression after exon skipping can trigger both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in mdx mice. Our data highlights the need to further investigate the autoimmune response and its long-term consequences after exon-skipping therapy. Copyright © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Control of hearing sensitivity by tectorial membrane calcium

A new mechanism that contributes to control of hearing sensitivity is described here. We show that an accessory structure in the hearing organ, the tectorial membrane, affects the function of inner ear sensory cells by storing calcium ions. When the calcium store is depleted, by brief exposure to rock concert-level sounds or by the introduction of calcium chelators, the sound-evoked responses of the sensory cells decrease. Upon restoration of tectorial membrane calcium, sensory cell function returns. This previously unknown mechanism contributes to explaining the temporary numbness in the ear that follows from listening to sounds that are too loud, a phenomenon that most people experience at some point in their lives.

When sound stimulates the stereocilia on the sensory cells in the hearing organ, Ca²⁺ ions flow through mechanically gated ion channels. This Ca²⁺ influx is thought to be important for ensuring that the mechanically gated channels operate within their most sensitive response region, setting the fraction of channels open at rest, and possibly for the continued maintenance of stereocilia. Since the extracellular Ca²⁺ concentration will affect the amount of Ca²⁺ entering during stimulation, it is important to determine the level of the ion close to the sensory cells. Using fluorescence imaging and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, we measured the Ca²⁺ concentration near guinea pig stereocilia in situ. Surprisingly, we found that an acellular accessory structure close to the stereocilia, the tectorial membrane, had much higher Ca²⁺ than the surrounding fluid. Loud sounds depleted Ca²⁺ from the tectorial membrane, and Ca²⁺ manipulations had large effects on hair cell function. Hence, the tectorial membrane contributes to control of hearing sensitivity by influencing the ionic environment around the stereocilia.

Comparative Analysis of Glycogene Expression in Different Mouse Tissues Using RNA-Seq Data

Glycogenes regulate a wide array of biological processes in the development of organisms as well as different diseases such as cancer, primary open-angle glaucoma, and renal dysfunction. The objective of this study was to explore the role of differentially expressed glycogenes (DEGGs) in three major tissues such as brain, muscle, and liver using mouse RNA-seq data, and we identified 579, 501, and 442 DEGGs for brain versus liver (BvL579), brain versus muscle (BvM501), and liver versus muscle (LvM442) groups. DAVID functional analysis suggested inflammatory response, glycosaminoglycan metabolic process, and protein maturation as the enriched biological processes in BvL579, BvM501, and LvM442, respectively. These DEGGs were then used to construct three interaction networks by using GeneMANIA, from which we detected potential hub genes such as PEMT and HPXN (BvL579), IGF2 and NID2 (BvM501), and STAT6 and FLT1 (LvM442), having the highest degree. Additionally, our community analysis results suggest that the significance of immune system related processes in liver, glycosphingolipid metabolic processes in the development of brain, and the processes such as cell proliferation, adhesion, and growth are important for muscle development. Further studies are required to confirm the role of predicted hub genes as well as the significance of biological processes.

Age-related macular degeneration and changes in the extracellular matrix

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of permanent, irreversible, central blindness (scotoma in the central visual field that makes reading and writing impossible, stereoscopic vision, recognition of colors and details) in patients over the age of 50 years in European and North America countries, and an important role is attributed to disorders in the regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The main aim of this article is to present the crucial processes that occur on the level of Bruch’s membrane, with special consideration of the metalloproteinase substrates, metalloproteinase, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP).

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed through MEDLINE and PubMed searches, covering the years 2005–2012, using the following keywords: AMD, extracellular matrix, metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, Bruch’s membrane, collagen, elastin.

In the pathogenesis of AMD, a significant role is played by collagen type I and type IV; elastin; fibulin-3, -5, and -6; matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, and MMP-1; and TIMP-3. Other important mechanisms include: ARMS2 and HTR1 proteins, the complement system, the urokinase plasminogen activator system, and pro-renin receptor activation.

Continuous rebuilding of the extracellular matrix occurs in both early and advanced AMD, simultaneously with the dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and endothelial cells. The pathological degradation or accumulation of ECM structural components are caused by impairment or hyperactivity of specific MMPs/TIMPs complexes, and is also endangered by the influence of other mechanisms connected with both genetic and environmental factors.

Skin wound healing and scarring: fetal wounds and regenerative restitution

The adverse physiological and psychological effects of scars formation after healing of wounds are broad and a major medical problem for patients. In utero, fetal wounds heal in a regenerative manner, though the mechanisms are unknown. Differences in fetal scarless regeneration and adult repair can provide key insight into reduction of scarring therapy. Understanding the cellular and extracellular matrix alterations in excessive adult scarring in comparison to fetal scarless healing may have important implications. Herein, we propose that matrix can be controlled via cellular therapy to resemble a fetal-like matrix that will result in reduced scarring.

Matrix components and scaffolds for sustained islet function

The clinical treatment of diabetes by islet transplantation is limited by low islet survival rates. A fundamental reason for this inefficiency is likely due to the removal of islets from their native environment. The isolation process not only disrupts interactions between blood vessels and endocrine cells, but also dramatically changes islet cell interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Biomolecular cues from the ECM are important for islet survival, proliferation, and function; however, very little is known about the composition of islet ECM and the role each component plays. Without a thorough understanding of islet ECM, current endeavors to prolong islet survival via scaffold engineering lack a systematic basis. The following article reviews current knowledge of islet ECM and attempts to explain the roles they play in islet function. In addition, the effects of in vitro simulations of the native islet scaffold will be evaluated. Greater understanding in these areas will provide a preliminary platform from which a sustainable bioartificial pancreas may be developed.

Proteome profiling of wild type and lumican-deficient mouse corneas

To elucidate how the deficiency of a major corneal proteoglycan, lumican, affects corneal homeostasis, we used mass spectrometry to derive the proteome profile of the lumican-deficient and the heterozygous mouse corneas and compared these to the wild type corneal proteome. 2108 proteins were quantified in the mouse cornea. Selected proteins and transcripts were investigated by Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. We observed major changes in the composition of the stromal extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the lumican-deficient mice. Lumican deficiency altered cellular proteins in the stroma and the corneal epithelium. The ECM changes included increases in fibril forming collagen type I, Collagen type VI, fibromodulin, perlecan, laminin β₂, collagen type IV, nidogen/entactin and anchoring collagen type VII in the Lum⁺/⁻ and the Lum⁻/⁻ mouse corneas, while the stromal proteoglycans decorin, biglycan and keratocan were decreased in the Lum⁻/⁻( corneas. Cellular protein changes included increases in alcohol dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase and decreases in epithelial cytokeratins 8 and 14. We also detected proteins that are novel to the cornea. The proteomes will provide an insight into the lumican-deficient corneal phenotype of stromal thinning and loss of transparency and a better understanding of pathogenic changes in corneal and ocular dystrophies.

Matrix control of scarring

Repair of wounds usually results in restoration of organ function, even if suboptimal. However, in a minority of situations, the healing process leads to significant scarring that hampers homeostasis and leaves the tissue compromised. This scar is characterized by an excess of matrix deposition that remains poorly organized and weakened. While we know much of the early stages of the repair process, the transition to wound resolution that limits scar formation is poorly understood. This is particularly true of the inducers of scar formation. Here, we present a hypothesis that it is the matrix itself that is a primary driver of scar, rather than being simply the result of other cellular dysregulations.

VP23R of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus mediates formation of virus-mock basement membrane to provide attaching sites for lymphatic endothelial cells

Putative open reading frames (ORFs) encoding laminin-like proteins are found in all members of the genus Megalocytivirus, family Iridoviridae. This is the first study that identified the VP23R protein encoded by ORF23R of the infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), a member of these genes of megalocytiviruses. The VP23R mRNA covering the ISKNV genomic coordinates 19547 to 22273 was transcribed ahead of the major capsid protein. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that VP23R was expressed on the plasma membrane of the ISKNV-infected cells and could not be a viral envelope protein. Residues 292 to 576 of VP23R are homologous to the laminin γ1III2-6 fragment, which covers the nidogen-binding site. An immunoprecipitation assay showed that VP23R could interact with nidogen-1, and immunohistochemistry showed that nidogen-1 was localized on the outer membrane of the infected cells. Electron microscopy showed that a virus-mock basement membrane (VMBM) was formed on the surface of the infected cells and a layer of endothelial cells (ECs) was attached to the VMBM. The VMBM contained VP23R and nidogen-1 but not collagen IV. The attached ECs were identified as lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), which have unique feature of overlapping intercellular junctions and can be stained by immunohistochemistry using an antibody against a specific lymphatic marker, Prox-1. Such infection signs have never been described in viruses. Elucidating the functions of LECs attached to the surface of the infected cells may be useful for studies on the pathogenic mechanisms of megalocytiviruses and may also be important for studies on lymphangiogenesis and basement membrane functions.

Nidogen plays a role in the regenerative axon growth of adult sensory neurons through Schwann cells

We previously reported that nidogen is an extracellular matrix protein regulating Schwann cell proliferation and migration. Since Schwann cells play a critical role in peripheral nerve regeneration, nidogen may play a role in it via regulation of Schwann cells. Here, we demonstrate direct evidence that nidogen induces elongation of regenerative axon growth of adult sensory neurons, and that the effect is Schwann cell dependent. Continuous infusion of recombinant ectodomain of tumor endothelial marker 7, which specifically blocks nidogen function in Schwann cells, suppressed regenerative neurite growth in a sciatic nerve axotomy model. Taken together, it is likely that nidogen is required for proper regeneration of peripheral nerves after injury.

Nidogens-Extracellular matrix linker molecules

Nidogens/entactins are a family of highly conserved, sulfated glycoproteins. Biochemical studies have implicated them as having a major structural role in the basement membrane. However despite being ubiquitous components of this specialized extracellular matrix and having a wide spectrum of binding partners, genetic analysis has shown that they are not required for the overall architecture of the basement membrane. Rather in development they play an important role in its stabilization especially in tissues undergoing rapid growth or turnover. Nidogen breakdown has been implicated as a key event in the basement membrane degradation occurring in mammary gland involution. A number of studies, most compellingly those in C. elegans, demonstrated that nidogens may have other nonstructural roles and be involved in axonal pathfinding and synaptic transmission.

Nidogen is a prosurvival and promigratory factor for adult Schwann cells

Schwann cells provide a favorable microenvironment for successful regeneration of the injured peripheral nerve. Even though the roles of extracellular matrix proteins in the Schwann cell physiology have long been studied, the precise function of nidogen, a ubiquitous component of the basal lamina, in Schwann cells is unknown. In this study, we show that the protein and mRNA messages for nidogens are up-regulated in the sciatic nerve after sciatic nerve transection. We demonstrate that recombinant nidogen-1 increased the process formation of Schwann cells cultured from adult rat sciatic nerves and that nidogen-1 prevented Schwann cells from serum-deprivation-induced death. In addition, nidogen-1 promoted spontaneous migration of Schwann cells in two-independent migration assays. The Schwann cell responses to the recombinant nidogen-1 were specific because the nidogen-binding ectodomain of tumor endothelial marker 7 inhibited the nidogen responses without affecting Schwann cell response to laminin. Finally, we found that beta1 subunit-containing integrins play a key role in the nidogen-induced process formation, survival, and migration of Schwann cells. Altogether, these results indicate that nidogen has a prosurvival and promigratory activity on Schwann cells in the peripheral nerve.

Differential expression of entactin-1/nidogen-1 and entactin-2/nidogen-2 in myogenic differentiation

Here, we show that entactin-2 expression is strongly, but transiently, induced in myogenic differentiation. Treatment of C2C12 myoblasts with actinomycin D in parallel to the induction of differentiation could demonstrate that this is due to enhanced transcription of the entactin-2 gene. Furthermore, treatment with the translation inhibitor cycloheximide could show that entactin-2 is a primary response gene. As p38 MAP kinase is an important regulator of myogenic differentiation, we also analyzed the possibility that entactin-2 might be a target of this pathway. However, using various p38 MAPK inhibitors, we could not detect involvement of p38 in entactin-2 up-regulation. Most remarkably, expression of the entactin-2 homolog entactin-1 dramatically declined in myogenesis, suggesting different functions of the two entactins in this process. A similar effect was seen in primary myoblasts isolated from two different mouse strains. Expression of high levels of entactin-1 in myoblasts using a retroviral expression system led to a higher proliferation rate both in growth and in differentiation medium and to reduced expression of various myogenic differentiation markers after the induction of differentiation. Furthermore, decreased expression of the entactin-2 gene after treatment of the cells with ent-2-specific siRNA preparation led to reduced expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21. These data suggest important and distinct functions of entactin-1 and -2 in myogenic differentiation.

Identification of the basement membrane protein nidogen as a candidate ligand for tumor endothelial marker 7 in vitro and in vivo

Tumor endothelial marker 7 (TEM7) is a novel transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in the tumor endothelium. However, the ligands and functions of TEM7 are unknown at present. Using a recombinant ectodomain of TEM7 as a probe, we could identify the saturable interaction between nidogen and TEM7 in vitro. A cell overlay binding assay showed that recombinant nidogen interact with full length TEM7 on cell surface. Finally, nidogen/TEM7 interaction enhanced cell spreading in TEM7 transfected 293T cells. This novel nidogen/TEM7 interaction may provide an important molecular tool with potential therapeutic applications in the anti-angiogenic therapies.

Expression of nidogens in rat uterus and embryo during decidualization and implantation

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the expression of nidogen-1 and nidogen-2 and their possible role in decidualization and implantation events during early pregnancy in rats. The tissue samples were examined from pregnant animals between gestational days 1-8 using immunocytochemistry. The uterine luminal epithelium, the glandular epithelium, and the myometrial smooth muscle cells stained strongly from gestational days 1-8 with both nidogen antibodies. At day 4 the decidual reaction areas began to appear in the stromal matrix and immunostaining of both nidogens revealed that the basement membrane of the surface epithelium was discontinuous. The differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells was seen at gestational day 5 and both nidogens were weakly expressed in the decidualizing cells. At day 6, nidogen-2 immunoreactivity was higher in the primary decidual cells close to the embryo than nidogen-1, and during development of the decidual tissue both nidogens appeared in the endometrial stromal cells. At day 7, while expression of both nidogens declined in the primary decidual cells, their expression was markedly observed in the secondary decidual cells close to the myometrium. At day 8, expression of both nidogens was also observed to increase in the primary decidual cells. While nidogen-2 expression was seen in the parietal endoderm and primary ectoderm of the rat embryos at this developmental stage, nidogen-1 expression was only detected in the parietal endoderm. These results indicate that nidogen-1 and nidogen-2 could play important roles during embryogenesis, decidualization, and implantation in the endometrium of rat uterus.

Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts on honeycomb collagen scaffolds

Tissue engineering using living cells is emerging as an alternative to tissue or organ transplantation. The adult mesenchymal stem cells can be differentiated into multilineage cells, such as adipocytes, chondrocytes, or osteoblasts when cultured with specific growth factors. In the present investigation, we have studied the effect of honeycomb collagen scaffolds for the adhesion, differentiation and proliferation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from 6-week old albino rat femur bone marrow, and cultured in alpha-MEM medium without beta-glycerophosphate and dexamethasone. Honeycomb collagen discs were prepared from bovine dermal atelocollagen, cross-linked by UV-irradiation and sterilized by heat. The honeycomb discs were placed on the culture dishes before seeding the stem cells. The cells attached quickly to the honeycomb collagen scaffold, differentiated and proliferated into osteoblasts. The differentiated osteoblasts were characterized by morphological examination and alkaline phosphatase activity. The osteoblasts also synthesized calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (pseudo-hydroxyapatite) crystals in the culture. The mineralization was confirmed by Von Kossa staining and the crystals were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Light microscopy and DNA measurements showed that the differentiated osteoblasts multiplied into several layers on the honeycomb collagen scaffold. The results demonstrated that the honeycomb collagen sponge is an excellent scaffold for the differentiation and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. The data further proved that honeycomb collagen is an effective substrate for tissue engineering applications, and is very useful in the advancing field of stem cell technology and cell-based therapy.

Morphofunctional studies of the glomerular wall in mice lacking entactin-1

The architecture of the basement membranes is essential for proper function. This architecture is based on interactions among its components, which assemble in a complex network. Entactin-1 appears to be the mastermind of this assembling. In entactin-1-null transgenic mice, immunocytochemistry established the absence of entactin-1 in the glomerular basement membrane, and morphological thickening of this membrane was demonstrated. This prompted us to investigate the organization of other components of the glomerular basement membrane in the transgenic animals. The distribution of type IV collagen and laminin remained unchanged, whereas that of anionic charges was significantly altered. We also evaluated the impact of the absence of entactin-1 on cell relays by studying the alpha(3)- and the alpha(v)-integrins along the endothelial and epithelial glomerular cell plasma membranes. Only the density of alpha(v) was found to be increased. Finally, the filtration properties of the glomerular wall were evaluated by revealing endogenous albumin distribution across the basement membrane. This was altered in transgenic animals, suggesting changes in permselectivity properties. Entactin-1 appears to be an essential component in basement membranes because its absence appears to modify the molecular organization leading to alterations in functional properties.

Lys 43 and Asp 46 in alpha-helix 3 of uteroglobin are essential for its phospholipase A2 inhibitory activity

Uteroglobin (UG) is an anti-inflammatory, secreted protein with soluble phospholipase A2 (sPLA2)-inhibitory activity. However, the mechanism by which UG inhibits sPLA2 activity is unknown. UG is a homodimer in which each of the 70-amino acid subunits forms four alpha-helices. We previously reported that sPLA2-inhibitory activity of UG may reside in a segment of alpha-helix 3 that is exposed to the solvent. In addition, it has been suggested that UG may inhibit sPLA2 activity by binding and sequestering Ca++, essential for sPLA2 activation. By site-specific mutation, we demonstrate here that Lys 43 Glu, Asp 46 Lys or a combination of the two mutations in the full-length, recombinant human UG (rhUG) abrogates its sPLA2-inhibitory activity. We demonstrate further that recombinant UG does not bind Ca++ although when it is expressed with histidine-tag (H-tag) it is capable of binding Ca++. Taken together our results show that: (i) Lys 43 and Asp 46 in rhUG are critical residues for the sPLA2-inhibitory activity of UG and (ii) Ca++-sequestration by rhUG is not likely to be one of the mechanisms responsible for its sPLA2-inhibitory activity.

Recombinant domains of mouse nidogen-1 and their binding to basement membrane proteins and monoclonal antibodies

The basement membrane protein, nidogen-1, was previously shown to consist of three globular domains, G1 to G3, and two connecting segments. Nidogen-1 is a major mediator in the formation of ternary complexes with laminins, collagen IV, perlecan and fibulins. In the present study, we have produced recombinant proteins of these predicted domains in mammalian cells and used these proteins for crystallographic and binding epitope analyses. These fragments included G1, G2, the rod domain and a slightly larger G3 structure; all were obtained in good yields and were shown to be properly folded using electron microscopy. Surface plasmon resonance assays demonstrated high affinity binding (Kd = 3-9 nM) of domain G2 for collagen IV, perlecan domain IV-1 and fibulin-2, and a more moderate Kd for fibulin-1C. Domain G3 contained high affinity binding sites for the laminin gamma1 chain and collagen IV (Kd = 1 nM) and weaker binding sites for fibulin-1C and fibulin-2. A moderate binding affinity was also observed between domain G1 and fibulin-2, while no activity could be detected for the nidogen rod domain. Together, these data indicate the potential of nidogen-1 for multiple interactions within basement membranes. A similar binding repertoire was also identified for seven rat monoclonal antibodies that bound with Kd = 2-30 nM to either G1, G1-G2, G2, the rod domain or G3. Three of the antibodies showed strongly reduced binding to G2 and G3 after complex formation with either a perlecan domain or laminin-1.

The role of collagen-derived proteolytic fragments in angiogenesis

Basement membrane molecules and fragments derived from them are regulators of biological activities such as cell growth, differentiation and migration. This review describes proteolytically derived fragments from the non-collagenous (NC1) domain at the C-terminus of the basement membrane collagens type IV, XV and XVIII, which have been implicated as regulators of angiogenesis. Endostatin is an endogenous collagen XVIII/NC1 derivative, inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation and migration in vitro and tumor-growth in vivo. A homologous NC1 domain fragment of type XV collagen has anti-angiogenic activity as well. Furthermore, NC1 domain fragments of the most abundant basement membrane collagen, type IV collagen, have been shown to inhibit induced vessel growth.

Entactin-induced inhibition of human amyloid beta-protein fibril formation in vitro

Amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) fibril in senile plaques may possibly be related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Basement membrane (BM) components are localized to the plaques. Entactin binds the plaque associated BM components. We investigated the potential of entactin to prevent Abeta fibril formation. Thioflavin T fluorometric assay and electron microscopy revealed that entactin significantly inhibited Abeta1-40 (Abeta40) fibril formation at an Abeta40:entactin molar ratio of 50:1. The inhibitory effect of entactin was displayed in a dose-dependent manner. Circular dichroism spectroscopy data indicated that entactin induced a random coil structure in Abeta40. We propose that the ability of entactin to induce random structure is linked to the inhibition of Abeta fibril formation. Entactin may be related to the pathogenesis of AD by regulating Abeta40 fibril formation.

Alpha-fetoprotein structure and function: relevance to isoforms, epitopes, and conformational variants

Mammalian alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is classified as a member of the albuminoid gene superfamily consisting of albumin, AFP, vitamin D (Gc) protein, and alpha-albumin. Molecular variants of AFP have long been reported in the biomedical literature. Early studies identified isoelectric pH isoforms and lectin-binding variants of AFP, which differed in their physicochemical properties, but not in amino acid composition. Genetic variants of AFP, differing in mRNA kilobase length, were later extensively described in rodent models during fetal/perinatal stages, carcinogenesis, and organ regeneration. With the advent of monoclonal antibodies in the early 1980s, multiple antigenic epitopes on native AFP were detected and categorized, culminating in the identification of six to seven major epitopes. During this period, various AFP-binding proteins and receptors were reported to inhibit certain AFP immunoreactions. Concomittantly, human and rodent AFP were cloned and the amino acid sequences of the translated proteins were divulged. Once the amino acid composition of the AFP molecule was known, enzymatic fragments could be identified and synthetic peptide segments synthesized. Following discovery of the molten globule form in 1981, the existence of transitory, intermediate forms of AFP were acknowledged and their physiological significance was realized. In the present review, the various isoforms and variants of AFP are discussed in light of their potential biological relevance.

Still more complexity in mammalian basement membranes

At the epithelial/mesenchymal interface of most tissues lies the basement membrane (BM). These thin sheets of highly specialized extracellular matrix vary in composition in a tissue-specific manner, and during development and repair. For about two decades it has been apparent that all BMs contain laminins, entactin-1/nidogen-1, Type IV collagen, and proteoglycans. However, within the past few years this complexity has increased as new components are described. The entactin/nidogen (E/N) family has expanded with the recent description of a new isoform, E/N-2/osteonidogen. Agrin and Type XVIII collagen have been reclassified as heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), expanding the repertoire of HSPGs in the BM. The laminin family has become more diverse as new alpha-chains have been characterized, increasing the number of laminin isoforms. Interactions between BM components are now appreciated to be regulated through multiple, mostly domain-specific mechanisms. Understanding the functions of individual BM components and their assembly into macromolecular complexes is a considerable challenge that may increase as further BM and cell surface ligands are discovered for these proteins.

Inhibition of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor increases albuminuria in puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis

BACKGROUND

Our previous work in the acute puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis (PAN) model has demonstrated up-regulation of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) mRNA and protein within glomerular epithelial cells (GECs) prior to the onset of proteinuria.

METHODS

To determine whether increased HB-EGF expression in the acute PAN model contributes to the pathogenesis of proteinuria, a monoclonal antibody (DE10) was produced against recombinant human HB-EGF.

RESULTS

The specificity of DE10 for human HB-EGF was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemical staining, and flow cytometry of transfected cells expressing human and rat HB-EGF, and inhibition of cell proliferation. DE10 also reacted with cells transfected with rat HB-EGF cDNA. Administration of 0.5 mg affinity-purified DE10 to normal rats did not cause significant albuminuria compared with controls. Five days after the induction of the acute PAN model, albuminuria was significantly greater in animals treated with 0.5 mg DE10 than a control mAb (162.6 +/- 32.4 vs. 64.8 +/- 10.2 mg/day, respectively, P < 0.01). Rats treated with DE10 had an earlier onset of severe albuminuria, but no increase in maximal albuminuria at later time points. Electron microscopy showed marked podocyte effacement in both DE10-treated and control animals, but no obvious difference between groups. However, adhesion of the human GEC line 56/10 A1 to laminin and fibronectin, but not to collagens I or IV, was reduced by DE10.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that HB-EGF contributes to the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier, particularly when the podocyte has been injured. Following podocyte injury, adhesion to laminin in the glomerular basement membrane by HB-EGF may be important in reducing albuminuria.

Mesenchymal entactin-1 (nidogen-1) is required for adhesion of peritubular cells of the rat testis in vitro

Epithelial-like Sertoli cells isolated from immature rat testis aggregate to form tubule-like structures when cultured on a monolayer of mesenchyme-derived peritubular cells. At the end of this morphogenetic process both cell types are separated by a basement membrane. In this study the gene expression of monocultures and direct cocultures of peritubular cells and Sertoli cells was examined using DD-RT-PCR. One of the isolated cDNA clones showed high homology to the cDNA encoding the basement membrane component entactin-1 (nidogen-1). Even though the entactin-1 (nidogen-1) gene is transcribed in peritubular cells, Sertoli cells, and in direct cocultures, the mRNA is translated only by the peritubular cells. No entactin-1 (nidogen-1) was detected in the Sertoli cells by Western blotting. Moreover, peritubular cell monocultures and cocultures showed the presence of one single band at 152 kDa in the supernatant, whereas in cell lysates two bands were detectable at 152 kDa and 150 kDa. Perturbation experiments using monoclonal antibodies directed against entactin-1 (nidogen-1) were performed with peritubular cells and Sertoli cells, respectively, and demonstrated loss of cell adhesion of the peritubular cells, while the Sertoli cells remained adherent. From these data we conclude that entactin-1 is exclusively produced and secreted by mesenchymal peritubular cells, and affects adhesion of peritubular cells in an autocrine manner.

Implantable bioelectric interfaces for lost nerve functions

Neuronal cells are unique within the organism. In addition to forming long-distance connections with other nerve cells and non-neuronal targets, they lose the ability to regenerate their neurites and to divide during maturation. Consequently, external violations like trauma or disease frequently lead to their disappearance and replacement by non-neuronal, and thus not properly functioning cells. The advent of microtechnology and construction of artificial implants prompted to create particular devices for specialised regions of the nervous system, in order to compensate for the loss of function. The scope of the present work is to review the current devices in connection with their applicability and functional perspectives. (1) Successful implants like the cochlea implant and peripherally implantable stimulators are discussed. (2) Less developed and not yet applicable devices like retinal or cortical implants are introduced, with particular emphasis given to the reasons for their failure to replace very complex functions like vision. (3) Material research is presented both from the technological aspect and from their biocompatibility as prerequisite of any implantation. (4) Finally, basic studies are presented, which deal with methods of shaping the implants, procedures of testing biocompatibility and modification of improving the interfaces between a technical device and the biological environment. The review ends by pointing to future perspectives in neuroimplantation and restoration of interrupted neuronal pathways.

Meprin A, the major matrix degrading enzyme in renal tubules, produces a novel nidogen fragment in vitro and in vivo

We examined the effect of meprin A, the major matrix degrading metalloproteinase in rat kidney, on the laminin-nidogen complex. N-terminal sequence information from the most abundant 55 kDa fragment revealed that it was a breakdown product of nidogen rather than laminin. In comparison with over 50 nidogen cleavage sites produced by other proteases, the meprin A-induced nidogen cleavage site at amino acid position 899-900, a glutamine-glycine site in the G3 domain, is unique. In addition, these data demonstrate that meprin A degrades the G3 domain of nidogen even in the presence of laminin binding, which usually accords protection from proteolytic degradation. Meprin A also degraded purified nidogen into similar breakdown products. Given that the tubular basement membrane is located on the basilar side of the cell, the location of meprin A on the apical brush border makes it difficult to envision a role for meprin A in injury-induced basement membrane component breakdown. Thus, we examined the possibility that following renal tubular epithelial cell injury, meprin A undergoes a translocation to reach the underlying basement membrane. After renal ischemia-reperfusion there was a marked alteration in meprin A staining with meprin A now distributed throughout the renal tubular cell cytoplasm and directly adherent to the tubular basement membrane. This was in contrast to the usual linear staining of the brush border of tubules in the corticomedullary junction. These data provide unequivocal evidence that following injury, meprin A undergoes redistribution and/or adherence to the tubular basement membrane. Since in our in vitro studies, we identified a distinct meprin-induced 55 kDa nidogen breakdown product, the urine was also examined for the presence of nidogen degradation products after rat renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Western blots showed a marked increase in the urinary 55 kDa nidogen fragment as early as the first day following ischemia-reperfusion injury and continuing for six days. Taken together, these in vivo data strongly support the notion that the nidogen breakdown products are the result of partial degradation of tubular basement membrane by meprin A following renal tubular ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Entactin-2: a new member of basement membrane protein with high homology to entactin/nidogen

Using the new signal sequence trap (SST) method, we isolated several clones encoding secreted and transmembrane proteins from KUSA cells, a murine osteoblast-like cell line. One isolated novel clone, termed entactin-2, exhibited a high similarity to mouse entactin/nidogen, a basement membrane protein. Although deduction of the amino acid sequence of entactin-2 revealed only 27.4% homology to entactin, many structural similarities were seen between both proteins. Entactin-2 contains five EGF-like and two thyroglobulin-like motifs, which are both cysteine-rich. Comparison of both proteins clearly revealed that entactin-2 also contains related domain structures. The rod-like domain of entactin-2, containing the RGD integrin recognition sequence, fused to glutathione-S transferase (GST), revealed a cell surface-binding activity similar to that of entactin. In addition, the tissue distribution of entactin-2 mRNA resembled that of entactin. Furthermore, mRNA expression of both genes decreased as osteoblastic differentiation progressed. These results suggest that entactin-2 is a member of the entactin gene family, may have entactin-related functions, and might act as a basement membrane component.

Adhesion of cultured human kidney mesangial cells to native entactin: role of integrin receptors

Entactin is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein which binds to laminin and is found in most renal basement membranes and in the glomerular mesangial matrix. In the present study, we have characterized specific integrin receptors on cultured human mesangial cells (CHMC) responsible for adhesion to native entactin. The integrin receptors alpha 2 beta 1, alpha 3 beta 1, alpha 5 beta 1, alpha v beta 3, alpha v beta 5, and alpha 6 complexed with either beta 1 or beta 4 could be immune precipitated from detergent extracts of metabolically labeled CHMC. Adhesion assays with inhibitory anti integrin monoclonal antibodies (mab) demonstrated that CHMC use both alpha v beta 3 and a beta 1-containing integrin to bind surfaces coated with native entactin. Optimal binding of CHMC to native entactin required the participation of cations. Using wild type and mutant recombinant entactin fragments, the binding site for the alpha v beta 3 receptor was localized to the RGD sequence on the rod or E domain of entactin. CHMC adhesion to mutant full length recombinant entactin ligands lacking the E domain RGD sequence confirmed the presence of ligand binding site(s) for beta 1 integrin receptor(s). Differences in CHMC binding characteristics to recombinant and full length entactin compared to native bovine basement membrane entactin were observed. This suggests that tertiary molecular structure may contribute to entactin ligand binding properties. Primary amino acid residue sequences and tertiary structure of entactin may play roles in forming functional cell attachment sites in native basement membrane entactin.

Matrigel augments xenograft transplantation of meningioma cells into athymic mice

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the use of Matrigel to enhance the growth of human meningiomas in athymic (nude) mice. Tumor take and growth of xenograft meningioma cells in an in vivo model have previously been only partially successful.

METHODS

The use of Matrigel has been reported to enhance tumorigenicity in a variety of solid tumors. This substance is derived from a mouse sarcoma and is a mixture of basement membrane proteins and growth factors. Meningioma cells obtained from human patients were placed in culture for 1 to 2 passages and then harvested and mixed with Matrigel and the mixture injected into the subcutaneous space in the flank of nude mice. Tumor volumes over time were measured at least three times a week and then harvested at 100 days postimplantation. Tumors were formalin-fixed, and histological examinations were performed. Immunohistochemistry was performed for human and mouse laminin, fibronectin, collagen Type IV, and epithelial membrane antigen.

RESULTS

Tumors developed in all 40 mice studied. Growth of meningioma tumors was dependent on total number of cells injected and independent of the total volume of tumor cells and Matrigel matrix. Histologically and immunohistochemically, the xenograft tumors were very similar to the original human tumors.

CONCLUSION

Matrigel is relatively easy to use and has a high rate of histologically confirmed meningioma tumor formation in an athymic mouse model. We plan to use this model for studying the growth of meningiomas in vivo.

Human trophoblast cell adhesion to extracellular matrix protein, entactin

PROBLEM

Trophoblast interaction with endometrial extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial during human embryo implantation and placentation. Entactin, a ubiquitous basement membrane glycoprotein, plays a central role in ECM assembly, cell attachment, and chemotaxis. The present study was conducted to examine the possible role of entactin in promoting human trophoblast adhesion.

METHODS

Using an extended life span first trimester trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo (HTR) and a cell adhesion assay, we measured the adherence of human first trimester trophoblasts to recombinant entactin and its domains. Also, we used flow cytometry and indirect immunofluorescence to detect the presence of integrins that may be involved in human trophoblast-entactin interaction; these methods were used to analyze HTR cells, as well as tissue sections and freshly isolated human trophoblasts from first trimester and term placenta.

RESULTS

We found that first trimester trophoblast cells were highly adherent to entactin and its E and G2 domains but not to G1 or G3 domains. Using indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, we found that both beta 1 and beta 3 integrin subunits were expressed on the surface of HTR trophoblast cells adhering to entactin; in contrast, beta 2 and beta 4 integrin subunits were not detected. In addition, we found that alpha v beta 3 was expressed on freshly isolated villous cytotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblasts in tissue sections from term placenta. The beta 3 integrin subunit was expressed in cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts in villi of first trimester placental tissue sections.

CONCLUSION

Recombinant entactin promotes human trophoblast cell adhesion through both its E and G2 domains and these specific adhesive interactions may be mediated by beta 1 and/or beta 3 class integrins.

Entactin modulates the attachment of rabbit corneal epithelial cells

PURPOSE

To understand the biological activity of entactin, a component of the basement membrane of the corneal epithelium, we investigated the ability of rabbit corneal epithelial cells to attach to an entactin matrix and the effect of entactin on the cells' attachment to other corneal basement proteins.

METHODS

Multiwell plastic plates were coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), alone or with BSA and entactin, laminin, fibronectin or collagen type IV. Cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cells were seeded on the plates. After incubation (usually 90 min), the cells were fixed and stained with 1% crystal violet. The number of attached cells was counted under a light microscope.

RESULTS

The numbers of attached cells increased in proportion to both the incubation period and the concentration of entactin coated. Furthermore, the number of cells attached to the entactin-coated plate was greater than the number attached to the BSA-coated plate for each incubation period (30 to 120 min). Likewise, when laminin-coated plates were treated with entactin, the number of the attached cells increased in proportion to the concentration of entactin. However, entactin did not affect the cellular attachment of fibronectin or type IV collagen. Cellular attachment to entactin was partially inhibited by the cells' preincubation with the synthetic peptide (GRGDSP).

CONCLUSIONS

The present results showed that cultured corneal epithelial cells adhere to entactin and that entactin stimulated the attachment of these cells to the laminin matrix. These findings suggest that entactin plays a specific role in maintaining the normal integrity of the corneal epithelium.

A novel Ca2+-binding protein, p22, is required for constitutive membrane traffic

We have identified a novel protein, p22, required for "constitutive" exocytic membrane traffic. p22 belongs to the EF-hand superfamily of Ca2+-binding proteins and shows extensive similarity to the regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2B, calcineurin B. p22 is a cytosolic N-myristoylated protein that undergoes conformational changes upon binding of Ca2+. Antibodies against a p22 peptide block the targeting/fusion of transcytotic vesicles with the apical plasma membrane, but recombinant wild-type p22 overcomes that inhibition. Nonmyristoylated p22, or p22 incapable of undergoing Ca2+-induced conformational changes, cannot reverse the antibody-mediated inhibition. The data suggest that p22 may act by transducing cellular Ca2+ signals to downstream effectors. p22 is ubiquitously expressed, and we propose that its function is required for membrane trafficking events common to many cells.

Role of laminin-nidogen complexes in basement membrane formation during embryonic development

Laminin and nidogen (entactin) are major glycoprotein components of basement membranes. At least seven different isoforms of laminin have been identified. Laminin and nidogen form high affinity complexes in basement membranes by specific binding between the laminin gamma 1 chain and the G3 globule of nidogen. Additional interactions between nidogen and collagen IV, perlecan and other basement membrane components result in the formation of ternary complexes between these matrix components. Nidogen is highly susceptible to proteolytic cleavage, and binding to laminin protects nidogen from degradation. Nidogen is considered to have a crucial role as a link protein in the assembly of basement membranes. Basement membrane components are synthesized at high levels during tissue growth and development, and sites of morphogenesis correlate with localized remodelling of basement membranes. The formation of distinct basement membrane matrices in the developing embryo is influenced by the laminin isoforms produced and by whether laminin and nidogen are co-expressed and secreted as a complex or are produced by cooperation between two cell layers. The potential roles of laminin-nidogen complexes, cell-matrix interactions, and other intermolecular interactions within the matrix in basement membrane assembly and stability are discussed in this review.

Perlecan is a component of cartilage matrix and promotes chondrocyte attachment

Aggrecan, a chondroitin/keratan sulfate-containing proteoglycan, is a major component of cartilaginous tissues. Immunolocalization studies, using antibodies directed to perlecan, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan first detected in basement membranes, and laminin (another major component of basement membranes), indicate that perlecan and laminin are also present in the matrices of hyaline cartilage in the nasal septum, the articular surface of the bone and the growth plate of the developing bone. Consequently, we used antibodies to both aggrecan and perlecan to characterize their synthesis and secretion by primary cultures of chondrocytes derived from the rat chondrosarcoma. Chondrocytes were pulsed for 20 minutes with [35S]methionine and then chased for up to six hours. The radiolabeled perlecan and aggrecan were immunoprecipitated and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The results show that chondrocytes synthesize precursor proteins to both proteoglycans, but that only the aggrecan precursor protein is secreted as a proteoglycan. Perlecan was also secreted but with less posttranslational modifications than aggrecan. Northern blot analyses of the RNAs from immortalized rat chondrocytes indicated that the major mRNA encoding for perlecan was approximately 13 kb in length, similar in size to that expressed by other cell types, which synthesize 400 kDa core protein perlecan. Analyses of the proteoglycan fractions from the extracts of bovine articular surface indicated that perlecan in this tissue contains both chondroitin and heparan sulfate side-chains. Purified perlecan and laminin were found to promote attachment of immortalized rat chondrocytes in vitro. These studies indicated that perlecan, once thought to be a unique component of the basement membranes, is more widely distributed and is an important component of the cartilage matrix, where it may provide for cell adhesion to the matrix.

Two distinct cell attachment sites in entactin are revealed by amino acid substitutions and deletion of the RGD sequence in the cysteine-rich epidermal growth factor repeat 2

The basement membrane glycoprotein, entactin, has previously been shown to promote cell attachment and chemotaxis. We have constructed a panel of glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins that encompasses the four major structural domains of entactin, G1, G2, E, and G3. These proteins have been synthesized in bacteria and purified by affinity chromatography. The connecting stalk of entactin, E, which contains four cysteine-rich EGF homology repeats and the integrin receptor RGD recognition sequence, has been modified by deletion of the RGD sequence and substituting glutamic acid for aspartic acid. Attachment assays reveal that the RGD sequence is one of the major cell attachment sites in entactin and that this sequence is recognized by the alpha v beta 3 integrin receptor. Analysis of cell attachment on mutant forms of full-length entactin expressed in the baculovirus expression system revealed a second attachment site that was independent of the RGD sequence. This second site was localized to a peptide of 39 amino acid residues in the second globular G2 domain of entactin. This peptide represents a cysteine-rich EGF repeat. Inhibition of cell attachment by anti-integrin receptor antibodies indicates that the second attachment site is recognized by a member of the beta 1 family of integrin receptors, possibly alpha 3 beta 1.

A novel role for alpha 3 beta 1 integrins in extracellular matrix assembly

To study the biological role of alpha 3 beta 1 integrins in cell adhesion, migration, and in the deposition of extracellular matrix, we stably expressed the human alpha 3 integrin subunit in the alpha 4, alpha 5 integrin deficient CHO cell line B2. The expression of alpha 3 beta 1 integrins enhanced cell adhesion on entactin (also known as nidogen), but not on fibronectin. Using recombinant GST-fusion proteins that span the entire length of the entactin molecule, we located cell adhesive activity to the G2 domain of entactin. These results suggest that the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin functions as an adhesion receptor interacting with the G2 domain of entactin. On the other hand, the expression of alpha 3 beta 1 integrins did not confer the ability to migrate on entactin. Strikingly, the expression of alpha 3 beta 1 dramatically increased the deposition of entactin and fibronectin into the pericellular matrix. This was accompanied by increased binding activity of the 29 kDa amino-terminal domain of fibronectin. Thus, similar to alpha 5 beta 1 integrins, alpha 3 beta 1 integrins can play an important role in modulating the assembly of pericellular matrices. However, unlike fibronectin deposition supported by alpha 5 beta 1, alpha 3 beta 1 supported fibronectin deposition into pericellular matrix was not inhibited by antibodies binding to the RGD containing cell adhesion domain of fibronectin, demonstrating that the two processes are mechanistically distinct. The role of alpha 3 beta 1 in pericellular matrix assembly potentially implicates this receptor in the assembly and/or recognition of entactin-containing pericellular matrices, an observation consistent with its apparent role in the renal glomerulus of the mammalian kidney.

Exon organization of the mouse entactin gene corresponds to the structural domains of the polypeptide and has regional homology to the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene

Entactin is a widespread basement membrane protein of 150 kDa that binds to type IV collagen and laminin. The complete exon-intron structure of the mouse entactin gene has been determined from lambda genomic DNA clones. The gene spans at least 65 kb and contains 20 exons. The exon organization of the mouse entactin gene closely corresponds to the organization of the polypeptide into distinct structural and functional domains. The two amino-terminal globular domains are encoded by three exons each. Single exons encode the two protease-sensitive, O-glycosylated linking regions. The six EGF-like repeats and the single thyroglobulin-type repeat are each encoded by separate exons. The carboxyl-terminal half of entactin displays sequence homology to the growth factor-like region of the low-density lipoprotein receptor, and in both genes this region is encoded by eight exons. The positions of four introns are also conserved in the homologous region of the two genes. These observations suggest that the entactin gene has evolved via exon shuffling. Finally, several sequence polymorphisms useful for gene linkage analysis were found in the 3' noncoding region of the last exon.

Recombinant domain III of perlecan promotes cell attachment through its RGDS sequence

Perlecan has been previously been shown to support attachment of a wide variety of cells through interactions of its core protein with the cell surface. The core protein domains involved in cell adhesion are, however, unknown. The laminin-like domain III of murine perlecan contains an RGDS sequence and is a likely candidate for supporting integrin-mediated cell attachment. We made a cDNA construct corresponding to domain III and containing an in frame signal peptide at the 5' end as well as in frame a stop codon at the 3' end by using cDNA clones to perlecan. The construct was inserted into the pRC/CMV vector and transfected into HT1080 cells, and the secreted recombinant domain III, a 130-kDa protein, was purified from the medium. The size of proteolytic fragments produced by digestion with V8 protease as well as analysis of the rotary shadowed image of the recombinant protein indicated it was produced in a native conformation. Recombinant domain III coated on tissue culture dishes, supports adhesion of an epithelial-like mouse mammary tumor cell line MMT 060562 in a dose-dependent manner. This interaction was inhibited specifically by the RGDS synthetic peptide and intact perlecan, but not laminin. This domain III RGD-dependent cell attachment activity indicates a role for perlecan in integrin-mediated signaling.

Cultured incisors display major modifications in basal lamina deposition without further effect on odontoblast differentiation

Matrix-mediated epithelio-mesenchymal interactions play a crucial role in the control of dental cytodifferentiations. Ultrastructural observation of the epithelio-mesenchymal junction in cultured embryonic mouse molars showed discrete zones with duplicated or multilayered basal laminae. The use of synthetic peptides demonstrated that the process was RGD*-independent, did not involve the YIGSR* sequence present on laminin and could occur spontaneously. Cultured incisors showed a similar but much more dramatic multiplication of the basal laminae. Furthermore, the deposition of multilayered basal laminae was specific for the labial aspect of the tooth and could be detected after 6 h of culture. Despite these alterations, preodontoblasts differentiated and gradients of differentiation were maintained, suggesting that among basement membrane constituents, the basal lamina itself does not play a critical role. More important is the inner dental epithelium which may still control odontoblast differentiation by means of diffusible molecules able to reach surface receptors expressed by preodontoblasts or matrix receptors underlying the basal lamina. Gradients of odontoblast differentiation could result from a progressive acquisition of competence by preodontoblasts.

Influence of nidogen complexed or not with laminin on attachment, spreading, and albumin and laminin B2 mRNA levels of rat hepatocytes

Nidogen/entactin is a Mr = 150,000 glycoprotein which is present within basement membranes in a noncovalent stable complex with laminin. We have studied the effects of nidogen/entactin complexed or not with laminin on attachment, spreading, and functions of adult rat hepatocytes in primary culture. Freshly isolated hepatocytes attached on either recombinant or EHS-derived nidogen, although to a lesser extent than on laminin/nidogen complex, laminin, and E8 and P1 fragments of laminin. Hepatocytes bound on a nidogen fragment bearing the N-terminal and rod-like domains but not on either the N-terminal globules or the rod-like domain which contains a RGD sequence. Attachment of hepatocytes on nidogen and laminin/nidogen complex was inhibited by anti-beta 1 integrin antibodies. Hepatocytes remained rounded on nidogen and laminin, whereas they rapidly spread on laminin/nidogen complex and collagen IV. Nidogen, laminin, and laminin/nidogen complex transiently maintained high steady-state albumin mRNA levels in cultured hepatocytes, but a decrease in albumin mRNA content was observed after 24 h, independently of the substrates. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide treatment indicated that the transient effect of these substrates on albumin expression was related to post-transcriptional mechanisms. Laminin B2 mRNAs were not detectable in freshly isolated hepatocytes but were expressed in 4 h hepatocyte cultures. After 24 h, a dramatic increase in the steady-state level of laminin B2 mRNA was found in hepatocytes cultured on nidogen and laminin/nidogen complex. This effect was slightly prevented in hepatocytes plated on laminin. These results show that interactions of hepatocytes with nidogen/entactin in vitro result only in a transient modulation of hepatocyte functions.

Binding of the extracellular matrix component entactin to Candida albicans

We have investigated the interaction between Candida albicans and entactin, a recently characterized glycoprotein present in the extracellular matrix, especially in the basement membrane. Organisms of both the yeast and the hyphal morphologies of the fungus had the ability to bind recombinant entactin, as detected by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Material present in the 2-mercaptoethanol cell wall extracts from both C. albicans growth forms was capable of binding to immobilized recombinant entactin in a dose-dependent manner. Binding to entactin was approximately twice that observed for laminin. Binding of an extract component(s) to entactin was partially inhibited by an Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser peptide. A polyclonal antientactin antiserum, as well as a pooled antiserum preparation raised against components present in different C. albicans cell wall extracts, completely or almost completely abolished binding. The existence of morphology-specific receptor-like molecules which bind to different domains of the entactin molecule was ruled out in a competition binding assay. The entactin-binding material(s) in the cell wall also displayed some ability to bind laminin and fibronectin, since preadsorption in the presence of these extracellular matrix components resulted in reduction of binding to entactin. Moieties with a molecular mass of approximately 25, 44, and 65 kDa present in the 2-mercaptoethanol cell wall extracts from both blastoconidia and germ tubes were detected in a ligand affinity blotting experiment as having the ability to bind entactin. Interactions between C. albicans and entactin could be important in mediating adhesion of the fungus to the host tissues and may play a role in the establishment of the disseminated form of the disease.

Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical studies of iris vessels in rats with experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis

In this study, we describe the ultrastructural and immunocytochemical changes that occur in the iris of rats with experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). General changes include perivascular infiltration of inflammatory cells, followed by hemorrhage and extensive tissue destruction. Alterations in the iris epithelium were also noted. A breakdown in the blood-iris barrier was demonstrated in some vessels at the peak of inflammation; peroxidase reaction product was seen in the basement membrane and perivascular spaces. We found that, in inflamed iris vessels, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells become hypertrophic and show increased amounts of synthetic organelles. This finding is similar to our previous observations on endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in retinal vessels in EAU. In addition, as was reported in the retinal vascular basement membrane in EAU, there is an increase in immunoreactivity of several extracellular matrix molecules in the iris vascular basement membrane; during inflammation, there is a significant increase in immunoreactivity of collagen types I and III, entactin, fibronectin, and laminin. Activated endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells are likely to be involved in the synthesis of certain of these matrix molecules.