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Nawaz T, Gu L, Gibbons J, Hu Z, Zhou R. Bridging Nature and Engineering: Protein-Derived Materials for Bio-Inspired Applications. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:373. [PMID: 38921253 PMCID: PMC11201842 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9060373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The sophisticated, elegant protein-polymers designed by nature can serve as inspiration to redesign and biomanufacture protein-based materials using synthetic biology. Historically, petro-based polymeric materials have dominated industrial activities, consequently transforming our way of living. While this benefits humans, the fabrication and disposal of these materials causes environmental sustainability challenges. Fortunately, protein-based biopolymers can compete with and potentially surpass the performance of petro-based polymers because they can be biologically produced and degraded in an environmentally friendly fashion. This paper reviews four groups of protein-based polymers, including fibrous proteins (collagen, silk fibroin, fibrillin, and keratin), elastomeric proteins (elastin, resilin, and wheat glutenin), adhesive/matrix proteins (spongin and conchiolin), and cyanophycin. We discuss the connection between protein sequence, structure, function, and biomimetic applications. Protein engineering techniques, such as directed evolution and rational design, can be used to improve the functionality of natural protein-based materials. For example, the inclusion of specific protein domains, particularly those observed in structural proteins, such as silk and collagen, enables the creation of novel biomimetic materials with exceptional mechanical properties and adaptability. This review also discusses recent advancements in the production and application of new protein-based materials through the approach of synthetic biology combined biomimetics, providing insight for future research and development of cutting-edge bio-inspired products. Protein-based polymers that utilize nature's designs as a base, then modified by advancements at the intersection of biology and engineering, may provide mankind with more sustainable products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taufiq Nawaz
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| | - Liping Gu
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| | | | - Zhong Hu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| | - Ruanbao Zhou
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
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2
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Vindin H, Mithieux SM, Weiss AS. Elastin architecture. Matrix Biol 2019; 84:4-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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3
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Yeo J, Jung G, Tarakanova A, Martín-Martínez FJ, Qin Z, Cheng Y, Zhang YW, Buehler MJ. Multiscale modeling of keratin, collagen, elastin and related human diseases: Perspectives from atomistic to coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. EXTREME MECHANICS LETTERS 2018; 20:112-124. [PMID: 33344740 PMCID: PMC7745951 DOI: 10.1016/j.eml.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Scleroproteins are an important category of proteins within the human body that adopt filamentous, elongated conformations in contrast with typical globular proteins. These include keratin, collagen, and elastin, which often serve a common mechanical function in structural support of cells and tissues. Genetic mutations alter these proteins, disrupting their functions and causing diseases. Computational characterization of these mutations has proven to be extremely valuable in identifying the intricate structure-function relationships of scleroproteins from the molecular scale up, especially if combined with multiscale experimental analysis and the synthesis of model proteins to test specific structure-function relationships. In this work, we review numerous critical diseases that are related to keratin, collagen, and elastin, and through several case studies, we propose ways of extensively utilizing multiscale modeling, from atomistic to coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, to uncover the molecular origins for some of these diseases and to aid in the development of novel cures and therapies. As case studies, we examine the effects of the genetic disease Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis (EHK) on the structure and aggregation of keratins 1 and 10; we propose models to understand the diseases of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) and Alport syndrome (AS) that affect the mechanical and aggregation properties of collagen; and we develop atomistic molecular dynamics and elastic network models of elastin to determine the role of mutations in diseases such as Cutis Laxa and Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis on elastin's structure and molecular conformational motions and implications for assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjie Yeo
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute of High Performance Computing, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138632
| | - GangSeob Jung
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anna Tarakanova
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Francisco J. Martín-Martínez
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Zhao Qin
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Institute of High Performance Computing, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138632
| | - Yong-Wei Zhang
- Institute of High Performance Computing, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138632
| | - Markus J. Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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4
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Pesqueira T, Costa-Almeida R, Mithieux SM, Babo PS, Franco AR, Mendes BB, Domingues RMA, Freitas P, Reis RL, Gomes ME, Weiss AS. Engineering magnetically responsive tropoelastin spongy-like hydrogels for soft tissue regeneration. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:1066-1075. [DOI: 10.1039/c7tb02035j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic biomaterials are a key focus in medical research.
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5
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Yeo G, Baldock C, Wise SG, Weiss AS. Targeted Modulation of Tropoelastin Structure and Assembly. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 3:2832-2844. [PMID: 29152561 PMCID: PMC5686564 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.6b00564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tropoelastin, as the monomer unit of elastin, assembles into elastic fibers that impart strength and resilience to elastic tissues. Tropoelastin is also widely used to manufacture versatile materials with specific mechanical and biological properties. The assembly of tropoelastin into elastic fibers or biomaterials is crucially influenced by key submolecular regions and specific residues within these domains. In this work, we identify the functional contributions of two rarely occurring negatively charged residues, glutamate 345 in domain 19 and glutamate 414 in domain 21, in jointly maintaining the native conformation of the tropoelastin hinge, bridge and foot regions. Alanine substitution of E345 and/or E414 variably alters the positioning and interactive accessibility of these regions, as illustrated by nanostructural studies and detected by antibody and cell probes. These structural changes are associated with a lower propensity for monomer coacervation, cross-linking into morphologically and functionally atypical hydrogels, and markedly impaired and abnormal elastic fiber formation. Our work indicates the crucial significance of both E345 and E414 residues in modulating specific local structure and higher-order assembly of human tropoelastin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle
C. Yeo
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and
Environmental Sciences, School of Physics, Sydney Medical School, and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Clair Baldock
- Wellcome
Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine
and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Steven G. Wise
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and
Environmental Sciences, School of Physics, Sydney Medical School, and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- The
Heart Research Institute, 7 Eliza Street, Newtown, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Anthony S. Weiss
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and
Environmental Sciences, School of Physics, Sydney Medical School, and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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6
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Yeo GC, Kondyurin A, Kosobrodova E, Weiss AS, Bilek MMM. A sterilizable, biocompatible, tropoelastin surface coating immobilized by energetic ion activation. J R Soc Interface 2017; 14:20160837. [PMID: 28179545 PMCID: PMC5332567 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.0837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomimetic materials which integrate with surrounding tissues and regulate new tissue formation are attractive for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Plasma immersion ion-implanted (PIII) polyethersulfone (PES) provides an excellent platform for the irreversible immobilization of bioactive proteins and peptides. PIII treatment significantly improves PES wettability and results in the formation of acidic groups on the PES surface, with the highest concentration observed at 40-80 s of PIII treatment. The elastomeric protein tropoelastin can be stably adhered to PIII-treated PES in a cell-interactive conformation by tailoring the pH and salt levels of the protein-surface association conditions. Tropoelastin-coated PIII-treated PES surfaces are resistant to molecular fouling, and actively promote high levels of fibroblast adhesion and proliferation while maintaining cell morphology. Tropoelastin, unlike other extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin, uniquely retains full bioactivity even after medical-grade ethylene oxide sterilization. This dual approach of PIII treatment and tropoelastin cloaking allows for the stable, robust functionalization of clinically used polymer materials for directed cellular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle C Yeo
- School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Alexey Kondyurin
- School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Elena Kosobrodova
- School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Anthony S Weiss
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Marcela M M Bilek
- School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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7
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Muiznieks LD, Keeley FW. Biomechanical Design of Elastic Protein Biomaterials: A Balance of Protein Structure and Conformational Disorder. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2016; 3:661-679. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.6b00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D. Muiznieks
- Molecular
Structure and Function Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 0A4
| | - Fred W. Keeley
- Molecular
Structure and Function Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 0A4
- Department
of Biochemistry and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, 1 King’s College Circle, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8
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8
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Yeo GC, Tarakanova A, Baldock C, Wise SG, Buehler MJ, Weiss AS. Subtle balance of tropoelastin molecular shape and flexibility regulates dynamics and hierarchical assembly. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2016; 2:e1501145. [PMID: 26998516 PMCID: PMC4795673 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1501145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The assembly of the tropoelastin monomer into elastin is vital for conferring elasticity on blood vessels, skin, and lungs. Tropoelastin has dual needs for flexibility and structure in self-assembly. We explore the structure-dynamics-function interplay, consider the duality of molecular order and disorder, and identify equally significant functional contributions by local and global structures. To study these organizational stratifications, we perturb a key hinge region by expressing an exon that is universally spliced out in human tropoelastins. We find a herniated nanostructure with a displaced C terminus and explain by molecular modeling that flexible helices are replaced with substantial β sheets. We see atypical higher-order cross-linking and inefficient assembly into discontinuous, thick elastic fibers. We explain this dysfunction by correlating local and global structural effects with changes in the molecule's assembly dynamics. This work has general implications for our understanding of elastomeric proteins, which balance disordered regions with defined structural modules at multiple scales for functional assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle C. Yeo
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- School of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Anna Tarakanova
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Clair Baldock
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Steven G. Wise
- The Heart Research Institute, Newtown, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Markus J. Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anthony S. Weiss
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- School of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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9
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Weiss AS. Perspectives on the Molecular and Biological Implications of Tropoelastin in Human Tissue Elasticity. Aust J Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/ch16452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The elasticity of a range of vertebrate and particularly human tissues depends on the dynamic and persistent protein elastin. This elasticity is diverse, and comprises skin, blood vessels, and lung, and is essential for tissue viability. Elastin is predominantly made by assembling tropoelastin, which is an asymmetric 20-nm-long protein molecule. This overview considers tropoelastin’s molecular features and biological interactions in the context of its value in tissue repair.
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10
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Girotti A, Orbanic D, Ibáñez-Fonseca A, Gonzalez-Obeso C, Rodríguez-Cabello JC. Recombinant Technology in the Development of Materials and Systems for Soft-Tissue Repair. Adv Healthc Mater 2015; 4:2423-55. [PMID: 26172311 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201500152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The field of biomedicine is constantly investing significant research efforts in order to gain a more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms that govern the function of body compartments and to develop creative solutions for the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. The main overall goal is to develop relatively simple systems that are able to mimic naturally occurring constructs and can therefore be used in regenerative medicine. Recombinant technology, which is widely used to obtain new tailored synthetic genes that express polymeric protein-based structures, now offers a broad range of advantages for that purpose by permitting the tuning of biological and mechanical properties depending on the intended application while simultaneously ensuring adequate biocompatibility and biodegradability of the scaffold formed by the polymers. This Progress Report is focused on recombinant protein-based materials that resemble naturally occurring proteins of interest for use in soft tissue repair. An overview of recombinant biomaterials derived from elastin, silk, collagen and resilin is given, along with a description of their characteristics and suggested applications. Current endeavors in this field are continuously providing more-improved materials in comparison with conventional ones. As such, a great effort is being made to put these materials through clinical trials in order to favor their future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Girotti
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology); CIBER-BBN; University of Valladolid, Edificio LUCIA; Paseo de Belén, 19 47011 Valladolid Spain
| | - Doriana Orbanic
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology); CIBER-BBN; University of Valladolid, Edificio LUCIA; Paseo de Belén, 19 47011 Valladolid Spain
| | - Arturo Ibáñez-Fonseca
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology); CIBER-BBN; University of Valladolid, Edificio LUCIA; Paseo de Belén, 19 47011 Valladolid Spain
| | - Constancio Gonzalez-Obeso
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology); CIBER-BBN; University of Valladolid, Edificio LUCIA; Paseo de Belén, 19 47011 Valladolid Spain
| | - José Carlos Rodríguez-Cabello
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology); CIBER-BBN; University of Valladolid, Edificio LUCIA; Paseo de Belén, 19 47011 Valladolid Spain
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11
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Muiznieks LD, Reichheld SE, Sitarz EE, Miao M, Keeley FW. Proline-poor hydrophobic domains modulate the assembly and material properties of polymeric elastin. Biopolymers 2015; 103:563-73. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D. Muiznieks
- Molecular Structure and Function Program, Research Institute, Hospital For Sick Children; 555 University Ave Toronto ON M5G1X8 Canada
| | - Sean E. Reichheld
- Molecular Structure and Function Program, Research Institute, Hospital For Sick Children; 555 University Ave Toronto ON M5G1X8 Canada
| | - Eva E. Sitarz
- Molecular Structure and Function Program, Research Institute, Hospital For Sick Children; 555 University Ave Toronto ON M5G1X8 Canada
| | - Ming Miao
- Molecular Structure and Function Program, Research Institute, Hospital For Sick Children; 555 University Ave Toronto ON M5G1X8 Canada
| | - Fred W. Keeley
- Molecular Structure and Function Program, Research Institute, Hospital For Sick Children; 555 University Ave Toronto ON M5G1X8 Canada
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto ON M5S1A8 Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology; University of Toronto; Toronto ON M5S1A8 Canada
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12
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Yeo GC, Baldock C, Wise SG, Weiss AS. A negatively charged residue stabilizes the tropoelastin N-terminal region for elastic fiber assembly. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:34815-26. [PMID: 25342751 PMCID: PMC4263881 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.606772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropoelastin is an extracellular matrix protein that assembles into elastic fibers that provide elasticity and strength to vertebrate tissues. Although the contributions of specific tropoelastin regions during each stage of elastogenesis are still not fully understood, studies predominantly recognize the central hinge/bridge and C-terminal foot as the major participants in tropoelastin assembly, with a number of interactions mediated by the abundant positively charged residues within these regions. However, much less is known about the importance of the rarely occurring negatively charged residues and the N-terminal coil region in tropoelastin assembly. The sole negatively charged residue in the first half of human tropoelastin is aspartate 72. In contrast, the same region comprises 17 positively charged residues. We mutated this aspartate residue to alanine and assessed the elastogenic capacity of this novel construct. We found that D72A tropoelastin has a decreased propensity for initial self-association, and it cross-links aberrantly into denser, less porous hydrogels with reduced swelling properties. Although the mutant can bind cells normally, it does not form elastic fibers with human dermal fibroblasts and forms fewer atypical fibers with human retinal pigmented epithelial cells. This impaired functionality is associated with conformational changes in the N-terminal region. Our results strongly point to the role of the Asp-72 site in stabilizing the N-terminal segment of human tropoelastin and the importance of this region in facilitating elastic fiber assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle C Yeo
- From the School of Molecular Bioscience and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Clair Baldock
- the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Steven G Wise
- the Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales 2042, Australia, and the Sydney Medical School and
| | - Anthony S Weiss
- From the School of Molecular Bioscience and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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13
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Wise SG, Yeo GC, Hiob MA, Rnjak-Kovacina J, Kaplan DL, Ng MKC, Weiss AS. Tropoelastin: a versatile, bioactive assembly module. Acta Biomater 2014; 10:1532-41. [PMID: 23938199 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Elastin provides structural integrity, biological cues and persistent elasticity to a range of important tissues, including the vasculature and lungs. Its critical importance to normal physiology makes it a desirable component of biomaterials that seek to repair or replace these tissues. The recent availability of large quantities of the highly purified elastin monomer, tropoelastin, has allowed for a thorough characterization of the mechanical and biological mechanisms underpinning the benefits of mature elastin. While tropoelastin is a flexible molecule, a combination of optical and structural analyses has defined key regions of the molecule that directly contribute to the elastomeric properties and control the cell interactions of the protein. Insights into the structure and behavior of tropoelastin have translated into increasingly sophisticated elastin-like biomaterials, evolving from classically manufactured hydrogels and fibers to new forms, stabilized in the absence of incorporated cross-linkers. Tropoelastin is also compatible with synthetic and natural co-polymers, expanding the applications of its potential use beyond traditional elastin-rich tissues and facilitating finer control of biomaterial properties and the design of next-generation tailored bioactive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven G Wise
- The Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Giselle C Yeo
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Matti A Hiob
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; The Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia
| | - Jelena Rnjak-Kovacina
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Martin K C Ng
- The Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Anthony S Weiss
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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14
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Reichheld SE, Muiznieks LD, Stahl R, Simonetti K, Sharpe S, Keeley FW. Conformational transitions of the cross-linking domains of elastin during self-assembly. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:10057-68. [PMID: 24550393 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.533893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Elastin is the intrinsically disordered polymeric protein imparting the exceptional properties of extension and elastic recoil to the extracellular matrix of most vertebrates. The monomeric precursor of elastin, tropoelastin, as well as polypeptides containing smaller subsets of the tropoelastin sequence, can self-assemble through a colloidal phase separation process called coacervation. Present understanding suggests that self-assembly is promoted by association of hydrophobic domains contained within the tropoelastin sequence, whereas polymerization is achieved by covalent joining of lysine side chains within distinct alanine-rich, α-helical cross-linking domains. In this study, model elastin polypeptides were used to determine the structure of cross-linking domains during the assembly process and the effect of sequence alterations in these domains on assembly and structure. CD temperature melts indicated that partial α-helical structure in cross-linking domains at lower temperatures was absent at physiological temperature. Solid-state NMR demonstrated that β-strand structure of the cross-linking domains dominated in the coacervate state, although α-helix was predominant after subsequent cross-linking of lysine side chains with genipin. Mutation of lysine residues to hydrophobic amino acids, tyrosine or alanine, leads to increased propensity for β-structure and the formation of amyloid-like fibrils, characterized by thioflavin-T binding and transmission electron microscopy. These findings indicate that cross-linking domains are structurally labile during assembly, adapting to changes in their environment and aggregated state. Furthermore, the sequence of cross-linking domains has a dramatic effect on self-assembly properties of elastin-like polypeptides, and the presence of lysine residues in these domains may serve to prevent inappropriate ordered aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean E Reichheld
- From the Molecular Structure and Function Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8 and
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15
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Muiznieks LD, Keeley FW. Molecular assembly and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix: A fibrous protein perspective. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2012; 1832:866-75. [PMID: 23220448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is an integral and dynamic component of all tissues. Macromolecular compositions and structural architectures of the matrix are tissue-specific and typically are strongly influenced by the magnitude and direction of biomechanical forces experienced as part of normal tissue function. Fibrous extracellular networks of collagen and elastin provide the dominant response to tissue mechanical forces. These matrix proteins enable tissues to withstand high tensile and repetitive stresses without plastic deformation or rupture. Here we provide an overview of the hierarchical molecular and supramolecular assembly of collagens and elastic fibers, and review their capacity for mechanical behavior in response to force. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Fibrosis: Translation of basic research to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Muiznieks
- Molecular Structure and Function Program, The Hospital For Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, Canada
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16
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Le Brun AP, Chow J, Bax DV, Nelson A, Weiss AS, James M. Molecular Orientation of Tropoelastin is Determined by Surface Hydrophobicity. Biomacromolecules 2012; 13:379-86. [DOI: 10.1021/bm201404x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anton P. Le Brun
- Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology
Organisation, Locked
Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - John Chow
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Daniel V. Bax
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Andrew Nelson
- Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology
Organisation, Locked
Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Anthony S. Weiss
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael James
- Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology
Organisation, Locked
Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052,
Australia
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17
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Yeo GC, Keeley FW, Weiss AS. Coacervation of tropoelastin. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2011; 167:94-103. [PMID: 21081222 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2010.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Revised: 10/13/2010] [Accepted: 10/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The coacervation of tropoelastin represents the first major stage of elastic fiber assembly. The process has been modeled in vitro by numerous studies, initially with mixtures of solubilized elastin, and subsequently with synthetic elastin peptides that represent hydrophobic repeat units, isolated hydrophobic domains, segments of alternating hydrophobic and cross-linking domains, or the full-length monomer. Tropoelastin coacervation in vitro is characterized by two stages: an initial phase separation, which involves a reversible inverse temperature transition of monomer to n-mer; and maturation, which is defined by the irreversible coalescence of coacervates into large species with fibrillar structures. Coacervation is an intrinsic ability of tropoelastin. It is primarily influenced by the number, sequence, and contextual arrangement of hydrophobic domains, although hydrophilic sequences can also affect the behavior of the hydrophobic domains and thus affect coacervation. External conditions including ionic strength, pH, and temperature also directly influence the propensity of tropoelastin to self-associate. Coacervation is an endothermic, entropically-driven process driven by the cooperative interactions of hydrophobic domains following destabilization of the clathrate-like water shielding these regions. The formation of such assemblies is believed to follow a helical nucleation model of polymerization. Coacervation is closely associated with conformational transitions of the monomer, such as increased β-structures in hydrophobic domains and α-helices in cross-linking domains. Tropoelastin coacervation in vivo is thought to mainly involve the central hydrophobic domains. In addition, cell-surface glycosaminoglycans and microfibrillar proteins may regulate the process. Coacervation is essential for progression to downstream elastogenic stages, and impairment of the process can result in elastin haploinsufficiency disorders such as supravalvular aortic stenosis.
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18
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Baldock C, Oberhauser AF, Ma L, Lammie D, Siegler V, Mithieux SM, Tu Y, Chow JYH, Suleman F, Malfois M, Rogers S, Guo L, Irving TC, Wess TJ, Weiss AS. Shape of tropoelastin, the highly extensible protein that controls human tissue elasticity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:4322-7. [PMID: 21368178 PMCID: PMC3060269 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1014280108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Elastin enables the reversible deformation of elastic tissues and can withstand decades of repetitive forces. Tropoelastin is the soluble precursor to elastin, the main elastic protein found in mammals. Little is known of the shape and mechanism of assembly of tropoelastin as its unique composition and propensity to self-associate has hampered structural studies. In this study, we solve the nanostructure of full-length and corresponding overlapping fragments of tropoelastin using small angle X-ray and neutron scattering, allowing us to identify discrete regions of the molecule. Tropoelastin is an asymmetric coil, with a protruding foot that encompasses the C-terminal cell interaction motif. We show that individual tropoelastin molecules are highly extensible yet elastic without hysteresis to perform as highly efficient molecular nanosprings. Our findings shed light on how biology uses this single protein to build durable elastic structures that allow for cell attachment to an appended foot. We present a unique model for head-to-tail assembly which allows for the propagation of the molecule's asymmetric coil through a stacked spring design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clair Baldock
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Andres F. Oberhauser
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555
| | - Donna Lammie
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4LU, United Kingdom
| | - Veronique Siegler
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4LU, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne M. Mithieux
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Yidong Tu
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - John Yuen Ho Chow
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Farhana Suleman
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Malfois
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Rogers
- ISIS Science and Technology Facilities Council, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX, United Kingdom; and
| | - Liang Guo
- BioCAT, Center for Synchrotron Radiation Research and Instrumentation and Department of Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, 3101 South Dearborn Street, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616
| | - Thomas C. Irving
- BioCAT, Center for Synchrotron Radiation Research and Instrumentation and Department of Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, 3101 South Dearborn Street, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616
| | - Tim J. Wess
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4LU, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony S. Weiss
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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19
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Muiznieks LD, Keeley FW. Proline periodicity modulates the self-assembly properties of elastin-like polypeptides. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:39779-89. [PMID: 20947499 PMCID: PMC3000959 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.164467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Revised: 09/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Elastin is a self-assembling protein of the extracellular matrix that provides tissues with elastic extensibility and recoil. The monomeric precursor, tropoelastin, is highly hydrophobic yet remains substantially disordered and flexible in solution, due in large part to a high combined threshold of proline and glycine residues within hydrophobic sequences. In fact, proline-poor elastin-like sequences are known to form amyloid-like fibrils, rich in β-structure, from solution. On this basis, it is clear that hydrophobic elastin sequences are in general optimized to avoid an amyloid fate. However, a small number of hydrophobic domains near the C terminus of tropoelastin are substantially depleted of proline residues. Here we investigated the specific contribution of proline number and spacing to the structure and self-assembly propensities of elastin-like polypeptides. Increasing the spacing between proline residues significantly decreased the ability of polypeptides to reversibly self-associate. Real-time imaging of the assembly process revealed the presence of smaller colloidal droplets that displayed enhanced propensity to cluster into dense networks. Structural characterization showed that these aggregates were enriched in β-structure but unable to bind thioflavin-T. These data strongly support a model where proline-poor regions of the elastin monomer provide a unique contribution to assembly and suggest a role for localized β-sheet in mediating self-assembly interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D. Muiznieks
- From the Molecular Structure and Function Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8 and
| | - Fred W. Keeley
- From the Molecular Structure and Function Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8 and
- the Department of Biochemistry, the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
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20
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Muiznieks LD, Weiss AS, Keeley FW. Structural disorder and dynamics of elastin. Biochem Cell Biol 2010; 88:239-50. [PMID: 20453927 DOI: 10.1139/o09-161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Elastin is a self-assembling, extracellular-matrix protein that is the major provider of tissue elasticity. Here we review structural studies of elastin from over four decades, and draw together evidence for solution flexibility and conformational disorder that is inherent in all levels of structural organization. The characterization of disorder is consistent with an entropy-driven mechanism of elastic recoil. We conclude that conformational disorder is a constitutive feature of elastin structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Muiznieks
- Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
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21
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Heinz A, Jung MC, Duca L, Sippl W, Taddese S, Ihling C, Rusciani A, Jahreis G, Weiss AS, Neubert RHH, Schmelzer CEH. Degradation of tropoelastin by matrix metalloproteinases--cleavage site specificities and release of matrikines. FEBS J 2010; 277:1939-56. [PMID: 20345904 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2010.07616.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To provide a basis for the development of approaches to treat elastin-degrading diseases, the aim of this study was to investigate the degradation of the natural substrate tropoelastin by the elastinolytic matrix metalloproteinases MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-12 and to compare the cleavage site specificities of the enzymes using complementary MS techniques and molecular modeling. Furthermore, the ability of the three proteases to release bioactive peptides was studied. Tropoelastin was readily degraded by all three MMPs. Eighty-nine cleavage sites in tropoelastin were identified for MMP-12, whereas MMP-7 and MMP-9 were found to cleave at only 58 and 63 sites, respectively. Cleavages occurred predominantly in the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of tropoelastin. With respect to the cleavage site specificities, the study revealed that all three MMPs similarly tolerate hydrophobic and/or aliphatic amino acids, including Pro, Gly, Ile, and Val, at P(1)'. MMP-7 shows a strong preference for Leu at P(1)', which is also well accepted by MMP-9 and MMP-12. Of all three MMPs, MMP-12 best tolerates bulky charged and aromatic amino acids at P(1)'. All three MMPs showed a clear preference for Pro at P(3) that could be structurally explained by molecular modeling. Analysis of the generated peptides revealed that all three MMPs show a similar ability to release bioactive sequences, with MMP-12 producing the highest number of these peptides. Furthermore, the generated peptides YTTGKLPYGYGPGG, YGARPGVGVGGIP, and PGFGAVPGA, containing GxxPG motifs that have not yet been proven to be bioactive, were identified as new matrikines upon biological activity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Heinz
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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22
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Dyksterhuis LB, Carter EA, Mithieux SM, Weiss AS. Tropoelastin as a thermodynamically unfolded premolten globule protein: The effect of trimethylamine N-oxide on structure and coacervation. Arch Biochem Biophys 2009; 487:79-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2009] [Revised: 05/29/2009] [Accepted: 06/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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23
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Tamburro AM. A never-ending love story with elastin: a scientific autobiography. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2009; 4:469-87. [PMID: 19505248 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.09.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The author describes, in a quite unconventional way, the most important results achieved in the last 50 years in the field of elastin structure–elasticity relationships, beginning with the first invaluable findings of Partridge on desmosines and isodesmosines until the most recent theories on elastomeric proteins. The author also relates a scientific autobiography characterized by his greatest passion, elastin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M Tamburro
- University of Basilicata, Department of Chemistry, Via N. Sauro 85, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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24
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Wise SG, Weiss AS. Tropoelastin. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2008; 41:494-7. [PMID: 18468477 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2008] [Revised: 03/25/2008] [Accepted: 03/26/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Tropoelastin is a 60-72 kDa alternatively spliced extracellular matrix protein and a key component of elastic fibres. It is found in all vertebrates except for cyclostomes. Secreted tropoelastin is tethered to the cell surface, where it aggregates into organised spheres for cross-linking and incorporation into growing elastic fibres. Tropoelastin is characterised by alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains and is highly flexible. The conserved C-terminus is an area of the molecule of particular biological importance in that it is required for both incorporation into elastin and for cellular interactions. Mature cross-linked tropoelastin gives elastin, which confers resilience and elasticity on a diverse range of tissues. Elastin gene disruptions in disease states and knockout mice emphasise the importance of proper tropoelastin production and assembly, particularly in vascular tissue. Tropoelastin constructs hold promise as biomaterials as they mimic many of elastin's physical and biological properties with the capacity to replace damaged elastin-rich tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven G Wise
- School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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