Distribution of, and a putative role for, the cell-surface neutral metallo-endopeptidases during mammalian craniofacial development

Neprilysin expression and functions in development, ageing and disease

Neprilysin (NEP) is an integral membrane-bound metallopeptidase with a wide spectrum of substrates and physiological functions. It plays an important role in proteolytic processes in the kidney, cardiovascular regulation, immune response, cell proliferation, foetal development etc. It is an important neuropeptidase and amyloid-degrading enzyme which makes NEP a therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, it plays a preventive role in development of cancer, obesity and type-2 diabetes. Recently a role of NEP in COVID-19 pathogenesis has also been suggested. Despite intensive research into NEP structure and functions in different organisms, changes in its expression and regulation during brain development and ageing, especially in age-related pathologies, is still not fully understood. This prevents development of pharmacological treatments from various diseases in which NEP is implicated although recently a dual-acting drug sacubitril-valsartan (LCZ696) combining a NEP inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker has been approved for treatment of heart failure. Also, various natural compounds capable of upregulating NEP expression, including green tea (EGCG), have been proposed as a preventive medicine in prostate cancer and AD. This review summarizes the existing literature and our own research on the expression and activity of NEP in normal brain development, ageing and under pathological conditions.

Proteolytic degradation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) from head to toe: Identification of novel NPY-cleaving peptidases and potential drug interactions in CNS and Periphery

The bioactivity of neuropeptide Y (NPY) is either N-terminally modulated with respect to receptor selectivity by dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DP4)-like enzymes or proteolytic degraded by neprilysin or meprins, thereby abrogating signal transduction. However, neither the subcellular nor the compartmental differentiation of these regulatory mechanisms is fully understood. Using mass spectrometry, selective inhibitors and histochemistry, studies across various cell types, body fluids, and tissues revealed that most frequently DP4-like enzymes, aminopeptidases P, secreted meprin-A (Mep-A), and cathepsin D (CTSD) rapidly hydrolyze NPY, depending on the cell type and tissue under study. Novel degradation of NPY by cathepsins B, D, L, G, S, and tissue kallikrein could also be identified. The expression of DP4, CTSD, and Mep-A at the median eminence indicates that the bioactivity of NPY is regulated by peptidases at the interphase between the periphery and the CNS. Detailed ex vivo studies on human sera and CSF samples recognized CTSD as the major NPY-cleaving enzyme in the CSF, whereas an additional C-terminal truncation by angiotensin-converting enzyme could be detected in serum. The latter finding hints to potential drug interaction between antidiabetic DP4 inhibitors and anti-hypertensive angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, while it ablates suspected hypertensive side effects of only antidiabetic DP4-inhibitors application. The bioactivity of neuropeptide Y (NPY) is either N-terminally modulated with respect to receptor selectivity by dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DP4)-like enzymes or proteolytic degraded by neprilysin or meprins, thereby abrogating signal transduction. However, neither the subcellular nor the compartmental differentiation of these regulatory mechanisms is fully understood. Using mass spectrometry, selective inhibitors and histochemistry, studies across various cell types, body fluids, and tissues revealed that most frequently DP4-like enzymes, aminopeptidases P, secreted meprin-A (Mep-A), and cathepsin D (CTSD) rapidly hydrolyze NPY, depending on the cell type and tissue under study. Novel degradation of NPY by cathepsins B, D, L, G, S, and tissue kallikrein could also be identified. The expression of DP4, CTSD, and Mep-A at the median eminence indicates that the bioactivity of NPY is regulated by peptidases at the interphase between the periphery and the CNS. Detailed ex vivo studies on human sera and CSF samples recognized CTSD as the major NPY-cleaving enzyme in the CSF, whereas an additional C-terminal truncation by angiotensin-converting enzyme could be detected in serum. The latter finding hints to potential drug interaction between antidiabetic DP4 inhibitors and anti-hypertensive angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, while it ablates suspected hypertensive side effects of only antidiabetic DP4-inhibitors application.

Meprin A metalloproteinase and its role in acute kidney injury

Meprin A, composed of α- and β-subunits, is a membrane-associated neutral metalloendoprotease that belongs to the astacin family of zinc endopeptidases. It was first discovered as an azocasein and benzoyl-l-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid hydrolase in the brush-border membranes of proximal tubules and intestines. Meprin isoforms are now found to be widely distributed in various organs (kidney, intestines, leukocytes, skin, bladder, and a variety of cancer cells) and are capable of hydrolyzing and processing a large number of substrates, including extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, adherens junction proteins, hormones, bioactive peptides, and cell surface proteins. The ability of meprin A to cleave various substrates sheds new light on the functional properties of this enzyme, including matrix remodeling, inflammation, and cell-cell and cell-matrix processes. Following ischemia-reperfusion (IR)- and cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), meprin A is redistributed toward the basolateral plasma membrane, and the cleaved form of meprin A is excreted in the urine. These studies suggest that altered localization and shedding of meprin A in places other than the apical membranes may be deleterious in vivo in acute tubular injury. These studies also provide new insight into the importance of a sheddase involved in the release of membrane-associated meprin A under pathological conditions. Meprin A is injurious to the kidney during AKI, as meprin A-knockout mice and meprin inhibition provide protective roles and improve renal function. Meprin A, therefore, plays an important role in AKI and potentially is a unique target for therapeutic intervention during AKI.

Delivery of peptide and protein drugs over the blood-brain barrier

Peptide and protein (P/P) drugs have been identified as showing great promises for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases. A major challenge in this regard, however, is the delivery of P/P drugs over the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Intense research over the last 25 years has enabled a better understanding of the cellular and molecular transport mechanisms at the BBB, and several strategies for enhanced P/P drug delivery over the BBB have been developed and tested in preclinical and clinical-experimental research. Among them, technology-based approaches (comprising functionalized nanocarriers and liposomes) and pharmacological strategies (such as the use of carrier systems and chimeric peptide technology) appear to be the most promising ones. This review combines a comprehensive overview on the current understanding of the transport mechanisms at the BBB with promising selected strategies published so far that can be applied to facilitate enhanced P/P drug delivery over the BBB.

Two alpha subunits and one beta subunit of meprin zinc-endopeptidases are differentially expressed in the zebrafish Danio rerio

Meprins are members of the astacin family of metalloproteases expressed in epithelial tissues, intestinal leukocytes and certain cancer cells. In mammals, there are two homologous subunits, which form complex glycosylated disulfide-bonded homo- and heterooligomers. Both human meprin alpha and meprin beta cleave several basement membrane components, suggesting a role in epithelial differentiation and cell migration. There is also evidence that meprin beta is involved in immune defence owing to its capability of activating interleukin-1beta and the diminished mobility of intestinal leukocytes in meprin beta-knockout mice. Here we show for the first time by reverse transcription PCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyses that meprins are expressed not only in mammals, but also in the zebrafish Danio rerio. In contrast to the human, mouse and rat enzymes, zebrafish meprins are encoded by three genes, corresponding to two homologous alpha subunits and one beta subunit. Observations at both the mRNA and protein level indicate a broad distribution of meprins in zebrafish. However, there are strikingly different expression patterns of the three subunits, which is consistent with meprin expression in mammals. Hence, D. rerio appears to be a suitable model to gain insight into the basic physiological functions of meprin metalloproteases.

The alpha and beta subunits of the metalloprotease meprin are expressed in separate layers of human epidermis, revealing different functions in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation

The zinc endopeptidase meprin (EC 3.4.24.18) is expressed in brush border membranes of intestine and kidney tubules, intestinal leukocytes, and certain cancer cells, suggesting a role in epithelial differentiation and cell migration. Here we show by RT-PCR and immunoblotting that meprin is also expressed in human skin. As visualized by immunohistochemistry, the two meprin subunits are localized in separate cell layers of the human epidermis. Meprin alpha is expressed in the stratum basale, whereas meprin beta is found in cells of the stratum granulosum just beneath the stratum corneum. In hyperproliferative epidermis such as in psoriasis vulgaris, meprin alpha showed a marked shift of expression from the basal to the uppermost layers of the epidermis. The expression patterns suggest distinct functions for the two subunits in skin. This assumption is supported by diverse effects of recombinant meprin alpha and beta on human adult low-calcium high-temperature keratinocytes. Here, beta induced a dramatic change in cell morphology and reduced the cell number, indicating a function in terminal differentiation, whereas meprin alpha did not affect cell viability, and may play a role in basal keratinocyte proliferation.

Aminopeptidase N during the ontogeny of the chick

Little is known about the production and function of metallopeptidases in embryonic development. One such enzyme, aminopeptidase N (APN), is present in several epithelia, the brain and angiogenic vessels in adults. APN promotes vascular growth and endothelial cell proliferation in physiological and pathological models of angiogenesis. However, its possible role in embryonic angiogenesis or other developmental processes is unknown. Its expression profile in the early phase of embryonic development has not been reported. We report here the expression of this enzyme during the early development of the chick embryo, using complementary techniques for monitoring APN mRNA, protein, and enzymatic activity. We detected APN in the embryo as early as gastrulation. In addition to the known sites of APN production identified in both adults and rat fetuses toward the end of gestation, APN was found in unexpected sites, such as the primitive streak, the dorsal folds of the neural tube, the somites, and the primordia of several organs. APN was present mostly in the cardiovascular compartment during the first 13 days of incubation, and in the hematopoietic compartment (yolk sac and aorta-gonad-mesonephros region) early in development. This study provides clues as to the possible role of APN in embryonic development.

Thiorphan, tiopronin, and related analogs as substrates and inhibitors of peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM)

Peptidyglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase is a copper- and zinc-dependent, bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of glycine-extended peptides or N-acylglycines to the corresponding amides and glyoxylate. This reaction is a key step in the biosynthesis of bioactive alpha-amidated peptides and, perhaps, the primary fatty acids amides also. Two clinically useful N-acylglycines are thiorphan and tiopronin, each with a thiol moiety attached to the acyl group. We report here that thiorphan and tiopronin are substrates for PAM, exhibiting relatively low K(M,app) and V(MAX,app) values. The low V(MAX,app) values result, most likely, from a decrease in active PAM.2Cu(II) as the enzyme competes ineffectively with thiorphan and tiopronin for free copper.

Novel method for studying myelination in vivo reveals that EDTA is a potent inhibitor of myelin protein and mRNA expression during development of the rat sciatic nerve

To probe the effects of possible inhibitors or enhancers of in vivo myelination, we have modified a technique widely used in studies of the developing neuromuscular system that involves incorporation of test compounds into a silicon rubber solution, which solidifies on contact with air. U-shaped rubber implants are inserted around the sciatic nerve of 1-day-old rats and left in place for 24-48 h. Sections from the region of the nerve lying within the implant, with or without the test compound, are then immunolabeled, examined with in situ hybridization or electron microscopy. Application of EDTA (440 microg/implant) in this way strongly suppressed the levels of the myelin-associated molecules protein P0, myelin basic protein (MBP), and galactocerebroside (Galc). mRNA levels for P0 and the myelin-related transcription factor Krox-20 were also reduced, further supporting association of the EDTA-induced effect with the myelinating Schwann cells. In contrast, no obvious differences were observed in either neurofilament (NF) protein or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, suggesting absence of influence on axons or nonmyelinating Schwann cells. Despite the severely altered molecular composition of myelin in the presence of EDTA, examination in the electron microscope did not reveal any apparent ultrastructural changes in the myelin sheaths or nerve development. This work introduces a novel method for studying nerve development and shows that EDTA, which chelates divalent cations such as Ca(2+) and Mg(2+), strongly and selectively reduces levels of molecules, which, on postnatal days 1-4, are expressed in myelinating cells at much higher levels than in cells not engaged in myelination.

The neuropeptide-degrading enzyme NL1 is expressed in specific neurons of mouse brain

Metalloendopeptidases of the M13 family were shown to play critical roles in normal physiological processes such as pain control, hypertension and phosphate metabolism, and in pathological states such as Alzheimer's disease. Recently, NL1, a novel member of the family, has been identified and shown to be expressed in several tissues both as a membrane-bound and a secreted protein. As a further step to understand the physiological role(s) of NL1 in mouse, we mapped NL1 mRNA expression pattern in embryos and in young animals at postnatal days p1 and p3, and in adult nervous tissue, using in situ hybridization at the cellular level. No expression could be detected in embryos and young animals. In contrast, NL1 expression was evident in adult brain, pituitary gland and spinal cord. In the central nervous system (CNS), NL1 mRNA was predominantly found in the ventro-posterior regions, which are mostly associated with vegetative functions. At the cellular level, NL1 mRNA was non-uniformly distributed within subpopulations of neurons. In the spinal cord, specific signal was observed in the gray matter. Then, in order to identify putative relevant substrates for NL1, we studied its enzymatic activity towards peptides known to be co-expressed in the NL1-positive domains. Our study showed that NL1 degrades several of these peptides in vitro, the most readily degraded peptides being Bradykinin and Substance P. These results suggest that NL1 is likely to play a critical role in the central nervous system.

Human adipose tissue cells keep tight control on the angiotensin II levels in their vicinity

Human adipose tissue expresses all components necessary for the local production of angiotensin II, which has multiple functions in adipose tissue, ranging from regulation of local blood flow to complex influences on tissue homeostasis. Still the mechanisms controlling human adipose tissue angiotensin II concentrations are not yet known. We investigated whether angiotensin II is degraded by human primary cultured preadipocytes and adipocytes and which enzymes are responsible for its metabolism. Distinct but transient angiotensin II production was limited by degradation due to consecutive proteolytic cleavage by endopeptidase and aminopeptidase activities. The endopeptidase could be identified as neprilysin expressed on the surface of both preadipocytes and adipocytes. Degradation of angiotensin II was preceded by a lag phase that was considerably longer in preadipocytes. This time span could not be explained by an induction of neprilysin nor by an increase in its surface localization. Following the lag phase, adipocytes showed a higher degradation activity than preadipocytes as mirrored by increased neprilysin levels and activity measured in their membrane fractions. Our findings demonstrate that human preadipocytes and adipocytes differentially express functional neprilysin and aminopeptidase activity involved in the regulation of angiotensin II concentrations in human adipose tissue.

Probing the active sites and mechanisms of rat metalloproteases meprin A and B

Meprin A and B are highly regulated, secreted and cell-surface homo- and hetero-oligomeric enzymes. Meprins are abundantly expressed in kidney and intestine. The multidomain alpha and beta subunits have high sequence identity, however they have very different substrate specificities, oligomerization potentials and are differentially regulated. Here we describe that meprin subunit activities are modulated differently by physico-chemical factors. Homo-oligomeric meprin B had an acidic pH optimum. The low pH protonation indicated the existence of at least two ionizable groups. An additional ionizable group generated a shoulder in the basic pH range. Homo-oligomeric meprin A had a neutral pH optimum and the activity curve revealed that two ionizable groups might be protonated at acidic pH similar to meprin B. Increasing the concentration of salt generally inhibited meprin B activity. Meprin A was inhibited at low salt concentrations but activated as salt was increased. This work has important implications in the elucidation of the catalytic mechanisms of meprins and other metalloproteases. In addition, the activity of meprin oligomers that arise in tissues will be affected by variations in pH and NaCl. This could have profound implications because meprins are exposed to a range of conditions in the extracellular milieu of renal and intestinal tissues and in inflammation and cancer.

Effect of neutral endopeptidase inhibitor on endogenous atrial natriuretic peptide as a paracrine factor in cultured cardiac fibroblasts

1. Cardiac remodelling is a fundamental response to hypertension, myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure, and involves cardiac fibroblast proliferation and production of extracellular matrix components such as collagen. The present study was performed to examine the role of endogenous atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) as a possible paracrine factor for cardiac fibroblasts, and to examine the effects of three neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors, thiorphan, phosphoramidon and ONO-BB-039-02 (ONO-BB) on endogenous ANP-induced changes in collagen synthesis by cultured neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts. 2. Each NEP inhibitor singly had no significant effect on collagen synthesis by cardiac fibroblasts, except for maximum concentration (10(-3) M) of thiorphan. 3. Exogenous ANP inhibited collagen synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner (10(-8) - 10(-6) M). Thiorphan (10(-4) and 10(-3) M) and phosphoramidon (10(-5) and 10(-4) M) enhanced the ANP (10(-7) M)-induced decrease in collagen synthesis. ONO-BB (10(-5) and 10(-4) M) slightly enhanced the ANP-induced decrease in collagen synthesis. 4. Myocyte-conditioned medium (MC-CM), as well as exogenous ANP, inhibited collagen synthesis dose-dependently. The decrease in collagen synthesis at 100% MC-CM was augmented by thiorphan (10(-3) M), phosphoramidon (10(-4) M) and ONO-BB (10(-4) M). 5. HS-142-1, a natriuretic peptide receptor antagonist, significantly reduced the MC-CM plus thiorphan- and MC-CM plus ONO-BB-induced decrease in collagen synthesis, by 92 and 62%, respectively and showed a tendency to attenuate the MC-CM plus phosphoramidon-induced decrease in collagen synthesis by 40%. 6. Our observations suggested that endogenous ANP released from cardiomyocytes inhibited collagen synthesis as a paracrine factor and that NEP inhibitors enhanced the activity of this peptide in cardiac fibroblasts.

Structure and expression of the human MEP1A gene encoding the alpha subunit of metalloendopeptidase meprin A

The human genome contains several sequences that are similar to the MEP1A gene encoding the alpha subunit of metalloendopeptidase meprin A. We now report the first genomic structure for the human MEP1A gene that maps to chromosome 6p21. The gene spans approximately 45 kb and consists of 14 exons and 13 introns. Overall, about 6.7% (3 kb) of the MEP1A gene corresponds to the exon sequences. Tissue specificity of the MEP1A gene expression was examined by dot blot analysis of poly(A) RNA from 50 different human tissues. The MEP1A mRNA was detected for the first time in kidney and appendix in addition to colon and small intestine previously known to express the gene. The elucidated gene structure and tissue-specific expression of the MEP1A gene set the stage for investigating regulation and function of the gene and related sequences in the human genome.

Heterologously overexpressed, affinity-purified human meprin alpha is functionally active and cleaves components of the basement membrane in vitro

Meprins are astacin-like metalloproteases of renal and intestinal epithelia and embryonic neuroepithelial cells. The full length cDNA of the human meprin alpha subunit has been overexpressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells yielding the tetrameric proprotein which could be proteolytically activated and affinity-purified to homogeneity. Recombinant meprin alpha hydrolyzes the synthetic substrate N-benzoyl-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA-peptide) and cleaves by limited proteolysis the basement membrane constituents laminin 1 and laminin 5. This supports a concept that meprin alpha, when basolaterally secreted by human colon carcinoma epithelial cells, increases the proteolytic capacity for tumor progression in the stroma.

Identification and localization of MEP1A-like sequences (MEP1AL1-4) in the human genome

The human MEP1A gene encodes the meprin alpha subunit that consists of a protease domain conserved in the astacin family of metalloendopeptidases and several C-terminal interaction domains present in other proteins. Using the alpha subunit cDNA, we identified two clones from a human P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC) library. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) mapped both PACs (1e12, 65a14) to chromosome 6p21, confirming the MEP1A location. FISH also mapped PAC 65a14 to chromosome 13cen, and to chromosome 9 in three different regions, 9p12-13, 9q21, and 9q22. Southern blot analysis showed that sequences of PAC 65a14 and MEP1A were similar in the 3' end but different in the 5' end, revealing for the first time that the human genome may encode multiple interaction domains highly similar to those of the meprin alpha subunit. The symbols of MEP1AL1, MEP1AL2, MEP1AL3, and MEP1AL4 have been designated for MEP1A-like sequences on 9p12-13, 9q21, 9q22, and 13cen, respectively.

Extracellular matrix remodeling during morphogenesis

The role of proteinases in extracellular matrix remodeling during the developmental program of bone, cartilage, muscle, and epithelial differentiation in the mandibular arch during embryogenesis was investigated. ECM changes accompany morphogenesis during development. The most dramatic changes occur during development of bone and cartilage. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was altered by regulating expression of MMPs by growth factors, by inhibiting MMP activity, and by genetic ablation of MMPs. The data point to critical roles for MMPs in cartilage development and endochondral bone formation. MMPs appear to regulate not only ECM degradation but also programmed cell death, cell migration, and invasion during these morphogenic processes. The data suggest that matrix metalloproteinases play a pivotal role in the morphogenesis of structures derived from epithelium (oral sulcus), somitic mesoderm (tongue), and cranial neural crest (Meckel's cartilage).

Signalling interactions during facial development

The development of the vertebrate face is a dynamic multi-step process which starts with the formation of neural crest cells in the developing brain and their subsequent migration to form, together with mesodermal cells, the facial primordia. Signalling interactions co-ordinate the outgrowth of the facial primordia from buds of undifferentiated mesenchyme into the intricate series of bones and cartilage structures that, together with muscle and other tissues, form the adult face. Some of the molecules that are thought to be involved have been identified through the use of mouse mutants, data from human craniofacial syndromes and by expression studies of signalling molecules during facial development. However, the way that these molecules control the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions which mediate facial outgrowth and morphogenesis is unclear. The role of neural crest cells in these processes has also not yet been well defined. In this review we discuss the complex interaction of all these processes during face development and describe the candidate signalling molecules and their possible target genes.

Neuroepithelial cells downregulate their plasma membrane polarity prior to neural tube closure and neurogenesis

Cell differentiation often involves changes in cell polarity. In this study we show that neuroepithelial cells, the progenitors of all neurons and macroglial cells of the vertebrate central nervous system, downregulate the polarized delivery to the apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains during development. Upon infection of the neuroepithelium of mouse embryos with fowl plague virus (FPV), polarized delivery of the viral envelope hemagglutinin, an apical marker, occurred at the neural plate stage (E8), but was downregulated at the open neural tube stage (E9). Upon infection with vesicular stomatitis virus, the viral envelope G protein, a basolateral marker, showed an unpolarized delivery not only at the open neural tube stage, but already at the neural plate stage. These results show that a progressive downregulation of plasma membrane polarity of neuroepithelial cells precedes neural tube closure and the onset of neurogenesis.

Prominin, a novel microvilli-specific polytopic membrane protein of the apical surface of epithelial cells, is targeted to plasmalemmal protrusions of non-epithelial cells

Using a new mAb raised against the mouse neuroepithelium, we have identified and cDNA-cloned prominin, an 858-amino acid-containing, 115-kDa glycoprotein. Prominin is a novel plasma membrane protein with an N-terminal extracellular domain, five transmembrane segments flanking two short cytoplasmic loops and two large glycosylated extracellular domains, and a cytoplasmic C-terminal domain. DNA sequences from Caenorhabditis elegans predict the existence of a protein with the same features, suggesting that prominin is conserved between vertebrates and invertebrates. Prominin is found not only in the neuroepithelium but also in various other epithelia of the mouse embryo. In the adult mouse, prominin has been detected in the brain ependymal layer, and in kidney tubules. In these epithelia, prominin is specific to the apical surface, where it is selectively associated with microvilli and microvilli-related structures. Remarkably, upon expression in CHO cells, prominin is preferentially localized to plasma membrane protrusions such as filopodia, lamellipodia, and microspikes. These observations imply that prominin contains information to be targeted to, and/or retained in, plasma membrane protrusions rather than the planar cell surface. Moreover, our results show that the mechanisms underlying targeting of membrane proteins to microvilli of epithelial cells and to plasma membrane protrusions of non-epithelial cells are highly related.

Current concepts in the understanding and management of hemifacial microsomia

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a complex congenital condition. This review discusses recent research findings which affect all aspects of HFM, and addresses some prevailing misconceptions. Firstly, the broad phenotype is outlined, with an emphasis on the facial anomalies which are important for diagnosis, classification and treatment. The range of HFM anomalies and their possible embryology also account for the varied terms used in the literature. In addition, consideration of causation helps to shape our understanding of HFM as a clinical entity. Aetiology is described with particular emphasis on the involvement of genetic factors, although at present this is largely hypothetical. Finally, the principles of HFM management are reviewed. Attention is given to the integrated planning and team approach necessary to treat such patients. In addition, the possible attributes of new treatments, such as distraction osteogenesis, are highlighted.

Matrix metalloproteinases regulate morphogenesis, migration and remodeling of epithelium, tongue skeletal muscle and cartilage in the mandibular arch

We have investigated the role of proteinases in the developmental program of bone, cartilage, tongue muscle and epithelial differentiation and remodeling in the mandibular arch during murine embryogenesis. Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) was tissue-specific with little or no expression in the epithelium of tooth buds, tongue or oral cavity. Gelatinase A mRNA transcripts were strongly expressed in the perichondrium of Meckel's cartilage and mesenchymal areas of embryonic day 13–15 mandibles, whereas gelatinase B, collagenase-3, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA were found primarily in the ossifying areas of the mandibles. The skeletal muscle of the tongue expressed stromelysin-3, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 mRNA while stromelysin-3, TIMP-2 and gelatinase A were seen in the overlying connective tissue layer. Gelatinase A, gelatinase B, stromelysin-1, urokinase, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA and protein activities were also detected in cultured mandibular explants. Culture of day 10 mandibular explants with a hydroxamic acid metalloproteinase inhibitor, but not with inhibitors of metalloendopeptidases (thiorphan and phosphoramidon), serine proteinases (aprotinin), cysteine proteinases (leupeptin) and urokinase (amiloride), altered mandibular morphogenesis dramatically. Development of the tongue (glossogenesis) and cartilage, but not bone or teeth was affected. Formation of the oral sulcus and fusion of the two epithelia of the medial sulcus were inhibited, and number and migration of myoblasts decreased. The resulting ‘tongue-tied phenotype’ indicates that MMPs are involved in epithelial morphogenesis and the migration of myoblasts to the region of the tongue. Development of the anterior segment of Meckel's cartilage was also inhibited and proteoglycan content of the cartilage was reduced by inhibiting MMPs. Our data suggest that matrix metalloproteinases play a pivotal role in the morphogenesis of structures derived from epithelium (oral sulcus), cranial paraxial mesoderm (tongue) and cranial neural crest (Meckel's cartilage).

Correlation of the exon/intron organization to the secondary structures of the protease domain of mouse meprin alpha subunit

Metalloendopeptidases of the astacin family contain a homologous protease domain of about 200 amino acids. We now report the genomic structure corresponding to the protease domain for one member of this family, the mouse meprin alpha subunit. This is the first such description for the mammalian meprin subunits. It consists of four small exons (76 to 222 base pairs) and three large introns (2.9 to 4.2 kilobases). The exon/intron organization correlates well with the secondary structure elements of the domain as predicted by computer modeling. Exon Ep1 contains beta strand I, and Ep2 consists of helix A and beta strands II-III. Ep3 corresponds to beta strands IV-V and helix B. Ep4 correlates with helices C and D. Introns Ip1 and Ip2 are present at the beginning of helix A and beta strand IV, respectively, and Ip3 is between helices B and C. Similar analyses of sequences previously published by others, have extended this correlation to other astacin family members from different organisms. The relationship between gene and protein structures within the astacin family provide novel information on the evolution of this family in relation to other gene families.

Isolation of a neuropeptide-degrading endopeptidase from the leech Theromyzon tessulatum

Extracts of head parts prepared from the leech Theromyzon tessulatum hydrolyse the Gly3-Phe4 bond of synthetic [D-Ala2, Leu5]enkephalin and the Gly-His bond of benzoyl-Gly-His-Leu. The metabolism of benzoyl-Gly-His-Leu was completely inhibited by captopril, consistent with an angiotensin-converting enzyme activity. Such an enzyme has recently been isolated from T. tessulatum. However, the enkephalin hydrolysis by captopril (100 microM) was inhibited to a maximum of 70%. The residual activity hydrolyzing enkephalin was inhibited by phosphoramidon, consistent with the presence of endopeptidase-24.11, a mammalian enzyme implicated in the metabolism of neuropeptides. This enzyme was isolated using four steps of purification including gel-permeation and anion-exchange chromatographies followed by reverse-phase HPLC. This neuropeptide endopeptidase (of approximate molecular mass 45 kDa) hydrolyses, at pH 7 and 37 degrees C, both the Gly3-Phe4 bond of synthetic [D-Ala2, Leu5]enkephalin and the Phe8-His9 bond of angiotensin I. Cleavage of [D-Ala2, Leu5]enkephalin yields, respectively, the Tyr-D-Ala-Gly and Phe-Leu peptides with a specific activity of 29 nmol Tyr-D-Ala-Gly.min-1.mg protein-1 (Km 95 microM). The hydrolysis of angiotensin I yields angiotensin II and the dipeptide His-Leu with a specific activity of 1.2 nmol angiotensin min-1.mg protein-1 (Km 330 microM). The metabolism of these peptides was totally inhibited by phosphoramidon. This study therefore provides biochemical evidence for neuropeptide-degrading endopeptidases in leeches.

The astacin family of metalloendopeptidases

The astacin family of metalloendopeptidases was recognized as a novel family of proteases in the 1990s. The crayfish enzyme astacin was the first characterized and is one of the smallest members of the family. More than 20 members of the family have now been identified. They have been detected in species ranging from hydra to humans, in mature and in developmental systems. Proposed functions of these proteases include activation of growth factors, degradation of polypeptides, and processing of extracellular proteins. Astacin family proteases are synthesized with NH2-terminal signal and proenzyme sequences, and many (such as meprins, BMP-1, tolloid) contain multiple domains COOH-terminal to the protease domain. They are either secreted from cells or are plasma membrane-associated enzymes. They have some distinguishing features in addition to the signature sequence in the protease domain: HEXXHXXGFXHEXXRXDR. They have a unique type of zinc binding, with pentacoordination, and a protease domain tertiary structure that contains common attributes with serralysins, matrix metalloendopeptidases, and snake venom proteases; they cleave peptide bonds in polypeptides such as insulin B chain and bradykinin and in proteins such as casein and gelatin; and they have arylamidase activity. Meprins are unique proteases in the astacin family, and indeed in the animal kingdom, in their oligomeric structure; they are dimers of disulfide-linked dimers and are highly glycosylated, type I integral membrane proteins that have many attributes of receptors or integrins with adhesion, epidermal growth factor-like, and transmembrane domains. The alpha and beta subunits are differentially expressed and processed to yield latent and active proteases as well as membrane-associated and secreted forms. Meprins represent excellent models of hetero- and homo-oligomeric enzymes that are regulated at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels.

Head development. Craniofacial genetics makes headway

Studies of neural crest migration in animal models, and of human syndromes in which craniofacial development is abnormal, are helping us to understand both prenatal and postnatal development of the head.