A comparative analysis of strategies for isolation of matrix vesicles

Matrix vesicles (MVs) are extracellular organelles involved in the initial steps of mineralization. MVs are isolated by two methods. The first isolation method of MVs starts with collagenase digestion of osseous tissues, followed by two differential centrifugations. The second isolation method does not use proteases but rather starts with differential centrifugation, followed by a fractionation on a sucrose gradient. The first method results in a homogeneous population of MVs with higher cholesterol/lipid content, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineral formation rate as compared with MVs isolated by the second method. The second method leads to higher protein diversity as compared with MVs isolated according to the first method. Due to their distinct protein composition, lipid-to-protein and cholesterol-to-phospholipid ratios, and differences in rates of mineral formation, both types of isolated MVs are crucial for proteomic analysis and for understanding the regulation of mineralization process at the molecular level.

Phosphodiesterase activity of alkaline phosphatase in ATP-initiated Ca(2+) and phosphate deposition in isolated chicken matrix vesicles

Inorganic pyrophosphate is a potent inhibitor of bone mineralization by preventing the seeding of calcium-phosphate complexes. Plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1 and tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase were reported to be antagonistic regulators of mineralization toward inorganic pyrophosphate formation (by plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1) and degradation (by tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase) under physiological conditions. In addition, they possess broad overlapping enzymatic functions. Therefore, we examined the roles of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase within matrix vesicles isolated from femurs of 17-day-old chick embryos, under conditions where these both antagonistic and overlapping functions could be evidenced. Addition of 25 microM ATP significantly increased duration of mineralization process mediated by matrix vesicles, while supplementation of mineralization medium with levamisole, an alkaline phosphatase inhibitor, reduces the ATP-induced retardation of mineral formation. Phosphodiesterase activity of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase for bis-p-nitrophenyl phosphate was confirmed, the rate of this phosphodiesterase activity is in the same range as that of phosphomonoesterase activity for p-nitrophenyl phosphate under physiological pH. In addition, tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase at pH 7.4 can hydrolyze ADPR. On the basis of these observations, it can be concluded that tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase, acting as a phosphomonoesterase, could hydrolyze free phosphate esters such as pyrophosphate and ATP, while as phosphodiesterase could contribute, together with plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1, in the production of pyrophosphate from ATP.

The roles of annexins and alkaline phosphatase in mineralization process

In this review the roles of specific proteins during the first step of mineralization and nucleation are discussed. Mineralization is initiated inside the extracellular organelles-matrix vesicles (MVs). MVs, containing relatively high concentrations of Ca2+ and inorganic phosphate (Pi), create an optimal environment to induce the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA). Special attention is given to two families of proteins present in MVs, annexins (AnxAs) and tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatases (TNAPs). Both families participate in the formation of HA crystals. AnxAs are Ca2+ - and lipid-binding proteins, which are involved in Ca2+ homeostasis in bone cells and in extracellular MVs. AnxAs form calcium ion channels within the membrane of MVs. Although the mechanisms of ion channel formation by AnxAs are not well understood, evidence is provided that acidic pH or GTP contribute to this process. Furthermore, low molecular mass ligands, as vitamin A derivatives, can modulate the activity of MVs by interacting with AnxAs and affecting their expression. AnxAs and other anionic proteins are also involved in the crystal nucleation. The second family of proteins, TNAPs, is associated with Pi homeostasis, and can hydrolyse a variety of phosphate compounds. ATP is released in the extracellular matrix, where it can be hydrolyzed by TNAPs, ATP hydrolases and nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) pyrophosphohydrolases. However, TNAP is probably not responsible for ATP-dependent Ca2+/phosphate complex formation. It can hydrolyse pyrophosphate (PPi), a known inhibitor of HA formation and a byproduct of NTP pyrophosphohydrolases. In this respect, antagonistic activities of TNAPs and NTP pyrophosphohydrolases can regulate the mineralization process.

Chick embryo anchored alkaline phosphatase and mineralization process in vitro

Bone alkaline phosphatase with glycolipid anchor (GPI-bALP) from chick embryo femurs in a medium without exogenous inorganic phosphate, but containing calcium and GPI-bALP substrates, served as in vitro model of mineral formation. The mineralization process was initiated by the formation of inorganic phosphate, arising from the hydrolysis of a substrate by GPI-bALP. Several mineralization media containing different substrates were analysed after an incubation time ranging from 1.5 h to 144 h. The measurements of Ca/Pi ratio and infrared spectra permitted us to follow the presence of amorphous and noncrystalline structures, while the analysis of X-ray diffraction data allowed us to obtain the stoichiometry of crystals. The hydrolysis of phosphocreatine, glucose 1-phosphate, glucose 6-phosphate, glucose 1,6-bisphosphate by GPI-bALP produced hydroxyapatite in a manner similar to that of beta-glycerophosphate. Several distinct steps in the mineral formation were observed. Amorphous calcium phosphate was present at the onset of the mineral formation, then poorly formed hydroxyapatite crystalline structures were observed, followed by the presence of hydroxyapatite crystals after 6-12 h incubation time. However, the hydrolysis of either ATP or ADP, catalysed by GPI-bALP in calcium-containing medium, did not lead to the formation of any hydroxyapatite crystals, even after 144 h incubation time, when hydrolysis of both nucleotides was completed. In contrast, the hydrolysis of AMP by GPI-bALP led to the appearance of hydroxyapatite crystals after 12 h incubation time. The hydroxyapatite formation depends not only on the ability of GPI-bALP to hydrolyze the organic phosphate but also on the nature of substrates affecting the nucleation process or producing inhibitors of the mineralization.

The roles of annexins and alkaline phosphatase in mineralization process

In this review the roles of specific proteins during the first step of mineralization and nucleation are discussed. Mineralization is initiated inside the extracellular organelles-matrix vesicles (MVs). MVs, containing relatively high concentrations of Ca2+ and inorganic phosphate (Pi), create an optimal environment to induce the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA). Special attention is given to two families of proteins present in MVs, annexins (AnxAs) and tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatases (TNAPs). Both families participate in the formation of HA crystals. AnxAs are Ca2+ - and lipid-binding proteins, which are involved in Ca2+ homeostasis in bone cells and in extracellular MVs. AnxAs form calcium ion channels within the membrane of MVs. Although the mechanisms of ion channel formation by AnxAs are not well understood, evidence is provided that acidic pH or GTP contribute to this process. Furthermore, low molecular mass ligands, as vitamin A derivatives, can modulate the activity of MVs by interacting with AnxAs and affecting their expression. AnxAs and other anionic proteins are also involved in the crystal nucleation. The second family of proteins, TNAPs, is associated with Pi homeostasis, and can hydrolyse a variety of phosphate compounds. ATP is released in the extracellular matrix, where it can be hydrolyzed by TNAPs, ATP hydrolases and nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) pyrophosphohydrolases. However, TNAP is probably not responsible for ATP-dependent Ca2+/phosphate complex formation. It can hydrolyse pyrophosphate (PPi), a known inhibitor of HA formation and a byproduct of NTP pyrophosphohydrolases. In this respect, antagonistic activities of TNAPs and NTP pyrophosphohydrolases can regulate the mineralization process.

Activity increase after extraction of alkaline phosphatase from human osteoblastic membranes by nonionic detergents: influence of age and sex

The solubilization of alkaline phosphatase (AP) from osteoblastic cell membranes obtained from human primary bone cell cultures was studied according to the age and sex of the donors (17 females, 11 males; age range: 2-77 years). Cell membranes were treated by non-ionic (n-octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside, OG), ionic or zwitterionic detergents, then centrifuged. When OG was used almost all the AP was solubilized. AP activity in supernatant of solubilization was compared to the activity of the suspension before centrifugation. The activity ratio (AR) increased in function of age for subjects between 65 and 74. Neither total nor specific AP activities were influenced by age or sex. Electrophoresis studies showed that the AP released was a GPI (glycosyl phosphatidylinositol)-anchored protein, amphipathic form, with 140 kDa as apparent molecular mass. The activity change of AP in the presence of OG may result from age-related modifications either in the AP structure or in the constituents of the plasma membranes (proteins or phospholipids).

Differential solubilization of osteoblastic alkaline phosphatase from human primary bone cell cultures

Mineralization of cartilage and bone requires alkaline phosphatase activity. In order to study the enzymatic properties of bone alkaline phosphatase in bone disease and more particularly in patients with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, we investigated the solubilization of alkaline phosphatase from primary bone cell cultures derived from human bone explants. To study the release of alkaline phosphatase from membranes, several detergents at a concentration above the critical micellar concentration and cholesterol were used. Solubilized alkaline phosphatase was characterized by enzymatic activity and electrophoresis analysis. Almost all the alkaline phosphatase was solubilized using non-ionic detergent as n-octylglucoside and hecameg. In comparison with initial membranous activity, the solubilized activity was increased by a factor, i.e. 2 +/- 0.05 (SEM, n = 3) (with n-octylglucoside), i.e. 2.1 +/- 0.05 (SEM, n = 3) (with Hecameg). With an ionic detergent (sodium dodecylsulfate), zwitterionic detergent ((cholamido propyl) dimethylammonio 1 propane sulfonate) and cholesterol, a fraction of alkaline phosphatase was resistant to solubilization. Electrophoresis studies showed that released alkaline phosphatase was a glycosylphosphatidylinositol protein (amphipatic form) with 140 kDa as apparent molecular weight. A hydrophilic form was obtained by treatment with a specific lipase. This study showed differential solubilization of osteoblastic alkaline phosphatase from human primary bone cell cultures. Better extractibility and higher activation of this membrane anchored enzyme were obtained with non-ionic detergents.

Studies on the mechanism of different collagen glucosyltransferase reactions (Golgi apparatus, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, rough endoplasmic reticulum) in chick embryo liver

1. The galactosylhydroxylysylglucosyltransferase (GGT) specific to collagen is located in the RER (rough endoplasmic reticulum), SER (smooth endoplasmic reticulum) and Golgi apparatus for the chick embryo liver. 2. The UDP-glucose collagen glucosyltransferase activities in chick embryo liver were solubilized by Nonidet P-40. 3. The mechanism of collagen glucosyltransferase reaction was studied with enzyme preparation of Golgi apparatus CF2, smooth endoplasmic reticulum CF4 and rough endoplasmic reticulum CF8. 4. For the three fractions, data obtained in experiments were consistent with a sequential ordered mechanism in which the substrates are bound to the enzyme in the following order: Mn2+, collagen and UDP-glucose substrate, with different values for Km and Vmax.

Characterization and purification of culture-derived soluble glycoproteins of Babesia canis

The addition of [14C]-glucosamine to media of Babesia canis cultures causes the appearance of labeled glycoproteins in the culture supernatants. These radioactive soluble glycoproteins were separated according to their molecular weight by gel filtration and according to their (acidic) pI by preparative electrofocusing. The labeled fractions were then analyzed by SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). The results showed three series of glycoproteic antigens. The molecular weights for the three antigens determined by gel filtration and by SDS-PAGE were approximately 100, 40, and 12.5 kDa, and the preparative gel electrofocusing suggested that the antigens focus in the pH range of 3-5.

[Quantitative analysis of a tetraribonucleotide mixture by ultraviolet spectrophotometry]

Using the least squares method we have calculated the proportions of each nucleotide of a mixture of AMP, CMP, GMP and UMP, after measuring the absorbance of the mixture every ten nanometers from 230 to 290 nm at pH 12.7 and 2. The method is very simple and rapid (the calculations are made in less than one minute), does not require a highly sensitive spectrophotometer to obtain reasonably precise results and, in contrast to the other methods of the literature, it can be applied to quantities as little as 50 micrograms of nucleotides.

[Simple method for preparation of rat liver DNA]

The frozen tissue was sliced and then homogenized at 20 degree C in LiCl, 2 M; lauryl-trimethyl ammonium chloride (K & K No. 4484), 5%; pronase, B grade (calbiochem), 1 mg/ml and Tris-HCl 10 mM pH 7.5. The homogenate was left to stand 15 min at 20 degree C with occasional shaking. After centrifugation at 35 000 X g for 30 min at 0 degree C, the supernatant containing the crude DNA was purified by filtration on Ultrogel A 2 (LKB, Sweden). The Ultrogel A 2 column (2.5 X 45 cm) was equilibrated with a solution containing NaCl 2 M, EDTA 2.5 mM, Tris-HCl 10 mM pH 7.5. The flow rate was 3 ml cm-2 h-1. Five ml of the supernatant were placed on the column. The first peak contained highly polymerized (as demonstrated by ultracentrifugation) pure DNA (A260/A230 = 3.19; A260/A280 = 1.82). The yield was 2.26 mg of DNA/g of fresh liver.

[Isolation and characterization of beef thyroid giant RNA]

Total HMW-RNAs were prepared by three different methods (method with phenol, method with NaClO4, method without phenol using Ultrogel AcA 22 filtration). Giant RNAs were obtained in the void volume by filtration on Sepharose 2B. The giant RNAs/total HMW-RNA ratio is higher (6.77%) with the gel filtration method than with phenol or NaClO4 methods (1.41% and 1.00% respectively). The nucleotide composition of these RNAs is DNA-like and the sedimentation constants are approximately 70-100 S.

[Rapid technic for preparation of thyroid ribonucleic acids without phenol]

Thyroid tissue was homogenized in 2 M LiCl. The homogenate was alloued to stand 1 h 30 min at 2 degrees C and then centrifuged. The pellet was suspended in 5% triisopropylnaphthalene sulfonic acid (the sodium salt), 0.05 M Tris--HCl, and 0.1 M NaCl (pH 8). After stirring and centrifuging, the supernatant containing the crude RNA was purified by filtration on Ultrogel AcA 22 (LKB, Sweden). Before adding the sample of crude RNA to the column, pronase was placed on the column. When pronase had entered the gel, we added the sample. The first peak contained pure RNA plus some DNA. The former was precipitated with 2 M LiCl. The RNA species obtained by this technique were undegraded and the yield was 30% better than that of the phenol technique.

Ribosomal and transfer RNA contents of the normal and pathologic human thyroid gland

One hundred and seventy seven pieces of normal or pathologic thyroid tissue from 17 patients were assayed for rRNA, tRNA and DNA content. The tRNA/DNA and rRNA/DNA ratios in pathologic tissue were statistically compared with the same ratios in normal tissue. In toxic adenoma (5 cases) and anoplastic cancer (2 cases), both ratios were increased. In cold nodules (9 cases), there was in increase of the tRNA/DNA ratio only in 1 case, of the rRNA/DNA ratio only in 4 cases, and of both ratios in 3 cases. In one case of a cold nodule in a Basedow's disease gland, there was no modification of these ratios. In Basedow's disease (3 cases), there was an increase of rRNA/DNA ratio only in one case.