Characterization of fragments produced by clostripain digestion of proteoglycans from the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma

Extracellular processing of the cartilage proteoglycan aggregate and its effect on CD44-mediated internalization of hyaluronan

In many cells hyaluronan receptor CD44 mediates the endocytosis of hyaluronan and its delivery to endosomes/lysosomes. The regulation of this process remains largely unknown. In most extracellular matrices hyaluronan is not present as a free polysaccharide but often is found in complex with other small proteins and macromolecules such as proteoglycans. This is especially true in cartilage, where hyaluronan assembles into an aggregate structure with the large proteoglycan termed aggrecan. In this study when purified aggrecan was added to FITC-conjugated hyaluronan, no internalization of hyaluronan was detected. This suggested that the overall size of the aggregate prevented hyaluronan endocytosis and furthermore that proteolysis of the aggrecan was a required prerequisite for local, cell-based turnover of hyaluronan. To test this hypothesis, limited C-terminal digestion of aggrecan was performed to determine whether a size range of aggrecan exists that permits hyaluronan endocytosis. Our data demonstrate that only limited degradation of the aggrecan monomer was required to allow for hyaluronan internalization. When hyaluronan was combined with partially degraded, dansyl chloride-labeled aggrecan, blue fluorescent aggrecan was also visualized within intracellular vesicles. It was also determined that sonicated hyaluronan of smaller molecular size was internalized more readily than high molecular mass hyaluronan. However, the addition of intact aggrecan to hyaluronan chains sonicated for 5 and 10 s reblocked their endocytosis, whereas aggregates containing 15-s sonicated hyaluronan were internalized. These data suggest that hyaluronan endocytosis is regulated in large part by the extracellular proteolytic processing of hyaluronan-bound proteoglycan.

CD44: a validated target for improved delivery of cancer therapeutics

INTRODUCTION

Advances in cancer therapeutics, namely more effective and less toxic treatments, will occur with targeting strategies that enhance the tumor biodistribution and thwart normal tissue exposure of the drug. This review focuses on cancer drug targeting approaches that exploit the expression of the cell-surface proteoglycan family, CD44, on the tumor cell surface followed by some form of ligand binding and induced CD44 internalization and intracellular drug release: in effect using this as a 'Trojan Horse' to more selectively access tumor cells.

AREAS COVERED

This review defines the origins of evidence for a linkage between CD44 expression and malignancy, and invokes contemporary views of the importance of putative CD44(+) cancer stem cells in disease resistance. Although the primary emphasis is on the most advanced and developed paths, those that have either made it to the clinic or are well-poised to get there, a wide scope of additional approaches at various preclinical stages is also briefly reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

The future should see development of drug targeting approaches that exploit CD44 expression on CSCs/TICs, including applications to cytotoxic agents currently in the clinic.

CD44 expression in the developing and growing rat intervertebral disc

CD44 has been identified at the time of extracellular matrix formation and expansion in several sites of the developing embryo (Wheatley et al. [1993] Development 119:295-306). The nucleus pulposus, consisting of a hydrated extracellular matrix tissue at birth, not previously closely analyzed, was examined for expression of CD44 in the developing and aging rat intervertebral disc. CD44 was identified solely on notochordal cells from the first onset of intervertebral disc formation (day 15 embryo) through the loss of notochordal cells from the nucleus pulposus (12-24 months of age). No CD44 expression was found in the notochordal cells prior to disc formation or in any cells other than the notochordal cells in the annulus fibrosus or nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction methodology, the single 365 amino acid CD44 standard, CD44s, open reading frame was amplified from notochordal cells isolated from the nucleus pulposus. Western blot analysis of a cultured nucleus pulposus notochordal cells total protein extract identified a single CD44 species devoid of chondroitin sulfate with a mass of approximately 85 kDa, characteristic of CD44s. Cell surface detection for CD44 was co-localized with hyaluronan and proteoglycans at first appearance of disc formation in the nucleus pulposus.

The intermediates of aggrecanase-dependent cleavage of aggrecan in rat chondrosarcoma cells treated with interleukin-1

We have examined the abundance and structure of intermediates in the chondrocyte-mediated degradation of aggrecan by aggrecanase(s). Degradation products were identified by Western-blot analysis with antibodies to cleavage-site neoepitopes and to peptides within the globular domains. Rat chondrosarcoma tumour contained full-length aggrecan and all of the individual peptides expected from single independent cleavages at each of the four aggrecanase sites in the chondroitin sulphate (CS) domain. Kinetic analysis of the products present in rat chondrosarcoma cell cultures treated with interleukin-1b showed that the first aggrecanase-mediated cleavages occurred at the four sites within the CS attachment region to generate two stable intermediates, Val(1)-Glu(1459) and Val(1)-Glu(1274). These species were subsequently cleaved at the Glu(373) site in the interglobular domain to form the terminal products, Val(1)-Glu(373), Ala(374)-Glu(1274) and Ala(374)-Glu(1459). It therefore appears that the aggrecanase-mediated processing of native aggrecan by chondrocytes in situ is initiated within the CS-attachment region and completed by cleavage within the interglobular domain. Since it has been shown that digestion of aggrecan monomer in solution with recombinant ADAMTS-4 [Tortorella, Pratta, Liu, Austin, Ross, Abbaszade, Burn and Arner (2000) Sites of aggrecan cleavage by recombinant human aggrecanase-1 (ADAMTS-4). J. Biol. Chem. 275, 18566-18573] exhibits similar kinetics, it appears that preferential proteinase cleavage in the CS-rich region is determined by properties inherent in the aggrecan monomer itself, such as preferred peptide sequences for enzyme binding or enhanced accessibility to the core protein at these sites.

Oligodendrocyte proteoglycans: modulation by cell-substratum adhesion

The signals that trigger the cytodifferentiation of oligodendrocytes (OLGs) are largely unknown. Using as a model system cultures of pure OLGs, we have shown that adhesion to a substratum initiates myelinogenesis (Yim SH, Szuchet S, Polak PE, J Biol Chem 261:11808-11815, 1986). It was of interest to investigate whether components such as proteoglycans (PGs) play any role in the biology of OLGs as it pertains to myelinogenesis. We set out to determine first, whether OLGs carry PGs; second, the nature of the association of these components with OLG plasma membrane; and third, if and how these PGs are modulated by OLG-substratum interaction. We compared the expression and characteristics of PGs extracted with different solvents from nonattached (B3.f) and attached (B3.fA) OLGs. B3.f and B3.fA OLG cultures were labeled with carrier-free 35SO4(2-) in serum-free medium. After removing excess label, OLGs were treated with heparin to extract susceptible components. Pellets were then exposed to 1% Triton X-100 plus 0.1 M NaCl and subsequently to 4 M guanidine-HCl plus 0.5 M NaCl. Solutions containing extracted material were characterized by size-exclusion chromatography, SDS-PAGE, and enzymatic degradation. Herein we report that (1) OLGs display [35S]PGs on their surface within 24 hr of substratum adhesion, and (2) these PGs can be operationally classified as peripheral and integral. We further show that the peripheral PGs are of high and intermediate size as assessed by size-exclusion chromatography and are segregated within the plasma membrane in such a way that the species with intermediate mass are extracted while OLGs remain adhered, whereas the high-molecular-weight species are only extracted after OLGs have been detached. Heparin also dislodges a number of sulfated proteins/Gps. Only a single class--high molecular weight--of integral PGs was identified; this PG requires guanidine-HCl for extraction. All PGs belong to the heparan sulfate class as evidenced by their degradation with heparitinase and their lack of susceptibility to chondroitinase ABC. The common theme of our findings is that these macromolecules have basal levels of expression in the nonadhered OLGs but undergo an adhesion-induced enhancement in their syntheses. We postulate that these PGs (1) play a role in OLG-substratum adhesion and hence myelinogenesis, and (2) may be determinants in establishing OLG polarity. Such polarization is the first overt sign of OLG functional differentiation and occurs prior to any morphological differentiation, e.g., extension of processes does not occur until 48 hr later when the plasma membrane is already polarized.

Hyaluronan receptor-directed assembly of chondrocyte pericellular matrix

Initial assembly of extracellular matrix occurs within a zone immediately adjacent to the chondrocyte cell surface termed the cell-associated or pericellular matrix. Assembly within the pericellular matrix compartment requires specific cell-matrix interactions to occur, that are mediated via membrane receptors. The focus of this study is to elucidate the mechanisms of assembly and retention of the cartilage pericellular matrix proteoglycan aggregates important for matrix organization. Assembly of newly synthesized chondrocyte pericellular matrices was inhibited by the addition to hyaluronan hexasaccharides, competitive inhibitors of the binding of hyaluronan to its cell surface receptor. Fully assembled chondrocyte pericellular matrices were displaced using hyaluronan hexasaccharides as well. When exogenous hyaluronan was added to matrix-free chondrocytes in combination with aggrecan, a pericellular matrix equivalent in size to an endogenous matrix formed within 30 min of incubation. Addition of hyaluronan and aggrecan to glutaraldehyde-fixed chondrocytes resulted in matrix assembly comparable to live chondrocytes. These matrices could be inhibited from assembling by the addition of excess hyaluronan hexasaccharides or displaced once assembled by subsequent incubation with hyaluronan hexasaccharides. The results indicate that the aggrecanrich chondrocyte pericellular matrix is not only on a scaffolding of hyaluronan, but actually anchored to the cell surface via the interaction between hyaluronan and hyaluronan receptors.

Link protein shows species variation in its susceptibility to proteolysis

Human cartilage link protein exists as three native components, while equine, bovine, and porcine cartilage link protein exist as two and Swarm rat chondrosarcoma link protein exists as only one component. These nonhuman link protein components represent intact protein structures, and there is little evidence for proteolytically modified forms in nonhuman tissues. In human cartilage, the proteolytic production of modified link proteins increases with age, whereas high amounts of such products were not seen in the nonhuman tissues. However, the small amounts of link protein fragments that were observed in the nonhuman cartilages were of a similar size to their human counterparts. On digestion of human proteoglycan aggregate with stromelysin, rapid modification of the link protein components occurred, whereas the aggregates from nonhuman cartilages showed incomplete cleavage of their link protein components. The relative resistance of nonhuman link protein to stromelysin may in part be due to a unique amino acid substitution present near the enzymic cleave site.

Chondroitin proteoglycans from squid skin. Isolation, characterization and immunological studies

Two populations of proteochondroitins were isolated from 4 M guanidine hydrochloride extracts of squid skin by a combination of ion exchange, gel chromatography and density gradient centrifugation. The proteoglycans, Mr 4.8 x 10(5) and 2.8 x 10(5), contained four and two chondroitin chains respectively and unusual oligosaccharides with uronic acid and sulphate groups, and had different amino acid and neutral sugar composition. The chondroitin chains isolated after alkaline borohydride treatment contained varying amounts of glucose, galactose, mannose, fucose and xylose, most likely as branches. Both proteoglycans were antigenic to the rabbit and showed considerable cross-reactivity as assessed by competition experiments using the ELISA technique. The proteoglycans reacted neither with exogenous hyaluronic acid nor with each other to form aggregates.

The amyloid proteins of Alzheimer's disease as potential targets for drug therapy

Two amyloid proteins accumulate in Alzheimer's disease. These proteins, beta amyloid protein and paired helical filament protein, are present in the hallmark lesions of Alzheimer's disease, neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Although the amino acid sequences of these two proteins are likely to be different, they nevertheless share certain physical characteristics which define each as belonging to a common class of proteins, amyloid proteins. Since these proteins are probably important in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, drugs that prevent their accumulation should have therapeutic utility. Based on the amyloidoses associated with other diseases, three mechanisms for amyloid formation have emerged. These mechanisms form a framework for studying Alzheimer amyloids and designing interventions. One mechanism involves posttranslational events which render a normal protein amyloidogenic. Proteolysis, phosphorylation, glycosylation, and transglutamination may be relevant posttranslational events in Alzheimer's disease. If more conclusive evidence can be generated suggesting that these events are involved in the abnormal formation of amyloid in Alzheimer's disease, then these events will become viable targets for drug therapy. Another mechanism for amyloid formation results from expression of an abnormal gene which, in the case of familial Alzheimer's disease, may be an important etiological component. A third mechanism involves the accumulation of a normal protein to a threshold concentration that spontaneously forms amyloid. An effective therapeutic approach for these last two mechanisms could likely include pharmacological manipulation of gene expression.

Degradation of rat chondrosarcoma proteoglycans by a neutral metalloprotease from rabbit chondrocytes

Rat chondrosarcoma proteoglycan aggregate with radiolabeled core protein was digested with a chondrocyte metalloprotease (CMP) or clostripain (CP) at neutral pH. The rates of product formation and the sizes and antigenicities of the products were studied using column chromatography and monoclonal antibodies. Sixteen percent of [35S]methionine label and 17-18% of [3H]serine label in core protein were freed from glycosaminoglycan bound peptides by 50 U/ml (760 micrograms/ml) of CP or 10 micrograms/ml (estimated) of CMP in 180 min. The CP reaction was almost complete at 5 minutes while the CMP reaction proceeded slowly from 5 to 180 min. The chondroitin-sulfate rich fragments were smaller after CP than CMP treatment. The 180 min CMP digest contained protein that migrated in 2 peaks on Sepharose CL6B. These two peaks corresponded to the peaks where hyaluronic acid binding region produced by CP and link protein migrate. Metalloenzyme inhibitors inhibited CMP with IC50s of 5 x 10(-5)M, 1 x 10(-3)M, and 80 micrograms/ml for phenanthroline, EDTA, and alpha 2-macroglobulin, respectively.

The immunologic detection and characterization of cartilage proteoglycan degradation products in synovial fluids of patients with arthritis

Antibodies were used in radioimmunoassays with gel chromatography to detect the hyaluronic acid-binding region, core protein, and keratan sulfate of human cartilage proteoglycan in the synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. All fluids contained proteoglycan that was mainly included on Sepharose CL-4B; this result indicates cleavage of proteoglycan (which is normally excluded). The hyaluronic acid-binding region was the smallest and most commonly detected fragment. It was relatively free of keratan sulfate and core protein, and it could sometimes bind to hyaluronic acid. Other larger fragments containing core protein and/or keratan sulfate were detected in every fluid.

Correction of abnormal matrix formed by cmd/cmd chondrocytes in culture by exogenously added cartilage proteoglycan

The cartilage matrix deficiency (cmd/cmd) mouse fails to synthesize the core protein of cartilage-characteristic proteoglycan (cartilage PG). Chondrocytes from the cmd/cmd cartilage cultured in vitro produced nodules with greatly reduced extracellular matrix. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the nodules of mutant cells differed from the normal in lacking cartilage PG and in uneven and reduced deposition of type II collagen. Exogenously added cartilage PG prepared from either normal mouse cartilage or Swarm rat chondrosarcoma to the culture medium was incorporated exclusively into the extracellular matrices of the nodules, with a concurrent correction of the abnormal distribution pattern of type II collagen. The incorporation of cartilage PG into the matrix was disturbed by hyaluronic acid or decasaccharide derived therefrom, suggesting that the incorporation process involves the interaction of added proteoglycan with hyaluronic acid. Both the hyaluronic acid-binding region and the protein-enriched core molecule prepared from rat chondrosarcoma cartilage PG could also be incorporated but, unlike the intact cartilage PG, they were distributed equally in the surrounding zones where fibroblast-like cells predominate. The results indicate that the intact form of cartilage PG is required for specific incorporation into the chondrocyte nodules, and further suggest that cartilage PG plays a regulatory role in the assembly of the matrix macromolecules.

Complete amino acid sequence of chicken cartilage link protein deduced from cDNA clones

cDNA clones coding for chicken cartilage link protein were isolated and sequenced. The DNA sequence for the entire core polypeptide of the mature link protein and the predicted signal peptide consists of 1065 nucleotides. The deduced primary translation product (355 amino acids) has a molecular mass of 40.7 kDa; the calculated molecular mass of the mature link protein core polypeptide (340 amino acids) is 39.06 kDa. The DNA sequence contains two tandemly arranged repeat sequences that may code for repeated functional domains of link protein involved in binding to hyaluronic acid. The mRNAs for chicken link protein are 6.0, 5.8, and 3.0 kilobase pairs, and the difference between the sizes of the RNA species lies in the 3' untranslated region.

The retention and ultrastructural appearances of various extracellular matrix molecules incorporated into three-dimensional hydrated collagen lattices

Artificial extracellular matrices composed of collagen, glycosaminoglycans (GAG), proteoglycans (PG), plasma fibronectin (FN), and a hyaluronate-binding protein (HABP) have been prepared that morphologically resemble embryonic extracellular matrices in vivo at the light and electron microscope level. The effect of each of the above matrix molecules on the structure and "self-assembly" of these artificial matrices was delineated. (1) Matrix components assembled in vitro morphologically resemble their counterparts in vivo, for the most part. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy indicate that under our assembly and fixation conditions, collagen forms striated fibrils that are 125 nm in diameter, FN forms 30- to 60-nm granules, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) forms 27- to 37-nm granules, chondroitin sulfate (CS) assembles into 100- to 250-nm spheres, and hyaluronate (HA) appears either as granular mats when fixed with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) or as 1.5- to 3-nm microfibrils when preserved with ruthenium red plus tannic acid. These molecules are known to assume the same configurations in embryonic matrices when the same preservation techniques are used with the exception of FN, which generally forms fibrillar arrays. (2) Addition of various matrix molecules can radically change the appearance of the collage gels. HA greatly expands the volume of the gel and increases the space between collagen fibrils. CSPG at low concentrations (less than 1 mg/ml) and CS at high concentrations (greater than 20 mg/ml) bundle the collagen fibrils into twisted ropes. (3) A variety of assays were used to examine binding between various matrix components and retention of these components in the hydrated collagen lattices. These assays included solid-phase binding assays, negative staining of spread mixtures of matrix components, cryostat sections of unfixed mixtures of matrix components, and retention of radiolabeled matrix molecules in fixed and washed gels. A number of these binding interactions may play a role in the assembly and stabilization of the matrix. (a) HA, CSPG, and FN bind to collagen. CS appears to only weakly bind to collagen, if at all. (b) FN promotes the increased retention of HA, CSPG, and to a very small degrees, CS, in collagen gels. Conversely, the GAG increase the retention of 3H-FN in the gels. Furthermore, FN binds to HA, CS, and CSPG as demonstrated by solid surface binding assays and morphological criteria. The increased retention of GAG and CSPG by the addition of FN may be due to both stabilization of binding to the collagen and trapping of matrix complexes within the gel. (c) HA binds to both CS and CSPG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Regulation of type I collagen fibril assembly by link protein and proteoglycans

Link protein, a glycoprotein, that is present both in cartilaginous and non-cartilaginous tissues, has previously been shown to bind to collagen and to proteoglycan. Here, we have examined the effects of link protein and proteoglycans, both alone and in combination, on the assembly of type I collagen fibrils in vitro. Link protein alone had no effect on the kinetics of fibril formation or on the size of the fibrils. Link protein, however, modulated the effects of various proteoglycans including those from bone, cartilage, cornea and sclera. Link protein had the most significant effect on fibril assembly in the presence of the low molecular weight bone proteoglycan. Although the bone proteoglycan alone had no effect on fibril formation, the fibrils were wider in the presence of link protein and proteoglycan. Cartilage proteoglycan alone increased the extent of fibril formation and the resultant fibrils were wider in diameter with a complement of incompletely assembled fibrils. In the presence of both link protein and cartilage proteoglycan, the fibrils were fully formed with the characteristic banding pattern. Further, corneal and scleral proteoglycans alone decreased the extent of fibril formation and the width of the fibrils was either unaltered or slightly decreased in the presence of the link protein. Our results indicate that both link protein and tissue-specific proteoglycans may regulate the organization of collagen fibrils in tissues.

Morphology and behavior of quail neural crest cells in artificial three-dimensional extracellular matrices

Neural crest cells migrate extensively through a complex extracellular matrix (ECM) to sites of terminal differentiation. To determine what role the various components of the ECM may play in crest morphogenesis, quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) neural crest cells have been cultured in three-dimensional hydrated collagen lattices containing various combinations of macromolecules known to be present in the crest migratory pathways. Neural crest cells migrate readily in native collagen gels whereas the cells are unable to use denatured collagen as a migratory substratum. The speed of movement decreases linearly as the concentration of collagen in the gel increases. Speed of movement of crest cells is stimulated in gels containing 10% fetal calf serum and chick embryo extract, 33 micrograms/ml fibronectin cell-binding fragments, 3 mg/ml chondroitin sulfate, or 3 mg/ml chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan when compared to rates of movement through collagen lattices alone. Low concentrations of hyaluronate (250-500 micrograms/ml) in a 750 micrograms/ml collagen gel do not alter rates of movement over collagen alone, but higher concentrations (4 mg/ml) greatly inhibit migration. Conversely, hyaluronate (250 micrograms/ml) significantly increases speed of movement if the crest cells are cultured in high concentration collagen gels (2.5 mg/ml), suggesting that hyaluronate is expanding spaces and consequently enhancing migration. The morphology and mode of movement of neural crest cells vary with the matrix in which they are grown and can be correlated with their speed of movement. Light and scanning electron microscopy reveal rounded, blebbing cells in matrices associated with slower translocation, whereas rounded cells with branching filopodia or lamellipodia are associated with rapid translocation. Bipolar cells with long processes are observed in cultures of rapidly moving cells that appear to be adhering strongly, as well as in cultures of cells that are stationary for long periods. These data, considered with the known distribution of macromolecules in the early embryo, suggest the following: (1) Both collagen and fibronectin can act as preferred substrata for migration. (2) Chondroitin sulfate and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan increase speed of movement, but probably do so by decreasing adhesiveness and thereby producing more frequent detachment. In the embryo, crest cells would most likely avoid regions containing high concentrations of chondroitin sulfate. (3) Hyaluronate cannot act as a substratum for migration, but in low concentrations it can open spaces in the matrix and consequently may stimulate movement. The complex interactions of combined matr

Effect of puromycin on cartilage proteoglycan structure and capacity to bind hyaluronic acid

Rat chondrosarcoma chondrocytes were cultured in the presence of puromycin to induce premature termination of core protein precursor. The structure and function of intracellular and extracellular proteoglycans were assessed by molecular sieve chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. [3H]Serine incorporation was maximally inhibited by 3 X 10(-4) M puromycin but unaffected by 10(-5) M puromycin. Proteoglycans synthesized in the presence of puromycin exhibited increased monomer size due to increased chondroitin sulfate chain size, typical of proteoglycans synthesized in the presence of protein synthesis inhibitors, but no loss in ability to bind to hyaluronic acid; and no loss in core protein size was observed after treatment with chondroitinase. These data suggest that chondrocytes select only completed or nearly completed core protein molecules to process into proteoglycans.

Characteristics of the core protein of the aggregating proteoglycan from the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma

A ternary complex of hyaluronic acid-binding region and link protein bound to hyaluronic acid was isolated from limit clostripain digests of proteoglycan aggregates isolated from the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma. Under these conditions, the hyaluronic acid-binding region has a molecular weight of approximately equal to 65,000 (HA-BR65). N-terminal amino acids in the complex were selectively 14C-carbamylated. The resulting derivatized HA-BR65 was isolated, and tryptic peptide maps were prepared and developed on two-dimensional TLC sheets. A single, labeled peptide was obtained which gave a Mr by approximately equal to 8,000 by SDS-PAGE. Chymotrypsin digestion of the ternary complex reduced the molecular weight of HA-BR65 to a polypeptide of approximately equal to 55,000 (HA-BR55) which still retains the same N-terminal tryptic peptide. Partial digestion of proteoglycan aggregates with clostripain generated a series of larger intermediates with the hyaluronic acid-binding region. Direct SDS-PAGE analysis revealed one major intermediate with approximately equal to 109,000 (HA-BR109) as well as HA-BR65. After chondroitinase digestion, two additional prominent intermediates were observed on a SDS-PAGE gel at Mr approximately equal to 120,000 (HA-BR120) and approximately equal to 140,000 (HA-BR140). All the intermediates were recognized by a monoclonal antibody specific for the hyaluronic acid-binding region, and all of them contained the same N-terminal tryptic peptide. The results indicate that the N terminus of the core protein is at the hyaluronic acid-binding end of the proteoglycan and that the chondroitin sulfate chains are first present on the core protein in a region between 109,000 and 120,000 molecular weight away from the N terminus.

Mammalian eyes and associated tissues contain molecules that are immunologically related to cartilage proteoglycan and link protein

Monospecific antibodies to bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan monomer and link protein were used to demonstrate that immunologically related molecules are present in the bovine eye and associated tissues. With immunofluorescence microscopy, reactions for both proteoglycan and link protein were observed in the sclera, the anterior uveal tract, and the endoneurium of the optic nerve of the central nervous system. Antibody to bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan also reacted with some connective tissue sheaths of rectus muscle and the perineurium of the optic nerve of the central nervous system. Antibody to proteoglycan purified from rat brain cross-reacted with bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan, indicating structural similarities between these proteoglycans. ELISA studies and crossed immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated that purified dermatan sulphate proteoglycans isolated from bovine sclera did not react with these antibodies but that the antibody to cartilage proteoglycan reacted with other molecules extracted from sclera. Two molecular species resembling bovine nasal link protein in size and reactivity with antibody were also demonstrated in scleral extracts: the larger molecule was more common. Antibody to link protein reacted with the media of arterial vessels demonstrating the localization of arterial link protein described earlier. Tissues that were unstained for either molecule included the connective tissue stroma of the iris, retina, vitreous body, cornea, and the remainder of the uveal tract. These observations clearly demonstrate that tissues other than cartilage contain molecules that are immunologically related to cartilage-derived proteoglycans and link proteins.

Isolation and biochemical characterization of the tryptic fragments of bovine nasal-cartilage proteoglycan monomer of high buoyant density

Relatively homogeneous fractions of proteoglycan fragments were prepared from tryptic digests of the 4M-guanidinium chloride extract of bovine nasal cartilage. Glycosaminoglycan-containing fragments were separated from non-proteoglycan contaminants by ion-exchange chromatography and fractionated by equilibrium density-gradient centrifugation under dissociative conditions. The fractions of highest buoyant density were chromatographed on a column of Sepharose 4B, digested with chondroitinase ABC and chromatographed on a column of Sepharose 6B, yielding two distinct fractions: fraction B/6B-4 contained fragments from the chondroitin sulphate-bearing region of the proteoglycan monomer, and fraction B/6B-2 fragments from the keratan sulphate-rich region, most probably including a chondroitin sulphate-bearing monomer segment. By dansyl chloride analysis, fraction B/6B-2 had alanine and leucine as sole and fraction B/6B-4 had isoleucine and leucine as greatly predominant N-terminal amino acids, indicative of the relative homogeneity of these preparations of cartilage proteoglycan monomer fragments.

Purification and structural characterization of a cartilage matrix protein

The cartilage matrix protein is a major non-collagenous protein in bovine cartilage. It was purified from a 5 M-guanidinium chloride extract of bovine tracheal cartilage by sequential CsCl-density-gradient centrifugation, gel chromatography in guanidinium chloride and differential precipitation. The molecular weight of the intact protein is 148 000, determined by sedimentation-equilibrium centrifugation. It was dissociated to three subunits of molecular weight 52 000 by reduction of disulphide bonds. The cartilage matrix protein was insoluble in low-salt solutions and behaved abnormally on sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. The content of cysteine was high, whereas the contents of aromatic amino acids were low. The carbohydrate content was 3.9% (w/w). Glycopeptides obtained after papain digestion were heterogenous on gel chromatography. Asparagine/aspartic acid was enriched in the purified glycopeptides, indicating the presence of N-glycosidic linkages to protein.