Collagen II containing a Cys substitution for arg-alpha1-519. Homotrimeric monomers containing the mutation do not assemble into fibrils but alter the self-assembly of the normal protein

Reduced penetrance in a large Caucasian pedigree with Stickler syndrome

BACKGROUND

In a four-generation Caucasian family variably diagnosed with autosomal dominant (AD) Stickler or Wagner disease, commercial gene screening failed to identify a mutation in COL2A1 or VCAN. We utilized linkage mapping and exome sequencing to identify the causal variant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Genomic DNA samples collected from 40 family members were analyzed. A whole-genome linkage scan was performed using Illumina HumanLinkage-24 BeadChip followed by two-point and multipoint linkage analyses using FASTLINK and MERLIN. Exome sequencing was performed on two affected individuals, followed by co-segregation analysis.

RESULTS

Parametric multipoint linkage analysis using an AD inheritance model demonstrated HLOD scores > 2.00 at chromosomes 1p36.13-1p36.11 and 12q12-12q14.1. SIMWALK multipoint analysis replicated the peak in chromosome 12q (peak LOD = 1.975). FASTLINK two-point analysis highlighted several clustered chromosome 12q SNPs with HLOD > 1.0. Exome sequencing revealed a novel nonsense mutation (c.115C>T, p.Gln39*) in exon 2 of COL2A1 that is expected to result in nonsense-mediated decay of the RNA transcript. This mutation co-segregated with all clinically affected individuals and seven individuals who were clinically unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS

The utility of combining traditional linkage mapping and exome sequencing is highlighted to identify gene mutations in large families displaying a Mendelian inheritance of disease. Historically, nonsense mutations in exon 2 of COL2A1 have been reported to cause a fully penetrant ocular-only Stickler phenotype with few or no systemic manifestations. We report a novel nonsense mutation in exon 2 of COL2A1 that displays incomplete penetrance and/or variable age of onset with extraocular manifestations.

Mechanisms of aberrant organization of growth plates in conditional transgenic mouse model of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia associated with the R992C substitution in collagen II

Mutations in collagen II, a main structural protein of cartilage, are associated with various forms of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED), whose main features include aberrations of linear growth. Here, we analyzed the pathomechanisms responsible for growth alterations in transgenic mice with conditional expression of the R992C collagen II mutation. Specifically, we studied the alterations of the growth plates of mutant mice in which chondrocytes lacked their typical columnar arrangement. Our studies demonstrated that chondrocytes expressing the thermolabile R992C mutant collagen II molecules endured endoplasmic reticulum stress, had atypical polarization, and had reduced proliferation. Moreover, we demonstrated aberrant organization and morphology of primary cilia. Analyses of the extracellular collagenous deposits in mice expressing the R992C mutant collagen II molecules indicated their poor formation and distribution. By contrast, transgenic mice expressing wild-type collagen II and mice in which the expression of the transgene encoding the R992C collagen II was switched off were characterized by normal growth, and the morphology of their growth plates was correct. Our study with the use of a conditional mouse SED model not only indicates a direct relation between the observed aberration of skeletal tissues and the presence of mutant collagen II, but also identifies cellular and matrix elements of the pathomechanism of SED.

Persistence of intracellular and extracellular changes after incompletely suppressing expression of the R789C (p.R989C) and R992C (p.R1192C) collagen II mutants

Mutations in COL2A1 produce a spectrum of disorders whose hallmark feature is alterations in skeletal development. Attempts to counteract the effects of collagen mutations at the molecular level have been relatively ineffective due to the inability to selectively suppress a mutant allele, and failure to deliver a sufficient number of cells expressing wild-type collagen. Moreover, these approaches are hampered because the minimal therapeutic conditions that would allow extracellular matrix remodeling and recovery of cells from stress are not known. Here, we employed a tetracycline-inducible system for expressing the R789C or R992C collagen II mutants, allowing us to decrease the production of mutant proteins by 25, 50, 75, or 100% with respect to their initial production. Through analysis of intracellular and extracellular parameters we have shown that affected cell/matrix systems are able to recover from mutation-induced aberrations only when 100% expression of mutant collagens is shut off, but not if the expression of small amounts of mutant molecules persists in the system. Our data suggest that efficient remodeling of tissues affected by the presence of thermolabile collagen mutants may depend on their complete elimination rather than on partial reduction.

R992C (p.R1192C) Substitution in collagen II alters the structure of mutant molecules and induces the unfolded protein response

We investigated the molecular bases of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) associated with the R992C (p.R1192C) substitution in collagen II. At the protein level, we analyzed the structure and integrity of mutant molecules, and at the cellular level, we specifically studied the effects of the presence of the R992C collagen II on the biological processes taking place in host cells. Our studies demonstrated that mutant collagen II molecules were characterized by altered electrophoretic mobility, relatively low thermostability, the presence of atypical disulfide bonds, and slow rates of secretion into the extracellular space. Analyses of cellular responses to the presence of the mutant molecules showed that excessive accumulation of thermolabile collagen II was associated with the activation of an "unfolded protein response" and an increase in apoptosis of host cells. Collectively, these data suggest that molecular mechanisms of SED may be driven not only by structural changes in the architecture of extracellular collagenous matrices, but also by intracellular processes activated by the presence of mutant collagen II molecules.

Y-position cysteine substitution in type I collagen (α1(I) R888C/p.R1066C) is associated with osteogenesis imperfecta/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome phenotype

The most common mutations in type I collagen causing types II-IV osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) result in substitution for glycine in a Gly-Xaa-Yaa triplet by another amino acid. We delineated a Y-position substitution in a small pedigree with a combined OI/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) phenotype, characterized by moderately decreased DEXA z-score (-1.3 to -2.6), long bone fractures, and large-joint hyperextensibility. Affected individuals have an alpha1(I)R888C (p.R1066C) substitution in one COL1A1 allele. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of [(3)H]-proline labeled steady-state collagen reveals slight overmodification of the alpha1(I) monomer band, much less than expected for a substitution of a neighboring glycine residue, and a faint alpha1(I) dimer. Dimers form in about 10% of proband type I collagen. Dimer formation is inefficient compared to a possible 25%, probably because the SH-side chains have less proximity in this Y-position than when substituting for a glycine. Theoretical stability calculations, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms, and thermal denaturation curves showed only weak local destabilization from the Y-position substitution in one or two chains of a collagen helix, but greater destabilization is seen in collagen containing dimers. Y-position collagen dimers cause kinking of the helix, resulting in a register shift that is propagated the full length of the helix and causes resistance to procollagen processing by N-proteinase. Collagen containing the Y-position substitution is incorporated into matrix deposited in culture, including immaturely and maturely cross-linked fractions. In vivo, proband dermal fibrils have decreased density and increased diameter compared to controls, with occasional aggregate formation. This report on Y-position substitutions in type I collagen extends the range of phenotypes caused by nonglycine substitutions and shows that, similar to X- and Y-position substitutions in types II and III collagen, the phenotypes resulting from nonglycine substitutions in type I collagen are distinct from those caused by glycine substitutions.

Molecular basis of organization of collagen fibrils

The collagen fibrils are formed by self-assembly of individual collagen molecules, but the mechanism that drives their orderly packing during fibril formation is not clearly defined. To identify structural determinants critical for the D-periodic alignment of collagen molecules we employed three sets of genetically engineered collagen II variants: (i) a set in which domains corresponding to the specific D periods have been purposely deleted, (ii) a set of collagen variants consisting of tandem repeats of a specific D period, and (iii) a set lacking definite fragments of the D4 period. All collagen variants were analyzed for their ability to assemble into D-periodic fibrils. Even though all genetically engineered collagen variants differ significantly from the wild-type collagen II, most of them were able to form filamentous structures. The D-periodic banding pattern, an indication of the staggered arrangement of collagen monomers, however, occurred only when the D1, D4, and D0.4 domains of interacting collagen monomers could potentially cluster together to form a triad through telopeptide-mediated binding. Our results identify a critical step in the formation of collagenous matrices and provide experimental evidence for the active involvement of the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of fibrillar collagens in this process.

Single amino acid substitutions in the C-terminus of collagen II alter its affinity for collagen IX

The structural integrity of cartilage depends on the presence of extracellular matrices (ECM) formed by heterotypic fibrils composed of collagen II, collagen IX, and collagen XI. The formation of these fibrils depends on the site-specific binding between relatively small regions of interacting collagen molecules. Single amino acid substitutions in collagen II change the physicochemical and structural characteristics of those sites, thereby leading to an alteration of intermolecular collagen II/collagen IX interaction. Employing a biosensor to study interactions between R75C, R789C or G853E collagen II mutants and collagen IX, we demonstrated significant changes in the binding affinities. Moreover, analyses of computer models representing mutation sites defined exact changes in physicochemical characteristics of collagen II mutants. Our study shows that changes in collagen II/collagen IX affinity could represent one of the steps in a cascade of changes occurring in the ECM of cartilage as a result of single amino acid substitutions in collagen II.

Guilty by association: some collagen II mutants alter the formation of ECM as a result of atypical interaction with fibronectin

Among the structural components of extracellular matrices (ECM) fibrillar collagens play a critical role, and single amino acid substitutions in these proteins lead to pathological changes in tissues in which they are expressed. Employing a biologically relevant experimental model consisting of cells expressing R75C, R519C, R789C, and G853E procollagen II mutants, we found that the R789C mutation causing a decrease in the thermostability of collagen not only alters individual collagen molecules and collagen fibrils, but also has a negative impact on fibronectin. We propose that thermolabile collagen molecules are able to bind to fibronectin, thereby altering intracellular and extracellular processes in which fibronectin takes part, and we postulate that such an atypical interaction could change the architecture of the ECM of affected tissues in patients harboring mutations in genes encoding fibrillar collagens.

The phenotypic spectrum in patients with arginine to cysteine mutations in the COL2A1 gene

BACKGROUND

The majority of COL2A1 missense mutations are substitutions of obligatory glycine residues in the triple helical domain. Only a few non-glycine missense mutations have been reported and among these, the arginine to cysteine substitutions predominate.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate in more detail the phenotype resulting from arginine to cysteine mutations in the COL2A1 gene.

METHODS

The clinical and radiographic phenotype of all patients in whom an arginine to cysteine mutation in the COL2A1 gene was identified in our laboratory, was studied and correlated with the abnormal genotype. The COL2A1 genotyping involved DHPLC analysis with subsequent sequencing of the abnormal fragments.

RESULTS

Six different mutations (R75C, R365C, R519C, R704C, R789C, R1076C) were found in 11 unrelated probands. Each mutation resulted in a rather constant and site-specific phenotype, but a perinatally lethal disorder was never observed. Spondyloarthropathy with normal stature and no ocular involvement were features of patients with the R75C, R519C, or R1076C mutation. Short third and/or fourth toes was a distinguishing feature of the R75C mutation and brachydactyly with enlarged finger joints a key feature of the R1076C substitution. Stickler dysplasia with brachydactyly was observed in patients with the R704C mutation. The R365C and R789C mutations resulted in classic Stickler dysplasia and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Arginine to cysteine mutations are rather infrequent COL2A1 mutations which cause a spectrum of phenotypes including classic SEDC and Stickler dysplasia, but also some unusual entities that have not yet been recognised and described as type II collagenopathies.

Position of single amino acid substitutions in the collagen triple helix determines their effect on structure of collagen fibrils

Collagen II fibrils are a critical structural component of the extracellular matrix of cartilage providing the tissue with its unique biomechanical properties. The self-assembly of collagen molecules into fibrils is a spontaneous process that depends on site-specific binding between specific domains belonging to interacting molecules. These interactions can be altered by mutations in the COL2A1 gene found in patients with a variety of heritable cartilage disorders known as chondrodysplasias. Employing recombinant procollagen II, we studied the effects of R75C or R789C mutations on fibril formation. We determined that both R75C and R789C mutants were incorporated into collagen assemblies. The effects of the R75C and R789C substitutions on fibril formation differed significantly. The R75C substitution located in the thermolabile region of collagen II had no major effect on the fibril formation process or the morphology of fibrils. In contrast, the R789C substitution located in the thermostable region of collagen II caused profound changes in the morphology of collagen assemblies. These results provide a basis for identifying pathways leading from single amino acid substitutions in collagen II to changes in the structure of individual fibrils and in the organization of collagenous matrices.

A human COL2A1 gene with an Arg519Cys mutation causes osteochondrodysplasia in transgenic mice

OBJECTIVE

An arginine-to-cysteine substitution at position 519 of the COL2A1 gene causes early generalized osteoarthritis with mild chondrodysplasia in humans. In this study, a human COL2A1 gene with the same mutation was introduced into a murine genome having 1 or no alleles of the murine Col2a1 gene, and the skeletal phenotypes of the transgenic mice were compared with those of control mice.

METHODS

Mice with 1 allele of the normal murine Col2a1 gene and 1 allele of the mutated human COL2A1 gene (n = 10), those with no murine Col2a1 gene and 2 alleles of the mutated human COL2A1 gene (n = 13), those with no murine Col2a1 gene and only 1 allele of the mutated COL2A1 gene (n = 9), and normal control mice (n = 11) were studied for skeletal abnormalities, using radiographic imaging and light microscopic analyses of histologic sections. The collagen network of cartilage was also investigated with transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

At 2 months of age, all transgenic mice had dysplastic changes in their long bones, flattened vertebral bodies, and osteoarthritic changes in their joints. The intervertebral discs of the transgenic animals were degenerated, and their histologic structure was disturbed. The changes were more severe in mice with no murine Col2a1 allele.

CONCLUSION

The human COL2A1 gene with the Arg519Cys mutation causes osteochondrodysplasia in mice, as it does in humans.

Thermostability Gradient in the Collagen Triple Helix Reveals its Multi-domain Structure

A triple-helical conformation and stability at physiological temperature are critical for the mechanical and biological functions of the fibril-forming collagens. Here, we characterized the role of consecutive domains of collagen II in stabilizing the triple helix. Analysis of melting temperatures of genetically engineered collagen-like proteins consisting of tandem repeats of the D1, D2, D3 or D4 collagen II periods revealed the presence of a gradient of thermostability along the collagen molecule with thermolabile N-terminal domains and thermostable C-terminal domains. These results imply a multi-domain character of the collagen triple helix. Assays of thermostabilities of the Arg75Cys and Arg789Cys collagen II mutants suggest that, in contrast to the thermostable domains, the thermolabile domains are able to accommodate amino acid substitutions without altering the thermostability of the entire collagen molecule.

Procollagen VII self-assembly depends on site-specific interactions and is promoted by cleavage of the NC2 domain with procollagen C-proteinase

Procollagen VII is a homotrimer of 350-kDa proalpha1(VII) chains. Each chain has a central collagenous domain flanked by a noncollagenous amino-terminal NC1 domain and a carboxy-terminal NC2 domain. After secretion from cells, procollagen VII molecules form antiparallel dimers with a 60 nm overlap. These dimers are stabilized by disulfide bonds formed between cysteines present in the NC2 domain and cysteines present in the triple-helical domain. Electron microscopy has provided direct evidence for the existence of collagen VII dimers, but the dynamic process of dimer formation is not well understood. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that, during dimer formation, the NC2 domain of one procollagen VII molecule specifically recognizes and binds to the triple-helical region adjacent to Cys-2625 of another procollagen VII molecule. We also investigated the role of processing of the NC2 domain by the procollagen C-proteinase/BMP-1 in dimer assembly. We engineered mini mouse procollagen VII variants consisting of intact NC1 and NC2 domains and a shortened triple helix in which the C-terminal region encompassing Cys-2625 was either preserved or substituted with the region encompassing Cys-1448 derived from the N-terminal part of the triple-helical domain. The results indicate that procollagen VII self-assembly depends on site-specific interactions between the NC2 domain and the triple-helical region adjacent to Cys-2625 and that this process is promoted by the cleavage of the NC2 by procollagen C-proteinase/BMP1.

A missense mutation in the mouse Col2a1 gene causes spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, hearing loss, and retinoschisis

A missense mutation in the mouse Col2a1 gene has been discovered, resulting in a mouse phenotype with similarities to human spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) congenita. In addition, SED patients have been identified with a similar molecular mutation in human COL2A1. This mouse model offers a useful tool for molecular and biological studies of bone development and pathology.

INTRODUCTION

A new mouse autosomal recessive mutation has been discovered and named spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (gene symbol sedc).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Homozygous sedc mice can be identified at birth by their small size and shortened trunk. Adults have shortened noses, dysplastic vertebrae, femora, and tibias, plus retinoschisis and hearing loss. The mutation was mapped to Chr15, and Col2a1 was identified as a candidate gene.

RESULTS

Sequence analyses revealed that the affected gene is Col2a1, which has a missense mutation at exon 48 causing an amino acid change of arginine to cysteine at position 1417. Two human patients with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) congenita have been reported with the same amino acid substitution at position 789 in the human COL2A1 gene.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, sedc/sedc mice provide a valuable model of human SED congenita with molecular and phenotypic homology. Further biochemical analyses, molecular modeling, and cell culture studies using sedc/sedc mice could provide insight into mechanisms of skeletal development dependent on Col2a1 and its role in fibril formation and cartilage template organization.

Skeletal abnormalities and ultrastructural changes of cartilage in transgenic mice expressing a collagen II gene (COL2A1) with a Cys for Arg-alpha1-519 substitution

OBJECTIVE

To examine the mechanism by which the Arg-->Cys 519 mutation causes the clinical phenotype employing transgenic mice that express the mutated human COL2A1.

METHODS

A DNA construct under the control of a COL2A1 specific promoter was prepared from genomic DNA isolated from fibroblasts from the proband with primary generalized osteoarthritis (OA) associated with a mild chondrodysplasia. Transgenic mice were obtained by injection of the constructs into pro-nuclei of fertilized eggs from the FVB/N inbred mouse strain. Transgenic mice harboring two alleles of the mutated human COL2A1 were examined for morphological abnormalities and for alterations of their skeletal development. Ultrastructural examination was performed to identify changes in the organization and density of collagen II fibrils in articular cartilage of the transgenic mice.

RESULTS

Transgenic mice harboring two alleles of the mutated human collagen gene were smaller than their normal littermates, had a cleft palate, and disorganized growth plate. Electron microscopy of articular cartilage showed a decreased density of collagen II fibrils and revealed chondrocytes with dilated Golgi cysternae.

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of a COL2A1 with an Arg-->Cys 519 substitution in transgenic mice causes retardation of skeletal development and ultrastructural alterations in articular cartilage with a profound reduction of the density of the collagen II fibrils in the tissue. These alterations may be responsible for the phenotype of precocious generalized OA and chondrodysplasia displayed by patients harboring this COL2A1 mutation.

Y-position collagen II mutation disrupts cartilage formation and skeletal development in a transgenic mouse model of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia

Mice were generated by pronuclear injection of a type II collagen transgene harboring an Arg789Cys (R789C) mutation that has been found in patients with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED). Expression was directed to cartilage by the murine Col2a1 promoter to examine the consequences of mutations involving the Y-position of the collagen helix Gly-X-Y triplet on skeletogenesis. The transgenic mice had very short limbs, short trunk, short snout, and cleft palate; they died at birth. Their growth plates were disorganized and collagen fibrils were sparse in cartilage matrix. When the transgene was expressed in RCS cells, there was no evidence that R789C-bearing collagen chains were incorporated into stable collagen molecules. Molecular modeling of the mutation raised the possibility that it destabilizes the collagen triple helix. Together our results suggest that Y-position mutations, such as R789C, can act in a dominant negative manner to destabilize collagen molecules during assembly, reducing their availability to form fibrils, the deficiency of which profoundly disturbs the template functions of cartilage during skeletogenesis.

The role of structural genes in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritic disorders

Osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common age-related chronic disorders of articular cartilage, joints, and bone tissue, represents a major public health problem. Genetic studies have identified multiple gene variations associated with an increased risk of OA. These findings suggest that there is a large genetic component to OA and that the disorder belongs in the multigenetic, multifactorial class of genetic diseases. Studies of chondrodysplasias and associated hereditary OA have provided a better understanding of the role of structural genes in the maintenance and repair of articular cartilage, in the regulation of chondrocyte proliferation and gene expression, and in the pathogenesis of OA.

Collagen II containing a Cys substitution for Arg-alpha1-519: abnormal interactions of the mutated molecules with collagen IX

Single amino acid substitutions in collagen II cause heterogeneous cartilage disorders including some chondrodysplasias and certain forms of heritable osteoarthritis. In this study, we examined molecular interactions between normal collagen II and collagen IX, and the effect of a Cys substitution for Arg-alpha1-519 in collagen II on these interactions. Binding assays showed that the association equilibrium constant of collagen IX-collagen II interaction is 15 x 10(6) M(-1). Specificity of the interaction was analyzed by the binding of collagen IX to recombinant collagen II variants lacking fragments of 234 amino acids corresponding to particular D-periods. The results indicated that the C-terminal half of collagen II, which includes the D3 and D4 periods, has a high affinity for collagen IX, and that the nontriple helical telopeptides of collagen II are not essential for the specific binding of collagen IX. Computer analysis of the surface of the mutated collagen II and binding assays showed that a Cys substitution for Arg-alpha1-519 changes electrostatic properties around the mutation site, increases the affinity of mutant collagen II for collagen IX, and possibly alters the specificity of the interaction. Thus, the results indicate that interactions between collagen II and collagen IX are site specific and that single amino acid substitutions in collagen II may change the molecular interactions with collagen IX that could destabilize the cartilaginous matrix.

Type II collagen degradation in spontaneous osteoarthritis in C57Bl/6 and BALB/c mice

OBJECTIVE

Degradation of type II collagen during osteoarthritis (OA) is thought to be the key process leading to cartilage destruction. In this study, we investigated whether OA is characterized by either a generalized breakdown of the collagenous network or a localized process. Furthermore, we determined if collagen degradation was linked to cell death.

METHODS

Two mouse strains that develop spontaneous OA, C57Bl/6 and BALB/c mice, were examined. Type II collagen degradation in type II collagen-induced arthritis was also examined for comparison. Immunolocalization with the COL2-3/4m and COL2-3/4C antibodies was used to demonstrate denatured type II collagen and the collagenase cleavage site in type II collagen, respectively.

RESULTS

Both the C57Bl/6 and the BALB/c mice developed OA changes, although clear compartmental differences existed between the two strains. In both strains, type II collagen degradation was clearly present at sites of degeneration, but was absent from intact articular cartilage. Collagen degradation was absent from areas with cell death.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that type II collagen degradation in spontaneous murine OA is associated with degeneration and is a localized, instead of a generalized, process.

Collagen II containing a Cys substitution for Arg-alpha1-519. Analysis by atomic force microscopy demonstrates that mutated monomers alter the topography of the surface of collagen II fibrils

A recombinant human procollagen II was prepared that contained a substitution of Cys for Arg at alpha1-519 and that was found in five families with early onset generalized osteoarthritis with or without features of a mild chondrodysplasia. Previously, the presence of mutated monomers in mixtures with wildtype collagen II was shown to increase the lag period for fibril assembly. Also, the fibrils were more loosely packed and some thick fibrils lacked a D-periodic banding pattern. Here we re-examined the fibrils using a combination of transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The presence of the mutated monomers increased the diameter of the thin filaments that were consistently formed in association with the thick fibrils of collagen II. In addition, the presence of the mutated monomers increased the depth of the gap regions in all fibrils with a distinct D-periodic banding pattern. The results, therefore, may indicate that the mutated monomers formed two or three additional outer layers of monomers in 0D-period staggers on the surface of the fibrils. Apparently, the mutated monomers were bound on the surface through intermolecular disulfide bonds.

Changes in serum cartilage marker levels indicate altered cartilage metabolism in families with the osteoarthritis-related type II collagen gene COL2A1 mutation

OBJECTIVE

The Arg5l9-Cys mutation in type II collagen results in severe, precocious familial osteoarthritis (OA) in 100% of carriers within the first 3 decades of life. The carrier population provided a well-defined patient population for the study of serum markers of familial OA with respect to pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis.

METHODS

Serum was obtained from 31 mutation-positive individuals and 16 mutation-negative individuals. OA severity was determined by clinical and radiologic assessments. Levels of serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), keratan sulfate (KS) epitope, the 846 epitope of aggrecan, and the C propeptide of type II collagen (CPII) were measured and were correlated with the radiologic findings.

RESULTS

COMP and KS levels, both of which have been suggested to be indicative of disturbed cartilage turnover, were significantly elevated in mutation-positive individuals and in the individuals with OA regardless of mutation status. There was no statistically significant difference between mutation-positive, mutation-negative, OA-positive, and OA-negative individuals with respect to serum concentrations of epitope 846 or CPII, both of which are putative markers of cartilage repair.

CONCLUSION

Study of the macromolecular constituents of cartilage released into serum in subjects with familial OA revealed altered metabolism in OA, as demonstrated by elevated COMP and KS levels. Other constituents, the 846 epitope and CPII, were not altered, indicating dissociation of cartilage anabolism and breakdown. Future sequential studies will provide an opportunity to define biochemical changes as familial OA develops and to monitor therapeutic responses.

Recombinant procollagen II: Deletion of D period segments identifies sequences that are required for helix stabilization and generates a temperature-sensitive N-proteinase cleavage site

A cDNA cassette system was used to synthesize recombinant versions of procollagen II in which one of the four blocks of 234 amino acids that define a repeating D periods of the collagen triple helix were deleted. All the proteins were triple helical and all underwent a helix-to-coil transition between 25 and 42 degreesC as assayed by circular dichroism. However, the details of the melting curves varied. The procollagen lacking the D1 period unfolded 3 degreesC lower than a full-length molecule. With the procollagen lacking the D4 period, the first 25% of unfolding occurred at a lower temperature than the full-length molecule, but the rest of the structure unfolded at the same temperature. With the procollagen lacking the terminal D0.4 period, the protein unfolded 3 degreesC lower than the full-length molecule and a smaller fraction of the protein was secreted by stably transfected clones than with the other recombinant procollagens. The results confirmed previous suggestions that the collagen triple helix contains regions of varying stability and they demonstrated that the two D periods at the end of the molecule contain sequences that serve as clamps for folding and for stabilizing the triple helix. Reaction of the recombinant procollagens with procollagen N-proteinase indicated that in the procollagen lacking the sequences, the D1 period assumed an unusual temperature-sensitive conformation at 35 degreesC that allowed cleavage at an otherwise resistant Gly-Ala bond between residues 394 and 395 of the alpha1(II) chain.