Structure and interactions of heparan sulfate proteoglycans from a mouse tumor basement membrane

The solution structure of heparan sulfate differs from that of heparin: implications for function

The highly sulfated polysaccharides heparin and heparan sulfate (HS) play key roles in the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Despite its importance, no molecular structures of free HS have been reported up to now. By combining analytical ultracentrifugation, small angle x-ray scattering, and constrained scattering modeling recently used for heparin, we have analyzed the solution structures for eight purified HS fragments dp6-dp24 corresponding to the predominantly unsulfated GlcA-GlcNAc domains of heparan sulfate. Unlike heparin, the sedimentation coefficient s20,w of HS dp6-dp24 showed a small rotor speed dependence, where similar s20,w values of 0.82-1.26 S (absorbance optics) and 1.05-1.34 S (interference optics) were determined. The corresponding x-ray scattering measurements of HS dp6-dp24 gave radii of gyration RG values from 1.03 to 2.82 nm, cross-sectional radii of gyration RXS values from 0.31 to 0.65 nm, and maximum lengths L from 3.0 to 10.0 nm. These data showed that HS has a longer and more bent structure than heparin. Constrained scattering modeling starting from 5,000 to 12,000 conformationally randomized HS structures gave best fit dp6-dp24 molecular structures that were longer and more bent than their equivalents in heparin. Alternative fits were obtained for HS dp18 and dp24, indicating their higher bending and flexibility. We conclude that HS displays bent conformations that are significantly distinct from that for heparin. The difference is attributed to the different predominant monosaccharide sequence and reduced sulfation of HS, indicating that HS may interact differently with proteins compared with heparin.

Nephronectin binds to heparan sulfate proteoglycans via its MAM domain

Nephronectin is a basement membrane protein comprising five N-terminal epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats, a central linker segment containing an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif and a C-terminal meprin-A5 protein-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase μ (MAM) domain. Nephronectin has been shown to interact with α8β1 integrin through the central linker segment, but its interactions with other molecules remain to be elucidated. Here, we examined the binding of nephronectin to a panel of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. Nephronectin bound strongly to heparin and chondroitin sulfate (CS)-E and moderately to heparan sulfate (HS), but failed to bind to CS-A, CS-C, CS-D, dermatan sulfate and hyaluronic acid. Deletion of the MAM domain severely impaired the binding of nephronectin to heparin but not CS-E, whereas deletion of the EGF-like repeats reduced its binding to CS-E but not heparin, suggesting that nephronectin interacts with CS-E and heparin through the EGF-like repeats and MAM domain, respectively. Consistent with these results, nephronectin bound to agrin and perlecan, which are heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in basement membranes, in HS-dependent manners. Site-directed mutagenesis of the MAM domain revealed that multiple basic amino acid residues in the putative loop regions were involved in the binding of the MAM domain to agrin. The binding of nephronectin to basement membrane HSPGs was further confirmed by in situ nephronectin overlay assays using mouse frozen tissue sections. Taken together, these findings indicate that nephronectin is capable of binding to HSPGs in basement membranes via the MAM domain, and thereby raise the possibility that interactions with basement membrane HSPGs may be involved in the deposition of nephronectin onto basement membranes.

Tissue architecture in the Caenorhabditis elegans gonad depends on interactions among fibulin-1, type IV collagen and the ADAMTS extracellular protease

Molecules in the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulate cellular behavior in both development and pathology. Fibulin-1 is a conserved ECM protein. The Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog, FBL-1, regulates gonad-arm elongation and expansion by acting antagonistically to GON-1, an ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs) family protease. The elongation of gonad arms is directed by gonadal distal tip cells (DTCs). Here we report that a dominant mutation in the EMB-9/type IV collagen α1 subunit can compensate for loss of FBL-1 activity in gonadogenesis. A specific amino acid substitution in the noncollagenous 1 (NC1) domain of EMB-9 suppressed the fbl-1 null mutant. FBL-1 was required to maintain wild-type EMB-9 in the basement membrane (BM), whereas mutant EMB-9 was retained in the absence of FBL-1. EMB-9 (either wild type or mutant) localization in the BM enhanced PAT-3/β-integrin expression in DTCs. In addition, overexpression of PAT-3 partially rescued the DTC migration defects in fbl-1 mutants, suggesting that EMB-9 acts in part through PAT-3 to control DTC migration. In contrast to the suppression of fbl-1(tk45), mutant EMB-9 enhanced the gonadal defects of gon-1(e1254), suggesting that it gained a function similar to that of wild-type FBL-1, which promotes DTC migration by inhibiting GON-1. We propose that FBL-1 and GON-1 control EMB-9 accumulation in the BM and promote PAT-3 expression to control DTC migration.

The solution structure of heparan sulfate differs from that of heparin: implications for function

The highly sulfated polysaccharides heparin and heparan sulfate (HS) play key roles in the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Despite its importance, no molecular structures of free HS have been reported up to now. By combining analytical ultracentrifugation, small angle x-ray scattering, and constrained scattering modeling recently used for heparin, we have analyzed the solution structures for eight purified HS fragments degree of polymerization 6-18 (dp6-dp18) and dp24, corresponding to the predominantly unsulfated GlcA-GlcNAc domains of heparan sulfate. Unlike heparin, the sedimentation coefficient s(20,)(w) of HS dp6-dp24 showed a small rotor speed dependence, where similar s(20,)(w) values of 0.82-1.26 S (absorbance optics) and 1.05-1.34 S (interference optics) were determined. The corresponding x-ray scattering measurements of HS dp6-dp24 gave radius of gyration (R(G)) values from 1.03 to 2.82 nm, cross-sectional radius of gyration (R(XS)) values from 0.31 to 0.65 nm, and maximum lengths (L) from 3.0 to 10.0 nm. These data showed that HS has a longer and more bent structure than heparin. Constrained scattering modeling starting from 5000-8000 conformationally randomized HS structures gave best fit dp6-dp16 molecular structures that were longer and more bent than their equivalents in heparin. No fits were obtained for HS dp18 or dp24, indicating their higher flexibility. We conclude that HS displays an extended bent conformation that is significantly distinct from that for heparin. The difference is attributed to the different predominant monosaccharide sequence and reduced sulfation of HS, indicating that HS may interact differently with proteins compared with heparin.

Basement membrane deposition of nidogen 1 but not nidogen 2 requires the nidogen binding module of the laminin gamma1 chain

The nidogen-laminin interaction is proposed to play a key role in basement membrane (BM) assembly. However, though there are similarities, the phenotypes in mice lacking nidogen 1 and 2 (nidogen double null) differ to those of mice lacking the nidogen binding module (γ1III4) of the laminin γ1 chain. This indicates different cell- and tissue-specific functions for nidogens and their interaction with laminin and poses the question of whether the phenotypes in nidogen double null mice are caused by the loss of the laminin-nidogen interaction or rather by other unknown nidogen functions. To investigate this, we analyzed BMs, in particular those in the skin of mice lacking the nidogen binding module. In contrast to nidogen double null mice, all skin BMs in γ1III4-deficient mice appeared normal. Furthermore, although nidogen 1 deposition was strongly reduced, nidogen 2 appeared unchanged. Mice with additional deletion of the laminin γ3 chain, which contains a γ1-like nidogen binding module, showed a further reduction of nidogen 1 in the dermoepidermal BM; however, this again did not affect nidogen 2. This demonstrates that in vivo only nidogen 1 deposition is critically dependent on the nidogen binding modules of the laminin γ1 and γ3 chains, whereas nidogen 2 is independently recruited either by binding to an alternative site on laminin or to other BM proteins.

MIG-17/ADAMTS controls cell migration by recruiting nidogen to the basement membrane in C. elegans

Mutations in the a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family of secreted proteases cause diseases linked to ECM abnormalities. However, the mechanisms by which these enzymes modulate the ECM during development are mostly unexplored. The Caenorhabditis elegans MIG-17/ADAMTS protein is secreted from body wall muscle cells and localizes to the basement membrane (BM) of the developing gonad where it controls directional migration of gonadal leader cells. Here we show that specific amino acid changes in the ECM proteins fibulin-1C (FBL-1C) and type IV collagen (LET-2) result in bypass of the requirement for MIG-17 activity in gonadal leader cell migration in a nidogen (NID-1)-dependent and -independent manner, respectively. The MIG-17, FBL-1C and LET-2 activities are required for proper accumulation of NID-1 at the gonadal BM. However, mutant FBL-1C or LET-2 in the absence of MIG-17 promotes NID-1 localization. Furthermore, overexpression of NID-1 in mig-17 mutants substantially rescues leader cell migration defects. These results suggest that functional interactions among BM molecules are important for MIG-17 control of gonadal leader cell migration. We propose that FBL-1C and LET-2 act downstream of MIG-17-dependent proteolysis to recruit NID-1 and that LET-2 also activates a NID-1-independent pathway, thereby inducing the remodeling of the BM required for directional control of leader cell migration.

Laminin, proteoglycan, nidogen and collagen IV: structural models and molecular interactions

Major components of basement membranes, including collagen IV, laminin, heparan sulphate proteoglycan and nidogen, were isolated from the matrix of the EHS sarcoma. The purified components were analysed for their domain structure and for the participation of distinct domains in molecular interactions and cell binding. Collagen IV consists of four domains which have triple helical or non-collagenous structures. Self-assembly of the protein into a network-like organization occurs by specific interactions between N-terminal triple helical segments and between the C-terminal globules. Cell binding requires a central triple helical segment. Laminin has the shape of an asymmetrical cross; different globular domains within this structure mediate binding to proteoglycan and to cells. The proteoglycan consists of four heparan sulphate chains attached to a small protein core. These chains have the potential to bind laminin, fibronectin and collagen IV. Nidogen was isolated in several molecular forms which showed either self-aggregation or binding to laminin.

Ultrastructure and composition of basement membrane separating mature ameloblasts from enamel

At a late stage of amelogenesis, a basement-membrane-like (BML) structure appears between mature ameloblasts and the enamel surface. Although this BML structure is known to contain certain basement membrane components, its detailed nature and role were not well defined. As such, this study examined the BML structure using high-resolution electron microscopy combined with immunohistochemical staining. Mandibular rat incisors were processed for the preparation of Epon sections for ultrastructural observations, and frozen sections were used for immunostaining laminin, heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) and type IV collagen. The BML structure was characterized by the presence of abundant ribbon-like 'double tracks', 4.5-5.0 nm wide; the form known to be taken by HSPG in basal laminae. The main ultrastructural component of basal laminae, known as 'cords', was replaced by fine filaments of type IV collagen. Immunohistochemical staining of the BML structure showed an intense reaction for HSPG, moderate staining for type IV collagen and negligible staining for laminin. These observations indicate that this structure is an atypical basement membrane in which the cord network is replaced by type IV collagen filaments. However, the BML structure was found to be unusually rich in HSPG, similar to kidney glomerular basement membrane. It is likely that this specialized basement membrane mediates firm attachment of mature ameloblasts to the enamel surface, and filters the influx and efflux of materials to and from enamel during maturation.

Biosynthesis and structure of the basement membrane proteoglycan containing heparan sulphate side-chains

Endothelial, epithelial and muscle cells produce a similar proteoglycan for deposition in basement membrane. This proteoglycan is initially synthesized as a low buoyant density proteoglycan containing 3-5 heparan sulphate side-chains (15,000-65,000 Mr each), along one half of a 400,000 Mr core protein. A portion of the population of these macromolecules is degraded to produce small high density proteoglycans containing a variable-sized core protein less than 100,000 in Mr. This biosynthetic and degradative process probably accounts for the variety of differently sized heparan sulphate proteoglycans that have been isolated from various basement membrane sources.

Structure and function of basement membrane proteoglycans

Basement membranes contain at least three different proteoglycans. These are a large, low buoyant density heparan sulphate proteoglycan and two smaller, high density proteoglycans with either heparan sulphate or chondroitin sulphate side-chains. The large (Mr 400K-600K and small (Mr 130K) heparan sulphate proteoglycans were purified from the mouse EHS tumour. These proteoglycans are immunologically related by sharing some protein core antigenic determinants (epitopes) but do not cross-react with cell-surface heparan sulphate proteoglycans or with proteoglycans from interstitial connective tissue. This indicates that they belong to a distinct family of proteoglycans. Structural models were developed, based on electron microscopy and analytical ultracentrifugation, demonstrating that the small proteoglycan contains on average four heparan sulphate chains of about 30 nm in length, while the large proteoglycan consists of three long (about 90 nm) heparan sulphate chains connected to one end of a large core protein. Single heparan sulphate chains were isolated from the EHS tumour proteoglycans and from the corresponding proteoglycans from Reichert's membrane of the mouse embryo. The heparan sulphate from Reichert's membrane bound to antithrombin with high affinity and was found to contain the unique 3-O-sulphated glucosamine residue previously identified in the antithrombin-binding region of heparin. The EHS tumour heparan sulphate showed a higher N-/O-sulphate ratio and a lower affinity for antithrombin.

Role of Laminin Terminal Globular Domains in Basement Membrane Assembly

Laminins contribute to basement membrane assembly through interactions of their N- and C-terminal globular domains. To further analyze this process, recombinant laminin-111 heterotrimers with deletions and point mutations were generated by recombinant expression and evaluated for their ability to self-assemble, interact with nidogen-1 and type IV collagen, and form extracellular matrices on cultured Schwann cells by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Wild-type laminin and laminin without LG domains polymerized in contrast to laminins with deleted alpha1-, beta1-, or gamma1-LN domains or with duplicated beta1- or alpha1-LN domains. Laminins with a full complement of LN and LG domains accumulated on cell surfaces substantially above those lacking either LN or LG domains and formed a lamina densa. Accumulation of type IV collagen onto the cell surface was found to require laminin with separate contributions arising from the presence of laminin LN domains, nidogen-1, and the nidogen-binding site in laminin. Collectively, the data support the hypothesis that basement membrane assembly depends on laminin self-assembly through formation of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-LN domain complexes and LG-mediated cell surface anchorage. Furthermore, type IV collagen recruitment into the laminin extracellular matrices appears to be mediated through a nidogen bridge with a lesser contribution arising from a direct interaction with laminin.

Ultrastructural characterization of an artificial basement membrane produced by cultured keratinocytes

A recent study in our laboratories on the growth of keratinocytes at the culture medium/air interface has led to the identification of a novel thin sheet-like matrix that supports adherent cells. This novel matrix consists of components secreted by keratinocytes, including type IV collagen, and laminins 1 and 5, that self-assembled to a membrane structure. In the present study, a detailed ultrastructural characterization of this membrane was done with high-resolution electron microscopy after negative staining. The basic organization of the membrane was found to be a dense network of 8- to 10-nm-wide irregular rod-like elements. High-resolution examination and immunolabeling showed that type IV collagen filaments form the core of these elements, and other components including heparan sulfate proteoglycan in the form of 4.5- to 5-nm-wide ribbon-like "double tracks" are aggregated around it. These detailed features of the membrane strikingly resembled those of the basement membrane in vivo. These ultrastructural similarities indicate that the membrane may also have basement membrane-like functional properties, and suggest that it should be considered for testing in future medical applications.

Basement membranes: structure, assembly and role in tumour angiogenesis

In recent years, the basement membrane (BM)--a specialized form of extracellular matrix (ECM)--has been recognized as an important regulator of cell behaviour, rather than just a structural feature of tissues. The BM mediates tissue compartmentalization and sends signals to epithelial cells about the external microenvironment. The BM is also an important structural and functional component of blood vessels, constituting an extracellular microenvironment sensor for endothelial cells and pericytes. Vascular BM components have recently been found to be involved in the regulation of tumour angiogenesis, making them attractive candidate targets for potential cancer therapies.

Basement membrane and beta amyloid fibrillogenesis in Alzheimer's disease

High-resolution ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies revealed that in situ beta amyloid fibrils of Alzheimer's disease were made up of a core consisting of a solid column of amyloid P component (AP) and associated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, and a heparan sulfate proteoglycan surface layer with externally associated fine filaments of beta protein. The main body of beta amyloid fibrils closely resembled that of microfibrils. Abundant microfibrils were reported to be present at the basement membrane of capillaries with "leaky" blood-urine or blood-air barriers. Similarly, abundant microfibril-like beta amyloid fibrils are formed at the microvascular basement membrane in cerebrovascular amyloid angiopathy with altered blood-brain barrier. Since AP is an indispensable major component of microfibrils and microfibril-like structures, the formation of microfibrils may depend on, among other factors, the availability of AP. Thus, in beta amyloid fibrillogenesis fibrils may be built around AP which continuously leaks out from circulation into vascular basement membrane, and beta amyloid fibrils may be regarded as pathologically altered basement membrane-associated microfibrils. With no source of AP around them, senile plaque fibrils may also be derived from perivascular amyloid.

Basement membrane of mouse bone marrow sinusoids shows distinctive structure and proteoglycan composition: a high resolution ultrastructural study

Venous sinusoids in bone marrow are the site of a large-scale traffic of cells between the extravascular hemopoietic compartment and the blood stream. The wall of the sinusoids consists solely of a basement membrane interposed between a layer of endothelial cells and an incomplete covering of adventitial cells. To examine its possible structural specialization, the basement membrane of bone marrow sinusoids has now been examined by high resolution electron microscopy of perfusion-fixed mouse bone marrow. The basement membrane layer was discontinuous, consisting of irregular masses of amorphous material within a uniform 60-nm-wide space between apposing endothelial cells and adventitial cell processes. At maximal magnifications, the material was resolved as a random arrangement of components lacking the "cord network" formation seen in basement membranes elsewhere. Individual components exhibited distinctive ultrastructural features whose molecular identity has previously been established. By these morphological criteria, the basement membrane contained unusually abundant chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) revealed by 3-nm-wide "double tracks," and moderate amounts of both laminin as dense irregular coils and type IV collagen as 1-1.5-nm-wide filaments, together with less conspicuous amounts of amyloid P forming pentagonal frames. In contrast, 4.5-5-nm-wide "double tracks" characteristic of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) were absent. The findings demonstrate that, in comparison with "typical" basement membranes in other tissues, the bone marrow sinusoidal basement membrane is uniquely specialized in several respects. Its discontinuous nature, lack of network organization, and absence of HSPG, a molecule that normally helps to maintain membrane integrity, may facilitate disassembly and reassembly of basement membrane material in concert with movements of adventitial cell processes as maturing hemopoietic cells pass through the sinusoidal wall: the exceptionally large quantity of CSPG may represent a reservoir of CD44 receptor for use in hemopoiesis.

Proteoglycan arrays in the cochlear basement membrane

Indirect immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the composition and assembly of proteoglycans in the basement membranes of the spiral limbus, basilar membrane, spiral ligament, Reissner's membrane, myelinated nerve fibers, and blood capillaries of the spiral ligament and stria vascularis in the chinchilla cochlea. Four types of basement membrane components: laminin, entactin/nidogen, type IV collagen and heparan sulfate proteoglycans were immunolocalized in all basement membranes in association with heparan sulfate proteoglycans. beta 1 and alpha 1 integrin subunits were also detected along these basement membranes. The concentration of the basement membrane-associated proteins and integrin subunits differed according to the adjacent cell type. Electron microscopy showed that all basement membranes, with exception of those of stria vascularis, consist of two layers: lamina lucida and lamina densa. In the stria vascularis only a homogeneous lamina densa was observed. Cuprolinic blue treatment revealed heterogeneity in the ultrastructure and arrangement of proteoglycans in the cochlear basement membranes. Proteoglycans of the subepithelial basement membrane in the spiral limbus and spiral ligament formed quasi-regular, linear arrays within the lamina lucida, or were located at both sides of the lamina densa in the basilar membrane and Reissner's membrane. In the basement membranes of nerve fibers, and capillaries in the spiral ligament and stria vascularis, proteoglycans were scattered throughout these basement membranes, but showed different concentration and ultrastructural appearance, which may be related to different filtration and mechanical properties. In the basilar membrane, PGs were located above and below the lamina densa. An additional layer of PGs below the lamina densa may function as increased mechanical support of organ of Corti by its interaction with underlying fibrillar collagen layer. In the stria vascularis capillaries, PGs were stained considerably less with Cuprolinic blue and were scattered through the lamina densa of the basement membrane compared to capillaries of spiral ligament. This observation is compatible with a higher permeability of the strial capillaries.

Ultrastructure and composition of basement membranes in the tooth

The tooth, the hardest organ in the body, is known to be formed through highly elaborate, unique processes of differentiation and development. Basement membranes play critical roles in fundamentally important biological processes such as growth and differentiation, and for better understanding of the mechanism of development and maintenance of the tooth, specializations of tooth basement membranes are reviewed in detail in relation to their roles. The basement membrane at such diverse locations in the tooth as the inner enamel epithelium, maturation-stage ameloblasts, and junctional epithelium at the dentogingival border are specialized in their own highly unique ways for anchoring, firm binding, or mediation in the transport of substances. Thus, the role of basement membranes in the developing and mature tooth is manifold and for these roles individual basement membranes are specialized in their own specific ways which are rare or not seen in nondental tissues, and these specializations are essential for successful development and maintenance of the tooth.

Still more complexity in mammalian basement membranes

At the epithelial/mesenchymal interface of most tissues lies the basement membrane (BM). These thin sheets of highly specialized extracellular matrix vary in composition in a tissue-specific manner, and during development and repair. For about two decades it has been apparent that all BMs contain laminins, entactin-1/nidogen-1, Type IV collagen, and proteoglycans. However, within the past few years this complexity has increased as new components are described. The entactin/nidogen (E/N) family has expanded with the recent description of a new isoform, E/N-2/osteonidogen. Agrin and Type XVIII collagen have been reclassified as heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), expanding the repertoire of HSPGs in the BM. The laminin family has become more diverse as new alpha-chains have been characterized, increasing the number of laminin isoforms. Interactions between BM components are now appreciated to be regulated through multiple, mostly domain-specific mechanisms. Understanding the functions of individual BM components and their assembly into macromolecular complexes is a considerable challenge that may increase as further BM and cell surface ligands are discovered for these proteins.

Basement membrane macromolecules: insights from atomic force microscopy

The major macromolecules of basement membranes-collagen IV, laminin-1, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG)-have been analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), both individually and in combination with each other. The positions of laminin binding to collagen IV were mapped and compared with the positions of imperfections in the amino acid sequence of collagen IV; the apparent molecular volumes of the HSPG proteoglycans were measured and used to estimate the corresponding molecular weights. Even the thin, thread-like strands of the polyanion heparan sulfate can be visualized with AFM without staining, coating, or fixation. These strands are single polysaccharide chains and are thus thinner than single-stranded DNA. The heparan sulfate strands in HSPG are necessary for protein filtration in kidney basement membranes. We propose that these thin strands filter proteins by functioning as an entropic brush-i.e., that they filter proteins by their constant thermally driven motion in the basement membrane. These AFM analyses in air are a step toward AFM analyses under fluid of basement membrane macromolecules interacting with each other.

Basement membranes, microfibrils and beta amyloid fibrillogenesis in Alzheimer's disease: high resolution ultrastructural findings

It is known that beta amyloid fibrils are deposited at the basement membrane of the cerebromicrovasculature in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, and the assembly of the fibrils may be in continuation with the core of senile plaques. The fibrils accumulate in a manner similar to that in which microfibrils accumulate in the glomerular basement membrane of the rat kidney during long-term experimental diabetes, and in the alveolar-capillary basement membrane of the normal lung. beta amyloid fibrils in-situ are known to be about 10 nm wide tubular structures and they closely resemble connective tissue microfibrils. Our recent high resolution ultrastructural studies combined with immunogold labeling demonstrated that beta amyloid fibrils in-situ are indeed microfibril-like structures, and the beta protein is associated with their surface in the form of loose assemblies of 1 nm wide flexible filaments. Thus, the result of this study indicates that in-situ a major component of the beta amyloid deposit is the microfibril-like structure. The elucidation of the mechanism of cerebral beta amyloid fibrillogenesis in Alzheimer's disease may therefore require understanding the mechanism of 'normal' microfibrils biogenesis.

The role of linoleic acid in endothelial cell gene expression. Relationship to atherosclerosis

There is evidence that linoleic acid plays a critical role in gene expression and vascular function as it relates to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The lipid environment, particularly linoleic acid and its derivatives, of the vascular endothelium may profoundly influence the inflammatory response mediated by cytokines. Modulations in the level of activity of a select set of endothelial transcription factors appear to provide a mechanism for linking lipid/cytokine-mediated vessel wall dysfunction, including endothelial cell activation, altered proteoglycan metabolism, and endothelial barrier dysfunction, with the onset of atherosclerotic lesion formation. The activity of endothelial transcription factors is in part regulated by the balance of cellular oxidative stress and antioxidant status. Our data suggest that linoleic acid can activate the vascular endothelium and may thus be an atherogenic fatty acid. Furthermore, nutrients/chemicals with antioxidant properties can protect endothelial cells against lipid-mediated cell injury, suggesting that oxidative stress is a critical component in linoleic acid-mediated gene expression. Our discoveries that linoleic acid can influence significantly the cytokine-mediated inflammatory response may open new fields in dietary intervention of atherosclerosis.

Abnormal cell calcium homeostasis in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a new look on old disease

Cumulative evidence reveals that diabetes is a condition in which cell Ca2+ homeostasis is impaired. Defects in cell Ca2+ regulation were found in erythrocytes, cardiac muscle, platelets, skeletal muscle, kidney, aorta, adipocytes, liver, osteoblasts, arteries, lens, peripheral nerves, brain synaptosomes, retinal tissue, and pancreatic beta cells, confirming that this defect in cell Ca2+ metabolism is a basic pathology associated with the diabetic state. Though different defects in a variety of functions that regulate cell Ca2+ homeostasis were described in diabetes, the most common finding is an increase in [Ca2+]i levels. However, it is not clear whether the defect in cell Ca2+ metabolism in diabetes precedes or succeeds the overt diabetic condition. It is also not clear which of the multiple functions involved in cell Ca2+ regulation has the primary defect. Defects in cell Ca2+ metabolism may be significant for the observed pathologies in insulin secretion and insulin action in diabetes. They may also play an important role in the vascular complications seen in this condition, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and microangiopathy. Therefore, better understanding of the impairment in cell Ca2+ metabolism in diabetes may markedly enhance our understanding of this condition.

Expression of laminin and type IV collagen by basement membrane-producing EHS tumors in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice: in vivo modulation by low-molecular-weight heparin fragments

The biosynthesis of basement membrane components in Engelberth Holm Swarm-bearing mice with or without streptozotocin-induced diabetes and the effect of low-molecular-weight heparin derivatives (CY222, Sanofi Recherche/Institut Choay) on the relative rates of these synthetic activities were studied. In diabetic mice, the laminin mRNA level increased, whereas type IV collagen mRNA decreased. In vivo treatment with heparin fragments decreased the mRNA level of laminin to control values without altering the mRNA level of collagen IV. Biosynthetic studies with radiolabeled precursors ([3H]-proline for collagen and [35S]-methionine for laminin) confirmed these results. Laminin protein biosynthesis increased in diabetic mice. Treatment with CY222 corrected this alteration. Our results suggested an increased labeling of polymeric forms of collagen IV in diabetic mice. In addition, we showed that biosynthesis of acid-extractable collagen IV decreased in diabetic mice and that CY222 treatment corrected this disturbance. These experiments suggest that low-molecular-weight heparin fragments CY222 can modulate the biosynthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules altered in diabetic animals by different pathways, including pretranslational and posttranslational steps.

Perlecan and basement membrane-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (bamacan) are two basement membrane chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans in the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm tumor matrix

The presence of proteoglycans bearing galactosaminoglycan chains has been reported, but none has been identified previously in the matrix of the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm tumor, which is a source of several basement membrane components. This tumor matrix contains perlecan, a large, low buoyant density heparan sulfate proteoglycan, widespread in many basement membranes and connective tissues. We now identify two distinct proteoglycan species from this tumor source, which are substituted with galactosaminoglycans and which show basement membrane localization by immunohistochemistry. One species is perlecan but, in addition to being present as a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, it is also present as a hybrid molecule, with dermatan sulfate chains. A minor population of perlecan apparently lacks heparan sulfate chains totally, and some of this is substituted with chondroitin sulfate. The second species is immunologically related to basement membrane-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (BM-CSPG) and bears chondroitin sulfate chains. No BM-CSPG was detectable which was substituted with heparan sulfate chains. A combination of immunological and molecular approaches, including cDNA cloning, showed that perlecan and BM-CSPG are distinct in core protein structure. Both are, however, basement membrane components, although there are tissue-specific differences in their distribution.

Role of fatty acids and eicosanoids in modulating proteoglycan metabolism in endothelial cells

Endothelial cell dysfunction is considered to be a critical event in the etiology of atherosclerosis. Thus, the preservation of endothelial structure and function are a prerequisite for normal control of vascular permeability properties, mediation of both inflammatory and immunologic responses and the general 'communication' between blood-borne cells and abluminal tissues. Many of these properties can be influenced by proteoglycans present in vascular tissues. There is evidence that selected lipids can be atherogenic by altering endothelial proteoglycan metabolism. Little is known about the role of fatty acids in modulating proteoglycan composition in endothelial cells. Data suggest, however, that linoleic acid in particular can adversely alter proteoglycan metabolism, which may be related to an imbalance in eicosanoid synthesis patterns. These events could be sufficient to disrupt normal endothelial barrier function, initiate smooth muscle migration and proliferation, and result in other metabolic dysfunctions associated with the etiology of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Thus, the focus of this review is on fatty acids and eicosanoids as they may alter proteoglycan metabolism of vascular tissues and in particular of the endothelium.

Abnormal expression of heparin sulfate proteoglycan on basal lamina of muscle fibers in two Japanese patients with adhalin deficiency

We recently reported the selective reduction of the B1 subunit of laminin in two Japanese patients with adhalin deficiency. We here investigated immunohistochemically the expression of other components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including collagen type IV, heparan sulfate proteoglycan can (HSPG), chondroitin-4-sulfate proteoglycan, decorin, and fibronectin in adhalin deficiency, compared with other types of muscular dystrophy. We found a reduction of HSPG on the basal lamina surrounding each muscle fiber in adhalin deficiency compared with HSPG in other diseases. This finding may be characteristic evidence of the disturbance of the sarcolemma-ECM interaction and the sarcolemmal instability in adhalin deficiency. Recently, a direct role of HSPG in fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signal transduction was demonstrated. Further investigation is required to determine if the dysfunction of FGF is relevant to the pathogenesis of adhalin deficiency.

Family study of atypical nevi with investigation of heparin sulfate proteoglycan

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology of atypical nevi (AN) is currently obscure; however the diagnosis must be made early in order to follow these individuals and treat any melanomas that may arise at an early stage, thus preventing premature death.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following the guidelines of the NIH on clinical and histologic features of ANS, 38 adult members in 8 families were investigated. Twenty-seven were physically examined and 25 biopsied. Biopsies from ANS and junctional nevi from unrelated persons were also stained with antibodies against heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG).

RESULTS

At least 21 of 38 members had ANS. Staining with HSPG antibodies did not differentiate between ANS and benign junctional nevi, all showing slightly irregular staining. In seven of eight families, two or more family members were affected by ANS.

CONCLUSIONS

Although it is not known whether or not HSPG plays a role in melanomas becoming invasive, or the potential of melanoma developing in ANS there were no differentiating features of staining in ANS, and junctional nevi to help in the differential-diagnosis of the two.

Morphology of the basement membrane

The aim of this contribution is to summarize our knowledge of the morphology of the basement membrane (BM). The first step in this direction is the attempt to define this term. The BM is composed of the Lamina lucida, densa, and fibroreticularis. Subsequently, the historical development of this term is discussed. Our main interest is, of course, focused on the description of the BM-structure up to the macromolecular level and the special forms of this structure. This is supplemented by discussing its chemical composition and establishing a relationship between morphology and biochemistry. The obtained findings yielded some indications as to the molecular composition of the BM which may serve for the construction of "models." The composition of the Lamina lucida (L.l.) and the Lamina or Pars fibroreticularis (L.f.) must be discussed separately, since, if present, they show a different and strongly varying structure (L.f.). An important aspect is the function of this extracellular layer which comprises mechanical tasks up to inductive effects. Finally, the concepts of the formation of the BM, especially of the Lamina densa (L.d.), are summarized. It obviously consists of a sequence of individual steps which starts with expression and secretion of the L.d.-components and is followed by an induction of integrin expression.

High resolution platinum-carbon replication of freeze-dried basement membrane

High angle platinum/carbon (Pt/C) replication has proved to be a valuable tool in analyzing basement membrane structure in human amnion, bovine lens capsule, and the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumor. High resolution replicas for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been achieved by depositing 1.0 +/- 0.1 nm thick Pt/C films backed with rotary deposited 12.5 +/- 2.5 nm thick carbon films. The basement membrane collagen IV network was observed to consist of fine branching filaments containing globular domains intrinsic to the filaments. A second quasi-regular network is formed by laminin. Unidirectional 45 degree angle Pt/C replication was used for most of this work. The merits and deficiencies of unidirectional vertical replication (80 degree angle), unidirectional 45 degree angle, and 20 degrees low angle rotary replication are discussed. Vertical replication produces the highest resolution replicas and has the potential for revealing the overall pattern of basement membrane structural assembly if basement membrane preparations freeze-dried in low salt can faithfully maintain their in vivo structure.

Quick-freeze, deep-etch studies of renal basement membranes

The fine structure of the renal (i.e., glomerular, tubular, and capillary) basement membranes was re-evaluated with the aid of a deep-etch replica method. The structure of the laminae rarae interna and externa of the rat glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and laminae lucida of other basement membranes were basically identical in that 6 to 8 nm fibrils were interconnected to form a three-dimensional, polygonal network. By contrast, all of the laminae densa examined were composed of closely packed granules, and a filamentous substructure was identified only in a limited area. These granular components were demonstrated to be an integral component of the lamina densa. From additional observations on the trypsinized bovine GBM, it appeared that the basic structure of renal basement membranes was almost identical, namely, that a three-dimensional fibrillar meshwork existed throughout the individual layers to form a structural framework upon which fine particles were variably attached. In addition, we observed some of the fine structure of the pars fibroreticularis; the laminae densa of the tubular and capillary basement membranes continued to the fibrillar meshwork resembling the structural backbone of the glomerular basement membrane. The network was sometimes directly connected to the extracellular matrix, but more often changed into a rough fibrillar framework and connected to the extracellular matrix.

Is thickening of the basal lamina in the saphenous vein a hallmark of smoking?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether smoking causes ultrastructural changes in the intima of the proximal saphenous vein.

DESIGN

Proximal saphenous veins from heavy smokers and non-smokers were examined with scanning and transmission electron microscopy to determine changes in surface ultrastructure, in the intercellular junction, and in the thickness of the basal lamina. Immunogold labelling was used to identify specific components of the endothelial basal lamina.

MATERIAL

Vein specimens were obtained from patients undergoing varicose vein surgery (12 patients) or distal bypass surgery (eight patients).

MAIN RESULTS

The only ultrastructural change that discriminated between specimens was thickening of the endothelial basal lamina. All specimens with a thickened basal lamina were from heavy smokers. Immunogold labelling studies showed that the thickened basal lamina contained specific accumulations of fibronectin but not heparan sulphate proteoglycans, type IV collagen, or laminin.

CONCLUSIONS

Two ultrastructural characteristics are associated with smoking: thickening of the endothelial basal lamina and a specific accumulation of fibronectin in the thickened basal lamina. Such abnormalities in the saphenous veins from smokers may contribute to the poorer performance of these veins as bypass conduits.

Proteoglycans of basement membranes

Proteoglycans carrying either heparan sulfate and/or chondroitin sulfate side chains are typical constituents of basement membranes. The most prominent proteoglycan (perlecan) consists of a 400-500 kDa core protein and three heparan sulfate chains. Electron microscopy and cDNA sequencing show a complex and elongated domain structure for the core protein which in part is homologous to that of the laminin A chain. This structure may be varied by alternative splicing and proteolysis. Integration into basement membranes probably occurs by heparan sulfate binding to laminin and collagen IV, core protein binding to nidogen and by limited self assembly. The proteoglycan is in addition a cell-adhesive protein which is recognized by beta 1 integrins. Several more proteoglycans with smaller core proteins (10-160 kDa) apparently exist in basement membranes but are less well characterized. Biological functions include control of filtration through basement membranes and binding of growth factors and protease inhibitors.

Proteoglycans and endothelial barrier function: effect of linoleic acid exposure to porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells

Certain fatty acids induce changes in endothelial barrier function which may be mediated by alterations in normal proteoglycan synthesis/metabolism. To test this hypothesis, pulmonary artery derived endothelial cells were treated with media supplemented with linoleic acid (18:2), and/or a known proteoglycan synthesis inhibitor, beta-D-xyloside. Independent exposure to 1 mM beta-D-xyloside or 90 microM 18:2 increased albumin transfer, i.e., decreased barrier function, when compared with control cultures. 18:2 and beta-D-xyloside increased albumin transfer additively, suggesting that the mechanisms by which 18:2 and beta-D-xyloside alter the proteoglycan metabolism are different. Compared with the control group, treatment with 18:2 inhibited proteoglycan synthesis, decreased anionic properties of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the cell monolayers and caused the release of a unique chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan into the culture media. Treatment with beta-D-xyloside caused an increased incorporation of radioactive sulfate into glycosaminoglycans but inhibited proteoglycan synthesis. These results suggest that the fatty acid- and beta-D-xyloside-induced impairment in endothelial barrier function may involve changes in the synthesis, release and physicochemical properties of proteoglycans.

Proteoglycans of basement membranes

Proteoglycans carrying either heparan sulfate and/or chondroitin sulfate side chains are typical constituents of basement membranes. The most prominent proteoglycan (perlecan) consists of a 400-500 kDa core protein and three heparan sulfate chains. Electron microscopy and cDNA sequencing show a complex and elongated domain structure for the core protein which in part is homologous to that of the laminin A chain. This structure may be varied by alternative splicing and proteolysis. Integration into basement membranes probably occurs by heparan sulfate binding to laminin and collagen IV, core protein binding to nidogen and by limited self assembly. The proteoglycan is in addition a cell-adhesive protein which is recognized by beta 1 integrins. Several more proteoglycans with smaller core proteins (10-160 kDa) apparently exist in basement membranes but are less well characterized. Biological functions include control of filtration through basement membranes and binding of growth factors and protease inhibitors.

Tissue distribution of amyloid P component as defined by a monoclonal antibody produced by immunization with human glomerular basement membranes

A monoclonal antibody reactive against amyloid P component (NCL-AMP) has been developed following immunization of mice with partially-purified human glomerular basement membranes (GBM) and standard hybridization and cloning techniques. The antibody reactivity was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by the indirect immunoperoxidase technique on sections of frozen and fixed human kidney and other tissues. The distribution of amyloid P component in various normal tissues is described and the possible co-localization with the Goodpasture antigen is discussed. In addition, the suitability of the antibody for detection of amyloid deposits in renal amyloidosis is demonstrated and its potential for use in other pathological conditions is considered.

Nidogen mediates the formation of ternary complexes of basement membrane components

Using a recombinant nidogen we have probed the calcium binding potential of various nidogen domains, examined the binding of nidogen to various basement membrane proteins and assessed the ability of nidogen to mediate the formation of ternary complexes between laminin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan and collagen IV and laminin. The results of these experiments indicate that the Ca+2 binding is on the rod-like domain with additional binding observed on the N-terminal G1 domain. With regard to the role of nidogen in mediating complex formation among basement membrane components it was demonstrated that nidogen effectively promotes the formation of a ternary complex between laminin and collagen IV, with both of these components interacting independently with nidogen. Similarly, nidogen mediates a ternary complex formation between laminin and proteoglycan. Interestingly, the interaction between proteoglycan and nidogen is through the protein core of the proteoglycan. We have localized the major interaction sites on nidogen with the proteoglycan core and collagen IV to a region on the globular G2 domain while the C-terminal globe G3 binds to laminin. Ca+2 binding does not appear to be important in either of the binary or ternary complex formations. The data reported allow us to hypothesize that, via the multiple interactions of nidogen with other basement membrane components, nidogen plays a crucial structural role in basement membrane organization and stabilization.

Structural differences between heparan sulphates of proteoglycan involved in the formation of basement membranes in vivo by Lewis-lung-carcinoma-derived cloned cells with different metastatic potentials

This study addresses the characterization of heparan sulphates of the basement-membrane proteoglycans in tumour formed after the subcutaneous implantation of Lewis-lung-carcinoma-derived different metastatic clones (P29, LM12-3 and LM60-D6 clones with low, medium and high metastatic potentials respectively). Heparan sulphate proteoglycans (125-158 micrograms of hexuronate/g dry weight of tissue) were isolated from chondroitin ABC lyase digests of a proteoglycan fraction obtained after DEAE-Sephacel chromatography of tissue extracts. The proteoglycans were separated into three molecular species by Sepharose CL-4B chromatography followed by CsCl-density-gradient centrifugation: large proteoglycans with an estimated M(r) of 820,000-130,000, which consisted of two components with low (< 1.34 g/ml; PGII-M) and high (> 1.37 g/ml; PGII-B) density, and a small proteoglycan with an M(r) of less than 80,000 (PGIII). Of these, only the PGII-M proteoglycan (34-37 micrograms of hexuronate/g dry weight) reacted with the antiserum against proteoglycan of Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm-tumour basement membrane, and represented, therefore, a basement-membrane proteoglycan. Digestion with heparan sulphate lyases I and II of the heparan sulphates (M(r) 36,000) from the PGII-M proteoglycan of the three tumours resulted in almost complete depolymerization to give six unsaturated disaccharides identified as 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4-O-(4-deoxy-alpha-L-threo-hex-4-enopyranosyluron ic acid)-D-glucose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4-O-(4-deoxy-alpha-L-threo-hex-4-enopyranosyluron ic acid)-6-O-sulpho-D-glucose, 2-deoxy-2-sulphamino-4-O-(4-deoxy-alpha-L-threo-hex-4-enopyrano syluronic acid)-D-glucose, 2-deoxy-2-sulphamino-4-O-(4-deoxy-alpha-L-threo-hex-4-enopyrano syluronic acid)-6-O-sulpho-D-glucose, 2-deoxy-2-sulphamino-4-O-(4-deoxy-2-O-sulpho-alpha-L-threo-hex-4- enopyranosyluronic acid)-D-glucose and 2-deoxy-2-sulphamino-4-O-(4-deoxy-2-O-sulpho-alpha-L-threo-hex-4- enopyranosyluronic acid)-6-O-sulpho-D-glucose. Comparison of the relative amounts of these disaccharides produced from the three tumour-derived heparan sulphates demonstrated that the degree of sulphation of the heparan sulphates correlated with the degree of morphological organization of the tumour basement membranes; the heparan sulphate from the more highly metastatic tumour with more highly organized basement membrane exhibited a higher degree of overall sulphation along the glycosaminoglycan chains, which was due to an increased content of the three repeating disaccharides having 6-O-sulphated glucosamine residues.

Recombinant laminin B1 chains exhibit intact short-arm domains but do not form oligomeric molecules

The human laminin B1 chain has been produced in the baculovirus expression system in sufficient amounts for biochemical and functional studies. A full-length cDNA, which was constructed of four partially overlapping clones and verified by in vitro transcription and translation to be functional, was cloned into the transfer vector pVL1392 behind the polyhedrin promoter. The recombinant construct was incorporated by in vivo homologous recombination into the genome of the wild-type baculovirus, Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus. Infection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells (Sf9) with the recombinant virus resulted in the expression of the recombinant B1 chain (recB1) in these insect cells. The recB1 was found to be synthesized in two forms with apparent molecular masses of 220 kDa and 200 kDa. The 220-kDa form is an N-glycosylated form of recB1, because it was not present in cultures containing tunicamycin, an inhibitor of N-linked glycosylation. The recB1 accumulated inside the cell and only a small portion of it was secreted into the culture medium. Thus purification had to be started from the cell extract in order to obtain reasonable amounts of the protein. About 500 micrograms was obtained from a 500-ml culture with three steps of chromatography, concavalin A, DEAE-Sepharose and Mono Q anion-exchange chromatography. Only the glycosylated form was purified. The recB1 was found to be sensitive to degradation during the purification, because two proteolytic forms of about 180 kDa were present in every preparation. The accumulation of recB1 inside the cell was possibly due to the lack of correct assembly. Electron microscopy studies showed that the short arm part had a native or near-native structure, but the C-terminal heptad repeat domain had not folded correctly and did not exist in an alpha-helical structure, as it does in native laminin. Electron microscopy and cross-linking studies further revealed that recB1 was a monomeric protein. It was also shown to be unable to oligomerize in vitro, suggesting that the B1 chain is not designed to form homo-oligomers. Finally, cell attachment assays were carried out, but the native recB1 appeared to be inactive in these assays.

Reversible inhibition of albumin production by rat hepatocytes maintained on a laminin-rich gel (Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm) in response to secretory products of Kupffer cells and cytokines

Decreased albumin synthesis by hepatocytes in liver injury is thought to occur in response to Kupffer cell-derived acute-phase cytokines. In this study we used hepatocytes maintained in a differentiated phenotype, by culture on a laminin-rich gel substratum (Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm matrix), to investigate the effects of Kupffer cell-conditioned medium and purified cytokines (interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) on albumin synthesis. Kupffer cell-conditioned medium caused a reversible decrease in albumin synthesis to 64.7% of control (p less than 0.01, Wilcoxon's rank sum test, n = 11) on day 2. Repeated doses caused further dose-dependent reversible responses. The same result was obtained when protease inhibitors (alpha 1-antitrypsin and alpha 2-macroglobulin) were added to Kupffer cell-conditioned medium (n = 3), thus eliminating the potential effect of matrix degradation. Pure interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha also inhibited albumin synthesis (p less than 0.05, Wilcoxon's rank sum test, n = 5), interleukin-6 having the greatest effect. After exposure to interleukin-1 (30 U.ml-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (300 U.ml-1), decreased albumin synthesis was followed by a rebound increase (n = 3). Our results support the hypothesis that reduced albumin synthesis in the acute-phase response is modulated by cytokines released from Kupffer cells. Moreover, our results suggest that hepatocytes may exhibit a compensatory increase in albumin synthesis after cytokine withdrawal. These findings may be of physiological importance in the recovery from injury and the acute-phase response in vivo.

Basement-membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan binds to laminin by its heparan sulfate chains and to nidogen by sites in the protein core

A large, low-density form of heparan sulfate proteoglycan was isolated from the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumor and demonstrated to bind in immobilized-ligand assays to laminin fragment E3, collagen type IV, fibronectin and nidogen. The first three ligands mainly recognize the heparan sulfate chains, as shown by inhibition with heparin and heparan sulfate and by the failure to bind to the proteoglycan protein core. Nidogen, obtained from the EHS tumor or in recombinant form, binds exclusively to the protein core in a heparin-insensitive manner. Studies with other laminin fragments indicate that the fragment E3 possesses a unique binding site of laminin for the proteoglycan. A major binding site of nidogen was localized to its central globular domain G2 by using overlapping fragments. This allows for the formation of ternary complexes between laminin, nidogen and proteoglycan, suggesting a key role for nidogen in basement-membrane assembly. Evidence is provided for a second proteoglycan-binding site in the C-terminal globule G3 of nidogen, but this interaction prevents the formation of such ternary complexes. Therefore, the G3-mediated nidogen binding to laminin and proteoglycan are mutually exclusive.

Epitopes for CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c antigens are differentially mapped on Langerhans cells, dermal dendritic cells, keratinocytes, and basement membrane zone in human skin

BACKGROUND

CD1 antigens are classified serologically into at least three groups, CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c, and many kinds of monoclonal antibodies are available for each subgroup of CD1 antigens. CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c antigens have been shown to be selectively and differentially expressed on epidermal Langerhans cells and dermal dendritic cells in normal human skin.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to further delineate the localization of epitopes of CD1 antigens in human skin.

METHODS

We examined the immunoreactivity of 14 different CD1 antibodies (seven CD1a, five CD1b, and two CD1c antibodies) with the immunoperoxidase technique. We also studied the reactivity of NU-T2 (CD1b) antibody by immunogold electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The epitopes for CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c antigens were differentially mapped on epidermal Langerhans cells, dermal dendritic cells, keratinocytes, the luminal portion of eccrine gland ducts, and the basement membrane zone in human skin.

CONCLUSION

These CD1 antibodies may be useful to analyze the phenotypic alteration of immune and nonimmune cells in various skin diseases.

Ultracytochemical localization of basal lamina anionic sites in the rat epithelial attachment apparatus

The basal lamina anionic sites of the epithelial attachment apparatus (EAA) were investigated at the electron microscopic level in adult rat periodontium. After 1M NaCl junctional epithelium detachment, an irregular and fluffy basal lamina-like structure appeared to cover the cementum surface. This structure reacted positively with polyethyleneimine (PEI), a strongly cationized ultrastructural tracer, appearing to be composed of highly electron-dense microaggregates. Depending on section plane, double-tracked structures of undefined length were found within PEI precipitates and closely related to cementum collagen fibrils. After nitrous acid de-N-sulphation, 8 nm wide sets of two parallel lines were clearly identified. "Double tracks", i.e., sets of paired lines with peripherical PEI electron-dense material, were found to self-assemble to form dimers, clusters or more complex organizational patterns. From sensitivity towards nitrous acid oxidation and positive control observations, it was concluded that basal lamina anionic sites in the EAA, represented by PEI microaggregates, contain heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Furthermore, high resolution ultrastructural images demonstrated that HSPGs adopt a morphological appearance of "double tracks" in the tissue. On the other hand, the present findings suggest that HSPGs clusters, never found in the mucosal basement membrane used as positive control, may be related to a functional specificity of the tissue at the dento-gingival junction.

Partial protein sequence of the globular domain of alpha 4(IV) collagen chain: sites of sequence variability and homology with alpha 2(IV)

The globular domain (NC) of alpha 4(IV) collagen chain was partially sequenced and compared with the NC domain of other collagen IV chains. The alpha 4(IV) NC domain was found to be most closely related to alpha 2(IV) NC domain but distinct from the NC domain of alpha 1(IV), alpha 2(IV), alpha 3(IV) and alpha 5(IV) collagen chains. Partial sequence, representing nearly one half of alpha 4(IV) NC domain, shows 56%, 69%, 51% and 54% identity with the corresponding NC domains of alpha 1(IV), alpha 2(IV), alpha 3(IV) and alpha 5(IV) collagen chains, respectively. A short, highly polar, region of variable sequence is found near the carboxy terminus of alpha 4(IV) NC domain. This sequence corresponds to a non-conserved region among NC domains, suggesting functional specialization at this site. It exhibits high surface probability with predicted structural differences among NC domains. These results confirm uniqueness of alpha 4(IV) NC domain and indicate its structural relatedness to other NC domains of collagen IV.