Tetranectin in slow intra- and extrafusal chicken muscle fibers

Tetranectin is a C-type lectin that occurs in the mammalian musculoskeletal system. In the present report we describe the first studies on an avian tetranectin. A full-length chicken tetranectin cDNA was isolated. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of chicken tetranectin with mouse and human tetranectin showed an identity of 67 and 68%, respectively. Northern blot analysis demonstrated broad expression of chicken tetranectin mRNA, which was first detected on embryonic day 4. Tetranectin protein was detected in chicken serum and egg yolk. Since muscle is one of few tissues in which tetranectin protein is retained, we examined the distribution of tetranectin in various muscle types in chicken. Myofibers strongly positive for tetranectin were observed in several muscles including m. tibialis ant. and m. sartorius (from embryonic day 10 to adult). Using antibodies to fast and slow myosin heavy chains (MHC) and double immunostaining techniques, we found that tetranectin was restricted to slow (type I) muscle fibers. Similarly only slow intrafusal fibers accumulated tetranectin. The pattern of immunostaining in chickens differs markedly from that seen in mouse muscles, indicating that tetranectin performs a role in muscle that is not associated with a hitherto recognized muscle type or function.

Mice with a targeted deletion of the tetranectin gene exhibit a spinal deformity

Tetranectin is a plasminogen-binding, homotrimeric protein belonging to the C-type lectin family of proteins. Tetranectin has been suggested to play a role in tissue remodeling, due to its ability to stimulate plasminogen activation and its expression in developing tissues such as developing bone and muscle. To test the functional role of tetranectin directly, we have generated mice with a targeted disruption of the gene. We report that the tetranectin-deficient mice exhibit kyphosis, a type of spinal deformity characterized by an increased curvature of the thoracic spine. The kyphotic angles were measured on radiographs. In 6-month-old normal mice (n = 27), the thoracic angle was 73 degrees +/- 2 degrees, while in tetranectin-deficient 6-month-old mice (n = 35), it was 93 degrees +/- 2 degrees (P < 0.0001). In approximately one-third of the mutant mice, X-ray analysis revealed structural changes in the morphology of the vertebrae. Histological analysis of the spines of these mice revealed an apparently asymmetric development of the growth plate and of the intervertebral disks of the vertebrae. In the most advanced cases, the growth plates appeared disorganized and irregular, with the disk material protruding through the growth plate. Tetranectin-null mice had a normal peak bone mass density and were not more susceptible to ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis than were their littermates as determined by dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry scanning. These results demonstrate that tetranectin plays a role in tissue growth and remodeling. The tetranectin-deficient mouse is the first mouse model that resembles common human kyphotic disorders, which affect up to 8% of the population.

Regulation of laminin beta2 chain gene expression in human cancer cell lines

The laminin beta2 chain is a basement membrane component expressed in a tissue- and developmental stage-specific manner. In this report we have examined the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of the human laminin beta2 chain in human tumor cell lines. Both the A204 rhabdomyosarcoma and clone A colon carcinoma cells express the laminin beta2 chain mRNA, but only the A204 cells secrete laminin heterotrimers containing the beta2 chain. Segments of the beta2 chain gene promoter region were cloned into luciferase reporter vectors, and their ability to stimulate transcription was tested by transient transfection. Sequences downstream of the transcription start site between nucleotides +91 and +120 were found to be essential for luciferase activity in the two cell lines. Additional positive regulatory regions were present further upstream, between nucleotides -164 to -667 and between nucleotides -667 to -1724. Genomic DNA at the 3' end of the gene also appeared to have enhancer activity, as a 1.1-kb fragment located downstream of the last exon stimulated the luciferase activity of the nucleotides -667/+297 promoter segment approximately threefold. Alternative splicing of the first intron of the human laminin beta2 chain gene generates two isoforms of the 5' untranslated region of the beta2 chain mRNA. The translational efficiencies of the two laminin beta2 chain leaders did not differ significantly, when assayed by polysome profile analysis of endogenous clone A cell beta2 chain mRNA, transient transfection of chimeric beta2 chain leader/luciferase expression plasmids in clone A cells, and translation of in vitro synthesized RNAs in rabbit reticulocyte lysates.

ADAM 12-S cleaves IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 and is inhibited by TIMP-3

ADAMs are a family of multidomain proteins having proteolytic and cell adhesion activities. We have previously shown that ADAM 12-S, the secreted soluble form of human ADAM 12, is a catalytically active protease. We now describe the purification of full-length recombinant ADAM 12-S and demonstrate that it cleaves insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). This result supports a role for ADAM 12-S in the degradation of IGFBP-3 in the blood of pregnant women. Furthermore, we tested for proteolysis of other members of the IGF binding protein family and found that ADAM 12-S cleaves IGFBP-5 in addition to IGFBP-3, but does not cleave IGFBP-1, -2, -4, or -6. ADAM 12-S may therefore be the IGFBP-5 protease that is secreted by osteoblasts and other cells. Cleavage of both IGFBP-3 and -5 by ADAM 12-S was inhibited by TIMP-3, raising the possibility that TIMP-3 is a physiological inhibitor of ADAM 12-S.

Trafficking of human ADAM 12-L: retention in the trans-Golgi network

We have investigated the trafficking of the membrane-anchored form of human ADAM 12 (ADAM 12-L) fused to a green fluorescence protein tag. Subcellular localization of the protein in transiently transfected cells was determined by fluorescence microscopy and trypsin sensitivity. Full-length ADAM 12-L was retained in a perinuclear compartment, which was shown to be the trans-Golgi network. In contrast, ADAM 12-L lacking the cytoplasmic domain reached the cell surface. Based on analysis of deletions and mutations of the cytoplasmic tail of ADAM 12-L, the retention signal is comprised of both the cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains, but not the Src homology 3 domain (SH3) binding sites. These results raise the possibility that a trafficking checkpoint in the trans-Golgi network is one of the cellular mechanisms for regulation of ADAM 12-L function, by allowing a rapid release of ADAM 12-L to the cell surface under specific stimuli.

Characterization of the human laminin beta2 chain locus (LAMB2): linkage to a gene containing a nonprocessed, transcribed LAMB2-like pseudogene (LAMB2L) and to the gene encoding glutaminyl tRNA synthetase (QARS)

The laminin beta2 chain is an important constituent of certain kidney and muscle basement membranes. We have generated a detailed physical map of a 110-kb genomic DNA segment surrounding the human laminin beta2 chain gene (LAMB2) on chromosome 3p21.3-->p21.2, a region paralogous with the chromosome 7q22-->q31 region that contains the laminin beta1 chain gene locus (LAMB1). Several CpG islands and a novel polymorphic microsatellite marker (D3S4594) were identified. The 3' end of LAMB2 lies 16 kb from the 5' end of the glutaminyl tRNA synthetase gene (QARS). About 20 kb upstream of LAMB2 we found a gene encoding a transcribed, non-processed LAMB2-like pseudogene (LAMB2L). The sequence of 1.75 kb of genomic DNA at the 3' end of LAMB2L was similar to exons 8-12 of the laminin beta2 chain gene. The LAMB2L-LAMB2-QARS cluster lies telomeric to the gene encoding the laminin-binding protein dystroglycan (DAG1).

Regulation of human ADAM 12 protease by the prodomain. Evidence for a functional cysteine switch

The ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) are a family of multidomain proteins that are believed to play key roles in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. We have shown recently that human ADAM 12-S (meltrin alpha) is an active metalloprotease. It is synthesized as a zymogen, with the prodomain maintaining the protease in a latent form. We now provide evidence that the latency mechanism of ADAM 12 can be explained by the cysteine switch model, in which coordination of Zn2+ in the active site of the catalytic domain by a cysteine residue in the prodomain is critical for inhibition of the protease. Replacing Cys179 with other amino acids results in an ADAM 12 proform that is proteolytically active, but latency can be restored by placing cysteine at other positions in the propeptide. None of the amino acids adjacent to the crucial cysteine residue is essential for blocking activity of the protease domain. In addition to its latency function, the prodomain is required for exit of ADAM 12 protease from the endoplasmic reticulum. Tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1, -2, and -3 were not found to block proteolytic activity of ADAM 12, hence a physiological inhibitor of ADAM 12 protease in the extracellular environment remains to be identified.

Cysteine-rich domain of human ADAM 12 (meltrin alpha) supports tumor cell adhesion

The ADAMs (A disintegrin and metalloprotease) comprise a family of membrane-anchored cell surface proteins with a putative role in cell-cell and/or cell-matrix interactions. By immunostaining, ADAM 12 (meltrin alpha) was up-regulated in several human carcinomas and could be detected along the tumor cell membranes. Because of this intriguing staining pattern, we investigated whether human ADAM 12 supports tumor cell adhesion. Using an in vitro assay using recombinant polypeptides expressed in Escherichia coli, we examined the ability of individual domains of human ADAM 12 and ADAM 15 to support tumor cell adhesion. We found that the disintegrin-like domain of human ADAM 15 supported adhesion of alphavbeta3-expressing A375 melanoma cells. In the case of human ADAM 12, however, recombinant polypeptides of the cysteine-rich domain but not the disintegrin-like domain supported cell adhesion of a panel of carcinoma cell lines. On attachment to recombinant polypeptides from the cysteine-rich domain of human ADAM 12, most tumor cell lines, such as MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells, were rounded and associated with numerous actin-containing filopodia and used a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan to attach. Finally, we demonstrated that authentic full-length human ADAM 12 could bind to heparin Sepharose. Together these results suggest a novel role of the cysteine-rich domain of ADAM 12 -- that of supporting tumor cell adhesion.

Evaluation of Lama5 as a candidate for the mouse ragged (Ra) mutation

The laminin alpha5 chain is a component of the basement membranes of many developing and adult tissues. The mouse laminin alpha5 chain gene (Lama5) has been mapped close to the locus of the semidominant ragged (Ra) mutation on distal chromosome 2. The cause of the Ra mutation, which is usually lethal in the homozygous state, has not been determined. We have investigated whether a defect in Lama5 is responsible for the ragged mutation, using the RaJ strain. No differences in the level of the laminin alpha5 chain transcript were found in placental RNA from homozygous RaJ mutant embryos compared to normal littermates. Antiserum raised against a recombinant laminin alpha5 chain polypeptide stained the basement membranes of both normal and homozygous mutant embryos to a similar extent. More precise mapping of Lama5 on an interspecific Ra backcross indicated that Lama5 is proximal to the Ra locus. These results exclude Lama5 as a candidate gene for the Ra mutation.

Tetranectin is a novel marker for myogenesis during embryonic development, muscle regeneration, and muscle cell differentiation in vitro

Tetranectin, a plasminogen-binding protein with a C-type lectin domain, is found in both serum and the extracellular matrix. In the present study we report that tetranectin is closely associated with myogenesis during embryonic development, skeletal muscle regeneration, and muscle cell differentiation in vitro. We find that tetranectin expression coincides with muscle differentiation and maturation in the second half of gestation and further that tetranectin is enriched at the myotendinous and myofascial junctions. The tetranectin immunostaining declines after birth and no immunostaining is observed in normal adult muscle. However, during skeletal muscle regeneration induced by the intramuscular injection of the myotoxic anesthetic Marcaine, myoblasts, myotubes, and the stumps of damaged myofibers exhibit intense tetranectin immunostaining. Tetranectin is also present in regenerating muscle cells in dystrophic mdx mice. Murine C2C12 myogenic cells and pluripotent embryonic stem cells can undergo muscle cell differentiation in vitro. Tetranectin is not expressed in the undifferentiated myogenic cells, but during the progression of muscle differentiation, tetranectin mRNA is induced, and both cytoplasmic and cell surface tetranectin immunostaining become apparent. Finally, we demonstrate that while tetranectin mRNA is translated to a similar degree in developing limbs and lung, the protein does not seem to be tissue associated in the lung as it is in the limbs. This indicates that in some tissues, such as the limbs, tetranectin may function locally, whereas in other tissues, such as the lung, tetranectin production may be destined for body fluids. In summary, these results suggest that tetranectin is a matricellular protein and plays a role in myogenesis.

Human ADAM 12 (meltrin alpha) is an active metalloprotease

The ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) are a family of multidomain proteins with structural homology to snake venom metalloproteases. We recently described the cloning and sequencing of human ADAM 12 (meltrin alpha). In this report we provide evidence that the metalloprotease domain of ADAM 12 is catalytically active. We used the trapping mechanism of alpha2-macroglobulin to assay for protease activity of wild-type and mutant ADAM 12 proteins produced in a COS cell transfection system. We found that ADAM 12 is synthesized as a zymogen, with the prodomain maintaining the metalloprotease in a latent form, probably by means of a cysteine switch. The zymogen could be activated chemically by alkylation with N-ethylmaleimide. Cleavage of the prodomain at a site for a furin-like endopeptidase resulted in an ADAM 12 protein with proteolytic activity. The protease activity was sensitive to inhibition by 1,10-phenanthroline and could be eliminated by mutation of the critical glutamate residue at the active site. The demonstration that the ADAM 12 metalloprotease domain is functional may have important implications for future studies that explore the role of ADAM 12 protein in development and disease.

A novel, secreted form of human ADAM 12 (meltrin alpha) provokes myogenesis in vivo

The ADAM (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease) family of cell-surface proteins may have an important role in cellular interactions and in modulating cellular responses. In this report we describe a novel, secreted form of human ADAM 12 (meltrin alpha), designated ADAM 12-S (S for short), and a larger, membrane-bound form designated ADAM 12-L (L for long form). These two forms arise by alternative splicing of a single gene located on chromosome 10q26. Northern blotting demonstrated that mRNAs of both forms are abundant in human term placenta and are also present in some tumor cell lines. The ADAM 12-L transcript can also be detected in normal human adult skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle. Human A204 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cells that do not differentiate into muscle cells and do not express any form of ADAM 12 were stably transfected with an ADAM 12-S minigene encoding the disintegrin domain, the cysteine-rich domain, and the unique 34 amino acid carboxyl terminus. Nude mouse tumors derived from these transfected cells contained ectopic muscle cells of apparent mouse origin as shown by species-specific markers. These results may have potential applications in the development of muscle-directed gene and cell therapies.

The integrin alpha 6 beta 1 promotes the survival of metastatic human breast carcinoma cells in mice

The role of the integrin alpha 6 beta 1 in breast carcinoma progression was studied by targeted elimination of this integrin in MDA-MB-435 cells, a human breast carcinoma cell line that is highly metastatic in athymic mice. The strategy used is based on the finding that expression of a cytoplasmic domain deletion mutant of the beta 4-integrin subunit (beta 4-delta CYT) in MDA-MB-435 cells eliminates formation of the alpha 6 beta 1 heterodimer. MDA-MB-435 cells that lacked alpha 6 beta 1 expression (beta 4-delta CYT transfectants) formed tumors in athymic mice that were suppressed in their growth and that exhibited a significant increase in apoptosis in comparison to the control tumors. Unlike the control MDA-MB-435 cells, the beta 4-delta CYT transfectants were unable to establish metastatic foci in the lungs. Also, the control transfectants grew substantially better than the beta 4-delta CYT transfectants in the liver after intrahepatic injection because of extensive apoptosis in the beta 4-delta CYT transfectants. These data suggest that a major function of the alpha 6 beta 1 integrin in breast carcinoma is to facilitate tumorigenesis and promote tumor cell survival in distant organs.

Extrasynaptic location of laminin beta 2 chain in developing and adult human skeletal muscle

We have investigated the distribution of the laminin beta 2 chain (previously s-laminin) in human fetal and adult skeletal muscle and compared it to the distribution of laminin beta 1. Immunoblotting and transfection assays were used to characterize a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to the laminin beta 2 chain. We found that laminin beta 1 chain was detected at all times during development from 10 weeks of gestation. Laminin beta 2 chain was first detected in 15 to 22-week-old fetal skeletal muscle as distinct focal immunoreactivity in the sarcolemmal basement membrane area of some myofibers. In the adult skeletal muscle, laminin beta 2 chain immunoreactivity was found along the entire perimeter of each of the individual myofibers in a large series of different muscles studied. Laminin beta 2 chain was similarly found in the skeletal muscle basement membranes in patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. Immunoaffinity chromatography of muscle extracts with a monoclonal antibody to the laminin alpha 2 chain followed by immunoblotting with various antibodies to the beta 2 chain demonstrated the presence of the laminin-4 (alpha 2-beta 2-gamma 1) isoform. Together the present results demonstrate a prominent extrasynaptic localization of laminin beta 2 in the human muscle, suggesting that it may have an important function in the sarcolemmal basement membrane.

Tissue-specific expression of the human laminin alpha5-chain, and mapping of the gene to human chromosome 20q13.2-13.3 and to distal mouse chromosome 2 near the locus for the ragged (Ra) mutation

To investigate the function of the laminin alpha5-chain, previously identified in mice, cDNA clones encoding the 953-amino-acid carboxy terminal G-domain of the human laminin alpha5-chain were characterized. Northern blot analysis showed that the laminin alpha5-chain is expressed in human placenta, heart, lung, skeletal muscle, kidney, and pancreas. The human laminin alpha5-chain gene (LAMA5) was assigned to chromosome 20q13.2-q13.3 by in situ hybridization, and the mouse gene (Lama5) was mapped by linkage analysis to a syntonic region of distal chromosome 2, close to the locus for the ragged (Ra) mutation.

Assignment of the gene for human tetranectin (TNA) to chromosome 3p22-->p21.3 by somatic cell hybrid mapping

Tetranectin is a plasminogen-binding protein that is induced during the mineralization phase of osteogenesis. By screening a human chromosome 3 somatic cell hybrid mapping panel, we have localized the human tetranectin gene (TNA) to 3p22-->p21.3, which is distinct from the loci of two human connective tissue disorders that map to the short arm of chromosome 3, MFS2 and LRS1.

Structural organization of the human and mouse laminin beta2 chain genes, and alternative splicing at the 5' end of the human transcript

We have determined the structural organization of the human and mouse genes that encode the laminin beta2 chain (s-laminin), an essential component of the basement membranes of the neuromuscular synapse and the kidney glomerulus. The human and mouse genes have a nearly identical exon-intron organization and are the smallest laminin chain genes characterized to date, due to the unusually small size of their introns. The laminin beta2 chain genes of both species consist of 33 exons that span </=12 kilobase pairs of genomic DNA. The exon-intron pattern of the laminin beta2 chain gene is also highly similar to that of the human genes encoding the homologous laminin beta1 and beta3 chains. The putative promoter regions of the human and mouse laminin beta2 chain genes have features characteristic of the promoters of genes that have a limited tissue expression. Considerable conservation of the intron sequences of the mouse and human genes was observed. The first intron of the human gene, located 1 base pair upstream of the translation start codon, contains a non-consensus 5' splice site. This intron was shown to be inefficiently spliced in humans, suggesting that post-transcriptional mechanisms may be involved in the regulation of laminin beta2 chain gene expression.

Laminin beta 2 chain and adhalin deficiency in the skeletal muscle of Walker-Warburg syndrome (cerebro-ocular dysplasia-muscular dystrophy)

Muscular dystrophy may be caused by disturbances in a number of muscle proteins that appear to be part of a chain of interacting molecules that includes cytoskeletal, cell membrane, and basement membrane components. We found that the skeletal muscle cells in two cases of Walker-Warburg syndrome were severely deficient in the laminin beta 2 chain and in adhalin. The findings indicate that these two proteins are key molecules in the interactive protein complex conferring muscle stability and cell survival.

Mouse tetranectin: cDNA sequence, tissue-specific expression, and chromosomal mapping

Tetranectin is a plasminogen-binding tetrameric protein originally isolated from plasma. Expression of tetranectin appears ubiquitous, although particularly high expression is noted in the stroma of malignant tumors and during mineralization. To dissect the molecular basis of tetranectin gene regulation, mouse tetranectin cDNA was cloned from a 16-day-old mouse embryo library. Sequence analysis revealed a 992-bp cDNA with an open reading frame of 606 bp, which is identical in length to the human tetranectin cDNA. The deduced amino acid sequence showed high homology to the human cDNA with 76% identity and 87% similarity at the amino acid level. Sequence comparisons between mouse and human tetranectin and some C-type lectins confirmed a complete conservation in the position of six cysteines as well as numerous other amino acid residues, indicating an essential structure for potential function(s) of tetranectin. The sequence analysis revealed a difference in both sequence and size of the noncoding regions between mouse and human cDNAs. Northern analysis of the various tissues from mouse, rat, and cow showed the major transcript(s) to be approximately 1 kb, which is similar in size to that observed in human. Although additional minor bands of 1.5 and 3.3 kb were found in Northern blots, RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) analysis failed to provide evidence that these minor bands are products of the tetranectin gene. Finally, the genetic map location for this gene, Tna, was determined to be on distal mouse Chromosome (Chr) 9 by analysis of two sets of multilocus crosses.

A potential role for tetranectin in mineralization during osteogenesis

Tetranectin is a protein shared by the blood and the extracellular matrix. Tetranectin is composed of four identical, noncovalently bound polypeptides each with a molecular mass of approximately 21 kD. There is some evidence that tetranectin may be involved in fibrinolysis and proteolysis during tissue remodeling, but its precise biological function is not known. Tetranectin is enriched in the cartilage of the shark, but the gene expression pattern in the mammalian skeletal system has not been determined. In the present study we have examined the expression pattern and putative function of tetranectin during osteogenesis. In the newborn mouse, strong tetranectin immunoreactivity was found in the newly formed woven bone around the cartilage anlage in the future bone marrow and along the periosteum forming the cortex. No tetranectin immunoreactivity was found in the proliferating and hypertrophic cartilage or in the surrounding skeletal muscle. Using an in vitro mineralizing system, we examined osteoblastic cells at different times during their growth and differentiation. Tetranectin mRNA appeared in the cultured osteoblastic cells in parallel with mineralization, in a pattern similar to that of bone sialoprotein, which is regarded as one of the late bone differentiation markers. To explore the putative biological role of tetranectin in osteogenesis we established stably transfected cell lines (PC12-tet) overexpressing recombinant tetranectin as evidenced by Northern and Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation. Both control PC12 cells and PC12-tet cells injected into nude mice produced tumors containing bone material, as evidenced by von Kossa staining for calcium and immunostaining with bone sialoprotein and alkaline phosphatase antiserum. Nude mice tumors established from PC12-tet cells contained approximately fivefold more bone material than those produced by the untransfected PC12 cell line or by the PC12 cells transfected with the expression vector with no insert (Mann Whitney rank sum test, p < 0.01), supporting the notion that tetranectin may play an important direct and/or indirect role during osteogenesis. In conclusion, we have established a potential role for tetranectin as a bone matrix protein expressed in time and space coincident with mineralization in vivo and in vitro.

Human beta 2 chain of laminin (formerly S chain): cDNA cloning, chromosomal localization, and expression in carcinomas

Overlapping cDNA clones that encode the full-length human laminin beta 2 chain, formerly called the S chain, were isolated. The cDNA of 5680 nt contains a 5391-nt open reading frame encoding 1797 amino acids. At the amino terminus is a 32-amino-acid signal peptide that is followed by the mature beta 2 chain polypeptide of 1765 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 192,389 Da. The human beta 2 chain is predicted to have all of the seven structural domains typical of the beta chains of laminin, including the short cysteine-rich alpha region. The amino acid sequence of human beta 2 chain showed 86.1% sequence identity to the rat beta 2 chain, 50.0% to the human beta 1 chain, and 36.3% to the human beta 3 chain. The greatest sequence identity was in domains VI, V, and III. The sequence of a 24-amino-acid peptide fragment isolated from the beta 2 chain of laminin purified from human amniotic basement membrane matched the sequence predicted from the cDNA, confirming that the cDNA encodes human beta 2 laminin. The cDNA was used to assign the gene (LAMB2) to human chromosome 3p21 by in situ hybridization. It is not linked to genes for human laminin chains alpha 1, beta 1, and gamma 1 or other known laminin genes. Immunostaining showed that the beta 2 chain is localized to the smooth muscle basement membranes of the arteries, while the homologous beta 1 chain is confined to the subendothelial basement membranes. The beta 2 chain was found in the basement membranes of ovarian carcinomas but not colon carcinomas. These results indicate that the expression of the beta 2 chain gene is tightly regulated in normal human tissues and in disease.

Selective assembly of laminin variants by human carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

The laminins are heterotrimeric basement membrane glycoproteins. Eight subunits that can be assembled into laminins have been characterized and are known as: A, B1, B2, S, M, K, B2t, B1k laminin chains. Although many neoplastic cells secrete laminins and some of them even assemble basement membranes, the pattern of production of various laminin subunits remains to be explored.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The expression of laminin was examined in several human carcinoma cells using a panel of specific cDNA probes as well as polyclonal and chain specific monoclonal antibodies. For this purpose a human laminin S chain 2 kb cDNA was isolated and characterized and used together with existing probes for laminin chains.

RESULTS

All carcinoma cell lines had a high level of expression of three light chains (B1, S and B2) mRNA. In contrast, the heavy chains of laminin, A and M, were expressed in negligible amounts as detected by Northern blotting and PCR. The only exception was the HU-1 lung adenocarcinoma cell line which expressed significant quantities of laminin M chain mRNA and lower levels of laminin A chain mRNA. The presence in the HU-1 cells of translated polypeptides was demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining. The cells contained both B1 and S chain laminin in the cell layer, but preferentially secreted the B1 chain into the culture supernatant as shown by Western blotting. The 300 to 400 kDa M chain immunoreactive band was found in laminin secreted into the culture medium of HU-1 cells. Immunoprecipitation of biosynthetically labeled proteins showed that the M chain was synthesized as a complex with B chains. Little or no A chain laminin was detected in the culture medium supernatant. HU-1 cells also synthesized the newly described laminin variant, epiligrin which was secreted into the medium. Thus, the HU-1 cells secreted two laminin variants: M-B1-B12 laminin and epiligrin into the culture medium. Immunostaining of HU-1 nude mice tumors showed that tumor basement membranes contained M, B1, and B2 laminin and epiligrin immunoreactivity but apparently no S chain.

CONCLUSIONS

All human carcinoma cell lines produced laminin chains B1, B2 and S, but no or little A or M. The only exception was the lung carcinoma cell line HU-1. Human HU-1 carcinoma cells in culture synthesize several homologous laminin chains and regulate the process of assembly, secretion and deposition of laminin variants into tumor basement membranes. These data indicate that the tumor cells vary among themselves with regards to laminin production and that some of them, like HU-1 may produce essentially all laminin chains simultaneously.

Tetranectin, a plasminogen kringle 4-binding protein. Cloning and gene expression pattern in human colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Tetranectin is a recently discovered protein that binds to kringle 4 region of plasminogen (Clemmensen I, Petersen LC, Kluft C. Eur J Biochem 1986; 156:327.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The mRNA encoding human tetranectin was cloned by using degenerate primers in a reverse transcriptase reaction followed by polymerase chain reaction amplification. The resulting polymerase chain reaction product was examined by DNA sequencing and subsequently used as probe for screening a human placental cDNA library. A full length cDNA clone (TET-1) was isolated, characterized, and used for Northern blot and in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

DNA sequencing analysis revealed a 874-base pair cDNA containing an open reading frame of 606 base pairs encoding 202 amino acids. A classical signal peptide was present starting with the initiation methionine. The mature tetranectin chain consisted of 181 amino acids (M(r) = 20,169). The 3' noncoding region contained a single polyadenylation signal and a 26-residue poly A tail. The predicted amino acid sequence of the mature tetranectin chain showed, except for one amino acid, complete identity to that obtained by sequencing of the native protein (Fuhlendorff J, Clemmensen I, Magnusson S, Biochemistry 1987;26:6757). Northern blot of poly A+ revealed a single band of approximately 1 kb. Northern blot analysis of poly A+ isolated from a series of normal human tissues (lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and pancreas) revealed a distinct hybridization band that was especially prominent in the lungs and spleen. No hybridization signal was detected in three carcinoma cell lines examined in parallel. Northern blot analysis of poly A+ RNA isolated from solid tumors revealed a tetranectin specific mRNA band. In situ hybridizations on tissue sections of colon carcinomas and normal colon tissues revealed a strong and distinct hybridization signal of stromal cells in colon carcinomas but not in tumor cells. Only a few stromal cells were labeled in the normal colon. Immunohistochemically, tetranectin was found in a fibrillar-like pattern in the extracellular matrix around the tumor islands and was not detectable in the normal colon stromal tissue. Plasminogen exhibited a similar immunohistochemical staining pattern as tetranectin.

CONCLUSIONS

Human tetranectin cDNA comprises 874 base pairs including a 606-base pair open reading frame encoding 202 amino acids including a classical signal peptide. This protein is produced locally by cells of the stromal compartment of tumors and is deposited into the extracellular matrix. Since tetranectin binds to plasminogen we hypothesize that it could function as an anchor and/or reservoir for plasminogen and similar substances that regulate tumor invasion and metastasis as well as tumor angiogenesis.

Laminin A, B1, B2, S and M subunits in the postnatal rat liver development and after partial hepatectomy

The expression of laminin subunits (A, B1, B2, S and M) in the perisinusoidal space of the rat liver was studied in early postnatal life, in the adult, and after partial hepatectomy. In the perisinusoidal space of the normal adult rat, laminin was detected with polyclonal antibodies only in small streaks of basement membranes extending from the portobiliary tract and to a lesser degree from the central vein. Occasionally, droplets of laminin immunoreactivity were also found along the intervening portions of the perisinusoidal spaces. All morphologically identifiable basement membranes of the rat liver (biliary ducts and blood vessels) irrespective of the age of animals exhibited B1, B2 and S immunoreactivity. Laminin A was restricted to the larger blood vessels and could not be detected in the biliary ducts. In the adult rat, immunoreactivity for the A-like M subunit was absent except for some negligible immunostaining of the blood vessels. In the neonatal rat strong linear laminin immunoreactivity was present in the perisinusoidal spaces throughout the entire lobule. Structurally, this laminin is not organized into a basement membrane as defined by electron microscopy. The perisinusoidal laminin was reactive with antibodies to B1, B2, S and M but the A subunit was absent. Sequential immunohistochemical studies of progressively older animals revealed that B1, B2, S and M immunoreactivity was weak in the perisinusoidal spaces before birth but during the postnatal life distinct linear immunoreactivities appeared. Most intense immunoreactivity was present at 1 to 2 weeks after birth. The perisinusoidal laminin gradually disappeared in growing animals and by 6 to 8 weeks basically no laminin could be detected in this location. By Northern blot analysis increased levels of B1 and B2 were detected in neonatal rats as compared to adult rats. S-laminin mRNA could readily be demonstrated in neonatal rat livers by Northern blot analysis, whereas A and M could not. Expression of S and M-laminin transcripts were demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction, but we were unable to obtain a laminin A product. After partial hepatectomy a transient laminin immunoreactivity, comparable to that in the neonatal rats, was detected in the perisinusoidal spaces. Laminin was most prominent 3 days after resection and reacted with antibodies to B1, B2, S and M. No A subunit could be detected in this extracellular matrix.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Carcinoma-associated perisinusoidal laminin may signal tumour cell metastasis to the liver

The perisinusoidal space of the liver shows extensive modulation of the extracellular matrix in response to various pathological conditions. We studied perisinusoidal laminin expression immunohistochemically using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies in 110 human liver specimens obtained at autopsy. In normal adult liver the perisinusoidal spaces contained only minimal amounts of immunoreactive laminin. In 86% of patients dying from cancer with liver metastasis, however, a distinct increase in the amount of perisinusoidal laminin could be demonstrated. The perisinusoidal space also contained laminin in cancer patients without liver metastasis. In 3 cases of leukaemia sinusoids were laminin negative. In cirrhosis and chronic passive congestion there was, as expected, laminin immunoreactivity in the perisinusoidal space. The results obtained using polyclonal antibodies against laminin were confirmed using chain-specific monoclonal antibodies against B2 laminin. In an ex vivo assay, viable tumour cells (Panc-1 and clone A) were found to bind with remarkable specificity to frozen sections of liver tissue containing perisinusoidal laminin as opposed to liver tissues without laminin. We suggest that this perisinusoidal laminin may directly on indirectly mediate tumour cell metastasis to the liver.

Deoxyribonucleic-binding homeobox proteins are augmented in human cancer

Homeobox genes encode sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that are involved in the regulation of gene expression during embryonic development. In this study, we examined the expression of homeobox proteins in human cancer. Antiserum was obtained against a synthetic peptide derived from the highly conserved 60 amino acid homeodomain. This peptide antiserum recognized a protein species of molecular weight 63,000 in immunoblots of nuclear extracts obtained from several tumor cell lines. The predominant molecular weight 63,000 nuclear protein recognized by the peptide antiserum was then isolated and used to elicit a rabbit antiserum. In immunostaining, both antisera reacted with the nuclei of cultured tumor cells. In tissue sections of human carcinoma, nuclear immunoreactivity was observed in the tumor cells in 40 of 42 cases examined. Adjacent normal epithelial tissue obtained from the same patients exhibited little immunoreactivity. Both the peptide antiserum and the polyclonal antiserum against the native protein immunoblotted a molecular weight 63,000 protein in nuclear extracts of tumor tissue, but not significantly in extracts of normal tissue. At the molecular level, the presence of the homeobox transcript in human carcinoma was documented by in situ hybridization and RNase protection mapping. These results demonstrate that human cancer is associated with the expression of homeobox proteins. Such homeobox proteins, as well as other regulatory proteins, could be involved in the initiation or maintenance of the malignant phenotype.

Osteonectin/SPARC/BM-40 in human decidua and carcinoma, tissues characterized by de novo formation of basement membrane

The identification and cDNA cloning of bone-enriched osteonectin and parietal endoderm-enriched SPARC indicated that these proteins share greater than 90% homology. The present study reports substantial expression of this Mr 43,000 protein in human decidua and carcinoma. Metabolic labeling of human decidua tissue in organ culture demonstrated significant osteonectin biosynthesis. Further, Northern analysis and in situ hybridization showed that the osteonectin mRNA level in human decidua is very high. Immunohistochemically, the large mature decidual cells exhibited faint cytoplasmic immunoreactivity with antibodies to osteonectin and a distinct immunoreactivity of the newly deposited basement membranes encircling these cells. The intermediate-sized decidual cells exhibited a strong cytoplasmic immunostaining with antibodies to osteonectin. The small elongated stromal cells were devoid of osteonectin immunoreactivity. Blood vessels exhibited variable positive immunoreactivity. The osteonectin expression in 38 cases of human carcinomas was examined. In well-differentiated carcinomas osteonectin immunoreactivity was located in the basement membrane area, codistributing with laminin. Cytoplasmic osteonectin immunoreactivity was found in poorly differentiated carcinomas. Stromal cells in the peritumoral tissue and some vessels were immunoreactive. Using in situ hybridization, it appeared that both the tumor cells and the stromal cells contained osteonectin transcripts. In normal steady state human nonosseus tissues investigated, osteonectin was found inconsistently in the basement membranes only, as based on the present immunohistochemical technique. These results suggest that the osteonectin/SPARC gene appears activated in certain human tissues characterized by de novo formation of basement membrane.

De novo deposition of laminin-positive basement membrane in vitro by normal hepatocytes and during hepatocarcinogenesis

De novo formation of laminin-positive basement membranes was found to be a distinct morphologic feature of diethylnitrosamine/phenobarbital-induced hepatocellular carcinomas of the rat. The first appearance of extracellularly located laminin occurred in the preneoplastic liver lesions (corresponding to neoplastic nodules), and this feature became successively more prominent during the course of hepatocellular carcinoma development. Most groups of tumor cells were surrounded by laminin-positive basement membrane material. The laminin-positive material was also deposited along the sinusoids, a location where no laminin was seen in normal rat liver. The amount of extractable laminin from hepatocellular carcinomas was significantly higher (approximately 100 ng per mg tissue) than that of normal liver tissue (less than 20 ng per mg). In vitro experiments demonstrated that normal and preneoplastic rat hepatocytes had the capacity to lay down basement membrane-like material. This occurred, however, only when the hepatocytes were cocultured with certain feeder cells or when grown in the presence of their conditioned media. These results indicate that during experimental hepatocarcinogenesis in the rat some as yet undefined humoral factor(s) might influence the hepatocytes to turn on genes encoding the basement membrane components and further stimulate the assembly and deposition of basement membranes.

Heterogeneity of secretory granules of silent pituitary adenomas

Silent pituitary adenomas were compared with hormonally active tumors taking into account the size, number, and ultrastructural characteristics of secretory granules (SG). The study group (a total of 79 primary pituitary adenomas) comprised 27 silent, 21 growth hormone (GH)-producing-, 16 prolactin (PRL)-producing-, 5 GH-PRL-producing- and 10 adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing adenomas. The SG of silent adenomas were significantly smaller than SG in endocrine active adenomas. All hormonally inactive tumors also contained small (mean, 94 nm) specific cytoplasmic granules, designated "silent adenoma granules" (SIG). The fine structural features of the SIG included: a flocculent, granular material occupying an eccentric position in a larger vesicle limited by a double membrane. In the silent adenomas this particular granule was present in up to 90% of the adenoma cells and constituted approximately 10 to 50% of the granules in each cell. These granules were not seen in hormonally active tumors and considered therefore diagnostic of silent pituitary adenomas.

Role of laminin receptor in tumor cell migration

Polyclonal antisera were made against biochemically purified laminin receptor protein as well as against synthetic peptides deduced from a complementary DNA clone corresponding to the COOH-terminal end of the laminin receptor (U.M. Wewer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 83: 7137-7141, 1986). These antisera were used to study the potential role of laminin receptor in laminin-mediated attachment and haptotactic migration of human A2058 melanoma cells. The anti-laminin receptor antisera reacted with the surface of suspended, nonpermeabilized melanoma and carcinoma cells. The anti-laminin receptor antisera blocked the surface interaction of A2058 cells with endogenous laminin, resulting in the inhibition of laminin-mediated cell attachment. The A2058 melanoma cells migrated toward a gradient of solid phase laminin or fibronectin (haptotaxis). Anti-laminin antiserum abolished haptotaxis on laminin but not on fibronectin. Synthetic peptide GRGDS corresponding to the fibronectin cell-binding domain inhibited haptotaxis on fibronectin but not on laminin. Both types of anti-laminin receptor antisera inhibited haptotaxis on laminin but not on fibronectin. Using immunohistochemistry, invading human carcinoma cells in vivo exhibited a marked cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for the receptor antigen. Together these findings indicate a specific role for the laminin receptor in laminin-mediated migration and that the ligand binding of the laminin receptor is encompassed in the COOH-terminal end of the protein.

Laminin in the anterior pituitary gland of the rat. Laminin in the gonadotrophic cells correlates with their functional state

The distribution pattern of laminin in the rat anterior pituitary gland under physiological and hormonally altered conditions was studied immunohistochemically. Intense immunoreactivity of the capillaries and of the basement membranes surrounding parenchymal cells was found. Five to 10% of the parenchymal cells of normal adult rat pituitary gland exhibited also intense positive cytoplasmic staining. These were identified as gonadotrophic cells on the basis of their topographic distribution and typical 700-nm light bodies. By immunoelectron microscopy it was shown that the light bodies contain laminin and tubulin. After treatment with estrogen, which is known to suppress the function of the gonadotrophic cells, virtually no cytoplasmic laminin was found. Ultrastructurally, the number of light bodies in the gonadotrophic cells diminished significantly, from approximately 3 to 8 per cell to 0 to 1 per cell in a given section. In contrast, after castration, the number of laminin positive cells increased to a number above that found in the normal adult male rat, and the number of light bodies increased two to four times. Based on these results, it appears that the presence of cytoplasmic laminin and the number of light bodies reflects the hormonal activity of the gonadotrophic cells of the rat pituitary gland.

Light bodies in human pituitary adenomas

Light bodies are large cytoplasmic granules originally described in the gonadotrophic cells of the rat pituitary gland. In order to determine whether similar bodies occur in the human anterior pituitary gland, 89 pituitary adenomas and periadenomatous tissue from 20 cases were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Double membrane bound bodies with filamentous internal structure identical to rodent light bodies were identified in 10 hormone-producing adenomas: 5 PRL, 1 PRL-GH, 2 GH, and 2 ACTH-producing tumours. No light bodies were found in the remaining 79 tumours nor in the pituitary cells in periadenomatous tissue from 20 cases. These results show that some human pituitary adenomas may contain light bodies identical to those seen in gonadotrophs of rat pituitary.

Altered levels of laminin receptor mRNA in various human carcinoma cells that have different abilities to bind laminin

The human laminin receptor was purified and molecularly cloned to investigate its biosynthetic regulation. Laminin receptor from normal and neoplastic tissue was preparatively affinity purified to homogeneity based on the high affinity of the receptor for laminin. The apparent molecular weight of the receptor from different carcinoma sources and from normal placental tissue is in the range of 68-72 kDa. Isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis indicated that the receptor protein consists of one major polypeptide chain with a pI value of 6.4 +/- 0.2. Laminin receptor cDNA clones were isolated after screening a human endothelial lambda gt11 cDNA library with a monoclonal antibody directed against a domain of the laminin receptor involved in ligand binding. Definitive identification of the cDNA clones was based on comparison of cDNA sequence with the amino acid sequence of a cyanogen bromide-generated octapeptide of purified placental laminin receptor. The laminin receptor mRNA is approximately 1700 bases long. The level of laminin receptor mRNA in a variety of human carcinoma-derived cell lines correlated with the number of laminin receptors on the cell surfaces of those cells. This suggests that the amount of laminin receptor mRNA may be a rate-limiting control step in the biosynthesis of the laminin receptor, and hence in the regulation of cellular attachment to basement membranes via laminin.

Laminin production by human endometrial stromal cells relates to the cyclic and pathologic state of the endometrium

The cyclic changes in the presence of the basement membrane glycoprotein laminin in endometrial stromal cells was studied by immunohistochemistry. The interstitial matrix around the stromal cells of the proliferative phase of the normal menstrual cycle was unreactive with antibodies to laminin. However, commencing with the secretory phase, stromal cells accumulated distinct cytoplasmic and pericellular laminin-immunoreactive material. The maximal amount of stromal cell-associated laminin was observed in predecidual cells of the late secretory phase. Thus, laminin immunostaining discriminates stromal cells of the proliferative phase (being "negative") from those in the secretory phase (being "positive"). Sixty-six cases of endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinomas were also stained with antibodies to laminin. Sixty-nine percent of biopsies of cystic hyperplasia and 30% of adenomatous hyperplasia contained laminin-positive stromal cells. Ultrastructural examination of stromal cells in cystic hyperplasia revealed the presence of pericellular basement membrane-like material, focally arranged into typical lamina rara and lamina densa. In contrast, stromal cells in the atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and adenocarcinomas did not react with antibody to laminin. The expression of laminin receptor in the stromal cells codistributed with laminin. Basement membranes of the surface epithelium, the glandular epithelium, and the vessels stained strongly with antibodies to laminin. In preneoplastic and neoplastic tissues, laminin immunostaining revealed discontinuous and defective basement membranes. In poorly differentiated carcinomas only sparse amounts of laminin-positive basement membrane were observed; these tumors, in contrast, exhibited cytoplasmic laminin and also significant immunoreaction with antibodies to laminin receptor.

Intercellular deposits of basement membrane material in active human pituitary adenomas detected by immunostaining for laminin and electron microscopy

Thirty-eight human pituitary adenomas (24 endocrine active and 14 endocrine inactive tumors) were studied immunohistochemically for the presence of the basement membrane component, laminin, and ultrastructurally for the presence of basement membrane. Immunoreactivity of laminin delineated staining of epithelial and endothelial basement membranes, the reaction product being confined mostly to the perivascular zones. Moreover, a hitherto undescribed presence of intercellular laminin-positive droplets was observed in ten of the active adenomas (nine patients with hyperprolactinemia and/or acromegalia and one patient with Cushing's syndrome). Concurrently, at the ultrastructural level, bunches of basement membrane-like material intermingled between the adenoma cells were demonstrated in seven of these ten active adenomas. Furthermore, secretory granules were entrapped occasionally in this intercellular matrix, indicating a mutual dependence between excessive hormone extrusion and an increase of "misplaced" deposits of basement membrane components, e.g., laminin.

Immunochemical and ultrastructural assessment of the nature of the pericellular basement membrane of human decidual cells

Human decidual cells of early and late pregnancy were studied immunochemically and ultrastructurally with respect to the presence and nature of pericellular basement membrane material. The most prominent cell type in decidual tissue of both early and late pregnancy were large, mature epithelioid decidual cells (greater than 25 micron) with a distinct pericellular basement membrane, containing at least laminin, type IV collagen, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and fibronectin. Laminin was extracted from the decidual tissue at a concentration of 3 micrograms/gm as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Biosynthesis of laminin was shown by [35S]methionine labeling of short term organ cultures of decidual tissue followed by immunoprecipation, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and fluorography. The laminin chains migrated with the apparent molecular weights of 300 and 200 kilodaltons under reducing conditions. Two other separate populations of cells were apparent in the decidual tissue of early pregnancy. A smaller group of rounded intermediate sized (15 to 25 micron) decidual cells had focal deposits basement membrane immunoreactive material scattered at the cell surfaces. Ultrastructurally, clumps of electron dense basement membrane material were present in close vicinity to the cell membrane. Occasional populations of small (greater than 15 micron) elongated fibroblastic-like cells were identified which did not display any immunoreactivity for any of the investigated basement membrane components. The two latter populations of decidual cells were not observed in the decidual tissue investigated from the placental bed of late pregnancy. It is suggested that these three types of decidual cells might represent various stages of the sequential differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells of the pregnant endometrium. Predecidualization of the human endometrium, which is seen in the late secretory phase of the normal menstrual cycle and in some states of hyperplasia, was also shown to be accompanied by the presence of deposits of laminin-positive material at the cell surfaces. In the latter case, these cells resembled the intermediate sized decidual cells of the pregnant endometrium. In conclusion, the results suggest that the process of decidualization and predecidualization can be characterized morphologically and immunochemically by the accumulation of basement membrane material in specific decidua cell subpopulations.

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans made by different basement-membrane-producing tumors have immunological and structural similarities

Using immunological assays, we determined the relationship between the heparan sulfate proteoglycans produced by two different murine basement-membrane-producing tumors, i.e., the mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumor and the L2 rat yolk-sac tumor. Antibodies prepared against the heparan sulfate proteoglycans obtained from these two sources immunoprecipitated the same precursor protein with a molecular mass of 400,000 daltons from 35S-methionine pulse-labeled cells of both tumors. Immunohistochemistry showed the heparan sulfate proteoglycan to be distributed in the extracellular matrix and also in the native basement membrane of surrounding normal murine tissues. Blocking and ELISA assays demonstrated that the antibodies recognized both antigens. Using techniques involving the chemical and enzymatic degradation of 35S-sulfate-labeled glycosaminoglycans, the mouse EHS tumor cells were found to produce mainly heparan sulfate (75%) along with smaller amounts of chondroitin sulfate (19%), whereas the L2 rat yolk-sac tumor produced mainly chondroitin sulfate (76%) with smaller amounts of heparan sulfate (21%). We conclude that these two murine basement-membrane-producing tumors elaborate an immunologically and structurally similar type of high-molecular-weight heparan sulfate proteoglycan which subsequently becomes incorporated into basement-membrane-like material.

The pattern of distribution of laminin in neurogenic tumors, granular cell tumors, and nevi of the oral mucosa

Oral tumors of presumably neuroectodermal origin were stained with anti-laminin antibody by a double layered immunofluorescence technique. A marked positive staining for laminin was found in neurofibromas and neurilemmomas although the pattern of laminin distribution was slightly different. Accentuated staining was seen in Verocay bodies. In granular cell myoblastomas (GCM), small groups of tumor cells were encircled by laminin-positive material, whereas individual tumor cells were unstained. In nevi, diffusely spread nevus cells were surrounded by a rim of laminin, whereas when arranged in nests whole groups of cells were encircled by laminin as seen in the GCM. Ordinary oral fibromas included as controls were negative except for the expected positive staining of basement membranes normally occurring in the tissues. Immunohistochemical demonstration of laminin seems to be a valuable aid in differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors and may provide useful information about the pathogenesis of various lesions.

Basement membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan from the L2 rat yolk sac carcinoma

Heparan sulfate proteoglycan from the L2 rat yolk sac carcinoma has been purified and partially characterized. The proteoglycan has an apparent Mr of 750 000, 35% of which represents the core protein. The core protein seems to be homogeneous, whereas the heparan sulfate chains are heterogeneous with an Mr of about 50 000-70 000, with 30% of the glucosamine being N-sulfated. Antibodies raised against the core protein of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan reacted with basement membranes of various rat and human tissue.

Human laminin isolated in a nearly intact, biologically active form from placenta by limited proteolysis

A protein with properties of laminin has been isolated from human placental extracts by using monoclonal antibodies. Placental tissue was extracted with 0.5 M NaCl and high molecular weight proteins were isolated from the extract by salt precipitation and gel filtration on Sepharose 6B. The resulting protein fraction which contained material cross-reactive with anti-sera to rat laminin was used as immunogen to prepare hybridomas. Thirteen hybrids produced antibodies which reacted with basement membrane-associated antigens in indirect immunofluorescence of tissues. One of these, 4E10, was characterized in detail. This monoclonal antibody reacted with human laminin as shown by several lines of evidence. Immunoprecipitation from metabolically labeled culture media of a human amniotic epithelial cell line with the 4E10 antibody followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed polypeptides with Mr similar to those of rat laminin. Immunochromatography of placental extracts obtained by limited pepsin digestion yielded material with main polypeptides at 160 and 130 kilodaltons in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after reduction. These peptic fragments cross-reacted with rat laminin in immunodiffusion and enzyme immunoassay, and a polyclonal antiserum against the fragments reacted with basement membranes in tissues in a manner identical with the 4E10 antibody. Electron microscopic images of the human peptic fragments showed structures similar to the cross-shaped images of murine laminins, although the short arms were truncated to various degrees or even absent. The isolated peptic fragments also displayed biological activity similar to that of murine laminins in that the outgrowth of neurites by neuronal cells was promoted on plates coated with the fragments.

The basement membrane component laminin in breast carcinomas and axillary lymph node metastases

The occurrence of the basement membrane (BM) glycoprotein laminin was investigated in 91 malignant breast tumors and in 359 axillary lymph nodes of which 70 contained metastases. The indirect double-layer immunoperoxidase technique was applied using rabbit anti-rat laminin. Positive cytoplasmic staining for laminin was found in all breast carcinomas. BM could be demonstrated around in situ carcinomas and in the higher differentiated carcinomas around islands of infiltrating tumor cells. Lymph node metastases resembled the primary tumors in the cytoplasmic staining reaction for laminin, but no BM staining was found. Tissue from 50 benign breast lesions showed cytoplasmic staining for laminin in both the secretory and the myoepithelial cells, but consistently weaker than in the carcinomas. BM was always present.

Carcinoma in situ of the testis. Some ultrastructural characteristics of germ cells

The two cytoplasmic organelles, dense-cored vesicles and "nuages" have been considered to allow positive identification of primordial germ cells in rodents, but no use of these potential markers has been applied to human material. We have observed dense-cored vesicles and "nuages" in the abnormal germ cells of carcinoma in situ of the testis and thus brought further evidence for the germ cell origin of this lesion. These organelles may be useful cytoplasmic markers in the study of germ cell tumors.

Basement membrane changes in breast cancer detected by immunohistochemical staining for laminin

The distribution of the basement membrane glycoprotein laminin was studied by the immunoperoxidase technique in benign and malignant human breast tissue and in axillary lymph nodes from patients with breast cancer. An antiserum prepared against rat laminin was used. The specificity of this antiserum against human laminin was studied using the FL cell line of human epithelial-like cells derived from normal amniotic membrane. The antiserum reacted with these cells in immunoperoxidase staining and precipitated metabolically labeled secreted polypeptides which comigrated with polypeptides with molecular weights of 400,000 and 200,000 of rat laminin in sodium dodecyl sulfate:polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The neoplastic cells in malignant breast tissues showed strong cytoplasmic staining for laminin, and a positive reaction was aslo found in lymph node metastases. In some cases in which only micrometastases were present, these cells also stained strongly for laminin. In nonmalignant breast tissues, the epithelial cells of the duct were positive for laminin, but the staining was weaker than in the carcinomas. Pretreatment of the fixed tissue sections with trypsin markedly enhanced the staining of basement membranes for laminin. In trypsin-treated sections of normal breast tissue and benign lesions, the laminin staining delineated continuous basement membranes. In carcinomas representing the more differentiated types, basement membranes presumably produced by the tumor cells could be revealed by laminin staining, but they were thinner and discontinuous. The poorly differentiated carcinomas lacked organized basement membranes detectable by laminin staining. Our studies suggest that staining for laminin may be a useful adjunct test for detection of micrometatases in lymph nodes. The correlation of disintegration of the laminin-containing basement membranes of tumors with increasingly anaplastic appearance supports the notion that basement membranes may play a role in tumor invasion.

Laminin, a noncollagenous component of epithelial basement membranes synthesized by a rat yolk sac tumor

Laminin, a glycoprotein antigenically similar or identical to a component of epithelial basement membranes, was identified as a major component of the abundant extracellular matrix synthesized by an experimentally induced rat yolk sac tumor. Immunocytochemical staining revealed laminin in cultured tumor cells as well as in their extracellular matrix. The presence of soluble laminin in the culture media of the tumor cells was demonstrated using metabolic labeling followed by identification by immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate:polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This revealed two polypeptides with molecular weights of approximately 200,000 and 400,000. These comigrated with the polypeptides of mouse laminin isolated previously. The yolk sac tumor tissue grown in vivo contained laminin in the tumor cells and in the extracellular material as evidenced by immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase staining. Immunization with the tumor matrix resulted in an antiserum that contained antilaminin and natifibronectin and was made specific for laminin by absorption with fibronectin. This antiserum precipitated laminin polypeptides from culture medium of yolk sac tumour cells and stained basement membranes in rat tissues in a manner indistinguishable from antilaminin. The presence of laminin in rat yolk sac cells, the presumed origin of our yolk sac tumor, was studied in some detail. Laminin was found to be present in normal cells of the visceral as well as the parietal yolk sac layer and in their basement membranes suggesting, but not proving, that both types of cells have ability to synthesize laminin. Production of laminin and the presence of laminin-containing basement membrane material may be important for the biological behavior of the yolk sac tumor. This tumor will also be a useful source of laminin for chemical and biological characterization of this basement membrane protein.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of a hitherto undescribed localization of hemoglobin A and F in endodermal cells of normal human yolk sac and endodermal sinus tumor

In this study of 4 human yolk sacs, the presence of hemoglobin A and F (HbA and HbF) is demonstrated for the first time in epithelial cells (type 1) and erythroid-like cells (type 2) in the endodermal layer by immunoperoxidase technique. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis previously proposed that the red blood cells formed in the yolk sac are of endodermal origin. Tumor with yolk sac differentiation (8 endodermal sinus tumors and 1 embryonal carcinoma with vitelline areas) similarly showed HbA and HbF localisation in endodermal cells. None of 59 germ cell tumors of other types contained these hemoglobins in the neoplastic cells.