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Biomedical subjects

M W Mosesson

Publications and source records attributed to M W Mosesson.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Hormonal regulation of fibrinogen synthesis in cultured hepatocytes.

Most of what was originally known of the effects of hormones on fibrinogen synthesis was based, as noted above, on experiments involving surgical removal of endocrine glands. Some caution should be exercised when using such in vivo experiments to derive the hormonal requirements of fibrinogen synthesis, however, since multiple hormonal alterations often occur in these animals. The development of a variety of ex vivo systems has allowed investigators to more carefully control the hepatocellular environment. The work of several laboratories, including our own, has now made it clear that hormones and other agents directly stimulate hepatocellular synthesis of fibrinogen. From the studies summarized here, using chick embryo hepatocytes as a model, several generalizations emerge: Fibrinogen synthesis may be considered to be a "constitutive" liver function, since hepatocytes cultured without serum, hormones or other macromolecular supplements synthesize this protein at a basal rate for several days. Addition of certain hormones (e.g. T3, dexamethasone, insulin), individually and in physiological concentrations, elicits an increase in fibrinogen production, varying with each agent in onset, dose, minimum exposure required and accompanying effects on the synthesis of other plasma proteins. Glucocorticoids and thyroid hormones are similar in the selectivity of their stimulation (neither affects albumin or transferrin synthesis) but differ in that thyroid hormones need to be present for just a short "triggering" period. The stimulation of fibrinogen synthesis by insulin occurs only following prolonged exposure to concentrations 10-times higher than the very low doses to which albumin synthesis responds rapidly.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Structural analysis of fibrinogen synthesized by cultured chicken hepatocytes in the presence or absence of dexamethasone.

Hepatocyte monolayers, derived from chick embryos and cultured in chemically defined medium without hormones, synthesize and secrete fibrinogen that resembles chicken plasma fibrinogen immunochemically and structurally. Addition of a synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, to the cultured cells resulted in an appreciable and relatively selective increase in fibrinogen synthesis. Autoradiography of fibrinogen that had been metabolically labelled with [35S]methionine and then subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, unreduced or under disulfide-reducing conditions, revealed that only dimeric forms of fibrinogen, containing undegraded A alpha, B beta, and gamma chains, were secreted under stimulated and unstimulated culture conditions.

Animals↗

Solution and surface effects on plasma fibronectin structure.

As assessed by electron microscopy, the reported shape of the plasma fibronectin molecule ranges from that of a compact particle to an elongated, rod-like structure. In this study, we evaluated the effects of solution and surface conditions on fibronectin shape. Freeze-dried, unstained human plasma fibronectin molecules deposited at pH 7.0-7.4 onto carbon films and examined by scanning transmission electron microscopy appeared relatively compact and pleiomorphic, with approximate average dimensions of 24 nm X 16 nm. Negatively stained molecules also had a similar shape but revealed greater detail in that we observed irregular, yarn-like structures. Glutaraldehyde-induced intramolecular cross-linking did not alter the appearance of plasma fibronectin. Molecules deposited at pH 2.8, pH 9.3, or after succinylation were less compact than those deposited at neutral pH. In contrast, fibronectin molecules sprayed onto mica surfaces at pH 7, rotary shadowed, and examined by transmission electron microscopy were elongated and nodular with a contour length of 120-130 nm. Sedimentation velocity experiments and electron microscopic observations indicate that fibronectin unfolds when it is succinylated, when the ionic strength is raised at pH 7, or when the pH is adjusted to 9.3 or 2.8. Greater unfolding is observed at pH 2.8 at low ionic strength (less than 0.01) compared with material at that pH in 0.15 M NaCl solution. We conclude that (a) the shape assumed by the fibronectin molecule can be strongly affected by solution conditions and by deposition onto certain surfaces; and that (b) the images of fibronectin seen by scanning transmission electron microscopy at neutral pH on carbon film are representative of molecules in physiologic solution.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗

Distribution of plasma fibronectin (cold-insoluble globulin) and components of the factor VIII complex after heparin-induced precipitation of plasma.

Factor VIII procoagulant (VIII:C) activity, factor VIII coagulant antigen (VIII:CAg), von Willebrand ristocetin cofactor (VIIIR:RC) activity, factor VIII-related antigen (VIIIR:Ag), and plasma fibronectin (CIg; cold-insoluble globulin) were measured in the heparin precipitable fraction (HPF) and heparin supernatant fraction (HS) of normal human plasma. Following heparin induced precipitation, most measurable VIII:C activity (77% +/- 24%) was recovered in the HS. Although there was little VIII:C activity (less than 1%) in the HPF, 20% +/- 6.5% VIII:CAg was present as well as CIg (81% +/- 5.6%). VIIIR:RC activity (72% +/- 12%), and VIIIR:Ag (34 +/- 5.2%). As assessed by Na dodecyl SO4 glyoxyl agarose electrophoresis, the multimeric forms of plasma VIIIR:Ag could be resolved into a series of bands. Larger multimers tended to precipitate with the HPF whereas the smaller multimers tended to remain supernatant. Plasma from a subject with congenital afibrinogenemia was also studied. Although the afibrinogenemic HPF contained CIg, neither VIIIR:RC activity nor VIIIR:Ag was precipitated. However, both were present in the HPF from afibrinogenemic plasma to which fibrinogen had been added, suggesting that they are incorporated in this precipitate because of an affinity for fibrinogen. The ability of heparin to induce precipitation of CIg while leaving most VIII:C activity in the supernatant plasma may be useful in the preparation of procoagulant-rich plasma subfractions, since VIII:C can subsequently be recovered in good yield by cryoprecipitation.

Afibrinogenemia↗

Evidence for circulating fibrin in familial Mediterranean fever.

Cryofibrinogenemia was found in 10 of 24 plasma samples (42%) from subjects with FMF. This precipitate was found during active disease as well as during intervals between crises. We found a higher incidence of cryofibrinogenemia in subjects with mild to moderately severe disease not being treated with colchicine (six of eight) as compared with colchicine-treated subjects who were in partial or complete clinical remission (four or 16; p less than 0.02). All cryofibrinogen precipitates contained fibrin, as assessed by electrophoretic analyses showing the presence of multimeric crosslinked forms of fibrin(ogen) linked by gamma-dimers. This finding in clinical specimens supports the hypothesis that fibrin in an obligatory component of cryofibrinogen. Fibrin was also found in HPF (two of six specimens) prepared from cryofibrinogen-negative FMF plasmas, thus showing that soluble forms of fibrin are even more prevalent in this disorder than is indicated by the frequent finding of cryofibrinogenemia.

Adolescent↗

Carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of a human fibrinogen gamma-chain variant (gamma').

A normal human fibrinogen gamma-chain variant, termed gamma', is larger than the gamma chain (51 500 vs. 49 500) due to an extended COOH-terminal sequence. The extended COOH-terminal cyanogen bromide peptide (CNBr e') was isolated by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and its amino acid sequence was determined. Comparison with the corresponding COOH-terminal gamma-chain peptide (CNBr e) showed that the last four amino acids of the gamma chain were replaced in gamma' chains by a 20-residue fragment rich in aspartic and glutamic acids, having the sequence Val-Tyr-Pro-Glu-His-Pro-Ala-Glx-Thr-Glx-Tyr-Asx-Ser-Leu-Arg-Pro-Glx-Asx-Asx-Leu . Mutant gamma chains (gamma Paris I) from a congenitally dysfunctional fibrinogen molecule (fibrinogen Paris 1) express both gamma and gamma' features, suggesting that both gamma and gamma' chains are produced from a single gene. If this suggestion is correct, the observed differences in amino acid sequence could be explained by the existence of different mRNAs for gamma and gamma' chains, respectively, which are transcribed from one gene by differential RNA splicing.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Thyroid hormone stimulation of plasma protein synthesis in cultured hepatocytes.

The direct effect of thyroid hormones on hepatocellular plasma protein synthesis has been studied in primary monolayer cultures derived from chick embryo liver. The chemically defined medium used for plating and maintaining the cultures contained no other hormones, protein, or serum supplement. Addition of physiological concentrations (10 nM) of triiodothyronine or thyroxine produced 3-fold or greater increases in the rates of synthesis of fibrinogen and three other major secreted proteins. By comparison albumin, transferrin, and total protein synthesis were not substantially increased. The enhanced synthesis of selected plasma proteins could be detected 6 h after initial addition of triiodothyronine. Exposure of the cells to the hormone for only 30 min was nearly as effective as continuous exposure in eliciting the ultimate response. Triiodothyronine exerted its half-maximal effect at a concentration of 1 nM. Diminished potency was associated with less iodination of the hormone; a marked reduction was noted with di-iodinated thyronine and no stimulatory activity at all with either mono- or non-iodinated thyronine.

Animals↗

Receptors for cold-insoluble globulin (plasma fibronectin) on human monocytes.

This investigation focused on the role played by cold-insoluble globulin (CIg, plasma fibronectin) in monocyte function. Surface-bound CIg mediated a concentration-dependent of human blood monocytes to gelatin-coated surfaces. CIg also mediated the binding of gelatin-coated particles such as latex beads or tanned erythrocytes to surface-bound human monocytes. However, CIg did not mediate particle ingestion. Subfractionated CIg that was highly enriched in monomeric forms (zone II CIg, mol wt 190,000-235,000) was less effective than were fractions enriched in dimeric forms (zone I CIg, mol wt 450,000) in promoting monocyte attachment. Binding of CIg to a gelatin or plastic surface occurred in the absence of divalent cations, but monocyte attachment to CIg-coated surfaces required divalent cations, Mg++ being much more effective than Ca++. Cation-dependent cell attachment was reversible in that bound cells could be released by treatment with EDTA. Serum-mediated binding of monocytes to gelatin-coated plastic dishes was a result of its content of CIg because the binding activity was abolished by removal of CIg from serum, and could be restored by readdition of purified CIg. Treatment of monocytes with trypsin abolished subsequent cell attachment to CIg-gelatin surfaces or particles. Expression of certain other known monocyte membrane receptors (Fc and C3b) was markedly enhanced as a result of CIg-monocyte interaction. These several observations indicate that monocytes bear membrane receptors (termed receptor cold-insoluble globulin) for surface-bound CIg.

Cations, Divalent↗

Detection and quantitation of fibronectin in synovial fluid from patients with rheumatic disease.

Fibronectin, a high molecular weight glycoprotein that binds to glycosaminoglycans, fibrinogen or fibrin, and collagen, was identified and quantitated in synovial fluid from patients with various rheumatic diseases. Fibronectin concentration was significantly higher in synovial fluids from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (697 microgram/ml) than in other synovial fluids. In RA, synovial fluid fibronectin concentration exceeded that in plasma and did not directly correlate with synovial fluid concentrations of albumin, total protein, or fibrinogen. Synovial fluid fibronectin concentration correlated directly with synovial fluid white blood cell count (r = 0.50, P less than 0.005). Fibronectin was present in cryoprotein formed from four rheumatoid synovial fluids.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Human plasma fibrinogen heterogeneity: evidence for an extended carboxyl-terminal sequence in a normal gamma chain variant (gamma').

Two types of normal human plasma fibrinogen--peak 1 and peak 2--are distinquishable by DEAE-cellulose gradient elution chromatography. The elution characteristics of peak 2 fibrinogen, which amounts to about 15% of the total, are attributable to the presence of a gamma chain variant, gamma', which is more negatively charged than gamma chains and makes up about half of all such chains in that peak [Mosesson M. W., Finlayson, J. S. & Umfleet, R. A. (1972), J. Biol. Chem. 247, 5223-5227]. Analyses of reduced S-carboxymethylated fibrin that had first been incubated in the presence of Factor XIIIa plus the fluorescent amine donor dansylcadaverine (DNScad) showed that the same amount of this compound could be incorporated covalently into either type of gamma chain. Furthermore, the DNScad-labeled COOH-terminal CNBr fragment (CNBr e) derived from the S-carboxymethylated gamma chain was smaller than the DNScad-labeled fragment (CNBr e') from the gamma' chain (Mr, 3200 and 4900) by about the same amount as the difference in size between the respective parent chains (Mr, 49,400 and 51,500). DNScad-CNBr e or DNScad-cNBR e' could be further cleaved by trypsin to yield a smaller fluorescent fragment corresponding to the penultimate tryptic gamma chain peptide containing the DNScad-glutamine acceptor and lysine donor crosslinking functions. The COOH-terminal amino acids of gamma and gamma' chains were valine and leucine, respectively. The rates of Factor XIIIa-catalyzed crosslinking of peak 1 and peak 2 fibrin were the same, but peak 1 fibrin gamma chains formed only one species of crosslinked dimer (gamma gamma) whereas peak 2 fibrin gamma chains yielded three (gamma gamma, gamma gamma', gamma'gamma'). We conclude that gamma' chains are functionally normal but have an extended COOH-terminal sequence accounting for their more negative charge and larger size relative to gamma chains.

Chromatography, DEAE-Cellulose↗

Electron microscopy of fibrin Paris I.

Fibrinogen Paris I, a congenital fibrinogen abnormality, is characterized by delayed fibrin aggregation and poor clot retraction owing to the replacement of normal gamma-chains by mutant gamma-chains, which are termed gamma-Paris I. Available evidence indicates that the structural abnormality involves the amino acid sequence near the COOH-terminus of the mutant chain and probably includes the region containing the normal gamma-chain crosslinking site. Electron microscopy was carried out on Paris I fibrin. In place of the normally interwoven network of branching cross-striated fibers, negatively or positively contrasted Paris I fibrin was characterized by nonfibrous clumps of material connected by distince fibrous strands tending to be thinner and more irregular in width than normal fibrin. Most Paris I fibrin fibers tended to the aperiodic, although cross-striations were observed occasionally in negatively contrasted specimens and rarely in positively contrasted specimens. In addition, Paris I fibrin frequently showed relatively short, abruptly terminating fibers. The gross ultrastructural differences between normal and Paris I fibrin suggest that for fibrin assembly to take place normally, a region(s) in the fibrin molecule near to or possibly overlapping the COOH-terminal gamma-chain crosslinking site must be preserved or at least not sterically hindered.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Properties of epithelial cells cultured from human carcinomas and nonmalignant tissues.

Human epithelial cell cultures were examined for expression of plasminogen activator and fibronectin matrix. All of the cells examined showed ultrastructural evidence suggesting their epithelial origin, including microvilli and specialized junctions. The nonmalignant cells were also negative for endothelial cell markers (ie. they lacked factor VIII antigen, a nonthrombogenic surface and Weibel-Palade bodies). The nonmalignant lines all produced large amounts of plasminogen activator, whereas the tumor-derived lines showed a gradation of activities, ranging from lines having as much activity as the nonmalignant lines to lines having little or no activity above background. For both normal and malignant cells, addition of dexamethesone only slightly decreased the levels of plasminogen activator. By immunofluorescence microscopy, normal bladder and fetal intestine epithelial cells showed fibronectin in a globular and fibrillar matrix. In contrast, normal mammary epithelial cells had a much diminished amount of fibronectin with a punctate distribution.

Binding Sites↗