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Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 are key regulators of extracellular matrix degradation by mouse embryos.

Embryo implantation in humans and rodents is a highly invasive yet tightly controlled process involving extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) has been implicated as the major facilitator of this ECM degradation. MMP-9 is expressed by the embryo's trophoblast cells, whereas tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP-3) is expressed by the maternal uterine cells immediately adjacent to the trophoblast. We examined the functional roles of MMP-9 and TIMP-3 during in vitro ECM degradation by mouse embryos. Blastocysts were treated with either MMP-9 antisense or sense oligonucleotides and incubated on an ECM gel. The extent of ECM degradation exhibited by the blastocysts due to proteinase secretion was quantified. Embryos exposed to MMP-9 antisense oligonucleotides exhibited reduced ECM-degrading activity as compared with controls, and this reduced activity was correlated with the level of MMP-9 secreted by the embryos. The functional role of TIMP-3 was then examined by incubating blastocysts on an ECM gel that had been impregnated with various amounts of TIMP-3. In a dose-dependent manner, increases in TIMP-3 resulted in a reduction in ECM degradation and were correlated with diminished MMP-9 activity. These results provide important functional evidence that in vitro ECM degradation is regulated by embryo-derived MMP-9 and ECM-derived TIMP-3.

Animals↗

Endothelial cell-derived basic fibroblast growth factor: synthesis and deposition into subendothelial extracellular matrix.

Bovine aortic and corneal endothelial cells synthesize a growth factor that remains mostly cell-associated but can also be extracted from the subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited by these cells. The endothelial cell-derived growth factors extracted from cell lysates and from the extracellular matrix appear to be structurally related to basic fibroblast growth factor by the criteria that they bind to heparin-Sepharose and are eluted at 1.4-1.6 M NaCl, have a molecular weight of about 18,400, cross-react with anti-basic fibroblast growth factor antibodies when analyzed by electrophoretic blotting and immunoprecipitation, and are potent mitogens for bovine aortic and capillary endothelial cells. It is suggested that endothelium can store growth factors capable of autocrine growth promotion in two ways: by sequestering growth factor within the cell and by incorporating it into the underlying extracellular matrix.

Animals↗

Tenascin: an extracellular matrix protein involved in tissue interactions during fetal development and oncogenesis.

The extracellular matrix protein tenascin (previously described as myotendinous antigen) is selectively present in the mesenchyme surrounding fetal rat mammary glands, hair follicles, and teeth, three organ anlagen where the mesenchyme is essential for development. No tenascin is detectable in the normal adult mammary gland. Carcinogen-induced mammary tumors contained tenascin in their fibrous tissue. As reported for the molecule described as a "hexabrachion," tenascin contaminates so-called "cell-surface fibronectin," where it accounts for most of the detectable hemagglutinating activity. Of the extracellular matrix proteins compared, tenascin is the least effective substrate for attachment of primary mammary tumor cells, but the most effective in promoting cell growth after serum is removed from the culture medium.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Exposure of mouse preosteoblasts to pulsed electromagnetic fields reduces the amount of mature, type I collagen in the extracellular matrix.

We tested the hypothesis that exposure of a mouse preosteoblast cell line to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) would affect components of the extracellular matrix. We report that exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells to a single PEMF waveform significantly reduced the amount of mature, alpha1(I) collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the conditioned medium, without affecting the amount of total ECM protein. This decrease was not due to changes in the steady-state level of Col1A1 mRNA or to degradation of mature collagen. We then tested the effect of three distinct PEMF waveforms, two orthogonal coil orientations, and two waveform amplitude levels on the amount of alpha1(I) collagen in the conditioned medium. A sequence of factorial ANOVAs and stepwise regression modeling revealed that the period (duration) of the individual pulses accounted for a significant proportion of the variance associated with the amount of alpha1(I) collagen in the conditioned medium. The total variance accounted for, however, was small (R(2)=0.155, p<0.001 and R(2)=0.172, p<0.001, in the horizontal and vertical orientations, respectively). The positive and negative regression coefficients for the coil orientations revealed that the influence of pulse period was significantly different for the orthogonal coil orientations (p<0.001). The findings imply that the dominant influence of PEMF on the amount of mature, alpha1(I) collagen in the ECM is related to variables other than those expressed in the time-amplitude domain. The results provide objective direction toward identifying waveform characteristics that contribute to the observed between-waveform differences with regard to collagen. Advances in this area may lead toward improving waveforms and waveform delivery protocols.

Animals↗

Lysophospholipid regulates release and activation of latent TGF-beta1 from chondrocyte extracellular matrix.

Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) is released from the extracellular matrix of rat growth plate chondrocytes and activated by stromelysin-1 (matrix metalloproteinase 3, MMP-3), an enzyme that is stored in matrix vesicles. MMP-3 is released from these extracellular organelles by the direct action of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 via activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), resulting in local production of lysophospholipids and matrix vesicle membrane destabilization. This effect of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 is greater in matrix vesicles from growth zone chondrocyte cultures and PLA2 activity is higher in the growth zone in vivo, suggesting that it may depend on chondrocyte maturation state in the endochondral lineage. Previous studies have shown that latent TGF-beta1 can be activated by mild detergents in vitro, suggesting that lysophospholipids may act in vivo in a similar manner. To test this hypothesis, we determined if rat costochondral growth plate cartilage cells produce lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) in a maturation state-dependent manner and if LPC or LPE could release and activate latent TGF-beta1 from the extracellular matrix produced by these cells. Rat growth plate chondrocytes produced both lysophospholipids, with growth zone cells producing higher levels of LPE via PLA1, and resting zone cells producing higher levels of LPC via PLA2. LPC and LPE directly increased activation of recombinant human latent TGF-beta1 in a biphasic manner with a peak at 2 microg/ml. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and LPE plasmalogen (LPEP), but not choline, also activated TGF-beta1. Latent TGF-beta1 incubated with LPC or LPE, but neither lysophospholipid alone, stimulated [3H]-thymidine incorporation of resting zone cells, indicating the TGF-beta1 released was biologically active. LPC and LPE also released TGF-beta1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner when incubated with cell-free extracellular matrices produced by the cells. These results indicate that LPC and LPE have important roles as regulators of rat growth plate chondrocytes by directly and indirectly activating TGF-beta1 stored in the extracellular matrix.

Animals↗

The localized assembly of extracellular matrix integrin ligands requires cell-cell contact.

The assembly of an organism requires the interaction between different layers of cells, in many cases via an extracellular matrix. In the developing Drosophila larva, muscles attach in an integrin-dependent manner to the epidermis, via a specialized extracellular matrix called tendon matrix. Tiggrin, a tendon matrix integrin ligand, is primarily synthesized by cells distant to the muscle attachment sites, yet it accumulates specifically at these sites. Previous work has shown that the PS integrins are not required for tiggrin localization, suggesting that there is redundancy among tiggrin receptors. We have examined this by testing whether the PS2 integrin can recruit tiggrin to ectopic locations within the Drosophila embryo. We found that neither the wild type nor modified forms of the PS2 integrin, which have higher affinity for tiggrin, can recruit tiggrin to new cellular contexts. Next, we genetically manipulated the fate of the muscles and the epidermal muscle attachment cells, which demonstrated that muscles have the primary role in recruiting tiggrin to the tendon matrix and that cell-cell contact is necessary for this recruitment. Thus we propose that the inherent polarity of the muscle cells leads to a molecular specialization of their ends, and interactions between the ends produces an integrin-independent tiggrin receptor. Thus, interaction between cells generates an extracellular environment capable of nucleating extracellular matrix assembly.

Animals↗

Aging effects on the elastin composition in the extracellular matrix of cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

Elastin accumulation in the extracellular matrix of cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells was monitored as a function of age. The effect of the animal donor age and time in culture in single or consecutive passages on the cells' ability to accumulate total protein as well as elastin was evaluated. Smooth muscle cells were obtained from animals ranging in age from 2 d to 36 mo. Protein accumulation by the cells based on DNA content was similar regardless of which of the above aging parameters was examined. Although there were significant amounts of elastin present in the extracellular matrix of those cells originating from the younger animals (2 d and 6 wk old), little or none was detected in cell cultures derived from the oldest animals. A soluble elastin-like fraction which was isolated from the cultures of the 2-d-old rats seemed to be lacking in the cultures of cells from the 36-mo-old animals. This observation may, in part, explain the absence of insoluble elastin in the matrix of some cultures obtained from older animals. The data strongly suggest that the age of the donor animal from which the cells originate has the greatest influence on in vitro elastin accumulation.

Amino Acids↗

Cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix of cutaneous vessels in inflammatory processes: immunomorphological study.

In pathological conditions, vascular modifications occur in various stages involving both vessel structure and adjacent extracellular matrix. The relationships between vascular cells and surrounding microenvironmental stroma are mediated by cytoskeleton. Our investigation showed a high number of vimentin- and actin-positive cells in the vascular cutaneous bed, mainly related to reactive vascularization phenomena, whereas vessel cells with a desmin-positive reaction were barely detectable. Furthermore, in newly formed vessels ultrastructure showed that basement membrane synthesis strictly depends on close contact between the endothelium and extracellular matrix. Our data give structural evidence of the close morphofunctional interactions existing between vascular cells and extracellular matrix.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

The effect of polyamines and dialysate fluid on extracellular matrix synthesis in VERO cell cultures.

BACKGROUND: Polyamines are involved in normal and pathological cell proliferation and differentiation. Like acid radicals, they play an important role in remodelling the extracellular matrix and are considered "uremic toxins". Proteins and glycosaminoglycans are essential components of the extracellular matrix, and contribute to normal mature organ functions. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of free polyamines, dialysate fluid components and dialysis fluid on protein and extracellular glycosaminoglycan synthesis in VERO cell cultures. METHODS: The dialysate fluid components were separated with a Sephadex G15 column and the cultures were analysed after incorporation of 3H-leucine and 3H-glucosamine. Cultures were run at pH 7.0 and pH 7.4. The glycosaminoglycan classes were separated with a DEAE column, and polyamines were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Proteins and single glycosaminoglycan classes were quantified by a scintillator. DNA gel electrophoresis was done to detect chromatin fragmentation. RESULTS: Dialysate contained putrescine, spermidine and spermine, chromatography showing four peaks; only peaks I and II indicated polyamines at respectively Da 5000 and 1500. Polyamines are therefore linked to different carriers. There was an increase of protein and glycosaminoglycan synthesis with dialysis fluid and polyamines, but inhibition with peak II or dialysate. DNA gel electrophoresis showed no chromatin fragmentation. Findings at pH 7.0 and 7.4 were similar. CONCLUSIONS: It would appear that in uremic patients polyamines are conjugated to protein carriers of different molecular weights with different biological actions. As polyamines and dialysis fluid affect changes in extracellular matrix, they could be related to physiological organ functions. However, these in vitro data must be considered with the appropriate limitations when we try to extrapolate them to the in vivo situation.

Animals↗

Interaction of native and modified low-density lipoproteins with extracellular matrix.

Lipoprotein-matrix interactions play an important role in arterial disease. Extracellular matrix proteoglycans bind and retain specific positively charged domains on apolipoproteins B- and E-containing lipoproteins during atherogenesis. Retained lipoproteins can undergo several modifications, which may alter their interaction with extracellular matrix molecules. Growth factors, cytokines and oxidized low density lipoproteins influence proteoglycan structure, rendering them more likely to bind and retain lipoproteins during atherogenesis. Lipoproteins, native and modified, also can modulate the expression of several of the matrix degrading enzymes present in vascular tissue, thereby influencing plaque stability. Thus, the interaction of atherogenic lipoproteins with arterial wall matrix molecules can influence the genesis and progression of atherosclerosis and its complications.

Animals↗

The hepatic extracellular matrix. II. Ontogenesis, regeneration and cirrhosis.

The unique nature of the hepatic extracellular matrix (ECM) is predicted by the special configuration of the space of Disse. Whereas other epithelial organs have two basement membranes (BM) and a substantial ECM interposed between endothelial and epithelial cells, the liver lobule has no BM and only an attenuated ECM, consisting mostly of fibronectin (FN), some collagen type I, and minor quantities of types III, IV, V, and VI. This configuration, together with the abundant fenestrations and gaps of the sinusoidal endothelial cells, seems ideally suited to facilitate the rapid bidirectional exchange of macromolecules normally taking place between plasma and hepatocytes. During organogenesis, the liver anlage is vascularized by continuous capillaries with BM, but by day 13.5 of development (in the rat) the vessels in the immediate proximity of hepatocytes become fenestrated, lacking specialized junctions and BM, suggesting that the hepatocytes produce signals capable of modulating the endothelial phenotype. In regeneration, hepatocyte proliferation precedes vascular proliferation resulting in the formation of hepatocyte clusters that, temporarily, lack sinusoids. Eventually, vascular proliferation follows and the normal hepatocyte-vascular relationships are restored. During this period laminin synthesis by Ito cells is prominent. As soon as hepatocytes become stable, secretion of the sinusoid phenotype-maintaining factors resumes and laminin synthesis and secretion terminates. The interplay between extracellular matrix and liver cells is essential for normal homeostasis and its modification results in deranged hepatic function.

Animals↗

Cell-extracellular matrix interactions under in vivo conditions during interstitial cell migration in Hydra vulgaris.

Interstitial cell (I-cell) migration in hydra is essential for establishment of the regional cell differentiation pattern in the organism. All previous in vivo studies have indicated that cell migration in hydra is a result of cell-cell interactions and chemotaxic gradients. Recently, in vitro cell adhesion studies indicated that isolated nematocytes could bind to substrata coated with isolated hydra mesoglea, fibronectin and type IV collagen. Under these conditions, nematocytes could be observed to migrate on some of these extracellular matrix components. By modifying previously described hydra grafting techniques, two procedures were developed to test specifically the role of extracellular matrix components during in vivo I-cell migration in hydra. In one approach, the extracellular matrix structure of the apical half of the hydra graft was perturbed using beta-aminopropionitrile and beta-xyloside. In the second approach, grafts were treated with fibronectin, RGDS synthetic peptide and antibody to fibronectin after grafting was performed. In both cases, I-cell migration from the basal half to the apical half of the grafts was quantitatively analyzed. Statistical analysis indicated that beta-aminopropionitrile, fibronectin, RGDS synthetic peptide and antibody to fibronectin all were inhibitory to I-cell migration as compared to their respective controls. beta-xyloside treatment had no effect on interstitial cell migration. These results indicate the potential importance of cell-extracellular matrix interactions during in vivo I-cell migration in hydra.

Aminopropionitrile↗

Cytoskeletal-induced alterations in the adhesion of HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells to extracellular matrix.

We have investigated the adhesion of the human fibrosarcoma cell line, HT-1080, transfected with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to a variety of extracellular matrix macromolecules (ECM) including collagen type IV, laminin, and fibronectin. The GFAP-transfectants demonstrated altered adhesiveness to extracellular matrix substrates when compared to controls. GFAP-positive, heavy metal-induced fibrosarcoma cells were more adherent to plastic and collagen type IV than were the parental or uninduced cells. In contrast, GFAP-positive fibrosarcoma cells were less adherent to laminin- or fibronectin-coated dishes than controls. Time course adhesion studies over 9 days showed that the heavy metal-induced fibrosarcoma cells progressively became more adherent to collagen type IV and less adherent to laminin- or fibronectin-coated dishes than did uninduced cells. However, with the removal of heavy metal from the medium, the HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells were restored to their original adhesive potential. By phase microscopy, uninduced and induced HT-1080 cells demonstrated different morphological features and remained viable in an anchorage-dependent fashion on collagen type IV as a substrate. By way of contrast, GFAP-induced HT-1080 cells were not particularly viable in monolayer culture and readily detached from laminin as a substrate. The expression of beta1 integrin in GFAP-positive fibrosarcoma cells was decreased following heavy metal induction by Western blot analyses. In contrast, the expression of alpha2 integrin was increased whereas alpha5 integrin was unchanged in HT-1080 cells following the induction of GFAP. Gelatin zymography showed that 72 kDa collagenase was less expressed in GFAP-induced clones than in controls. Our data suggest that the forced expression of the intermediate filament, GFAP, in HT-1080 cells may modulate cell adhesion to different ECM substrates through alterations in expression of integrins.

Blotting, Western↗

Extracellular matrix in healing CO2 laser incision wound.

Extracellular matrix components laminin, Type IV collagen, Type III collagen, and fibronectin, of laser-treated rat tongue mucosa were studied over a healing period of 28 days by using immunohistochemical and electron microscopic techniques. Their distribution and amount in laser wounds was compared with that in scalpel incisions and normal tongue mucosa. Laser treatment caused an extensive destruction of both epithelial and stromal cells but left much of the connective tissue matrix intact. Basement membranes, in particular, appeared to resist laser irradiation. During the study period the laser-induced lesions healed through reparative synthesis of matrix proteins which led to filling of the tissue defects. The regenerative processes with concomitant re-epithelialization took place more slowly in laser-treated than in scalpel incision wounds. The relative resistance of the matrix proteins against laser irradiation and the slow removal and replacement of the residual matrix is suggested to account at least partially for the lack of scarring and contraction frequently observed in laser-treated areas.

Animals↗

In vitro stimulation of articular chondrocyte mRNA and extracellular matrix synthesis by hydrostatic pressure.

This study tested the effects of hydrostatic pressure (10 MPa) on adult articular chondrocyte mRNA and extracellular matrix synthesis in vitro. High density primary cultures of bovine chondrocytes were exposed to hydrostatic pressure applied intermittently at 1 Hz or constantly for 4 hours in serum-free medium or in medium containing 1% fetal bovine serum. mRNAs for aggrecan, types I and II collagen, and beta-actin were analyzed by Northern blots and quantified by slot blots. Proteoglycan synthesis was quantified by 35SO4 uptake into cetylpyridinium chloride-precipitable glycosaminoglycans, and cell-associated aggrecan and type-II collagen were detected by immunohistochemical techniques. In serum-free medium, intermittent pressure increased aggrecan mRNA signal by 14% and constant pressure decreased type-II collagen mRNA signal by 16% (p < 0.05). In the presence of 1% fetal bovine serum, intermittent pressure increased aggrecan and type-II collagen mRNA signals by 31% (p < 0.01) and 36% (p < 0.001), respectively, whereas constant pressure had no effect on either mRNA. Intermittent and constant pressure stimulated glycosaminoglycan synthesis 65% (p < 0.001) and 32% (p < 0.05), respectively. Immunohistochemical detection of cell-associated aggrecan and type-II collagen was increased in response to both intermittent and constant pressure. These data support the hypothesis that physiologic hydrostatic pressure directly influences the extracellular matrix metabolism of articular chondrocytes.

Aggrecans↗

Altered expression of extracellular matrix proteins and integrins in oral lichen planus (OLP).

The immunohistochemical distribution of collagens type I, III, IV, V, VI, of undulin and tenascin, and of integrins alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 4, alpha 5, alpha 6 and beta 4, was studied in 14 biopsies of oral lichen planus (OLP), 5 biopsies of orthokeratinized gingiva and 4 biopsies of oral fibrous hyperplasia. The localization of extracellular matrix proteins showed altered expression in OLP when compared to normal oral mucosa, with two principal patterns corresponding to the reticular or atrophic type. Whereas in the reticular type a focal loss of immunoreactivity for collagen types I, III, V, VI and undulin was noted in areas with a cellular infiltrate, in the atrophic variant almost complete loss of immunoreactivity of the subepithelial extracellular matrix was found. There was no clear correlation between the distribution of extracellular matrix proteins and their integrin receptors. The present findings suggest that the autoimmune reaction in OLP might not be primarily targeted to oral keratinocytes but to an unknown antigen in the connective tissue stroma. The changes in the subepithelial extracellular matrix associated with the inflammatory reaction might, especially in the atrophic variant, impair the cross-talk between epithelium and mesenchyme and favour both the loss of barrier function and the development of erosions in the clinical course of the disease.

Adult↗

[Structure and function of extracellular matrix with special references to proteoglycan].

To clarify the physiological significance of extracellular matrix components, biochemical and histochemical characterization of glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan was performed. The glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate, was favorable to the growth of Ehrlich ascite tumor cells inoculated into the subcutaneous space of the mouse's back. The glycosaminoglycan content and its synthesis by gastric carcinoma tissue were compared with those of non-neoplastic mucosa, after incubation of tissue segments in medium containing 35SO4. The rate of glycosaminoglycan synthesis by medullary carcinoma tissue was much higher than that by the non-neoplastic mucosa, although no significant difference was found in the amount of glycosaminoglycan between them. Using human gastric carcinoma cell lines, the interaction of fibroblasts (cell line WI-38) with carcinoma cells was studied in vitro. In well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, the amount of glycosaminoglycan secreted into the interface between carcinoma cells and fibroblasts was much larger (about 20-fold) than that into the interface between the carcinoma cells and the bare culture dish. However, in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma cells, glycosaminoglycan secretion was not affected by the presence of fibroblasts. The effects of the extracellular matrix produced by carcinoma cells on the attachment and growth of fibroblasts were also examined in vitro. The attachment-promoting and growth-promoting activities of the matrix substance produced by poorly differentiated carcinoma was about 10 times greater than that caused by the well-differentiated adenocarcinoma cell matrix substance. Proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan were identified in malignant and benign non-epithelial tumors. More proteoglycans containing mainly chondroitin sulfate could be detected in malignant tumors than in benign tumors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Fibrillin-rich microfibrils: elastic biopolymers of the extracellular matrix.

Fibrillin-rich microfibrils are evolutionarily ancient macromolecular assemblies of the extracellular matrix. They have unique extensible properties that endow vascular and other tissues with long-range elasticity. Microfibril extensibility supports the low pressure closed circulations of lower organisms such as crustaceans. In higher vertebrates, microfibrils act as a template for elastin deposition and are components of mature elastic fibres. In man, the importance of microfibrils is highlighted by the linkage of mutations in their principal structural component, fibrillin-1, to the heritable disease Marfan syndrome which is characterised by severe cardiovascular, skeletal and ocular defects. When isolated from tissues, fibrillin-rich microfibrils have a complex ultrastructural organisation with a characteristic 'beads-on-a-strong' appearance. X-ray fibre diffraction studies and biomechanical testing have shown that microfibrils are reversibly extensible at tissue extensions of 100%. Ultrastructural analysis and 3D reconstructions of isolated microfibrils using automated electron tomography have revealed new details of how fibrillin molecules are aligned within microfibrils in untensioned and extended states, and delineated the role of calcium in regulating microfibril beaded periodicity, rest length and molecular organisation. The molecular basis of how fibrillin molecules assemble into microfibrils, the central role of cells in regulating this process, and the identity of other molecules that may coassemble into microfibrils are now being elucidated. This information will enhance our understanding of the elastic mechanism of these unique extracellular matrix polymers, and may lead to new microfibril-based strategies for repairing elastic tissues in ageing and disease.

Animals↗