scholarly journals Dynamic Stretching of Fibrillar Collagen Enhances Cross-linking by Transglutaminas

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0038
Author(s):  
Nicolas Shealy ◽  
James Rex ◽  
Amy Bradshaw ◽  
Christopher Gross

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: New approaches to improve tendon repair after injury are an active area of research. Critical properties of tendons are governed by the production and assembly of fibrillar collagens. Cross-linking of fibrillar collagen is a primary factor in determining the function and mechanical properties of the collagen fibers comprising Enzymatic cross-linking by lysyl oxidase in the telopeptide domain of collagen I and III is one determinant of collagen fibril assembly and is the best characterized biochemical cross-link. Transglutaminase catalyzes the modification of lysine residues that in turn form an n-e-glutamyl lysine bond between proteins in the extracellular space. We hypothesize that transglutaminase-dependent modification of collagen in tendons is also a principal determinant of tendon strength and function and is dependent upon tension. Methods: 3-D collagen gels were generated from acid solubilized type I collagen with telopeptides (Advanced BioMatrix). Collagen gels were plated and loaded into a MechanoCulture FX apparatus (CellScale). Gels were subjected to a 10% stretch for 24 hrs at 37°C at 2hz (dynamic) or no stretch, static controls. Gels exposed to enzymatic cross-linking were incubated with either 2.4 ng of recombinant Transglutaminase 2 (Axxora) in a 10 mM Ca2+ solution. Inhibition and labeling of transglutaminase substrates was performed by incubation of collagen gels with 0.2 mM aminopentyl biotinamide in DMSO. Soluble collagen was separated from insoluble collagen by centrifugation at 10,000G. Insoluble fractions were boiled in SDS-Laemmli buffer prior to separation by SDS-PAGE. Collagen in soluble and insoluble fractions was evaluated by Coomassie stain whereas transglutaminase modification was detected via western blot using streptavidin conjugated horse radish peroxidase to detect biotinylated proteins. Results: Evaluation of collagen gels subjected to dynamic versus static stretch revealed minor differences in insoluble collagen incorporation in the two conditions. Notably, higher molecular weight cross-linked forms of collagen appeared to be higher in dynamic versus static gels. In the presence of transglutaminase, differences in higher molecular weight cross-linked forms of collagen, beta-bands, were also detected. Finally, incorporation of biotinylated transglutaminase substrate into collagen alpha bands was enriched in dynamic versus static cultures. Hence, preliminary results support a differential role for transglutaminase modification in collagen under cyclic tension versus static conditions. Conclusion: A better understanding of the role of dynamic stretching and differential tension in the regulation of collagen cross- link formation is predicted to contribute to improved strategies to treat injured tendons.

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Liu ◽  
Angelos Karagiannis ◽  
Matthew Sis ◽  
Srivatsan Kidambi ◽  
Yiannis Chatzizisis

Objectives: To develop and validate a 3D in-vitro model of atherosclerosis that enables direct interaction between various cell types and/or extracellular matrix. Methods and Results: Type I collagen (0.75 mg/mL) was mixed with human artery smooth muscle cells (SMCs; 6x10 5 cells/mL), medium, and water. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs; 10 5 /cm 2 ) were plated on top of the collagen gels and activated with oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Monocytes (THP-1 cells; 10 5 /cm 2 ) were then added on top of the HCAECs. Immunofluorescence showed the expression of VE-cadherin by HCAECs (A, B) and α-smooth muscle actin by SMCs (A). Green-labelled LDL-C particles were accumulated in the subendothelial space, as well as in the cytoplasm of HCAECs and SMCs (C). Activated monocytes were attached to HCAECs and found in the subendothelial area (G-I). Both HCAECs and SMCs released IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, PDGF-BB, TGF-ß1, and VEGF. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed the HCAECs monolayer forming gap junctions and the SMCs (D-F) and transmigrating monocytes within the collagen matrix (G-I). Conclusions: In this work, we presented a novel, easily reproducible and functional in-vitro experimental model of atherosclerosis that has the potential to enable in-vitro sophisticated molecular and drug development studies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Zhou ◽  
Peirui Zhong ◽  
Ying Liao ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
Yuan Liao ◽  
...  

Objectives To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on subchondral bone mass and cartilage degeneration in an experimental animal model of osteoarthritis (OA) induced by ovariectomy (OVX). Methods Ninety 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following three groups (n = 30 each): sham operation without treatment (control group); OVX without treatment (OVX group);, and ovariectomy with EA treatment (EA group). Rats in the EA group received EA treatment from the day of OVX. Ten rats in each group were randomly killed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation. Results EA reduced urine C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen from 4 weeks after OVX, reduced C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type II collagen and body weight from 8 weeks after OVX, and increased serum 17β-oestradiol from 4 weeks after OVX compared with the OVX group (all p<0.01). In the EA group, trabecular bone volume ratio, trabecular thickness and trabecular number increased, and trabecular separation were reduced at each time point compared with the OVX group (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). In the EA group, osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression was increased and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) expression was reduced at each time point compared with the OVX group (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). Mankin scores and mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) were lower in EA versus OVX groups at 12 weeks after OVX (both p<0.01). Conclusion The results suggest that EA inhibits subchondral bone loss by regulating RANK/RANKL/OPG signalling and protects articular cartilage by inhibiting MMP-13 in OVX rats.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Μαρία Παύλου

Η ιδιοπαθής υπερασβεστιουρία (ΙΥΑ) στα παιδιά έχει επιπολασμό 2,2-17,7%. Ποσοστό 2635% των ασθενών εμφανίζει μειωμένη οστική πυκνότητα, που αποδίδεται μάλλον σε αυξημένη οστική απορρόφηση και/ή οστικό ανασχηματισμό, καθώς καταγράφεται φυσιολογική κατά μήκος αύξηση των οστών στα περισσότερα παιδιά με ΙΥΑ. Περιορισμένες είναι οι μελέτες εκτίμησης βιοχημικών δεικτών οστικού μεταβολισμού, αλλά και γονιδιακού ελέγχου σε παιδιά με ΙΥΑ στην διεθνή βιβλιογραφία και καμία στην ελληνική. Επίσης, δεν πραγματοποιήθηκαν μελέτες εκτίμησης των κυτταροκινών οστεοκλαστογένεσης οστεοπροτεγερίνη (osteoprotegerin, OPG) και sRANKL (soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand) σε ασθενείς με ΙΥΑ. Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν η εκτίμηση των βιοχημικών δεικτών οστικής παραγωγής, αλκαλική φωσφατάση (alkaline phosphatase, ALP) και οστεοκαλσίνη (osteocalcin, OC) και οστικής απορρόφησης β-Crosslaps (serum Carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen) και της OPG και sRANKL στον ορό σε παιδιά με ΙΥΑ. Επίσης έγινε γονιδιακή ανάλυση των πολυμορφισμών του γονιδίου του ασβεστιοευαίσθητου υποδοχέα (Calcium sensing Receptor, CaSR). Πενήντα παιδιά με ΙΥΑ αποτέλεσαν την ομάδα ασθενών και 60 υγιή παιδιά την ομάδα ελέγχου. Οι ασθενείς εκτιμήθηκαν κατά τον χρόνο της διάγνωσης και 3 μήνες μετά την εφαρμογή διαιτητικών οδηγιών αντιμετώπισης της ΙΥΑ. Οι ασθενείς της μελέτης μας είχαν σχετικά ήπια προς μέτρια υπερασβεστιουρία (6,49±2,03 mg/Kg/day) κατά την ένταξη στην μελέτη. Μετά την εφαρμογή των διατροφικών οδηγιών, μείωσαν σημαντικά τα επίπεδα του Ca στα ούρα 24ώρου και τον λόγο του Ca προς κρεατινίνη στα δείγματα ούρων, χωρίς όμως να φτάνουν τις φυσιολογικές τιμές. Τα επίπεδα της ALP και OC και το ύψος των ασθενών δεν διέφεραν από της ομάδας ελέγχου, που δείχνει ανεπηρέαστη οστική παραγωγή στους ασθενείς. Τα επίπεδα των β-Crosslaps των ασθενών, στους δύο χρόνους εκτίμησης, ήταν υψηλότερα από των μαρτύρων, ενώ καταγράφηκε τάση μείωσης της μέσης τιμής μετά την τρίμηνη παρέμβαση. Το εύρημα δείχνει αυξημένη οστική απορρόφηση στους ασθενείς με τάση βελτίωσης κατά τον επανέλεγχο. Ο λόγος β-Crosslaps/OC στους ασθενείς κατά την ένταξη στην μελέτη ήταν αυξημένος συγκριτικά με των μαρτύρων, καταγράφοντας υψηλότερο ρυθμό οστικής απορρόφησης συγκριτικά με οστικής παραγωγής. Τα επίπεδα των OPG και sRANKL των ασθενών, στους δύο χρόνους εκτίμησης δε διέφεραν από των μαρτύρων. Ωστόσο, ο λόγος sRANKL/OPG στους ασθενείς κατά την ένταξη στην μελέτη ήταν ελαφρά χαμηλότερος, πιθανά σαν απάντηση αντιρρόπησης του υψηλότερου ρυθμού οστεοκλαστογένεσης. Από την γονιδιακή ανάλυση των πολυμορφισμών A986S, R990G και Q1011E του CaSR, καταγράφηκε συσχέτιση μόνο του A986S με την ΙΥΑ στα παιδιά της μελέτης. Συμπερασματικά οι ασθενείς της μελέτης μας φαίνεται να έχουν φυσιολογική οστική παραγωγή, αλλά αυξημένη οστική απορρόφηση, που βελτιώθηκε μετά την παρέμβαση. Βρέθηκε συσχέτιση μόνο του πολυμορφισμού A986S του CaSR με την ΙΥΑ. Θεωρούμε χρήσιμη την εκτίμηση των βιοχημικών δεικτών οστικής παραγωγής ALP και OC και απορρόφησης β-Crosslaps στον ορό στα παιδιά με ΙΥΑ, ως μια μη επεμβατική μέθοδο ανίχνευσης διαταραχών οστικού μεταβολισμού και παρακολούθησης της αντιμετώπισης της.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 212-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyohei Fukuda ◽  
Yo Kamoshida ◽  
Taisuke Kurokawa ◽  
Mioto Yoshida ◽  
Yoko Fujita-Yamaguchi ◽  
...  

1991 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 641-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Marriott ◽  
S. Ayad ◽  
M.E. Grant

Chondrocytes were isolated from bovine growth-plate cartilage and cultured within type I collagen gels. A major collagen with chains of Mr 59,000, decreasing to 47,000 on pepsinization, was synthesized and identified as type X collagen. This collagen was cleaved at two sites by mammalian collagenase, resulting in a major triple-helical fragment with chains of Mr 32,000. The species of Mr 59,000, 47,000 and 32,000 were not detected by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis before reduction, indicating the presence of disulphide bonds within the triple helix. In contrast, similar biosynthetic studies with human growth-plate cartilage in organ culture, indicated that human type X collagen does not contain disulphide bonds. A polyclonal antiserum was raised to bovine type X collagen and used in immunolocalization studies to provide direct evidence for the association of type X collagen with the hypertrophic chondrocytes in both bovine and human growth plates during development.


Development ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 605-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Greenburg ◽  
E.D. Hay

In considering the mechanism of transformation of epithelium to mesenchyme in the embryo, it is generally assumed that the ability to give rise to fibroblast-like cells is lost as epithelia mature. We reported previously that a definitive embryonic epithelium, that of the anterior lens, gives rise to freely migrating mesenchyme-like cells when suspended in type I collagen matrices. Here, we show that a highly differentiated epithelium that expresses cytokeratin changes to a vimentin cytoskeleton and loses thyroglobulin during epithelial-mesenchymal transformation induced by suspension in collagen gel. Using dispase and collagenase, we isolated adult thyroid follicles devoid of basal lamina and mesenchyme, and we suspended the follicles in 3D collagen gels. Cells bordering the follicle lumen retain epithelial polarity and thyroid phenotype, but basal cell surface organization is soon modified as a result of tissue multilayering and elongation of basal cells into the collagenous matrix. Cytodifferentiation, determined by thyroglobulin immunoreactivity, is lost as the basal epithelial cells move into the matrix after 3–4 days in collagen. By TEM, it can be seen that the elongating cells acquire pseudopodia, filopodia and mesenchyme-like nuclei and RER. Immunofluorescence examination of intermediate filaments showed that freshly isolated follicles and follicles cultured on planar substrata react only with anticytokeratin. However, all of the mesenchyme-like cells express vimentin and they gradually lose cytokeratin. These results suggest that vimentin may be necessary for cell functions associated with migration within a 3D matrix. The mesenchymal cells do not revert to epithelium when grown on planar substrata and the transformation of epithelium to mesenchyme-like cells does not occur within basement membrane gels. The results are relevant to our understanding of the initiation of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in the embryo and the genetic mechanisms controlling cell shape, polarity and cytoskeletal phenotype.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreyas Bhave ◽  
Michele Esposito ◽  
Lija Swain ◽  
Xiaoying QIAO ◽  
Gregory Martin ◽  
...  

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of heart failure (HF). HF is associated with adverse cardiac remodeling that is primarily driven by Transforming growth factor beta (TGFb1) mediated fibrosis and myocyte hypertrophy. We previously reported that loss of bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) promotes cardiac fibrosis in pressure-overload induced HF. No studies have explored a role for BMP9 in post MI cardiac remodeling. We hypothesize that loss of BMP9 may promote cardiac healing by stabilizing LV scar formation. To test this hypothesis, we subjected whole body BMP9 knockout (-/-) mice to left coronary artery ligation for two weeks followed by PV loop analysis and studied indices of cardiac remodeling. Compared to wild type (WT) controls BMP9-/- mice had significantly lower survival (83% vs 61%, p<0.001, respectively) with a higher rate of cardiac rupture(15% vs 90%). Compared to WT controls, surviving BMP9-/- mice had higher LVEDP, reduced LV dP/dt, and higher lung weight. Compared to WT mice, BMP9-/- mice had significantly higher levels of Type I collagen (2 fold p<0.05). Compared to WT mice, BMP9-/- mice had increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 (2.5 fold p<0.05) activity levels in the LV. Treatment of cultured primary human cardiac fibroblasts with recombinant BMP9 attenuated TGFb1-mediated Type I collagen and MMP-9 protein expression. To assess collagen content and cross-linking, two-photon excitation fluorescence imaging was performed and identified an increase in collagen abundance, but a trend towards lower collagen cross-linking in the LV of BMP9-/- mice compared to WT mice 2 weeks after MI. Our central finding is that loss of BMP9 is associated with reduced survival, increased propensity towards cardiac rupture, and increased LV collagen abundance, but reduced collagen integrity in a murine model of acute MI. These identify a potentially important functional role for BMP9 in post-infarct cardiac remodeling.


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