Osteoblasts isolated from mouse calvaria initiate matrix mineralization in culture.

A method is presented for isolating osteoblasts from newborn mouse calvaria without the use of digestive enzymes. The procedure is based on the ability of osteoblasts to migrate from bone onto small glass fragments (Jones, S.J., and A. Boyde, 1977, Cell Tissue Res., 184:179-193). The isolated cells were cultured for up to 14 d in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and 50 micrograms/ml of ascorbic acid. 7-d cultures were incubated for 24 h with [3H]proline. High levels of collagen synthesis relative to total protein were found, as measured by collagenase digestion of medium and cell layer proteins. Analysis of pepsin-digested proteins from the same cultures by SDS PAGE showed that type I collagen was predominantly produced with small amounts of type III and V (alpha 1 chains) collagens. Osteoblasts grown in the presence of beta-glycerophosphate were able to initiate mineral deposition in culture. Electron microscopic analysis of the cultures revealed the presence of needle-shaped apatite-like crystals associated with collagen fibrils and vesicles in the extracellular space. Mouse skin fibroblasts cultured under identical conditions failed to initiate mineralization. Electron histochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaline phosphatase activity, associated with osteoblast membranes, matrix vesicles and on or near collagen fibrils. Thus these isolated osteoblasts retained in culture their unique property of initiating mineralization and therefore represent a model of value for studying the mineralization process in vitro.

Immunoidentification of type XII collagen in embryonic tissues.

We have generated a monoclonal antibody against a synthetic peptide whose sequence was derived from the nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding alpha 1(XII) collagen. The antibody, 75d7, has been used to identify the alpha 1(XII) chain on immunoblots of SDS-PAGE tendon extracts as a 220-kD polypeptide, under reducing conditions. Amino-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of an immunopurified cyanogen bromide fragment of type XII collagen from embryonic chick tendons gave a single sequence identical to that predicted from the cDNA, thus confirming that the antibody recognizes the type XII protein. Immunofluorescence studies with the antibody demonstrate that type XII collagen is localized in type I-containing dense connective tissue structures such as tendons, ligaments, perichondrium, and periosteum. With these data, taken together with previous results showing that a portion of the sequence domains of type XII collagen is similar to domains of type IX, a nonfibrillar collagen associated with cross-striated fibrils in cartilage, we suggest that types IX and XII collagens are members of a distinct class of extracellular matrix proteins found in association with quarter-staggered collagen fibrils.

Proteoglycan and collagen synthesis are correlated with actin organization in dedifferentiating chondrocytes.

The dedifferentiation of chondrocytes in culture is classically associated with a transition from a rounded to a spread morphology. However, the loss of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) and type II collagen gene expression (markers of the differentiated chondrocyte) does not occur for all polygonal or fibroblast-like cells at the same stage of culture. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that retinoic acid-dedifferentiated chondrocytes can reexpress type II collagen if treated by the microfilament disruptive drug dihydrocytochalasin B, without a return to the spherical shape. In the present study, we have investigated by fluorescent double-staining whether the synthesis of both CSPG and type II collagen by dedifferentiating chick chondrocytes in low density cultures is dependent on a type of actin organization. We report that the synthesis of CSPG and type II collagen synthesis is coincident with the presence of a faint microfibrillar actin architecture but is absent in chondrocytes showing well defined actin cables. This correlation was observed independently of the shapes exhibited by the cells. Moreover, type I collagen (marker of the dedifferentiated chondrocyte) is synthesized mainly in cells showing large actin cables. This study, performed in the absence of drugs, suggests that actin organization, rather than changes in cell shape, is involved in modulating the chondrogenic phenotype in vitro.

Tissue-specific expression of type XIV collagen--a member of the FACIT class of collagens.

The collagens represent a highly diverse superfamily of extracellular matrix proteins that can be divided into several distinct families. One of the families, called FACIT (fibril-associated collagens with interrupted triple-helices) family, contains molecules that appear to be associated with cross-striated fibrils composed of members of the fibrillar collagen family. We have determined a portion of the primary structure of a recently discovered member of the FACIT family, chicken alpha 1(XIV) collagen, based on cloning and sequencing cDNAs. A synthetic oligopeptide from within the carboxy-terminal non-triple-helical domain of the alpha 1(XIV) chain has been used for generating specific polyclonal antibodies. The antiserum, PS1, recognizes a 220 kDa polypeptide in immunoblots of extracts of chicken skin, tendons, and cartilage. Sequencing of a tryptic peptide generated from purified, immunoreactive material, gives a sequence identical to that derived from cDNA sequencing, providing strong support for the type XIV-specificity of PS1. We have examined the expression of type XIV collagen in developing chick embryos by immunostaining of sections from 12-day-old embryos with PS1 and by Northern blot analysis of RNA from several tissues from both 12- and 17-day-old embryos. The results show that type XIV collagen is prevalent within relatively dense connective tissues such as dermis, tendons, perichondrium, perimysium, the stroma of lungs and liver, and blood vessels.

Expression of type XIV collagen during the differentiation of fetal bovine skin: immunolabeling with monoclonal antibody is prominent in morphogenetic areas.

Type XIV collagen belongs to the subclass of fibril-associated collagens with interrupted triple helices, which are composed of alternative triple helical and non-collagenous domains. Structural data show that these molecules interact with collagen fibrils and suggest that they might interact with cells. We have investigated the expression of type XIV collagen in bovine skin during development. Fetuses from 9 to 37 weeks were examined. Anti-type XIV collagen monoclonal antibody was produced, characterized, and used for immunofluorescence detection of the molecule. The localization of immunolabeling was analyzed by comparison with light and electron microscopic observations. In 9-week-old fetus, no type XIV collagen was found in the skin. From 19 weeks to birth, extensive immunofluorescence was observed on bundles of collagen fibrils in deep dermis. As shown by electron microscopy, this area exhibited bundles of collagen fibrils and cells with an abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum. In the upper dermis, a delicate fibrillar network of type XIV collagen was revealed by immunofluorescence around growing hair follicles at 19 and 24 weeks. Double labeling for type XIV collagen and fibronectin shows a more restricted pattern of expression of type XIV collagen in this area. The electron microscopic examination of skin of fetuses at these stages shows that the whole upper dermis is composed by a loose connective tissue containing scattered small bundles of collagen fibrils. Type XIV collagen was synthesized in the upper dermis between 24 weeks and birth. From this study, it appears that type XIV collagen expression is distinct from that of fibrillar collagens, at least during some developmental events. The prominent localization of type XIV collagen around growing hair follicles suggests a role for this molecule in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions.

Differential expression of collagens XII and XIV in human skin and in reconstructed skin.

Collagens XII and XIV localize near the surface of collagen fibrils and may be involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions as well as in the modulation of tissue biomechanical properties. Moreover, human skin fibroblasts cultured in monolayer are known to lose their ability to produce collagen XIV and to switch the transcription of collagen XII from the small splice variant (220 kDa) to the large (320 kDa), whereas the small form is the main form found in human skin. We have investigated the expression patterns of these two molecules in human skin as a function of donor age and anatomic site, by using immunohistology with specific monoclonal antibodies. We demonstrated changes in the expression patterns of collagens XII and XIV in human skin after birth. Moreover, in adult scalp skin, very strong staining of collagen XII fibril bundles was observed around hair follicles, in association with very low expression of collagen XIV. We also investigated the expression of collagens XII and XIV by fibroblasts and keratinocytes cultured in a reconstructed skin. In these culture conditions, fibroblasts recovered their ability to produce collagen XIV and re-expressed the small splice variant of collagen XII. These results could be explained by the deposition of large amounts of collagen fibrils by fibroblasts in this culture system. Thus, the re-expression of these collagens suggests that the deposition of banded collagen fibrils is a pre-requisite for the expression of collagen XIV and small variant of collagen XII.

Identification of a putative GH-releasing factor (GRF) batch as predominantly ovine CRF with a small quantity of human GRF.

The existence of discordant results regarding the effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of GRF on GH secretion prompted a reexamination of the central actions of GRF and a detailed chemical characterization of the peptide designated as hpGRF-44-NH2. The icv injection of 10 micrograms rat (r) GRF to freely-moving rats caused an acute stimulation of GH release, whereas 10 micrograms of the putative hpGRF peptide icv continued to suppress spontaneous GH secretion. Through a series of biochemical and immunologic studies we demonstrate that peptide hpGRF-44-NH2, code number 92-81-5G-41-47, is predominantly ovine (o) CRF and also contains a small amount (3-5%) human (h) GRF-44-NH2. We conclude that the major effect of icv administered GRF, at high doses, is to stimulate GH release and that the central actions previously attributed to the hpGRF peptide are, in fact, due to the oCRF component of this compound.

Trimeric assembly of collagen XII: effect of deletion of the C-terminal part of the molecule.

The fibril-associated-collagens-with-interrupted-triple-helices (FACITs) are devoid of large C-propeptides like those involved in the trimeric assembly of the fibrillar collagens. Under these conditions, the C-terminal non triple-helical domain (NC1) and the adjacent triple-helical domain (COL1) are likely to be responsible for the trimeric assembly of these collagen molecules. Using a recombinant minigene of one of the FACITs, collagen XII, we show that a deletion covering most of the NC1 domain, except the first seven residues containing a cysteine and constituting the main part of the conserved junction between the COL1 and NC1 domains, does not prevent the formation of trimeric disulfide-bonded assembly of truncated alpha chains. These results suggest that if the non triple-helical NC1 domain is involved in the initial events governing the trimeric assembly, it must be through its amino acid residues participating in the junction. Our data confirm also the results obtained in a previous paper (Mazzorana et al.: J. Biol. Chem. 268:3029-3032, 1993) showing that the formation of disulfide bonds is dependent on hydroxylation and suggesting that the folding of the triple helix (or a part of it) precedes the formation of the disulfide bonds.

Common topology within a non-collagenous domain of several different collagen types.

The secondary structure of a conserved non-collagenous module in alpha 1(V), alpha 1(XI), alpha 1(IX), alpha 1(XII), alpha 1(XIV) and alpha 1(XVI) collagen chains and in proline- and arginine-rich protein was analyzed using different algorithms. The results predict that a common anti-parallel beta-sheet structure composed of nine consensus beta-strands is present in these non-collagenous modules. A model for the packing of these beta-sheets is proposed which suggests that the predicted beta-sheet structure may be involved in molecular recognition functions.

Identification of type I collagen gene polymorphisms: tolerance of sequence variation at an alpha 2(I) helix Y position.

This study has examined the frequency and distribution of polymorphisms in the type I collagen coding sequences. RNA from a group of human skin fibroblast cell lines was analyzed by the chemical cleavage mismatch detection method using hydroxylamine, a reagent specific for C-base mismatches, and overlapping cDNA probes covering the entire prepro alpha 1(I) and prepro alpha 2(I) coding regions. Mismatches were detected at only two nucleotide positions, one in each of the type I collagen sequences, suggesting that polymorphisms are relatively rare within these cDNAs. cDNA sequence analysis demonstrated that the prepro alpha 1(I) mismatch, detected in only one cell line, was due to a sequence polymorphism involving the wobble position of the codon for arginine residue 59 within the amino-propeptide globular subdomain of the pro alpha 1(I) chain and not resulting in a change in the polypeptide primary structure. In contrast, the prepro alpha 2(I) mismatch, detected in 6 of the 16 cell lines, was shown to arise from a sequence polymorphism affecting the identity of Y-position residue 459 of the alpha 2(I) triple helical domain, resulting in an alanine/proline dimorphism at this position. This study is the first to identify a type I collagen coding sequence polymorphism resulting in an alteration at the level of the amino acid sequence. The data suggest that at least some alpha 1(I) and alpha 2(I) helix Y positions may be tolerant of sequence variation, particularly if the replacing amino acid is proline, a residue involved in stabilizing the collagen triple helix.

Characterization of the interactions of type XII collagen with two small proteoglycans from fetal bovine tendon, decorin and fibromodulin.

In addition to the major collagens, such as type I or type II, connective tissues contain a number of less abundant collagens and proteoglycans, whose association contributes to the different properties of the tissues. Type XII and type XIV collagens have been described in soft connective tissues, and type XIV collagen has been shown to interact specifically with decorin through its glycosaminoglycan chain (Font et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268, 25015-25018, 1993). Interactions between these collagens and the small proteoglycans have been characterized further by studying the binding of type XII collagen to decorin by solid phase assays. Our results show a saturable binding of the proteoglycan through its glycosaminoglycan chain to type XII collagen, which does not seem to involve the large non-collagenous NC3 domain of the molecule. This interaction is strongly inhibited by heparin. Furthermore, we report that another small proteoglycan, fibromodulin, isolated from tendon under non-denaturing conditions, is able to bind to type XII collagen. This interaction has been characterized and, unlike that observed with decorin, type XII collagen-fibromodulin interaction seems to take place with the core protein of the proteoglycan. In addition, we report that type XII-type I collagen interactions are not necessarily mediated by decorin as previously suggested.

Different splice variants of cartilage alpha1(XI) collagen chain undergo uniform amino-terminal processing.

Collagen XI is found mainly as a component of cartilage fibrils. Among the different transcripts identified by RT-PCR for the alpha1 (XI) chain, the major tissue form has been reported to be the splicing product of exons I, III and V. In this study, two other splice isoforms of the alpha1(XI) chain were identified using N-terminal sequencing. Like the major alpha1(XI) chain, the fully processed isoforms begin at Gln254 within the N-terminal domain encoded by exon I. This sequence is followed by sequences encoded by exon IIA or III. An anti-peptide antibody allowed the identification of the exon IV encoded sequence within both isoforms. Therefore, these isoforms of the alpha1(XI) chain correspond to the splicing of exons I, IIA, III, IV and V or of exons I, III, IV and V, thus presenting larger acidic sequences than the major form. They could mediate strong ionic interactions within the cartilage matrix.

Identification and characterization of a heparin binding site within the NC1 domain of chicken collagen XIV.

Collagen XIV is known to bind to the dermatan sulfate chain of decorin and to the heparan sulfate chain of perlecan. To study its possible interaction with glycosaminoglycans, the NC1 domain of chicken collagen XIV was overproduced in E. coli. Purified NC1*(6-119)* appears poorly organized (the asterisks indicate the presence of extension sequences), but V8-protease generated fragments containing the 84-108 basic sequence tend to fold into alpha-helix. These fragments interact specifically with heparin, which induces an alpha-helical fold with a maximum effect for equimolar heparin/peptide ratio. These data demonstrate the existence of a glycosaminoglycan binding site in NC1.

Complete primary structure of the chicken alpha1(V) collagen chain.

Chicken alpha1(V) collagen cDNAs have been cloned by a variety of methods and positively identified. We present here the entire translated sequence of the chick polypeptide and compare selected regions to other collagen chains in the type V/XI family.

Analysis of the role of the COL1 domain and its adjacent cysteine-containing sequence in the chain assembly of type IX collagen.

The mechanisms of chain selection and assembly of type IX collagen, a heterotrimer alpha 1(IX)alpha 2(IX)alpha 3(IX), must differ from that of fibrillar collagens since it lacks the characteristic C-propeptide of these latter molecules. We have tested the hypothesis that the information required for this process is contained within the C-terminal triple helical disulfide-bonded region (LMW). The reassociations of the purified LMW fragments of pepsinized bovine type IX collagen were followed by the formation of disulfide-bonded multimers. Our data demonstrate that only three triple helical assemblies form readily, (alpha 1)3, (alpha 2)3 and alpha 1 alpha 2 alpha 3. The information required for chain selection and assembly is thus, at least in part, contained in the studied fragments. Molecular stoichiometries different from the classical heterotrimer may thus also form under certain conditions.

Bovine type XII collagen: amino acid sequence of a 10 kDa pepsin fragment from periodontal ligament reveals a high degree of homology with the chicken alpha 1(XII) sequence.

A 10 kDa collagenous peptide, derived from a 30 kDa disulfide bonded fragment, was purified from bovine periodontal ligament. Amino acid sequence analysis of tryptic peptides demonstrated a 92.8% homology with the chicken alpha 1(XII) cDNA derived sequence, demonstrating for the first time the presence of type XII collagen in a mammalian species and in an adult tissue.

Osteogenesis imperfecta: comparison of molecular defects with bone histological changes.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by a predisposition to bone fracturing, and usually resulting from mutations in the genes encoding type I collagen. This report describes the molecular defects in a patient with type II OI and another with type III OI. These patients were demonstrated to possess point mutations resulting in glycine-->arginine substitutions within the triple helical domain of the alpha 1(I) or alpha 2(I) collagen polypeptide chain. The defect in the type II OI patient affected residue 211 of the alpha 1(I) triple helical domain, and constitutes the most amino-terminal lethal glycine-->arginine substitution described to date. The substitution in the type III OI patient affected residue 427 of the alpha 2(I) triple helical domain. Both defects were informative in that they identified the regions of the alpha 1(I) and alpha 2(I) collagen chains in which the phenotypes associated with glycine-->arginine substitutions undergo a transition between lethal and nonlethal forms, thereby allowing a more reliable prognosis of disease severity. The histological examination of bone from these patients revealed striking abnormalities in the quantity and organization of mineralized bone structures, compared with age-matched controls. Although the patients were differently classified, no major differences in the magnitude of bone architectural changes could be perceived, consistent with the presence of their defects near a common phenotypic transition. The results are compatible with there being a gradient in severity between OI types II and III, and that parameters external to the gene mutations might account for the survival differences in the 2 cases presented in this study.

Collagens as multidomain proteins.

The number of proteins known to contain collagen-like triple helical domains is rapidly increasing. The functions of these domains are to provide molecular rods that separate spatially non-triple helical domains with varied properties and structures and to permit lateral interactions between molecules. Two-thirds of the amino acids of the triple helical domains have their side-chains at the surface of the protein. The triple helix is also a structure that is easily predictable from the primary structure. The structure of several recently discovered collagens are discussed in terms of domains and functions. The triple helical domains have sizes varying from 33 to over 1,000 amino acid residues. The longest uninterrupted triple helices are involved in the formation of the classical quarter-staggered fibrils. Other triple helical domains permit varied molecular aggregates. A very broad spectrum of non-triple helical or globular domains are interspersed by triple helices. Only those located at the extremities of the molecules are large in size, sometimes several hundred kDa, while the domains separating 2 triple helices are small (less than 50 amino acids) and provide the molecules with hinges, proteolytic cleavage sites or other specialized functions like a glycosaminoglycan attachment site. If the assembly of the 3 chains required for the triple helix formation can be controlled in vitro, collagen-like molecules offer an as yet unexploited potential for protein engineering.

Microfibrillar composition of umbilical cord matrix: characterization of fibrillin, collagen VI and intact collagen V.

Ultrastructural studies made on human umbilical cord revealed that the striated collagen fibrils of the Wharton's jelly matrix are mixed with many microfibrillar structures. Microfibrils were found with a tubular cross-section of 10-12 nm diameter and were organized as beaded filaments characteristic of fibrillin-rich microfibrils. Beads had an average diameter of 25 nm and were spaced at about 50-80 nm. This ultrastructural observation was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescent staining of the jelly matrix using monoclonal antibody to fibrillin. Another constituent of the microfibrillar network was present as typical 100-nm periodic filaments of type VI collagen. Indirect immunofluorescent staining using antibodies to collagen VI showed for the first time that this collagen appeared to be distributed largely in the jelly matrix. In addition, other microfibrils with no specific banding pattern were observed. These microfibrils may constitute an organization of type V collagen different from the one which is generally assembled in heterotypic fibrils with collagen I. Among the latter heterotypic fibrils, type V collagen was studied using an anti-peptide antibody to the most N-terminal non-collagenous region of its alpha 2(V) chain. This antibody recognized a filamentous mesh decorating the bundles of collagen fibrils by immunofluorescent staining. This indicates that at least this part of alpha 2(V) chain may be accessible to the antibody at the surface of the fibrils.

Lethal osteogenesis imperfecta with amniotic band lesions: collagen studies.

An infant was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and died after 7 days. In addition, there were amniotic constriction bands and amputations of several digits of the upper and lower limbs. The radiologic picture was suggestive of type III OI. Histomorphometric analysis of the bone showed a trabecular bone volume of 15.1% compared to 26.9% for age-matched controls. This was due to a decreased apposition of matrix by the osteoblasts. Because abnormal collagen synthesis has been suggested as the underlying defect in most forms of OI, collagen studies were undertaken using intact tissues. Bone and skin collagen solubilities were strikingly reduced. Shortened type I collagen molecules, representing 25% of the total type I collagen, were produced by pepsin digestion of the demineralized bone matrix. The molecular weight of the shortened collagen, was 10 kd lower than normal for both the alpha 1 and alpha 2 chains as determined by gel electrophoresis. The bone acetic acid-soluble collagen showed few shortened alpha-chains. Twenty-five percent of the acid-soluble bone collagen was cleaved into shortened molecules by a pepsin digestion. The shortened alpha 1 chain was purified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and digested with CNBr. The analysis of the resulting fragments by HPLC and by gel electrophoresis unequivocally demonstrated that the shortened alpha 1 chain was derived from the alpha 1(I) chains and that the pepsin sensitivity extends from the amino terminal end of the chain to the alpha 1(I) CB5 peptide, approximately 120 residues inside the triple helix. These studies show a distinct structural abnormality of type I collagen in the bone matrix of this patient resulting in an increased sensitivity of the collagen to general enzymatic proteolysis. The importance of correlating clinical and biochemical information in OI is emphasized; classification and genetic counseling based only on clinical observations are inaccurate.