Glycobiology and Extracellular Matrices
POGLUT2 and POGLUT3 O-glucosylate multiple EGF repeats in fibrillin-1, -2, and LTBP1 and promote secretion of fibrillin-1
Fibrillin-1 (FBN1) is the major component of extracellular matrix microfibrils, which are required for proper development of elastic tissues, including the heart and lungs. Through protein–protein interactions with latent transforming growth factor (TGF) β-binding protein 1 (LTBP1), microfibrils regulate TGF-β signaling. Mutations within the 47 epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) repeats of FBN1 cause autosomal dominant disorders including Marfan Syndrome, which is characterized by disrupted TGF-β signaling.Avian eggshell formation reveals a new paradigm for vertebrate mineralization via vesicular amorphous calcium carbonate
Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is an unstable mineral phase, which is progressively transformed into aragonite or calcite in biomineralization of marine invertebrate shells or avian eggshells, respectively. We have previously proposed a model of vesicular transport to provide stabilized ACC in chicken uterine fluid where eggshell mineralization takes place. Herein, we report further experimental support for this model. We confirmed the presence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) using transmission EM and showed high levels of mRNA of vesicular markers in the oviduct segments where eggshell mineralization occurs.Structure of a collagen VI α3 chain VWA domain array: adaptability and functional implications of myopathy causing mutations
Collagen VI is a ubiquitous heterotrimeric protein of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that plays an essential role in the proper maintenance of skeletal muscle. Mutations in collagen VI lead to a spectrum of congenital myopathies, from the mild Bethlem myopathy to the severe Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy. Collagen VI contains only a short triple helix and consists primarily of von Willebrand factor type A (VWA) domains, protein–protein interaction modules found in a range of ECM proteins.Matrix-degrading protease ADAMTS-5 cleaves inter-α-inhibitor and releases active heavy chain 2 in synovial fluids from arthritic patients
Destruction of the cartilage matrix in joints is an important feature of arthritis. Proteolytic degradation of cartilage glycoproteins can contribute to the loss of matrix integrity. Human inter-α-inhibitor (IαI), which stabilizes the extracellular matrix, is composed of the light-chain serine proteinase inhibitor bikunin and two homologous heavy chains (HC1 and HC2) covalently linked through chondroitin 4-sulfate. Inflammation promotes the transfer of HCs from chondroitin 4-sulfate to hyaluronan by tumor necrosis factor–stimulated gene-6 protein (TSG-6).Molecular underpinnings of integrin binding to collagen-mimetic peptides containing vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome–associated substitutions
Collagens carry out critical extracellular matrix (ECM) functions by interacting with numerous cell receptors and ECM components. Single glycine substitutions in collagen III, which predominates in vascular walls, result in vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (vEDS), leading to arterial, uterine, and intestinal rupture and an average life expectancy of <50 years. Collagen interactions with integrin α2β1 are vital for platelet adhesion and activation; however, how these interactions are impacted by vEDS-associated mutations and by specific amino acid substitutions is unclear.C-terminal proteolysis of the collagen VI α3 chain by BMP-1 and proprotein convertase(s) releases endotrophin in fragments of different sizes
The assembly of collagen VI microfibrils is a multistep process in which proteolytic processing within the C-terminal globular region of the collagen VI α3 chain plays a major role. However, the mechanisms involved remain elusive. Moreover, C5, the short and most C-terminal domain of the α3 chain, recently has been proposed to be released as an adipokine that enhances tumor progression, fibrosis, inflammation, and insulin resistance and has been named “endotrophin.” Serum endotrophin could be a useful biomarker to monitor the progression of such disorders as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, systemic sclerosis, and kidney diseases.A basic protein, N25, from a mollusk modifies calcium carbonate morphology and shell biomineralization
Biomineralization is a widespread biological process in the formation of shells, teeth, or bones. Matrix proteins in biominerals have been widely investigated for their roles in directing biomineralization processes such as crystal morphologies, polymorphs, and orientations. Here, we characterized a basic matrix protein, named mantle protein N25 (N25), identified previously in the Akoya pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata). Unlike some known acidic matrix proteins containing Asp or Glu as possible Ca2+-binding residues, we found that N25 is rich in Pro (12.4%), Ser (12.8%), and Lys (8.8%), suggesting it may perform a different function.Unicellular ancestry and mechanisms of diversification of Goodpasture antigen–binding protein
The emergence of the basement membrane (BM), a specialized form of extracellular matrix, was essential in the unicellular transition to multicellularity. However, the mechanism is unknown. Goodpasture antigen–binding protein (GPBP), a BM protein, was uniquely poised to play diverse roles in this transition owing to its multiple isoforms (GPBP-1, -2, and -3) with varied intracellular and extracellular functions (ceramide trafficker and protein kinase). We sought to determine the evolutionary origin of GPBP isoforms.Up-regulation of collagen proteins in colorectal liver metastasis compared with normal liver tissue
Changes to extracellular matrix (ECM) structures are linked to tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. We previously reported that naturally occurring peptides of collagen type I are elevated in urine of patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). In the present study, we took an MS-based proteomic approach to identify specific collagen types that are up-regulated in CRLM tissues compared with healthy, adjacent liver tissues from the same patients. We found that 19 of 22 collagen-α chains are significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05) in CRLM tissues compared with the healthy tissues.Elastin is heterogeneously cross-linked
Elastin is an essential vertebrate protein responsible for the elasticity of force-bearing tissues such as those of the lungs, blood vessels, and skin. One of the key features required for the exceptional properties of this durable biopolymer is the extensive covalent cross-linking between domains of its monomer molecule tropoelastin. To date, elastin's exact molecular assembly and mechanical properties are poorly understood. Here, using bovine elastin, we investigated the different types of cross-links in mature elastin to gain insight into its structure.Structural analyses of von Willebrand factor C domains of collagen 2A and CCN3 reveal an alternative mode of binding to bone morphogenetic protein-2
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are secreted growth factors that promote differentiation processes in embryogenesis and tissue development. Regulation of BMP signaling involves binding to a variety of extracellular proteins, among which are many von Willebrand factor C (vWC) domain-containing proteins. Although the crystal structure of the complex of crossveinless-2 (CV-2) vWC1 and BMP-2 previously revealed one mode of the vWC/BMP-binding mechanism, other vWC domains may bind to BMP differently.Serotype 3 pneumococci sequester platelet-derived human thrombospondin-1 via the adhesin and immune evasion protein Hic
Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 strains emerge frequently within clinical isolates of invasive diseases. Bacterial invasion into deeper tissues is associated with colonization and immune evasion mechanisms. Thus, pneumococci express a versatile repertoire of surface proteins sequestering and interacting specifically with components of the human extracellular matrix and serum. Hic, a PspC-like pneumococcal surface protein, possesses vitronectin and factor H binding activity. Here, we show that heterologously expressed Hic domains interact, similar to the classical PspC molecule, with human matricellular thrombospondin-1 (hTSP-1).Platelet Factor 4 Binds to Vascular Proteoglycans and Controls Both Growth Factor Activities and Platelet Activation
Platelet factor 4 (PF4) is produced by platelets with roles in both inflammation and wound healing. PF4 is stored in platelet α-granules bound to the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains of serglycin. This study revealed that platelet serglycin is decorated with chondroitin/dermatan sulfate and that PF4 binds to these GAG chains. Additionally, PF4 had a higher affinity for endothelial-derived perlecan heparan sulfate chains than serglycin GAG chains. The binding of PF4 to perlecan was found to inhibit both FGF2 signaling and platelet activation.Consequences of Glycine Mutations in the Fibronectin-binding Sequence of Collagen
Collagen and fibronectin (Fn) are two key extracellular matrix proteins, which are known to interact and jointly shape matrix structure and function. Most proteins that interact with collagen bind only to the native triple-helical form, whereas Fn is unusual in binding strongly to denatured collagen and more weakly to native collagen. The consequences of replacing a Gly by Ser at each position in the required (Gly-Xaa-Yaa)6 Fn-binding sequence are probed here, using model peptides and a recombinant bacterial collagen system.Single and Compound Knock-outs of MicroRNA (miRNA)-155 and Its Angiogenic Gene Target CCN1 in Mice Alter Vascular and Neovascular Growth in the Retina via Resident Microglia
Background: MicroRNA-155 is a proinflammatory small RNA, but its function in pathological angiogenesis is unknown.Results: MicroRNA-155 deficiency increases angiogenic protein CCN1 expression, which harnesses retinal neovascularization by reducing both microglia activation and inflammation.Conclusion: The microRNA-155/CCN1 regulatory axis regulates angiogenic and inflammatory responses in the retina.Significance: Modulation of microRNA-155 and CCN1 interaction is potentially beneficial in retinal neovascularization therapy.Protein Interaction between Ameloblastin and Proteasome Subunit α Type 3 Can Facilitate Redistribution of Ameloblastin Domains within Forming Enamel
Background: Ameloblastin domain redistribution during development serves to pattern mineral microstructure.Results: Proteasome subunit α type 3 (Psma3) interacts with the C terminus of ameloblastin, and the 20S proteasome can digest ameloblastin.Conclusion: Ameloblastin-Psma3 interaction facilitates ameloblastin domain separation and redistribution defining the enamel rod boundaries.Significance: This study investigates the mechanism of enamel microstructural formation at the level of protein-to-protein interaction.Procollagen C-endopeptidase Enhancer Protein 2 (PCPE2) Reduces Atherosclerosis in Mice by Enhancing Scavenger Receptor Class B1 (SR-BI)-mediated High-density Lipoprotein (HDL)-Cholesteryl Ester Uptake
Studies in human populations have shown a significant correlation between procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer protein 2 (PCPE2) single nucleotide polymorphisms and plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations. PCPE2, a 52-kDa glycoprotein located in the extracellular matrix, enhances the cleavage of C-terminal procollagen by bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1). Our studies here focused on investigating the basis for the elevated concentration of enlarged plasma HDL in PCPE2-deficient mice to determine whether they protected against diet-induced atherosclerosis.Pneumococcal Adhesins PavB and PspC Are Important for the Interplay with Human Thrombospondin-1
The human matricellular glycoprotein thrombospondin-1 (hTSP-1) is released by activated platelets and mediates adhesion of Gram-positive bacteria to various host cells. In staphylococci, the adhesins extracellular adherence protein (Eap) and autolysin (Atl), both surface-exposed proteins containing repeating structures, were shown to be involved in the acquisition of hTSP-1 to the bacterial surface. The interaction partner(s) on the pneumococcal surface was hitherto unknown. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that pneumococcal adherence and virulence factor B (PavB) and pneumococcal surface protein C (PspC) are key players for the interaction of Streptococcus pneumoniae with matricellular hTSP-1.WNT1-induced Secreted Protein-1 (WISP1), a Novel Regulator of Bone Turnover and Wnt Signaling
WISP1/CCN4 (hereafter referred to as WISP1), a member of the CCN family, is found in mineralized tissues and is produced by osteoblasts and their precursors. In this study, Wisp1-deficient (Wisp1−/−) mice were generated. Using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, we showed that by 3 months, the total bone mineral density of Wisp1−/− mice was significantly lower than that of WT mice. Further investigation by micro-computed tomography showed that female Wisp1−/− mice had decreased trabecular bone volume/total volume and that both male and female Wisp1−/− mice had decreased cortical bone thickness accompanied by diminished biomechanical strength.
