Abstract
The proteoglycan aggrecan is a major component of cartilage, and degradation of aggrecan is associated with aging and a number of pathological conditions. To investigate the effects of the accumulation of G1 domain from degraded aggrecan, we overexpressed the G1 domain in cell culture. Exogenous addition of the expressed G1 gene product to chondrocyte cultures retarded the attachment of chondrocytes to tissue culture plates, type II collagen and hyaluronan. Expression of the G1 construct, aggrecan or link protein in chondrocytes led to decreased cell adhesion. Interestingly, aggrecan (and specifically G1) and link protein, when applied simultaneously, seem to be able to interact and inhibit the destabilization of chondrocyte adhesion observed when either is applied alone. The G3 domain of aggrecan has little effect on chondrocyte adhesion and did not change the effects of link protein and the G1 domain on chondrocyte adhesion. These effects probably involve the binding of G1 to cell surface molecules, since FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorter) analysis demonstrated that the G1 domain binds to the chondrocyte surface with high affinity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
