Unique glycosignature for intervertebral disc and articular cartilage cells and tissues in immaturity and maturity.

E C Collin,S Grad,L Joshi,M Kilcoyne,M Alini,A S Pandit,S J White

doi:10.1038/srep23062

E C Collin, S Grad + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.1038/srep23062

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Abstract

In this study, on/off markers for intervertebral disc (IVD) and articular cartilage (AC) cells (chondrocytes) and distinct glycoprofiles of cell and tissue-types were identified from immaturity to maturity. Three and eleven month-old ovine IVD and AC tissues were histochemically profiled with a panel of lectins and antibodies. Relationships between tissue and cell types were analysed by hierarchical clustering. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) composition of annulus fibrosus (AF), nucleus pulposus (NP) and AC tissues was determined by HPLC analysis. Clear on/off cell type markers were identified, which enabled the discrimination of chondrocytes, AF and NP cells. AF and NP cells were distinguishable using MAA, SNA-I, SBA and WFA lectins, which bound to both NP cells and chondrocytes but not AF cells. Chondrocytes were distinguished from NP and AF cells with a specific binding of LTA and PNA lectins to chondrocytes. Each tissue showed a unique CS composition with a distinct switch in sulfation pattern in AF and NP tissues upon disc maturity while cartilage maintained the same sulfation pattern over time. In conclusion, distinct glycoprofiles for cell and tissue-types across age groups were identified in addition to altered CS composition and sulfation patterns for tissue types upon maturity.

Highlights

In this study, on/off markers for intervertebral disc (IVD) and articular cartilage (AC) cells and distinct glycoprofiles of cell and tissue-types were identified from immaturity to maturity
Overall Leb expression was higher for nucleus pulposus (NP) cells than annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and chondrocytes, independent of age
The preferential binding of LTA is the motif α -(1→ 6)-linked Fuc on the chitobiose core of N-linked oligosaccharides and to Lex[35]. It recognises poorly α -(1→ 2)-linked Fuc which explains the lack of binding to NP and AF cells, both recognised by UEA-I and AAA

Summary

Introduction

On/off markers for intervertebral disc (IVD) and articular cartilage (AC) cells (chondrocytes) and distinct glycoprofiles of cell and tissue-types were identified from immaturity to maturity. Glycosylation has numerous biological roles, including cellular homing and trafficking, signalling, cell-cell and cell-ECM communication and adhesion[24,26,28] Glycans exert their biological effects in vivo via lectins, carbohydrate-binding proteins[24,26]. As glycan cell surface and ECM composition is altered depending on the tissue and cell type and its status, correct IVD ECM composition and cell health are inextricably linked. The cell surface glycosylation of healthy immature and mature IVD cells can provide cell type markers and biological status indicators

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