Lysine In Collagen Research Articles

Exploring the Interplay between Polyphenols and Lysyl Oxidase Enzymes for Maintaining Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis.

Collagen, the most abundant structural protein found in mammals, plays a vital role as a constituent of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that surrounds cells. Collagen fibrils are strengthened through the formation of covalent cross-links, which involve complex enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is responsible for catalyzing the oxidative deamination of lysine and hydroxylysine residues, resulting in the production of aldehydes, allysine, and hydroxyallysine. These intermediates undergo spontaneous condensation reactions, leading to the formation of immature cross-links, which are the initial step in the development of mature covalent cross-links. Additionally, non-enzymatic glycation contributes to the formation of abnormal cross-linking in collagen fibrils. During glycation, specific lysine and arginine residues in collagen are modified by reducing sugars, leading to the creation of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). These AGEs have been associated with changes in the mechanical properties of collagen fibers. Interestingly, various studies have reported that plant polyphenols possess amine oxidase-like activity and can act as potent inhibitors of protein glycation. This review article focuses on compiling the literature describing polyphenols with amine oxidase-like activity and antiglycation properties. Specifically, we explore the molecular mechanisms by which specific flavonoids impact or protect the normal collagen cross-linking process. Furthermore, we discuss how these dual activities can be harnessed to generate properly cross-linked collagen molecules, thereby promoting the stabilization of highly organized collagen fibrils.

Cleavage of LOXL1 by BMP1 and ADAMTS14 Proteases Suggests a Role for Proteolytic Processing in the Regulation of LOXL1 Function.

Members of the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family catalyze the oxidative deamination of lysine and hydroxylysine residues in collagen and elastin in the initiation step of the formation of covalent cross-links, an essential process for connective tissue maturation. Proteolysis has emerged as an important level of regulation of LOX enzymes with the cleavage of the LOX isoform by metalloproteinases of the BMP1 (bone morphogenetic protein 1) and ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) families as a model example. Lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1), an isoform associated with pelvic organ prolapse and pseudoexfoliation (PEX) glaucoma, has also been reported to be proteolytically processed by these proteases. However, precise molecular information on these proteolytic events is not available. In this study, using genetic cellular models, along with proteomic analyses, we describe that LOXL1 is processed by BMP1 and ADAMTS14 and identify the processing sites in the LOXL1 protein sequence. Our data show that BMP1 cleaves LOXL1 in a unique location within the pro-peptide region, whereas ADAMTS14 processes LOXL1 in at least three different sites located within the pro-peptide and in the first residues of the catalytic domain. Taken together, these results suggest a complex regulation of LOXL1 function by BMP1- and ADAMTS14-mediated proteolysis where LOXL1 enzymes retaining variable fragments of N-terminal region may display different capabilities.

Inhibition of Neutrophil Secretion Upon Adhesion as a Basis for the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of the Tricyclic Antidepressant Imipramine.

Recent studies demonstrate the involvement of inflammatory processes in the development of depression and the anti-inflammatory effects of antidepressants. Infiltration and adhesion of neutrophils to nerve tissues and their aggressive secretion are considered as possible causes of inflammatory processes in depression. We studied the effect of the antidepressant imipramine on the adhesion and accompanied secretion of neutrophils under control conditions and in the presence of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). As a model of integrin-dependent neutrophil infiltration into tissues, we used integrin-dependent adhesion of neutrophils to the fibronectin-coated substrate. Imipramine inhibited neutrophil adhesion and concomitant secretion of proteins, including matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), which modify the extracellular matrix and basement membranes required for cell migration. Imipramine also significantly and selectively blocked the release of the free amino acid hydroxylysine, a product of lysyl hydroxylase, an enzyme that affects the organization of the extracellular matrix by modifying collagen lysine residues. In contrast, imipramine enhanced the release of ROS by neutrophils during adhesion to fibronectin and stimulated apoptosis. The anti-inflammatory effect of imipramine may be associated with the suppression of neutrophil infiltration and their adhesion to nerve tissues by inhibiting the secretion of neutrophils, which provides these processes.

Fabrication and characterization of collagen-oxidized pullulan scaffold for biomedical applications

Pullulan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide was oxidized using sodium periodate and converted into its aldehyde derivative and used as a bio crosslinker for stabilizing collagen. The crosslinking mainly occurred due to Schiff's base reaction between amino group of lysine or hydroxylysine present in collagen with the aldehyde groups of oxidized pullulan. A known concentration of collagen was crosslinked with different concentrations of oxidized pullulan and scaffolds were prepared by freeze drying method. The crosslinking efficiency and biodegradation of the crosslinked scaffolds showed higher degree of crosslinking and slower degradation rate with increase in cross linker concentration. The surface morphology of scaffolds using SEM showed that the scaffolds with 3% concentration of crosslinker (Col-OxP-3) exhibited highly porous nature with interconnecting pores of 66.35 μm size compared to other groups, which was also supported by porosity and tensile strength measurement. The tensile strength was 10 times higher in Col-OxP-3 scaffold compared to native collagen. The swelling capacity of the scaffolds increased with increase in crosslinker concentration and the equilibrium was retained up to 60 min. The crosslinked scaffolds were non-toxic to 3T3 fibroblast cell line proving their biocompatible nature. Thus, this new class of bio-crosslinker can be used in replacement of synthetic crosslinkers for biomaterial synthesis.

Glycation of type I collagen selectively targets the same helical domain lysine sites as lysyl oxidase–mediated cross-linking

Nonenzymatic glycation of collagen has long been associated with the progressive secondary complications of diabetes. How exactly such random glycations result in impaired tissues is still poorly understood. Because of the slow turnover rate of most fibrillar collagens, they are more susceptible to accumulate time-dependent glycations and subsequent advanced glycation end-products. The latter are believed to include cross-links that stiffen host tissues. However, diabetic animal models have also displayed weakened tendons with reduced stiffness. Strikingly, not a single experimentally identified specific molecular site of glycation in a collagen has been reported. Here, using targeted MS, we have identified partial fructosyl-hydroxylysine glycations at each of the helical domain cross-linking sites of type I collagen that are elevated in tissues from a diabetic mouse model. Glycation was not found at any other collagen lysine residues. Type I collagen in mouse tendons is cross-linked intermolecularly by acid-labile aldimine bonds formed by the addition of telopeptide lysine aldehydes to hydroxylysine residues at positions α1(I)Lys87, α1(I)Lys930, α2(I)Lys87, and α2(I)Lys933 of the triple helix. Our data reveal that site-specific glycations of these specific lysines may significantly impair normal lysyl oxidase-controlled cross-linking in diabetic tendons. We propose that such N-linked glycations can hinder the normal cross-linking process, thus altering the content and/or placement of mature cross-links with the potential to modify tissue material properties.

Molecular architecture of the multifunctional collagen lysyl hydroxylase and glycosyltransferase LH3

Lysyl hydroxylases catalyze hydroxylation of collagen lysines, and sustain essential roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) maturation and remodeling. Malfunctions in these enzymes cause severe connective tissue disorders. Human lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3/PLOD3) bears multiple enzymatic activities, as it catalyzes collagen lysine hydroxylation and also their subsequent glycosylation. Our understanding of LH3 functions is currently hampered by lack of molecular structure information. Here, we present high resolution crystal structures of full-length human LH3 in complex with cofactors and donor substrates. The elongated homodimeric LH3 architecture shows two distinct catalytic sites at the N- and C-terminal boundaries of each monomer, separated by an accessory domain. The glycosyltransferase domain displays distinguishing features compared to other known glycosyltransferases. Known disease-related mutations map in close proximity to the catalytic sites. Collectively, our results provide a structural framework characterizing the multiple functions of LH3, and the molecular mechanisms of collagen-related diseases involving human lysyl hydroxylases.

P3h3-null and Sc65-null Mice Phenocopy the Collagen Lysine Under-hydroxylation and Cross-linking Abnormality of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type VIA

Tandem mass spectrometry was applied to tissues from targeted mutant mouse models to explore the collagen substrate specificities of individual members of the prolyl 3-hydroxylase (P3H) gene family. Previous studies revealed that P3h1 preferentially 3-hydroxylates proline at a single site in collagen type I chains, whereas P3h2 is responsible for 3-hydroxylating multiple proline sites in collagen types I, II, IV, and V. In screening for collagen substrate sites for the remaining members of the vertebrate P3H family, P3h3 and Sc65 knock-out mice revealed a common lysine under-hydroxylation effect at helical domain cross-linking sites in skin, bone, tendon, aorta, and cornea. No effect on prolyl 3-hydroxylation was evident on screening the spectrum of known 3-hydroxyproline sites from all major tissue collagen types. However, collagen type I extracted from both Sc65-/- and P3h3-/- skin revealed the same abnormal chain pattern on SDS-PAGE with an overabundance of a γ112 cross-linked trimer. The latter proved to be from native molecules that had intramolecular aldol cross-links at each end. The lysine under-hydroxylation was shown to alter the divalent aldimine cross-link chemistry of mutant skin collagen. Furthermore, the ratio of mature HP/LP cross-links in bone of both P3h3-/- and Sc65-/- mice was reversed compared with wild type, consistent with the level of lysine under-hydroxylation seen in individual chains at cross-linking sites. The effect on cross-linking lysines was quantitatively very similar to that previously observed in EDS VIA human and Plod1-/- mouse tissues, suggesting that P3H3 and/or SC65 mutations may cause as yet undefined EDS variants.

Autosomal Recessive Keratoderma-Ichthyosis-Deafness (ARKID) Syndrome Is Caused by VPS33B Mutations Affecting Rab Protein Interaction and Collagen Modification

In this paper, we report three patients with severe palmoplantar keratoderma associated with ichthyosis and sensorineural deafness. Biallelic mutations were found in VPS33B, encoding VPS33B, a Sec1/Munc18 family protein that interacts with Rab11a and Rab25 proteins and is involved in trafficking of the collagen-modifying enzyme LH3. Two patients were homozygous for the missense variant p.Gly131Glu, whereas one patient was compound heterozygous for p.Gly131Glu and the splice site mutation c.240-1G>C, previously reported in patients with arthrogryposis renal dysfunction and cholestasis syndrome. We demonstrated the pathogenicity of variant p.Gly131Glu by assessing the interactions of the mutant VPS33B construct and its ability to traffic LH3. Compared with wild-type VPS33B, the p.Gly131Glu mutant VPS33B had reduced coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization with Rab11a and Rab25 and did not rescue LH3 trafficking. Confirming the cell-based experiments, we found deficient LH3-specific collagen lysine modifications in patients’ urine and skin fibroblasts. Additionally, the epidermal ultrastructure of the p.Gly131Glu patients mirrored defects in tamoxifen-inducible VPS33B-deficient Vps33bfl/fl-ERT2 mice. Both patients and murine models revealed an impaired epidermal structure, ascribed to aberrant secretion of lamellar bodies, which are essential for epidermal barrier formation. Our results demonstrate that p.Gly131Glu mutant VPS33B causes an autosomal recessive keratoderma-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome.

MBTPS2 mutations cause defective regulated intramembrane proteolysis in X-linked osteogenesis imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a collagen-related bone dysplasia. We identified an X-linked recessive form of OI caused by defects in MBTPS2, which encodes site-2 metalloprotease (S2P). MBTPS2 missense mutations in two independent kindreds with moderate/severe OI cause substitutions at highly conserved S2P residues. Mutant S2P has normal stability, but impaired functioning in regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) of OASIS, ATF6 and SREBP transcription factors, consistent with decreased proband secretion of type I collagen. Further, hydroxylation of the collagen lysine residue (K87) critical for crosslinking is reduced in proband bone tissue, consistent with decreased lysyl hydroxylase 1 in proband osteoblasts. Reduced collagen crosslinks presumptively undermine bone strength. Also, proband osteoblasts have broadly defective differentiation. These mutations provide evidence that RIP plays a fundamental role in normal bone development.

Sc65-Null Mice Provide Evidence for a Novel Endoplasmic Reticulum Complex Regulating Collagen Lysyl Hydroxylation.

Collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix and its integrity is essential for connective tissue and organ function. The importance of proteins involved in intracellular collagen post-translational modification, folding and transport was recently highlighted from studies on recessive forms of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Here we describe the critical role of SC65 (Synaptonemal Complex 65, P3H4), a leprecan-family member, as part of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) complex with prolyl 3-hydroxylase 3. This complex affects the activity of lysyl-hydroxylase 1 potentially through interactions with the enzyme and/or cyclophilin B. Loss of Sc65 in the mouse results in instability of this complex, altered collagen lysine hydroxylation and cross-linking leading to connective tissue defects that include low bone mass and skin fragility. This is the first indication of a prolyl-hydroxylase complex in the ER controlling lysyl-hydroxylase activity during collagen synthesis.

Control of crosslinking for tailoring collagen-based scaffolds stability and mechanics

We provide evidence to show that the standard reactant concentrations used in tissue engineering to cross-link collagen-based scaffolds are up to 100 times higher than required for mechanical integrity in service, and stability against degradation in an aqueous environment. We demonstrate this with a detailed and systematic study by comparing scaffolds made from (a) collagen from two different suppliers, (b) gelatin (a partially denatured collagen) and (c) 50% collagen–50% gelatin mixtures. The materials were processed, using lyophilisation, to produce homogeneous, highly porous scaffolds with isotropic architectures and pore diameters ranging from 130 to 260μm. Scaffolds were cross-linked using a carbodiimide treatment, to establish the effect of the variations in crosslinking conditions (down to very low concentrations) on the morphology, swelling, degradation and mechanical properties of the scaffolds. Carbodiimide concentration of 11.5mg/ml was defined as the standard (100%) and was progressively diluted down to 0.1%. It was found that 10-fold reduction in the carbodiimide content led to the significant increase (almost 4-fold) in the amount of free amine groups (primarily on collagen lysine residues) without compromising mechanics and stability in water of all resultant scaffolds. The importance of this finding is that, by reducing cross-linking, the corresponding cell-reactive carboxylate anions (collagen glutamate or aspartate residues) that are essential for integrin-mediated binding remain intact. Indeed, a 10-fold reduction in carbodiimide crosslinking resulted in near native-like cell attachment to collagen scaffolds. We have demonstrated that controlling the degree of cross-linking, and hence retaining native scaffold chemistry, offers a major step forward in the biological performance of collagen- and gelatin-based tissue engineering scaffolds. Statement of SignificanceThis work developed collagen and gelatine-based scaffolds with structural, material and biological properties suitable for use in myocardial tissue regeneration. The novelty and significance of this research consist in elucidating the effect of the composition, origin of collagen and crosslinking concentration on the scaffold physical and cell-binding characteristics. We demonstrate that the standard carbodiimide concentrations used to crosslink collagenous scaffolds are up to 100 times higher than required for mechanical integrity in service, and stability against dissolution. The importance of this finding is that, by reducing crosslinking, the corresponding cell-reactive carboxylate anions (essential for integrin-mediated binding) remain intact and the native scaffold chemistry is retained. This offers a major step forward in the biological performance of tissue engineered scaffolds.

Focus on Molecules: Lysyl oxidase

1. StructureLysyl Oxidase (LOX, also called protein-lysine 6-oxidase)(Genbank accession numbers: Nucleotide NM_002317.5, ProteinNP_002308.2, EC 1.4.3.13) is one of the five LOX family members(LOX and LOX Like1-4). The human LOX gene is located onchromosome 5q23.2. LOX is synthesized as a 50 kDa pre-proteincontaining 3 domains; the N-terminal signal peptide sequence(aa1-21), the N-terminal pro-peptide domain (aa 22-162), and theC-terminal catalytic domain (aa 162-417). The signal peptide isremoved by cleavage at the Cys21-Ala22 bond and the pro-peptidedomain is N-glycosylated in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgiapparatus yielding a pro-enzyme, which is then secreted fromcells as a catalytically inactive protein. The 32 kDa active enzyme(C-terminal domain) is released by proteolytic cleavage of thepro-peptide at Gly162eAsp163 by procollagen C-proteinase (bonemorphogenetic protein 1; BMP-1) (Kagan and Li, 2003)(Fig. 1).2. FunctionLOX belongs to a family of amine oxidases. LOX was initiallyreported to be expressed andsecreted by fibrogenic cells but is nowknown to be expressed in several other cell types. LOX oxidizespeptidyl lysine and hydroxylysine residues in collagen and lysineresidues in elastin to produce peptidyl alpha-aminoadipic-delta-semialdehydes. These aldehyde modifications can spontaneouslycombine with vicinal peptidyl aldehydes or with epsilon-aminogroups of peptidyl lysine to form covalent cross-links that stabilizeand cause collagen and elastin fibers to be insoluble in the extra-cellular matrix (ECM). The significance of LOX was demonstrated inthe LOX knockout mouse, which could not survive at birth, due torupture of the aorta and diaphragm from incomplete elastin cross-linking. LOX is also essential for development of the distal andproximal airways, and the formation of alveoli in the lungs. LOX isalso critical for notochord formation and muscle development. LOXaffects differentiation of osteoblasts by forming cross-links in thesurrounding collagen matrix. These results underline the impor-tance of LOX in the morphogenesis and repair of connective tissuesof the cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal, and other organ systems(Fongetal.,2009).LOXcanalsoinducecross-linkingbetweenlysinesin histones in the nucleus (Kagan and Li, 2003). LOX has also beenreported as a potent chemotactic agent for monocytes and vascularsmooth muscle cells.3. Disease involvementDuetotherangeofLOXbiologicalfunctions,abnormalitiesofLOXexpression underlie the development of a number of pathologicalprocesses related with an imbalance in ECM synthesis/degradation.LOX is expressed in several ocular tissues, and the followingdiseases of the eye have been linked with LOX:A. Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a corneal degeneration in whichthe extracellular matrix of the cornea loses its integrity, slowlychanging from the normal round shape to a cone shape. Onestudy reported that corneal LOX mRNA expression was signif-icantly lower in keratoconus patients when compared to theirage-matched controls. Another study showed that reducingcopper levels in tears results in keratoconus in an animalmodel. Copper is an essential cofactor for LOX activity.B. Diabetic retinopathy (DR): There are a number of reports oflower expression of LOX co-factors in DR retina samples andlower LOX cross-linking activity in vitreous samples of patientswith DR. However, theeffectofhigh glucose onLOXexpressionand enzymatic activity in cultured human retinal endothelialcells is less clear, with conflicting evidence suggesting eitherincreased or decreased LOX expression. Although discrepant,these studies indicate a potential involvement of LOX in theobserved DR phenotype.

Collagen Cross-Linking with Au Nanoparticles

Tiopronin (N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine)-protected gold nanoparticles (TPAu) were cross-linked to collagen via EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide) coupling. On average, each TPAu forms eight amide bonds with collagen lysine moieties. The resulting gels were studied with environmental SEM, TEM, micro-DSC, and TNBS assay. The porous structure of collagen was significantly altered by cross-linking, resulting in the reduction of the pore size from ca. 140 to <1 microm depending on the concentration of nanoparticles. The collagenase biodegradation assay showed improved stability of cross-linked material. The cell viability assay, CellTiter96, indicates that the gold nanoparticles are not toxic at the concentrations used in gel synthesis. This new material has potential for the delivery of small molecule drugs as well as Au nanoparticles for photothermal therapies, imaging, and cell targeting.

A molecular dynamics analysis of ion pairs formed by lysine in collagen: Implication for collagen function and stability

With view to gain insight into the importance of lysine-ion pairs (K-ion pairs) in the stabilization of collagen like peptides, a detailed sequence analysis and molecular dynamics simulation studies have been carried out. Conventional G–P–O sequence based triplets has been chosen to model the collagen (host) and several possible ion pair consisting other amino acids viz. lysine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid have been introduced in the most stable collagen like sequence combinations (host–guest) consisting of K–G–D and K–G–E (guests). Molecular dynamic simulations have been carried out for 4 ns after 1 ns equilibration for all the host and host–guest systems. The results obtained from the MD analyses clearly brought out the nature of forces involved in the stabilization of triple helix.

Succination of Protein Thiols during Adipocyte Maturation

Although obesity is a risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes and chemical modification of proteins by advanced glycoxidation and lipoxidation end products is implicated in the development of diabetic complications, little is known about the chemical modification of proteins in adipocytes or adipose tissue. In this study we show that S-(2-succinyl)cysteine (2SC), the product of chemical modification of proteins by the Krebs cycle intermediate, fumarate, is significantly increased during maturation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts to adipocytes. Fumarate concentration increased > or =5-fold during adipogenesis in medium containing 30 mm glucose, producing a > or =10-fold increase in 2SC-proteins in adipocytes compared with undifferentiated fibroblasts grown in the same high glucose medium. The elevated glucose concentration in the medium during adipocyte maturation correlated with the increase in 2SC, whereas the concentration of the advanced glycoxidation and lipoxidation end products, N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine and N(epsilon)-(carboxyethyl)lysine, was unchanged under these conditions. Adipocyte proteins were separated by one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis and approximately 60 2SC-proteins were detected using an anti-2SC polyclonal antibody. Several of the prominent and well resolved proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. These include cytoskeletal proteins, enzymes, heat shock and chaperone proteins, regulatory proteins, and a fatty acid-binding protein. We propose that the increase in fumarate and 2SC is the result of mitochondrial stress in the adipocyte during adipogenesis and that 2SC may be a useful biomarker of mitochondrial stress in obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes.

Collagen 분자 중의 lysine 산화반응에 미치는 비타민 C의 영향

AsA 및 그 관련화합물, 각종 환원제 등을 첨가하여 lysine의 산화반응에 미치는 영향에 대하여 검토하였다. AsA의 첨가에 의해 lysyl oxidase활성의 지표인 과산화수소의 생성량은 대조군에 비하여 감소하였다. 2 <TEX>$\mu$</TEX>M의 AsA의 첨가에 의해 효소활성은 완전히 억제되었고, 0.2 <TEX>$\mu$</TEX>M 농도에서 억제효과가 나타났으나 40분 경과 후 다시 활성이 상승하는 경향이 나타났다. 또한 0.02<TEX>$\mu$</TEX>M 에서는 효소활성 의 변화는 대조군과 비슷한 경향을 나타내었다. 효소활성은 환원형 AsA에서 저해 효과가 높았으나 산화형 비타민 C (dehydroascorbic acid: DHA)와 환원제인 glutathione (GSH)에서는 억제효과가 크게 나타나지 않았다. AsA의 입체이성체인 ErA는 AsA와 같이 lysine 산화반응에서 억제적으로 작용하고 환원제인 GSH 보다도 lysyl oxidase에 미치는 영향은 큰 것으로 나타났다. 즉, lysine산화반응에 미치는 억제 효과는 환원제로서는 AsA와 ErA에서만 나타났으므로, 그 구조가 lysyl oxidase에 관여 할 가능성이 보여졌으므로, AsA의 analogue인 3,4-dihydro-xybenzoate를 이용하여 lysyl oxidase의 효소활성에 미치는 영향을 검토하였다. AsA의 analogue인 3,4-dihydroxyben-zoate를 첨가하였을 때에도 lysyl oxidase 활성은 억제되어, AsA의 analogue가 AsA와 같은 효과를 나타내었으므로 AsA의 endiol기의 작용 가능성을 추측할 수 있다. 이러한 결과로부터 lysine의 산화반응은 AsA에 의해 억제되고, 그 억제 효과는 AsA의 endiol기가 효소-구리이온 복합체를 환원할 때 효소의 활성부위에 접근하여 나타나는 것으로 사료된다. In a model reaction using lysyl oxidase purified partilally from bovine aorta, effect of L-ascorbic acid AsA on the oxidative reaction of lysine in collagen was investigated. Addition of Ash to the reaction mixture under aerobic conditions resulted in the decrease of enzymatic activity. In order to examine the specificity of AsA in the oxidative reaction of lysine, other reductants including A derivatives instead of AsA were added to the reaction mixture. Thiol such as glutathione had no effect on the activities of lysyl oxidase. on the other hand, it was observed that erythorbic acid, which was a stereoisomer of AsA, had the same inhibitory effect on this oxidative reaction as AsA. Moreover, by the addition of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate, which was structural analog of AsA, the activities decreased in a similar manner to that of AsA. These results indicate that the regulatory effect of AsA on lysyl oxidase is attributed to characteristics of the structure. From the determination of Ash remained in the reaction mixture, it is shown that AsA concentration remarkably decreased by lysyl oxidase of the reaction mixture. It is hypothesized that endiol groups reduces the enzyme-bound <TEX>$Cu^{+2}$</TEX> required for further progress of the reaction, and suggests that AsA regulates specifically the reduction of <TEX>$Cu^{+2}$</TEX> required to oxidize lysyl oxidase. This findings support that AsA has an important regulatory role on the oxidative reaction of lysine and on changes of collagen cross-links with aging.

Life-long reduction in MnSOD activity results in increased DNA damage and higher incidence of cancer but does not accelerate aging.

Mice heterozygous for the Sod2 gene (Sod2+/- mice) have been used to study the phenotype of life-long reduced Mn-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity. The Sod2+/- mice have reduced MnSOD activity (50%) in all tissues throughout life. The Sod2+/- mice have increased oxidative damage as demonstrated by significantly elevated levels of 8-oxo-2-deoxyguanosine (8oxodG) in nuclear DNA in all tissues of Sod2+/- mice studied. The levels of 8oxodG in nuclear DNA increased with age in all tissues of Sod2+/- and wild-type (WT) mice, and at 26 mo of age, the levels of 8oxodG in nuclear DNA were significantly higher (from 15% in heart to over 60% in liver) in the Sod2+/- mice compared with WT mice. The level of 8oxodG was also higher in mitochondrial DNA isolated from liver and brain in Sod2+/- mice compared with WT mice. The increased oxidative damage to DNA in the Sod2+/- mice is associated with a 100% increase in tumor incidence (the number of mice with tumors) in old Sod2+/- mice compared with the old WT mice. However, the life spans (mean and maximum survival) of the Sod2+/- and WT mice were identical. In addition, biomarkers of aging, such as cataract formation, immune response, and formation of glycoxidation products carboxymethyl lysine and pentosidine in skin collagen changed with age to the same extent in both WT and Sod2+/- mice. Thus life-long reduction of MnSOD activity leads to increased levels of oxidative damage to DNA and increased cancer incidence but does not appear to affect aging.

Comparison of vitamin C deficiency with food restriction on collagen cross-link ratios in bone, urine and skin of weanling guinea-pigs.

Mild-to-moderate vitamin C depletion in weanling guinea-pigs affects pyridinoline:deoxypyridinoline (collagen cross-link) ratios in femur shaft and urine, attributed to impairment of hydroxylation of collagen lysine. We investigated: (1). whether the picture at two time points is compatible with progressive accumulation of abnormal collagen; (2). whether any changes are seen in skin, where little deoxypyridinoline occurs; (3). whether total food restriction has similar effects. Male weanling Dunkin-Hartley guinea-pigs were fed diets containing either 0.5 (vitamin C-restricted) or 160.0-320.0 (vitamin C-adequate) mg vitamin C/d. Two groups receiving the vitamin C-adequate diet received it ad libitum. Two other groups received the vitamin C-adequate diet in a restricted amount, limited to that which permitted nearly the same growth rate as in the vitamin C-restricted groups. Animals were fed for 4 or 8 weeks; urine was collected, and vitamin C and collagen indices were measured. In the femur shaft, the hydroxyproline content per unit weight was unaffected by vitamin C restriction or by total food restriction. Deoxypyridinoline was increased and the pyridinoline:deoxypyridinoline ratio was decreased in vitamin C-restricted groups, but not in food-restricted groups. Changes in the value of the ratio were greater after 8 than after 4 weeks. Urine indices mirrored bone indices. In skin, the main effect of vitamin C restriction was to reduce hydroxyproline. Here, the cross-link ratios changed less markedly than in bone, and there was less deoxypyridinoline. We conclude that the picture at two time points is compatible with a progressive accumulation of pyridinoline-enriched collagen in vitamin C-deprived animals, that the picture in skin differs from that of bone and urine, and that cross-link changes are not produced by total food restriction.

Collagen biochemistry of avian bone: Comparison of bone type and skeletal site

1. Skeletal disorders in poultry are of considerable welfare and economic importance. The collagenous matrix in bone is involved in many human skeletal disorders, however little is known about the nature of the collagenous matrix in avian bone. 2. This paper describes an investigation of the collagen and mineral biochemistry together with the biomechanics of bone from different sites (humerus and tibiotarsus) and with differing functions (medullary and cortical bone). In vivo and in vitro studies of immature bone assessed the changes in collagen biochemistry during bone maturation. 3. The material strength of the humerus was greater than the tibiotarsus; this difference in strength was reflected in both the collagen and mineral matrix biochemistry. 4. The bone matrix of the humerus was more mature than that of the tibiotarsus, suggesting a higher level of matrix turnover in the tibiotarsus. The pyrrole collagen cross-link concentrations were positively correlated with breaking stress, in contrast to the pyridinoline cross-link concentrations, neither of which showed any correlation with bone strength. 5. The in vivo and in vitro maturation studies underline the importance of the pyrrole cross-link in avian bone and support the mechanism postulated by Kuypers et al. (1992) for the formation of the pyrrole cross-link from a lysine aldehyde and the immature cross-links HLKNL or LKNL. 6. Medullary bone had no biomechanical influence on the breaking stress of the bone. The biochemistry of the matrix was dramatically different. The high level of collagen lysine hydroxylation affected the cross-link profile and may be responsible for the narrow fibrils and disorganised matrix of this bone. 7. Avian bone matrix varies greatly with skeletal site and reflects the differing functions of bone. Further investigation of the collagenous matrix of both normal and diseased avian bone has the potential to aid our understanding of the aetiology of avian skeletal disease.

Changes in collagen cross-link ratios in bone and urine of guinea pigs fed graded dietary vitamin C: a functional index of vitamin C status

Vitamin C is essential for the hydroxylation of lysine in collagen. The resulting hydroxylysine residues, together with the precursor lysine residues, are then incorporated into the stable collagen cross-links: pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline. A reduction in lysine hydroxylation, resulting from an inadequate supply of vitamin C, might decrease the ratio of the pyridinoline crosslinks to the deoxypyridinoline crosslinks. This hypothesis was tested in a guinea pig model, using a purified diet providing vitamin C in the following amounts: (a) 0.5 mg/day; (b) 1 mg/day; (c) 5 mg/day; (d) 0.25% w/v in the diet (providing 49 mg/day); (e) 1.0% w/v (providing 205 mg/day); or (f) 5.0% w/v (providing 1128 mg/day). Weanling male guinea pigs each received one of these diets for 46 days, after which their tissue vitamin C concentrations, and the concentrations of hydroxyproline, pyridinoline, and deoxypyridinoline in bone, and of creatinine, pyridinoline, and deoxypyridinoline in urine, were measured. The ratio of pyridinoline to deoxypyridinoline in bone collagen and in urinary collagen fragments decreased significantly as vitamin C depletion became more severe. Animals receiving the higher intakes of vitamin C grew more rapidly than did those receiving the lower intakes, but the relationship between vitamin C intake and the collagen crosslinks ratio remained highly significant, even after adjusting for intergroup differences in growth rates. Thus, the ratio between the two collagen crosslinks could provide a specific and sensitive functional index of vitamin C in animals and man. This is an important goal, in view of the need to be able to define optimum intakes of vitamin C.