Minor Collagen Research Articles

Molecular species of collagen from wing muscle of skate ( Raja kenojei )

Soluble collagen was prepared from skate ( Raja kenojei ) wing muscle by limited pepsin digestion. It was fractionated into two fractions, major and minor, by differential ammonium sulfate precipitation. Two collagen types were purified from the major and minor collagen fractions by phosphocellulose column chromatography and were identified as Type I and V collagens, respectively, by SDS-PAGE, peptide mapping, and amino acid analysis.

High frequency acoustic parameters of human and bovine articular cartilage following experimentally-induced matrix degradation.

Matrix degradation and proteoglycan loss in articular cartilag eare features of early osteoarthritis. To determine the effect of matrix degradation and proteoglycan loss on ultrasound propagation in cartilage, we used papain and interleukin-1alpha to degrade the matrix proteoglycans of human and bovine cartilage samples, respectively. There is also minor collagen alteration associated with these chemical degradation methods. We compared the speed of sound and frequency dependent attenuation (20-40 MHz) of control and experimental paired samples. We found that a loss of matrix proteoglycans and collagen disruption resulted in a 20-30% increase in the frequency dependent attenuation and a 2% decrease in the speed of sound in both human and bovine cartilage. We conclude that the frequency dependent attenuation and speed of sound in articular cartilage are sensitive to experimental modification of the matrix proteoglycans and collagen. These findings suggest that ultrasound can potentially be used to detect morphologic changes in articular cartilage associated with the progression of osteoarthritis.

Identification and Characterization of Molecular Species of Collagen in Fish Skin

ABSTRACT: Pepsin‐solubilized collagen (PSC) prepared from the skin of 3 fish species—common horse mackerel, yellow sea bream, and tiger puffer—were separated into 2 fractions, major and minor, by ammonium sulfate precipitation. These collagen fractions were further purified by phosphocellulose column chromatography. From the results of SDS‐PAGE, peptide mapping, and amino‐acid analysis, the purified major and minor collagens were identified to be type I and V collagens, respectively. These results suggest that type V collagen might be widely present in fish skin as a minor collagen.

Axial structure of the heterotypic collagen fibrils of vitreous humour and cartilage

We have compared the axial structures of negatively stained heterotypic, type II collagen-containing fibrils with computer-generated staining patterns. Theoretical negative-staining patterns were created based upon the “bulkiness” of the individual amino acid side-chains in the primary sequence and the D-staggered arrangement of the triple-helices. The theoretical staining pattern of type II collagen was compared and cross-correlated with the experimental staining pattern of both reconstituted type II collagen fibrils, and fibrils isolated from adult and foetal cartilage and vitreous humour. The isolated fibrils differ markedly in both diameter and composition. Correlations were significantly improved when a degree of theoretical hydroxylysine glycosylation was applied, showing for the first time that this type of glycosylation influences the negative-staining pattern of collagen fibrils. Increased correlations were obtained when contributions from types V/XI and IX collagen were included in the simulation model. The N-propeptide of collagen type V/XI and the NC2 domain of type IX collagen both contribute to prominent stain-excluding peaks in the gap region. With decreasing fibril diameter, an increase of these two peaks was observed. Simulations of the fibril-derived staining patterns with theoretical patterns composed of proportions of types II, V/XI and IX collagen confirmed that the thinnest fibrils (i.e. vitreous humour collagen fibrils) have the highest minor collagen content. Comparison of the staining patterns showed that the organisation of collagen molecules within vitreous humour and cartilage fibrils is identical. The simulation model for vitreous humour, however, did not account for all stain-excluding mass observed in the staining pattern; this additional mass may be accounted for by collagen-associated macromolecules.

Rapid and reciprocal regulation of tenascin-C and tenascin-Y expression by loading of skeletal muscle.

Tenascin-C and tenascin-Y are two structurally related extracellular matrix glycoproteins that in many tissues show a complementary expression pattern. Tenascin-C and the fibril-associated minor collagen XII are expressed in tissues bearing high tensile stress and are located in normal skeletal muscle, predominantly at the myotendinous junction that links muscle fibers to tendon. In contrast, tenascin-Y is strongly expressed in the endomysium surrounding single myofibers, and in the perimysial sheath around fiber bundles. We previously showed that tenascin-C and collagen XII expression in primary fibroblasts is regulated by changes in tensile stress. Here we have tested the hypothesis that the expression of tenascin-C, tenascin-Y and collagen XII in skeletal muscle connective tissue is differentially modulated by mechanical stress in vivo. Chicken anterior latissimus dorsi muscle (ALD) was mechanically stressed by applying a load to the left wing. Within 36 hours of loading, expression of tenascin-C protein was ectopically induced in the endomysium along the surface of single muscle fibers throughout the ALD, whereas tenascin-Y protein expression was barely affected. Expression of tenascin-C protein stayed elevated after 7 days of loading whereas tenascin-Y protein was reduced. Northern blot analysis revealed that tenascin-C mRNA was induced in ALD within 4 hours of loading while tenascin-Y mRNA was reduced within the same period. In situ hybridization indicated that tenascin-C mRNA induction after 4 hours of loading was uniform throughout the ALD muscle in endomysial fibroblasts. In contrast, the level of tenascin-Y mRNA expression in endomysium appeared reduced within 4 hours of loading. Tenascin-C mRNA and protein induction after 4-10 hours of loading did not correlate with signs of macrophage infiltration. Tenascin-C protein decreased again with removal of the load and nearly disappeared after 5 days. Furthermore, loading was also found to induce expression of collagen XII mRNA and protein, but to a markedly lower level, with slower kinetics and only partial reversibility. The results suggest that mechanical loading directly and reciprocally controls the expression of extracellular matrix proteins of the tenascin family in skeletal muscle.

Immunochemical and Immunohistochemical Identification of a Minor Collagen in Raw Muscles of Decapod Mollusks

ABSTRACT: Approximately 10% of total muscle collagen in 6 decapod molluskan species was recovered as minor collagenous fractions by limited pepsin digestion and differential salt precipitation. The main alpha components (α1) in these fractions showed similar peptide maps of V-8 protease and lysyl endopeptidase digests to each other and had reactivity to the antiserum against the al component of the minor collagen (named Type SQ-II) from Todarodes pacificus muscle in immunoblot analysis. These results suggested that the minor molecular species of collagen corresponding to Type SQ-II of Todarodes pacificus was widely distributed in the mantle muscle of decapod mollusks. In addition, immunohistochemical experiments revealed that Type SQ-II collagen distributed mainly in intramuscular thin connective tissue (endomysium), suggesting the functional importance of this molecule to the development of meat texture of decapod mollusks.

Overuse Tendon Injuries:

Summary: Failure to appreciate how pain arises in tendinopathies may be limiting medical progress. It is assumed that tendon overuse causes inflammation, and thus pain. We critically review the inflammatory model of pain in tendinopathy and find that it does not withstand scrutiny. The generally proposed alternative model is that of mechanical discontinuity of collagen fibers, but this as well is inconsistent with numerous surgical observations. We review data suggesting that pain of tendinopathy may be largely due to yet unidentified biochemical factors activating peritendinous nociceptors when they are exposed to the environs as a result of tendon overuse injury. The noxious agent could include matrix substances and minor collagens. Glutamate can mediate pain, and this is present in higher concentrations in subjects with Achilles tendinopathy than in controls. Chondroitin sulphate is another candidate. Examining alternative models of pain, particularly a mixed biochemical-mechanical model, may allow significant progress in management of these troublesome conditions.

Dissociated Expression of Collagen Type IV Subchains in Diabetic Kidneys of KKAy Mice

Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and expansion of the mesangial matrix. The glomerular basement membrane is assembled from at least five genetically distinct collagen IV chains. In patients with diabetic nephropathy, differential distribution of these components has been demonstrated. In order to clarify the relationship between progression of diabetic nephropathy and altered type IV collagen assembly in the renal cortex, we examined steady state mRNA levels encoding collagen IV subchains in the kidney cortices of spontaneously diabetic KKAy mice and nondiabetic C57black mice as controls. They were sacrificed at 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks of age. Northern and dot blot analyses were performed using ³²P-labeled mouse probes for classical α1(IV) and α2(IV) and for α3(IV), α4(IV), and α5(IV) minor chains. The mRNA levels for all collagen IV chains peaked at 4 weeks of age and declined rapidly thereafter in the nondiabetic mice. At all times, α1(IV) and α2(IV) mRNA expressions were abundant and almost unchanged in KKAy mice. In contrast, mRNA levels for α3(IV), α4(IV), and α5(IV) progressively changed with age. It appears that the expression of minor collagen IV chains is dissociated from the α1(IV) and α2(IV) chains in diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, an unbalanced increase in the production may affect collagen IV assembly and contribute to basement membrane thickening in diabetic nephropathy of KKAy mice.

Cartilage fibrils of mammals are biochemically heterogeneous: differential distribution of decorin and collagen IX.

Cartilage fibrils contain collagen II as the major constituent, but the presence of additional components, minor collagens, and noncollagenous glycoproteins is thought to be crucial for modulating several fibril properties. We have examined the distribution of two fibril constituents-decorin and collagen IX-in samples of fibril fragments obtained after bovine cartilage homogenization. Decorin was preferentially associated with a population of thicker fibril fragments from adult articular cartilage, but was not present on the thinnest fibrils. The binding was specific for the gap regions of the fibrils, and depended on the decorin core protein. Collagen IX, by contrast, predominated in the population with the thinnest fibrils, and was scarce on wider fibrils. Double-labeling experiments demonstrated the coexistence of decorin and collagen IX in some fibrils of intermediate diameter, although most fibril fragments from adult cartilage were strongly positive for one component and lacked the other. Fibril fragments from fetal epiphyseal cartilage showed a different pattern, with decorin and collagen IX frequently colocalized on fragments of intermediate and large diameters. Hence, the presence of collagen IX was not exclusive for fibrils of small diameter. These results establish that articular cartilage fibrils are biochemically heterogeneous. Different populations of fibrils share collagen II, but have distinct compositions with respect to macromolecules defining their surface properties.

Occurrence of a novel collagen with three distinct chains in the cranial cartilage of the squid Sepia officinalis: comparison with shark cartilage collagen

A unique collagen with three distinct chains, was purified from the cranial cartilage of the squid Sepia officinalis, by pepsinisation and salt precipitation and compared with shark cartilage collagen. These chains, which were different from the known cartilage collagen chains, were referred as C1, C2 and C3, had approximate molecular weights of 105 kDa, 115 kDa and 130 kDa, respectively, and were present in a ratio of 3:2:1, suggestive of two molecules of composition, [(C1) 2C2] and [C1C2C3]. These collagens were purified by fractionation at acid and neutral pH, and by ammonium sulfate precipitation. Solubility data indicated that this collagen was more crosslinked than the type I collagen isolated from cartilage of shark, Carcharius acutus. In vitro fibrillogenesis revealed that the sepia collagen formed denser aggregates, as compared to shark collagen, and was stabilised by a higher degree of carbohydrate association. Polyclonal antisera raised against shark collagen was also reactive against the sepia collagens, while the converse was not true, indicating the high immunospecificity of the latter. These results demonstrate collagen polymorphism in an invertebrate cartilage and may hold significance in understanding tissue calcification and molecular evolution. Further, these collagens may represent ancestral forms of vertebrate minor collagens like typeV/XI.

Spatial and temporal expression of fibril-forming minor collagen genes (types V and XI) during fracture healing.

Skeletal development involves the coordinated participation of several types of collagen, including both major and minor fibrillar collagens. Although much is known about the major fibrillar collagens, such as types I and II, less is known about the minor fibrillar collagens, and their role in the repair and regeneration of bone has not been extensively studied. To clarify the role of minor fibrillar collagens in fracture repair, we examined the spatial and temporal expression of mRNAs for pro-alpha 2(V) collagen and pro-alpha 1(XI) collagen in healing fractures in the rat by in situ hybridization and compared their patterns of expression with those of mRNAs for pro-alpha 1(I) collagen, pro-alpha 1(II) collagen, and osteocalcin. A strong signal for pro-alpha 2(V) was detected in the periosteal osteoprogenitor cells, whereas osteocalcin mRNA was strongly expressed only in the deep layers of the hard callus. The distribution of the pro-alpha 2(V) signal was correlated with that of pro-alpha 1(I) but was mutually exclusive of that of pro-alpha 1(II). The expression of pro-alpha 1(XI) mRNA was synchronously regulated with that of pro-alpha 1(II) during chondrogenesis in the soft callus. In the hard callus, pro-alpha 1(XI) signal was found in osteoblastic cells at the site of intramembranous and endochondral ossification. These cells simultaneously expressed pro-alpha 2(V), although they were negative for pro-alpha 1(II). These findings suggest that the alpha 2(V) collagen chain participates in the formation of the noncartilaginous fibrillar network in the hard callus and preferentially contributes to the initial stage of the intramembranous bone formation. Recent reports have revealed that type-XI collagen, which had been classified as a cartilage-type collagen, is not necessarily specific for cartilage. The present results advanced this recognition and demonstrated a coexpression of alpha 1(XI) mRNA and alpha 2(V) mRNA in the noncartilaginous tissues in the fracture callus; this suggests the presence of tissue-specific and stage-specific heterotrimers consisting of alpha 1(XI) and alpha 2(V) collagen chains and the association of such hybrid trimers with the major fibrillar collagens in the process of fracture healing.

Distribution of minor collagens during skin development.

The skin is a tissue containing a large number of collagen types. Several collagens are restricted at the dermo-epidermal junction, contrarily to others present throughout the dermis. However, the distribution of the dermal collagen varies during embryonic development. In this contribution, we have been interested in the collagen types associated with the major collagenous components of the dermis, which are the collagen types I and III. Type V collagen, which is mixed with collagen types I and III to form heterotypic fibrils, has been studied during mouse embryo development. Transcripts of the alpha 1 (V) gene have been localized by in situ hybridization, on flattened cells of the stratum germinativum first, and then only on dermal cells. The expression of the gene decreases at birth, while the expression of the alpha 1(I) gene remains constant, with, however, a ring of high intensity around hair follicles. Other collagen types (VI, and the fibril-associated collagens XII and XIV) have been studied during calf embryonic development by immunofluorescence and ultrastructural immunogold detection. Type VI collagen appears homogeneously distributed throughout the dermis. Type XII collagen is first widely distributed and becomes restricted in the upper, papillary dermis after 6 months of gestation. Type XIV collagen, on the contrary, is first located as a delicate framework around hair follicles (at 19 weeks of gestation), and progressively invades the whole dermis where it appears abundant just before birth. The different functions of all these collagens are discussed in terms of dermis architecture, mechanical properties and physiology.

Distribution of minor collagens during skin development

The skin is a tissue containing a large number of collagen types. Several collagens are restricted at the dermo-epidermal junction, contrarily to others present throughout the dermis. However, the distribution of the dermal collagen varies during embryonic development. In this contribution, we have been interested in the collagen types associated with the major collagenous components of the dermis, which are the collagen types I and III. Type V collagen, which is mixed with collagen types I and III to form heterotypic fibrils, has been studied during mouse embryo development. Transcripts of the α1(V) gene have been localized by in situ hybridization, on flattened cells of the stratum germinativum first, and then only on dermal cells. The expression of the gene decreases at birth, while the expression of the α1(I) gene remains constant, with, however, a ring of high intensity around hair follicles. Other collagen types (VI, and the fibril-associated collagens XII and XIV) have been studied during calf embryonic development by immunofluorescence and ultrastructural immunogold detection. Type VI collagen appears homogeneously distributed throughout the dermis. Type XII collagen is first widely distributed and becomes restricted in the upper, papillary dermis after 6 months of gestation. Type XIV collagen, on the contrary, is first located as a delicate framework around hair follicles (at 19 weeks of gestation), and progressively invades the whole dermis where it appears abundant just before birth. The different functions of all these collagens are discussed in terms of dermis architecture, mechanical properties and physiology. Microsc. Res. Tech. 38:407–412, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Diagnostic criteria of the myeloproliferative disorders (MPD): essential thrombocythaemia, polycythaemia vera and chronic megakaryocytic granulocytic metaplasia.

Philadelphia chromosome-positive essential thrombocythaemia (Ph(+)-ET) and chronic granulocytic leukaemia (Ph(+)-CGL) constitute a separate malignant disease entity, whereas essential thrombocythaemia (ET), polycythaemia vera (PV) and chronic megakaryocytic granulocytic metaplasia (CMGM) belong to the Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) myeloproliferative disorders. The megakaryocytes in Ph(+)-ET and Ph(+)-CGL are abnormal and small with round nuclei, showing little lobulation. Both the number and size of megakaryocytes in Ph-ET, -PV and -CMGM are typically increased. Enlarged megakaryocytes with mature cytoplasm and multilobulated nuclei and their tendency to cluster in a normal or slightly increased cellular bone marrow represent the hallmark of ET. In reactive thrombocytosis the size and morphology of increased megakaryocytes are normal. The characteristic increase and clustering of enlarged mature and pleomorphic megakaryocytes with multilobulated nuclei and proliferation of erythropoiesis in a moderate to marked hypercellular bone marrow with hyperplasia of dilated sinuses is the diagnostic hallmark of untreated PV. In secondary polycythaemia, in which increased cellularity of the erythroid cell line may be present, the number, size and morphology of megakaryocytes remain small and normal. CMGM, including early stages without myelofibrosis and advanced myelofibrotic stages of agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, appears to be a distinct neoplastic proliferation of neutrophilic granulopoiesis and megakaryopoiesis. The histopathology of the bone marrow in CMGM is dominated by atypical, enlarged and immature megakaryocytes with cloud-like nuclei which are not seen in ET and PV. Myelofibrosis in ET, PV and CMGM is graded in no reticulin fibrosis (MFO), early reticulin fibrosis (MF1), advanced reticulin sclerosis with minor collagen fibrosis (MF2) and advanced collagen fibrosis with or without osteosclerosis (MF3). Myelofibrosis is not a feature of ET, may occur in PV, and constitutes a prominent feature of CMGM during the natural history of the disease.

Collagens as organizers of extracellular matrix during morphogenesis

The composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) varies depending on tissue location and developmental stage. Collagens as the main constituents determine its structure and play a major role in determining its function. Polymers of fibrillar collagens (I,II) form the backbone of many ECMs, whereas many minor collagens regulate or stabilize their structural properties. Changes in the minor collagens introduce subtle modifications in intermolecular interactions, which can modulate the morphology of the ECM and responses of the underlying or embedded cells. The functions of these modulating collagens is now being investigated by a number of biochemical, genetic and molecular approaches.

The measurement of pyridinium crosslinks: a methodological overview.

Collagen is the major structural component of the human body and there are many clinical reasons why it is desirable to determine its turnover rate. Biomarkers are increasingly used as diagnostic and prognostic tools as well as for monitoring therapy. At present, there is considerable interest in the application of biochemical markers of bone turnover to diseases such as osteoporosis, bone cancer arid the arthropathies where the ideal biomarker should correlate with disease progression and provide a differential diagnosis. As biochemical knowledge and analytical technology progress, previously accepted biomarkers are being discarded and new, supposedly more specific, markers evaluated. The usefulness of a biomarker depends on an understanding of its origin and the ease of measuring it in biological fluids. Collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, constitutes approximately 30% of body protein, with up to 40% in skin and 50% in bone.' To date, some 18 collagens have been characterized.? representing a closely related family of glycoproteins each with a specific synthetic route and different functionality. The collagen family is coded for by over 30 genes dispersed through at least nine different chromosomes.' The major collagen, type I, is ubiquitously distributed and forms the major protein in bone, skin, tendon, ligament, sclera, cornea, blood vessels and hollow organs. However, dermal type I collagen is structurally and functionally dissimilar to that found in bone. Many minor collagens are found in association with the principal collagens (types I, II, III, IV), and, whilst their presence may be

The evolution of fibrillar collagens: A sea-pen collagen shares common features with vertebrate type V collagen

The extracellular matrix of marine primitive invertebrates (sponges, polyps and jellyfishes) contains collagen fibrils with narrow diameters. From various data, it has been hypothesized that these primitive collagens could represent ancestral forms of the vertebrate minor collagens, i.e. types V or XI. Recently, we have isolated a primitive collagen from the soft tissues of the sea-pen Veretillum cynomorium(31). This report examines whether the sea-pen collagen shares some features with vertebrate type V collagen. Rotary shadowed images of acid-soluble collagen molecules extracted from β-APN treated animals, positive staining of segmentlong-spacing crystallites precipitated from pepsinized collagen, Western blots of the pepsinized α1 and α2 chains with antibodies to vertebrate types I, III and V collagens, and in situ gold immunolabeling of ECM collagen fibrils were examined. Our results showed that the tissue form of the sea-pen collagen is a 340-nm threadlike molecule, which is close to the vertebrate type V collagen with its voluminous terminal globular domain, the distribution of most of its polar amino-acid residues, and its antigenic properties.

Developmental pattern of expression of the mouse alpha 1 (XI) collagen gene (Col11a1).

Fibrillar networks are intimately involved in several morphogenetic processes which underlie the harmonious development of the vertebrate embryo. Recent genetic evidence has demonstrated that the minor types V and XI collagen are key regulators of types I and II fibrillogenesis in non-cartilaginous and cartilaginous matrices, respectively. A comprehensive understanding of the expression and regulation of the genes coding for the chains of the minor collagen types is therefore relevant to animal morphogenesis and development. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the embryonic pattern of expression of the gene coding for the mouse alpha 1 chain of type XI colagen (Col11a1) using the technique of in situ hybridization. Transcripts of the Col11a1 gene were detected as early as 11 days of gestation. The alpha 1(XI) transcripts were found to accumulate mostly in cartilaginous tissues, such as the chondrocranium and the developing limbs. Like the major cartilage-specific collagen (type II), Col11a1 expression was also noted in the neuro-epithelium of the brain. However, alpha 1(XI) transcripts accumulated in several other non-cartilaginous sites. They include odontoblasts, trabecular bones, atrioventricular valve of the heart, the tongue, the intestine, and the otic vesicle. Altogether, the data confirm that Col11a1 has a broader spectrum of expression than previously thought. This finding raises the possibility that the alpha 1(XI) chain may participate in the formation of stage- and tissue-specific trimers with distinct functional properties.

Immunoquantification of type I, III, IV and V collagen in small samples of human lung parenchyma

The involvement of collagen in pathological conditions underscores the need for sensitive, collagen type-specific assays. A method for the quantification of different types of collagen in lung has been developed. Human lung parenchyma is digested with cyanogen bromide which results in almost complete solubilization of collagen to type-specific collagen peptides. The peptides are quantified using inhibition enzyme immunoassays with type-specific antibodies. The 50% inhibition value for the type I collagen assay is 1 μg type I collagen peptides, for the type III collagen assay 350 ng type III collagen peptides, for the type IV collagen 200 ng type IV collagen peptides, and for the type V collagen assay 50 ng type V collagen peptides. Using less than 1 mg lyophilized human parenchymal lung tissue it was established that the amount of collagen/mg dry tissue (± SD, n = 10) is 84.6 ± 16.1 μg for type I collagen, 26.6 ± 10.3 μg for type III collagen, 9.6 ± 2.0 μg for type IV collagen and 1.8 ± 0.3 μg for type V collagen. The procedure is useful for the quantification of different types of collagen, including minor collagens, and requires only minimal sample preparation.

Expression of type VI, IX and XI collagen genes and alternative splicing of type II collagen transcripts in fracture callus tissue in mice

The levels of six mRNAs coding for constituent α-chains of three minor collagens of cartilage were analyzed in an experimental fracture model in normal and transgenic Del1 mice harboring a deletion mutation of exon 7 in the type II collagen gene. Reduced and retarded chondrogenesis in Del1 mice was evident in callus samples as reduced mRNA levels for the cartilage specific type IX and XI collagens at days 7 and 9 of fracture healing. Analysis of the calluses for alternative splicing of proα1(II) collagen mRNA also suggested retarded chondrogenesis in Del1 calluses. Another developmentally regulated step in limb development, a switch between alternative promoters of the α1(IX) collagen gene, was also seen during fracture healing but was less obvious in Del1 calluses. Finally, the current data suggest that the abnormality in bone remodelling in Del1 mice involves activation of the genes coding for α1(XI) and α2(VI) collagens.