An investigation of the molecular components of desmosomes in epithelial cells of five vertebrates

1986 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Suhrbier ◽  
D. Garrod

We have shown previously, by fluorescent antibody staining, that desmosomal antigens are widely distributed in the tissues of vertebrate animals. Furthermore, we have demonstrated mutual desmosome formation between cells derived from man, cow, dog, chicken and frog. In this paper we have studied the components of desmosomes in a tissue or a cell line from each of these animals by immunoblotting with antibodies raised against the desmosomal components isolated from bovine nasal epithelium. Blotting was carried out on bovine nasal epithelial desmosomal cores, desmosome-enriched fractions derived from chicken and frog epidermis, nuclear matrix-intermediate filament scaffolds derived from Madin-Darby bovine and canine cells (MDBK and MDCK), and unextracted cultured human foreskin keratinocytes. The results show that desmosomes from all these sources contain high molecular weight proteins (desmoplakins) of similar or identical molecular weights (250 000 and 215 000). Antibodies against the two lower molecular weight desmosomal proteins (83 000 and 75 000) always recognized one or two bands in very similar molecular weight regions of the gels. The desmosomal glycoproteins were found to be much more variable than the proteins: they vary between sources in molecular weight, heterogeneity and antibody cross-reactivity. For instance, antibody specific for a group of glycoprotein bands of 175 000, 169 000 and 164 000 (Mr) in bovine nasal epithelium recognizes three bands of 245 000, 230 000 and 210 000 in MDCK cells but only a single band of 190 000 in keratinocytes. In mammals, the 175 000–164 000 glycoproteins and the desmosomal adhesion molecules, the desmocollins (Mr 130 000 and 115 000 in cow's nose), are immunologically distinct. In chicken and frog, however, there are glycoproteins that react with both anti-175 000–164 000 and anti-desmocollin antibodies, but there are also distinct desmocollin bands. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to conservation of desmosomal components and adhesion mechanisms. It is suggested that adhesion may be performed by a well-conserved protein domain and that the variation between desmosomal glycoproteins from different sources may be due to differences in their carbohydrate composition.

1972 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 1245-1252 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Misawa ◽  
S. M. Martin

Two peroxidases, isolated from filtrates of suspension cultures of a cell line derived from red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) were purified 145- and 72-fold respectively. The two enzymes were quite similar in many of their properties and both were typical plant peroxidases. They differed markedly, however, in their molecular weights (estimated by gel filtration). The molecular weight of peroxidase I was 30 000 whereas that of peroxidase II was only 6000.


1985 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 377-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.L. Mattey ◽  
D.R. Garrod

Our previous work has suggested that the molecular components of desmosomes are highly conserved between different tissues and different vertebrate species. In order to determine whether the adhesion recognition mechanism of desmosomes is also conserved we have examined the specificity of desmosome formation between different epithelial cell types by co-culturing binary combinations of cells from different species and from epidermal and non-epidermal origin. The following cell types were used: human (HeLa, cervical carcinoma), bovine (Madin Darby bovine kidney, MDBK), canine (Madin Darby canine kidney, MDCK), avian (chick embryonic corneal epithelium) and amphibian (Rana pipiens, adult corneal epithelium). Different cells in co-culture were identified on the basis of at least one of the following criteria: (1) morphology by phase-contrast microscopy; (2) presence or absence of staining of cytokeratin with monoclonal antibody LE61; (3) morphology at the electron microscope level. Mutual desmosome formation between different cell types was assessed using fluorescent antibody staining with anti-desmoplakin antibodies and confirmed using electron microscopy. We have found that mutual desmosome formation occurred between all binary combinations of human, bovine, canine, avian and amphibian cells. Thus there is complete non-selectivity of desmosome formation between five different epithelial cell types from three vertebrate classes. Our results suggest that desmosome formation is not tissue- or species-specific and that the mechanism for intercellular binding involved in desmosomal adhesion is highly conserved.


1984 ◽  
Vol 99 (6) ◽  
pp. 1970-1980 ◽  
Author(s):  
T D Pollard

I have purified a high molecular weight actin filament gelation protein (GP-260) from Acanthamoeba castellanii, and found by immunological cross-reactivity that it is related to vertebrate spectrins, but not to two other high molecular weight actin-binding proteins, filamin or the microtubule-associated protein, MAP-2. GP-260 was purified by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, selective precipitation with actin and myosin-II, chromatography on hydroxylapatite in 0.6 M Kl, and selective precipitation at low ionic strength. The yield was 1-2 micrograms/g cells. GP-260 had the same electrophoretic mobility in SDS as the 260,000-mol-wt alpha-chain of spectrin from pig erythrocytes and brain. Electron micrographs of GP-260 shadowed on mica showed slender rod-shaped particles 80-110 nm long. GP-260 raised the low shear apparent viscosity of solutions of Acanthamoeba actin filaments and, at 100 micrograms/ml, formed a gel with a 8 microM actin. Purified antibodies to GP-260 reacted with both 260,000- and 240,000-mol-wt polypeptides in samples of whole ameba proteins separated by gel electrophoresis in SDS, but only the 260,000-mol-wt polypeptide was extracted from the cell with 0.34 M sucrose and purified in this study. These antibodies to GP-260 also reacted with purified spectrin from pig brain and erythrocytes, and antibodies to human erythrocyte spectrin bound to GP-260 and the 240,000-mol-wt polypeptide present in the whole ameba. The antibodies to GP-260 did not bind to chicken gizzard filamin or pig brain MAP-2, but they did react with high molecular weight polypeptides from man, a marsupial, a fish, a clam, a myxomycete, and two other amebas. Fluorescent antibody staining with purified antibodies to GP-260 showed that it is concentrated near the plasma membrane in the ameba.


1984 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-132
Author(s):  
P. Cowin ◽  
D. Mattey ◽  
D. Garrod

In previous work we used immunofluorescent staining with specific antibodies to study the distribution of five desmosomal antigens in the epithelia of different vertebrate animals. We showed that all five antigens were present in all epithelia studied in human, bovine, rat, guinea pig, chick and frog (Rana pipiens) tissues. It was concluded that desmosomes are highly conserved structures. This paper extends those studies: by including three other species, a lizard (Lacerta viridis), the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) and the trout (Salmo trutta), and by looking at several tissues in more detail. The principal results are as follows. The epidermis of all species down to the frog stain with equal intensity for all desmosomal antigens. In the epidermis of axolotl and trout, staining for desmosomal plaque constituents is present, but staining for the desmosomal glycoproteins is greatly reduced or absent. Within mammalian species as well as chick, lizard and frog, staining for the 115 X 10(3) and 100 X 10(3) molecular weight desmosomal glycoproteins is less intense in non-epidermal tissues than in the epidermis, while staining for desmosomal plaque constituents and for the 150 X 10(3) molecular weight glycoprotein is undiminished. It is possible, therefore, that slight differences exist between certain glycoproteins of epidermis and non-epidermal epithelia. The hearts of lower vertebrates (lizard, frog, axolotl and trout) stain only for individual desmosomal plaque antigens. The pillar cells of trout gill stain, adjacent to their collagenous columns, for one desmosomal plaque antigen. There is a fibrous cytoplasmic mat in this position but no desmosomes. Thus one of the desmosomal antigens may have a function outside the desmosome.


Cosmetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Moe Hashimoto ◽  
Kazuhisa Maeda

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide with high moisturizing power. It is composed of repeating disaccharides of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid. Low-molecular-weight hyaluronan (LMHA) is obtained by changing the molecular weight or modifying the functional groups of HA and is commonly used together with HA in cosmetics. The objective of this study was to determine whether LMHA promotes the synthesis of filaggrin (FLG). We also investigated whether LMHA activates FLG-degrading enzymes. Three-dimensional (3D) models of the human epidermis were cultured with LMHA. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the mRNA levels of profilaggrin (proFLG), involucrin (IVL), and FLG-degrading enzymes. FLG protein levels were measured by fluorescent antibody staining and Western blotting. The mRNA was quantified using a 3D epidermis model, and it was observed that the mRNA levels of proFLG, IVL, caspase-14 (CASP14), and bleomycin hydrolase were increased by the application of LMHA. Immunofluorescence results showed an increase in FLG proteins, and results from experiments using 3D epidermis models showed that LMHA increased the activity of CASP14. This suggests that the topical application of LMHA would result in an increase in natural moisturizing factor and promote moisturization of the stratum corneum.


1986 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-111
Author(s):  
D.L. Mattey ◽  
D.R. Garrod

Previous work has shown that cultured keratinocytes do not form desmosomes at low [Ca2+] (less than 0.1 mM) but may be induced to do so by raising [Ca2+] to physiological levels (1.8-2 mM). Here, fluorescent antibody staining with specific anti-desmosomal antibodies and electron microscopy have been used to determine whether Ca2+-induced desmosome formation also occurs in simple epithelial cells. Both Madin-Darby canine and bovine kidney cells (MDCK and MDBK) exhibit Ca2+-induced desmosome formation, but there are significant differences between them. MDCK cells resemble keratinocytes in showing rapid desmosome formation characterized by the simultaneous appearance of four desmosomal antigens at the cell periphery within 15–20 min of raising the [Ca2+]. In contrast MDBK cells take between 7 and 8 h to form desmosomes after Ca2+ switching, and this is characterized by slow appearance of two desmosomal antigens, the 175–164(X 10(3)) Mr glycoprotein and desmoplakin, at the cell periphery. Differences in the pattern of staining for desmosomal antigens between the two cell types in low and high [Ca2+] are described and discussed in relation to desmosome formation and internalization. Triton X-100 extractability of desmosomal antigen staining is also considered. While most is non-extractable, staining for the glycoproteins known as desmocollins is completely extractable from MDCK cells in low [Ca2+], but that which reaches the cell periphery after Ca2+ switching becomes non-extractable. Although neither cell type forms desmosomes in low [Ca2+], both possess zonulae adhaerentes, suggesting a difference in Ca2+ requirement for formation of these two junctions.


1986 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.L. Mattey ◽  
D.R. Garrod

Desmosome assembly may be induced in simple epithelial (MDBK and MDCK) cells maintained in low calcium medium (LCM: [Ca2+] less than 0.05 mM) by raising [Ca2+] to that of standard culture medium (SM: [Ca2+] = 1.8 mM). Here it is shown that if cells in SM are simply returned to LCM, their desmosomes split in the intercellular region within 15 min and the desmosomal halves are internalized within 30 min. This is the first time that desmosome splitting has been shown to occur in response to a reduction in [Ca2+] rather than Ca2+ chelation. Fluorescent antibody staining shows that the desmosomal glycoproteins as well as the plaque constituents are internalized, although a pool of the glycoproteins known as desmocollins remains at the cell surface, apparently unassociated with other desmosomal components. Desmosomal halves that have been recently internalized in response to LCM treatment do not return to the cell surface to participate in new desmosome formation. MDCK cells are able to form new desmosomes rapidly (15–30 min) while old desmosomes continue to be internalized. The desmosomes of MDBK cells remain sensitive to splitting and internalization in response to reduction in [Ca2+] for up to 14 days of culture in SM. In contrast, the desmosomes of MDCK cells become resistant to reduction in [Ca2+], as well as Ca2+ chelation by EGTA, after 4–5 days in SM. When treated with LCM or EGTA, MDCK cells with ‘stabilized’ desmosomes partially separate but remain attached to each other at some points. Regions of attachment stain brightly with anti-desmosomal antibodies and are characterized by ‘giant’ desmosomes, up to 4 micron long, roughly 20 times larger than those formed in cells in SM. These giant desmosomes may form by lateral fusion of small desmosomes.


2000 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Tessier ◽  
J.L. Boisvert ◽  
L.B-M. Vought ◽  
J.O. Lacoursière

AbstractThe aim of this study was to characterize polypeptide components of the capture net spun by trichopteran larvae Hydropsyche slossonae (Banks) (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). Thirty-one polypeptide bands were identified by SDS – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) from extracted net material, with molecular weights ranging from 8500 to 179 000. Comparison with published data on Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) silk, treated under similar denaturing conditions, shows that six low molecular weight polypeptides ranging between 8500 and 18 800 in the silk of H. slossonae are absent from that of B. mori; furthermore, two high molecular weight polypeptides (210 000 and 220 000) detected in the silk of B. mori are not present in that of H. slossonae. Differences between both groups are probably related to their mode of living and to the specific use of silk (in air versus under water). Our findings are consistent with the current trend in the literature that silk spun by aquatic and terrestrial insects, as well as those spun by different species, is apparently made of different biopolymers according to the protein constituents. Hence, the polypeptide characterization of silk, combined with sequence data and (or) antibodies cross-reactivity data, could represent a potential tool for taxonomic classification improvement of aquatic insects. These results could eventually be used to characterize hydropsychid capture net anomalies induced by environmental pollution.


1988 ◽  
Vol 60 (01) ◽  
pp. 107-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Harris ◽  
Louis Garcia Frade ◽  
Lesley J Creighton ◽  
Paul S Gascoine ◽  
Maher M Alexandroni ◽  
...  

SummaryThe catabolism of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was investigated after injection of radiolabelled material into rats. Both Iodogen and Chloramine T iodination procedures yielded similar biological activity loss in the resultant labelled rt-PA and had half lives in the rat circulation of 1 and 3 min respectively. Complex formation of rt-PA was investigated by HPLC gel exclusion (TSK G3000 SW) fractionation of rat plasma samples taken 1-2 min after 125I-rt-PA injection. A series of radiolabelled complexes of varying molecular weights were found. However, 60% of the counts were associated with a single large molecular weight complex (350–500 kDa) which was undetectable by immunologically based assays (ELISA and BIA) and showed only low activity with a functional promoter-type t-PA assay. Two major activity peaks in the HPLC fractions were associated with Tree t-PA and a complex having a molecular weight of ̴ 180 kDa. HPLC fractionation to produce these three peaks at various timed intervals after injection of 125I-rt-PA showed each to have a similar initial rate half life in the rat circulation of 4-5 min. The function of these complexes as yet is unclear but since a high proportion of rt-PA is associated with a high molecular weight complex with a short half life in the rat, we suggest that the formation of this complex may be a mechanism by which t-PA activity is initially regulated and finally cleared from the rat circulation.


1981 ◽  
Vol 45 (01) ◽  
pp. 090-094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katsuo Sueishi ◽  
Shigeru Nanno ◽  
Kenzo Tanaka

SummaryFibrinogen degradation products were investigated for leukocyte chemotactic activity and for enhancement of vascular permeability. Both activities increased progressively with plasmin digestion of fibrinogen. Active fragments were partially purified from 24 hr-plasmin digests. Molecular weights of the permeability increasing and chemotactic activity fractions were 25,000-15,000 and 25,000 respectively. Both fractions had much higher activities than the fragment X, Y, D or E. Electron microscopic observation of the small blood vessels in rabbit skin correlated increased permeability with the formation of characteristic gaps between adjoining endothelial cells and their contraction.These findings suggest that lower molecular weight degradation products of fibrinogen may be influential in contributing to granulocytic infiltration and enhanced permeability in lesions characterized by deposits of fibrin and/or fibrinogen.


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