Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:3.4.24.3 (collagenase)
 18,340 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Type VI collagen beaded microfibrils were extracted from bovine cornea or pig cartilage by limited collagenase digestion. Depolymerization of the microfibril, without strong denaturing reagents linke guanidinium hydrochloride or urea under mild acidic conditions, led to single tetramers and multiples of two to three. However, hyaluronidase digestion in accordance with a published method (Kielty et al. J. Cell Biol. 118:979-990, 1992) was unsuccessful in depolymerizing type VI collagen microfibrils. Also, repolymerization into microfibrils by incubation with hyaluronan was not observed. We further found no binding of native type VI collagen microfibrils to a hyaluronan-Sepharose column. Although a recombinant fragment comprising alpha 3(VI) domains N9-N2 showed apparent binding to the column, electron microscopy did not give any indication of binding of either type VI collagen or fragment N9-N2 to hyaluronan. The present findings suggest that the role of hyaluronan in polymerization of type VI collagen has been overestimated in previous work.
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PMID:Type VI collagen beaded microfibrils from bovine cornea depolymerize at acidic pH, and depolymerization and polymerization are not influenced by hyaluronan. 779 88

Eleven patients with severe corneal disease have been operated with a collar-button-shaped keratoprosthesis and have been followed for 9-36 months. Two of the devices have been removed, but the remainder are securely in place. Six of the patients have benefitted substantially in terms of improved vision. The complications have been reviewed, and some factors for success have been identified. Thus, to keep the keratoprosthesis temporarily buried beneath tissue (conjunctiva or skin), application of collagenase-suppressing medication and reduction of evaporative damage to the wound around the device seem particularly important.
Cornea 1994 May
PMID:Some factors influencing outcome after keratoprosthesis surgery. 803 70

Cytochalasins B (CB), dihydroB (H2CB), and D (CD) were found to cause loss of fibronectin (Fn) from the cell surface of normal rabbit corneal fibroblasts, breakdown of F-actin-containing microfilament bundles ("stress fibers"), and increase levels of type I interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) in the medium. In contrast to the effects of plasmin, the cytochalasins caused withdrawal of cells from the Fn mesh but not total loss of the mesh, and the collagenase was essentially all in latent form. The results are consistent with the possibility that cytochalasins, like plasmin, perturb the alpha 5 beta 1 integrin (Fn) receptor. Unlike plasmin, which degrades Fn to result in such a perturbation, however, the cytochalasins are thought to do so by directly disrupting cytoplasmic F-actin microfilaments associated with focal contact adhesive structures, to result in changes in the Fn receptor that cause loss of Fn. Thus, plasmin acting extracellularly and cytochalasins acting intracellularly are both thought to be able to modulate the secretion (and possibly also the synthesis) of MMP-1 by corneal fibroblasts by perturbing the Fn receptor located in the focal contact. The presence of all active collagenase after treatment with plasmin, as opposed to latent collagenase after treatment with cytochalasin, supports the interpretation that the events of secretion and activation of collagenase can be uncoupled.
Cornea 1994 Jan
PMID:Regulation of corneal fibroblast MMP-1 secretion by cytochalasins. 813 7

Keratoconus is a noninflammatory corneal disorder characterized by gradual stromal thinning and astigmatism. Altered degradation of corneal extracellular matrix is a suggested etiology for this disorder. In the present study we established keratocyte cultures from normal and keratoconus corneas and investigated the roles that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP, TIMP-2) may play. After chemical modification (reduction and alkylation) to remove the inhibitor and activation of enzyme with p-aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA), keratoconus-conditioned media displayed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the total potential gelatinolytic activity when compared with normal culture media treated in a similar manner. Basal levels of gelatinolytic activity in keratoconus culture media (no reduction, alkylation, or APMA treatment), determined by two different assay methods, tended to be about twice that of normal cell cultures. By zymography, both keratoconus and normal cultures showed identical enzyme patterns, which represented MMP-2 (72 kDa) in its proform and, depending on the treatment of the media, varying amounts of activated MMP-2 (65 kDa). This suggests that the increased gelatinolytic activity in keratoconus was not correlated with an increased appearance of either the 65-kDa-activated form of MMP-2 or a new MMP species. In addition, no differences in the amount of MMP-2 were detected that could account for the increased activities in keratoconus cultures. However, a relative decline in the detectable TIMP levels in keratoconus cultures resulted in an apparent three-fold increase in the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP. Northern blots showed no significant changes in mRNA levels for MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP, or TIMP-2. These data suggest that a possible alteration in the interaction between MMP-2 and TIMP may play a role in the increased gelatinolytic activity seen in keratoconus tissues.
Cornea 1994 Mar
PMID:Increased gelatinolytic activity in keratoconus keratocyte cultures. A correlation to an altered matrix metalloproteinase-2/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase ratio. 815 82

This paper describes the biochemical characteristics and immunostaining properties of four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised to the extracellular matrix of bovine corneal endothelial cells in culture. All four antibodies labelled molecules in frozen sections of bovine cornea. MAb A15 labelled the collagen lamellae of the stroma. Immuno-electron microscopy located the label between rather than over the collagen fibrils. Antibody label was removed by collagenase treatment of the stroma. This antibody bound to several denatured collagen types in ELISAs and Western blots, the common epitope being located close to the collagenase binding site. A15 immunoprecipitated native polypeptides of 173 kDa and 150 kDa from the conditioned medium of corneal endothelial cells. Amino acid analysis of the 150 kDa molecule showed broad similarity to bovine type VI collagen although there was no immunological cross reactivity. The binding of this antibody in the corneal stroma may be to a collagen type VI-like molecule. MAb A70 bound to a collagenase sensitive molecule in corneal endothelial cell extracellular matrix in vitro, and to basement membranes in vivo. It showed staining typical of type IV collagen in frozen sections of cornea. MAbs A67 and A49 both labelled flexuous fibre-like structures in the cornea, which appeared to wrap around the fibrillar collagen lamellae. The molecule labelled by A67, of 86 kDa was sensitive to collagenase treatment of endothelial cell conditioned medium, yet totally resistant to collagenase treatment of the cornea, which completely removed the fibrillar collagen from the stroma. In the endothelial extracellular matrix, this antigen was resistant to all proteases tested and required severe denaturing conditions to remove antigenic activity. Amino acid analysis did not yield the high proportion of glycine typical of collagens, so if collagenous sequences occur they must be relatively short. The molecule labelled by A49 was a 51-kDa protein, of similar amino acid composition to antigen 67, and showed a similar distribution in frozen sections of bovine cornea. There was, however, no immunological cross reactivity between the two. Unlike antigen 67, antigen 49 was not sensitive to collagenase under any conditions and was very sensitive to protease treatment of the endothelial extracellular matrix. Immuno-electron microscopy showed labelling with both these antibodies between the collagen fibrils in the stroma. We postulate that these two molecules may be involved in stabilising the lamella structure of the corneal stroma.
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PMID:Collagen-associated molecules in the cornea: localisation with monoclonal antibodies. 815 8

We examined the effects of doxycycline hyclate on epithelial healing in vivo in the rabbit alkali-burn model. Twelve 2-3-kg Dutch belted rabbits were divided into three groups and received standard bilateral alkali burns (1 N sodium hydroxide for 30 s in an 11-mm circular plastic well). In group 1, two rabbits (four eyes) served as untreated controls. In group 2, five rabbits (10 eyes) received doxycycline hyclate (1.5 mg/kg) orally daily for 14 days. In group 3, five rabbits (10 eyes) received doxycycline hyclate (5 mg/kg) orally daily for 14 days. The epithelial defects were drawn and photographed on alternate days, after fluorescein staining. At conclusion, extracts of the corneas were evaluated for collagenase activity. At 14 days, the mean percentage of epithelial defects results in groups 1-3 were 50.0, 50.7, and 7.1%, respectively. Using the Wilcoxon rank sum test (two tailed), the differences were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.0015). Preliminary data indicated that oral doxycycline administration also decreased the collagenase activity in corneas obtained from these animals. Our preliminary findings indicated that systematically administered doxycycline hyclate, 5 mg/kg/day, promotes corneal reepithelialization in the rabbit alkali-burn model, a result, perhaps, of the drug's ability to inhibit excessive collagenase activity.
Cornea 1993 Sep
PMID:Effect of doxycycline hyclate on corneal epithelial wound healing in the rabbit alkali-burn model. Preliminary observations. 830 57

Plasmin was found to degrade the fibronectin (Fn) mesh produced by cultures of normal rabbit corneal fibroblasts, cause breakdown of F-actin-containing microfilament bundles ("stress fibers"), and increase levels of active type I interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) in the medium. Fibroblast cultures derived from alkali-burned, ulcerating rabbit corneas also responded to plasmin by secreting collagenase, detected only in active form. Moreover, harvests from organ cultures of ulcerating corneas not only had higher levels of urokinase-like plasminogen activator (uPA) than normal cultures but also had higher levels of Fn degradation fragments. The results are consistent with reports that indicate that perturbation of the alpha 5 beta 1 integrin (Fn) receptor by proteolytic fragments of Fn causes the increased synthesis and secretion of MMP-1. The uPA/plasmin system, therefore, might have an important role in regulating collagenase synthesis, secretion, and activation during wound remodelling and stromal ulceration.
Cornea 1993 Sep
PMID:Regulation of corneal fibroblast MMP-1 collagenase secretion by plasmin. 830 64

The process of connective tissue remodeling is an important mechanism contributing to tissue morphogenesis in development and homeostasis. Although it has long been known that remodeling tissues actively mediate collagenolysis, little is understood about the molecular mechanisms controlling this cell-regulated process. In this study, we examined the biosynthesis of collagenase and the related metalloproteinase, stromelysin, during remodeling of repair tissue deposited after mechanical injury to the rabbit cornea. Neither enzyme was synthesized by uninjured corneas; however, synthesis and secretion was detectable within one day after injury. Collagenase accumulated in its latent form while stromelysin appeared to be partially activated. Enzymes were synthesized by cells having a fibroblast phenotype. These cells were found within the stroma. New synthesis was correlated with accumulation of enzyme-specific mRNA. Highest levels of enzyme synthesis were observed in the repair tissue. However, stromal cells outside of the repairing area also synthesized both enzymes. The level of synthesis decreased in a gradient radiating from the repair tissue. Total synthetic levels in a given area of cornea were dependent on both the number of cells expressing enzyme and the rate of enzyme synthesis. Synthesis of collagenase was detected in repair tissue as long as nine months after injury. Our findings provide direct support for the hypothesis that new collagenase synthesis by cells in repair tissue is the first step in collagen degradation during long-term tissue remodeling.
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PMID:Stromal fibroblasts synthesize collagenase and stromelysin during long-term tissue remodeling. 831 85

Isolated photoreceptors are desirable for whole-cell and patch-clamp studies of functional properties of visual processes that cannot be clearly analyzed when the photoreceptors are coupled. The retina of the compound lateral eye of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, was dissociated into individual retinular cells using an enzyme pretreatment consisting of collagenase, papain, and trypsin, and a two-stage mechanical dissociation. These photoreceptors are functionally viable in an organ culture medium for up to 1 week and possess naked arhabdomeral and rhabdomeral segment membranes which are easily accessible for whole-cell recordings. A dissection technique was also developed whereby the retinal epidermis and neural plexus, as well as the second-order eccentric cells, could be separated from the ommatidia of the compound lateral eye in one simple step, providing viable isolated ommatidia attached to the cornea. The enzyme pretreatment used for dissociating the retina was then used to remove the individual ommatidia from the corneal cones. Hoffman modulation contrast microscopy was used to develop a reliable method for sorting and collecting viable isolated retinular cells for morphological and electrophysiological studies. Morphological analysis using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that isolated retinular cells are morphologically nearly identical to retinular cells in situ. Isolated retinular cells possess a normal rhabdomere with no apparent loss of microvillar membrane as a result of the isolation process. Ommatidia can presently be isolated with up to six retinular cells possessing essentially normal structure and ultrastructure including thick rays of rhabdom. Isolated ommatidia possess naked A-segment membranes which are also well suited for whole-cell recording techniques.
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PMID:Photoreceptor cells dissociated from the compound lateral eye of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, I: Structure and ultrastructure. 833 99

Keratoconus, a bilateral corneal disease, is characterized by modifications in corneal shape and thinning of the stroma. It affects young people. From a biochemical point of view, a decrease in collagen content, probably due to the high collagenase activity, has been reported. In these experiments, we have studied the membrane receptors for interleukin 1 alpha, and the corresponding dissociation constant (KD). We also investigated synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and collagen, as well as kinetics of cyclooxygenase. Data from normal human corneas and from keratoconus were compared. Fibroblasts from keratoconus proved to bear four fold more IL1 binding sites than those from normal cornea, with similar KD. Both types of cells synthesize prostaglandin E2, even if IL1 is not added to the medium, but the keratoconus cells produce ten times more than the normal cornea cells. When the cells are stimulated with IL1, synthesis of PGE2 strongly increases and the amounts produced by keratoconus cells are always higher than those of the normal cornea cells. Kinetics of the cyclooxygenase show that Vmax. is 10 times higher in keratoconus than in normal cornea cells; Km's are the same. The amounts of collagen synthesized by keratoconus cells are slightly lower than those of normal cornea cells. Addition of IL1 to the cultures enhances synthesis of collagenase by the cells and decreases collagen found in the culture media. The drop of collagen is more important in keratoconus than in normal cornea cell cultures.
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PMID:Modification of prostaglandin E2 and collagen synthesis in keratoconus fibroblasts, associated with an increase of interleukin 1 alpha receptor number. 840 71


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