Macromolecular crowding enhances fibrillin-1 deposition in the extracellular matrix. 2022

B Satz-Jacobowitz, and N Taye, and S Z Karoulias, and D Hubmacher

Biochemical and biophysical factors need consideration when modelling in vivo cellular behaviour using in vitro cell culture systems. One underappreciated factor is the high concentration of macromolecules present in vivo, which is typically not simulated under standard cell culture conditions. This disparity is especially relevant when studying biochemical processes that govern extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, which may be altered due to dilution of secreted macromolecules by the relatively large volumes of culture medium required for cell maintenance in vitro. Macromolecular crowding (MMC) utilises the addition of inert macromolecules to cell culture medium to mimic such high concentration environments found in vivo. The present study induced MMC using the sucrose polymer Ficoll and examined whether fibrillin-1 deposition by human lung fibroblasts could be augmented. Fibrillin-1 forms extracellular microfibrils, which are versatile scaffolds required for elastic fibre formation, deposition of other ECM proteins and growth factor regulation. Pathogenic variants in the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1) cause Marfan syndrome, where ECM deposition of fibrillin-1 can be compromised. Using immunocytochemistry, significantly enhanced fibrillin-1 deposition was observed when lung fibroblasts were cultured under MMC conditions. MMC also augmented fibrillin-1 deposition in Marfan syndrome patient-derived skin fibroblasts in a cell line- and likely FBN1 variant-specific manner. The ability of MMC to increase fibrillin-1 deposition suggested potential applications for tissue-engineering approaches, e.g. to generate tendon or vascular tissues, where fibrillin-1 microfibrils and elastic fibres are key determinants of their biomechanical properties. Moreover, it suggested the potency of MMC to better mimic in vivo ECM environments in cell culture studies.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008382 Marfan Syndrome An autosomal dominant disorder of CONNECTIVE TISSUE with abnormal features in the heart, the eye, and the skeleton. Cardiovascular manifestations include MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE; AORTIC ANEURYSM; and AORTIC DISSECTION. Other features include lens displacement (ectopia lentis), disproportioned long limbs and enlarged DURA MATER (dural ectasia). Marfan syndrome (type 1) is associated with mutations in the gene encoding FIBRILLIN-1 (FBN1), a major element of extracellular microfibrils of connective tissue. Mutations in the gene encoding TYPE II TGF-BETA RECEPTOR (TGFBR2) are associated with Marfan syndrome type 2. Marfan Like Connective Tissue Disorder,Marfan Syndrome Type 1,Marfan Syndrome Type 2,Marfan Syndrome, Type II,Marfan Syndrome, Type I,Marfan's Syndrome,Marfans Syndrome
D005109 Extracellular Matrix A meshwork-like substance found within the extracellular space and in association with the basement membrane of the cell surface. It promotes cellular proliferation and provides a supporting structure to which cells or cell lysates in culture dishes adhere. Matrix, Extracellular,Extracellular Matrices,Matrices, Extracellular
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000071838 Fibrillin-1 A fibrillin (FBN1) that functions as a structural support protein for MICROFIBRILS. It also regulates the maturation of OSTEOBLASTS by controlling the availability and concentration of TGF-BETA and BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEINS. Mutations in the FBN1 gene are associated with MARFAN SYNDROME. Profibrillin 1,Profibrillin-1,Fibrillin 1
D016326 Extracellular Matrix Proteins Macromolecular organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually, sulfur. These macromolecules (proteins) form an intricate meshwork in which cells are embedded to construct tissues. Variations in the relative types of macromolecules and their organization determine the type of extracellular matrix, each adapted to the functional requirements of the tissue. The two main classes of macromolecules that form the extracellular matrix are: glycosaminoglycans, usually linked to proteins (proteoglycans), and fibrous proteins (e.g., COLLAGEN; ELASTIN; FIBRONECTINS; and LAMININ). Extracellular Matrix Protein,Matrix Protein, Extracellular,Matrix Proteins, Extracellular,Protein, Extracellular Matrix,Proteins, Extracellular Matrix
D020894 Microfibrils Components of the extracellular matrix consisting primarily of fibrillin. They are essential for the integrity of elastic fibers. Microfibril

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