Increased expression of the Ed-B-containing fibronectin (an embryonic isoform of fibronectin) in human osteoarthritic cartilage.
Fibronectin is non-collagenous protein which accumulates in osteoarthritic cartilage. The presence of fibronectin and its specific isoform containing the B sequence, Ed-B fibronectin (B.Fn), was studied in normal and osteoarthritic human cartilage using immunohistochemical and biochemical assays, with a specific monoclonal antibody. Results showed substantial amounts of B.Fn in osteoarthritic cartilage, especially in the superficial and middle layers. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of B.Fn with a molecular mass of 220 and 55 kDa. In contrast, in normal cartilage, expression of B.Fn was extremely low. In conclusion, the expression of a specific isoform of fibronectin during the osteoarthritic process suggests that this isoform might have specific functions in extracellular matrix remodelling.
Chevalier
X
X
Department of Rheumatology, Hopital Henri-Mondor, Creteil, France.
Groult
N
N
Hornebeck
W
W
D000368:Aged; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000378:metabolism*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000378:metabolism*
D005353:Fibronectins