An N-terminal peptide from link protein can stimulate biosynthesis of collagen by human articular cartilage

Previous studies have shown that a peptide identical in sequence to the N-terminal of link protein can function as a growth factor and up-regulate proteoglycan synthesis by human articular cartilage in explant culture (L. A. McKenna et al., Arthritis Rheum. 41, 157-162, 1998). The present study has extended these investigations to determine the effects of this peptide on the synthesis of collagen, another essential component of normal cartilage matrix. Explants from normal adult knee cartilage were maintained for periods of up to 8 days in medium with or without serum. Peptides were added during each day of culture. Synthesis of collagen was determined by the incorporation of [3H]proline into hydroxyproline and proteoglycans by incorporation of [35S]sulfate. The type of newly synthesized collagen was measured by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, fluorography, and immunoblotting. The link protein peptide stimulated synthesis of type II collagen in cartilage from a number of different subjects. Maximum up-regulation of synthesis was attained at a concentration of 100 ng/ml, similar to that observed previously for up-regulation of proteoglycan. Synthesis was up-regulated in both the presence and the absence of serum, although the overall rate of synthesis was greater when serum was added. The findings that this link peptide growth factor stimulated synthesis of proteins, including collagen, in a manner analogous to that shown previously for proteoglycans support the hypothesis that this peptide may have an important role in the feedback control of cartilage matrix synthesis.