Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Evaluation of the Interplay Between the Complement Protein C1q and Hyaluronic Acid in Promoting Cell Adhesion
Published on: June 15, 2019
Equivalent involvement of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain isoforms in forming covalent complexes with
Long Zhu1, Lisheng Zhuo, Hideto Watanabe
1Institute for Molecular Science of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan.
Abstract:
Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (IalphaI) family molecules are composed of a common light chain of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, bikunin, and one or two of three genetically distinct heavy chain isoforms (designated HC1, 2, 3) that are bound covalently to the chondroitin sulfate chain. Hyaluronan can substitute for chondroitin sulfate to form a covalent complex with HCs. Important physiological and pathological roles of the formation of HC-hyaluronan complex have been well established. However, the involvement of the three HC isoforms in the assembly of IalphaI family molecules and the subsequent formation of SHAP-hyaluronan complex has not been studied yet in mice. In this study, we showed that mouse IalphaI and pre-alpha inhibitor contain HC1 approximately HC3 and HC3, respectively. All three HC isoforms are found in the SHAP-hyaluronan complexes of physiological or pathological origins as well as that formed in vitro, indicating that the three HC isoforms are all potential in forming complex with hyaluronan.
Related Concept Videos
Fibril-associated Collagen
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
Protein-protein Interfaces
Integrins
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Protein Complexes with Interchangeable Parts
The SCF ubiquitin ligase is a protein complex of five individual proteins. This complex attaches ubiquitin to other target proteins to mark them for degradation. In order to...
Protein Complexes with Interchangeable Parts
The SCF ubiquitin ligase is a protein complex of five individual proteins. This complex attaches ubiquitin to other target proteins to mark them for degradation. In order to...
Glycosaminoglycans
GAGS are found in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, invertebrates, and bacteria. Due to their polar nature they attract water, and serve as excellent lubricants or shock absorbers in an animal body.
Hyaluronic...

