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Heterogeneity in collagen biosynthesis by sprouting retinal endothelial cells
1CRC Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, England.
Journal of Cellular Physiology
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Bovine retinal endothelial cells exhibit two morphologies: cobblestone and sprouting. Sprouting cells show varied collagen synthesis, suggesting a role in controlling new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis).
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Bovine retinal microvascular endothelial cells present two distinct morphologies: cobblestone (resting) and sprouting (angiogenic).
- These morphologies are reversible and reflect different functional states of vascular cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synthesis of matrix macromolecules by retinal endothelial cells in cobblestone versus sprouting morphologies.
- To understand the heterogeneity in collagen synthesis within the sprouting phenotype and its relation to angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Culturing bovine retinal endothelial cells to induce cobblestone and sprouting morphologies.
- Analyzing the types of collagen, fibronectin, and thrombospondin synthesized by cells in different morphologies and passages using biochemical assays.
Main Results:
- Cobblestone cells primarily synthesized Type IV collagen.
- Sprouting cells exhibited heterogeneity, with some synthesizing Types II, III, and IV collagen, while others synthesized only Type IV.
- Both cell types produced fibronectin and thrombospondin, with amounts varying by culture conditions. In vitro aging of cobblestone cells led to synthesis of Types I, III, and IV collagen.
Conclusions:
- Retinal endothelial cell sprouting phenotype is heterogeneous and not solely defined by Type I collagen synthesis.
- Variations in matrix macromolecule synthesis by sprouting cells may regulate angiogenesis.