WARP is a novel multimeric component of the chondrocyte pericellular matrix that interacts with perlecan
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 07:42authored byAllen, JM, Bateman, JF, Hansen, U, Richard WilsonRichard Wilson, Bruckner, P, Owens, RT, Sasaki, T, Timpl, R, Fitzgerald, J
WARP is a novel member of the von Willebrand factor A domain superfamily of extracellular matrix proteins that is expressed by chondrocytes. WARP is restricted to the presumptive articular cartilage zone prior to joint cavitation and to the articular cartilage and fibrocartilaginous elements in the joint, spine, and sternum during mouse embryonic development. In mature articular cartilage, WARP is highly specific for the chondrocyte pericellular microenvironment and co-localizes with perlecan, a prominent component of the chondrocyte pericellular region. WARP is present in the guanidine-soluble fraction of cartilage matrix extracts as a disulfide-bonded multimer, indicating that WARP is a strongly interacting component of the cartilage matrix. To investigate how WARP is integrated with the pericellular environment, we studied WARP binding to mouse perlecan using solid phase and surface plasmon resonance analysis. WARP interacts with domain III-2 of the perlecan core protein and the heparan sulfate chains of the perlecan domain I with K(D) values in the low nanomolar range. We conclude that WARP forms macromolecular structures that interact with perlecan to contribute to the assembly and/or maintenance of "permanent" cartilage structures during development and in mature cartilages.
History
Publication title
Journal of Biological Chemistry
Volume
281
Issue
11
Pagination
7341-7349
ISSN
0021-9258
Publisher
Amer Soc Biochemistry Molecular Biology Inc
Place of publication
9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, USA, Md, 20814-3996