Abstract
SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) is a matricellular protein associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM). It has been found that the production of collagen I is a requisite for the association of SPARC with ECM, and studies with SPARC-null mice indicate that SPARC plays a role in modifying the structure of collagen fibers. It is not known, however, whether SPARC interacts with the collagen I precursor, procollagen I. In this study, the binding of SPARC to collagen I and procollagen I was verified by surface plasmon resonance. The SPARC-binding sites on collagen I and procollagen I were identified by directly visualizing their complexes using tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM). The characteristic chain end feature in collagen I is not readily detected by AFM, so unambiguous location of the binding sites relative to the C- or N-termini is difficult. In contrast, procollagen I, with its large globular C-propeptide, permits easy identification of the C-terminus. Histograms were constructed and compared based on the distances of the bound SPARC to the C-terminus of procollagen I and to the closest end of collagen I. There is a broad distribution of SPARC binding sites on procollagen I with the most preferred binding region located ∼1/3 from the C-terminus. Characterization of the SPARC-binding sites on collagen I and procollagen I provides useful information for further understanding of the functional implications of their interactions.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 6765-6771 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Analytical Chemistry |
Volume | 77 |
Issue number | 21 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Analytical Chemistry