Latent TGF-β binding protein 2 and 4 have essential overlapping functions in microfibril development

Sci Rep. 2017 Mar 2:7:43714. doi: 10.1038/srep43714.

Abstract

Microfibrils are exracellular matrix components necessary for elastic fiber assembly and for suspending lenses. We previously reported that latent TGF-β binding protein 2 (LTBP-2), a microfibril-associated protein, is required for forming stable microfibril bundles in ciliary zonules. However, it was not understood why Ltbp2 null mice only showed an eye-specific phenotype, whereas LTBP-2 is abundantly expressed in other tissues containing microfibrils in wild type mice. Here, we show that LTBP-4, another microfibril-associated protein, compensates for the loss of LTBP-2 in microfibril formation. Ltbp2/4S double knockout (DKO) mice showed increased lethality due to emphysema, which was much more severe than that found in Ltbp4S null mice. Elastic fibers in the lungs of Ltbp2/4S DKO mice were severely disorganized and fragmented. Cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from Ltbp2/4S DKO embryos developed reduced microfibril meshwork in serum-free conditions, whereas the microfibril formation was restored by the addition of either recombinant LTBP-2 or -4. Finally, ectopic expression of LTBP-4 in the whole body restored ciliary zonule microfibril bundles in the eyes of Ltbp2 null mice. These data suggest that LTBP-2 and -4 have critical overlapping functions in forming the robust structure of microfibrils in vitro and in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cilia / metabolism
  • Emphysema / genetics
  • Emphysema / metabolism
  • Emphysema / pathology
  • Emphysema / physiopathology
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • Genotype
  • Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung / ultrastructure
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Microfibrils / metabolism*
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics

Substances

  • LTBP-4 protein, mouse
  • Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins
  • Ltbp1 protein, mouse
  • Ltbp2 protein, mouse
  • RNA, Messenger