The macromolecular structure of type X collagen in the matrices of primary cultures of chick hypertrophic chondrocytes was initially investigated using immunoelectron microscopy. Type X collagen was observed to assemble into a matlike structure with-in the matrix elaborated by hypertrophic chondrocytes. The process of self assembly was investigated at the molecular level using purified chick type X collagen and rotary-shadowing EM. It was shown that under neutral conditions at 34 degrees C, individual type X collagen molecules associate rapidly into multimeric clusters via their carboxy-terminal globular domains forming structures with a central nodule of carboxy-terminal domains and the triple helices radiating outwards. Prolonged incubation resulted in the formation of a regular hexagonal lattice by lateral association of the juxtaposed triple-helical domains from adjacent multimeric clusters. This extended lattice may play an important role in modifying the cartilage matrix for subsequent events occurring in endochondral bone formation.
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August 01 1991
Macromolecular organization of chicken type X collagen in vitro.
A P Kwan,
A P Kwan
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
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C E Cummings,
C E Cummings
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
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J A Chapman,
J A Chapman
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
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M E Grant
M E Grant
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
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A P Kwan
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
C E Cummings
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
J A Chapman
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
M E Grant
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
Online ISSN: 1540-8140
Print ISSN: 0021-9525
J Cell Biol (1991) 114 (3): 597–604.
Citation
A P Kwan, C E Cummings, J A Chapman, M E Grant; Macromolecular organization of chicken type X collagen in vitro.. J Cell Biol 1 August 1991; 114 (3): 597–604. doi: https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.114.3.597
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