# PROTEOGLYCAN STRUCTURE, METABOLISM AND ROLE IN TENDON

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO · 1987 · $112,036

## Abstract

Little is known about either the structure or the role of proteoglycans in
fibrous extracellular matrices.  Experiments are proposed to study the
proteoglycan constituents in the extracellular matrix of a normal dense
connective tissue, tendon, and the modulation in both amounts and types of
proteoglycan that occurs when tendon is subjected to altered mechanical
forces.  Distinct regions of the bovine deep flexor tendon will be used.
The proximal portion is subjected to only longitudinal tension and contains
predominantly a small dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (MW equal to 10-5).
The distal portion which is also subject to compressional forces has a
higher proteoglycan content and much of this is as a larger molecule (MW
equal to 10-6).  Explants of tendon in culture will be used to determine
the synthetic and turnover characteristics of newly synthesized
proteoglycans in each region of tendon.  Cell cultures will be initiated
from each region and the amounts and chemical characteristics of
proteoglycans and collagen synthesized by each will be determined.  These
studies will define the cellular metabolism of matrix macromolecules in the
system.  In addition, the role of proteoglycans in determining the
structural and material properties of tendon will be investigated by 1)
ultrastructural study of the matrix produced by tendon fibroblast cultures
to which proteoglycans known to inhibit fibrillogenesis in vitro have been
added, 2) in vitro analysis of proteoglycan binding to collagen, and 3)
changes in the material properties of tendon related to removal of
proteoglycans from the tissue by enzymatic digestion.  Finally, the
influence of the chemical and physical properties of a surrounding matrix
on proteoglycan synthesis by tendon fibroblasts will be determined by
growing the cells in suspension, in collagen gels, and on acellular,
freeze-dried tendon matrices.  The expression of proteoglycan synthesis by
fetal and adult cells will be modulated by subjecting cells in culture to
different mechanical stresses.

Restoration of fuction to a damaged tendon is a difficult medical problem.
Investigation of the capabilities of tendon fibroblasts to produce
proteoglycans and the functional role of these macromolecules for matrix
properties is thus relevant both to basic cell and tissue biology as well
as to applications in surgical procedures and tissue regeneration.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3157480
- **Project number:** 5R01AR036110-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
- **SAM.gov UEI:** F6XLTRUQJEN4
- **Principal Investigator:** KATHRYN G VOGEL
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $112,036
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-09-23 → 1988-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3157480

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3157480, PROTEOGLYCAN STRUCTURE, METABOLISM AND ROLE IN TENDON (5R01AR036110-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3157480. Licensed CC0.

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