Elastin elastogenesis

Elastin is a heavily crosslinked biopolymer that is formed in a process named elastogenesis. In this section, the role of elastin and the different steps of elastin production will be described, starting with transcription of the genetic code and processing of the primary transcript, followed by translation into the elastin precursor protein and its transport to the extracellular matrix. Finally, the crosslinking and fiber formation, which result in the transition from tropoelastin to elastin, are described. 

In vivo elastin fiber formation requires the coordination of a number of important processes. These include the control of intracellular transcription and translation of tropoelastin, intracellular processing of the protein, secretion of the protein into the extracellular space, delivery of tropoelastin monomers to sites of elastogenesis, alignment of the monomers with previously accreted tropoelastin through associating microfibrillar proteins, and finally, the conversion to the insoluble elastin polymer through the crosslinking action of lysyl oxidase (Fig. 2). 

Elastogenesis occurs primarily during late fetal and early neonatal periods. Elastin is synthesized and secreted from several cell types including smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, chondroblasts, and mesothelial cells (Uitto et al, 1991) with tissue-specific induction of elastin expression during development (Swee et al, 1995). After elastin has been deposited, its synthesis ceases and very little turnover of elastin is seen during adult life, unless the elastic fibers are subject to injury. In this case,... 

A. Caciotti, M. A. Donati, T. Bardelli, A. d Azzo, G. Massai, L. Luciani, E. Zammarchi, and A. Morrone, Primary and secondary elastin-binding protein defect leads to impaired elastogenesis in fibroblasts from GMl-gangliosidosis patients. Am. J. Pathol, 167 (2005) 1689-1698. 

An examination of cartilage indicated that chondroitin 4-sulphate is involved in calcification, whereas chondroitin 6-sulphate is important in maintaining the integrity of articular surfaces. The interactions of proteoglycans with tropo-elastin have been implicated in elastogenesis, ... 

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