Synthesis and localization of fibronectin during collagenous matrix-mesenchymal cell interaction and differentiation of cartilage and bone in vivo.

The biosynthesis of fibronectin during the in vivo development of matrix-induced endochondral bone was investigated by using [35S]methionine in rats. The dmineralized bone matrix that was implanted subcutaneously to induce local bone formation bound circulating fibronectin. This may be an important initial requirement for cell attachment to the matrix. Fibronectin was present throughout the development of bone but accounted for the largest percentage of total protein synthesized during mesenchymal cell proliferation and hematopoiesis. Fibronectin was identified in tissue extracts by its (i) comigration on electrophoretic NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gels with human and rat plasma fibronectin, (ii) affinity for denatured collagen, (iii) crossreactivity with purified antibody of rat plasma fibronectin, and (iv) insensitivity to collagenase digestion. Fibronectin was localized by immunofluorescence in the extracellular matrix during the period of mesenchymal cell proliferation. During chondrogenesis, fibronectin was demonstrated in the differentiating chondrocytes. Fibronectin was detectable in the cartilage matrix only after hyaluronidase treatment. During vascular invasion, prior to osteogenesis, fibronectin was localized in association with endothelial cells. These observations demonstrate a possible role of fibronectin in collagenous matrix-mesenchymal cell interaction in vivo.