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Jaro Sodek
Professor
B.Sc., University of Sheffield, 1964
Ph.D., University of Toronto, 1970
University of Alberta (Edmonton), 1970-73
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FitzGerald Building,
Room 234
416-978-6624
jaro.sodek@utoronto.ca |
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Biochemistry of Connective
Tissue
Research Synopsis
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Connective
tissue proteins.
The structure and properties of connective tissues (e.g.
bone, cartilage tendon, skin corium) reflect the nature
of the constituent matrix components which are synthesized
by resident connective tissue cells. This laboratory is
interested in the structural aspects of matrix proteins
and in their synthesis and degradation to provide an understanding
of how various connective tissues function. Of particular
interest to us are proteins that are unique to certain
connective tissues because they are also useful as phenotypic
markers for differentiated cells. We have isolated bone-specific
proteins which may function as either nucleators for hydroxyapatite
formation or may stabilize the hydroxyapatite crystal
in mineralized tissues. Studies on protein structure and
function, gene regulation and biosynthesis are currently
being undertaken.
Connective tissue cell differentiation.
Using cell cloning techniques, we have shown that cells
from various individual connective tissues are heterogeneous
morphologically and biochemically. We believe the heterogeneity
may reflect the existence of a variety of cell populations,
and cells at various stages of differentiation. Consequently,
cell and tissue-specific proteins are being sought to
study the characteristics of these cell populations and
the processes of connective tissue cell differentiation.
These studies, together with studies on tissue growth
factors, are directed at understanding processes of wound
healing, repair and regeneration of connective tissues,
and involve various biochemical techniques combined with
cell culture, immunochemistry, and in situ hybridization.
MRC Group in Periodontal Physiology.
This laboratory forms part of the MRC Group in Periodontal
Physiology which has taken a multidisciplinary approach
to studying structure, repair and remodelling in various
connective tissues. Consequently there are a number of
biochemical studies that involve collaboration with other
members of the group. The other group members are: Drs.
J. Aubin (cell biology), J. Ferrier (cellular biophysics),
J.N.M. Heersche (cell endocrinology) and M. Waye (molecular
biology). Collaborative studies include: the biochemical
characterization, and hormonal regulation of connective
tissue cells; biochemical processes involved in the production
of mineralized tissue by bone cells in vitro; the effects
of electric fields on ion transport and cellular orientation
in fibroblasts; mechanisms of collagen degradation.
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Selected Publications
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Characterization of fetal porcine bone sialoproteins:
secreted phosphoprotein 1 (spp1, osteopontin), bone
sialoprotein and a 23 kDa glycoprotein. Demonstration
that the 23 kDa glycoprotein is derived from the carboxy-terminus
of SPP1. Zhang, Q., Domenicucci, C., Goldberg, H.A.,
Wrana, J.L. and Sodek, J. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265:
7583-7589.
Independent regulation of collagenase, 72 kDa-progelatinase
and metalloendoproteinase inhibitor (TIMP) expression
in human fibroblasts by transforming growth factor-b.
Overall, C.M., Wrana, J.L. and Sodek, J., (1989) J.
Biol. Chem. 264: 1860-1869.
Mineral binding proteoglycans of fetal porcine calvarial
bone. Goldberg, H.A., Domenicucci, C., Pringle, G.A.
and Sodek, J. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263: 12092-12101.
Differential effects of transforming growth factor-b
on the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins
by normal fetal rat calvanal bone cell populations.
Wrana, J.F., Maeno, M., Hawrylyshyn, B., Yao, K.-L.,
Domenicucci, C. & Sodek, J. (1988) J. Cell. Biol.
1.25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 increases epidermal growth
factor receptors and transforming growth factor-b-like
activity in a bone-derived cell line. Petkovich, M.,
Wrana, J.L., Grigoriadis, A., Heersche, J.N.M. & Sodek,
J. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 13424-13428.
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