Inhibition of the interaction between fibronectin and dermatopontin by Clostridium perfringens fibronectin-binding proteins.

Fibronectin (Fn) is an approximately 450 kDa glycoprotein that is comprised of 12 type I, 2 type II, and 15-17 type III modules. Fibrillation of Fn is important for tissue reconstitution and wound healing. We previously reported that Clostridium perfringens produces several Fn-binding proteins (Fbps), two of which, FbpA and FbpB, bind to III1 -C (a fragment of Fn derived from the carboxyl-terminal two-thirds of the first type III module). Dermatopontin (DPT), a 22 kDa non-collagenous extracellular matrix protein, accelerates normal collagen fibrillation and induces Fn fibrillation. DPT interacts with Fn type III12-14 (III12-14 ), leading to a change in Fn conformation and promoting Fn fibrillation. Here, we investigated the effects of FbpA and FbpB on the binding of Fn and the III12-14 fragment to DPT and on the DPT-induced Fn fibrillation. Both recombinant FbpA (rFbpA) and recombinant FbpB (rFbpB) significantly inhibited Fn binding to DPT and recombinant III12-14 (rIII12-14 ) binding, and inhibited DPT-induced Fn fibrillation. Furthermore, it was found that both rFbpA and rFbpB significantly bound to coated DPT in enzyme-linked avidin-biotin complex system, whereas rIII12-14 did not bind to either coated rFbpA or rFbpB. In conclusion, both FbpA and FbpB inhibited DPT-induced Fn fibrillation via their interaction with DPT. Both FbpA and FbpB released from lysed C. perfringens cells in wounds and/or infected tissue may prevent Fn fibrillation and delay the wound healing process, subsequently exacerbating infection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.