Collagen synthesis by lathyrogen-treated 3T6 fibroblasts

The lathyrogen, beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), in ascorbate-free medium increased the synthesis of both collagenous and non-collagenous proteins in 3T6 fibroblasts. Cell layer collagen was underhydroxylated and more easily extracted with neutral salt in treated cultures. The ratios of proline: hydroxyproline in sequentially extracted collagen in the cell layer of both BAPN and control cultures showed virtually no difference in the acid soluble and insoluble fractions; however, the BAPN salt-soluble fraction was definitely underhydroxylated when compared to control cultures. The data suggest that the salt-soluble macromolecule represents, in addition to a cross-linking defect, an underhydroxylated intracellular collagen precursor.