IGFBP-1 protease activity and IGFBP-1 fragments in a patient with multiple myeloma.

OBJECTIVE

Cleavage of IGFBPs by proteases results in IGFBP fragments that have altered IGF-binding affinity, and IGF-independent roles. We have previously purified a specific IGFBP-1 protease activity from the urine of an individual with multiple myeloma and dermatitis. The aim of this study was to determine whether IGFBP-1 protease activity and/or IGFBP-1 fragments were present in the circulation of this patient.

METHODS

The size of immunoreactive IGFBP-1 in serum samples was determined after Superose 12 chromatography. Intact IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-1 fragments were characterized in four RIAs and after SDS-PAGE.

RESULTS

Specific proteolysis of IGFBP-1 generated an N-terminal fragment (IGFBP-1(1-130)) with a predicted molecular mass of 13kDa but an apparent mass of 21kDa on SDS-PAGE. A C-terminal fragment (IGFBP-1(131-234)) produced in vitro migrated at 11.4kDa, close to its predicted size. However a C-terminal fragment of cleaved IGFBP-1 (IGFBP-1(142-234)) migrated at 14kDa on SDS-PAGE. Serum from the patient inhibited IGFBP-1 protease activity. Immunoreactive IGFBP-1 in patient serum was present at molecular masses consistent with IGFBP-1 fragments, in addition to intact IGFBP-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific cleavage of IGFBP-1 occurs at the tissue level and not in the circulation in a patient with multiple myeloma and dermatitis. The fragments that are generated may have endocrine roles.