Schmidt, TanninMacCallum, JustinMartens, Kayla2018-10-092018-10-092018-09-14Martens, K. (2018) Characterization of Proteoglycan 4 Supramolecular Structure and its Effect on Lubricating Function (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/33134http://hdl.handle.net/1880/108782Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) is a mucin-like glycoprotein that is a key synovial fluid constituent, functioning as a cartilage boundary lubricant. PRG4 has been suggested to exist as a supramolecular structure. The objectives of this thesis were to (1) characterize the supramolecular structure of recombinant human PRG4 (rhPRG4) and its dependency on concentration, (2) elucidate the molecular forces underlying the formation of the supramolecular structure, and (3) assess the lubricating ability of the supramolecular structure. rhPRG4’s ability to form a supramolecular structure and reduce friction was concentration dependent. Arginine (0.2M) disrupted the formation of the supramolecular structure of rhPRG4 and diminished its lubricating ability. Conversely, 20 mM calcium enhanced the formation of rhPRG4 supramolecular structure and enhanced its lubricating ability. These results suggest non-covalent interactions mediate rhPRG4’s supramolecular structure, shown here to exist for the first time, which in turn is a functionally (lubrication) determinant property.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.ChemistryEngineeringEngineering--Biomedicalmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/33134