Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and thrombospondin 1. Purification from articular cartilage, electron microscopic structure, and chondrocyte binding.

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) were purified in a native form from normal bovine articular cartilage. The key step in the purification scheme was selective extraction with EDTA-containing buffer. Final separation of these two molecules was achieved by heparin affinity chromatography. Particles viewed by electron microscopy after rotary shadowing and negative staining revealed structures similar to their prototype molecules; from the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma for COMP, or from platelets for TSP1. Attachment of primary bovine chondrocytes to purified matrix proteins was investigated. Cells attached to COMP but not to the structurally related TSP1 indicating separate functions for these proteins in cartilage.