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Mechanisms of magnesium-stimulated adhesion of osteoblastic cells to commonly used orthopaedic implants.

Poor cell adhesion to orthopaedic and dental implants may result in implant failure. Cellular adhesion to biomaterial surfaces primarily is mediated by integrins, which act as signal transduction and adhesion proteins. Because integrin function depends on divalent cations, we investigated the effect of magnesium ions modified bioceramic substrata (Al(2)O(3)-Mg(2+)) on human bone-derived cell (HBDC) adhesion, integrin expression, and activation of intracellular signalling molecules. Immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, cell adhesion, cell adhesion blocking, and Western blotting assays were used. Our findings demonstrated that adhesion of HBDC to Al(2)O(3)-Mg(2+) was increased compared to on the Mg(2+)-free Al(2)O(3). Furthermore, HBDC adhesion decreased significantly when the fibronectin receptor alpha5beta1- and beta1-integrins were blocked by functional blocking antibodies. HBDC grown on the Mg(2+)-modified bioceramic expressed significantly enhanced levels of beta1-, alpha5beta1-, and alpha3beta1-integrins receptors compared to those grown on the native unmodified Al(2)O(3). Tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular integrin-dependent signalling proteins as well as the expression of key signalling protein Shc isoforms (p46, p52, p66), focal adhesion kinase, and extracellular matrix protein collagen type I were significantly enhanced when HBDC were grown on Al(2)O(3)-Mg(2+) compared to the native Al(2)O(3). We conclude that cell adhesion to biomaterial surfaces is probably mediated by alpha5beta1- and beta1-integrin. Cation-promoted cell adhesion depends on 5beta1- and beta1-integrins associated signal transduction pathways involving the key signalling protein Shc and results also in enhanced gene expression of extracellular matrix proteins. Therefore, Mg(2+) supplementation of bioceramic substrata may be a promising way to improve integration of implants in orthopaedic and dental surgery.

Aluminum Oxide↗

Characterization of mouse integrin alpha3 subunit gene.

Integrin alpha3beta1 (VLA-3) is an adhesion receptor for extracellular matrix proteins including various isoforms of laminin. We have isolated mouse genomic clones encoding the integrin alpha3 subunit and deduced the exon/intron organization. The mouse integrin alpha3 subunit gene is encoded by 26 exons spanning 40 kb. The exon/intron structure of the integrin alpha3 subunit gene resembles that of the integrin alpha6 subunit gene, but differs somewhat from those of other members of the integrin family. We have demonstrated that the cytoplasmic domain splicing variants of the alpha3 subunits (alpha3A and alpha3B) are generated by alternative exon usage. We also cloned the 5'-flanking region and performed a preliminary analysis of its promoter activity in various tumor cell lines with different degrees of integrin alpha3 expression. Following transfection, activity in the luciferase assay was found to be roughly correlated with the expression level of integrin alpha3 as measured by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the luciferase assay was performed with normal and SV-40- or polyoma virus-transformed fibroblasts. In mouse, human, and hamster fibroblasts, higher levels of luciferase expression were observed in transformed cells than in normal cells. This result is consistent with our previous finding that integrin alpha3 expression at both the protein and mRNA levels is enhanced upon oncogenic transformation of fibroblasts by tumor viruses.

Alternative Splicing↗

High glucose and angiotensin II increase beta1 integrin and integrin-linked kinase synthesis in cultured mouse podocytes.

Alterations of integrin alpha3beta1 may play a role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. We have investigated the effects of high glucose and angiotensin II on the expression of integrin alpha3 and beta1, and whether these changes are associated with integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in cultured mouse podocytes. Integrin beta1 and ILK mRNA expression and protein production were rapidly up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner by high glucose and angiotensin II stimulation. ILK mRNA levels in the mouse podocytes exposed to 30 mmol/l glucose were 1.66, 1.89, and 1.28 times higher than those in control cells at 6, 24, and 72 h exposure, respectively. ILK mRNA levels in mouse podocytes exposed to 1 nM, 10 nM, and 100 nM angiotensin II for 6 h were 1.38, 1.55, and 1.93 times higher, respectively, than those in control cells. Angiotensin-II-induced integrin beta1 and ILK mRNA expression was significantly inhibited by treatment with losartan (100 muM). In addition, the up-regulation of ILK synthesis induced by these stimuli was related to beta1 integrin synthesis and increased ILK kinase activity. Cell adhesion assay displayed inhibitory effects when podocytes were exposed to high concentrations of angiotensin II. Interestingly, glucose and angiotensin II stimulation induced shrinkage of the cell body and elongation of the podocyte processes, a phenotype similar to that of immature podocytes. In addition, beta1 integrin showed higher levels of staining on both the cell membranes and the cell-cell contact areas. Thus, high glucose and angiotensin II may affect the regulation of the integrin-ILK system in podocytes; this system may therefore play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and other renal diseases affecting podocytes.

Angiotensin II↗

HEMCAM/CD146 downregulates cell surface expression of beta1 integrins.

HEMCAM/gicerin, an immunoglobulin superfamily protein, is involved in homophilic and heterophilic adhesion. It interacts with NOF (neurite outgrowth factor), a molecule of the laminin family. Alternative splicing leads to mRNAs coding for HEMCAM with a short (HEMCAM-s) or a long cytoplasmic tail (HEMCAM-l). To investigate the cellular function of these two variants, we stably transfected murine fibroblasts with either form of HEMCAM. Expression of each isoform of this protein in L cells delayed proliferation and modified their adhesion properties to purified extracellular matrix proteins. Expression of either HEMCAM-s or HEMCAM-l inhibited integrin-dependent adhesion and spreading of fibroblasts to laminin 1, showing that this phenomenon did not depend on the cytoplasmic region. By contrast, L-cell adhesion and spreading to fibronectin depended on the HEMCAM isoform expressed. Flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation studies revealed that the expression of HEMCAM downregulated expression of the laminin-binding integrins alpha3beta1, alpha6beta1 and alpha7beta1, and fibronectin receptor alpha5beta1 from the cell surface. Semi-quantitative PCR and northern blot experiments showed that the expression of alpha6beta1 integrin modified by HEMCAM occurred at a translation or maturation level. Thus, our data demonstrate that HEMCAM regulates fibroblast adhesion by controlling beta1 integrin expression.

Animals↗

Localization of ladsin, a homolog of laminin-5, in normal adult human tissues: immunohistochemical and immunoelectron microscopic studies.

Ladsin, a homolog of laminin-5, is a large cell-adhesive protein with potent cell-scattering activity. In the present study, we investigated, by immunohistochemistry, the distribution of ladsin in a wide range of normal adult human epithelial tissues along with that of integrin subunit alpha3 as a marker of integrin alpha3beta1, which is the primary receptor of ladsin. Our results demonstrated that ladsin was localized in the basement membranes of almost all the epithelial tissues with coexisting integrin subunit alpha3 along the cell membranes, suggesting that their interaction is important in the maintenance of normal architecture and function of these membranes. Only cytoplasmic localization of ladsin was observed in the fundic glands, hepatocytes, renal tubuli, and acini of the mammary glands, and in these tissues, integrin subunit alpha3 was also localized in the cytoplasm. Both ladsin and integrin subunit alpha3 were absent in the acini of the pancreas, major salivary glands, and bronchial glands. These tissue- and cell type-specific localizations of ladsin and integrin subunit alpha3 likely reflect the differences in their role and function in each tissue.

Journal Article↗

Differential regulation of cellular adhesion and migration by recombinant laminin-5 forms with partial deletion or mutation within the G3 domain of alpha3 chain.

The basement membrane protein laminin-5 promotes cell adhesion and migration. The carboxyl-terminal G3 domain in the alpha3 chain is essential for the unique activity of laminin-5. To investigate the function of the G3 domain, we prepared various recombinant laminin-5 forms with a partially deleted or mutated G3 domain. The deletion of the carboxyl-terminal 28 amino acids (region III) markedly decreased the cell adhesion activity with a slight loss of the cell motility activity toward BRL and EJ-1 cells. This change was attributed to the loss of Lys-Arg-Asp sequence. Further deletion of 83 amino acids (region II) led to almost complete loss of the cell motility activity. All charged amino acid residues tested in this region were not responsible for the activity loss. These results suggest that the G3 domain contains two distinct regions that differently regulate cell adhesion and migration. Analysis of laminin-5 receptors showed that integrins alpha3beta1, alpha6beta1, and alpha6beta4 had different but synergistic effects on cell adhesion and migration on laminin-5. However, the structural change of the G3 domain appeared not to change integrin specificity. The present study demonstrates that the G3 domain in laminin-5 plays a central role to produce different biological effects on cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

EGF and beta1 integrin convergently regulate migration of A431 carcinoma cell through MAP kinase activation.

We found that the convergently epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced signal and the collagen-induced signal activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which induces migration. We examined the signaling mechanisms of EGF-induced cell migration on collagen using the A431 carcinoma cell. EGF (10 ng/ml) induced migration on collagen, but inhibited proliferation. Using a MAPK cascade inhibitor, PD98059, it was shown that EGF-induced migration on collagen was mediated by MAPK whereas EGF-induced migration on fibronectin and vitronectin was not. PD98059 also showed that activation of MAPK induced by EGF enhanced the adhesiveness of A431 cells to collagen. By Western blotting analysis, the kinetics of MAPK phosphorylation induced by EGF and collagen was examined separately, and convergently. First of all, EGF without collagen caused transient MAPK phosphorylation. Collagen without EGF caused MAPK to be immediately and transiently dephosphorylated, and rephosphorylated followed by sustained hyperphosphorylation. EGF together with collagen caused an immediate, and sustained, hyperphosphorylation. These facts suggest that the transient MAPK dephosphorylation induced by collagen is required for migration in order to maintain an appropriate level of sustained phosphorylation. Furthermore, we found that adhesion of A431 cells to collagen was blocked by the anti-beta1 integrin antibody or by the mixed antibodies composed of anti-alpha1, -alpha2, and -alpha3 antibodies, indicating that collagen-induced MAPK phosphorylation was mediated through alpha1beta1, alpha2beta1, and alpha3beta1 integrins.

Cell Movement↗

Integrins as mediators of epithelial cell-matrix interactions in the human small intestinal mucosa.

The intestinal epithelium is a highly dynamic tissue, which depends on a variety of factors for the regulation of its rapid renewal and expression of digestive functions. Over the last 10 years, it has become evident that among these factors are cell interactions with the extracellular matrix, more specifically with the underlying basement membrane, through a series of specific cell membrane receptors, many of which are integrins. Integrins regulate the assembly of adhesive junctions as well as the activation of various signaling pathways, leading to the modulation of gene expression. The analysis of the integrin repertoire along the crypt-villus axis in the human small intestinal epithelium identifies a number of beta1 and beta4 integrins, showing differential patterns of expression relative to its two functional compartments. Among them are the integrins alpha3beta1, alpha7Bbeta1 and the functional form of alpha6beta4 that appear to be related, in concert with the distribution of their ligands, to the process of intestinal cell differentiation, and the integrins alpha2beta1, alpha1beta1, alpha5beta1, and the non-functional form of alpha6beta4 that seem to be coupled with the undifferentiated/proliferative status of crypt cells. These observations delineate the potential complexity of the organization of epithelial cell-matrix interactions involved in the maintenance of the human intestinal crypt-villus axis.

Basement Membrane↗

Tetraspanins in intercellular adhesion of polarized epithelial cells: spatial and functional relationship to integrins and cadherins.

The subcellular distribution of tetraspanin molecules and their functional relationship with integrins in cell-cell adhesion was studied in detail in different polarized epithelial cell models. CD9, CD81 and CD151 tetraspanins were localized at lateral cell-cell contact sites in a similar distribution to E-cadherin. Interestingly, CD9 was partially localized at the apical microvillae of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells forming multimolecular complexes distinct from those found on the basolateral membrane, suggesting the coexistence of differential tetraspanin webs with different subcellular localization. We found that tetraspanin-associated beta1 integrins at cell-to-cell contacts were in a low-affinity conformational state, and that their localization at intercellular contacts was independent of cadherin expression and adhesion. Furthermore, integrin-tetraspanin complexes were functionally relevant in cell-cell adhesion in a cadherin-independent manner, without requiring a conformational change of the integrin moiety. Nevertheless, the integrin alpha3beta1 was ligand-binding competent and this binding did not disrupt association to tetraspanins. Moreover, Chinese hamster ovary cells treated with anti-tetraspanin mAbs or activatory anti-beta1 integrin mAbs were able to develop tubule-like structures. Together, these data support tetraspanin association as a new regulatory mechanism of integrin function and suggest a role for tetraspanins-integrin complexes in providing the cell with the spatial cues necessary for their proper polarization.

Animals↗

Changes in integrin and E-cadherin expression in neoplastic versus normal thyroid tissue.

UNLABELLED: BACK: The functional organization of polarized epithelia depends mostly on adhesion molecules belonging to the integrin and cadherin families. These molecules either recognize basement membrane components, such as laminins, or form intercellular junctions via homotypic interactions. Such tissue organization is often disrupted upon neoplastic transformation, and the resulting loss of functional polarization and cell cohesion might be a prerequisite for the invasive and metastatic behavior of carcinomas. PURPOSE: We studied modifications on thyroid adhesive mechanisms at various stages of neoplastic progression in terms of adhesion molecule expression, topography, and functional regulation by tyrosine kinases. Starting from this working hypothesis, we sought to identify one or more biological markers that would be suggestive of malignant transformation and poorer prognosis and that could be developed as a reliable indicator(s) in early diagnostic steps. METHODS: The study was carried out on both surgical samples and the corresponding fine-needle aspiration biopsy smears (numbers of specimens collected: 19 adenomas, seven follicular carcinomas, 13 papilary carcinomas, and 39 normal tissues). Immunohistochemistry of tissue sections and smears and immuno-precipitation and western blot analysis of protein extracts were done with a battery of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Northern blotting was performed on RNA extracts from frozen tissue samples and use of an integrin subunit beta4 complementary DNA probe. RESULTS: Our findings can be summarized as follows: 1) In normal thyroid cells, the cooperative role of integrin alpha6beta4 and laminin 5/kalinin in hemidesmosome-mediated adhesion adhesion is missing, and recognition of the basal lamina occurs via integrin alpha3beta1 and laminin 1 and/or 2 (this pattern being maintained in adenomas but altered in carcinomas regardless of their histotype or differentiation grade); 2) only in carcinomas with clinical and/or histologic aggressiveness do neoexpression of integrin subunit beta4 and loss of laminin 2/merosin occur, indicating de novo assembly of integrin alpha6beta4; 3) pericellular redistribution and cytoskeletal disconnection of the E-cadherin-catenin complex occur; and 4) basal E-cadherin tyrosine phosphorylation decreases in carcinomas as compared with that in normal and adenomatous tissue. CONCLUSION: The malignant progression of thyroid tumors involves marked rearrangement of cell-basement membrane and cell-cell adhesion molecules and changes in their cytoskeleton linkage. These rearrangements are also easily and reproducibly detected on fine-needle aspiration biopsy smears. IMPLICATIONS: Immunodetection of adhesion molecules in sections and/or fine-needle smears may complement the toolbox of thyroid surgical pathologists; it may expand the possibilities of achieving a correct early diagnosis of thyroid tumors and of gaining some prognostic information on thyroid tumors.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

An uncleavable uPAR mutant allows dissection of signaling pathways in uPA-dependent cell migration.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) binding to uPAR induces migration, adhesion, and proliferation through multiple interactions with G proteins-coupled receptor FPRL1, integrins, or the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR). At least two forms of uPAR are present on the cell surface: full-length and cleaved uPAR, each specifically interacting with one or more transmembrane proteins. The connection between these interactions and the effects on the signaling pathways activation is not clear. We have exploited an uPAR mutant (hcr, human cleavage resistant) to dissect the pathways involved in uPA-induced cell migration. This mutant is not cleaved by proteases, is glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored, and binds uPA with a normal K(d). Both wild-type (wt) and hcr-uPAR are able to mediate uPA-induced migration, are constitutively associated with the EGFR, and associate with alpha3beta1 integrin upon uPA binding. However, they engage different pathways in response to uPA. wt-uPAR requires both integrins and FPRL1 to mediate uPA-induced migration, and association of wt-uPAR to alpha3beta1 results in uPAR cleavage and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. On the contrary, hcr-uPAR does not activate ERK and does not engage FPRL1 or any other G protein-coupled receptor, but it activates an alternative pathway initiated by the formation of a triple complex (uPAR-alpha3beta1-EGFR) and resulting in the autotyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

NAG-2, a novel transmembrane-4 superfamily (TM4SF) protein that complexes with integrins and other TM4SF proteins.

Transmembrane-4 superfamily (TM4SF) proteins form complexes with integrins and other cell-surface proteins. To further characterize the major proteins present in a typical TM4SF protein complex, we raised monoclonal antibodies against proteins co-immunoprecipitated with CD81 from MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells. Only two types of cell-surface proteins were recognized by our 35 selected antibodies. These included an integrin (alpha6beta1) and three different TM4SF proteins (CD9, CD63, and NAG-2). The protein NAG-2 (novel antigen-2) is a previously unknown 30-kDa cell-surface protein. Using an expression cloning protocol, cDNA encoding NAG-2 was isolated. When aligned with other TM4SF proteins, the deduced amino acid sequence of NAG-2 showed most identity (34%) to CD53. Flow cytometry, Northern blotting, and immunohistochemistry showed that NAG-2 is widely present in multiple tissues and cell types but is absent from brain, lymphoid cells, and platelets. Within various tissues, strongest staining was seen on fibroblasts, endothelial cells, follicular dendritic cells, and mesothelial cells. In nonstringent detergent, NAG-2 protein was co-immunoprecipitated with other TM4SF members (CD9 and CD81) and integrins (alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1). Also, two-color immunofluorescence showed that NAG-2 was co-localized with CD81 on the surface of spread HT1080 cells. These results confirm the presence of NAG-2 in specific TM4SF.TM4SF and TM4SF-integrin complexes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning of disintegrins from Cerastes vipera and Macrovipera lebetina transmediterranea venom gland cDNA libraries: insight into the evolution of the snake venom integrin-inhibition system.

We report the cloning and sequence analysis of Cerastes vipera and Macrovipera lebetina transmediterranea cDNAs coding for short non-RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) disintegrins and for dimeric disintegrin subunits. The mRNAs belong to the short-coding class, suggesting that these disintegrin mRNAs may be more widely distributed than previously thought. Our data also argue for a common ancestry of the mRNAs of short disintegrins and those coding for precursors of dimeric disintegrin chains. The Macrovipera lebetina transmediterranea dimeric disintegrin reported to inhibit the laminin-binding integrins alpha3beta1, alpha6beta1 and alpha7beta1 was analysed using a proteomic approach and was shown to bear MLD (Met-Leu-Asp) and VGD (Val-Gly-Asp) motifs. The results highlight the fact that disintegrins have evolved a restricted panel of integrin-blocking sequences that segregate with defined branches of the phylogenetic tree of the integrin alpha-chains, providing novel insights into the evolutionary adaptation of the snake venom antagonists to the ligand-binding sites of their target integrin receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The effect of laminin and its peptide SIKVAV on a human salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line.

We have previously demonstrated that laminin modulates the expression of adhesion molecules in an adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line (CAC2 cells). We are currently studying whether laminin can induce modifications in the overall morphology of CAC2 cells. These cells were grown in a three-dimensional preparation of laminin-1. Phenotype differences were assessed by light and transmission electron microscopy. CAC2 cells grown inside laminin-1 formed ductlike and pseudocystic structures. Based on our findings we suggest that laminin is a key regulator of tubular and pseudocystic patterns of adenoid cystic carcinoma. We also analyzed the effect of a molecular domain of laminin-1, the peptide SIKVAV (Ser-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val) on CAC2 cells. This peptide was chosen because it is effective in cell proliferation and differentiation, and because it has never been tested before in salivary gland neoplasms. When CAC2 cells were grown inside SIKVAV-enriched laminin-1, only pseudocystic structures were observed. Since no ductlike structures were observed in samples treated with SIKVAV, we may assume that this peptide is at least one of the molecular domains of laminin responsible for the pseudocystic pattern observed in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Function disturbing experiments strongly suggested that the integrin alpha3beta1 play a role in the effect of laminin on CAC2 cells.

Antibodies, Blocking↗

Different phenotypes in human prostate cancer: alpha6 or alpha3 integrin in cell-extracellular adhesion sites.

The distribution of alpha6/alpha3 integrin in adhesion complexes at the basal membrane in human normal and cancer prostate glands was analyzed in 135 biopsies from 61 patients. The levels of the polarized alpha6/alpha3 integrin expression at the basal membrane of prostate tumor glands were determined by quantitative immunohistochemistry. The alpha6/alpha3 integrin expression was compared with Gleason sum score, pathological stage, and preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The associations were assessed by statistical methods. Eighty percent of the tumors expressed the alpha6 or alpha3 integrin and 20% was integrin-negative. Gleason sum score, but not serum PSA, was associated with the integrin expression. Low Gleason sum score correlated with increased integrin expression, high Gleason sum score with low and negative integrin expression. Three prostate tumor phenotypes were distinguished based on differential integrin expression. Type I coexpressed both alpha6 and alpha3 subunits, type II exclusively expressed alpha6 integrin, and type III expressed alpha3 integrin only. Fifteen cases were further examined for the codistribution of vinculin, paxillin, and CD 151 on frozen serial sections using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The alpha6/alpha3 integrins, CD151, paxillin, and vinculin were present within normal glands. In prostate carcinoma, alpha6 integrin was colocalized with CD 151, but not with vinculin or paxillin. In tumor phenotype I, the alpha6 subunit did not colocalize with the alpha subunit indicating the existence of two different adhesion complexes. Human prostate tumors display on their cell surface the alpha6beta1 and/or alpha3beta1 integrins. Three tumor phenotypes associated with two different adhesion complexes were identified, suggesting a reorganization of cell adhesion structures in prostate cancer.

Alleles↗

Differential modulation of human melanoma cell metalloproteinase expression by alpha2beta1 integrin and CD44 triple-helical ligands derived from type IV collagen.

Tumor cell binding to components of the basement membrane is well known to trigger intracellular signaling pathways. Signaling ultimately results in the modulation of gene expression, facilitating metastasis. Type IV collagen is the major structural component of the basement membrane and is known to be a polyvalent ligand, possessing sequences bound by the alpha1beta1, alpha2beta1, and alpha3beta1 integrins, as well as cell surface proteoglycan receptors, such as CD44/chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). The role of alpha2beta1 integrin and CD44/CSPG receptor binding on human melanoma cell activation has been evaluated herein using triple-helical peptide ligands incorporating the alpha1(IV)382-393 and alpha1(IV)1263-1277 sequences, respectively. Gene expression and protein production of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), -2, -3, -13, and -14 were modulated with the alpha2beta1-specific sequence, whereas the CD44-specific sequence yielded significant stimulation of MMP-8 and lower levels of modulation of MMP-1, -2, -13, and -14. Analysis of enzyme activity confirmed different melanoma cell proteolytic potentials based on engagement of either the alpha2beta1 integrin or CD44/CSPG. These results are indicative of specific activation events that tumor cells undergo upon binding to select regions of basement membrane collagen. Based on the present study, triple-helical peptide ligands provide a general approach for monitoring the regulation of proteolysis in cellular systems.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Beta1 integrin and alpha-dystroglycan binding sites are localized to different laminin-G-domain-like (LG) modules within the laminin alpha5 chain G domain.

Laminins are a group of extracellular-matrix proteins important in development and disease. They are heterotrimers, and specific domains in the different chains have specialized functions. The G domain of the alpha5 chain has now been produced in transfected mammalian cells as single modules and two tandem arrays, alpha5LG1-3 and alpha5LG4-5 (LG is laminin G domain-like). Using these fragments we produced specific polyclonal antibodies functional in immunoblotting and immunofluorescence studies and in solid-phase assays. Both alpha5LG tandem arrays had physiologically relevant affinities for sulphated ligands such as heparin and sulphatides. Cells adhered to these fragments and acquired a spread morphology when plated on alpha5LG1-3. Binding of integrins alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 was localized to the alpha5LG1-3 modules, and alpha-dystroglycan binding was localized to the alpha5LG4-5 modules, thus locating these activities to different LG modules within the laminin alpha5 G domain. However, both these activities were of relatively low affinity, indicating that integrin-mediated cell adhesion to the laminin 10/11 alpha5G domain depends on contributions from the other chains of the heterotrimer and that high-affinity alpha-dystroglycan binding could be dependent on specific Ca(2+)-ion-co-ordinating amino acids absent from alpha5LG4-5.

Animals↗

Overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-10 and matrix metalloproteinase-3 in human diabetic corneas: a possible mechanism of basement membrane and integrin alterations.

We have previously described decreased immunostaining of nidogen-1/entactin; laminin chains alpha1, alpha5, beta1,gamma1; and epithelial integrin alpha3beta1 in human diabetic retinopathy (DR) corneas. Here, using 142 human corneas, we tested whether these alterations might be caused by decreased gene expression levels or increased degradation. By semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, gene expression levels of the alpha1, alpha5, and beta1 laminin chains; nidogen-1/entactin; integrin alpha3 and beta1 chains in diabetic and DR corneal epithelium were similar to normal. Thus, the observed basement membrane and integrin changes were unlikely to occur because of a decreased synthesis. mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10/stromelysin-2) were significantly elevated in DR corneal epithelium and stroma, and of MMP-3/stromelysin-1, in DR corneal stroma. No such elevation was seen in keratoconus corneas. These data were confirmed by immunostaining, zymography, and Western blotting. mRNA levels of five other proteinases and of three tissue inhibitors of MMPs were similar to normal in diabetic and DR corneal epithelium and stroma. The data suggest that alterations of laminins, nidogen-1/entactin, and epithelial integrin in DR corneas may occur because of an increased proteolytic degradation. MMP-10 overexpressed in the diabetic corneal epithelium seems to be the major contributor to the observed changes in DR corneas. Such alterations may bring about epithelial adhesive abnormalities clinically seen in diabetic corneas.

Adult↗