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Use of an Immobilized Monoclonal Antibody to Examine Integrin alpha5beta1 Signaling Independent of Cell Spreading.

Cell attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM) engages integrin signaling into the cell, but part of the signaling response also stem from cell spreading (3). To analyze specific integrin signaling-mediated responses independent of cell spreading, we developed a method engaging integrin signaling by use of an immobilized anti-integrin monoclonal antibody (mab) directed against the fibronectin (FN) receptor integrin alpha5beta1. ECV 304 cells were plated onto FN or immobilized mab JBS5 (anti-integrin alpha5beta1) or onto poly-L-lysin (P-L-L), which mediates integrin-independent attachment. Cells attached and spread on FN, while cells on JBS5 or P-L-L attached but did not spread. Importantly, plating onto FN or mab JBS5 gave rise to identical integrin-induced responses, including a down-regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk2) inhibitors p21(CIP1) and p27(KIP1), while attachment to P-L-L did not. We conclude that engagement of the FN-receptor integrin alpha5beta1 induces integrin signaling regulating the Cdk2-inhibitors independent of cell spreading and present a method for how integrin signaling can be analyzed separate from the effects of cell spreading.

Journal Article↗

Modulation of alpha5beta1 integrin functions by the phospholipid and cholesterol contents of cell membranes.

Several modifications of the alpha5beta1 integrin, which alter its intracellular and extracellular interaction with fibronectin and other proteins, have been reported. However, the significance of the lateral mobility of integrin molecules in the plasma membrane, as a regulator of their distribution and function, is poorly understood. We examined this problem by increasing the cholesterol content of plasma membranes, and consequently modifying the fluidity of membrane phospholipids, in rat fibroblasts. Under these conditions, the clustering of alpha5beta1 integrin molecules in focal adhesions, their adhesion to the cell-binding domain of fibronectin, and their association with the cytoskeletal protein talin were significantly enhanced as compared to control cells. However, the activation of MAP-kinase pathways by the association of fibronectin with alpha5beta1 integrin, and its association with integrin-linked kinase (ilk), were suppressed. The treated cells also showed distinct changes in shape, and their actin stress fiber network was more dense and thick as compared to control cells. The changes in fluidity of phospholipids occurred differentially and fluidity of phosphatidyl-ethanolamine increased, while that of phosphatidyl-choline was reduced. Our results suggest that proteins in focal adhesions could be partitioned in specific lipid domains, which regulate specific aspects of alpha5beta1 integrin functions.

Actins↗

[Correlation between integrin alpha5beta1 expression in colorectal carcinomas and the biological behavior of the carcinoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between the expression of integrin alpha5beta1 in colorectal carcinomas and the differentiation and metastasis of the tumor cells. METHODS: The expression levels of integrin alpha5beta1 were detected immunohistochemically in 81 pairs of cancerous and non-cancerous tissues of patients with colorectal cancer. RESULTS: The expression of integrin alpha5beta1 was significantly higher in the samples of colorectal carcinomas, than in non-cancerous tissues (P<0.05). Lower expression levels were detected in moderately or well differentiated colorectal carcinomas than in poorly differentiated ones (P<0.05). No significant relation was noted between the expression of integrin alpha5beta1 and lymph node metastasis of the colorectal carcinomas (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Alpha5beta1 expression is significantly associated with the carcinogenesis and differentiation of colorectal carcinomas, but not with their lymph node metastasis, and the expression level might be used as a valuable pathological indicator for the carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal carcinomas.

Cell Division↗

Foot-and-mouth disease virus is a ligand for the high-affinity binding conformation of integrin alpha5beta1: influence of the leucine residue within the RGDL motif on selectivity of integrin binding.

Field isolates of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) use RGD-dependent integrins as receptors for internalization, whereas strains that are adapted for growth in cultured cell lines appear to be able to use alternative receptors like heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPG). The ligand-binding potential of integrins is regulated by changes in the conformation of their ectodomains and the ligand-binding state would be expected to be an important determinant of tropism for viruses that use integrins as cellular receptors. Currently, alphavbeta3 is the only integrin that has been shown to act as a receptor for FMDV. In this study, a solid-phase receptor-binding assay has been used to characterize the binding of FMDV to purified preparations of the human integrin alpha5beta1, in the absence of HSPG and other RGD-binding integrins. In this assay, binding of FMDV resembled authentic ligand binding to alpha5beta1 in its dependence on divalent cations and specific inhibition by RGD peptides. Most importantly, binding was found to be critically dependent on the conformation of the integrin, as virus bound only after induction of the high-affinity ligand-binding state. In addition, the identity of the amino acid residue immediately following the RGD motif is shown to influence differentially the ability of FMDV to bind integrins alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 and evidence is provided that alpha5beta1 might be an important FMDV receptor in vivo.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Immunohistochemical expression and distribution of alpha2beta1, alpha6beta1, alpha5beta1 integrins and their extracellular ligands, type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin in palmar fibromatosis.

Palmar fibromatosis is characterized by changes in the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and re-organization of the interactions between cellular and extracellular compartments. We compared the expression and distribution of alpha2beta1, alpha6beta1, alpha5beta1 integrins and their corresponding extracellular ligands, type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin in palmar fibromatosis nodules from 24 patients. Depending on the degree of cellularity and fibrosis, three different histologic phases were identified: proliferative, involutional, and residual. Immunohistochemistry revealed that only stromal cells of the highly cellular areas of both proliferative and involutional phases were myofibroblasts, as demonstrated by their cytoplasmic positivity for alpha-smooth-muscle actin. The ECM, surrounding these cells, was strongly and diffusely positive to type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin, whereas no immunoreactivity was found in the ECM of the fibrotic and hypocellular areas of both involutional and residual phases. Immunostaining for alpha2beta1, alpha6beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins revealed that alpha5beta1 integrin was expressed and restricted to the myofibroblast-rich cellular areas, whereas no expression was detected for alpha2beta1 and alpha6beta1 integrins. By examining serial sections, a co-localization of alpha5beta1 integrin and fibronectin was observed in the myofibroblast-rich cellular areas, indicating that, in palmar fibromatosis, a co-ordinate expression between cellular and extracellular ligand is detected only for the alpha5beta1 integrin/fibronectin complex. These findings suggest that the alpha5beta1 integrin/fibronectin complex may be involved in regulating the interactions between myofibroblasts and ECM in palmar fibromatosis.

Actins↗

Alpha5beta1 integrin mediates strong tissue cohesion.

Integrins and cadherins are considered to have distinct and opposing functions. Integrins are traditionally cited for their role in cell-substratum interactions, whereas cadherins are thought to mediate strong intercellular cohesion. Together, these adhesion systems play crucial roles in a wide variety of cellular and developmental processes including cell migration, morphology, differentiation and proliferation. In this manuscript we present evidence that integrins possess the ability to mediate strong intercellular cohesion when cells are grown as 3D aggregates. Much of the data elucidating the role of integrins as mediators of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions have been generated using conventional cell culture techniques in which cells are plated onto ECM-coated 2D surfaces. In vivo, cells are embedded in a 3D meshwork of ECM proteins. We hypothesized that, within this meshwork, integrin-ECM interactions may impart cohesivity to an aggregate of cells by linking adjacent cells together. To test this hypothesis, we transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-B2) cells to express alpha5beta1 integrin and found that these cells formed compact, spherical aggregates. We measured aggregate cohesivity using tissue surface tensiometry, a novel technique that quantifies cell-cell cohesivity of spheroids under physiological conditions. We determined that alpha5beta1 integrin is capable of conferring strong cohesivity (sigma=8.22+/-0.68 dynes/cm) to aggregates of alpha5-integrin-transfected cells. This cohesion was found to be independent of cadherin expression and was significantly greater than the cohesivity conferred onto CHO-B2 cells transfected with N-cadherin (sigma=3.14+/-0.20 dynes/cm, P</=0.0001), a more traditional cell-cell cohesion system. Fibronectin-null CHO cells that express alpha5beta1 integrin but do not secrete endogenous fibronectin do not form aggregates in fibronectin-depleted medium. Addition of increasing amounts of exogenous dimeric fibronectin to these cells resulted in a dose-dependent compaction. However, compaction failed to occur in the presence of fibronectin monomers. These data indicate that fibronectin is required for alpha5beta1-mediated compaction and that the dimeric structure of fibronectin is essential for this process. Additionally, aggregate formation of the alpha5 integrin transfectants was inhibited by an RGD peptide thus confirming alpha5beta1 integrin specificity. Collectively, these data confirm our hypothesis that alpha5beta1 integrin acts through fibronectin to link adjacent cells together, thus promoting strong intercellular cohesion in 3D cellular aggregates.

Animals↗

Immunocytochemical localization of a cell adhesion molecule, integrin alpha5beta1, in nerve growth cones.

It is well-known that nerve growth cones, the growing tips of nerves, play a central role in determining the direction taken by regenerating peripheral nerves though neurotropism and contact guidance. In order to identify the molecules expressed on growth cones that are responsible for contact guidance, we investigated the possible involvement of integrins as sensors for the extracellular matrix. In cultured rat PC-12i cells and chick dorsal root ganglion cells, we found that integrin alpha5beta1 was concentrated in the filopodia and central regions of the growth cones. These integrin alpha5beta1-rich regions corresponded well with the sites where the growth cones came into contact with and adhered to the extracellular matrix. Integrin alpha5beta1 has been reported to bind with fibronectin in the extracellular matrix. When examined by triple staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we found that the distribution of integrin alpha5beta1 in the growth cones was very similar to that of actin filaments. Integrin alpha5beta1 was also expressed by Schwann cells. On immuno-electron microscopy, integrin alpha5beta1 was also identified in regenerating axons in vivo. These results suggest that integrin alpha5beta1 expressed on growth cones may function as a sensor for the extracellular matrix and Schwann cells, and thus mediate functionally important interactions in the development and regeneration of peripheral nerves.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Regulation of angiogenesis in vivo by ligation of integrin alpha5beta1 with the central cell-binding domain of fibronectin.

Angiogenesis depends on the cooperation of growth factors and cell adhesion events. Although alphav integrins have been shown to play critical roles in angiogenesis, recent studies in alphav-null mice suggest that other adhesion receptors and their ligands also regulate this process. Evidence is now provided that the integrin alpha5beta1 and its ligand fibronectin are coordinately up-regulated on blood vessels in human tumor biopsies and play critical roles in angiogenesis, resulting in tumor growth in vivo. Angiogenesis induced by multiple growth factors in chick embryos was blocked by monoclonal antibodies to the cell-binding domain of fibronectin. Furthermore, application of fibronectin or a proteolytic fragment of fibronectin containing the central cell-binding domain to the chick chorioallantoic membrane enhanced angiogenesis in an integrin alpha5beta1-dependent manner. Importantly, antibody, peptide, and novel nonpeptide antagonists of integrin alpha5beta1 blocked angiogenesis induced by several growth factors but had little effect on angiogenesis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in both chick embryo and murine models. In fact, these alpha5beta1 antagonists inhibited tumor angiogenesis, thereby causing regression of human tumors in animal models. Thus, fibronectin and integrin alpha5beta1, like integrin alphavbeta3, contribute to an angiogenesis pathway that is distinct from VEGF-mediated angiogenesis, yet important for the growth of tumors.

Animals↗

Interaction of Ipa proteins of Shigella flexneri with alpha5beta1 integrin promotes entry of the bacteria into mammalian cells.

Shigella is a genus of highly adapted bacterial pathogens that cause bacillary dysentery in humans. Bacteria reaching the colon invade intestinal epithelial cells by a process of bacterial-directed endocytosis mediated by the Ipa proteins: IpaB, IpaC, and IpaD of Shigella. The invasion of epithelial cells is thought to be a receptor-mediated phenomenon, although the cellular components of the host that interact with the Ipa proteins have not yet been identified. We report here that in a Shigella flexneri invasive system and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell monolayers, the Ipa proteins were capable of interacting directly with alpha5beta1 integrin. The invasive capacity of S. flexneri for CHO cells increased as levels of alpha5beta1 integrin were elevated. When CHO cells were infected with S. flexneri, the tyrosine phosphorylation both of pp 125FAK, an integrin-regulated 125 K focal adhesion kinase, and of paxillin was stimulated. In contrast, an isogenic strain of S. flexneri that was defective in invasion owing to a mutation in its spa32 gene failed to induce such phosphorylation. Under in vitro and in vivo conditions, the released IpaB, IpaC, and IpaD proteins bound to alpha 5 beta 1 integrin in a manner different from that of soluble fibronectin but similar to that of the tissue form of fibronectin. At the site of attachment of S. flexneri to CHO cells, alpha5beta1 integrin converged with polymerization of actin. These data thus suggest that the capacity of Ipa proteins to interact with alpha5beta1 integrin may be an important Shigella factor in triggering the reorganization of actin cytoskeletons.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 binds to placental cytotrophoblast alpha5beta1 integrin and inhibits cytotrophoblast invasion into decidualized endometrial stromal cultures.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) can bind to the alpha5beta1 integrin and stimulate cellular migration in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. IGFBP-1 is a major product of the endometrium of pregnancy (decidua), and may interact with invading cytotrophoblasts expressing alpha5beta1 integrin to modulate their invasion. The present study investigated IGFBP-1 interaction with cytotrophoblast alpha5beta1 integrin, and its effects on trophoblast attachment to fibronectin and invasion into decidualized endometrial stromal cell multilayers. IGFBP-1 incubated with cytotrophoblast extracts was co-precipitated by an antibody to the alpha5 integrin subunit. Up to 55% of radiolabeled IGFBP-1 bound to cytotrophoblasts was displaced by excess non-radioactive IGFBP-1, but not by IGFBP-3. Cytotrophoblast attachment to fibronectin was inhibited by an RGD-containing octapeptide, by antibodies to the alpha5 subunit or the alpha5beta1 heterodimer, and by IGFBP-1. Cytotrophoblasts showed limited invasion into endometrial stromal multilayers decidualized in vitro secreting abundant IGFBP-1, but invaded multilayers when IGFBP-1 production was inhibited by insulin. Invasion into insulin-treated multilayers was prevented by addition of exogenous IGFBP-1 but not by IGFBP-3. These findings suggest IGFBP-1 may modulate trophoblast invasiveness.

Animals↗

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha provokes upregulation of alpha2beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins, and cell migration in OST osteosarcoma cells.

OST cells enhance the induction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 by tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and the corresponding metastasis to lungs in vivo (Kawashima et al., 1994). We focused on the adhesive and migratory properties of OST cells, and investigated the expression of integrins in OST cells stimulated by TNFalpha in vitro. OST cells potentiated not only adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) but also the migration on ECM. On competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses, the amounts of alpha2 (4.9-fold), alpha5 (1.2-fold) and alpha(v) (4.9-fold) were upregulated by TNFalpha at the transcriptional level. Alpha-5 showed a slight increase by flow cytometry; however, alpha2 and alphav integrins remained unchanged at the protein level. Immunofluorescence study disclosed integrins of alpha2beta1 and alpha5beta1 were much clustered at cell processes by TNFalpha stimulation, probably related to increased cell adhesion and migration. Therefore, the upregulation of alpha2beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins seems to contribute to tumour invasion and metastatic potential.

Cell Adhesion↗

BaG, a new dimeric metalloproteinase/disintegrin from the Bothrops alternatus snake venom that interacts with alpha5beta1 integrin.

The alpha(5)beta(1) integrin is one of the major fibronectin receptors which plays an essential role in the adhesion of normal and tumor cells to extracellular matrix. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel dimeric metalloproteinase/disintegrin, which is an inhibitor of fibronectin binding to the alpha(5)beta(1) integrin. This protein (BaG) was isolated from the venom of the South American snake Bothrops alternatus by gelatin-Sepharose affinity and anion exchange chromatography. The molecular mass of BaG was approximately 130 kDa under non-reducing conditions and 55 kDa under reducing conditions by SDS-PAGE. BaG shows proteolytic activity on casein that was inhibited by EDTA. 1,10-phenanthroline-treated BaG (BaG-I) inhibits ADP-induced platelet aggregation with an IC(50) of 190 nM. BaG-I inhibits fibronectin-mediated K562 cell adhesion with an IC(50) of 3.75 microM. K562 cells bind to BaG-I probably through interaction with alpha(5)beta(1) integrin, since anti-alpha(5)beta(1) antibodies inhibited K562 cell adhesion to BaG-I. In addition, BaG-I induces the detachment of K562 cells that were bound to fibronectin. In summary, we have purified a novel, dimeric snake venom metalloproteinase/disintegrin that binds to the alpha(5)beta(1) integrin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Initial signaling of the fibronectin receptor (alpha5beta1 integrin) in hepatic stellate cells is independent of tyrosine phosphorylation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays an integral role in hepatic fibrosis. HSC activation increases fibronectin (alpha(5)beta(1)) receptor expression and interactions between alpha(5)beta(1) and the extracellular matrix increase collagen synthesis. It is unclear how signaling by the alpha(5)beta(1) receptor initiates these changes. We aimed to determine the signaling cascade after alpha(5)beta(1) stimulation in activated HSC. METHODS: HSC were isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats. Activated HSC were exposed to beads coated with fibronectin (ligand for alpha(5)beta(1)) or D-polylysine (inert control). HSC were stained with FTC-labeled antibodies against classes of signaling molecules. Tyrosine phosphorylation was blocked using genistein or herbimycin A. The fraction of beads with localized immunostaining (indicating accumulation of signaling protein) was determined. RESULTS: The majority of cytoskeletal proteins, Src substrates, Src kinases and members of the ERK and JNK signaling molecule families require actin cytoskeletal organization and tyrosine-kinase-mediated phosphorylation to accumulate. Several proteins (e.g. tensin, FAK) accumulated in the absence of tyrosine phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: The alpha(5)beta(1) integrin-ligand interaction induces accumulation of cytoskeletal molecules, activating multiple kinase pathways. Initial integrin signaling by alpha(5)beta(1) are associated with cytoskeletal proteins and are independent of tyrosine phosphorylation. We suggest that there may be cytoskeletal changes that may be targeted to diminish HSC activation.

Animals↗

Fibronectin fragments promote human retinal endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation and ERK activation through alpha5beta1 integrin and PI 3-kinase.

PURPOSE: Extracellular matrix degradation is associated with neovascularization in diabetic retinas. Fibronectin fragments (Fn-fs) are generated during vascular remodeling. The effects of cellular fibronectin (Fn) and selected Fn-fs on adhesion, proliferation, and signal transduction in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were characterized. METHODS: Relative quantitative RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry determined integrin expression on HRECs. Adhesion was evaluated by coating plastic with Fn or Fn-fs of 45, 70, 110, or 120 kDa, and MTT conversion was used to measure proliferation and survival. Peptide inhibitors and blocking antibodies determined adhesive sites and integrins used for adhesion. Pharmacologic inhibitors and Western analyses were used to evaluate intracellular signaling. RESULTS: HRECs produced significant levels of alpha(2), alpha(3), alpha(5), alpha(v), beta(1), beta(3), and beta(5) integrin subunit mRNA. Flow cytometry of surface integrin expression revealed high levels of alpha(3), alpha(5), and beta(1) and lower levels of alpha(1), alpha(v), beta(3), and beta(5). These results were confirmed by immunocytochemistry. For adhesion to Fn and Fn-fs. the alpha(5)beta(1) integrin was essential. Pharmacologic inhibitors of PI 3-kinase blocked adhesion to Fn and Fn-fs, whereas the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 blocked phosphorylation. The 110- and 120-kDa Fn-fs showed a concentration-dependent increase in proliferation, whereas 500 ng of the 70 kDa Fn-f-induced proliferation. Addition of III1-C, a matrix assembly domain, increased the proliferative effect of these Fn-fs. CONCLUSIONS: Fn and its Fn-fs modulate HREC adhesion and proliferation through signal-transduction pathways involving coupling of the alpha(5)beta(1) integrin through PI 3-kinase. Mitogenic signals for endothelial cells from degraded extracellular matrix may contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy.

Antibodies, Blocking↗

The presence of the WGD motif in CC8 heterodimeric disintegrin increases its inhibitory effect on alphaII(b)beta3, alpha(v)beta3, and alpha5beta1 integrins.

Two highly homologous dimeric disintegrins, CC5 and CC8, have been isolated from the venom of the North African sand viper Cerastes cerastes. CC5 is a homodimer containing an RGD motif in its subunits. CC8 is a heterodimer. The CC8A and CC8B subunits contain RGD and WGD tripeptide sequence in their respective integrin-binding loops. Both CC5 and CC8 inhibited platelet aggregation and the adhesion of cells expressing integrins alphaII(b)beta3, alpha(v)beta3, and alpha5beta1 to appropriate ligands. However, the inhibitory activity of CC8 was at least 1 order of magnitude higher than that of CC5. Enhanced activity of CC8 over CC5 was also observed in the induction of LIBS epitopes on beta1 and beta3 integrins. Synthetic peptides in which the arginyl residue of the RGD motif had been replaced with tryptophans exhibited increased inhibitory activity toward integrins alpha5beta1, alphaII(b)beta3, and alpha(v)beta3. Moreover, alanine substitution of the aspartic acid of the WGD motif of these peptides decreased their inhibitory ability, whereas the same substitution in the RGD sequence almost completely abolished the activity of the peptides. We conclude that the WGD motif enhances the inhibitory activity of disintegrins toward alphaII(b)beta3, alpha(v)beta3, and alpha5beta1 integrins.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

De novo expression of the integrin alpha5beta1 regulates alphavbeta3-mediated adhesion and migration on fibrinogen.

Recent evidence demonstrates that interactions between different integrins that are present on the cell surface can strongly influence the adhesive function of individual receptors. In this report, we show that Chinese hamster ovary cells that express the integrin alphavbeta3 in the absence of alpha5beta1 demonstrate increased adhesion and migration on fibrinogen. Furthermore, alphavbeta3-mediated adhesion to fibrinogen is not augmented by the soluble agonist, MnCl2, suggesting that alphavbeta3 exists in a higher affinity state in these cells. De novo expression of wild-type alpha5beta1 negatively regulates alphavbeta3-mediated adhesion and migration. This effect is not seen with expression of a chimeric alpha5beta1 integrin in which the cytoplasmic portion of the alpha5 integrin subunit is replaced by the cytoplasmic portion of the alpha4 integrin. In addition, it does not require ligation of alpha5beta1 by fibronectin. Cells that express a constitutively active beta3 integrin that contains a point mutation in the conserved membrane proximal region of the cytoplasmic tail, D723R, are resistant to the effect of alpha5beta1 expression. These data provide additional evidence of "cross-talk" between the integrins alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3, and support the idea that alpha5beta1 regulates alphavbeta3-mediated ligand binding. This provides a relevant biological mechanism whereby variations in alpha5beta1 expression in vivo may modulate activation of alphavbeta3 to influence its adhesive function.

Animals↗

Fibronectin fragments and blocking antibodies to alpha2beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and increase collagenase 3 (matrix metalloproteinase 13) production by human articular chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if integrin-mediated signaling results in activation of chondrocyte mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases that lead to increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13; collagenase 3), a potent mediator of cartilage matrix degradation. METHODS: Human articular chondrocytes isolated from normal ankle and knee cartilage obtained from tissue donors were cultured in monolayers. The cells were treated with a 120-kd fibronectin fragment (FN-f) that binds the alpha5beta1 integrin or with antibodies to specific integrin receptors. Activation of MAP kinases was determined by immunoblotting with phosphospecific antibodies. MMP production was measured by gelatin zymography, and MMP-13 production and activation were determined by immunoblotting and by a fluorogenic peptide assay. RESULTS: Human articular chondrocytes were found to respond to the 120-kd FN-f and to adhesion-blocking antibodies to the alpha2beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins with increased phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1)/ERK2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAP kinases. Intact FN and integrin-blocking antibodies to alpha1, alpha3, and alphaVbeta3 and a nonblocking alpha5 antibody had no effect. After MAP kinase activation, increased phosphorylation of c-Jun and the nuclear factor kappaB inhibitor was noted, followed by increased pro- and activated MMP-13 in the conditioned media. Inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, p38, and JNK were each able to inhibit increased MMP-13 production, while the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) protein did not. However, the IL-1Ra partially inhibited FN-f-induced activation of MMP-13. CONCLUSION: Integrin-mediated MAP kinase signaling stimulated by FN-f is associated with increased production and release of pro- and active MMP-13. Autocrine production of IL-1 appears to result in additional MMP-13 activation. These processes may play a key role in feedback loops responsible for progressive cartilage degradation in arthritis.

Antibodies↗

Fibronectin and alpha5beta1 integrin mediate binding of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to repairing airway epithelium.

Initial infection of the airway by Pseudomonas aeruginosa may occur through a variety of bacterial strategies including binding to epithelial receptors present at the surface of the respiratory epithelium. In order to characterize the adherence sites for P. aeruginosa in damaged and repairing bronchial tissue, an ex vivo model of airway epithelial injury and repair was developed using primary cell cultures of nasal cells from 14 subjects with polyposis. P. aeruginosa strongly adhered to flattened dedifferentiated (FD) bronchial and nasal cytokeratin 13-positive epithelial cells in the process of migration for repair. In in vitro experiments, competitive binding inhibition assays demonstrated that alpha5beta1 integrins and cellular fibronectin, in particular the RGD sequence, are receptors involved in P. aeruginosa adherence to FD nasal epithelial cells. Fluorescent cell sorting analysis and immunofluorescence techniques revealed that the alpha5beta1 integrins are overexpressed and apically exposed in FD nasal epithelial cells. One 50 kDa outer membrane protein was identified in piliated and nonpiliated strains of P. aeruginosa that was involved in binding to cellular fibronectin and alpha5beta1 epithelial integrins. These results demonstrate that Pseudomonas aeruginosa adherence is related to the dedifferentiation of airway epithelium during the repair process which unmasks and upregulates the alpha5beta1 integrin expression and induces active synthesis of cellular fibronectin. These epithelial receptors are then used by a Pseudomonas aeruginosa 50 kDa outer membrane protein as sites of bacterial adherence.

Bacterial Adhesion↗