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CD44 and beta1 integrins mediate ovarian carcinoma cell migration toward extracellular matrix proteins.

Epithelial cancer of the ovary spreads by implantation of tumor cells onto the mesothelial cells that line the peritoneal cavity. The aim of this study was to identify the cell-matrix interactions that mediate ovarian carcinoma cell migration toward components of the mesothelial cell-associated extracellular matrix. The human ovarian carcinoma cell lines NIH:OVCAR5 and SKOV3 were analyzed by flow cytometry for the expression of cell surface receptors. The ability of those receptors to mediate ovarian carcinoma cell migration toward fibronectin, type IV collagen, and laminin was determined. A monoclonal antibody against the beta1 integrin subunit abrogated the migration of both cell lines toward the extracellular matrix proteins. Blocking antibodies against alpha integrin subunits suggest that ovarian carcinoma cell migration toward fibronectin is primarily mediated by the alpha5beta1 integrin, type IV collagen by the alpha2beta1 integrin, and laminin by the alpha6beta1 integrin. These results suggest that ovarian carcinoma cell migration is regulated by multiple beta1 integrin-matrix interactions. Significant reduction of cell migration was observed with a monoclonal antibody against CD44 that blocks the hyaluronan-binding site of CD44, but not with an antibody that binds at an alternate site on CD44. Intact hyaluronan and/or hyaluronan oligomers also inhibited cell migration, suggesting that the CD44-hyaluronan interaction provides an integrin-independent mechanism of control for ovarian carcinoma cell migration. These results suggest that ovarian carcinoma cell migration is regulated by both integrin-dependent mechanisms, involving the interaction of beta1 integrins with extracellular matrix proteins, and an integrin-independent mechanism that involves the interaction of CD44 and hyaluronan.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

ET-1 inhibits B-16 murine melanoma cell migration by decreasing K(+) currents.

Cell migration is mediated by ion channels and transporters, and plays crucial roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Previously, our studies have shown that a Ca(2+)-regulated K(+) current exists in B-16 murine melanoma cells, and that endothelin-1 (ET-1) inhibits the K(+) current via a PKC-dependent pathway. In the present study, patch-clamp whole-cell recording and transwell migration assays were used to examine the effects of ET-1 on B-16 murine melanoma cell migration. ET-1 (100 nM in the injection pipette and 10 nM in the incubation medium) decreased the K(+) current amplitude by 33.0 +/- 2.5% and inhibited migration of B-16 cells by 57.4 +/- 9.4%. Similarly, the Ca(2+)-regulated K(+) channel blockers, BaCl(2) and quinidine, decreased the K(+) current by 20.5 +/- 1.0% and 36.6 +/- 1.2%, respectively, and slowed migration of B-16 melanoma cells by 37.1 +/- 8.6% and 42.7 +/- 8.8%, respectively. The effect of ET-1 on the K(+) current and cell migration was simulated by ET-3. In contrast, the K(+) channel opener, diclofenac, increased the K(+) current by 128.8 +/- 11.7%, 257.4 +/- 35.8% at concentrations of 1 and 5 mM, respectively. Likewise, the migration of B-16 murine melanoma cells dramatically increased by 75.6 +/- 12.7% in the presence of 100 microM diclofenac in incubation medium. Furthermore, the ET-1- and ET-3-induced inhibition of K(+) current and migration was abrogated by diclofenac. In the presence of diclofenac, ET-1 only reduced the K(+) current amplitude by 10.6 +/- 1.1%, and slowed B-16 cell migration by only 10.8 +/- 8.9%. The results suggest that the K(+) channel-dependent migration of B-16 melanoma cells is modulated by ET-1. Cell Motil.

Animals↗

Involvement of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha in breast cancer cell migration through human brain microvascular endothelial cells.

In this study, we have characterized the signaling pathways mediated by CXCR4 in breast cancer cells and its role in breast cancer cell invasion and migration. Stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha (SDF-1alpha; CXCL12) stimulation of breast cancer cells resulted in phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3K) activation, AKT phosphorylation, and activation of the FKHRL1 transcription factor. In addition, SDF-1alpha induced activation of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as well as the migration of breast cancer cells. Expression of SDF-1alpha, the ligand of CXCR4, was about 2-fold higher in microdissected human breast epithelial cancer cells as compared with normal epithelial cells. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that SDF-1alpha expression is consistently higher in primary breast tumor cells than in normal breast epithelial cells. Furthermore, SDF-1alpha induced blood vessel instability, through increased vascular permeability, resulting in the penetration of breast tumor cells through the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). Notably, the migration of breast cancer cells was inhibited by the PI-3K inhibitor, Wortmannin, and the Ca(2+) inhibitor BAPTA/AM, indicating that transendothelial breast cancer cell migration induced by SDF-1alpha is mediated by activation of the PI-3K/AKT pathway and Ca(2+)-mediated signaling. Blockade of the CXCR4/SDF1 signaling pathway with anti-CXCR4 antibody also decreased transendothelial breast cancer cell migration as well as vascular permeability. This study focuses on novel interactions between highly relevant signaling pathways in breast cancer cells and brain microvascular endothelial cells and may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of CXCR4/SDF-1alpha-mediated breast cancer metastasis to the brain.

Brain↗

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein mediates apolipoprotein E inhibition of smooth muscle cell migration.

This research was undertaken to identify the cell surface receptor responsible for mediating apolipoprotein E (apoE) inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-directed smooth muscle cell migration. Initial studies revealed the expression of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), the LDL receptor-related protein (LRP), the very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDL), and apoE receptor-2 in mouse aortic smooth muscle cells. Smooth muscle cells isolated from LDLR-null, VLDL-null, and apoE receptor-2-null mice were responsive to apoE inhibition of PDGF-directed smooth muscle cell migration, suggesting that these receptors were not involved. An antisense RNA expression knockdown strategy, utilizing morpholino antisense RNA against LRP, was used to reduce LRP expression in smooth muscle cells to assess the role of this receptor in apoE inhibition of cell migration. Results showed that apoE was unable to inhibit PDGF-directed migration of LRP-deficient smooth muscle cells. The role of LRP in mediating apoE inhibition of PDGF-directed smooth muscle cell migration was confirmed by experiments showing that antibodies against LRP effectively suppressed apoE inhibition of PDGF-directed smooth muscle cell migration. Taken together, these results document that apoE binding to LRP is required for its inhibition of PDGF-directed smooth muscle cell migration.

Animals↗

Nectin-like molecule-5/Tage4 enhances cell migration in an integrin-dependent, Nectin-3-independent manner.

Cell migration plays roles in invasion of transformed cells and scattering of embryonic mesenchymal cells into surrounding tissues. We have found that Ig-like Necl-5/Tage4 is up-regulated in NIH3T3 cells transformed by an oncogenic Ras (V12Ras-NIH3T3 cells) and heterophilically trans-interacts with a Ca(2+)-independent Ig-like cell adhesion molecule nectin-3, eventually enhancing their intercellular motility. We show here that Necl-5 furthermore enhances cell migration in a nectin-3-independent manner. Studies using L fibroblasts expressing various mutants of Necl-5, NIH3T3 cells, and V12Ras-NIH3T3 cells have revealed that Necl-5 enhances serum- and platelet-derived growth factor-induced cell migration. The extracellular region of Necl-5 is necessary for directional cell migration, but not for random cell motility. The cytoplasmic region of Necl-5 is necessary for both directional and random cell movement. Necl-5 colocalizes with integrin alpha(V)beta(3) at leading edges of migrating cells. Analyses using an inhibitor or an activator of integrin alpha(V)beta(3) or a dominant negative mutant of Necl-5 have shown the functional association of Necl-5 with integrin alpha(V)beta(3) in cell motility. Cdc42 and Rac small G proteins are activated by the action of Necl-5 and required for the serum-induced, Necl-5-enhanced cell motility. These results indicate that Necl-5 regulates serum- and platelet-derived growth factor-induced cell migration in an integrin-dependent, nectin-3-independent manner, when cells do not contact other cells. We furthermore show here that enhanced motility and metastasis of V12Ras-NIH3T3 cells are at least partly the result of up-regulated Necl-5.

Animals↗

Mechanisms of neural crest cell migration.

Neural crest cells are remarkable in their extensive and stereotypic patterns of migration. The pathways of neural crest migration have been documented by cell marking techniques, including interspecific neural tube grafts, immunocytochemistry and DiI-labelling. In the trunk, neural crest cells migrate dorsally under the skin or ventrally through the somites, where they move in a segmental fashion through the rostral half of each sclerotome. The segmental migration of neural crest cells appears to be prescribed by the somites, perhaps by an inhibitory cue from the caudal half. Within the rostral sclerotome, neural crest cells fill the available space except for a region around the notochord, suggesting the notochord may inhibit neural crest cells in its vicinity. In the cranial region, antibody perturbation experiments suggest that multiple cell-matrix interactions are required for proper in vivo migration of neural crest cells. Neural crest cells utilize integrin receptors to bind to a number of extracellular matrix molecules. Substrate selective inhibition of neural crest cell attachment in vitro by integrin antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides has demonstrated that they possess at least three integrins, one being an alpha 1 beta 1 integrin which functions in the absence of divalent cations. Thus, neural crest cells utilize complex sets of interactions which may differ at different axial levels.

Animals↗

A role for p38(MAPK)/HSP27 pathway in smooth muscle cell migration.

Smooth muscle cells are exposed to growth factors and cytokines that contribute to pathological states including airway hyperresponsiveness, atherosclerosis, angiogenesis, smooth muscle hypertrophy, and hyperplasia. A common feature of several of these conditions is migration of smooth muscle beyond the initial boundary of the organ. Signal transduction pathways activated by extracellular signals that instigate migration are mostly undefined in smooth muscles. We measured migration of cultured tracheal myocytes in response to platelet-derived growth factor, interleukin-1beta, and transforming growth factor-beta. Cellular migration was blocked by SB203580, an inhibitor of p38(MAPK). Time course experiments demonstrated increased phosphorylation of p38(MAPK). Activation of p38(MAPK) resulted in the phosphorylation of HSP27 (heat shock protein 27), which may modulate F-actin polymerization. Inhibition of p38(MAPK) activity inhibited phosphorylation of HSP27. Adenovirus-mediated expression of activated mutant MAPK kinase 6b(E), an upstream activator for p38(MAPK), increased cell migration, whereas overexpression of p38alpha MAPK dominant negative mutant and an HSP27 phosphorylation mutant blocked cell migration completely. The results indicate that activation of the p38(MAPK) pathway by growth factors and proinflammatory cytokines regulates smooth muscle cell migration and may contribute to pathological states involving smooth muscle dysfunction.

Adenoviridae↗

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase: a key biochemical signal for cell migration in response to chemokines.

Chemokines can couple to distinct signalling pathways that have been demonstrated to mediate not only migration, but also cell growth and transcriptional activation. One particular signalling pathway, namely that controlled by the lipid kinase phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), has been the focus of much attention with respect to its activation by chemokine receptors and the role it plays in regulating cell migration. Identification of PI3K is arguably one of the most exciting recent developments in biochemical signalling. Pharmacological and genetic studies have now convincingly shown that both CC and CXC chemokines stimulate PI3K-dependent chemotaxis of inflammatory cells such as eosinophils, macrophages, neutrophils and T lymphocytes. This review considers the role of specific sub-classes of PI3Ks (e.g. the p85/p110 heterodimer, PI3Kgamma and PI3K-C2alpha) as well as their downstream effector targets in mediating chemokine-stimulated cell migration.

Animals↗

alpha3alpha5beta2-Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor contributes to the wound repair of the respiratory epithelium by modulating intracellular calcium in migrating cells.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), present in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs), have been shown in vitro to modulate cell shape. Because cell spreading and migration are important mechanisms involved in the repair of the bronchial epithelium, we investigated the potential role of nAChRs in the wound repair of the bronchial epithelium. In vivo and in vitro, alpha3alpha5beta2-nAChRs accumulated in migrating HBECs involved in repairing a wound, whereas alpha7-nAChRs were predominantly observed in stationary confluent cells. Wound repair was improved in the presence of nAChR agonists, nicotine, and acetylcholine, and delayed in the presence of alpha3beta2 neuronal nAChR antagonists, mecamylamine, alpha-conotoxin MII, and kappa-bungarotoxin; alpha-bungarotoxin, an antagonist of alpha7-nAChR, had no effect. Addition of nicotine to a repairing wound resulted in a dose-dependent transient increase of intracellular calcium in migrating cells that line the wound edge. Mecamylamine and kappa-bungarotoxin inhibited both the cell-migration speed and the nicotine-induced intracellular calcium increase in wound-repairing migrating cells in vitro. On the contrary alpha-bungarotoxin had no significant effect on migrating cells. These results suggest that alpha3alpha5beta2-nAChRs actively contribute to the wound repair process of the respiratory epithelium by modulating intracellular calcium in wound-repairing migrating cells.

Aged↗

Stimulatory effect of insulin on aortic smooth muscle cell migration induced by 12-L-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid and its modulation by elevated extracellular glucose levels.

In investigations on the role of insulin on migration of rat aortic smooth muscle cells, migration of the cells was measured by a modified Boyden chamber technique with 12-L-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) as a chemoattractant. Insulin itself was not a chemoattractant for these cells, and insulin added just before the migration assay did not affect cell migration in the presence or absence of 12-HETE. Cells pretreated with insulin in culture dishes for a long period, however, showed a significant increase in migration induced by 12-HET, and the increase depended on the insulin concentration: concentrations of insulin of greater than 50 microIU/ml caused about twofold increase in cell migration. On the other hand, long-term incubation with various concentrations of insulin (0.15-1000 microIU/ml) did not affect nonspecific cell migration in the absence of 12-HETE. The stimulatory effect of insulin on cell migration gradually increased with the duration of insulin treatment, reaching a plateau after 4 days. Thus, insulin stimulated 12-HETE-induced smooth muscle cell migration in a time- and dose-dependent manner. When the extracellular D-glucose concentration in the Boyden chamber was increased from 100 to 300 mg/dl, the stimulatory effect of insulin on 12-HETE-induced cell migration was augmented. This modulation by D-glucose was not due to an increase in the osmotic pressure of the medium, since addition of mannitol to increase the osmotic pressure did not enhance the effect of insulin on cell migration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Hyaluronan stimulates tumor cell migration by modulating the fibrin fiber architecture.

The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, which supports tumor cell migration and metastasis, interferes with fibrin polymerization and leads to increased fiber size and porosity of fibrin clots. Here we have studied the proportionate effect of fibrin polymerization on hyaluronan-mediated migration of glioblastoma cells. The structural and physical properties of hyaluronan-containing fibrin gels were analyzed by turbidity measurement, laser scanning microscopy, compaction assay, and calculation of pore size by liquid permeation. When fibrin polymerized in the presence of hyaluronan or dextran, the resulting gels strongly stimulated cell migration, and migration significantly correlated with fiber mass-to-length ratios and pore diameters. In contrast, cell migration was not induced by addition of hyaluronan to supernatants of already polymerized gels. Hyaluronan-mediated migration was inhibited in fibrin gels by antibodies to alphav- and beta1integrins and the disintegrin echistatin, but not by antibodies to the hyaluronan receptor CD44 (up to 50 microg/ml). As a control, we show that anti-CD44 (10 microg/ml) inhibited cell migration on a pure hyaluronan matrix using a two-dimensional Boyden chamber system. In contrast to three-dimensional migration, the migration of cells on the surfaces of variably structured fibrin gels was not significantly different, indicating that increased gel permeability (porosity) may account for hyaluronan-mediated migration. We conclude that, in complex three-dimensional substrates, the predominant effect of hyaluronan on cell migration might be indirect and requires modulation of fibrin polymerization.

Animals↗

Cdc2-mediated Schwann cell migration during peripheral nerve regeneration.

Schwann cell migration facilitates peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. We have recently found increased activation of Cdc2 kinase in regenerating sciatic nerves. Here we show that Cdc2 phosphorylation of caldesmon regulates Schwann cell migration and nerve regeneration. A robust but transient increase in Cdc2 expression was found in cultured Schwann cells prepared from the sciatic nerve in rats that had undergone crush injury for 7 days. These ;injury-preconditioned' Schwann cells exhibited enhanced migration compared with non-preconditioned control cells and treatment with the cdk inhibitor roscovitine prevented cell migration. After transduction with recombinant Cdc2 DNA adenoviral vectors, Schwann cells were implanted into sciatic nerves; those expressing wild-type Cdc2 migrated further in the distal direction than those expressing dominant-negative Cdc2. We identified caldesmon as a downstream substrate of Cdc2 in Schwann cells and its phosphorylation by Cdc2 changed its subcellular localization. Overexpression of dominant-negative caldesmon significantly counteracted the migration effect caused by Cdc2. Finally, neurite outgrowth of cultured DRG sensory neurons, facilitated by co-culture with injury-preconditioned Schwann cells, was suppressed by roscovitine treatment. The results indicate that activation of the Cdc2-caldesmon pathway is necessary for Schwann cell migration and suggest a role for this pathway in peripheral axonal growth.

Animals↗

Cell migration strategies in 3-D extracellular matrix: differences in morphology, cell matrix interactions, and integrin function.

Cell migration in extracellular matrix is a complex process of adhesion and deadhesion events combined with cellular strategies to overcome the biophysical resistance imposed by three-dimensionally interconnected matrix ligands. Using a 3-D collagen matrix migration model in combination with computer-assisted cell tracking for reconstruction of migration paths and confocal microscopy, we investigated molecular principles governing cell-matrix interactions and migration of different cell types. Highly invasive MV3 melanoma cells and fibroblasts are large and highly polarized cells migrating at low speed (0.1-0.5 microm/min) and at high directional persistence. MV3 melanoma cells utilize adhesive migration strategies as characterized by high beta1 integrin surface expression, beta1 integrin clustering at interactions with matrix fibers, and beta1 integrin-mediated adhesion for force generation and migration. In contrast, T lymphocytes and dendritic cells are highly mobile cells of lower beta1 integrin expression migrating at 10- to 40-fold higher velocities, and directionally unpredictable path profiles. This migration occurs in the absence of focal adhesions and largely independent of beta1 integrin-mediated adhesion. Whereas cell-matrix interactions of migrating tumor cells result in traction and reorientation of collagen fibers, partial matrix degradation, and pore formation, leukocytes form transient and short-lived interactions with the collagen lacking structural proteolysis and matrix remodeling. In conclusion, the 3-D extracellular matrix provides a spatially complex and biomechanically demanding substrate for cell migration, thereby differing from cell migration across planar ligands. Highly adhesive and integrin-dependent migration strategies detected in morphologically large and slowly migrating cells may result in reorganization of the extracellular matrix, whereas leukocytes favor largely integrin-independent, rapid, and flexible migration strategies lacking typical focal adhesions and structural matrix remodeling.

Cell Adhesion↗

Transforming growth factor beta1 modulates cell migration in rat cortex: effects of ethanol.

Transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 regulates cell migration of non-neural cells. Hence, two hypotheses were tested: (i) that TGFbeta1 affects cell migration and the expression of associated adhesion proteins in developing cortex; and (ii) that these effects are antagonized by ethanol. The effects of TGFbeta1 (2.5-40 ng/ml) and ethanol (400 mg/dl) on cell migration were examined in organotypic cultures from fetal rat brains. Migration was determined by tracing the movement of cells pulse-labeled with bromodeoxyuridine. Cell migration was altered by TGFbeta1 in a concentration-dependent manner: at low concentrations, cell migration was promoted whereas at high concentrations TGFbeta1 impeded migration. Ethanol treatment alone reduced the rate of migration. Interestingly, the rate of cell migration in slices treated with both TGFbeta1 and ethanol was the same as that in untreated cultures. The expression of cell adhesion proteins (nCAM, integrin alpha3, alphav and beta1) was differentially effected by TGFbeta1 and/or ethanol. TGFbeta1 increased the expression of these adhesion proteins in a progressive, concentration-dependent manner. Likewise, ethanol also increased adhesion protein expression, however, combined TGFbeta1 and ethanol treatment reduced expression. Collectively, the data show that TGFbeta1 alters cell migration in the developing cortex and that the TGFbeta1 system is a target of ethanol toxicity.

Animals↗

Interaction of cutaneous stromal cells and gamma/delta T cell receptor (TcR)-positive cells. I. V gamma 5-gamma/delta TcR+ T cells migrating from organ-cultured murine skin proliferate by co-culture with cutaneous stromal cells in the presence of interleukin-2.

It has been reported that Thy-1+CD3+CD4-CD8- cells as well as Langerhans cells migrate from organ-cultured murine skin into culture medium. We examined whether these Thy-1+ populations of migrating cells were derived from Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal T cells (Thy-1+ DEC) and found that they were Thy-1+CD3+CD4-CD8-gamma/delta TcR+ (gamma delta+T) cells but did not express V gamma 5TcR, which was used by a vast majority of Thy-1+ DEC. Recently, a unique interaction between stromal cells and lymphohemopoietic progenitors has been reported in bone marrow and thymus. In this study, we established fibroblastoid cutaneous stromal cell (CSC) lines and clones from murine skin and examined the interaction between CSC and gamma delta+T cells. When these gamma delta+T cells were co-cultured with CSC, a marked proliferation of small lymphoid cells was observed only in the presence of interleukin (IL)-2. Neither CSC alone nor IL-2 alone could induce a similar proliferation. Flow cytometry revealed that they were Thy-1+CD3+CD4-CD8-gamma/delta TcR+ but V gamma 5TcR-. Analysis of the major segments of their TcR by polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that V gamma 1, V gamma 2, V gamma 4 and all of the V delta chains from V delta 1 to V delta 7 were used without any predominant pattern. These data indicate the possible presence of gamma/delta+T cells other than V gamma 5TcR+Thy-1+ DEC in the murine skin and the unique capacity of the CSC to support the growth of these migrating gamma/delta+ T cells. The nomenclature of murine T cell receptor gamma chain is according to Reilly et al. (Nature 1986. 321:878). The relationship between the different nomenclature systems is summarized in Takagi et al. (J. Immunol. 1989. 141:2112).

Animals↗

Leptin induces endothelial cell migration through Akt, which is inhibited by PPARgamma-ligands.

Migration of endothelial cells (EC) is a key event in angiogenesis that contributes to neovascularization in diabetic vasculopathy. Leptin induces angiogenesis and is elevated in obesity and hyperinsulinemia. The antidiabetic thiazolidinediones (TZD) inhibit leptin gene expression and vascular smooth muscle cell migration through activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma). This study investigates the role of leptin in EC migration, the chemotactic signaling pathways involved, and the effects of the TZD-PPARgamma ligands troglitazone (TRO) and ciglitazone (CIG) on EC migration. We demonstrate that leptin induces EC migration. Because activation of two signaling pathways, the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-->Akt-->eNOS and the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway, is known to be involved in cell migration, we used the pharmacological inhibitors wortmannin and PD98059 to determine if chemotactic signaling by leptin involves Akt or ERK1/2, respectively. Both wortmannin and PD98059 significantly inhibited leptin-induced migration. Treatment with the TZD-PPARgamma-ligands TRO and CIG significantly inhibited the chemotactic response toward leptin. Both PPARgamma-ligands inhibited leptin-stimulated Akt and eNOS phosphorylation, but neither attenuated ERK 1/2 activation in response to leptin. The inhibition of Akt-phosphorylation was accompanied by a PPARgamma-ligand-mediated upregulation of PTEN, a phosphatase that functions as a negative regulator of PI3K-->Akt signaling. These experiments provide the first evidence that activation of Akt and ERK 1/2 are crucial events in leptin-mediated signal transduction leading to EC migration. Moreover, inhibition of leptin-directed migration by the PPARgamma-ligands TRO and CIG through inhibition of Akt underscores their potential in the prevention of diabetes-associated complications.

Androstadienes↗

The surface adhesion molecule CXCR4 stimulates mesenchymal stem cell migration to stromal cell-derived factor-1 in vitro but does not decrease apoptosis under serum deprivation.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used for myocardial repair following myocardial infarction. Increased expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) by an ischemic myocardium attracts CXCR4+ stem cells toward it. CXCR4, the receptor for SDF-1, is important in the migration, homing, and survival of hematopoietic stem cells. Although low levels of CXCR4 expression were found in minor subpopulations of cultured MSCs, most MSCs do not express CXCR4. To optimize the migration and survival of human MSCs, we expressed the CXCR4 gene in these cells using retroviral transduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We isolated and cultured MSCs from healthy volunteers and transduced them with a retroviral vector containing either CXCR4 and green fluorescent protein (GFP; CXCR4/GFP vector) or GFP alone (control vector). Flow cytometry confirmed successful transduction and GFP and CXCR4 expression. We used a transwell migration system to study MSC migration to SDF-1. We used Annexin V and propidium iodide stains to assess cell survival before and after the survival challenge. RESULTS: Flow cytometry showed that, on average, 83.4+/-17.7% of transduced MSCs expressed CXCR4. Compared with control MSCs, MSCs transduced with CXCR4 showed significantly more migration toward SDF-1, threefold greater at 3 h and more than fivefold greater at 6 h. Mesenchymal stem cells transduced with CXCR4 showed no significant difference in survival under normal to serum-deprived growth conditions. CONCLUSION: Mesenchymal stem cells can be efficiently transduced to express CXCR4, and transduced MSCs migrate rapidly toward SDF-1. CXCR4 expression does not render survival advantage to MSCs under serum-deprived conditions.

Apoptosis↗

Airway epithelial cell migration dynamics. MMP-9 role in cell-extracellular matrix remodeling.

Cell spreading and migration associated with the expression of the 92-kD gelatinase (matrix metalloproteinase 9 or MMP-9) are important mechanisms involved in the repair of the respiratory epithelium. We investigated the location of MMP-9 and its potential role in migrating human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC). In vivo and in vitro, MMP-9 accumulated in migrating HBEC located at the leading edge of a wound and MMP-9 expression paralleled cell migration speed. MMP-9 accumulated through an actin-dependent pathway in the advancing lamellipodia of migrating cells and was subsequently found active in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Lamellipodia became anchored through primordial contacts established with type IV collagen. MMP-9 became amassed behind collagen IV where there were fewer cell-ECM contacts. Both collagen IV and MMP-9 were involved in cell migration because when cell-collagen IV interaction was blocked, cells spread slightly but did not migrate; and when MMP-9 activation was prevented, cells remained fixed on primordial contacts and did not advance at all. These observations suggest that MMP-9 controls the migration of repairing HBEC by remodeling the provisional ECM implicated in primordial contacts.

Actins↗