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Expression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (eN, CD73) in cell lines from various stages of human melanoma.

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase is a GPI-anchored enzyme localized in cell membrane lipid rafts. Although it is highly expressed in many tumour cells, its specific function during tumorigenesis is unclear. We have found that, among different melanoma cells, upregulated expression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase is associated with a highly invasive phenotype. Analysis of other cell membrane proteins involved in melanoma adhesion and metastasis demonstrated that expression of alpha5, beta1, beta3-integrin subunits and CD44 was elevated gradually in accordance with increasing metastatic potential. Expression of alphav-integrin and caveolin-1 was seen mostly in cells derived from metastatic melanomas. Furthermore, in contrast to N-cadherin, which was unaltered in all lines, we could not detect E-cadherin in any cell type. Functional assays demonstrated that highly expressed ecto-5'-nucleotidase is a catalytically competent protein that is very sensitive to inhibition by concanavalin A. The interaction with concanavalin A also caused increased association of ecto-5'-nucleotidase-rich lipid rafts with much heavier cytoskeletal complexes as determined by density gradient centrifugation. A similar shift towards heavier cytoskeletal fractions also took place with other proteins coexpressed with ecto-5'-nucleotidase, such as alphav, alpha5, beta1 and beta3-integrins, caveolin-1 and CD44. As ConA-induced clustering may reflect the interactions of membrane proteins with extracellular matrix, we also analysed the effect of several extracellular matrix proteins on the in-situ activity of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in WM9 cells and found that tenascin C strongly inhibited ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity and adenosine generation from AMP. We also developed WM9 cells with reduced ecto-5'-nucleotidase expression and tested differences in cell adhesion on various extracellular matrix proteins. WM9 cells attached significantly weaker to tenascin C layer. These observations indicate that expression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase correlates with a number of metastasis-related markers and thus may have a function in this process. Furthermore, our data suggest that, in addition to generating adenosine, ecto-5'-nucleotidase may have independent roles in adhesion and interaction with extracellular matrix components in melanoma.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

Osteopontin expression in gestational trophoblastic diseases: correlation with expression of the adhesion molecule, CEACAM1.

The human placenta is a complex tissue with multiple endocrine and nutritional functions and a unique capacity for rapid proliferation but tightly controlled invasion, differentiating it from malignant tumors. Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix, which has been shown to mediate cellular migration and invasion and to contribute to tumorigenesis in several types of cancers. OPN also could be implicated in regulating implantation and placentation by promoting cellular migration and invasion in a placenta-specific fashion. We could demonstrate the expression pattern of OPN in the normal human placenta in which it is localized in the extravillous (intermediate) trophoblast and the villous cytotrophoblast. CEACAM1 is an adhesion molecule, which we have recently found to be expressed at the maternal-fetal interface of the normal placenta with a localization to the extravillous (invasive) trophoblast and in gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) and also to be potentially implicated in trophoblast invasion and tumorigenesis. Both OPN and CEACAM1 have been shown to interact with integrin beta3. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of OPN in GTD and to correlate it with the expression of CEACAM1. To analyze the expression of OPN, we performed immunohistochemistry on a total of 27 cases of GTD, including 21 hydatidiform moles and 6 choriocarcinomas, which had previously been characterized with respect to their CEACAM1 expression. Hydatidiform moles showed a positivity for OPN in villous cytotrophoblast and in the trophoblast proliferations on the villous surface. The strongest OPN expression could be observed in the choriocarcinomas with a heterogenous OPN expression pattern. CEACAM1 had shown similar results and was found to be expressed in choriocarcinoma. The expression pattern of osteopontin in gestational trophoblastic diseases indicates that it might play a role in the pathogenesis of GTD (possibly as a functional complex with CEACAM1 and integrin beta3) and might be useful as an additional diagnostic marker for such lesions.

Antigens, CD↗

CD31 regulates direction and rate of neutrophil migration over and under endothelial cells.

Mechanisms guiding migration of neutrophils through endothelium are poorly understood. We showed previously that CD31-CD31 binding acted as an 'accelerator' for neutrophils migrating on platelets, while neutrophil alpha(v)beta3-integrin acted as a sensor to align migration with the direction of imposed flow. Here, we perfused neutrophils over human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) treated with tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and characterised the kinetics of migration over, through and underneath the HUVEC. Before penetrating the monolayer, activated neutrophils migrated relatively slowly over the surface (approximately 6 microm/min), preferentially in the direction of flow. Once transmigrated, neutrophils moved more rapidly (approximately 14 microm/min) without preferred direction. Treatment of HUVEC and/or neutrophils with function-blocking antibodies against CD31 reduced directionality but not velocity of migration on top of HUVEC, and reduced velocity of migration underneath the monolayer. If neutrophils were pre-activated with formyl peptide, they did not migrate through the HUVEC, but migrated with increased velocity and directionality on top. Under these circumstances, both velocity and directionality were reduced by blocking CD31. alpha(v)beta3-integrin did not regulate migration under any conditions. We conclude that CD31-CD31 bonds act as robust sensors which can guide neutrophil migration, and also modify its velocity. Thus mechanical and adhesive signals can regulate neutrophil migration driven by locally-acting chemotactic agents.

Cell Adhesion↗

Oral antiplatelet efficacy and specificity of a novel nonpeptide platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, DMP 802.

This study was undertaken to define the platelet glycoprotein alphaIIb beta3 integrin (GPII/IIIa) affinity, specificity, and oral antiplatelet efficacy of DMP 802, a small-molecule nonpeptide antiplatelet agent. Platelet GPIIb/IIIa integrin binding affinity and specificity for DMP 802 were determined by using binding and adhesion assays with cells from various species, including human. DMP 802 demonstrated a potent antiplatelet efficacy [median inhibitory concentration (IC50), 0.029 +/- 0.0042 microM] in inhibiting human platelet aggregation induced by 10 microM adenosine diphosphate (ADP), as assessed by light-transmittance aggregometry. DMP 802 inhibited 125I-fibrinogen binding to activated (ADP, epinephrine, and arachidonic acid at 100 microM each) gel purified human platelets with an IC50 of 0.012 +/- 0.003 microM. DMP 802 demonstrated tight association with unactivated human, baboon, or canine platelets (t(1/2) of dissociation, 32 +/- 2, 32 +/- 13, and 11 +/- 1 min, respectively). DMP 802 binds with high affinity to both unactivated and activated human platelets (Kd = 0.61 +/- 0.17, 0.57 +/- 0.21 nM, respectively). DMP 802 demonstrated species specificity in inhibiting platelet aggregation with IC50 values ranging from 0.025 to 0.092 microM (human, guinea pig, dog, swine, hamster) and 0.88-1.0 microM (rabbit and rat) in platelets obtained from these various species. DMP 802 demonstrated a high degree of specificity for platelet GPIIb/IIIa (alphaIIb/beta3) as compared with other integrins including alpha(v)beta3 (IC50, >10 microM), alpha(v)beta5 (IC50, >100 microM), alpha4beta1 (IC50, >100 microM), and alpha5beta1 (IC50, >10 microM). Oral antiplatelet efficacy of DMP 802 was examined after single oral (0.05-0.20 mg/kg) and after repeated oral dosing at 0.05 mg/kg daily for 5 days in mongrel dogs. Dose-dependent antiplatelet efficacy with an extended duration of antiplatelet efficacy was demonstrated based on ex vivo inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by 100 microM ADP. DMP 802 has an oral bioavailability of 14.9% in dogs. In conclusion, the alpha sulfonamide isoxazoline analog, DMP 802, is a novel oral antiplatelet agent with high affinity, relatively slow dissociation rate and specificity for human platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptors.

Administration, Oral↗

Domain 1 of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor is required for its morphologic and functional, beta2 integrin-mediated connection with actin cytoskeleton in human microvascular endothelial cells: failure of association in systemic sclerosis endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: In systemic sclerosis (SSc) microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs), angiogenesis is blocked by matrix metalloproteinase 12-dependent cleavage of domain 1 of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). Since integrins are associated with the invasive activity of uPAR in angiogenesis, this study was undertaken to show whether full-size and truncated uPAR are differentially associated with integrins and with motor components of the cytoskeleton. METHODS: SSc and normal MVECs were isolated from human skin biopsy specimens and studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy and immunoprecipitation to assess the mechanisms of association of truncated and full-size uPAR with integrins and the actin cytoskeleton. The integrin composition of the MVECs was studied by reverse transcription-polymerasechain reaction. Cell migration and capillary morphogenesis were studied on fibrinogen substrates. Involvement of Rac and Cdc42 was evaluated by Western blotting. RESULTS: Only full-size uPAR showed a connection with the actin cytoskeleton in ECs. This connection was mediated by the uPAR-associated alphaMu- and alphaX-subunits of beta2 integrin, and was absent from SSc MVECs. The cleaved uPAR was not associated with beta2 integrins or with actin. beta3 integrins were associated with both the full-size and cleaved uPAR at focal contacts. The uncoupling of uPAR from beta2 integrins in SSc MVECs impaired the activation of Rac and Cdc42 (thus inhibiting their mediation of uPAR-dependent cytoskeletal rearrangements and cell motility) and blocked the integrin-engagement-delivered signals to the actin cytoskeleton. Invasion and capillary morphogenesis on fibrinogen-coated substrates indicated that ligation of uPAR by uPA empowers the beta2/beta3 integrin-dependent invasion of fibrinogen, and that this system is impaired in SSc MVECs. CONCLUSION: The reduced angiogenic properties of SSc MVECs can be explained by the effects of uPAR truncation and the subsequent loss of the beta2 integrin-mediated connection of uPAR with the actin cytoskeleton in these ECs.

Actins↗

Integrin activation and structural rearrangement.

Among adhesion receptor families, integrins are particularly important in biological processes that require rapid modulation of adhesion and de-adhesion. Activation on a timescale of < 1 s of beta2 integrins on leukocytes and beta3 integrins on platelets enables deposition of these cells at sites of inflammation or vessel wall injury. Recent crystal, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electron microscope (EM) structures of integrins and their domains lead to a unifying mechanism of activation for both integrins that contain and those that lack an inserted (I) domain. The I domain adopts two alternative conformations, termed open and closed. In striking similarity to signaling G-proteins, rearrangement of a Mg2+-binding site is linked to large conformational movements in distant backbone regions. Mutations that stabilize a particular conformation show that the open conformation has high affinity for ligand, whereas the closed conformation has low affinity. Movement of the C-terminal alpha-helix 10 A down the side of the domain in the open conformation is sufficient to increase affinity at the distal ligand-binding site 9,000-fold. This C-terminal "bell-rope" provides a mechanism for linkage to conformational movements in other domains. Recent structures and functional studies reveal interactions between beta-propeller, I, and I-like domains in the integrin headpiece, and a critical role for integrin epidermal growth factor (EGF) domains in the stalk region. The headpiece of the integrin faces down towards the membrane in the inactive conformation, and extends upward in a "switchblade"-like opening upon activation. These long-range structural rearrangements of the entire integrin molecule involving interdomain contacts appear closely linked to conformational changes within the I and I-like domains, which result in increased affinity and competence for ligand binding.

Animals↗

Recruitment of nectin-3 to cell-cell junctions through trans-heterophilic interaction with CD155, a vitronectin and poliovirus receptor that localizes to alpha(v)beta3 integrin-containing membrane microdomains.

Nectins present a novel class of Ig superfamily adhesion molecules that, cooperatively with cadherins, establish and maintain cell-cell adherens junctions. CD155, the cognate receptor for poliovirus, undergoes cell-matrix contacts by binding to the extracellular matrix protein vitronectin. The significant homology of nectins with CD155 prompted us to investigate the possibility of their interaction. We determined that nectin-3 binds CD155 and its putative mouse homologue Tage4 in cell-based ligand binding assays. Coculture of nectin-3- and CD155-expressing HeLa cells led to CD155-dependent recruitment of nectin-3 to cell-cell contacts. In a heterologous coculture system with CD155 expressing mouse neuroblastoma cells, HeLa cell-expressed nectin-3 was recruited to contact sites with CD155 bearing neurites. CD155 and nectin-3 colocalized to epithelial cell-cell junctions in renal proximal tubules and in the amniotic membrane. Efficient interaction depended on CD155 dimerization, which appears to be aided by cell type-specific cofactors. We furthermore found CD155 to codistribute with alpha(v) integrin microdomains on the surface of transfected mouse fibroblasts and at amniotic epithelial cell junctions. Our findings demonstrate the possible trans-interaction between the bona fide cell-cell adherens type adhesion system (cadherin/nectin) and the cell-matrix adhesion system (integrin/CD155) by virtue of their nectin-3 and CD155 components, respectively.

Amnion↗

CD63 associates with the alphaIIb beta3 integrin-CD9 complex on the surface of activated platelets.

The tetraspanins are integral membrane proteins expressed on cell surface and granular membranes of hematopoietic cells and have been identified in multi-molecular complexes with specific integrins. In resting platelets, CD63, a member of the tetraspanin superfamily, is present in dense granule and lysosomal membranes and, following platelet activation, translocates to the plasma membrane. In the present study, platelet activation by thrombin leads to incorporation of CD63 into the Triton-insoluble actin cytoskeletal fraction. This incorporation was inhibited by preincubation of platelets with RGDS or EGTA and did not occur in platelets from a patient with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, suggesting that it was dependent upon alphaIIbbeta3. In activated platelets, the anti-CD63 MoAb, D545, co-immunoprecipitated CD63 with other surface-labeled proteins, including alphaIIbbeta3 and another tetraspanin, CD9. The association of CD63 with CD9 and alphaIIbbeta3, was not inhibited by preincubation of platelets with RGDS or EGTA. D545 did not inhibit the adhesion of activated platelets to purified extracellular matrix proteins, but significantly decreased adhesion of thrombin-activated platelets to neutrophils in a rosetting assay. D545 also caused disaggregation of platelets stimulated by ADP, but had no effect on aggregation induced by other agonists. These results are consistent with the proposal that CD63 becomes part of an alphaIIbbeta3-CD9-CD63 integrin-tetraspanin complex in activated platelets--an association that may modulate the function of alphaIIbbeta3-dependent interaction with other cells such as neutrophils.

Adult↗

Targeting Beta-3 integrin using a linear hexapeptide labeled with a near-infrared fluorescent molecular probe.

Biomolecules containing the RGD peptide sequence are known to bind integrins with high affinity. Studies of hexa-and hepta-peptides labeled with a near-infrared fluorescent probe (cypate) showed that rearranging the glycine in a linear RGD peptide sequence to form the GRD analogue favored the uptake of the GRD compound by alphavbeta3 integrin receptor (ABIR)-positive A549 tumor cells and tissue. The internalization of the GRD compound in A549 cells and tumor uptake in mice were inhibited by ABIR-avid peptides, suggesting its recognition by this receptor. Further studies with functional blocking antibodies and beta3 knockout cells revealed that beta3 integrin mediates the internalization of the cypate-GRD peptide. Molecular modeling studies supported preferential interaction of the probe with the beta3 subunit of integrins relative to the alphav subunit. The results demonstrate that the cypate-GRD peptide targets beta3 integrin, thereby providing a strategy to monitor drug delivery and efficacy, and physiopathologic processes mediated by this protein.

Animals↗

The Amino-terminal domain of tntegrin beta3 functions as a transcriptional activator in yeast.

A deletion mutant encoding the integrin beta3(4I-F56) with an additional Gln at the carboxyl terminus was found occassionally when we were constructing a counterselection yeast two-hybrid assay modle. This mutant exhibited strong transcriptional activation in yeast cells, bearing the Escherichia coli lacZ reporter gene encoding the beta-galactosidase under the transcriptional control of GAL4 promoter and TATA box. Further analysis revealed that the region between the amino acid residues 23C to S77, an acidic domain involved in the function of several transcriptional activators were critical for optimal level of transactivation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor C3G is necessary for the formation of focal adhesions and vascular maturation.

The Ras signalling pathway has major roles in normal cell function and oncogenesis. C3G is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for members of the Ras family of GTPases. We generated a mouse strain with a hypomorphic C3G allele. C3G(gt/gt) mutant embryos died of vascular defects around E11.5 due to haemorrhage and vascular integrity defects. Vascular supporting cells did not develop appropriately. C3G-deficient fibroblasts responded to PDGF-BB abnormally, exhibited cell adhesion defects and lacked paxillin and integrin-beta1-positive cell adhesions. In contrast, integrin-beta3-positive cell adhesions formed normally. These results show that C3G is required for (1) vascular myogenesis, (2) the formation of paxillin- and integrin beta1-positive, but not integrin beta3-positive, cell adhesions and (3) normal response to PDGF, necessary for vascular myogenesis.

Actins↗

Integrin expression and osteopontin regulation in human fetal osteoblastic cells mediated by substratum surface characteristics.

Integrin-mediated adhesion of anchorage-dependent cells to scaffolds is a critical component of tissue engineering. We investigated integrin expression by the human fetal osteoblastic cell line, hFOB 1.19 (hFOB), as a function of substratum surface wettability. The influence of surface wettability on bone cell phenotype was also examined. Plasma-treated quartz (PTQ) and glass (PTG) (hydrophilic, contact angles of 0 degrees), octadecyltrichlorosilane-treated quartz (STQ) and glass (STG) (hydrophobic, contact angles above about 100 degrees), and tissue culture polystyrene were used for cell culture. hFOB cells cultured on hydrophilic substrata displayed well-developed actin stress fibers relative to cells on hydrophobic substrata. Western blot analysis revealed that hFOB cells cultured on hydrophobic substrata (STQ or STG) express lower levels of alphav and beta3 integrin subunits than do cells on hydrophilic substrata (PTQ or PTG). This effect was more pronounced in cells on STQ than on STG. These variations in integrin expression were lessened by extended culture time. Double- labeled integrin/actin immunofluorescence confirmed Western blot results, that is, cells cultured on PTQ displayed distinct, large plaques of alphav and beta3 subunits and integrin alphavbeta3, as well as their colocalization with actin stress fiber ends, whereas cells on STQ did not display integrin plaques after 24 h and displayed only minimal plaque formation after 3 days. Vinculin, a focal adhesion protein that mediates binding between the integrin and actin cytoskeleton, appeared in Western blots to mimic the variations of alphav and beta3 expression with respect to surface wettability. Interestingly, real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that hFOB cultured on hydrophobic substrata, which have downregulated alphav and beta3 integrin subunits, displayed greater steady state mRNA levels of osteopontin, an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein containing the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) integrin recognition sequence, than did cells cultured on hydrophilic substrata. Our results imply that substratum surface wettability regulates integrin-mediated bone cell adhesion and further influences the expression of bone cell-ECM complexes.

Cell Culture Techniques↗

Integrins mediate functional pre- and postsynaptic maturation at a hippocampal synapse.

Coordinated signalling between presynaptic terminals and their postsynaptic targets is essential for the development and function of central synapses. In addition to diffusible molecules, this bidirectional flow of information could involve direct interactions through cell-adhesion molecules. Here, we show that one class of cell-adhesion molecule, the integrins, are required for the functional maturation of hippocampal synapses in vitro. At immature synapses, a high probability of glutamate release (Pr) was correlated with the expression of postsynaptic NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors containing the NR2B subunit. The activity-dependent reduction in Pr and a switch in the subunit composition of synaptic NMDA receptors was prevented by chronic blockade with peptides containing the integrin-binding site Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD), or by a functional antibody against the beta3 integrin subunit. Active synapses, monitored by the uptake of antibodies against the intraluminal domain of synaptotagmin I, also had beta3 subunit immunoreactivity. Our results provide evidence that integrin-mediated signalling is essential for the orchestrated maturation of central excitatory synapses.

Animals↗

Temporal response and localization of integrins beta1 and beta3 in the heart after myocardial infarction: regulation by cytokines.

BACKGROUND: Integrins are involved in structural remodeling and tissue repair. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the beta-integrins in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS AND RESULTS: The MI model was created by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats. We detected cardiac integrins beta1 and beta3 gene expression (quantitative in situ hybridization) and protein production (Western blot and immunohistochemistry) and potential regulation by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) using neonatal ventricular myocytes and TNF-/- knockout mice. Integrins beta1 and beta3 gene expression and protein production were low in sham-operated hearts. After MI, the beta1 and beta3 mRNA and proteins were significantly increased at the site of MI at day 3, reached a peak at day 7, and gradually declined thereafter. Integrin beta1A localized primarily in fibroblasts and inflammatory cells, beta1D localized in myocytes, and integrin beta3 was associated primarily with endothelial and smooth muscle cells in peri-infarct vessels. In cultured myocytes, there was isoform transition from the adult beta1D to the fetal beta1A on exposure to TNF-alpha. This was confirmed in vivo in the peri-infarct myocytes, but the transition was voided in TNF-/--knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS: Integrins beta1 and beta3 are significantly activated in the infarcted myocardium. Integrin beta1 is active particularly at sites of inflammation and fibrosis, whereas integrin beta3 localizes to vessels in the peri-infarct zone in a temporally coordinated manner. Integrin beta1D to beta1A isoform transition in myocytes is regulated by TNF-alpha.

Animals↗

Targeting integrins: insights into structure and activity of cyclic RGD pentapeptide mimics containing azabicycloalkane amino acids.

A small library of cyclic RGD pentapeptide mimics incorporating stereoisomeric 5,6- and 5,7-fused bicyclic lactams was synthesized. This library was found to contain high-affinity ligands for the alpha(v)beta3 integrin. The aim of this study was to investigate activity, selectivity, and structure of these ligands in order to identify new specific alpha(v)-integrin antagonists that could be evaluated as tumor angiogenesis inhibitors. In vitro screening, including receptor-binding assays to purified alpha(v)beta3, alpha(v)beta5, and alpha5beta1 integrins, and platelet aggregation assay, revealed ST1646 as a potent, highly selective alpha(v)beta3/alpha(v)beta5 integrin antagonist. Structure determination of the cyclic RGD pentapeptide mimics performed by a combination of NMR spectroscopy, and molecular mechanics and dynamics calculations showed a strong dependence of the RGD cyclopeptide conformation on lactam ring size and stereochemistry. ST1646 revealed the highest ability within the library to adopt the proper RGD orientation required for binding to the alpha(v)beta3 integrin, as deduced from the recently solved crystal structure of the extracellular segment of integrin alpha(v)beta3 in complex with a cyclic pentapeptide ligand.

Amino Acids↗

The vitronectin receptor plays a role in the adhesion of human cytotrophoblast cells to endothelial cells.

During placental development in higher primates trophoblast cells invade maternal blood vessels and migrate along the luminal surface of endothelium. In the present study, the adherence of human cytotrophoblast cells to endothelial cells has been characterized to test the hypothesis that vitronectin receptors (alpha(v) integrins) play a role in intra-luminal trophoblast migration. Adherence was measured using a quantitative fluorescence-based assay and was found to increase in a time-dependent fashion up to about 2 h after which it leveled off. Adhesion was detectable at 4 degrees C but was greatly reduced compared to that seen at 37 degrees C. Adhesion was partially blocked by antibodies against alpha(v)beta3/beta5 integrin, beta1 integrin and by antibodies against P-selectin. Antibodies against beta3 integrin subunits had no effect. Adhesion was reduced by galactose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate. Flow cytometric analysis revealed alpha(v) integrin on the surface of cytotrophoblast and endothelial cells. Beta1 integrin was detected on the surface of endothelial cells and on cytokine-stimulated cytotrophoblast cells. Beta3 and beta5 integrins were not detected on the surface of either cell type, although beta3 was detected using permeabilized endothelial cells. These results raise the possibility that alpha(v) integrins expressed by both cytotrophoblast cells and endothelial cells, and P-selectin expressed by endothelial cells, may be important in facilitating trophoblast adhesion and migration along the uterine microvasculature.

Adult↗

Expression pattern of alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrin mRNA in mouse fetal gonads.

The alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins are known as transmembrane receptors capable of binding to the RGD amino acid peptide sequence. In mouse early gonadogenesis, some proteins containing the RGD sequence are deposited into extracellular space and participate in morphogenesis. We analyzed the expression patterns of the alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins in mouse developing gonads (10.5-13.5 days post coitum) using whole-mount in situ hybridization. The alphav integrin mRNA was homogenously expressed in developing gonadal regions. On the other hand, the beta3 integrin mRNA was found only in large and round cells (presumptive germ cells), whereas beta5 integrin was localized in gonadal somatic cells, with the exception of coelomic epithelial cells. The beta3 integrin-expressed cells were determined to be primordial germ cells because the number of these cells was drastically reduced in busulfan-treated gonads. In this study, we demonstrated that the alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins are widely localized in the mouse developing gonads and discussed their presumptive functions on mouse gonadogenesis.

Animals↗