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Differences in sperm migration through cervical mucus in vitro relates to sperm colonization of the oviduct and fertilizing ability in goats.

Sperm migration in estrous cervical mucus can be used to measure the ability of spermatozoa to migrate through the genital tract. The relationship of this test with the sperm colonization of the isthmus, and its impact on fertility has not been evaluated in goats. Our objectives were to determine the differences among spermatozoa of different bucks in their ability to penetrate homologous cervical mucus in vitro and to determine the relationship between sperm displacement through cervical mucus and the ability of spermatozoa to colonize the oviduct and penetrate IVM oocytes, in vivo. Sperm migration in cervical mucus was assessed in flat capillary tubes with a phase contrast microscope. In the first experiment, fresh semen was used to establish differences between males in the ability of their spermatozoa to migrate in cervical mucus. In the second experiment, goats in estrus were inseminated with fresh spermatozoa from males with significant differences in mucus migration ability, and sperm numbers were evaluated at the UTJ. In the third experiment, the fertilization efficiency of IVM oocytes transferred to the oviduct of estrous females inseminated with semen from the same males as earlier, was used to assess the relationship between the mucus migration test and the in vivo fertilization performance of their spermatozoa. Spermatozoa from different males varies significantly in sperm migration efficiency in cervical mucus (15.5a +/- 1.2; 14.9a +/- 1.4; 17.5ab +/- 1.2; 17.0ab +/- 1.5; 19.7b +/- 1.2; 20.1b +/- 1.4 mm; media +/- S.E.M. for males A-F, respectively, P < 0.05). Spermatozoa from males with different mucus migration efficiency values produced different sperm populations at the oviduct reservoir of inseminated females (1,233 +/- 92.3 versus 28.8 +/- 17.0 spermatozoa of males with high and low relative migration efficiency, respectively, P < 0.02). Spermatozoa from males with different mucus migration efficiency values have different fertilization rates of IVM oocytes transferred to oviduct (47/96 (49.0%) versus 25/91 (27.5%) for males with high and low relative migration efficiency, respectively, P < 0.05). Cumulative results suggest that sperm migration in cervical mucus is related to the ability of spermatozoa to colonize the oviduct and to fertilize matured oocytes in vivo.

Animals↗

Migration of bovine spermatozoa in a synthetic medium and its relation to in vivo bull fertility.

Although sperm migration has been extensively refined and validated in human infertility studies, its application to predict bovine fertility has been very limited, and a clear relation between the sperm migration distance and in vivo bull fertility has never been demonstrated. A synthetic medium based upon methyl cellulose (MC) was tested for its suitability to serve as a migration medium for frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. The effects of the concentration of MC, the incubation time, and sperm concentration on sperm migration capacity was determined. The relation between sperm migration capacity at different incubation times of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa of five bulls, and their 56 days nonreturn rates (NRRs) was assessed in order to evaluate its suitability as a tool to predict in vivo bull fertility. The highest repeatability of the sperm migration test (CV = 10.7%) was obtained when the sperm migration distance of the five vanguard motile spermatozoa was determined at 30 min incubation at 37 degrees C in a migration medium with 1.35% MC. No significant difference in migration distance was demonstrated when sperm concentrations of 100 x 10(6) and 150 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml, respectively, were used. Despite the relatively high repeatability of the migration test, no relation was found between the sperm migration distance and the 56 days NRRs of five sire bulls. Therefore, the sperm migration test in 1.35% MC cannot be used to predict in vivo bull fertility accurately.

Animals↗

Extracellular matrix proteins are potent agonists of human smooth muscle cell migration.

PURPOSE: Extracellular matrix proteins can stimulate smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration by three distinct mechanisms: chemokinesis (nondirected migration in the presence of soluble protein), chemotaxis (directed migration toward soluble protein), and haptotaxis (directed migration toward insoluble, substrate-bound protein). This study investigates the effects of four prevalent extracellular matrix proteins (collagen types I and IV, fibronectin, and laminin), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on haptotaxis, chemotaxis, and chemokinesis of human SMCs. The role of large guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins (G-proteins) in the signaling mediating these effects is also evaluated. METHODS: Human saphenous vein SMCs were used in all migration studies. Chemokinesis, chemotaxis, and haptotaxis to each of the matrix proteins were measured and compared with PDGF through the use of a 48-well microchemotaxis chamber. The role of G-proteins in matrix-induced SMC migration was studied with the modulators of G-protein function, cholera and pertussis toxins. RESULTS: For all matrix proteins the relative strength of the various stimuli for migration was haptotaxis > chemotaxis > chemokinesis (p < 0.05). For all three stimuli collagen I and IV produced the most significant migration followed by fibronectin > PDGF-AB > laminin (p < 0.05). Pertussis toxin completely inhibited chemotaxis and partially inhibited haptotaxis by laminin but did not affect migration by other matrix proteins, whereas cholera toxin abolished migration in response to all four matrix proteins. CONCLUSION: Matrix proteins, with the exception of laminin, provide a more significant stimulus for SMC locomotion than does the prototypical agonist, PDGF-AB. Of the three mechanisms by which migration can be stimulated, haptotaxis elicits the most profound effect. The importance of G-proteins as second messengers for migration varies with each matrix protein and with the mechanism of stimulation.

Cell Movement↗

Endothelial cell expression of galectin-1 induced by prostate cancer cells inhibits T-cell transendothelial migration.

A critical control point in the immune response to tumors or to pathogens is the egress of lymphocytes from blood into damaged or infected tissue. While several specific endothelial cell proteins promote lymphocyte adhesion to and migration across endothelium, little is known about endothelial cell surface proteins that negatively regulate transendothelial migration of lymphocytes. Galectin-1 is a mammalian lectin expressed by a variety of cell types, including endothelial cells, that has pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects. Galectin-1 is known to alter T-cell cytokine production and to trigger T-cell death. We now demonstrate that galectin-1 inhibits T-cell migration across endothelial cells, identifying a novel anti-inflammatory effect of galectin-1. We observed reduced T-cell migration across endothelial cells induced to increase galectin-1 expression by exposure to prostate cancer cell conditioned medium, compared to T-cell migration across control-treated endothelial cells, and the inhibitory effect of galectin-1 on T-cell migration was reversed by specific antiserum. Decreased T-cell migration was not due to decreased adhesion to galectin-1 expressing endothelial cells, nor to death of T cells, as T cells lacking core 2 O-glycans and thus resistant to galectin-1 death displayed reduced migration across endothelial cells. Galectin-1 on the surface of extracellular matrix also reduced the ability of T cells to migrate through the matrix. T cells bound to galectin-1-coated matrix demonstrated enhanced clustering of CD43, including at the T-cell:matrix interface, compared to CD43 on T cells bound to matrix in the absence of galectin-1. As translocation of CD43 to the trailing edge is essential for polarized T-cell migration, these data indicate that galectin-1-mediated clustering of CD43 contributes to the inhibitory effect on T-cell migration. Inhibition of T-cell migration is a novel anti-inflammatory activity of galectin-1.

Cell Adhesion↗

Melanoma cell migration is upregulated by tumour necrosis factor-alpha and suppressed by alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone.

We reported recently that the inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) can upregulate integrin expression, cell attachment and invasion of cells through fibronectin in a human melanoma cell line (HBL). Furthermore, the actions of TNF-alpha were suppressed by the addition of an anti-inflammatory peptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). In the current study, we extend this work investigating to what extent TNF-alpha might stimulate melanoma invasion by promoting cell migration and whether alpha-MSH is also inhibitory. Two human melanoma cell lines were examined in vitro (HBL and C8161) using a scratch migration assay. Analysis using either time-lapse video microscopy or imaging software analysis of migrating 'fronts' of cells revealed that C8161 cells migrated more rapidly than HBL cells. However, when cells were stimulated with TNF-alpha both cell types responded with a significant increase in migration distance over a 16-26 h incubation time. alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone had an inhibitory effect on TNF-alpha-stimulated migration for HBL cells, completely blocking migration at 10(-9) M. In contrast, C8161 cells did not respond to alpha-MSH (as these cells have a loss-of-function melanocortin-1 receptor). However, stable transfection of C8161 cells with the wild-type melanocortin-1 receptor produced cells whose migration was significantly inhibited by alpha-MSH. In addition, the use of a neutralising antibody to the beta(1)-integrin subunit significantly reduced migration in both cell types. This data therefore supports an inflammatory environment promoting melanoma cell migration, and in addition shows that alpha-MSH can inhibit inflammatory stimulated migration. The data also support a fundamental role of the beta(1)-integrin receptor in melanoma cell migration.

Cell Movement↗

The stimulation of human neutrophil migration by angiotensin IL: its dependence on Ca2+ and the involvement of cyclic GMP.

1. Angiotensin II had a bimodal effect on human neutrophil migration. Low concentrations of angiotensin II stimulated random migration. At a concentration of 10(-10) M it caused a maximal increase of migration; migration increased from 47.2 +/- 2.1 microns in the absence of angiotensin II, to 73.1 +/- 2.2 microns with 10(-10) M angiotensin II present in the lower compartment of the Boyden chamber (n = 5, P < 0.001). Stimulation of migration by angiotensin II was partly chemotactic and partly chemokinetic. Angiotensin II concentrations of 10(-8) M and higher inhibited chemotactic peptide-stimulated chemotaxis. 2. The stimulant effect of angiotensin II on migration was completely dependent on extracellular Ca2+. In the presence of 1 mM Ca2+, angiotensin II stimulated migration to 76.1 +/- 1.7 microns, while migration in the absence of Ca2+ was 42.2 +/- 1.9 microns (n = 4, P < 0.001). Different types of calcium channel blockers either moderately or strongly inhibited angiotensin II-activated migration. Stimulation of migration by angiotensin II in intact cells required higher concentrations of Ca2+ than in electroporated cells. This supports the view that there is an influx of Ca2+ through the plasma membrane, and a requirement of calcium for an intracellular target. 3. Angiotensin II-stimulated migration was inhibited by pertussis toxin; from 71.6 +/- 2.0 microns in the absence, to 43.6 +/- 1.5 microns in the presence of pertussis toxin (n = 4, P < 0.001). Migration of electroporated neutrophils stimulated by angiotensin II was synergistically enhanced by GTP gamma S. This suggests that one or more G-proteins are involved in the activating effect of angiotensin II. 4. Inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase and antagonists of cyclic GMP-dependent kinase strongly inhibited the activating effect of angiotensin II. The results suggest that the activating effect of angiotensin II is mediated by cyclic GMP and by cyclic GMP-dependent kinase.

Angiotensin II↗

Involvement of regulatory volume decrease in the migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

The transwell chamber migration assay and CCD digital camera imaging techniques were used to investigate the relationship between regulatory volume decrease (RVD) and cell migration in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (CNE-2Z cells). Both migrated and non-migrated CNE-2Z cells, when swollen by 47% hypotonic solution, exhibited RVD which was inhibited by extracellular application of chloride channel blockers adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB) and tamoxifen. However, RVD rate in migrated CNE-2Z cells was bigger than that of non-migrated cells and the sensitivity of migrated cells to NPPB and tamoxifen was higher than that of non-migrated cells. ATP, NPPB and tamoxifen also inhibited migration of CNE-2Z cells. The inhibition of migration was positively correlated to the blockage of RVD, with a correlation coefficient (r) = 0.99, suggesting a functional relationship between RVD and cell migration. We conclude that RVD is involved in cell migration and RVD may play an important role in migratory process in CNE-2Z cells.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Complexities in ETS-domain transcription factor function and regulation: lessons from the TCF (ternary complex factor) subfamily. The Colworth Medal Lecture.

The ETS-domain transcription factor family can be divided into a series of subfamilies. Elk-1 represents the founding member of the ternary complex factor (TCF) subfamily. By focusing on the TCF subfamily, we can demonstrate the complexities that exist in the function and regulation of ETS-domain transcription factors. This article focuses on Elk-1 in detail and summarizes the functions of other TCFs. The key themes covered include the domain structure of the TCFs, the mechanisms of complex formation with serum response factor, regulation of TCFs by mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, and transcriptional regulatory properties of the TCFs. Finally, the emerging role of the TCFs in vivo is discussed. A picture is developing indicating that, while these proteins exhibit significant sequence and functional conservation, key differences in their structure and regulation are being identified which may relate to unique functions of these proteins in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) is the predominant beta 2 (CD18) integrin mediating human neutrophil migration through synovial and dermal fibroblast barriers.

Recently we reported that polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMNL) migration in vitro through a barrier of human synovial fibroblasts (HSF) involves both beta 2 (CD18) and beta 1 (CD29) integrins on the PMNL. Here we investigated the role of the beta 2 integrin family members, lymphocyte function-associated (LFA)-1 (alpha L beta 2 or CD11a/CD18) and Mac-1 ( alpha M beta 2 or CD11b/CD18), in PMNL migration through HSF and human dermal fibroblast (HDF) monolayers. Treatment of PMNL with monoclonal antibody (mAb) to LFA-1 (anti-alpha L) did not inhibit PMNL migration through either monolayer in response to C5a. In contrast, mAb to Mac-1 (Cd11b) inhibited (by 30-40%) PMNL migration, and by virtually the same extent as mAb to the beta 1 integrin chain (CD18) (40% inhibition). Addition of mAb to LFA-1 to mAb to Mac-1 did not result in greater inhibition. This was in contrast to PMNL migration through human umbilical vein endothelium (HUVE) monolayers, where mAb to LFA-1 or to Mac-1 each partially inhibited PMNL transendothelial migration, and when these mAbs were combined, synergistic inhibition of migration was observed, reaching 90-95% inhibition. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) was not required for Mac-1 mediated migration through HSF or HDF, because treatment of the fibroblasts with mAb R6.5 (F(ab)2) to ICAM-1, which blocks the Mac-1 binding site on ICAM-1, did not inhibit PMNL migration. An LFA-1-ICAM-1 mechanism of PMNL migration through HSF and HDF monolayers could be detected after treatment (4 hr) of the monolayers with TNF-alpha plus IFN-gamma, which upregulated ICAM-1 on the fibroblasts. The results demonstrate the beta 2 integrin dependent PMNL migration in connective tissue may involve primarily Mac-1, with little involvement of LFA-1 or ICAM-1, a situation in marked contrast to PMNL migration across endothelium. However, in inflammatory conditions in which TNF-alpha and/or IFN-gamma may be generated, a role for LFA-1-ICAM-1 may be induced.

CD18 Antigens↗

In vitro effects of epidermal growth factor or insulin-like growth factor on tenoblast migration on absorbable suture material.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) or insulin-like growth factor (IGF) on tenoblast migration on absorbable suture material using an in vitro model. STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro evaluation of tenoblast migration. ANIMAL OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Segments of the long digital flexor tendon were obtained from Cobb chickens (9-11 weeks old) immediately after the birds were euthanatized. METHODS: Tissue culture explants of tendons containing absorbable suture material were treated with either EGF or IGF. Tenoblast migration was assessed daily using an inverted microscope equipped with bright field and phase optics. Tenoblast migration was assessed according to the following criteria: time of first cell appearance, percent of explant interfaces producing cells, migration distance, and terminal migration index at 120 and 168 hours. RESULTS: EGF had a stimulatory effect on tenoblast migration for cells originating from the endotenon interfaces. No significant effect was noted on migration distance for cells originating from epitenon interfaces. A stimulatory effect on the percentage of interfaces producing cells and a significant decrease in time of first cell appearance were also observed after EGF treatment. IGF-stimulated cell migration distance for epitenon interfaces but this stimulatory effect did not occur at a higher concentration. IGF was inhibitory to percent of epitenon and endotenon interfaces producing cells but decreased time of first cell appearance at low concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Using an in vitro model, EGF had a stimulatory effect on tenoblast migration. IGF was stimulatory at low concentration levels but inhibitory at a higher concentration. Increased migration distance was observed for endotenon interfaces after EGF treatment and for epitenon interfaces after IGF treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: EGF or IGF might enhance tendon repair if they could be delivered to the repair site. Incorporation of EGF or IGF into suture material would allow slow release and prolonged exposure of migrating tenoblasts to growth factors.

Absorbable Implants↗

Endograft migration one to four years after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with the AneuRx device: a cautionary note.

BACKGROUND: Positional stability of the endograft is essential for long-term durability after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EAR). However, the cumulative risk of delayed endograft migration has been sparsely reported. METHOD: A total of 91 patients studied underwent EAR with the AneuRx endograft with a minimum 1 year from implantation. Data from a prospective database were assessed for proximal endograft migration, defined as > or = 5 mm change from the initial endograft position. Multiple anatomic characteristics were also examined. Sixty-nine patients were alive, with complete follow-up at 1 year, with a mean time from implantation of 33.2 +/- 1.1 months. Data are mean +/- SEM. RESULTS: Endograft migration occurred in 15 patients, giving a cumulative event rate of 7.2% (5/69) at 1 year, 20.4% (10/49) at 2 years, 42.1% (8/19) at 3 years, and 66.7% (2/3) at 4 years post-EAR (P =.01). Although the initial aortic neck diameter did not differ between the groups (21.5 +/- 0.6 mm vs 21.8 +/- 0.3 mm, P =.61), significant (P <.05), late aortic neck enlargement was seen in patients with migration (25.0 +/- 1.6 mm, 26.2 +/- 1.2 mm, and 27.0 +/- 1.0 mm at 1,2, and 3 years, respectively) but not in nonmigrators. Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant (P <.05) correlation between endograft oversizing and late aortic neck dilation. Overall migration risk was 29.2% in patients oversized >20% and 18.6% in patients oversized < or = 20%. Aortic neck angulation (23.4 +/- 6.6 degrees vs 23.5 +/- 3.3 degrees, P =.99), aortic neck length (25.9 +/- 2.5 mm vs 27.0 +/- 1.6 mm, P =.74), initial endograft/aortic neck overlap (18.6 +/- 2.6 mm vs 19.4 +/- 1.4 mm, P =.80) and size of abdominal aortic aneurysm (55.5 +/- 1.5 mm vs 54.9 +/- 1.4 mm, P =.84) were similar between migrators and nonmigrators, respectively. Secondary endovascular treatment with aortic cuffs was required in five patients with device migration. CONCLUSIONS: Device migration after EAR with the AneuRx endograft occurred with significant frequency, the incidence of which increased with the length of follow-up. Late aortic neck dilation was significantly associated with migration. Oversizing of the endograft of >20% may accelerate this late aortic neck dilation. However, the etiologies of endograft migration were likely multifactorial, as the majority (8/15) of patients experiencing migration were oversized <20%. Although endovascular repair of these migrations is usually possible, the long-term durability of these secondary procedures is unknown. Careful surveillance for this endograft failure mode must be an essential component of post-EAR follow-up.

Aorta, Abdominal↗

Substrate specificity of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-mediated cell migration and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway activation.

The alpha(v)beta(3) integrin has been shown to bind several ligands, including osteopontin and vitronectin. Its role in modulating cell migration and downstream signaling pathways in response to specific extracellular matrix ligands has been investigated in this study. Highly invasive prostate cancer PC3 cells that constitutively express alpha(v)beta(3) adhere and migrate on osteopontin and vitronectin in an alpha(v)beta(3)-dependent manner. However, exogenous expression of alpha(v)beta(3) in noninvasive prostate cancer LNCaP (beta(3)-LNCaP) cells mediates adhesion and migration on vitronectin but not on osteopontin. Activation of alpha(v)beta(3) by epidermal growth factor stimulation is required to mediate adhesion to osteopontin but is not sufficient to support migration on this substrate. We show that alpha(v)beta(3)-mediated cell migration requires activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)/protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) pathway since wortmannin, a PI 3-kinase inhibitor, prevents PC3 cell migration on both osteopontin and vitronectin; furthermore, alpha(v)beta(3) engagement by osteopontin and vitronectin activates the PI 3-kinase/AKT pathway. Migration of beta(3)-LNCaP cells on vitronectin also occurs through activation of the PI 3-kinase pathway; however, AKT phosphorylation is not increased upon engagement by osteopontin. Furthermore, phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), known to support cell migration in beta(3)-LNCaP cells, is detected on both substrates. Thus, in PC3 cells, alpha(v)beta(3) mediates cell migration and PI 3-kinase/AKT pathway activation on vitronectin and osteopontin; in beta(3)-LNCaP cells, alpha(v)beta(3) mediates cell migration and PI 3-kinase/AKT pathway activation on vitronectin, whereas adhesion to osteopontin does not support alpha(v)beta(3)-mediated cell migration and PI 3-kinase/AKT pathway activation. We conclude therefore that alpha(v)beta(3) exists in multiple functional states that can bind either selectively vitronectin or both vitronectin and osteopontin and that can differentially activate cell migration and intracellular signaling pathways in a ligand-specific manner.

Androstadienes↗

N-WASP and WAVE2 acting downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase are required for myogenic cell migration induced by hepatocyte growth factor.

During skeletal muscle regeneration caused by injury, muscle satellite cells proliferate and migrate toward the site of muscle injury. This migration is mainly induced by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) secreted by intact myofibers and also released from injured muscle. However, the intracellular machinery for the satellite cell migration has not been elucidated. To examine the mechanisms of satellite cell migration, we utilized satellite cell-derived mouse C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. HGF induced reorganization of actin cytoskeleton to form lamellipodia in C2C12 myoblasts. HGF treatment facilitated both nondirectional migration of the myoblasts in phagokinetic track assay and directional chemotactic migration toward HGF in a three-dimensional migration chamber assay. Endogenous N-WASP and WAVE2 were concentrated in the lamellipodia at the leading edge of the migrating cells. Moreover, exogenous expression of wild-type N-WASP or WAVE2 promoted lamellipodial formation and migration. By contrast, expression of the dominant-negative mutant of N-WASP or WAVE2 and knockdown of N-WASP or WAVE2 expression by the RNA interference prevented the HGF-induced lamellipodial formation and migration. When the cells were treated with LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, the HGF-induced lamellipodial formation and migration were abrogated. These results imply that both N-WASP and WAVE2, which are activated downstream of phosphati-dylinositol 3-kinase, are required for the migration through the lamellipodial formation of C2C12 cells induced by HGF.

Actins↗

p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase regulation of endothelial cell migration depends on urokinase plasminogen activator expression.

The migration of endothelial cells in response to various stimulating factors plays an essential role in angiogenesis. The p38 MAPK pathway has been implicated to play an important role in endothelial cell migration because inhibiting p38 MAPK activity down-regulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated migration. Currently, the signaling components in the p38 MAPK activation pathway and especially the mechanisms responsible for p38 MAPK-regulated endothelial cell migration are not well understood. In the present study, we found that p38 MAPK activity is required for endothelial cell migration stimulated by both VEGF and nongrowth factor stimulants, sphingosine 1-phosphate and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule. By using dominant negative forms of signaling components in the p38 MAPK pathway, we identified that a regulatory pathway consisting of MKK3-p38alpha/gamma-MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 participated in VEGF-stimulated migration. In further studies, we showed that a minimum of a 10-h treatment with SB203580 (specific p38 MAPK inhibitor) was needed to block VEGF-stimulated migration, suggesting an indirect role of p38 MAPK in this cellular event. Most interestingly, the occurrence of SB203580-induced migratory inhibition coincided with a reduction of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) expression. Furthermore, agents disrupting uPA and uPA receptor interaction abrogated VEGF-stimulated cell migration. These results suggest a possible association between cell migration and uPA expression. Indeed, VEGF-stimulated migration was not compromised by SB203580 in endothelial cells expressing the uPA transgene; however, VEGF-stimulated migration was inhibited by agents disrupting uPA-uPA receptor interaction. These results thus suggest that the p38 MAPK pathway participates in endothelial cell migration by regulating uPA expression.

Actins↗

The non-Markovian nature of migration: a case study in the Aland Islands, Finland.

Markov theory is applied frequently to the study of human migration processes. A Markovian migration process is one in which the pattern of migration in one generation depends only on that of the previous generation. Several Markovian migration models are discussed here. It may be, however, that the presence of ancestors in a particular place had a significant bearing on the decision to migrate, in which case the process is not independent of the past. One example of such a process may be the parish of Kökar in the Aland Islands, Finland. Parent-offspring migration data which span the last two centuries of migration in Kökar are used here to test the assumption that the migration process in this parish is Markovian. Matrices of observed parent-, grandparent- and great grandparent-offspring migration are constructed and compared to the respective matrices expected on the basis of Markovian migration, using a X2 test for independence in a contingency table. Results indicate that a Markovian model does not describe adequately the migration process in this parish. Possible genetic implications of a non-Markovian migration process are discussed, with particular reference to populations of the type presented here which are experiencing the transition to urbanization.

Family↗

Axon mediated interneuron migration.

Mammalian forebrain development requires extensive cell migration for cells to reach their appropriate location in the adult brain. Defects in this migration result in human malformations and neurologic deficits. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying normal cell migration during development is essential to understanding the pathogenesis of human malformations. Radial glia are known to support radial cell migration, while axons have been proposed as substrate for some non-radially migrating cells. Herein we have directly tested the hypothesis that axons can support non-radial cell migration. One population of cells known to migrate non-radially is the inhibitory interneurons that move from the ganglionic eminence to the cerebral cortex. We first show that early born GABAergic cells colocalize with TAG-1-positive (TAG-1+) axons, while later born cells colocalize with intermediate weight neurofilament-positive, TAG-1-negative (TAG-1-) processes, suggesting temporal differences in substrate specificities. We next developed an in vitro assay that allows us to observe cell migration on axons in culture. Using this assay we find that early born medial ganglionic eminence-derived interneurons migrate preferentially on TAG-1+ axons, while later born cells only migrate on neurofilament-positive/TAG-1- processes. These data provide the first direct evidence that ganglionic eminence cells migrate on axons and that there is an age-dependent substrate preference. Furthermore, the assay developed and characterized herein provides a robust method to further study the molecular substrates and guidance cues of axonophilic cell migration in neural development.

Aging↗

Expressions of membrane-type I matrix metalloproteinase, Ki-67 protein, and type II collagen by chondrocytes migrating from cartilage endplate into nucleus pulposus in rat intervertebral discs: a cartilage endplate-fracture model using an intervertebral disc organ culture.

STUDY DESIGN: Immunohistochemistry was performed in organ-cultured intact and cartilage endplate (CE)-fractured rat intervertebral discs (IVDs). OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate biologic events associated with migration of chondrocytes from hyaline CE into nucleus pulposus (NP). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It was recently revealed that the transition from a notochordal NP to a fibrocartilaginous NP in the rabbit IVD is accomplished exogenously by chondrocytes migrating from CEs into the NP. This observation has not been studied in other animal models, and the biologic events associated with chondrocyte migration have not been elucidated in the literature. METHODS: IVDs including cranial and caudal CEs were obtained from 4-week, 6-month, 12-month, and 18-month old Wistar rats. To accelerate chondrocyte migration, CEs of IVDs were fractured and cultured for 48 hours. IVDs without CE-fracture were used as a control for each age group. Expressions of membrane-type I matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, as a marker for cell migration and extracellular matrix digestion) and Ki-67 protein (as a proliferation marker) and pericellular deposition of type II collagen (as a marker for fibrocartilaginous matrix) by the chondrocytes migrating from CE into NP were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: In the control groups, chondrocyte migration limited only along the periphery of the notochordal NP and no chondrocytes were inside the NP proper. However, all the IVDs in the CE-fracture groups showed direct and more extensive migration of chondrocytes from CEs into the NP proper. The migrating chondrocytes in both control and CE-fracture groups expressed MT1-MMP and Ki-67 protein and deposited type II collagen in the NP. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates the chondrocyte migration from CE into NP in the organ-cultured rat IVDs. This phenomenon is accelerated in the presence of CE fracture. The chondrocytes migrating from CEs into the NP expressed MT1-MMP and Ki-67 protein and deposited type II collagen. These biologic strategies probably enable chondrocytes of the hyaline CE to migrate into the ectopic NP region, replace notochordal cells, and change the notochordal tissue into fibrocartilage. These results suggest that similar biologic mechanisms may be involved in the natural transition from the notochordal NP to the fibrocartilaginous NP in other animal models, including human.

Animals↗

Diel Migrations of Microorganisms within a Benthic, Hypersaline Mat Community.

We studied the diel migrations of several species of microorganisms in a hypersaline, layered microbial mat. The migrations were quantified by repeated coring of the mat with glass capillary tubes. The resulting minicores were microscopically analyzed by using bright-field and epifluorescence (visible and infrared) microscopy to determine depths of coherent layers and were later dissected to determine direct microscopic counts of microorganisms. Microelectrode measurements of oxygen concentration, fiber optic microprobe measurements of light penetration within the mat, and incident irradiance measurements accompanied the minicore sampling. In addition, pigment content, photosynthesis and irradiance responses, the capacity for anoxygenic photosynthesis, and gliding speeds were determined for the migrating cyanobacteria. Heavily pigmented Oscillatoria sp. and Spirulina cf. subsalsa migrated downward into the mat during the early morning and remained deep until dusk, when upward migration occurred. The mean depth of the migration (not more than 0.4 to 0.5 mm) was directly correlated with the incident irradiance over the mat surface. We estimated that light intensity at the upper boundary of the migrating cyanobacteria was attenuated to such an extent that photoinhibition was effectively avoided but that intensities which saturated photosynthesis were maintained through most of the daylight hours. Light was a cue of paramount importance in triggering and modulating the migration of the cyanobacteria, even though the migrating phenomenon could not be explained solely in terms of a light response. We failed to detect diel migration patterns for other cyanobacterial species and filamentous anoxyphotobacteria. The sulfide-oxidizing bacterium Beggiatoa sp. migrated as a band that followed low oxygen concentrations within the mat during daylight hours. During the nighttime, part of this population migrated toward the mat surface, but a significant proportion remained deep.

Journal Article↗