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Fibronectin secretion from human peritoneal tissue induces Mr 92,000 type IV collagenase expression and invasion in ovarian cancer cell lines.

Our previous study showed that human peritoneal conditioned medium (CM) increased the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) secretion and invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells (NOM1). In an effort to identify this MMP-9-stimulating factor, we examined the effects of extracellular matrix components, such as type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin, on ovarian cancer cells. We found that fibronectin increased the MMP-9 activity of NOM1 cell CM in a concentration-dependent manner and that the peritoneal CM contained high level of fibronectin. An increase of MMP-9 activity in NOM1 cell CM by the peritoneal CM was almost completely blocked by 20 microg/ml of anti-integrin alpha5/FnR antibody and RGD polypeptides. Furthermore, after immunoprecipitation by antifibronectin antibody supernatant of the peritoneal CM did not increase MMP-9 activity in NOM1 cells. Fibronectin and the peritoneal CM also increased MMP-9 activity and expression in NOM1 cell lysate, and these effects were blocked by anti-integrin alpha5/FnR antibody. Invasiveness of NOM1 cells was enhanced by fibronectin and the peritoneal CM in a concentration-dependent manner, and anti-integrin alpha5/FnR antibody blocked these effects. These results suggested that fibronectin secreted from peritoneum increased MMP-9 activity and expression, and, in turn, invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Gamma-interferon inhibits Pneumocystis carinii attachment to lung cells by decreasing expression of lung cell-surface integrins.

Pneumocystis carinii (PC) is a leading cause of pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Previous work has shown that fibronectin (Fn) and Fn-binding integrins mediate PC attachment to lung cells in vitro. Gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) is a major factor in host defence against PC infection. To determine the effect of gamma-IFN on PC attachment to lung cells, the alveolar epithelial cell line A549 was incubated with gamma-IFN (0-10(4) U mL(-1)) and attachment of 51Cr-labelled PC to the A549 cells was quantified. PC attachment was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) by addition of gamma-IFN with no evidence of injury to either the PC or A549 cells. Effects of gamma-IFN on PC attachment were observed after 24 h and reached a maximum after 48 h of incubation. To investigate the mechanism of this decrease, we examined integrin expression on gamma-IFN-treated A549 cells. A549 cell expression of the alpha5 and beta1 integrin subunits was decreased, whereas expression of the alpha(v) subunit was unchanged. Northern blot analysis showed a similar decrease in mRNA for the alpha5 and beta1 integrins. Therefore, gamma-IFN-mediated inhibition of PC infection may, in part, result from inhibition of PC attachment to alveolar epithelial cells caused by gamma-IFN-induced decreases in alveolar integrin expression.

Animals↗

There is temporal and spatial expression of alpha1 (IV), alpha2 (IV), alpha5 (IV), alpha6 (IV) collagen chains and beta1 integrins during the development of the basal lamina in an "in vitro" skin model.

Temporal and spatial expression of alpha1 (IV), alpha2 (IV), alpha3 (IV), alpha4 (IV), alpha5 (IV), and alpha6 (IV) collagen chains was studied during the formation of the basal lamina in an "in vitro" skin model. A sequential study was performed at 7-d and 14-d cultures (lamina densa absent) and at 28-, 36-, and 56-d cultures (lamina densa present). Expression of beta1, beta4, alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha5, alpha6 integrin subunits and co-localization with collagen IV was studied by regular and laser confocal indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. mRNA expression of alpha2 (IV) and alpha6 (IV) chains was estimated by northern blots. The earliest expression of alpha1 (IV) and alpha2 (IV) collagen chains was noted in 7-d cultures restricted to basal keratinocytes. At 14-d cultures, alpha1 (IV) and alpha2 (IV) chains were noted in basal keratinocytes and as a broad band (10 microm) in the adjacent dermis. At this stage 80% of the alpha2 (IV) mRNA was expressed in the dermis and 20% in the epidermis. At 28-, 36-, and 56-d cultures the alpha1 (IV) and alpha2 (IV) chains were present in a linear distribution at the epidermo-dermal junction and in the upper dermis. The alpha6 (IV) collagen chains were expressed much later at 36-d cultures and the alpha5 (IV) at 56 d, both mostly in a linear distribution but also in the adjacent dermis. Alpha6 (IV) mRNA was demonstrated in the dermis of 36-d cultures. There was co-localization of collagen IV and beta1 integrin subunits in 14-d cultures at the matrix site of keratinocytes. Functional perturbation studies with AIIB2 monoclonal antibody (anti-beta1 subunits) and competitive inhibition with a collagen cyanogen bromide digestion derived fragment (CB3[IV]) that contains the collagen IV ligand for alpha1beta1, alpha2beta1 integrins, altered the pattern of collagen IV deposition.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Diffuse leiomyomatosis of the esophagus: disorder of cell-matrix interaction?

Diffuse leiomyomatosis (DL) is rare condition characterized by proliferation of smooth muscle in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Most cases are associated with X-linked Alport syndrome and have partial deletions in the genes encoding both the alpha5 and alpha6 chains of collagen type IV. We studied aspects of cell-matrix interaction of myocytes in an esophagogastrectomy specimen from a 12-year-old patient with DL. Myocytes had central areas of cytoplasmic rarefaction, which were actin positive and desmin poor, with the reverse pattern of staining at the cell periphery. Electron microscopy (EM) showed that the areas of rarefaction consisted of disorganized aggregates of filaments. The basement membranes ranged from thickened to thinned or absent. Immunohistochemical staining for the alpha1-alpha4 chains of collagen type IV, the alpha1, alpha2, beta2, and gamma1 chains of laminin, nidogen, type VI collagen, and fibronectin was normal. There was loss of the alpha5 and alpha6 chains of collagen type IV and the beta1 chain of laminin. Normal staining for alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha4, alpha6, alpha8, and beta1 integrins was noted. Staining for alpha5 integrin varied from normal to reduced or negative in different cells. In DL, a primary abnormality of basement membrane may be associated with disorganization of the contractile apparatus and alterations of certain integrins. This may reflect a disturbance of cell-matrix interactions that play a role in cell differentiation and internal organization.

Barrett Esophagus↗

Cell attachment, collagen binding, and receptor analysis on bovine articular chondrocytes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate collagen receptors on primary bovine articular chondrocytes from full-thickness and different layers of bovine articular cartilage. Cytometric studies with antibodies showed that approximately 56% of the chondrocytes from the superficial layer and 29% of the chondrocytes from the deep layer bound anti-annexin V. A similar tendency was found for alpha5 and beta1 integrin antibodies. Flow cytometric analysis initially detected annexin V on chondrocytes following isolation; the level of detection subsequently decreased by 24 hours, whereas that of alpha5 and beta1 integrins increased. Treatment of chondrocytes with collagenase at 24 hours restored the initially high epitope recognition of annexin V, indicating masking of annexin V by newly formed collagen matrix. There was little effect on detection levels for beta1 integrin. Contrary to the specific matrix receptor expression, chondrocytes from superficial and deep layers differed little in attachment to immobilized types I and II collagens. However, the attachment was more effectively inhibited with anti-annexin V than with integrin antibodies. Competition studies with preparations of soluble collagens revealed a preferential binding of bovine type-II collagen compared with bovine type-I collagen. Anti-annexin V antibodies inhibited binding of type-II collagen more effectively than anti-alpha5 or anti-beta1 integrin antibodies. Evidently, under the in vitro conditions of this study, annexin V is the quantitatively predominant type-II collagen receptor on bovine articular chondrocytes. This opens a discussion of the possibly dualistic metabolic/mechanical annexin V-integrin receptor elements.

Animals↗

Integrin alphavbeta3 binding to human alpha5-laminins facilitates FGF-2- and VEGF-induced proliferation of human ECV304 carcinoma cells.

Human ECV304 cells respond reproducibly by tube formation to complex basement membrane matrices. Laminins are major glycoproteins of basement membranes. We therefore studied the ability of ECV304 cells to attach to defined laminin isoforms and to fibronectin, and identified the involved laminin receptors. The cells bound poorly to fibronectin, to some extent to laminin-1, whereas laminin-2/4 and -10/11 were strong adhesive substrates. Antibody perturbation assays showed that adhesion to laminin-1 was mediated by integrin alpha6beta1, and adhesion to laminin-2/4 by cooperative activity of integrins alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1. Adhesion of ECV 304 cells to laminin-10/11 was mainly mediated by integrins alpha3beta1, with minor involvement of alpha6beta1/4 and alphavbeta3. Solid-phase binding assays confirmed that integrin alphavbeta3 binds human laminin-10/11 and -10, in an RGD-dependent fashion. Although integrin alphavbeta3 played a very minor role in cell adhesion to laminin-10/11, this interaction facilitated growth factor-induced proliferation of ECV304 cells. In response to FGF-2 or VEGF, the cells proliferated better when attached on laminin-10/11 than on laminin-1, -2/4, or gelatin. The proliferation induced by the joint application of laminin-10/11 and either one of the growth factors could be blocked by antibodies against integrin alphavbeta3. Fragments of several other basement membrane components are known to interact with alphavbeta3. The current data show that that integrin alphavbeta3 can bind intact alpha5-containing laminin trimers. Since the laminin alpha5 chain is broadly expressed in adult basement membranes, this interaction could be physiologically important. Our data suggest that this interaction is involved in the regulation of cellular responses to growth factors known to be involved in epithelial and endothelial development.

Cell Division↗

Modulation of beta1A integrin functions by tyrosine residues in the beta1 cytoplasmic domain.

beta1A integrin subunits with point mutations of the cytoplasmic domain were expressed in fibroblasts derived from beta1-null stem cells. beta1A in which one or both of the tyrosines of the two NPXY motifs (Y783, Y795) were changed to phenylalanines formed active alpha5 beta1 and alpha6 beta1 integrins that mediated cell adhesion and supported assembly of fibronectin. Mutation of the proline in either motif (P781, P793) to an alanine or of a threonine in the inter-motif sequence (T788) to a proline resulted in poorly expressed, inactive beta1A. Y783,795F cells developed numerous fine focal contacts and exhibited motility on a surface. When compared with cells expressing wild-type beta1A or beta1A with the D759A activating mutation of a conserved membrane-proximal aspartate, Y783, 795F cells had impaired ability to transverse filters in chemotaxis assays. Analysis of cells expressing beta1A with single Tyr to Phe substitutions indicated that both Y783 and Y795 are important for directed migration. Actin-containing microfilaments of Y783,795F cells were shorter and more peripheral than microfilaments of cells expressing wild-type beta1A. These results indicate that change of the phenol side chains in the NPXY motifs to phenyl groups (which cannot be phosphorylated) has major effects on the organization of focal contacts and cytoskeleton and on directed cell motility.

Actins↗

Interleukin-1beta-stimulated invasion of articular cartilage by rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts is inhibited by antibodies to specific integrin receptors and by collagenase inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of integrin receptors in the invasion of cartilage by rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts (RSF). METHODS: RSF were cocultured with cartilage slices alone or in the presence of various potential activators or inhibitors. The penetration of the cartilage surface by RSF was determined by live-cell imaging of fluorescent-labeled cells. RESULTS: Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-8 stimulated the RSF invasion of cartilage. Invasion was specific for RSF and required a concentration gradient of IL-1beta. The IL-1beta-activated invasion of cartilage was inhibited by anti-IL-1 antibodies, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and collagenase inhibitors. RSF invasion was also inhibited by antibodies to alpha4, alpha5, alphaV, and beta1 integrins. CONCLUSION: In this study, an IL-1beta concentration gradient was required for RSF invasion into cartilage, raising the possibility that in vivo invasion may be induced by IL-1beta released by chondrocytes. The IL-1beta activation of RSF assayed in vitro may contribute to the RSF invasion of cartilage in vivo. Cartilage invasion requires the availability of beta1 and alpha4, alpha5, and alphaV integrins and the presence of collagenase activity.

Antibodies↗

In vitro exposure to paclitaxel modulates integrin expression by human T lymphocytes and inhibits T cell adhesion to breast carcinoma cells.

Paclitaxel (Taxol) is a drug that is commonly used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of prior exposure to submaximal cytotoxic concentrations (EC(25) and EC(50)) of paclitaxel on the subsequent ability of human Jurkat T lymphocytes to adhere to monolayers of MDA-MB-435 human breast carcinoma cells. Jurkat T cells that survived culture for 24 h in the presence of paclitaxel (0.1 or 3 micro g/ml) exhibited a diminished ability to adhere to MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cell monolayers. Flow cytometric analysis of paclitaxel-treated Jurkat T cells revealed reduced surface expression of alphaL, alpha4, alpha5, and beta7 integrins, but normal beta1 integrin expression. These data suggest that paclitaxel interferes with the expression of alphaLbeta2 (LFA-1), alpha4beta1 (VLA-4), alpha5beta1 (VLA-5), and alpha4beta7 (LPAM-1) adhesion molecules by surviving T cells. Blocking experiments with antibodies against alphaL, alpha4, alpha5, beta1, and beta7 integrins revealed that adhesion of Jurkat T cells to MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cell monolayers was dependent upon alphaL, alpha4, and beta7 but not alpha5 or beta1 integrins. We conclude that prior exposure to paclitaxel caused a reduction in Jurkat T cell adhesion to MDA-MB-435 breast carcinoma cells by preventing optimal alphaLbeta2 and alpha4beta7 interactions with their corresponding ligands on tumor cells. A similar effect by paclitaxel on T lymphocytes of breast cancer patients may compromise cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

Role of alpha8 integrin in mesangial cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular matrix receptors of the integrin family are known to regulate cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. The alpha8 integrin chain is expressed in the glomerulus exclusively by mesangial cells. The contribution of alpha8 to mesangial cell function, however, has not yet been studied. METHODS: Mesangial cells from wild-type and alpha8-deficient mice were isolated and characterized. Integrin expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, or fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. Cell adhesion was determined by conventional attachment assay and a centrifugal assay for cell adhesion. Cell migration was determined by a fluorescence-based transmigration assay and a chemotaxis assay. Proliferation rates were determined by BrdU and [3H]-thymidine assays. RESULTS: On the alpha8 ligands fibronectin and vitronectin, but not on collagens, attachment of alpha8-deficient mesangial cells was reduced compared to wild-type cells. In contrast, alpha8-deficient mesangial cells migrated more easily and displayed an increased proliferative response on fibronectin or vitronectin, but not on collagens, compared to wild-type cells. These effects were not due to an up-regulation of the fibronectin or vitronectin receptors alpha5 or alphav in alpha8-deficient mesangial cells, as the cell surface expression of integrins alpha5 and alphav was comparable in wild-type and alpha8-deficient mesangial cells. CONCLUSION: These findings confirm a role for alpha8 integrin in the regulation of the mesangial cell phenotype. alpha8 integrin seems to promote adhesion, but inhibit migration and proliferation of mesangial cells. Thus, the data support the hypothesis that alpha8 integrin could play an important role for maintaining tissue integrity in the glomerulus during glomerular injury.

Animals↗

Hypoxia and ionizing radiation: changes in adhesive properties and cell adhesion molecule expression in MG-63 three-dimensional tumor spheroids.

The effects of chemically induced hypoxia and ionizing radiation on the adhesive properties of MG-63 human osteosarcoma three-dimensional spheroids were investigated. Hypoxia was induced by addition of CoCl2 to small, nonhypoxic spheroids and verified by HIF-1alpha expression. In addition, the possible role of important cell adhesion molecules involved in tumor dissemination in inducing adhesive changes were also studied. In particular, two key integrins (i.e., the alpha chain of the fibronectin receptor, alpha5, and the alpha chain of the collagen receptor, alpha2), an important member of the immunoglobulin superfamily (CD54 or ICAM-1) and the strategic molecule CD44 (H-CAM, the principal receptor for hyaluronan) were examined. Because of the important role of fibronectin in adhesive processes, variations in this extracellular matrix component were also examined. The results seem to indicate that CoCl2-induced hypoxia greatly increases adhesion of MG-63 spheroids to both tissue culture plates and plates coated with fibronectin or collagen when compared to controls, while ionizing radiation induces a great decrease in this attachment. Furthermore, chemically induced hypoxia also partially inhibits the effects of ionizing radiation. The data also show that these adhesive changes are accompanied by concomitant variations in the expression of alpha5 and alpha2 integrins, CD44, and CD54 and fibronectin.

Adhesiveness↗

Downstream events in mammary gland morphogenesis mediated by reexpression of the alpha2beta1 integrin: the role of the alpha6 and beta4 integrin subunits.

Our previous studies demonstrated that reexpression of the alpha2beta1 integrin by a poorly differentiated breast carcinoma cell line, Mm5MT, resulted in dramatic reversion of a malignant phenotype to a differentiated epithelial phenotype. We hypothesized that reexpression of the alpha2beta1 integrin may regulate expression of other genes, the expression of which contributed to the dramatic phenotypic change. We now show that reexpression of the alpha2beta1 integrin results in up-regulation of both the alpha6 and beta4 integrin subunits but no change in the alpha1, alpha3, alpha5, or beta1 integrin subunits or E-cadherin. To further investigate the role of the alpha6 and beta4 integrin subunits in mediating the phenotypic changes elicited by reexpression of the alpha2beta1 integrin, the alpha6 or beta4 integrin subunit was expressed in our Mm5MT model. Expression of either subunit increased adhesion to laminin-1. Although adhesion to collagen was unaltered, contraction of three-dimensional collagen gels was reduced. Expression of either the alpha6 or beta4 integrin subunit also restored some aspects of a less malignant phenotype, including the acquisition of contact inhibition and diminution of anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth rates. The alpha6 and beta4 transfectants formed three-dimensional organized structures when grown in gels of reconstituted basement membrane but did not form the highly branched, duct-like structures formed by the alpha2 transfectants. In contrast to the reduced invasiveness of the alpha2 transfectants, the alpha6 and beta4 transfectants retained an invasive phenotype. These results suggest that expression of the alpha6beta4 integrin contributes to some but not all of the phenotypic changes elicited by reexpression of the alpha2 integrin subunit and modulates the function of other integrins on these cells. Using our Mm5MT model, we are defining the cascade of integrin expression required for maintenance of the differentiated mammary epithelial cell phenotype.

Animals↗

Canine ACL fibroblast integrin expression and cell alignment in response to cyclic tensile strain in three-dimensional collagen gels.

Tissue-engineered ligament substitutes have the potential to become an alternative graft source for ligament reconstruction. If this approach is to become viable, one must first understand and define the mechanisms responsible for creation, maintenance, and remodeling of the native anterior cruciate ligament. It is well accepted that mechanical load alters fibroblast phenotypic expression in a variety of cell sources; however, the mechanosensitive pathways responsible for alteration in matrix production, remodeling, and alignment are unknown. We hypothesize that cell surface integrins play a role in this mechanotransduction process, and as such respond to application of cyclic tensile load. Linear 3D collagen gels containing canine ACL fibroblasts were created in Flexercell Tissue-Train Culture Plates. Gels were untethered (control), tethered without external strain (tethered), or tethered and exposed to 2.5% cyclic strain for 2 h per day for 4 days (strain). Quantitation of alpha1, alpha5, and beta1 integrin subunit was performed using flow cytometry. Cell and matrix alignment was studied using light, polarized light, and fluorescent microscopy. Expression of alpha5 and beta1 integrin subunits was increased significantly in fibroblasts in tethered and strained 3D collagen gels compared with the control, unloaded constructs (p < 0.05). These integrins are known to function as mechanotransducers in other tissues, implicating a similar role in mechanotransduction in ACL fibroblasts. Histologic analysis of the tethered and strained gels demonstrated a linear arrangement of cells and parallel collagen fibril architecture. In contrast, cell distribution and collagen alignment were disorganized in the control, unloaded gels. The alignment of cells and collagen in the 3D gels parallel to applied strain is similar to the in vivo state. These data add to our understanding of the behavior of ACL fibroblasts in vitro. The ability to manipulate signal transduction pathways may enhance our ability to engineer implantable ACL grafts or to modify ACL healing response.

Animals↗

Modulation of cell proliferation and differentiation through substrate-dependent changes in fibronectin conformation.

Integrin-mediated cell adhesion to extracellular matrices provides signals essential for cell cycle progression and differentiation. We demonstrate that substrate-dependent changes in the conformation of adsorbed fibronectin (Fn) modulated integrin binding and controlled switching between proliferation and differentiation. Adsorption of Fn onto bacterial polystyrene (B), tissue culture polystyrene (T), and collagen (C) resulted in differences in Fn conformation as indicated by antibody binding. Using a biochemical method to quantify bound integrins in cultured cells, we found that differences in Fn conformation altered the quantity of bound alpha5 and beta1 integrin subunits but not alphav or beta3. C2C12 myoblasts grown on these Fn-coated substrates proliferated to different levels (B > T > C). Immunostaining for muscle-specific myosin revealed minimal differentiation on B, significant levels on T, and extensive differentiation on C. Differentiation required binding to the RGD cell binding site in Fn and was blocked by antibodies specific for this site. Switching between proliferation and differentiation was controlled by the levels of alpha5beta1 integrin bound to Fn, and differentiation was inhibited by anti-alpha5, but not anti-alphav, antibodies, suggesting distinct integrin-mediated signaling pathways. Control of cell proliferation and differentiation through conformational changes in extracellular matrix proteins represents a versatile mechanism to elicit specific cellular responses for biological and biotechnological applications.

Adsorption↗

The response of periodontal ligament cells to fibronectin.

Fibronectin (fn) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule important in cell adhesion and migration and in wound healing. It is also likely important in periodontal ligament (PDL) cell-ECM interactions, and thus in regenerating periodontal tissues. In this study we characterized PDL cells and their interactions with FN, testing different PDL cell isolates taken from healthy and diseased conditions. PDL cells were characterized by their morphology, integrin profile, motility, and bone nodule formation. Cells were then assayed for adhesion, proliferation, and chemotaxis in response to FN or FN fragments. Cell isolates were morphologically heterogeneous and fibroblastic, had a normal-appearing actin cytoskeleton and a wide range of migration potentials, and formed bone-like nodules in vitro. They expressed alpha5, beta1, alpha v, and alpha4 integrin subunits, known receptors for FN, and in fact they bound FN preferentially at 5 and 10 microg/ml. Intact FN induced greater PDL cell proliferation and chemotaxis than did FN fragments (120-kDa cell-binding, 60-kDa heparin-binding, and 45-kDa collagen-binding). PDL cells harvested from diseased and healthy conditions were no different on the basis of these assays. These data demonstrate that PDL cells are a mixed population of fibroblastic cells, capable of forming a mineralized matrix. They also suggest that maximal proliferation and chemotaxis require specific FN domains that are present on the intact molecule but not its fragments.

Actins↗

Redox regulation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mediated endothelial barrier dysfunction by focal adhesion, adherens, and tight junction proteins.

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), one of the major biologically active aldehydes formed during inflammation and oxidative stress, has been implicated in a number of cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. 4-HNE has been shown to increase vascular endothelial permeability; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Hence, in the current study, we tested our hypothesis that 4-HNE-induced changes in cellular thiol redox status may contribute to modulation of cell signaling pathways that lead to endothelial barrier dysfunction. Exposure of bovine lung microvascular endothelial cells (BLMVECs) to 4-HNE induced reactive oxygen species generation, depleted intracellular glutathione, and altered cell-cell adhesion as measured by transendothelial electrical resistance. Pretreatment of BLM-VECs with thiol protectants, N-acetylcysteine and mercaptopropionyl glycine, attenuated 4-HNE-induced decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance, reactive oxygen species generation, Michael protein adduct formation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, activation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK, and actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. Treatment of BLMVECs with 4-HNE resulted in the redistribution of FAK, paxillin, VE-cadherin, beta-catenin, and ZO-1, and intercellular gap formation. Western blot analyses confirmed the formation of 4-HNE-derived Michael adducts with the focal adhesion and adherens junction proteins. Also, 4-HNE decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK without affecting total cellular FAK contents, suggesting the modification of integrins, which are natural FAK receptors. 4-HNE caused a decrease in the surface integrin in a time-dependent manner without altering total alpha5 and beta3 integrins. These results, for the first time, revealed that 4-HNE in redox-dependent fashion affected endothelial cell permeability by modulating cell-cell adhesion through focal adhesion, adherens, and tight junction proteins as well as integrin signal transduction that may lead dramatic alteration in endothelial cell barrier dysfunction during heart infarction, brain stroke, and lung diseases.

Adherens Junctions↗

The microanatomy of the distal arrector pili: possible role for alpha1beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins in mediating cell-cell adhesion and anchorage to the extracellular matrix.

The arrector pili (AP) muscle is a small band of smooth muscle that attaches proximally to the bulge area of the pilosebaceous apparatus in the reticular dermis and extends up toward the epidermis. The distal anatomy of the AP and the anchorage mechanism allowing hair erection have not been previously described. Integrins are likely candidates mediating this attachment. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to determine the distribution of the following integrins: alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, alpha6 and beta1 as well as fibronectin. Frozen human scalp tissue was sectioned in traditional planes, obliquely and horizontally to visualize microanatomy in three dimensions. Histological examination revealed that the distal portions of smooth muscle fibers splay extensively between collagen bundles of the upper dermis. Integrin subunits alpha1, alpha5 and beta1 were expressed by the AP muscle. Analysis of the relative density of immunoreactivity in digitized sections revealed increased alpha5 subunit expression at the extracellular matrix (ECM)-muscle interface. These data suggest that anchorage of the AP muscle to the ECM is via alpha5beta1 integrin and alpha1beta1 integrin functions in muscle cell-cell adhesion. Extensive splaying of smooth muscle fibers may allow increased surface area contact between the ECM and smooth muscle cells expressing peripherally situated alpha5 integrin.

Aged↗

Characterization of the Epstein-Barr virus glycoprotein BMRF-2.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BMRF-2 protein interaction with the beta1 family of integrins plays an important role in EBV infection of polarized oral epithelial cells. In this work, we characterized BMRF-2 protein expression in EBV-infected B lymphoblastoid and polarized oral epithelial cells, and in hairy leukoplakia (HL) epithelium. BMRF-2 expression in B cells and polarized oral epithelial cells was associated with the EBV lytic infection. In these cells, BMRF-2 is efficiently transported to the cell membrane and its integrin binding Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif is exposed on the cell surface. BMRF-2 is highly expressed in HL epithelium and accumulates at the lateral border of oral keratinocytes. In EBV-infected polarized oral epithelial cells, this protein is transported to the basolateral membranes and co-localized with beta1 integrin. These data suggest that BMRF-2 may play an important role in cell-to-cell spread of EBV within the oral epithelium. BMRF-2 is glycosylated through O-linked oligosaccharides; it forms oligomers and is associated with the virion envelope. Its C-terminal tail is localized in the cytoplasm. We found that beta1, alpha5, and alpha3 integrins are present in purified EBV virions. We show that BMRF-2 is a ligand for beta1, alpha5, alpha3, and alphav integrins and our data are consistent with a role for BMRF-2 in viral lytic infection.

Animals↗