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Fibroblasts spread on immobilized fibrin monomer by mobilizing a beta1-class integrin, together with a vitronectin receptor alphavbeta3 on their surface.

Human and murine fibroblasts were found to spread far more avidly on fibrin monomer monolayers than on immobilized fibrinogen, indicating that removal of fibrinopeptides by thrombin is a prerequisite for the fibrin-mediated augmentation of cell spreading. In fact, cell spreading was not efficiently augmented on monolayers of a thrombin-treated dysfibrinogen lacking the release of fibrinopeptide A due to an Aalpha Arg-16 --> Cys substitution. Since a synthetic Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing peptide inhibited the fibrin-mediated cell spreading, subsequent dissociation of the carboxyl-terminal globular domain of the Aalpha-chains appears to render the RGD segments accessible to the cell-surface integrins. In support of this, fibrin-augmented cell spreading was inhibited by an antibody recognizing a 12-kDa peptide segment with gamma Met-89 at its amino terminus, which is located in close association with the RGD segment at Aalpha 95-97 in the helical coiled-coil interdomainal connector. The fibrin-mediated augmentation of cell spreading was inhibited not only by an antibody against human vitronectin receptor (LM 609) but also by an antibody against the beta1 subunit of integrin (mAb13), suggesting that the beta1-class integrin together with a vitronectin receptor, alphavbeta3, is mobilized onto the surface of fibroblasts upon contact with the fibrin monomer monolayer.

Animals↗

Expression patterns of integrin receptors and extracellular matrix proteins in chronic rejection of human liver allografts.

The beta1-integrin family of adhesion molecules is supposed to mediate cell-to-matrix interactions involved in a variety of immune reactions, especially in those associated with tissue remodelling. In an attempt to determine the role of beta1-integrins in the initiation and maintenance of fibrotic deposition observed in chronic rejection after liver transplantation, we immunohistochemically analysed the expression of different extracellular matrix components and the very late antigen (VLA) family of beta1-integrins in 11 samples of chronically rejected human liver allografts and compared results to findings in acutely rejected transplants and nontransplanted chronic inflammatory livers. In contrast to normal liver specimens, chronically rejected human liver allografts displayed a general overexpression of matrix components along sinusoids throughout the tissue and an additional characteristic accumulation in pericentral areas. Accordingly, VLA-1, -5 and -6 demonstrated a linear upregulation or de novo expression on sinusoidal lining cells, VLA-1 and VLA-4 additionally displayed concentration within pericentral fibrotic deposits. VLA-2 and -3 were only sporadically found. In accordance with findings in chronic rejection, chronic inflammatory livers showed overexpression of VLA-1, -5 and -6 within sinusoids and accumulation of VLA-1 and -4 in fibrotic septa. In contrast, acutely rejected allografts displayed slight overexpression of ECM components without characteristic accumulates, hence beta1-integrins were seen to be equally distributed throughout the parenchyma. Altogether, our analysis showed an upregulation of integrin receptors which corresponded to the extent of ECM deposition and thus suggested an important role for these molecules in the iniation of fibrosis observed in these specimens. Individual integrins showed different expression patterns within sinusoids and fibrotic areas, indicating distinct roles in differential stages of matrix accumulation, but induction patterns were generally similar in chronic inflammatory and chronically rejected livers, suggesting independence of the underlying disease.

Acute Disease↗

[Effect of epidermal growth factor signal pathway on integrin alpha5 beta1 in prostate cancer cell line DU145].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanism of epidermal growth factor (EGF) signal pathway on the expression of integrin alpha5 beta1 in prostate cancer cell line DU145. METHODS: Using flow-cytometry, the effects of EGF and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway inhibitor PD98059 on the expression of integrin alpha5 and beta1 subunits on DU145 cell surface were analyzed. RT-PCR and Western blot methods were used to examined the expression of mRNA and cell total protein of integrin alpha5 and beta1 subunits. And the metastatic phenotypes in DU145 cell were investigated. RESULTS: The expression levels of integrin alpha5 beta1, which was the receptor for fibronectin, were changed. EGF up-regulated the protein and mRNA expression of beta1 subunit on DU145 cell surface, 231% and 248% (P < 0.01) compared to the control respectively, and it could significantly promote the ability of DU145 cell adhesion to fibronectin and migration. However PD98058, which was the inhibitor of MAPK signal pathway, down-regulated the protein and mRNA expression of beta1 subunit, 60% and 63% (P < 0.01) compared to the control respectively, and it had the contrary function on the adhesion and migration ability of DU145 cell. But both had no effect the expression of alpha5 subunit. CONCLUSIONS: EGF might promote the metastatic ability mainly by up-regulating the expression of beta1 subunit by activating MAPK signal pathway in DU145 cells. Their regulation effects are on the mRNA transcriptional level.

Cell Adhesion↗

Enhancement of fibronectin synthesis and fibrillogenesis by BMP-4 in cultured rat osteoblast.

The skeletal extracellular matrix produced by osteoblasts contains the glycoprotein fibronectin (Fn), which regulates the adhesion, differentiation, and function of osteoblasts. Fn fibrillogenesis is involved in the process of bone mineralization. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) can be isolated from organic bone matrix and are able to initiate de novo cartilage and bone formation. In this study, the effect of BMP-4 on Fn fibrillogenesis in cultured rat osteoblasts was examined. BMP-4 enhanced Fn synthesis and extracellular Fn assembly in primary cultured osteoblasts. In addition, the extracellular assembly of Fn from exogenously applied soluble human Fn was also increased by BMP-4. It has been reported that alpha5beta1 integrin is related to Fn fibrillogenesis. The synthesis of both alpha5 and beta1 integrins was upregulated by BMP-4. Immunocytochemistry showed that the clustering of alpha5 and beta1 integrins was also increased by BMP-4. BMP-4 increased fibril formation of Fn and the adhesion of osteoblasts onto Fn matrix, which was inhibited by disintegrin triflavin and Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (GRGDS) peptide. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was increased by BMP-4. Enhancement of extracellular Fn fibrillogenesis and the mRNA expression of beta1 integrin by BMP-4 were inhibited by ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059. These results suggest that the enhancement of extracellular Fn fibrillogenesis by BMP-4 in cultured osteoblasts is related to the increase of the synthesis of Fn and clustering of alpha5 and beta1 integrins. ERK is involved in the signaling pathway of BMP-4 in regulating Fn fibrillogenesis in osteoblasts.

Animals↗

IL-1 and IL-1 receptor antagonist regulation during keratinocyte cell cycle and differentiation in normal and psoriatic epidermis.

Changes in the levels of IL-1 (IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and its receptor antagonist, IL-1RA) occur upon keratinocyte differentiation in vitro and are associated in vivo with abnormal differentiated and hyperproliferative states of psoriatic keratinocytes. A flow cytometric procedure, capable of detecting changes in the intracellular levels of IL-1, was used to determine whether intracellular IL-1/IL-1RA levels in psoriatic and normal keratinocytes alter during in vivo differentiation and the cell cycle. Increases in the IL-1RA levels and IL-1alpha levels were observed as both normal and psoriatic keratinocytes differentiated from basal stem cells (beta1 integrin+, small size) into transient amplifying cells (TAC; beta1 integrin+, large size). Upon further differentiation (beta1 integrin-, large size) both IL-1RA and IL-1alpha levels dropped. However, while psoriatic IL-1beta levels increased as cells differentiated into TACs, little change occurred in the IL-1beta levels of normal keratinocytes during differentiation. Changes in IL-1/IL-1RA levels were also detected as keratinocytes progressed through the cell cycle. Within the basal stem cell population of both normal and psoriatic keratinocytes, the IL-1alpha and IL-1RA levels increased between G0/G1 and S but not between S and G2/M. However, psoriatic basal keratinocyte IL-1beta levels differed from those of normal keratinocytes by showing no increase between S and G2/M. The IL-1/IL-1RA levels of normal TAC increased throughout the cell cycle. However, in psoriatic TAC, a slight decrease in IL-1alpha and IL-1RA levels was observed between G0/G1 and S followed by a delayed increase between S and G2/M. IL-1beta levels in psoriatic TAC varied little throughout the cell cycle. Thus, we were able to detect precisely the regulation of IL-1/IL-1RA intracellular levels during the keratinocyte cell cycle and differentiation, showing notably decreased IL-1beta upregulation in psoriatic keratinocytes progressing through the cell cycle.

Cell Cycle↗

Stretch of beta 1 integrin activates an outwardly rectifying chloride current via FAK and Src in rabbit ventricular myocytes.

Osmotic swelling of cardiac myocytes and other types of cells activates an outwardly rectifying, tamoxifen-sensitive Cl- current, ICl,swell, but it is unclear whether Cl- currents also are activated by direct mechanical stretch. We tested whether specific stretch of beta1-integrin activates a Cl- current in rabbit left ventricular myocytes. Paramagnetic beads (4.5-microm diameter) coated with mAb to beta1-integrin were applied to the surface of myocytes and pulled upward with an electromagnet while recording whole-cell current. In solutions designed to isolate anion currents, beta1-integrin stretch elicited an outwardly rectifying Cl- current with biophysical and pharmacological properties similar to those of ICl,swell. Stretch-activated Cl- current activated slowly (t1/2 = 3.5 +/- 0.1 min), partially inactivated at positive voltages, reversed near ECl, and was blocked by 10 microM tamoxifen. When stretch was terminated, 64 +/- 8% of the stretch-induced current reversed within 10 min. Mechanotransduction involved protein tyrosine kinase. Genistein (100 microM), a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor previously shown to suppress ICl,swell in myocytes, inhibited stretch-activated Cl- current by 62 +/- 6% during continued stretch. Because focal adhesion kinase and Src are known to be activated by cell swelling, mechanical stretch, and clustering of integrins, we tested whether these tyrosine kinases mediated the response to beta1-integrin stretch. PP2 (10 microM), a selective blocker of focal adhesion kinase and Src, fully inhibited the stretch-activated Cl- current as well as part of the background Cl- current, whereas its inactive analogue PP3 (10 microM) had no significant effect. In addition to activating Cl- current, stretch of beta1-integrin also appeared to activate a nonselective cation current and to suppress IK1. Integrins are the primary mechanical link between the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton. The present results suggest that integrin stretch may contribute to mechano-electric feedback in heart, modulate electrical activity, and influence the propensity for arrhythmogenesis.

Action Potentials↗

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation of the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) rho in resting peripheral blood human T lymphocytes results in pseudopodial extension and the inhibition of T cell activation.

Scrape loading Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme into primary peripheral blood human T lymphocytes (PB T cells) efficiently adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylates and thus inactivates the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Rho. Basal adhesion of PB T cells to the beta1 integrin substrate fibronectin (Fn) was not inhibited by inactivation of Rho, nor was upregulation of adhesion using phorbol myristate acetate (PMA; 10 ng/ml) or Mn++ (1 mM) affected. Whereas untreated PB T cells adherent to Fn remain spherical, C3-treated PB T cells extend F-actin-containing pseudopodia. Inactivation of Rho delayed the kinetics of PMA-dependent PB T cell homotypic aggregation, a process involving integrin alphaLbeta2. Although C3 treatment of PB T cells did not prevent adhesion to the beta1 integrin substrate Fn, it did inhibit beta1 integrin/CD3-mediated costimulation of proliferation. Analysis of intracellular cytokine production at the single cell level demonstrated that ADP-ribosylation of Rho inhibited beta1 integrin/ CD3 and CD28/CD3 costimulation of IL-2 production within 6 h of activation. Strikingly, IL-2 production induced by PMA and ionomycin was unaffected by C3 treatment. Thus, the GTPase Rho is a novel regulator of T lymphocyte cytoarchitecture, and functional Rho is required for very early events regulating costimulation of IL-2 production in PB T cells.

ADP Ribose Transferases↗

ECM overrides DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in small-cell lung cancer cells through beta1 integrin-dependent activation of PI3-kinase.

The emergence of resistance to chemotherapy remains a principle problem in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). We demonstrate that extracellular matrix (ECM) activates phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) signaling in SCLC cells and prevents etoposide-induced caspase-3 activation and subsequent apoptosis in a beta1 integrin/PI3-kinase-dependent manner. Crucially we show that etoposide and radiation induce G2/M cell cycle arrest in SCLC cells prior to apoptosis and that ECM prevents this by overriding the upregulation of p21(Cip1/WAF1) and p27(Kip1) and the downregulation of cyclins E, A and B. These effects are abrogated by pharmacological and genetic inhibition of PI3-kinase signaling. Importantly we show that chemoprotection is not mediated by altered SCLC cell proliferation or DNA repair. Thus, ECM via beta1 integrin-mediated PI3-kinase activation overrides treatment-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, allowing SCLC cells to survive with persistent DNA damage, providing a model to account for the emergence of acquired drug resistance.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Matrix assembly, regulation, and survival functions of laminin and its receptors in embryonic stem cell differentiation.

Laminin-1 is essential for early embryonic basement membrane assembly and differentiation. Several steps can be distinguished, i.e., the expression of laminin and companion matrix components, their accumulation on the cell surface and assembly into basement membrane between endoderm and inner cell mass, and the ensuing differentiation of epiblast. In this study, we used differentiating embryoid bodies derived from mouse embryonic stem cells null for gamma1-laminin, beta1-integrin and alpha/beta-dystroglycan to dissect the contributions of laminin domains and interacting receptors to this process. We found that (a) laminin enables beta1-integrin-null embryoid bodies to assemble basement membrane and achieve epiblast with beta1-integrin enabling expression of the laminin alpha1 subunit; (b) basement membrane assembly and differentiation require laminin polymerization in conjunction with cell anchorage, the latter critically dependent upon a heparin-binding locus within LG module-4; (c) dystroglycan is not uniquely required for basement membrane assembly or initial differentiation; (d) dystroglycan and integrin cooperate to sustain survival of the epiblast and regulate laminin expression; and (e) laminin, acting via beta1-integrin through LG1-3 and requiring polymerization, can regulate dystroglycan expression.

Animals↗

Laminin-1 and laminin-2 G-domain synthetic peptides bind syndecan-1 and are involved in acinar formation of a human submandibular gland cell line.

The culture of human submandibular gland (HSG) cells on laminin-1 induces acinar differentiation. We identified a site on laminin involved in acinar differentiation using synthetic peptides derived from the C-terminal G-domain of the laminin alpha1 and alpha2 chains. The alpha1 chain peptide AG73 (RKRLQVQLSIRT) decreases the size of acini formed on laminin-1. Cells cultured with either AG73 or the homologous alpha2 chain peptide MG73 (KNRLTIELEVRT) form structures that appear acinar-like, but the cell nuclei are not polarized to the basal surface and no lumen formation occurs, indicating that additional sites on laminin are required for complete differentiation. The G-domain of laminin-1 contains both integrin and heparin binding sites, and anti-beta1-integrin antibodies disrupt acinar formation. Cell adhesion to the peptides and to E3, an elastase digest fragment of laminin-1 containing AG73, is specific, since other laminin peptides or EDTA do not compete the binding. Heparin and heparan sulfate decrease cell adhesion to AG73 and MG73 but anti-beta1-integrin antibodies have no effect. Treating the cell surface with heparitinase inhibits adhesion to both AG73 and MG73. We isolated cell surface ligands using both peptide affinity chromatography and laminin-1 affinity chromatography. Treating the material bound to the affinity columns with heparitinase and chondroitinase enriches for a core protein identified as syndecan-1 by Western blot analysis, thus identifying a syndecan-1 binding site in the globular domain of laminin-1 and laminin-2. In summary, multiple interactions between laminin and HSG cells contribute to acinar differentiation, involving both beta1-integrins and syndecan-1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Fluid flow shear stress stimulates human osteoblast proliferation and differentiation through multiple interacting and competing signal transduction pathways.

This study sought to assess the role of several signaling pathways in the fluid flow shear stress-induced proliferation and differentiation of normal human osteoblasts. We evaluated the effects of an effective dose of selective inhibitors of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathway (PD98059 and U0126), the nitric oxide synthase pathway (N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), the cyclo-oxygenase pathway (indomethacin), or the Gi/o pathway (pertussis toxin [PTX]) on the flow-mediated effects. A 30-min steady flow shear stress at 20 dynes/cm(2) increased significantly [(3)H]thymidine incorporation (an indicator of proliferation), alkaline phosphatase activity (an index of osteoblast differentiation), phosphorylation of ERK, and expression of integrin beta1. PD98059, U0126, and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester completely blocked the shear stress-induced increases in ERK phosphorylation, [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, and alkaline phosphatase, but without an effect on integrin beta1 expression, indicating that the ERK and nitric oxide synthase pathways are essential for the shear stress-induced proliferation and differentiation of normal human osteoblasts and that each involves ERK activation but not integrin beta1 upregulation. Indomethacin blocked the shear stress-induced osteoblast proliferation and differentiation and integrin beta1 upregulation but not ERK activation, suggesting that the cyclo-oxygenase pathway (i.e., prostacyclin and/or prostaglandin E(2)) mediates the shear stress-induced osteoblast proliferation in an ERK-independent manner. In contrast, PTX completely blocked the flow-induced increase in integrin beta1 expression but had no effect on the increase in the ERK phosphorylation or [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. PTX not only did not inhibit but also significantly enhanced the stimulatory effect of shear stress on alkaline phosphatase activity, suggesting that a PTX-sensitive signaling pathway may have an inhibitory role in osteoblast differentiation. In summary, this study shows, for the first time, that the signal transduction mechanism of shear stress in osteoblasts is complex and involves multiple ERK-dependent and independent pathways, and provides circumstantial evidence that there may be a PTX-sensitive pathway that has completing effects with an unknown pathway on the differentiation of normal human osteoblasts.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Axotomized motoneurons can be rescued from cell death by peripheral nerve grafts: the effect of donor age.

Injury to neonatal nerves, unlike adult nerves, results in poor regeneration and extensive motoneuron death. We examined whether exposure to a more mature nerve environment could rescue axotomized motoneurons following neonatal injury. The sciatic nerve in 1 hindlimb of 3-day-old (P3) rats was transected and the cut end sutured to a nerve graft taken from donor rats, which ranged between P3 and P21. The extent of motoneuron survival and axon regeneration was established 7 days later. Since integrins play an important role in regeneration, we also examined the effect of manipulating integrin binding in nerve grafts. Following axotomy at P3 and implantation of nerve grafts from 3-day-old rats, approximately 38% of motoneurons survived. In contrast, grafts from rats aged 5 days and older resulted in an improvement in regeneration, and over 70% of motoneurons survived. This survival-promoting effect of P5 grafts was prevented by blocking beta1-integrins. In contrast, increasing beta1-integrin levels in grafts from P3 rats dramatically increased motoneuron survival. Thus, following neonatal nerve injury, exposure to a more mature nerve environment significantly increases motoneuron survival, an effect that is dependent upon beta1-integrin signaling. Therefore, pharmacological upregulation of beta1-integrins may significantly improve the outcome of neonatal nerve injuries.

Aging↗

Identification of a proline-rich sequence in the CD2 cytoplasmic domain critical for regulation of integrin-mediated adhesion and activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase.

The CD2 molecule is one of several lymphocyte receptors that rapidly initiates signaling events regulating integrin-mediated cell adhesion. CD2 stimulation of resting human T cells results within minutes in an increase in beta1-integrin-mediated adhesion to fibronectin. We have utilized the HL60 cell line to map critical residues within the CD2 cytoplasmic domain involved in CD2 regulation of integrin function. A panel of CD2 cytoplasmic domain mutants was constructed and analyzed for their ability to upregulate integrin-mediated adhesion to fibronectin. Mutations in the CD2 cytoplasmic domain implicated in CD2-mediated interleukin-2 production or CD2 avidity do not affect CD2 regulation of integrin activity. A proline-rich sequence, K-G-P-P-L-P (amino acids 299 to 305), is essential for CD2-mediated regulation of beta1 integrin activity. CD2-induced increases in beta1 integrin activity could be blocked by two phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K) inhibitors or by overexpression of a dominant negative form of the p85 subunit of PI 3-K. In addition, CD2 cytoplasmic domain mutations that abrogate CD2-induced increases in integrin-mediated adhesion also ablate CD2-induced increases in PI 3-K enzymatic activity. Surprisingly, CD2 cytoplasmic domain mutations that inhibit CD2 regulation of adhesion do not affect the constitutive association of the p85 subunit of PI 3-K association with CD2. Mutation of the proline residues in the K-G-P-P-L-P motif to alanines prevented CD2-mediated activation of integrin function and PI 3-K activity but not mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity. Furthermore, the MEK inhibitor PD 098059 blocked CD2-mediated activation of MAP kinase but had no effect on CD2-induced adhesion. These studies identify a proline-rich sequence in CD2 critical for PI 3-K-dependent regulation of beta1 integrin adhesion by CD2. In addition, these studies suggest that CD2-mediated activation of MAP kinase is not involved in CD2 regulation of integrin adhesion.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Polarity, integrin, and extracellular matrix dynamics in the postischemic rat kidney.

Acute renal failure (ARF) as a consequence of ischemic injury is a common disease affecting 5% of the hospitalized population. Despite the fact that mortality from ARF is high, there has been little improvement in survival rates over the last 40 years. The pathogenesis of ARF may be related to substantial changes in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions mediated by beta1-integrins. On the basis of in vitro and in vivo studies, reorganization of beta1-integrins from basal to apical surfaces of injured tubular epithelia has been suggested to facilitate epithelial detachment, contributing to tubular obstruction and backleak of glomerular filtrate. In this study, we examine integrin and extracellular matrix dynamics during epithelial injury and repair using an in vivo rat model of unilateral ischemia. We find that, soon after reperfusion, beta1-integrins newly appear on lateral borders in epithelial cells of the S3 segment but are not on the apical surface. At later times, as further injury and regeneration coordinately occur, epithelia adherent to the basement membrane localize beta1 predominantly to basal surfaces even while the polarity of other marker proteins is lost. At the same time, amorphous material consisting of depolarized exfoliated cells fills the luminal space. Notably, beta1-integrins are not detected on exfoliated cells. A novel finding is the presence of fibronectin, a glycoprotein of plasma and the renal interstitium, in tubular spaces of the distal nephron and to a lesser extent S3 segments. These results indicate that beta1-integrins dramatically change their distribution during ischemic injury and epithelial repair, possibly contributing to cell exfoliation initially and to epithelial regeneration at later stages. Together with the appearance of large amounts of fibronectin in tubular lumens, these alterations may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of ARF.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Phenotypic reversion or death of cancer cells by altering signaling pathways in three-dimensional contexts.

BACKGROUND: We previously used a three-dimensional (3D) reconstituted basement membrane (rBM) assay to demonstrate that tumorigenic HMT-3522 T4-2 human breast cells can be induced to form morphologically normal structures ("reversion") by treatment with inhibitors of beta1 integrin, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). We have now used this assay to identify reversion and/or death requirements of several more aggressive human breast cancer cell lines. METHODS: Breast tumor cell lines MCF7, Hs578T, and MDA-MB-231 were cultured in 3D rBM and treated with inhibitors of beta1 integrin, MAPK, or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). MDA-MB-231 cells, which lack E-cadherin, were transfected with an E-cadherin cDNA. The extent of reversion was assessed by changes in morphology and polarity, growth in 3D rBM or soft agar, level of invasiveness, and tumor formation in nude mice. RESULTS: All three cell lines showed partial reversion (MCF7 the greatest and Hs578T the least) of tumorigenic properties treated with a single beta1 integrin, MAPK, or PI3K inhibitor. Combined inhibition of beta1 integrin and either PI3K or MAPK resulted in nearly complete phenotypic reversion (MDA-MB-231, MCF7) or in cell death (Hs578T). E-cadherin-transfected MDA-MB-231 cells showed partial reversion, but exposure of the transfectants to an inhibitor of beta1 integrin, PI3K, or MAPK led to nearly complete reversion. CONCLUSION: The 3D rBM assay can be used to identify signaling pathways that, when manipulated in concert, can lead to the restoration of morphologically normal breast structures or to death of the tumor cells, even highly metastatic cells. This approach may be useful to design therapeutic intervention strategies for aggressive breast cancers.

Animals↗

Cell adhesion molecule expression in coronary artery aneurysms in acute Kawasaki disease.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) formation in acute Kawasaki disease (KD) remains unclear. Cell adhesion molecules mediate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and regulate leukocyte migration, angiogenesis and tissue remodeling. We hypothesized that cell adhesion molecules are expressed in acute KD CAA. METHODS: : P-selectin, E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and integrin beta1 were immunolocalized in coronary arteries from 6 acute KD patients and 7 controls. RESULTS: In endothelial cells of adventitial neovasculature in KD CAA, P-selectin and integrin beta1 were expressed in all of 6 patients, and E-selectin and/or VCAM-1 were expressed in 4 of 6. Endothelial cells in controls and in nonaneurysmal KD coronary arteries expressed P-selectin and integrin beta1, but not E-selectin or VCAM-1. Integrin beta1 was expressed on infiltrating leukocytes in 5 of 6 KD CAA and on fibroblasts in 6 of 6; these findings were absent in controls and in nonaneurysmal KD coronary arteries. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of widespread expression of E-selectin or VCAM-1 on endothelial cells of acute KD coronary arteries was surprising and suggests that inflammatory cell infiltration into KD coronaries is not simply the result of widespread up-regulation of cell adhesion molecules on endothelial cells by circulating cytokines. Rather, inflammatory cells may be directed to specific areas of the coronary arteries targeted by a pathogen causing KD. Our results suggest that E-selectin and VCAM-1 expression on neovasculature may contribute to neoangiogenesis and prolonged CAA inflammation and that integrin beta1 might be involved in fibroblastic remodeling of acute KD CAA.

Adolescent↗

Epithelial cell spreading induced by hepatocyte growth factor influences paxillin protein synthesis and posttranslational modification.

Superficial wounds in the gastrointestinal tract rapidly reseal by coordinated epithelial cell migration facilitated by cytokines such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor released in the wound vicinity. However, the mechanisms by which HGF promotes physiological and pathophysiologic epithelial migration are incompletely understood. Using in vitro models of polarized T84 and Caco-2 intestinal epithelia, we report that HGF promoted epithelial spreading and RhoA GTPase activation in a time-dependent manner. Inducible expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged dominant-negative RhoA significantly attenuated HGF-induced spreading. HGF expanded a zone of partially flattened cells behind the wound edge containing basal F-actin fibers aligned in the direction of spreading. Concomitantly, plaques positive for the focal adhesion protein paxillin were enhanced. HGF induced an increase in the translation of paxillin and, to a lesser extent, beta1-integrin. This was independent of cell-matrix adhesion through beta1-integrin. Subcellular fractionation revealed increased cosedimentation of paxillin with plasma membrane-containing fractions following HGF stimulation, without corresponding enhancements in paxillin coassociation with beta1 integrin or actin. Tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin was reduced by HGF and was sensitive to the Src kinase inhibitor PP2. With these taken together, we propose that HGF upregulates a free cytosolic pool of paxillin that is unaffiliated with either the cytoskeleton or focal cell-matrix contacts. Thus early spreading responses to HGF may partly relate to increased paxillin availability for incorporation into, and turnover within, dynamic cytoskeletal/membrane complexes whose rapid and transient adhesion to the matrix drives migration.

Actins↗

4-1BB costimulation promotes human T cell adhesion to fibronectin.

CD28 and 4-1BB (CD137) are costimulatory molecules for T cells. In this study we investigated the role of 4-1BB in T cell adhesion to fibronectin (FN). Unlike CD28, 4-1BB is present in only a small subset of T cells prepared from fresh human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but was induced after prolonged TCR/CD28 activation in vitro. 4-1BB-expressing T cells were characteristically unique in their strong responsiveness to FN. Anti-4-1BB cross-linking synergized CD28 costimulation by lowering the threshold of CD3 signal required for CD28-mediated maximal proliferative response. In addition to increasing proliferative responses, 4-1BB promoted T cell adhesion to FN in the presence of CD28 costimulation. 4-1BB-mediated cell adhesion to FN was blocked by anti-beta1 integrin, suggesting that 4-1BB mediates beta1 integrin activation. The role of 4-1BB in inducing CD4(+) T cell adhesion to FN was confirmed by showing that the human leukemic CD4(+) T cell line, Jurkat, when transfected with cDNA encoding 4-1BB, became adherent to FN with anti-4-1BB stimulation. Taken together, our results suggest that 4-1BB-promoted T cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins is an important postactivation process for T cell migration.

Antigens, CD↗