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The staphylococcal fibronectin receptor: evidence for its importance in invasive infections.

Fibronectin binds specifically and irreversibly to Staphylococcus aureus. The expression of fibronectin-binding sites correlates with the invasiveness of the isolate. It has been suggested that the fibronectin receptor of S. aureus is either a protein or a carbohydrate that localizes at the surface of the bacterium, permitting interactions of the bacteria with the fibronectin of the host. Sites at which S. aureus typically initiates infection are rich in fibronectin, e.g., blood clots and subendothelium; the cells of the luminal surface of intact endothelium are among the few cell types that are relatively devoid of fibronectin. Removal of fibronectin receptors from S. aureus by mechanical means or by growing the bacteria in an antibiotic-containing medium decreases their ability to adhere. Thus, the fibronectin receptor appears to play a role in the initiation of S. aureus infections. These findings offer hope for the development of a vaccine that will prevent invasive disease-if the S. aureus fibronectin receptor(s) can be purified, proves to be immunogenic, and inhibits bacterial adherence to host tissues.

Fibronectins↗

The activation of ProMMP-2 (gelatinase A) by HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells is promoted by culture on a fibronectin substrate and is concomitant with an increase in processing of MT1-MMP (MMP-14) to a 45 kDa form.

We have assessed the effect of fibronectin and laminin-1 on the expression of molecules involved in the activation pathway of MMP-2, a key proteinase in tissue remodelling. HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells cultured on fibronectin were shown to activate endogenous MMP-2, to a level comparable with that elicited by treatment with phorbol ester. In contrast, the MMP-2 expressed by HT1080 cells cultured on laminin-1 was mainly in the pro- (inactive form). Culture of the cells on peptide fragments of fibronectin derived from the central cell binding domain also promoted MMP-2 activation, indicating that signals via fibronectin binding to integrin receptors may be involved. HT1080 cells cultured on immobilised antibodies to the alpha5 and beta1 integrin subunits secreted levels of active MMP-2 similar to those observed for full length fibronectin, whereas cells cultured on an antibody to the alpha6 integrin subunit secreted mainly proMMP-2. The data demonstrate that the activation of MMP-2 by HT1080 cells is regulated by the nature of the extracellular matrix, and that signals via the alpha5beta1 integrin receptor may be involved in the fibronectin induced up-regulation of MMP-2 activation. We then assessed the effect of fibronectin on the components of the putative MT1-MMP/TIMP-2 'receptor' complex implicated in MMP-2 activation. Levels of TIMP-2 protein expressed by HT1080 cells did not vary detectably between cells cultured on fibronectin or laminin-1. However, the expression of MT1-MMP protein was up-regulated when the cells were cultured on fibronectin, which could be attributed to an increase in levels of a truncated 45 kDa form. Parallel studies using gelatin zymography demonstrated that the up-regulation of the production of the 45 kDa band was concomitant with MMP-2 activation. Inhibitor studies revealed that the truncation of MT1-MMP to a 45 kDa form is MMP mediated, although not inhibited by TIMP-1. In vitro, the 45 kDa form could be generated by cleavage of membrane-bound native MT1-MMP with several recombinant MMPs, including both active MT1-MMP and MMP-2. The implication that either MMP-2 or MT1-MMP can process MT1-MMP to 45 kDa, raises the possibility that truncation of MT1-MMP represents a self-regulatory end-point in the activation pathway of MMP-2.

Cell Adhesion↗

Identification of a new biological function for the integrin alpha v beta 3: initiation of fibronectin matrix assembly.

Fibronectin matrix assembly is a complex cellular process initiated by specific fibronectin-binding cell surface receptors. Although the integrin alpha 5 beta 1 has been implicated in the assembly of fibronectin matrices, fibroblastic cells derived from alpha 5 integrin null mutant embryos assemble a fibronectin matrix. Thus, alternative receptors must support this process. Although the platelet integrin alpha IIb beta 3 supports fibronectin matrix assembly, its expression is restricted to platelets. We report that alpha v beta 3 integrin, a fibronectin receptor expressed on many cell types provides an alternative pathway for the assembly of soluble fibronectin into the extracellular matrix. This process occurs independent of alpha 5 beta 1, is also modulated by activation, and the resulting matrix is biochemically indistinguishable from that assembled under the control of alpha 5 beta 1. Matrix assembly requires binding to the RGD site in the 10th type III repeat of fibronectin, as well as the participation of the amino-terminal matrix assembly domain. The participation of two distinct integrins in fibronectin matrix assembly suggests a model for the involvement of integrins in a dual system of extracellular matrix assembly and recognition controlled by intracellular activation of extracellular receptors.

Animals↗

Cloning and expression of two different genes from Streptococcus dysgalactiae encoding fibronectin receptors.

Binding of bacteria to fibronectin has been implicated as a mechanism of bacterial adhesion to the host tissue. In this report we have analyzed the binding of a strain of Streptococcus dysgalactiae to fibronectin. The cells bind to a site in the NH2-terminal domain of the protein via trypsin-sensitive cell surface components. Furthermore, a lysate prepared by sonication of streptococcal cells contained fibronectin-binding proteins that inhibit the binding of the ligand to intact bacteria. When the proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, blotted to an Immobilon-P filter, and probed with 125I-labeled fibronectin, a 140-kDa fibronectin-binding protein was identified along with a number of smaller binding proteins. A genomic DNA library was constructed and screened for the expression of fibronectin-binding proteins. Two clones were isolated and shown to contain unrelated inserts by restriction mapping and cross-hybridization experiments. The two encoded proteins were also immunologically distinct although both bound to the same region of the fibronectin molecule, and both effectively inhibited the binding of 125I-fibronectin to bacterial cells. Immunological analyses showed that only one of the two proteins tentatively identified as fibronectin receptors was expressed in detectable quantities in the Streptococcus dysgalactiae strain under the culture conditions employed.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

Activation of human CD4 T lymphocytes. Interaction of fibronectin with VLA-5 receptor on CD4 cells induces the AP-1 transcription factor.

Fibronectin synergized with anti-CD3 antibody to promote CD4 cell proliferation in a serum-free culture system whereas no proliferation was observed when CD4 cells were cultured with anti-CD3 alone or fibronectin alone. In addition, anti-CD29 (integrin beta 1) as well as anti-VLA-5 (human fibronectin receptor) antibodies blocked this CD4 cell activation in this system. Although anti-CD3 alone or fibronectin alone cannot induce IL-2 message by CD4 cells, the combination of anti-CD3 plus fibronectin induced IL-2 message by CD4 cells. In an analysis of the molecular mechanism by which IL-2 message was generated, we showed that a fibronectin-VLA-5 fibronectin receptor interaction may contribute an independent signal distinct from the CD3 pathway of activation by the induction of an AP-1 transcriptional factor. Thus the VLA-5 fibronectin receptor on CD4 cells can play a complementary role in CD3-TCR-mediated signal transduction through its interaction with fibronectin.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Fibronectin in multiple sclerosis lesions.

Cryostat sections of central nervous system (CNS) tissues of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other CNS diseases were stained with antibodies to fibronectin, a macrophage fibronectin receptor component, fibrin/fibrinogen, and albumin using immunoperoxidase. In active, but not inactive, MS plaques vessel fibronectin was increased (to approximately 57% of Factor VIII+ vessels) over uninvolved MS and normal control white matter (P less than 0.001 for both). Fibronectin was primarily localized to vessel walls and amount of staining correlated with degree of inflammation. Active plaques and necrotic lesions also had extracellular fibronectin and fibrin/ogen. These molecules and the fibronectin receptor were found on macrophages. Albumin was more widely and diffusely distributed in lesions than fibronectin. Thus, in addition to extravasation from damaged vessels, fibronectin may be deposited on or synthesized by endothelial cells and macrophages in the CNS. Fibronectin could facilitate monocyte adhesion to endothelial cell luminal surfaces, promote migration of mononuclear cells, and enhance myelin phagocytosis in MS lesions.

Antibodies↗

Analysis of the role of glycosylation of the human fibronectin receptor.

1-Deoxymannojirimycin (MNJ), an inhibitor of Golgi alpha-mannosidase IA and IB, was used to assess the possible roles of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides in the structure and function of the integrin fibronectin receptor from cultured human fibroblasts. These cells normally attach well to fibronectin substrates and have only mature forms of the fibronectin receptor on their surfaces. MNJ inhibits the intracellular trimming of high mannose oligosaccharides, and cells treated with 0.2 mg/ml MNJ synthesize only immature precursor forms of both the alpha and beta subunits of the fibronectin receptor. The immature receptor polypeptides were found to be nonfunctional by two criteria: 1) cells treated with MNJ attached poorly to fibronectin substrates; and 2) receptor from the treated cells was defective in binding to fibronectin affinity columns. The precursor forms of the fibronectin receptor subunits were found on the surfaces of cells treated with MNJ, demonstrating that processing of receptor carbohydrates to mature forms was not necessary for receptor insertion into the plasma membrane. A monoclonal antibody that specifically bound the alpha subunit of the fibronectin receptor immunoprecipitated both alpha and beta subunit polypeptides from both control cells and cells treated with MNJ. Similarly, a monoclonal antibody that specifically bound only the beta subunit also immunoprecipitated both alpha and beta subunit polypeptides of the receptor from extracts of both control and MNJ-treated cells. These results indicate that receptor assembly can occur in the absence of complete oligosaccharide processing. Thus, oligosaccharide processing to the mature form of the fibronectin receptor is important for its binding function but not for receptor assembly or insertion into the plasma membrane.

1-Deoxynojirimycin↗

Fibronectin's amino-terminal matrix assembly site is located within the 29-kDa amino-terminal domain containing five type I repeats.

Fibronectin is organized into disulfide cross-linked, insoluble pericellular matrix fibrils by fibroblasts in vitro. Two sites, the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-containing cell attachment domain and a site located in the first 70 kDa of fibronectin, are required for matrix assembly. The first 70 kDa of fibronectin contain two structural motifs termed type I and type II homologies, which are repeated nine and two times, respectively. Previous work has implicated the amino-terminal region and the carboxyl terminus containing three type I repeats in matrix assembly, suggesting that type I repeats possess binding activity essential for fibronectin matrix assembly. To test this hypothesis, we developed a sensitive capture immunoassay to quantify insoluble matrix fibronectin and tested a panel of fibronectin fragments, containing all of the type I repeats found in the intact protein, for their ability to inhibit matrix assembly. Only fragments containing the first five type I repeats inhibited fibronectin matrix assembly, although sequences carboxyl-terminal to this domain enhanced this activity. Additional evidence for the specific recognition of the amino-terminal type I repeats by matrix assembling cells was found when the reversible, detergent-sensitive binding of a 125I-labeled fragment containing the first five type I repeats (29 kDa) to cell monolayers was studied. Only monolayers of cell lines that incorporate fibronectin into a fibrillar matrix specifically bound 125I-labeled 29 kDa. Binding of the radiolabeled amino-terminal fragment to matrix-forming cells was inhibited by unlabeled fragments containing the first five type I repeats but not by unlabeled fragments containing the remaining seven type I repeats. Matrix assembly is therefore not a generalized property of type I repeats. Rather, a critical site is located within the first 29 kDa of fibronectin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Binding of Escherichia coli to fibronectin. A mechanism of tissue adherence.

Four out of 17 enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli isolated from infantile diarrhea bound 125I-fibronectin. This binding, which was inhibited by unlabeled fibronectin but not by other proteins, appears to involve two classes of receptors, one of which binds the ligand reversibly. Consistent with the presence of two classes of receptors the bacteria bound to at least two distinct sites of the fibronectin molecule, one being the amino-terminal domain which also contains the binding sites for Gram-positive bacteria and the other located outside this domain. The E. coli strain expressing fibronectin receptors adhered to fibroblasts and to fibronectin but not to ovalbumin-coated coverslips. Bacteria grown at 40 degrees C did not express fibronectin receptors and did not adhere to either substrate. Saturation of receptors with fibronectin blocked adhesion to both fibronectin-coated coverslips and to cultured fibroblasts. These data suggest that binding to fibronectin represents a mechanism of tissue adherence of E. coli.

Animals↗

Fibronectin mRNA alternative splicing is temporally and spatially regulated during chondrogenesis in vivo and in vitro.

Fibronectin, a component of the extracellular matrix in a variety of tissues, participates in many critical cellular processes, including differentiation, adhesion, and migration. A positive correlation exists between the presence of fibronectin and the onset of chondrogenesis, the differentiation of mesenchyme into cartilage. Heterogeneity in the structure of fibronectin is largely due to the alternative splicing of at least three exons (IIIB, IIIA, and V) during processing of a single primary transcript. We have previously shown that the fibronectin mRNA splicing patterns change during chondrogenesis (Bennett et al. [1991] J. Biol. Chem, 266:5918-5924). All of the fibronectin mRNAs from prechondrogenic chick limb mesenchyme contain exons IIIB, IIIA, and V (B + A + V +), whereas all of the fibronectin mRNAs from chick cartilage contain exons IIIB and V but do not contain exon IIIA (B + A - V +). In this study, we show that fibronectin mRNAs containing exon IIIA (FN-A) and/or the mRNAs containing exon IIIB (FN-B) are expressed in a specific and different spatiotemporal manner in the developing chick limb in vivo, as well as in limb mesenchymal cells undergoing chondrogenesis in vitro. Specifically, in situ hybridization reveals that FN-B mRNAs are present throughout the various stages (HH 20-30) of limb cartilage development in vivo, whereas FN-A mRNAs disappear following the condensation phase of chondrogenesis and absent from the resulting cartilage, Chick limb cartilage fibronectin mRNAs are therefore B + A-, as in other embryonic cartilage tissues. Furthermore, limb mesenchymal cells undergoing chondrogenesis in vitro lose FN-A mRNAs immediately following condensation, recapitulating the events that occur during chondrogenesis in vivo. These results suggest an important role for fibronectin mRNA alternative splicing during chondrogenic differentiation.

Alternative Splicing↗

Effects of titanium on transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of fibronectin in human fibroblasts.

The effects of commercially pure titanium (Ti) on the regulation of fibronectin gene expression and synthesis were investigated in early-passage human gingival fibroblasts. The fibroblasts were cultured on 50 nm Ti-coated silicon wafers treated with radio-frequency glow discharge prior to use and on Falcon tissue culture plastic (TCP) dishes as a control. Northern hybridization analysis revealed that fibroblasts cultured on Ti reduced the fibronectin mRNA level by 58% at 16 h, but increased it by 2.6-fold at 90 h, although the cell numbers and house-keeping gene GAPD mRNA levels on these two surfaces were essentially the same. The amount of total RNA was slightly less on the Ti surface. While the total [35S]methionine incorporation was essentially unaltered, the amount of [35S]methionine-labeled fibronectin was significantly increased in cells cultured on a Ti surface in early cultures but decreased in the late cultures. The apparent discrepancy between the increased fibronectin mRNA levels and decreased translation could be explained by a 30% reduction in fibronectin mRNA half life in cells cultured on Ti. The distribution of fibronectin between the medium and the cell layer also was altered on Ti surfaces, with a approximately 100-fold increase of fibronectin assembled in extracellular matrix at 16 h, but a 36% reduction at 90 h. In contrast, the amount of fibronectin recovered in the medium was essentially unchanged. The total amount of protein assembled into the extracellular matrix by cells on Ti increased 2.1-fold at 16 h but decreased by 19% in 90-h cultures. These significant changes in fibronectin gene activity and gene product distribution by cells cultured on Ti surfaces demonstrate that the surface chemistry of biomaterials can selectively regulate the cellular behavior at the molecular level and, conversely, that molecular biological techniques provide sensitive indicators of the molecular biocompatibility of implant materials.

Adult↗

Fibronectin patterns in hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical significance.

Fibronectin, a high molecular weight glycoprotein component of the extracellular matrix, was localized extracellularly and intracellularly in the nuclei and the cytoplasm of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) by the use of the biotin-avidin method on paraffin-embedded, pepsin-treated tissue. The specificity of the staining was confirmed by absorbing the antibodies with purified fibronectin. Twenty HCC were investigated (7 were autopsy specimens and 13 biopsy and surgical specimens). The fibronectin was either increased or decreased. When increased the fibronectin consisted of thin or thick feathery strands and was either pericellular, sinusoidal, periglandular, or stromal. Marked increase of fibronectin was seen in fibrolamellar HCC, clear cell HCC, and encapsulated HCC, correlating with the better prognosis. Decreased fibronectin was seen in two undifferentiated HCC. HCC obtained at autopsy displayed nuclear and cytoplasmic fibronectin staining. Nuclear fibronectin may be an expression of the DNA binding ability of fibronectin which becomes demonstrable in cells with increased membrane permeability.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

A novel surfactant-based immobilization method for varying substrate-bound fibronectin.

Most biomaterials can be rendered adhesive for anchorage-dependent cells by adsorption of serum, isolated extracellular matrix proteins, or immobilization of peptide sequences. However, difficulties are frequently encountered in characterizing the adsorbed layer due to conformational changes in the molecules following adsorption and interference from nonspecifically adsorbed molecules. In this study, we have investigated a technique for covalently immobilizing fibronectin to the PEO-containing triblock copolymer Pluronic F108 ("F108"). We have compared this technique to solution adsorption of fibronectin for its ability to provide controlled variation of bound fibronectin and regulation of fibroblast behavior. Both simple adsorption and covalent immobilization were effective for varying substrate-bound fibronectin. However, adsorption of fibronectin did not effectively regulate fibroblast attachment or spreading in either serum-free or serum-containing media. Fibroblast attachment, spreading, cytoskeletal organization, and proliferation were effectively regulated in response to fibronectin immobilized to F108. Furthermore, F108-treated surfaces without immobilized fibronectin did not support nonspecific fibroblast attachment, even in the presence of serum-containing medium. Fibroblasts were observed to only proliferate on surfaces with high levels of immobilized fibronectin that supported extensive cell spreading and cytoskeletal organization. In summary, covalent immobilization of fibronectin to F108 provided controlled regulation of fibroblast behavior without interference from nonspecific protein adsorption, even in the presence of serum-containing medium.

3T3 Cells↗

Association of fibronectin with the microfibrils of connective tissue.

The association of fibronectin with the microfibrils of connective tissue was examined in the zonular fibers of the mouse eye by immunohistochemical methods at the light and electron microscopic level. Mouse eyes fixed in formaldehyde were embedded either in paraffin for immunostaining by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method or in Lowicryl for immunolabeling by antirabbit globulin antibodies bound to 5 or 15 nm gold particles. Ultrastructural studies were also carried out after glutaraldehyde perfusion. Both the PAP and immunogold procedures demonstrated the association of fibronectin with microfibrils. After immunolabeling with 5 nm gold particles, examination at high magnification localized fibronectin to fine filaments that appeared to be attached to the surface of microfibrils. The filaments extended outward singly or formed loose aggregates. Their diameter ranged from 1.2 to 3 nm, with a mean of 1.5 nm. Because of their similarity to the fibronectin molecules previously described after rotary shadowing, the filaments were likely to be fibronectin molecules themselves. Since fibronectin is known to have high affinity for the amyloid P component, a model is presented in which fibronectin filaments are bound to the amyloid P component making up the tubular core of microfibrils in mice. Evidence is presented that fibronectin filaments may link microfibrils to one another and thus insure the continuity and strength of zonular fibers. More generally, it is likely that connective-tissue microfibrils, whether or not inserted into elastic fibers, are bonded through fibronectin to surrounding cells, collagen fibrils, or proteoglycans, and thus insure cohesion among connective tissue elements.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Synthesis, secretion, and deposition of fibronectin in cultured human synovium.

We examined fibronectin synthesis, secretion, and deposition in vitro by primary explants of rheumatoid synovium. Primary cultures initiated from tissue with monocytic infiltrates had higher levels of fibronectin synthesis; addition of dexamethasone at concentrations known to stimulate other tissue fibroblasts increased fibronectin synthesis and secretion. Newly synthesized fibronectin recovered from primary rheumatoid culture medium had a higher apparent molecular weight (240-245 kd), on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, compared with fibronectin recovered from passaged normal and rheumatoid cultures (230 kd). Primary rheumatoid explant cultures had a characteristic morphology which correlated with fibronectin deposition. Dense deposits of fibronectin extracellular matrix covered overlapping synoviocytes adjacent to esterase-positive mononuclear cells. Dexamethasone-treated cultures showed little fibronectin deposited as extracellular matrix and did not develop overlapping cellular networks. Characteristic patterns of fibronectin synthesis and deposition in primary rheumatoid cultures appear to result from interaction between fibroblastic and monocytic cells. This culture system may provide a model by which to study interactions between cells and extracellular matrix components that regulate synovial cell function.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Drosophila fibronectin: a protein that shares properties similar to those of its mammalian homologue.

This is the first report on the existence in Drosophila of a protein with properties similar to those of vertebrate fibronectin that we shall refer to as Drosophila fibronectin. Rabbit antibodies against human plasma fibronectin have allowed the detection of this molecule in Drosophila haemolymph; common epitopes are shared by the two proteins. Drosophila fibronectin with a subunit mol. wt of approximately 230 kd is a glycoprotein which binds to denatured mammalian collagen. It is present throughout development and is as abundant in embryos as in larvae and adult flies. Drosophila fibronectin is differentially expressed during embryogenesis, a small amount being present before the blastoderm stage. Its concentration increases at gastrulation and reaches a steady-state value at the end of organogenesis. Drosophila fibronectin is predominantly detected by immunofluorescence on frozen sections of 16 h embryos in the extracellular spaces lying between the different tissues and organs. In mature third instar larvae, most of the staining is concentrated in fat body and imaginal discs, and the pattern strongly supports an extracellular localization of the protein. In addition, it is shown that Drosophila embryonic cells can functionally utilize vertebrate fibronectin for their spreading and differentiation. Finally, injection of antihuman plasma fibronectin antibodies in early embryos leads to the same phenotype as injection of Arg-Gly-Asp-containing peptides. This result suggests that one of the Arg-Gly-Asp-bearing protein(s) involved in gastrulation might be fibronectin.

Animals↗

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 binds to immobilized fibronectin.

We have characterized the interaction of homodimeric porcine transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) with affinity-purified human plasma fibronectin. Using a solid-phase binding assay, we have demonstrated that TGF-beta 1 binds to fibronectin immobilized on Immunlon ITM microtiter plates. TGF-beta 1 binding increased with time, reaching a plateau after 4-6 h, and was dependent upon the concentration of both labeled TGF-beta 1 and immobilized fibronectin present. The binding of radiolabeled TGF-beta 1 to fibronectin was saturable and was reduced 75% in the presence of a 100-fold excess of unlabeled TGF-beta 1. TGF-beta 1 bound to fibronectin with an association rate constant (Ka) of 2.96 x 10(3) M-1 s-1 and did not readily dissociate under various conditions. The binding of TGF-beta 1 to fibronectin was insensitive to variations in ionic strength over a range of 0.1-1.0 M NaCl and was relatively insensitive to divalent cation concentration in the range of 0.1-10.0 mM as well. These data suggest that the binding of TGF-beta 1 to fibronectin may not be dependent upon the interaction of charged amino acids within these two molecules. However, the binding of TGF-beta 1 to fibronectin was strongly pH-dependent and binding decreased dramatically below pH 4.0 and above pH 10.0, suggesting that charged amino acids may influence TGF-beta 1/fibronectin interactions. The association of TGF-beta 1 with immobilized fibronectin or other extracellular matrix components and subsequent dissociation under acidic conditions or by an as-yet-unidentified mechanism may play a role in the distribution and/or activity of this potent growth regulator at sites of tissue injury and inflammation in vivo.

Animals↗

Mechanism of human keratinocyte migration on fibronectin: unique roles of RGD site and integrins.

The migration of human keratinocytes over the wound bed plays an important role in the re-epithelialization of cutaneous wounds. Fibronectin, a large glycoprotein matrix component that is abundant within cutaneous wound beds, promotes keratinocyte migration. However, the mechanisms by which keratinocytes migrate over fibronectin are unknown. In this study, we sought to identify specific sites within the fibronectin molecule that induce keratinocyte locomotion and to characterize the cell surface receptors involved. The data show that the domain within the fibronectin molecule that induces human keratinocyte migration is the 120 kD cell-binding domain close to the carboxyl terminus. The 40 kD heparin-binding domain near the carboxyl terminus and the 45 kD gelatin-binding domain near the amino terminus did not promote keratinocyte migration. In addition, keratinocyte migration on both fibronectin and the 120 kD cell-binding domain was completely inhibited by the presence of GRGDSP peptide, suggesting that keratinocyte migration on fibronectin is mediated by recognizing the RGD sequence located within the cell-binding domain of fibronectin. Furthermore, keratinocytes were able to migrate directly on immobilized RGD substratum. Cell migration on fibronectin is mediated by the alpha 5 beta 1 integrin since antibodies blocking the alpha 5 and the beta 1 subunits completely inhibited keratinocyte migration on fibronectin. In addition, we demonstrate that human keratinocytes express alpha 5 beta 1 integrin in culture by flow cytometry.

Binding Sites↗