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The macrophage alphaMbeta2 integrin alphaM lectin domain mediates the phagocytosis of chilled platelets.

alpha(M)beta(2) integrin receptors on myeloid cells mediate the adhesion or uptake of diverse ligands. Ligand binding occurs in the alpha(M) chain, which is composed of an I domain and a lectin domain. The alpha(M) I domain binds iC3b, fibrinogen, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and other ligands and mediates the adhesion of neutrophils to platelet glycoprotein Ibalpha (GPIbalpha). alpha(M)beta(2) also recognizes beta-GlcNAc residues on GPIbalpha that are clustered on platelets after cooling. The phagocytosis of chilled platelets could be reconstituted when Chinese hamster ovary cells were transfected with alpha(M)beta(2). Replacement of the I domain or the lectin domain of the alpha(M) chain with the corresponding domain from the alpha(X) chain (p150) revealed that the activity of the alpha(M)beta(2) integrin toward chilled platelets resides within the lectin domain and does not require the I domain. Additional evidences for this conclusion are: 1) Sf9 cells expressing solely the alpha(M) lectin domain bound chilled platelets, and 2) soluble recombinant alpha(M) lectin domain inhibited the phagocytosis of chilled platelets by alpha(M)beta(2)-expressing THP-1 cells, whereas I domain substrates showed no inhibitory effect. Therefore chilled platelets are removed from blood by an interaction between beta-GlcNAc residues on clustered GPIbalpha and the lectin domain of alpha(M) chain of the alpha(M)beta(2) integrin, distinguishing this interaction from those mediated by the alpha(M) I domain.

Animals↗

An anti-alpha v-integrin antibody that blocks integrin function inhibits the development of a human melanoma in nude mice.

A series of murine monoclonal antibodies were raised against purified human alpha v beta 3 integrin and against M21 human melanoma cells. Five notable hybridomas were identified by ELISA on purified integrins, and the isolated antibodies bound the alpha v-chain. These antibodies, 17E6, 20A9, 23G5, 14D9.F8 and 10G2, recognised the extracellular domains of the integrin, and were shown to be reactive in FACS, immunoprecipitation, ELISA, and ELISA on fixed cells with M21, M21-L4, and UCLA-P3, but not with the alpha v-deficient M21-L or M21-L-IIb (M21-L transfected with GpIIb integrin). One antibody, 17E6, strongly perturbed cell attachment mediated by alpha v integrins, reacting at least with alpha v beta 3, alpha v beta 5, and alpha v beta 1, and strongly inhibiting cell attachment to alpha v-ligands vitronectin and fibronectin with an IC50 of approximately 0.1 microgram ml-1. Furthermore, 17E6 at this concentration could induce cell retraction from the substrate, while LM609 (anti-alpha v beta 3) and control antibody 14E2 (anti-200 kDa melanoma surface protein) at 1,000-fold higher concentrations had minimal effects on cell morphology. The action of 17E6 was reversible and was not due to toxic effects: in vitro 17E6 at 0.1 mg ml-1 did not affect either cell proliferation or DNA synthesis. In two nude-mouse tumour models, subcutaneous tumour development and a lung colonisation ('experimental metastasis') assay, injection of 17E6 strongly inhibited tumour development, while isotype-matched controls had no effect. There was no obvious mechanism of cell or of complement-mediated tumour cytotoxicity; the antibody did not mediate ADCC or AECDC, or complement fixation. The data strongly support previous studies which have indicated the importance of alpha v-integrins, and especially alpha v beta 3, in the tumour progression of human melanoma.

Animals↗

Distribution of alpha-integrin subunits in fetal polycystic kidney diseases.

An alteration in cell/matrix interactions is one of the suggested mechanisms leading to cyst formation in polycystic kidney diseases. Most of these interactions are mediated by beta 1-integrins, a subfamily of integrin receptors, formed by the association of the beta 1-chain with different alpha-subunits. To date, no study on alpha-integrin subunit distribution during the early stages of cyst development has been reported. Using immunofluorescence, we analyzed the distribution of alpha-integrin subunits (alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, and alpha 6) and basement membrane proteins in kidneys of fetuses with autosomal dominant (ADPKD) or autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). The distribution was compared with that observed in normal fetal and post-natal kidneys, and in fetal cystic dysplasia and Meckel syndrome. Marked increase in alpha 1-integrin staining was observed in normal and cystic collecting duct cells of both polycystic diseases (PKD), compared with normal and cystic controls. The distribution of integrin subunits alpha 2, alpha 3, and alpha 6 was irregular in cyst epithelial cells of PKD and cystic controls. The increased expression of the alpha 1-subunit specifically observed in PKD collecting duct cells may be an early consequence of the genetic defect in ARPKD. In ADPKD it parallels the reported expression of polycystin, the protein product of PKD1. The irregular expression of alpha 2, alpha 3, and alpha 6 integrin subunits observed in all types of cysts suggests that cell/matrix interactions are altered early and may participate in the development of cysts, perhaps by contributing to the deregulation of cell survival in cystic diseases.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Involvement of host cell tyrosine phosphorylation in the invasion of HEp-2 cells by Bartonella bacilliformis.

We have provided evidence that exposure of human cells to protein kinase inhibitors results in decreased invasion of these cells by Bartonella bacilliformis in a dose-dependent manner. Preincubation of human laryngeal epithelial cells in the presence of genistein, a tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor, decreased the invasion of these cells by B. bacilliformis significantly. Further, exposure of normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells to staurosporine, a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C and some tyrosine protein kinases, resulted in a considerable reduction in the number of organisms internalized by these cells. Moreover, Bartonella infection of HEp-2 cells induced tyrosine phosphorylation of several Triton X-100 soluble proteins with approximate molecular masses of 243, 215 179, 172 (doublet), 160, 145 and 110 kDa that were absent or reduced in the presence of genistein in cells after 1 h of infection. Exposure of HEp-2 cell monolayers to anti-alpha 5 and anti-beta 1 chain integrin monoclonal antibodies resulted in a moderate decrease in the invasion of these cells, suggesting a possible role of alpha 5 beta 1 integrins in the uptake of Bartonella into nucleated cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Adhesive interaction of hemopoietic progenitor cell membrane with the RGD domain of fibronectin.

The binding of two cloned hemopoietic progenitor cell lines, B6Sut (multipotential) and FDCP-1 (bipotential) to dishes coated with fibronectin or its chymotryptic fragments was studied by labeling the cells with 51Cr or [35S]methionine. Intact fibronectin molecule and its 120 kDa fragment, containing the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence motif, as well as a synthetic RGD-containing peptide Peptite 2000 all bound progenitor cells. However, the 40 or 45 kDa fragments, containing the heparin-binding and CS-1 domains, failed to bind the cells in a comparable magnitude. The binding of intact fibronectin and its 120 kDa fragment was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion with increasing concentration of RGD-containing Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser peptide, but not with Gly-Arg-Gly-Glu-Ser control peptide that does not contain the RGD sequence motif. To explore the nature of the receptor for this fragment of fibronectin, membrane proteins were labeled with 125I and subjected to affinity chromatography using a matrix to which the 120 kDa fragment of fibronectin was covalently bound. Specific competitive elution with RGD yielded two bands with molecular masses of 160 and 110 kDa, corresponding, respectively, to those of alpha 5 and beta 1 chains of integrin molecule. Western blotting of whole-cell-lysate proteins with a monospecific, polyclonal serum specific for vertebrate beta 1 integrins identified a beta 1 integrin in these cells. Thus, it appears that an interaction involving alpha 5 beta 1 integrin with 120 kDa fragment of fibronectin may be involved between hemopoietic progenitor cells and the fibronectin component of extracellular matrix.

3T3 Cells↗

Recognition of the laminin E8 cell-binding site by an integrin possessing the alpha 6 subunit is essential for epithelial polarization in developing kidney tubules.

It has been previously shown that A-chain and domain(E8)-specific antibodies to laminin that inhibit cell adhesion also interfere with the establishment of epithelial cell polarity during kidney tubule development (Klein, G., M. Langegger, R. Timpl, and P. Ekblom. 1988. Cell. 55:331-341). A monoclonal antibody specific for the integrin alpha 6 subunit, which selectively blocks cell binding to E8, was used to study the receptors involved. Immunofluorescence staining of embryonic kidneys and of organ cultures of metanephric mesenchyme demonstrated coappearance of the integrin alpha 6 subunit and the laminin A-chain in regions where nonpolarized mesenchymal cells convert into polarized epithelial cells. Both epitopes showed marked colocalization in basal areas of tubules, while an exclusive immunostaining for alpha 6 was observed in lateral and apical cell surfaces of the tubular epithelial cells. Organ culture studies demonstrated a consistent inhibition of kidney epithelium development by antibodies against the alpha 6 subunit. The data suggest that the recognition of E8 cell-binding site of laminin by a specific integrin is crucial for the formation of kidney tubule epithelium from undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells. In some other cell types (endothelium, some ureter cells) an exclusive expression of alpha 6 with no apparent colocalization of laminin A-chain in the corresponding basement membrane was seen. Thus, in these cells, integrins possessing the alpha 6 subunit may bind to laminin isoforms that differ from those synthesized by developing tubules.

Animals↗

Role of alpha v beta 5 and alpha v beta 6 integrin glycosylation in the adhesion of a colonic adenocarcinoma cell line (HT29-D4).

We have previously characterized the expression of the alpha nu beta 5 and alpha nu beta 6 integrins as major receptors for the human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line (HT29-D4), on vitronectin and fibronectin, respectively [Lehmann et al. (1994): Cancer Res 54:2102-2107]. In the present work we investigated the glycosylation role of these integrins in their adhesive functions. To this end, we used glycohydrolases to show that cell surface integrins were N-glycosylated and sialylated, and that only the alpha v subunit carried some immature oligosaccharide side chains. To alter the glycosylation state of the cell surface alpha v beta 5 and alpha v beta 6 integrins, we used two oligosaccharide-processing inhibitors: 1-deoxymannojirimycin (dMNJ) and tunicamycin (TM). Following treatment of HT29-D4 cells with dMNJ, cell surface alpha v beta 5 and alpha v beta 6 carried only high-mannose-type sugar chains, while TM-treated cells expressed de-N-glycosylated integrins. Neither alpha/beta heterodimers assembly nor cell surface expression were impaired in the presence of the drugs. Finally, we established that adhesion of dMNJ- or TM-treated cells was altered on both vitronectin and fibronectin substrata, whereas the adhesion of these cells on laminin or collagen type I was virtually unchanged.

1-Deoxynojirimycin↗

Integrin alpha 4 beta 7 co-stimulation of human peripheral blood T cell proliferation.

The integrin alpha 4 beta 7 mediates lymphocytes adhesion to VCAM-1 on activated endothelium, fibronectin in the extracellular matrix, and the mucosal vascular addressin MAdCAM-1. It is unclear whether alpha 4 beta 7 performs any function beyond directing specific adhesion reactions. We addressed the possibility that triggering of alpha 4 beta 7 with a specific monoclonal antibody was capable of delivering an accessory stimulus that would coactivate T cells and lead to proliferation. At submitogenic levels of anti-CD3 stimulation, triggering of alpha 4 beta 7 by immobilized mAb ACT-1 resulted in T cell blastogenesis, IL-2 production, expression of the IL-2 receptor alpha chain CD25, and ultimately DNA synthesis. These results indicate that the integrin alpha 4 beta 7 is involved in more than lymphocyte adhesion and homing but also plays a role in cell signaling.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

The alpha 3(IV)185-206 peptide from noncollagenous domain 1 of type IV collagen interacts with a novel binding site on the beta 3 subunit of integrin alpha Vbeta 3 and stimulates focal adhesion kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase phosphorylation.

We have recently identified integrin alpha(v)beta(3) and the associated CD47/integrin-associated protein (IAP) together with three other proteins as the potential tumor cell receptors for the alpha(3) chain of basement membrane type IV collagen (Shahan, T.A., Ziaie, Z., Pasco, S., Fawzi, A., Bellon, G., Monboisse, J. C., and Kefalides, N. A. (1999) Cancer Res. 59, 4584-4590). Using different cell lines expressing alpha(v)beta(3), alpha(IIb)beta(3), and/or CD47 and a liquid phase receptor capture assay, we now provide direct evidence that the synthetic and biologically active alpha3(IV)185-206 peptide, derived from the alpha3(IV) chain, interacts with the beta(3) subunit of integrin alpha(v)beta(3), independently of CD47. Increased alpha3(IV) peptide binding was observed on transforming growth factor-beta(1)-stimulated HT-144 cells shown to up-regulate alpha(v)beta(3) independently of CD47. Also, incubation of HT-144 melanoma cells in suspension induced de novo exposure of ligand-induced binding site epitopes on the beta(3) subunit similar to those observed following Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) stimulation. However, RGDS did not prevent HT-144 cell attachment and spreading on the alpha3(IV) peptide, suggesting that the alpha3(IV) binding domain on the beta(3) subunit is distinct from the RGD recognition site. alpha3(IV) peptide binding to HT-144 cells in suspension stimulated time-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation, while the RGDS peptide did not. Two major phosphotyrosine proteins of 120-130 and 85 kDa were immunologically identified as focal adhesion kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase). A direct involvement of PI3-kinase in alpha3(IV)-dependent beta(3) integrin signaling could be documented, since pretreatment of HT-144 cells with wortmannin, a PI3-kinase inhibitor, reverted the known inhibitory effect of alpha3(IV) on HT-144 cell proliferation as well as membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase gene expression. These results provide evidence that the alpha3(IV)185-206 peptide, by directly interacting with the beta(3) subunit of alpha(v)beta(3), activates a signaling cascade involving focal adhesion kinase and PI3-kinase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

alpha6beta1 integrin expression in hepatocarcinoma cells: regulation and role in cell adhesion and migration.

Liver carcinogenesis is associated with striking changes in the integrin repertoire of hepatocytes, including the overexpression of the laminin and collagen receptors alpha1beta1 and the de novo induction of the laminin receptor alpha6beta1. Our aim was to analyze the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interferons and fibrogenic cytokines TGF-beta and FGF2 in the regulation of the expression of beta1 integrins by neoplastic hepatocytes. The 2 human hepatocellular cell lines HepG2 and Hep3B were used as models. Integrin expression was assessed by qualitative methods (immunocytochemistry, Western blotting) and semi-quantitative techniques (FACS, cellular ELISA), before and after stimulation by TNFalpha, IL1-beta, TGF-beta, FGF2, interferon gamma and interferon alpha-2b. HepG2 and Hep3B constitutively expressed alpha1, alpha2, alpha6 and beta1 chains. A 24 to 48-hr stimulation with pro-inflammatory cytokines, TGF-beta and FGF2 induced a significant increase in the concentrations of all integrin chains. The maximum induction was registered for beta1 chain, which presented increases amounting up to 3, 4 and 7 times the control values in the presence of, respectively, TNF alpha/IL1-beta, TGF-beta and FGF2. Interferons had no direct effect on integrin expression and partially antagonized the effects of TNF alpha and TGF-beta. The increased concentrations of integrin chains were associated with an increased membrane expression of the corresponding dimers and with an increased adhesion of stimulated hepatocytes to laminin, which was antagonized by neutralizing anti-beta1 and anti-alpha6 antibodies. Finally, anti-alpha6 antibody inhibited the migration of HepG2 and Hep3B cells in reconstituted basement membrane. Our results suggest that the stimulation of alpha6beta1 integrin expression in hepatocarcinoma cells is essential for cell adhesion and migration.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Distribution of integrin subunits in human diabetic kidneys.

Integrins are cell-surface protein receptors that participate in cell adhesion to multiple extracellular matrix ligands, and consist of alpha and beta chain heterodimers. This study examined altered integrin distribution in diabetic nephropathy by investigating 12 human diabetic kidney biopsies, which were compared with normal human kidney. Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by mesangial expansion and progressive thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. Based on morphometric studies of mesangial expansion, diabetic nephropathy was determined to be moderate or severe. Three different patterns (P) of altered intensity of integrin staining were observed. In the mesangial integrin P, the intensity of integrin subunit staining of mesangial cells (alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, beta 1, alpha V, alpha V beta 5) was increased in moderate diabetic nephropathy and further increased in severe diabetic nephropathy. In the epithelial integrin P, integrin subunits localized to epithelial cells (alpha V, beta 3, alpha V beta 3, alpha V beta 5) were increased to the same extent in moderate and severe diabetic nephropathy. In the endothelial integrin P, integrin subunits localized to endothelial cells (alpha 3, alpha 5, alpha 6, beta 1) were increased in moderate diabetic nephropathy but returned to normal kidney staining intensity in severe diabetic nephropathy. From these observations, it was concluded that there is significant alteration in the expression of integrin subunits in diabetic nephropathy that is related to the severity of diabetic mesangial expansion. Additionally, the spectrum of integrin subunit alteration appears to be unique to individual glomerular cell types. Given the role of integrins in cell-surface interactions with extracellular matrix components, abnormalities in the expression of these molecules may be important in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

Adult↗

Porcine platelet antigens recognized by human xenoreactive natural antibodies.

Hyperacute xenograft rejection of porcine organs by primates is initiated by the binding of recipient natural antibodies to endothelium in the donor organ. We showed previously that human natural antibodies recognize 3 porcine endothelial cell glycoproteins with molecular masses of 115 kDa, 125 kDa, and 135 kDa; we called the glycoproteins gp115/135. We also showed that porcine platelets contain glycoprotein antigens that are the same or very similar to gp115/135 from endothelial cells. The studies reported here were aimed at identifying these porcine platelet antigens and evaluating their potential relevance for the pathogenesis of xenograft injury. The importance of gp115/135 as targets of human natural antibodies was supported by the demonstration that (a) antibodies against porcine platelet gp115/135 are absorbed from the blood of nonhuman primates during the perfusion of a porcine kidney; (b) purified gp115/135 glycoproteins at concentrations < 500 pM, block the binding of human natural antibodies to cultured porcine endothelial cells; (c) the binding of human antibodies to porcine platelet extracts is significantly decreased by removal of gp115 or gp135 from the extracts; (d) antibody binding to gp115/135 initiates the activation of complement. Amino-terminal sequencing of gp115/135 revealed that gp115 has significant homology to human integrin beta 3 chains, gp125 to human alpha IIb chains, and gp135 to human alpha 2 chains. Ligand binding properties of the porcine glycoproteins were consistent with the identity of the antigens revealed by amino acid sequencing and molecular weight. Human natural antibodies also recognized a 250 kDa porcine platelet glycoprotein which was found to be homologous to human von Willebrand factor (vWF). Antibodies against vWF in the blood of nonhuman primates are absorbed during ex vivo perfusion of a porcine organ. The identification of gp115/135 as integrins, the functions of which in endothelium might include cell signaling and maintenance of barrier function, provides potential insight into the pathogenesis of the rejection reaction in which these processes are manifestly aberrant. The identification of vWF as a potential target antigen raises several questions, including whether vWF provides one basis for antibody binding to xenogeneic endothelium or whether upon secretion from an endothelial cell vWF might actually block antibody binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression and regulation of beta 7(beta p) integrins on mouse lymphocytes: relevance to the mucosal immune system.

A mouse lymphocyte surface molecule which is selectively expressed by mucosal T cells and detected with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) M290 has provisionally been identified as a beta 7 integrin. Identification was based on close homology of its beta subunit at the N terminus with the recently reported, highly distinctive, human beta 7 sequence. mAb were prepared against the beta and alpha subunits of the mouse molecule, termed beta 7 and alpha M290, respectively, and used to study surface expression of the two components. beta 7 was present on most lymph node lymphocytes in association with alpha 4 rather than alpha M290. This integrin, beta 7 alpha 4, was shown to be identical to LPAM-1 (beta p alpha 4) the Peyer's patch homing receptor. Stimulation in vitro of mouse lymph node T cells with anti-CD3 in the presence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta increased beta 7 expression in about 40% of cells and changed the associated alpha chain from alpha 4 to the novel alpha M290 subunit, which, in most cells, was expressed de novo. Immunoprecipitation of beta 7 both from these cells and from intraepithelial lymphocytes gave closely similar results and showed predominance of the beta 7 alpha M290 integrin. It is suggested that in vivo this change in alpha-chain usage occurs in mucosal T cells in response to TGF-beta acting in the mucosal microenvironment and that the new integrin confers particular adhesive properties, possibly homing specificity, on the cells.

Animals↗

Integrin binding specificity of laminin-10/11: laminin-10/11 are recognized by alpha 3 beta 1, alpha 6 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 4 integrins.

Laminin-10/11, the laminin isoforms containing the alpha 5 chain, are major components of basement membranes of many fetal and adult tissues. Laminin-10/11 purified from the conditioned medium of human lung carcinoma cells were potent in mediating adhesion of the carcinoma cells in an integrin alpha 3 beta 1-dependent manner. To further define the type(s) of integrins involved in cell adhesion to laminin-10/11, we examined the effects of a panel of function-blocking anti-integrin antibodies on the adhesion of different cell types to laminin-10/11. Although anti-integrin beta 1 antibody inhibited the adhesion of all cell types tested, anti-alpha 3 antibody inhibited the adhesion of carcinoma and glioma cells but not fibroblastic cells. Adhesion of fibroblastic cells was inhibited, however, by a combination of anti-alpha 3 and anti-alpha 6 antibodies, suggesting that both alpha 3 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 1 integrins function as laminin-10/11 receptors in these cells. To explore this possibility, we examined the adhesion of K562 leukemic cells transfected with integrin alpha 3 or alpha 6 subunit to laminin-10/11 or other laminin isoforms. Laminin-10/11 were potent adhesive ligands for both the alpha 3 beta 11 and alpha 6 beta 1 transfectants, whereas laminin-5 was the preferred ligand for the alpha 3 beta 1 transfectants. Upon stimulation with the activating anti-integrin beta 1 antibody, both transfectants became more adherent to the substratum regardless of the type of laminins coated, although their preference for laminin isoforms remained unaltered. K562 cells transfected with alpha 6 and beta 4 subunits were also capable of adhering to laminin-10/11, indicating that integrin alpha 6 beta 4 is another receptor for laminin-10/11. Even with lung carcinoma cells, the alpha 6-containing integrins partly contributed to adhesion to laminin-10/11 at higher coating concentrations, although non-integrin receptor(s) might also be involved under such conditions. These results indicated that laminin-10/11 are potent and versatile adhesive ligands in basement membranes capable of binding to both alpha 3 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 1 integrins with high avidity and also to alpha 6 beta 4 integrin.

Antigens, CD↗

Immunoelectron microscopic studies on the specific adhesion of Trypanosoma congolense to cultured vascular endothelial cells.

Bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma congolense were cocultivated in vitro with vascular endothelial cells. The trypanosomes adhere specifically to the endothelial surfaces of the anterior part of their flagella, as shown by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The interaction between parasite and host cell is very tight, and frequently the accumulation of endocytotic vesicles near the contact site is observed. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed a compound distributed over the total surface of the trypanosomes and reacting with antibodies against the beta 1 integrin chain, but no reaction was found with anti-alpha 1 or anti-alpha 2 antibodies. Integrins are typical adhesion molecules and are now shown to be present at the surface of T. congolense by electron microscopy and by immunofluorescence. A direct participation of this substance in the specific adhesion to endothelium, however, could not be proven.

Animals↗

[The role of integrins in the physiologic and pathogenic processes].

Cell adhesion molecules (CAM) are a numerous, diverse group of cell surface proteins, which are both receptors and ligands for receptors. Their functions include adhesion, recognition, cell-cell interaction, and communication between mediate cells and extracellular matrix. The following groups of CAM can be distinguished: seletins, integrins, cadherins and other isoforms, including CD 44. Integrins are heterodimers formed from the alpha and beta chains. The a subclass is responsible for a specific bond with ligands. It defines the specificity of integrins. The 8 chain participates in the integration with cytoskeleton ptoteins. It determines the functions of the integrin receptor. The best recognized integrins include: integrin beta1, beta2 and beta3. The expression and activity of integrins have been found to be affected by a variety of factors being either activators or inhibitors. Adhesion molecules (including integrins) play a significant role in both physiological processes (embryogenesis, organogenesis, the normal growth and tissue development) and pathogenic ones. In the latter case, they are particularly involved in inflammatory, allergic and neoplastic diseases. The role of integrins is also emphasized in organ response to trauma and in skin lesion redevelopment. The knowlegde of the integrin molecular basis and that of other adhesion molecules can contribute significantly to the creation of new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives. An adequate modification of cellular adhesion constitutes a promising way of the pathogenic processes control.

Animals↗

Ligand-binding specificities of laminin-binding integrins: a comprehensive survey of laminin-integrin interactions using recombinant alpha3beta1, alpha6beta1, alpha7beta1 and alpha6beta4 integrins.

The interactions of cells with basement membranes are primarily mediated via the engagement of laminins by a group of integrin family proteins, including integrins alpha3beta1, alpha6beta1, alpha7beta1 and alpha6beta4. To explore the ligand-binding specificities of these laminin-binding integrins, we produced these integrins, including two alpha7beta1 splice variants (alpha7X1beta1 and alpha7X2beta1), as soluble recombinant proteins and determined their binding specificities and affinities toward a panel of purified laminin isoforms containing distinct alpha chains. Among the five laminin-binding integrins investigated, alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta4 exhibited a clear specificity for laminin-332 (alpha3beta3gamma2) and laminin-511 (alpha5beta1gamma1)/521 (alpha5beta2gamma1), while integrin alpha6beta1 showed a broad specificity, binding to all laminin isoforms with a preference for laminin-111 (alpha1beta1gamma1), laminin-332 and laminin-511/521. The two alpha7beta1 variants were distinct from alpha3beta1, alpha6beta1 and alpha6beta4 in that they did not bind to laminin-332. alpha7X1beta1 bound to all laminins, except laminin-332, with a preference for laminin-211 (alpha2beta1gamma1)/221 (alpha2beta2gamma1) and laminin-511/521, while alpha7X2beta1 bound preferentially to laminin-111 and laminin-211/221. Laminin-511/521 was the most preferred ligand for all the laminin-binding integrins, except for alpha7X2beta1, whereas laminin-411 was the poorest ligand, capable of binding to alpha6beta1 and alpha7X1beta1 with only modest binding affinities. These comprehensive analyses of the interactions between laminin-binding integrins and a panel of laminins clearly demonstrate that the isoforms of both integrins and laminins differ in their binding specificities and affinities, and provide a molecular basis for better understanding of the adhesive interactions of cells with basement membranes of defined laminin compositions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of alpha 1 beta 1, alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 integrins in cell--collagen interactions: identification of conformation dependent alpha 1 beta 1 binding sites in collagen type I.

Integrins can mediate the attachment of cells to collagen type I. In the present study we have investigated the possible differences in collagen type I recognition sites for the alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1 integrins. Different cyanogen bromide (CB) fragments of the alpha 1 (I) collagen chain were used in cell attachment experiments with three rat cell types, defined with regard to expression of collagen binding integrins. Primary rat hepatocytes expressed alpha 1 beta 1, primary rat cardiac fibroblasts alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1, and Rat-1 cells only alpha 2 beta 1. All three cell types expressed alpha 3 beta 1 but this integrin did not bind to collagen--Sepharose or to immobilized collagen type I in a radioreceptor assay. Hepatocytes and cardiac fibroblasts attached to substrata coated with alpha 1(I)CB3 and alpha 1(I)CB8; Rat-1 cells attached to alpha 1(I)CB3 but only poorly to alpha 1(I)CB8-coated substrata. Cardiac fibroblasts and Rat-1 cells spread and formed beta 1-integrin-containing focal adhesions when grown on substrata coated with native collagen or alpha 1(I)CB3; focal adhesions were also detected in cardiac fibroblasts cultured on alpha 1(I)CB8. The rat alpha 1 specific monoclonal antibody 3A3 completely inhibited hepatocyte attachment to alpha 1(I)CB3 and alpha 1(I)CB8, as well as the attachment of cardiac fibroblasts to alpha 1(I)CB8, but only partially inhibited the attachment of cardiac fibroblasts to alpha 1(I)CB3. 3A3 IgG did not inhibit the attachment of Rat-1 cells to collagen type I or to alpha 1(I)CB3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗