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Mechanisms of pertussis toxin-induced myelomonocytic cell adhesion: role of Mac-1(CD11b/CD18) and urokinase receptor (CD87).

Stimulation of monoblastic U937 cells with transforming growth factor beta 1 and 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 (TGF-beta 1/D3) upregulates urokinase receptor (uPAR) and confers urokinase-dependent adhesiveness to the cells for serum- or vitronectin-coated surfaces. Recent studies show that uPAR itself is a high-affinity adhesion receptor for vitronectin and that urokinase (uPA) is an activator of this adhesive function. In the course of exploring possible G-protein involvement in this adhesion it was observed that TGF-beta 1/D3-primed U937 cells became adhesive to vitronectin in an uPAR-dependent manner when exposed to pertussis toxin (PTX). The adherent response is concentration- and time-dependent, and was not due to the ADP-ribosyltransferase activity of the toxin because the purified B-subunit of PTX was equally effective. Although promoting adhesion to serum- or vitronectin-coated surfaces, PTX blocked spontaneous cell adhesion to fibrinogen, an endogenous ligand for the Mac-1 receptor (CD11b/CD18). Flow cytometry study showed that expression of the alpha-subunit of Mac-1 (CD11b) on primed cells was increased by nearly threefold. Monoclonal antibody to CD11b abolished the PTX-induced cell adhesion and the binding of the primed cells to PTX-coated plates. Activation of Mac-1 receptor by its endogenous ligand fibrinogen induced cell adherent response similar to PTX. PTX, but not uPA, triggered a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i in primed U937 cells, and PTX-induced adhesion was significantly attenuated by 1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/acetoxy-methyl ester (BAPTA/AM), a selective membrane-permeant [Ca2+]i chelator. PTX-induced cell adhesion was also prevented by antibodies to uPAR and by conditioned medium containing soluble uPAR. Together these data indicate that PTX B-subunit may bind to Mac-1 integrin, which leads to a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i and subsequent activation of uPAR for adherence to vitronectin, suggesting a functional link between Mac-1 and activation of uPAR important to cellular trafficking and host defence in response to Bordetella pertussis infection.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Expression of alpha v and beta 3 integrin chains on murine lymphocytes.

The vitronectin receptor is a member of the integrin family of adhesion protein receptors and binds a broad spectrum of ligands, including fibronectin and fibrinogen in addition to vitronectin. We have generated four mAbs that recognize the murine alpha v beta 3 vitronectin receptor. Biochemical and expression analyses showed that two of the mAbs are specific for the alpha v chain, and two are specific for the beta 3 chain. The mAbs are effective blocking reagents and inhibited cell adhesion to vitronectin, fibrinogen, and fibronectin. Staining analysis revealed expression of alpha v and beta 3 on certain populations of murine thymocytes, splenocytes, and bone marrow cells. The expression of alpha v and beta 3 appeared to be modulated at specific stages of thymocyte development, suggesting a possible function for the alpha v beta 3 vitronectin receptor in T cell development.

Animals↗

Isolation of a novel integrin receptor mediating Arg-Gly-Asp-directed cell adhesion to fibronectin and type I collagen from human neuroblastoma cells. Association of a novel beta 1-related subunit with alpha v.

We report the isolation from two human neuroblastoma cell lines of an Arg-Gly-Asp-dependent integrin complex capable of binding to vitronectin, fibronectin, and type I collagen. The two neuroblastoma cell lines, SK-N-SH and IMR-32, exhibit specific attachment to fibronectin and type I collagen. SK-N-SH cells exhibit a much stronger attachment to vitronectin than the IMR-32 cells, which attach poorly to this substrate. Affinity chromatography of octylglucoside extracts of 125I surface-labeled cells on GRGDSPK-Sepharose columns resulted in the specific binding and elution with GRGDSP of three radiolabeled polypeptides with relative molecular masses of 135, 115, and 90 kD when analyzed by SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions. In the SK-N-SH cells the 135- and 90-kD polypeptides were more abundant whereas in the IMR-32 cells the 135- and 115-kD polypeptides were more highly expressed. Liposomes prepared from fractions containing all three polypeptides bound to vitronectin, fibronectin, and type I collagen, whereas liposomes prepared from the 135- and 115-kD polypeptides bound only to fibronectin and type I collagen. Polyclonal antibodies against the alpha/beta complexes of both the vitronectin receptor and the fibronectin receptor immunoprecipitated all three polypeptides. A monoclonal antibody against beta 1 immunoprecipitated only the 135- and the 115-kD polypeptides, whereas a monoclonal antibody against beta 3 subunit immunoprecipitated the 135- and 90-kD polypeptides. Although, the 115-kD polypeptide could be recognized by an anti-beta 1 antibody, a comparison of peptide maps generated by V8 protease digestion of the 115-kD polypeptide and beta 1 subunit immunoprecipitated from GRGDSPK-Sepharose flow-through material indicated that these two polypeptides are distinct. Depletion of the 90-kD polypeptide with an anti-beta 3 monoclonal antibody did not effect the ability of the 115- and 135-kD polypeptides to bind to GRGDSPK-Sepharose. These data indicate that the SK-N-SH and IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells express a novel "beta 1-like" integrin subunit that can associate with alpha v and can bind to RGD. We propose to name this beta 1-like subunit beta n. The data reported here thus demonstrate that in these two cell lines alpha v associates with two beta subunits, beta n and beta 3, forming two heterodimers. The alpha v beta n complex mediates binding to fibronectin and type I collagen, whereas the alpha v beta 3 complex mediates binding to vitronectin.

Cell Adhesion↗

The Haemophilus ducreyi serum resistance antigen DsrA confers attachment to human keratinocytes.

Haemophilus ducreyi is the etiologic agent of the sexually transmitted genital ulcer disease chancroid. H. ducreyi serum resistance protein A (DsrA) is a member of a family of multifunctional outer membrane proteins that are involved in resistance to killing by human serum complement. The members of this family include YadA of Yersinia species, the UspA proteins of Moraxella catarrhalis, and the Eib proteins of Escherichia coli. The role of YadA, UspA1, and UspA2H as eukaryotic cell adhesins and the function of UspA2 as a vitronectin binder led to our investigation of the cell adhesion and vitronectin binding properties of DsrA. We found that DsrA was a keratinocyte-specific adhesin as it was necessary and sufficient for attachment to HaCaT cells, a keratinocyte cell line, but was not required for attachment to HS27 cells, a fibroblast cell line. We also found that DsrA was specifically responsible for the ability of H. ducreyi to bind vitronectin. We then theorized that DsrA might use vitronectin as a bridge to bind to human cells, but this hypothesis proved to be untrue as eliminating HaCaT cell binding of vitronectin with a monoclonal antibody specific to integrin alpha(v)beta(5) did not affect the attachment of H. ducreyi to HaCaT cells. Finally, we wanted to examine the importance of keratinocyte adhesion in chancroid pathogenesis so we tested the wild-type and dsrA mutant strains of H. ducreyi in our swine models of chancroid pathogenesis. The dsrA mutant was less virulent than the wild type in both the normal and immune cell-depleted swine models of chancroid infection.

Animals↗

Effects of inhibitors of integrin binding on cellular outgrowth from bovine inner cell masses in vitro.

Bovine inner cell masses (ICM) cultured on fibronectin give rise to extensive cellular outgrowths containing endoderm. Peptides with the Glu-Ile-Leu-Asp-Val (EILDV) and Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequences inhibit cell migration on fibronectin by binding to the fibronectin-recognition site in several integrins. To identify integrins involved in endodermal cell outgrowth on fibronectin and vitronectin, the effects of the EILDV and RGD peptides were evaluated in vitro. In experiment 1, ICM were cultured on fibronectin in medium containing 0.5 or 1.0 mg/ml EILDV or RGD (or both). Compared with 0 mg/ml, 0.5 mg/ml EILDV suppressed (P<0.10) outgrowth area overall, and 1.0 mg/ml EILDV reduced (P<0.05) outgrowth area after 72 h of culture. Compared with 0 mg/ml, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ml RGD reduced (P<0.05) outgrowth area after 72 h of culture. Plasminogen activator activity in conditioned medium increased (P<0.05) in 0.5 mg/ml RGD but decreased (P<0.10) in 1.0 mg/ml RGD compared with 0 mg/ml RGD. In experiment 2, bovine ICM were cultured on vitronectin in medium containing 0.5 or 1.0 mg/ml RGD. Neither concentration of RGD (P>0.10) affected the extent of cellular outgrowth on vitronectin. Bovine endodermal cell migration on fibronectin can be modulated by the RGD and EILDV peptides. Despite inhibition, neither peptide completely prevented outgrowth on fibronectin. In contrast, cellular outgrowth on vitronectin was unaffected by RGD. The persistence of cellular outgrowth on fibronectin and the absence of inhibition by RGD for ICM cultured on vitronectin suggests that bovine endodermal cells can use alternative cellular adhesion systems, such as nonintegrin receptors, during outgrowth.

Analysis of Variance↗

Induction of apoptosis in vascular cells by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and high molecular weight kininogen correlates with their anti-adhesive properties.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and two-chain high molecular weight kininogen (HKa) exert anti-adhesive properties in vitronectin-dependent cell adhesion. Here, the hypothesis was tested that these anti-adhesive components promote apoptosis in vascular cells. PAI-1 or HKa induced a 2- to 3-fold increase in apoptosis of human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) adherent to vitronectin, as determined by annexin V-FACS assay, similar to alphav-integrin inhibitor cyclo-(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Val)-peptide (cRGDfV). Apoptosis occurred after 12 h incubation and was attributable to caspase 3 activation that in turn induced DNA fragmentation. Induction of apoptosis strongly correlated with the anti-adhesive effect of PAI-1 and HKa on these cells. In contrast, PAI-1 and HKa did not affect fibronectin-dependent adhesion or cell survival. uPA did not influence apoptosis in vitronectin- or fibronectin-adherent cells. In atherosclerotic vessel sections, congruent distribution of vitronectin, PAI-1, HK, and of components of the urokinase plasminogen activator/receptor system with apoptotic cells lining foam cell lesions was demonstrated by immunostaining. These results indicate that inhibition of vitronectin-dependent cell adhesion through PAI-1 and HKa correlates with apoptosis induction in vascular cells mediated through the caspase 3 pathway. Co-distribution of apoptosis with plasminogen activation system components in atherosclerosis exemplifies the significance of anti-adhesive mechanisms and apoptosis for tissue remodeling, such as in neointima development.

Apoptosis↗

Stability of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1).

The stability of PAI-activity has been studied at different conditions. The inactivation followed first order kinetics. Lowering the temperature and decreasing the pH both, increased the stability of PAI-1 dramatically. Addition of the PAI-1 binding protein, vitronectin, to reactivated PAI-1, about doubled the half-life of PAI-1 at all conditions studied. In the presence of chloramine T, the inactivation of reactivated PAI-1 was very rapid. In this case the protective effect of purified vitronectin, human plasma or fetal calf serum, but not of bovine serum albumin, was pronounced. The stability of the spontaneously active high Mr form of PAI-1 (partially purified or in plasma), constituting a complex between PAI-1 and vitronectin, was quite similar to reactivated PAI-1 in the presence of vitronectin. Addition of pure vitronectin, human plasma or fetal calf serum to such material had no further stabilizing effect. Reactivated PAI-1, which was inactivated by incubation at physiological conditions could again be fully reactivated, in contrast to chloramine T-oxidized PAI-1, which was irreversibly inactivated.

Antigens↗

Bronchoalveolar lavage procollagen-III-peptide in recent onset hypersensitivity pneumonitis: correlation with extracellular matrix components.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lung parenchyma, and may progress to fibrosis. The content of the fibroblast derived collagen metabolite procollagen-III-peptide (PCP-III) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of HP patients has been found to be increased. Previous studies have shown elevation of the fibroblast adhesion molecules, vitronectin and fibronectin in the BAL fluid of recent onset HP. In view of these observations, it was hypothesized that increases in PCP-III would be associated with increases in vitronectin and fibronectin in the BAL fluid of subjects with untreated recent onset HP. BAL was performed in 14 patients with HP and nine normal controls. The aminoterminal domain of PCP-III was measured by radioimmunoassay, and vitronectin and fibronectin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Detectable amounts of BAL PCP-III were seen in all HP patients but not in the normal controls (mean +/- SEM 5.1 +/- 1.2 versus < 0.2 ng.ml-1; i.e. below the limit of detection of the PCP-III assay). The BAL fluid concentration of PCP-III correlated well with the amount of vitronectin (r = 0.638) and fibronectin (r = 0.710). Except for PCP-III and mast cells, no significant correlations were found between PCP-III, vitronectin, fibronectin and the cellular parameters. The findings suggest that an increased turnover of collagens and proteoglycans is present in the lower respiratory tract of patients with recent onset HP, possibly reflecting remodelling of the extracellular matrix.

Adult↗

Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) and the urokinase receptor (CD87) form a functional unit on monocytic cells.

The leukocyte integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) and the urokinase receptor (uPAR, CD87) mediate complementary functions in myelomonocytic cells. Both receptors promote degradation of fibrin(ogen) and also confer adhesive properties on cells because Mac-1 and uPAR bind fibrin and vitronectin, respectively. Staining of lung biopsy specimens from patients with acute lung injury indicated that fibrin and vitronectin colocalize at exudative sites in which macrophages bearing these receptors accumulate. Because of the parallel roles and physical proximity of Mac-1 and uPAR, the capacity of these receptors to functionally interact was explored. Induction of Mac-1 and uPAR expression on monocytic cell lines by transforming growth factor- beta 1 and 1.25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 conferred urokinase and uPAR-dependent adhesion to vitronectin, which was further promoted by engagement of Mac-1. Vitronectin attachment promoted subsequent Mac-1-mediated fibrinogen degradation threefold to fourfold. In contrast, enhancement of uPAR occupancy by exogenous urokinase or receptor binding fragments thereof inhibited Mac-1 function. Addition of urokinase progressively inhibited Mac-1-mediated fibrinogen binding and degradation (maximal inhibition, 91% +/- 14% and 72% +/- 15%, respectively). Saturation of uPAR with urokinase also inhibited binding of the procoagulant Mac-1 ligand, Factor X. These inhibitory effects of uPAR were reproduced in fresh monocytes, cultured monocytic cells, and in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with both human Mac-1 and human uPAR. These data show that the procoagulant and fibrinolytic potential of monocytic cells is co-ordinately regulated by ligand binding to both Mac-1 and uPAR and identify uPAR as a regulator of integrin function. Vitronectin-enhanced fibrin(ogen) turnover by Mac-1 may operate as a salvage pathway in the setting of urokinase and plasmin inhibitors to promote clearance of the provisional matrix and subsequent healing.

Animals↗

The roles of integrins and extracellular matrix proteins in the insulin-like growth factor I-stimulated chemotaxis of human breast cancer cells.

The effects of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) on the migration of two human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-231, were examined using a modified Boyden chamber. 10 ng/ml was the optimal IGF-I concentration for stimulation of migration. The majority of IGF-I-stimulated migration in both cell types was due to chemotaxis. MCF-7 cells failed to migrate on membranes coated with gelatin or fibronectin and migrated only in small numbers on laminin. In contrast, when vitronectin- or type IV collagen-coated membranes were used, the MCF-7 cells migrated in large numbers specifically in response to IGF-I but not to 10% fetal calf serum, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, or platelet derived growth factor-BB. An IGF-I receptor-blocking antibody inhibited IGF-I-stimulated migration in both cell types. In addition, a blocking antibody to the alpha v beta 5 integrin (a vitronectin receptor) inhibited migration of MCF-7 cells in response to IGF-I through vitronectin but not through type IV collagen. Similarly, blocking antibodies specific for alpha 2 and beta 1 integrins significantly inhibited migration of both cell types through type IV collagen-coated membranes but not through vitronectin-coated membranes. We conclude that: 1) IGF-I stimulates migration of these two cell types through the IGF-I receptor; 2) interaction of vitronectin with the alpha v beta 5 integrin or collagen with the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin is necessary for the complete IGF-I response in MCF-7 cells, and 3) because migration represents an in vitro model for metastatic spread, integrins, extracellular matrix proteins, and IGF-I may play coordinated roles in the metastasis of breast cancer in vivo.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Spatial and temporal analyses of integrin and Muc-1 expression in porcine uterine epithelium and trophectoderm in vivo.

The spatial and temporal expressions of Muc-1, selected integrin subunits, and extracellular matrix components in porcine uterine epithelium from estrous (Days 0, 4, 8, 10-15) and early pregnant (Days 10-15 of pregnancy) gilts and from steroid-treated ovariectomized gilts were analyzed using indirect immunofluorescence analyses on cryosectioned tissues to identify potential components of uterine receptivity. Integrin subunit and extracellular matrix expressions were also examined in Day 11-15 conceptuses. Intense Muc-1 staining was detected on apical uterine epithelium on Day 0 but was absent by Day 10 in both cyclic and pregnant gilts. The result of estrogen treatment (E2; 100 micrograms/day for 10 days) was similar to that of the corn oil vehicle control, while treatment with progesterone (P4; 200 mg/day for 10 days) or E2 + P4 decreased Muc-1 staining in ovariectomized gilts. Immunostaining performed with antibodies directed against integrin subunits (alpha 1, alpha 3, alpha 4, alpha 5, alpha v, beta 1, and beta 3) in uterine epithelium revealed low (integrin subunits alpha 1 alpha 3), high (integrin subunits alpha v and beta 3), or modulated (integrin subunits alpha 4, alpha 5, and beta 1) expression, with the lowest expression on Day 0 and maximum expression by Days 10-15. Additionally, no differences due to pregnancy status were detected in staining of uterine epithelium on Days 10-15. Uterine epithelium from steroid-treated ovariectomized gilts had low expression of alpha 4, alpha 5, and beta 1 subunits in the presence of E2 that increased in response to P4 and E2 + P4 treatments. The expression of integrin subunits alpha 3, alpha v and beta 3 was not affected by sex steroids. Trophectoderm also expressed alpha 1, alpha 4, alpha 5, alpha v, beta 1, and beta 3, integrin subunits. Extracellular matrix constituents (fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin, and collagen type IV) were also examined. Fibronectin and vitronectin were present on trophectoderm, but only vitronectin was detected on uterine epithelium. The alpha 4, alpha 5, alpha v, beta 1, and beta 3 integrin subunits, vitronectin, and fibronectin were detected at sites of attachment between uterine epithelial cells and trophectoderm on Days 12-15 of pregnancy. These studies indicate that down-regulation of Muc-1 coincides with the transition of the prereceptive uterus to the receptive uterus. Additionally, the expression of alpha 4, alpha 5, alpha v, beta 1, and beta 3 integrin subunits along with the extracellular matrix components of fibronectin and vitronectin correlates with the time of implantation in swine.

Animals↗

Autocrine regulation of human preadipocyte migration by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

One of the initial stages of adipogenesis is migration of preadipocytes of mesenchymal origin into cell clusters to form primitive fat organs. The serine protease inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is synthesized and released from human adipose tissue ex vivo and regulates smooth muscle and endothelial cell migration in vitro, but its role in adipose tissue is not known. We investigated the role of PAI-1 in cultures of human preadipocytes from men and women of various ages and body mass indexes. Human preadipocytes expressed the messenger ribonucleic acid for PAI-1 and released significant quantities of PAI-1 protein into the medium. As PAI-1 regulates motility through the interaction of vitronectin with its receptor, the integrin alphaVbeta3, we identified this receptor in human preadipocytes. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that human preadipocytes express the vitronectin receptor alphaVbeta3 in a similar pattern as human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Functional studies indicated that active, but not latent, PAI-1 inhibited preadipocyte attachment to vitronectin with an IC(50) of 13.3 nmol/L, and preincubation of vitronectin-coated Transwells with active PAI-1 prevented preadipocyte migration. Vitronectin was identified in homogenates of the stromal-vascular fraction of human adipose tissue, but was absent from human adipocytes and cultured preadipocytes. These data indicate that human preadipocyte migration is regulated through the endogenous expression of PAI-1 and alphaVbeta3 integrin, a novel autocrine mechanism for potentially regulating cell cluster formation in adipogenesis.

Adipocytes↗

Complex gangliosides modulate the integrin-mediated adhesion in a rat hepatoma cell line.

In this study, we investigated whether complex gangliosides influence cell adhesion by modulating the activity of integrin receptors. Our experimental model was represented by CMH5123 cells, a line of neoplastic hepatocytes derived from the minimal deviation Morris hepatoma 5123c of the rat, which adhered to substrata coated with fetal calf serum (FCS) by an integrin-mediated mechanism, being vitronectin the specific serum protein which sustained cell adhesion. We found that ganglioside depletion, obtained by inhibiting complex ganglioside biosynthesis, was accompanied by a reduction of cell adhesiveness to FCS-coated substrata. Integrins appeared to mediate the effect of ganglioside depletion on cell adhesiveness. In fact, sensitivity to the integrin inhibitor GRGDSPC peptide was ten times higher in ganglioside-depleted cells compared to control cells. Moreover, growth of ganglioside-depleted CMH5123 cells in media supplemented with complex gangliosides restored the cell sensitivity to the integrin inhibitor to the same level as that found in control cells. Furthermore, ganglioside depletion of CMH5123 cells decreased the affinity of vitronectin receptors for vitronectin without modifying their number, affinity of vitronectin receptors was re-established in ganglioside-depleted cells by supplementing their growth media with complex gangliosides. In conclusion, these results support the participation of gangliosides to cell adhesion as modulators of integrin receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Determination of apical membrane polarity in mammary epithelial cell cultures: the role of cell-cell, cell-substratum, and membrane-cytoskeleton interactions.

The membrane glycoprotein, PAS-O, is a major differentiation antigen on mammary epithelial cells and is located exclusively in the apical domain of the plasma membrane. We have used 734B cultured human mammary carcinoma cells as a model system to study the role of tight junctions, cell-substratum contacts, and submembraneous cytoskeletal elements in restricting PAS-O to the apical membrane. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectronmicroscopy experiments demonstrated that while tight junctions demarcate PAS-O distribution in confluent cultures, apical polarity could be established at low culture densities when cells could not form tight junctions with neighboring cells. In such cultures the boundary between apical and basal domains was observed at the point of cell contact with the substratum. Immunocytochemical analysis of these cell-substratum contacts revealed the absence of a characteristic basement membrane containing laminin, collagen (IV), and heparan sulfate proteoglycan. However, serum-derived vitronectin was associated with the basal cell surface and the cells were shown to express the vitronectin receptor on their basolateral membranes. Additionally, treatment of cultures with antibodies against the vitronectin receptor caused cell detachment. We suggest, then, that interactions between vitronectin and its receptor, are responsible for establishment of membrane domains in the absence of tight junctions. The role of cytoskeletal elements in restricting PAS-O distribution was examined by treating cultures with cytochalasin D, colchicine, or acrylamide. Cytochalasin D led to a redistribution of PAS-O while colchicine and acrylamide did not. We hypothesize that PAS-O is restricted to the apical membrane by interactions with a microfilament network and that the cytoskeletal organization is dependent upon cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Structure and function of endothelial cell integrins.

Studies on the identification of molecules involved in the interaction of endothelial cells with their environment have led to the discovery of membrane receptors that are similar or identical to previously characterized platelet membrane glycoproteins. Some of these surface molecules belong to a family of widely distributed cell adhesion receptors, termed integrins. One of the integrins, the vitronectin receptor, a platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa related molecule, has now been characterized in some detail. It is a heterodimeric molecule consisting of a subunit similar, but not identical, to GP IIb and a subunit (almost) identical to GP IIIa. Alloantigens (Zwa, Zwb, and Yukb) expressed by platelet GP IIIa are also expressed by endothelial GP IIIa. The vitronectin receptor is involved in the adhesion of endothelial cells to Arg-Gly-Asp-containing immobilized proteins such as vitronectin, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor. Endothelial cells also express a molecule indistinguishable from the platelet VLA-2 or GP Ia-IIa complex which is another member of the integrin family. This molecule functions as a platelet collagen receptor, and perhaps it also functions as a collagen receptor on endothelial cells. By mediating cell-matrix contact, the vitronectin receptor, VLA-2 and other similar receptors might be involved in the anchorage of endothelial cells to their extracellular matrix.

Cell Adhesion↗

Binding of high molecular weight kininogen to human endothelial cells is mediated via a site within domains 2 and 3 of the urokinase receptor.

The urokinase receptor (uPAR) binds urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) through specific interactions with uPAR domain 1, and vitronectin through interactions with a site within uPAR domains 2 and 3. These interactions promote the expression of cell surface plasminogen activator activity and cellular adhesion to vitronectin, respectively. High molecular weight kininogen (HK) also stimulates the expression of cell surface plasminogen activator activity through its ability to serve as an acquired receptor for prekallikrein, which, after its activation, may directly activate prourokinase. Here, we report that binding of the cleaved form of HK (HKa) to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) is mediated through zinc-dependent interactions with uPAR. These occur through a site within uPAR domains 2 and 3, since the binding of 125I-HKa to HUVEC is inhibited by vitronectin, anti-uPAR domain 2 and 3 antibodies and soluble, recombinant uPAR (suPAR), but not by antibody 7E3, which recognizes the beta chain of the endothelial cell vitronectin receptor (integrin alphavbeta3), or fibrinogen, another alphavbeta3 ligand. We also demonstrate the formation of a zinc-dependent complex between suPAR and HKa. Interactions of HKa with endothelial cell uPAR may underlie its ability to promote kallikrein-dependent cell surface plasmin generation, and also explain, in part, its antiadhesive properties.

Cells, Cultured↗

Differential properties of attachment of human fibroblasts to various extracellular matrix proteins.

Human diploid fibroblasts (TIG-3) were shown to attach and spread onto substrata coated with collagen, fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin. The cell attachment to these proteins required divalent cations. Mg2+ stimulated the cell attachment to all the proteins, while Ca2+ alone was not effective for the attachment to collagen and laminin. A mild trypsin treatment had prevented cells from attaching to the laminin, while it had no effect on the attachment to the other proteins. The fibronectin fragment, which retained cell binding activity, inhibited the cells from attaching and spreading onto fibronectin, but it did not cause any inhibition on the other proteins. The synthetic peptide GRGDSP inhibited the cells from attaching and spreading onto fibronectin and vitronectin, while it did not cause any inhibition on collagen and laminin. In attempts to isolate distinct receptors for these proteins, we were able to purify proteins very similar to the fibronectin and vitronectin receptors of human placenta. Based on the differential properties of the attachment of TIG-3 cells to these proteins and biochemical data, we indicate that human diploid fibroblasts have distinctive binding sites (receptors) for collagen, fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin.

Cations, Divalent↗

Immunohistological localization of cell adhesion proteins and integrins in the periodontium.

The distribution of the cell adhesion proteins vitronectin, fibronectin, tenascin, and laminin as well as several integrin subunits, alpha 2, alpha 5, and alpha v, was studied in primate periodontal tissues. Full baboon mandibular sections were analyzed by immunohistochemical methods in order to localize the molecules studied in both soft and hard tissues. Vitronectin was associated with the connective tissue of the marginal gingiva, the periodontal ligament, as well as the endosteum and periosteum. A notable finding was the particularly high staining intensity of vitronectin in the periodontal ligament. Fibronectin was widely distributed in the periodontal connective tissue and was also localized to the pericellular matrix of osteocytes and blood vascular elements. Epithelial basement membranes stained positively for both fibronectin and tenascin. These proteins were also expressed in the periosteal and endosteal connective tissues and the periodontal ligament. The staining intensity for tenascin was higher in zones along the cementum and bone surfaces. Laminin was, characteristically, limited to basement membranes of epithelium and endothelium. The distribution of fibronectin, tenascin, and laminin is related to previous findings in other species. The localization of the several integrin alpha-subunits is also described in full baboon mandibular sections. The vitronectin receptor (alpha v) had a uniquely strong expression in osteoclasts of the alveolar bone and was found, at lesser intensity, on periodontal ligament fibroblasts. The fibronectin receptor alpha subunit, alpha 5, was also observed on osteoclasts, and, in addition, was widely distributed on fibroblasts, cementoblasts, and osteoblasts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alveolar Process↗