Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Integrins”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

High glucose and angiotensin II increase beta1 integrin and integrin-linked kinase synthesis in cultured mouse podocytes.

Alterations of integrin alpha3beta1 may play a role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. We have investigated the effects of high glucose and angiotensin II on the expression of integrin alpha3 and beta1, and whether these changes are associated with integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in cultured mouse podocytes. Integrin beta1 and ILK mRNA expression and protein production were rapidly up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner by high glucose and angiotensin II stimulation. ILK mRNA levels in the mouse podocytes exposed to 30 mmol/l glucose were 1.66, 1.89, and 1.28 times higher than those in control cells at 6, 24, and 72 h exposure, respectively. ILK mRNA levels in mouse podocytes exposed to 1 nM, 10 nM, and 100 nM angiotensin II for 6 h were 1.38, 1.55, and 1.93 times higher, respectively, than those in control cells. Angiotensin-II-induced integrin beta1 and ILK mRNA expression was significantly inhibited by treatment with losartan (100 muM). In addition, the up-regulation of ILK synthesis induced by these stimuli was related to beta1 integrin synthesis and increased ILK kinase activity. Cell adhesion assay displayed inhibitory effects when podocytes were exposed to high concentrations of angiotensin II. Interestingly, glucose and angiotensin II stimulation induced shrinkage of the cell body and elongation of the podocyte processes, a phenotype similar to that of immature podocytes. In addition, beta1 integrin showed higher levels of staining on both the cell membranes and the cell-cell contact areas. Thus, high glucose and angiotensin II may affect the regulation of the integrin-ILK system in podocytes; this system may therefore play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and other renal diseases affecting podocytes.

Angiotensin II↗

Protein kinase D1 and the beta 1 integrin cytoplasmic domain control beta 1 integrin function via regulation of Rap1 activation.

The functional activity of integrins is dynamically regulated by T cell receptor stimulation and by protein kinase C (PKC). We report a novel function for the PKC effector protein kinase D1 (PKD1) in integrin activation. Constitutively active and kinase-inactive PKD1 mutants lacking the PKD1 pleckstrin homology (PH) domain block phorbol ester- and TCR-mediated activation and clustering of beta1 integrins. The PH domain of PKD1 mediates the association of PKD1 with the GTPase Rap1 and is central to Rap1 activation and membrane translocation in T cells. Furthermore, PKD1 and Rap1 associate with beta1 integrins in a manner that is dependent on the carboxy-terminal end of the beta1 integrin subunit cytoplasmic domain. beta1 integrin expression is required for Rap1 activation and membrane localization of the PKD1-Rap1 complex. Therefore, PKD1 promotes integrin activation in T cells by regulating Rap1 activation and membrane translocation via interactions with the beta1 integrin subunit cytoplasmic domain.

Cell Adhesion↗

Alpha2beta1 integrin recognition of the carboxyl-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen: integrin recognition and feed-back regulation of matrix biosynthesis are mediated by distinct sequences.

It has recently been established that the carboxyl-terminal propeptide of type I collagen exert a feedback regulatory effect on extracellular matrix biosynthesis and that the propeptide bind to the alpha2beta1 integrin. This raises the intriguing hypothesis that the regulatory propeptide sequences exert their effects as a consequence of binding to the integrin. We show that recombinant alpha1(I) collagen chain C-terminal propeptide contains a binding site for the intact alpha2beta1 integrin and for a recombinant alpha2 integrin I domain, but not for the alpha1beta1 integrin, a structurally and functionally related collagen/laminin receptor. Additional studies employing a series of recombinant N-terminal and C-terminal deletion mutants, internal fragments of the propeptide, synthetic peptides, recombinant alpha2 integrin I domain and inhibitory monoclonal antibodies established that the previously identified sequences within the alpha1(I) C-terminal propeptide that mediate regulation of matrix biosynthesis are neither necessary nor sufficient for alpha2beta1 integrin binding. In contrast, the integrin recognition site is composed of a conformationally complex determinant located within a structurally distinct 115 amino acid region of the propeptide.

Animals↗

A monoclonal antibody against an activation epitope on mouse integrin chain beta 1 blocks adhesion of lymphocytes to the endothelial integrin alpha 6 beta 1.

We have generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb), 9EG7, against mouse endothelial cells that blocks adhesion of lymphocytes to endothelial cells. Sequencing of four tryptic peptides of the purified antigen revealed its identity with the integrin chain beta 1. The only beta 1 integrin that is known to mediate cell-cell adhesion is alpha 4 beta 1 (VLA-4). This is not the integrin that is functionally defined by the mAb 9EG7 on endothelial cells. First, alpha 4 is not present on the analyzed endothelial cells. Second, mAb 9EG7 does not block the cell-adhesion function of alpha 4 beta 1 on the nonactivated mouse lymphoma L1-2. Thus, the mAb 9EG7 can functionally distinguish between different beta 1 integrins and defines a beta 1 integrin other than alpha 4 beta 1 as a newly discovered cell-cell adhesion molecule. This integrin is most likely alpha 6 beta 1, since an antibody against the alpha 6 chain blocks lymphocyte adhesion to the same degree as the mAb 9EG7, the effect of both antibodies is not additive, and the alpha 6 chain is coprecipitated with beta 1 in 9EG7 immunoprecipitations. Surprisingly, activation of alpha 4 beta 1 on L1-2 cells with phorbol ester or Mn2+ allows blocking of alpha 4 beta 1-mediated adhesion of L1-2 cells to endothelial cells with mAb 9EG7. Furthermore, only the activated alpha 4 beta 1 heterodimer, but not the unactivated complex, is detectable with 9EG7 in immunoprecipitations and by flow cytometry. Thus, mAb 9EG7 defines an epitope on integrin chain beta 1, which is accessible on the alpha 4 beta 1 heterodimer only after activation of this integrin.

Animals↗

CYR61 stimulates human skin fibroblast migration through Integrin alpha vbeta 5 and enhances mitogenesis through integrin alpha vbeta 3, independent of its carboxyl-terminal domain.

CYR61, an angiogenic factor and a member of the CCN protein family, is an extracellular matrix-associated, heparin-binding protein that mediates cell adhesion, promotes cell migration, and enhances growth factor-stimulated cell proliferation. CYR61 induces angiogenesis and promotes tumor growth in vivo and is expressed in dermal fibroblasts during cutaneous wound healing. It has been demonstrated recently that adhesion of primary skin fibroblasts to CYR61 is mediated through integrin alpha(6)beta(1) and cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans, resulting in adhesive signaling and up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3. CYR61 is composed of four discrete structural domains that bear sequence similarities to the insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins, von Willebrand factor type C repeat, thrombospondin type 1 repeat, and a carboxyl-terminal (CT) domain that resembles cysteine knots found in some growth factors. In this study, we show that a CYR61 mutant (CYR61DeltaCT) that has the CT domain deleted is unable to support adhesion of primary human skin fibroblasts but is still able to stimulate chemotaxis and enhance basic fibroblast growth factor-induced mitogenesis similar to wild type. In addition, fibroblast migration to CYR61 is mediated through integrin alpha(v)beta(5) but not integrins alpha(6)beta(1) or alpha(v)beta(3). Furthermore, we show that CYR61 binds directly to purified integrin alpha(v)beta(5) in vitro. By contrast, CYR61 enhancement of basic fibroblast growth factor-induced DNA synthesis is mediated through integrin alpha(v)beta(3), a known receptor for CYR61 that mediates CYR61-dependent cell adhesion and chemotaxis in vascular endothelial cells. Thus, CYR61 promotes primary human fibroblast adhesion, migration, and mitogenesis through integrins alpha(6)beta(1), alpha(v)beta(5), and alpha(v)beta(3), respectively. Together, these findings establish CYR61 as a novel ligand for integrin alpha(v)beta(5) and show that CYR61 interacts with distinct integrins to mediate disparate activities in a cell type-specific manner.

Animals↗

Down-regulation of integrin alpha(v)beta(3) expression and integrin-mediated signaling in glioma cells by adenovirus-mediated transfer of antisense urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and sense p16 genes.

Interaction between the extracellular matrix and integrin receptors on cell surfaces leads not only to cell adhesion but also to intracellular signaling events that affect cell migration, proliferation, and survival. The vitronectin receptor alpha(v)beta(3) integrin is of key importance in glioma cell biology. The expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) was recently shown to co-regulate with the expression of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin. Moreover, restoration of the p16 protein in glioma cells inhibits the alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-mediated spreading of those cells on vitronectin. Thus we hypothesized that adenovirus-mediated down-regulation of uPAR and overexpression of p16 might down-regulate the expression of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin and the integrin-mediated signaling in glioma cells, thereby defeating the malignant phenotype. In this study, we used replication-deficient adenovirus vectors that contain either a uPAR antisense expression cassette (Ad-uPAR) or wild-type p16 cDNA (Ad-p16) and a bicistronic adenovirus construct in which both the uPAR antisense and p16 sense expression cassettes (Ad-uPAR/p16) are inserted in the E1-deleted region of the vector. Infecting the malignant glioma cell line SNB19 with Ad-uPAR, Ad-p16, or Ad-uPAR/p16 in the presence of vitronectin resulted in decreased alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression and integrin-mediated biological effects, including adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival Our results support the therapeutic potential of simultaneously targeting uPAR and p16 in the treatment of gliomas.

Adenoviridae↗

Muscle beta1D integrin reinforces the cytoskeleton-matrix link: modulation of integrin adhesive function by alternative splicing.

Expression of muscle-specific beta1D integrin with an alternatively spliced cytoplasmic domain in CHO and GD25, beta1 integrin-minus cells leads to their phenotypic conversion. beta1D-transfected nonmuscle cells display rounded morphology, lack of pseudopodial activity, retarded spreading, reduced migration, and significantly enhanced contractility compared with their beta1A-expressing counterparts. The transfected beta1D is targeted to focal adhesions and efficiently displaces the endogenous beta1A and alphavbeta3 integrins from the sites of cell-matrix contact. This displacement is observed on several types of extracellular matrix substrata and leads to elevated stability of focal adhesions in beta1D transfectants. Whereas a significant part of cellular beta1A integrin is extractable in digitonin, the majority of the transfected beta1D is digitonin-insoluble and is strongly associated with the detergent-insoluble cytoskeleton. Increased interaction of beta1D integrin with the actin cytoskeleton is consistent with and might be mediated by its enhanced binding to talin. In contrast, beta1A interacts more strongly with alpha-actinin, than beta1D. Inside-out driven activation of the beta1D ectodomain increases ligand binding and fibronectin matrix assembly by beta1D transfectants. Phenotypic effects of beta1D integrin expression in nonmuscle cells are due to its enhanced interactions with both cytoskeletal and extracellular ligands. They parallel the transitions that muscle cells undergo during differentiation. Modulation of beta1 integrin adhesive function by alternative splicing serves as a physiological mechanism reinforcing the cytoskeleton- matrix link in muscle cells. This reflects the major role for beta1D integrin in muscle, where extremely stable association is required for contraction.

Actins↗

Drosophila integrin-linked kinase is required at sites of integrin adhesion to link the cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane.

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) was identified by its interaction with the cytoplasmic tail of human beta1 integrin and previous data suggest that ILK is a component of diverse signaling pathways, including integrin, Wnt, and protein kinase B. Here we show that the absence of ILK function in Drosophila causes defects similar to loss of integrin adhesion, but not similar to loss of these signaling pathways. ILK mutations cause embryonic lethality and defects in muscle attachment, and clones of cells lacking ILK in the adult wing fail to adhere, forming wing blisters. Consistent with this, an ILK-green fluorescent protein fusion protein colocalizes with the position-specific integrins at sites of integrin function: muscle attachment sites and the basal junctions of the wing epithelium. Surprisingly, mutations in the kinase domain shown to inactivate the kinase activity of human ILK do not show any phenotype in Drosophila, suggesting a kinase-independent function for ILK. The muscle detachment in ILK mutants is associated with detachment of the actin filaments from the muscle ends, unlike integrin mutants, in which the primary defect is detachment of the plasma membrane from the extracellular matrix. Our data suggest that ILK is a component of the structure linking the cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane at sites of integrin-mediated adhesion.

Actins↗

Expression of beta 4 integrins in human skin: comparison of epidermal distribution with beta 1-integrin epitopes, and modulation by calcium and vitamin D3 in cultured keratinocytes.

The expression of beta 4 integrins in adult and fetal human skin as well as in cultured keratinocytes was studied by immunodetection with monoclonal antibodies, and compared with that of beta 1 integrins. The distribution of the beta 1 and beta 4 integrin epitopes was entirely different in the adult epidermis. As reported previously by us (J Clin Invest 84:1916, 1989), the beta 1 epitopes were present most prominently at lateral cell-cell contact points, whereas staining with the beta 4 antibody demonstrated a linear staining pattern polarizing to the basal surface juxtaposed to the dermal-epidermal basement membrane. In contrast, in fetal skin, the staining patterns both with beta 1 and beta 4 antibodies were similar and demonstrated the presence of epitopes surrounding the entire cell surface of both basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. Distinct polarization of beta 4 integrin epitopes was noted in cultured keratinocytes maintained in low-calcium (0.15 mM) medium, and the expression of these integrins was also noted in human papilloma virus-transformed keratinocytes. Switch of the cultures to high-calcium (1.2 mM) medium resulted in redistribution of the epitopes to a pattern suggesting their location at under-surface of the cells adjacent to the substratum. This Ca(++)-induced redistribution of beta 4 integrin epitopes could be counteracted by 10(-7) M vitamin D3. Finally, incubation with anti-beta 4 integrin antibody reduced the capacity of keratinocytes to attach to plastic substratum. The results provide further evidence for the role of beta 4 integrins in cell-matrix interactions.

Adult↗

A novel mechanism for integrin-mediated ras activation in breast carcinoma cells: the alpha6beta4 integrin regulates ErbB2 translation and transactivates epidermal growth factor receptor/ErbB2 signaling.

ErbB2 (HER2, Neu) and Ras play key roles in tumor invasion and metastasis. We identified a novel mechanism by which integrin alpha(6)beta(4) regulates ErbB2 expression, Ras activation, and the invasion of breast carcinoma cells. Here we show that integrin alpha(6)beta(4) regulates Ras activity especially in serum-depleted condition. Down-regulation of beta(4) integrin by beta(4) short hairpin RNA (shRNA) decreased Ras activity and carcinoma invasion whereas reexpression of this integrin restored Ras activity. ErbB2, a binding partner of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and EGFR modulated Ras activity, and integrin alpha(6)beta(4) regulated phospho-EGFR level without affecting EGFR expression. We also found that integrin alpha(6)beta(4) is involved in ErbB2 expression. Depletion of beta(4) by shRNA reduced ErbB2 protein level without affecting ErbB2 mRNA level and reexpression of beta(4) increased ErbB2 protein level. Reduction of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E, a rate-limiting factor for cap-dependent translation, decreased ErbB2 protein level, and beta(4) shRNA cells exhibited a shift in ErbB2 mRNA to light polysomes compared with control cells. These results show that integrin alpha(6)beta(4) regulates ErbB2 through translational control. In summary, we propose a novel mechanism for ErbB2 up-regulation and Ras activation in serum-depleted breast cancer cells; integrin alpha(6)beta(4) regulates the expression of ErbB2 and the subsequent phosphorylation of EGFR and activation of Ras. These findings provide a mechanism that substantiates the reported role of alpha(6)beta(4) in carcinoma invasion.

Breast Neoplasms↗

The small GTPase Rap1b regulates the cross talk between platelet integrin alpha2beta1 and integrin alphaIIbbeta3.

The involvement of the small GTPase Rap1b in platelet integrin alpha2beta1-dependent outside-in signaling was investigated. Platelet adhesion to 4 different specific ligands for integrin alpha2beta1, monomeric collagen, decorin, and collagen-derived peptides CB8(II) and CB11(II), induced a robust and rapid activation of Rap1b. This process did not require secreted ADP or thromboxane A2 production but was critically regulated by phospholipase C (PLC)-derived second messengers. Both Ca2+ and protein kinase C were found to organize independent but additive pathways for Rap1b activation downstream of integrin-alpha2beta1, which were completely blocked by inhibition of PLC with U73122. Moreover, integrin alpha2beta1 engagement failed to trigger Rap1b activation in murine platelets lacking CalDAG-GEFI, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor regulated by Ca2+ and diacylglycerol, despite normal phosphorylation and activation of PLCgamma2. In addition, CalDAG-GEFI-deficient platelets showed defective integrin alpha2beta1-dependent adhesion and spreading. We found that outside-in signaling through integrin alpha2beta1 triggered inside-out activation of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 and promoted fibrinogen binding. Similarly to Rap1b stimulation, this process occurred downstream of PLC activation and was dramatically impaired in murine platelets lacking the Rap1 exchange factor CalDAG-GEFI. These results demonstrate that Rap1b is an important element in integrin-dependent outside-in signaling during platelet adhesion and regulates the cross talk between adhesive receptors.

Enzyme Activation↗

Ligation of CD31 (PECAM-1) on endothelial cells increases adhesive function of alphavbeta3 integrin and enhances beta1 integrin-mediated adhesion of eosinophils to endothelial cells.

We determined the role of the heterophilic interaction of alphavbeta3 integrin on endothelial cells with CD31 on leukocytes in mediating leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions. Preincubation of interleukin-4 (IL-4)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with anti-CD31 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) enhanced eosinophil adhesion to the IL-4-stimulated HUVECs, and the endothelial CD31-induced enhancement of eosinophil adhesion to IL-4-stimulated HUVECs was prevented by anti-vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) MoAb and anti-very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4) MoAb, but not by anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) MoAb, anti-lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) MoAb, anti-P-selectin MoAb, or anti-E-selectin MoAb. CD31 stimulation of HUVECs increased the adhesive function of alphavbeta3 integrin to its ligand RGD peptide, the binding of which reached a maximum at 10 minutes after the stimulation, and the CD31-induced alphavbeta3 integrin activation on HUVECs was inhibited by inhibitors of protein kinase C and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3-kinase). Furthermore, anti-alphavbeta3 integrin MoAb and RGD peptide as well as soluble CD31 inhibited endothelial CD31-induced enhancement of eosinophil adhesion to IL-4-stimulated HUVECs. However, anti-alphavbeta3 integrin MoAb had no significant inhibitory effect on the eosinophil adhesion to IL-4-stimulated or unstimulated HUVECs without CD31 stimulation of HUVECs. Finally, CD31 stimulation of eosinophils increased the adhesive function of alpha4beta1 integrin (VLA-4) to its ligand fibronectin and their adhesion to IL-4-stimulated HUVECs in a VLA-4-dependent manner. These results indicate that CD31-mediated inside-out signaling activates alphavbeta3 integrin on endothelial cells, that the heterophilic alphavbeta3 integrin/CD31 interaction induces beta1 integrin-mediated adhesion of eosinophils to endothelial cells, and that the heterophilic interaction itself is not significantly involved in firm adhesion of eosinophils to endothelial cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Integrin regulation of an inflammatory effector gene. Direct induction of the tissue factor promoter by engagement of beta 1 or alpha 4 integrin chains.

Inflammatory genes are regulated in cells of monocyte (Mo) lineage by a variety of cellular encounters, including adhesion mediated by integrins. The role of the beta 1 family of integrins in the direct induction of immediate early gene expression was analyzed by using the tissue factor (TF) gene. Engagement of alpha 4 or beta 1 on Mo, but not members of the beta 2 integrin family, with specific mAbs as surrogate ligands immediately and directly induced high level surface expression of TF, and accumulation of TF mRNA, as well as production of TNF-alpha and HIV-1 virus. The mechanism responsible for induction of TF gene transcription mediated by the engagement of alpha 4 or beta 1 was elucidated by using THP-1 monoblastic leukemia cells. Functional analysis of plasmids containing the TF promoter expressing the luciferase reporter gene identified a cis-acting integrin-responsive element (InRE), which contained two AP-1 sites as well as a single kappa B-like site. Mutation of either the AP-1 sites or kappa B-like site greatly diminished responsiveness to integrin engagement. This InRE also conferred responsiveness to a heterologous promoter in the same reporter plasmid. Binding of mAbs to either alpha 4 or beta 1 led to nuclear translocation of the c-Rel/p65 heterodimer that preferentially bound to the TF kappa B-like site. In contrast, constitutive binding of AP-1 proteins to the two AP-1 sites was not increased by alpha 4 or beta 1 integrin engagement. These studies expand knowledge of integrin regulation of immediate early gene expression in Mo and molecular encounters that are inferred to play an active role in Mo effector functions.

Base Sequence↗

Disruption of beta(2)-integrin-cytoskeleton coupling abolishes the signaling capacity of these integrins on granulocytes.

Integrin-dependent adhesion and dynamic modulations of the actin network are prerequisites for normal cell locomotion. To investigate whether the actin microfilamentous system does play a role in regulation of beta(2)-integrin-induced signalling, we pretreated granulocytes with staurosporine, a well-known protein kinase inhibitor that has also been shown to disrupt the cytoskeleton of intact cells. Pretreatment with staurosporine completely inhibited the beta(2)-integrin-induced Ca(2+) signal and also its ability to trigger actin polymerisation. This inhibition was not related to phosphorylation of the CD18-chain of the beta(2)-integrin, nor to inhibition of protein kinases. Instead, association of beta(2)-integrins with the cortical cytoskeleton, which was observed in untreated cells, was abolished after exposure to staurosporine, indicating that beta(2)-integrin signalling depends on integrin-cytoskeleton interaction. These results suggest not only that the actin network provides an adhesive link to the extracellular matrix and a driving force for the locomotory response, but also that it participates in regulation of beta(2)-integrin signalling during granulocyte locomotion.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Integrin-dependent control of translation: engagement of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 regulates synthesis of proteins in activated human platelets.

Integrins are widely expressed plasma membrane adhesion molecules that tether cells to matrix proteins and to one another in cell-cell interactions. Integrins also transmit outside-in signals that regulate functional responses of cells, and are known to influence gene expression by regulating transcription. In previous studies we found that platelets, which are naturally occurring anucleate cytoplasts, translate preformed mRNA transcripts when they are activated by outside-in signals. Using strategies that interrupt engagement of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 by fibrinogen and platelets deficient in this integrin, we found that alphaIIbbeta3 regulates the synthesis of B cell lymphoma 3 (Bcl-3) when platelet aggregation is induced by thrombin. We also found that synthesis of Bcl-3, which occurs via a specialized translation control pathway regulated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), is induced when platelets adhere to immobilized fibrinogen in the absence of thrombin and when integrin alphaIIbbeta3 is engaged by a conformation-altering antibody against integrin alphaIIbbeta3. Thus, outside-in signals delivered by integrin alphaIIbbeta3 are required for translation of Bcl-3 in thrombin-stimulated aggregated platelets and are sufficient to induce translation of this marker protein in the absence of thrombin. Engagement of integrin alpha2beta1 by collagen also triggered synthesis of Bcl-3. Thus, control of translation may be a general mechanism by which surface adhesion molecules regulate gene expression.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Foot-and-mouth disease virus is a ligand for the high-affinity binding conformation of integrin alpha5beta1: influence of the leucine residue within the RGDL motif on selectivity of integrin binding.

Field isolates of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) use RGD-dependent integrins as receptors for internalization, whereas strains that are adapted for growth in cultured cell lines appear to be able to use alternative receptors like heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPG). The ligand-binding potential of integrins is regulated by changes in the conformation of their ectodomains and the ligand-binding state would be expected to be an important determinant of tropism for viruses that use integrins as cellular receptors. Currently, alphavbeta3 is the only integrin that has been shown to act as a receptor for FMDV. In this study, a solid-phase receptor-binding assay has been used to characterize the binding of FMDV to purified preparations of the human integrin alpha5beta1, in the absence of HSPG and other RGD-binding integrins. In this assay, binding of FMDV resembled authentic ligand binding to alpha5beta1 in its dependence on divalent cations and specific inhibition by RGD peptides. Most importantly, binding was found to be critically dependent on the conformation of the integrin, as virus bound only after induction of the high-affinity ligand-binding state. In addition, the identity of the amino acid residue immediately following the RGD motif is shown to influence differentially the ability of FMDV to bind integrins alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 and evidence is provided that alpha5beta1 might be an important FMDV receptor in vivo.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Expression of integrin-alphaE by mucosal mast cells in the intestinal epithelium and its absence in nematode-infected mice lacking the transforming growth factor-beta1-activating integrin alphavbeta6.

Peak intestinal mucosal mast cell (MMC) recruitment coincides with expulsion of Trichinella spiralis, at a time when the majority of the MMCs are located within the epithelium in BALB/c mice. Although expression of integrin-alpha(E)beta(7) by MMCs has not been formally demonstrated, it has been proposed as a potential mechanism to account for the predominantly intraepithelial location of MMCs during nematode infection. Co-expression of integrin-alpha(E)beta(7) and the MMC chymase mouse mast cell protease-1, by mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, is strictly regulated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1). However, TGF-beta(1) is secreted as part of a latent complex in vivo and subsequent extracellular modification is required to render it biologically active. We now show, for the first time, that intraepithelial MMCs express integrin-alpha(E)beta(7) in Trichinella-infected BALB/c and S129 mice. In S129 mice that lack the gene for the integrin-beta(6) subunit and, as consequence, do not express the epithelial integrin-alpha(v)beta(6), integrin-alpha(E) expression is virtually abolished and recruitment of MMCs into the intestinal epithelium is dramatically reduced despite significant overall augmentation of the MMC population. Because a major function of integrin-alpha(v)beta(6) is to activate latent TGF-beta(1,) these findings strongly support a role for TGF-beta(1) in both the recruitment and differentiation of murine MMCs during nematode infection.

Animals↗

Molecular evolution of integrins: genes encoding integrin beta subunits from a coral and a sponge.

The integrin family of cell surface receptors is strongly conserved in higher animals, but the evolutionary history of integrins is obscure. We have identified and sequenced cDNAs encoding integrin beta subunits from a coral (phylum Cnidaria) and a sponge (Porifera), indicating that these proteins existed in the earliest stages of metazoan evolution. The coral betaCn1 and, especially, the sponge betaPo1 sequences are the most divergent of the "beta1-class" integrins and share a number of features not found in any other vertebrate or invertebrate integrins. Perhaps the greatest difference from other beta subunits is found in the third and fourth repeats of the cysteine-rich stalk, where the generally conserved spacings between cysteines are highly variable, but not similar, in betaCn1 and betaPo1. Alternatively spliced cDNAs, containing a stop codon about midway through the full-length translated sequence, were isolated from the sponge library. These cDNAs appear to define a boundary between functional domains, as they would encode a protein that includes the globular ligand-binding head but would be missing the stalk, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains. These and other sequence comparisons with vertebrate integrins are discussed with respect to models of integrin structure and function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗