Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Integrin alpha4beta1”

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 1,153 records · Page 64Linked to original sources

Chemokine receptor CXCR4-beta1 integrin axis mediates tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma HOS cells.

It is known that beta1 integrins mediate the migratory response of cells to chemokine stimulation. Also, both beta1 integrins and chemokines have roles in tumor development. In the present study, the beta1 integrin-chemokine axis is assessed using human osteosarcoma (HOS) transfectant cells expressing the CXCR4 receptor for chemokine SDF-1 (CXCL12). We first identified in vitro the specific beta1 integrins that mediated the migratory response to SDF-1 stimulation. Results showed that on collagen type I and laminin, the chemotactic response to SDF-1 was predominantly mediated by alpha2beta1 integrin. On fibronectin, SDF-1-stimulated chemotaxis involved both alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins. A comparison of the transfectant clones expressing CXCR4 at low, intermediate, and high levels and the control transfectant revealed that the transfectant clones migratory response in vitro and their ability to form tumors in vivo was related to their levels of CXCR4 expression. In addition, treatment by injection with mAbs to CXCR4, integrin alpha2beta1, or integrin alpha5beta1 effectively inhibited the growth of HOS-CXCR4 transfectant cells in vivo. Therefore, our results show that the beta1 integrins that mediated the migratory response were also functionally linked to the enhanced tumor growth of CXCR4-expressing HOS transfectant cells.

Animals↗

Anti-inflammatory activity of c(ILDV-NH(CH2)5CO), a novel, selective, cyclic peptide inhibitor of VLA-4-mediated cell adhesion.

1. Small, N- to C-terminal cyclized peptides containing the leucyl-aspartyl-valine (LDV) motif from fibronectin connecting segment-1 (CS-1) have been investigated for their effects on the adhesion of human T-lymphoblastic leukaemia cells (MOLT-4) to human plasma fibronectin in vitro mediated by the integrin Very Late Antigen (VLA)-4 (alpha4beta1, CD49d/CD29). 2. Cyclo(-isoleucyl-leucyl-aspartyl-valyl-aminohexanoyl-) (c(ILDV-NH(CH2)5CO)) was approximately 5 fold more potent (IC50 3.6+/-0.44 microM) than the 25-amino acid linear CS-1 peptide. Cyclic peptides containing two more or one less methylene groups had similar potency to c(ILDV-NH(CH2)5CO) while a compound containing three less methylene groups, c(ILDV-NH(CH2)2CO), was inactive at 100 microM. 3. c(ILDV-NH(CH2)5CO) had little effect on cell adhesion mediated by two other integrins, VLA-5 (alpha5,beta1, CD49e/CD29) (K562 cell adhesion to fibronectin) or Leukocyte Function Associated molecule-1 (LFA-1, alphabeta2, CD11a/CD18) (U937 cell adhesion to Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with intercellular adhesion molecule-1) at concentrations up to 300 microM. 4. c(ILDV-NH(CH2)5CO) inhibited ovalbumin delayed-type hypersensitivity or oxazolone contact hypersensitivity in Balb/c mice when dosed continuously from subcutaneous osmotic mini-pumps (0.1-10 mg kg(-1) day(-1)). Maximum inhibition (approximately 40%) was similar to that caused by the monoclonal antibody PS/2 (7.5 mg kg(-1) i.v.) directed against the alpha4 integrin subunit. 5. c(ILDV-NH(CH2)5CO) also inhibited oxazolone contact hypersensitivity when dosed intravenously 20 h after oxazolone challenge (1-10 mg kg(-1)). Ear swelling was reduced at 3 h and 4 h but not at 1 h and 2 h post-dose (10 mg kg(-1)). 6. Small molecule VLA-4 inhibitors derived from c(ILDV-NH(CH2)5CO) may be useful as anti-inflammatory agents.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Subsecond induction of alpha4 integrin clustering by immobilized chemokines stimulates leukocyte tethering and rolling on endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 under flow conditions.

Leukocyte recruitment to target tissue is initiated by weak rolling attachments to vessel wall ligands followed by firm integrin-dependent arrest triggered by endothelial chemokines. We show here that immobilized chemokines can augment not only arrest but also earlier integrin-mediated capture (tethering) of lymphocytes on inflamed endothelium. Furthermore, when presented in juxtaposition to vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), the endothelial ligand for the integrin very late antigen 4 (VLA-4, alpha4beta1), chemokines rapidly augment reversible lymphocyte tethering and rolling adhesions on VCAM-1. Chemokines potentiate VLA-4 tethering within <0.1 s of contact through Gi protein signaling, the fastest inside-out integrin signaling events reported to date. Although VLA-4 affinity is not altered upon chemokine signaling, subsecond VLA-4 clustering at the leukocyte-substrate contact zone results in enhanced leukocyte avidity to VCAM-1. Endothelial chemokines thus regulate all steps in adhesive cascades that control leukocyte recruitment at specific vascular beds.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Effects of I domain deletion on the function of the beta2 integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1.

A subset of integrin alpha subunits contain an I domain, which is important for ligand binding. We have deleted the I domain from the beta2 integrin lymphocyte function-asssociated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and expressed the resulting non-I domain-containing integrin (DeltaI-LFA-1) in an LFA-1-deficient T cell line. DeltaI-LFA-1 showed no recognition of LFA-1 ligands, confirming the essential role of the I domain in ligand binding. Except for I domain monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), DeltaI-LFA-1 was recognized by a panel of anti-LFA-1 mAbs similarly to wild-type LFA-1. However, DeltaI-LFA-1 had enhanced expression of seven mAb epitopes that are associated with beta2 integrin activation, suggesting that it exhibited an "active" conformation. In keeping with this characteristic, DeltaI-LFA-1 induced constitutive activation of alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1, suggesting intracellular signaling to these integrins. This "cross-talk" was not due to an effect on beta1 integrin affinity. However, the enhanced activity was susceptible to inhibition by cytochalasin D, indicating a role for the cytoskeleton, and also correlated with clustering of beta1 integrins. Thus, removal of the I domain from LFA-1 created an integrin with the hallmarks of a constitutively active receptor mediating signals into the cell. These findings suggest a key role for the I domain in controlling integrin activity.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Cross-talk of integrin alpha3beta1 and tissue factor in cell migration.

In cancer and angiogenesis, coagulation-independent roles of tissue factor (TF) in cell migration are incompletely understood. Immobilized anti-TF extracellular domain antibodies induce cell spreading, but this phenomenon is epitope specific and is not induced by anti-TF 5G9. Spreading on anti-TF is beta1 integrin-dependent, indicating functional interactions of the TF extracellular domain 5G9 epitope (a presumed integrin-binding site) and integrins. Recombinant TF extracellular domain supports adhesion of cells expressing alphavbeta3 or certain beta1 integrin heterodimers (alpha3beta1, alpha4beta1, alpha5beta1, alpha6beta1, alpha9beta1) and adhesion is blocked by specific anti-integrin antibodies or mutations in the integrin ligand-binding site. Although several studies have linked TF to cell migration, we here demonstrate that TF specifically regulates alpha3beta1-dependent migration on laminin 5. Expression of TF suppresses alpha3beta1-dependent migration, but only when the TF cytoplasmic domain is not phosphorylated. Suppression of migration can be reversed by 5G9, presumably by disrupting integrin interaction, or by the protease ligand VIIa, known to induce PAR-2-dependent phosphorylation of TF. In both cases, release of alpha3beta1 inhibition is prevented by mutation of critical phosphorylation sites in the TF cytoplasmic domain. Thus, TF influences integrin-mediated migration through cooperative intra- and extracellular interactions and phosphorylation regulates TF's function in cell motility.

Animals↗

Beta1-integrins control spontaneous adhesion and motility of human progenitor thymocytes and regulate differentiation-dependent expression of the receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility.

The functions of the receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM) and beta1-integrin in adhesion and motility were analysed for human progenitor multinegative (CD3- 4- 8- 19-) thymocytes (MN Thy). Both alpha4beta1- and alpha5beta1-integrins are expressed by MN Thy, but only alpha4beta1 mediates fibronectin (FN)-dependent adhesion and motility. Freshly isolated MN Thy lack expression of RHAMM and their motility is RHAMM independent. Prolonged surface expression of RHAMM on MN Thy is dependent upon FN. RHAMM expression, which occurs prior to surface expression of CD3/T-cell receptor (TCR), was found to be inhibited by cross-linking of alpha4-, alpha5- and beta1-integrins, as was the prolonged FN-dependent phase of RHAMM expression. To confirm that RHAMM expression had been down-regulated rather than rendered cryptic by treatment with immobilized anti-integrin monoclonal antibody (MoAb), RHAMM mRNA levels were analysed. Transcription of RHAMM was decreased 7-12-fold by treatment with immobilized anti-alpha4 or anti-alpha5, and twofold by anti-beta1. Prior to expression of CD3/TCR and RHAMM, alpha4beta1 regulates migratory behaviour. After MN Thy differentiate to acquire CD3/TCR in vitro or in vivo, their motility becomes dependent upon both RHAMM and beta1-integrins. Integrins play a direct role in FN-dependent, RHAMM-independent motility of MN Thy, and an indirect role in RHAMM-dependent motility. This work shows that beta1-integrins are primary mediators and regulators of fundamental cell behaviours required during migratory phases of T-cell differentiation that occur prior to the expression of CD3/TCR.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Novel secreted isoform of adhesion molecule ICAM-4: potential regulator of membrane-associated ICAM-4 interactions.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-4 (ICAM-4), a newly characterized adhesion molecule, is expressed early in human erythropoiesis and functions as a ligand for binding alpha4beta1 and alphaV integrin-expressing cells. Within the bone marrow, erythroblasts surround central macrophages forming erythroblastic islands. Evidence suggests that these islands are highly specialized subcompartments where cell adhesion events, in concert with cytokines, play critical roles in regulating erythropoiesis and apoptosis. Since erythroblasts express alpha4beta1 and ICAM-4 and macrophages exhibit alphaV, ICAM-4 is an attractive candidate for mediating cellular interactions within erythroblastic islands. To determine whether ICAM-4 binding properties are conserved across species, we first cloned and sequenced the murine homologue. The translated amino acid sequence showed 68% overall identity with human ICAM-4. Using recombinant murine ICAM-4 extracellular domains, we discovered that hematopoietic alpha4beta1- expressing HEL cells and nonhematopoietic alphaV-expressing FLY cells adhered to mouse ICAM-4. Cell adhesion studies showed that FLY and HEL cells bound to mouse and human proteins with similar avidity. These data strongly suggest conservation of integrin-binding properties across species. Importantly, we characterized a novel second splice cDNA that would be predicted to encode an ICAM-4 isoform, lacking the membrane-spanning domain. Erythroblasts express both isoforms of ICAM-4. COS-7 cells transfected with green flourescent protein constructs of prototypic or novel ICAM-4 cDNA showed different cellular localization patterns. Moreover, analysis of tissue culture medium revealed that the novel ICAM-4 cDNA encodes a secreted protein. We postulate that secretion of this newly described isoform, ICAM-4S, may modulate binding of membrane-associated ICAM-4 and could thus play a critical regulatory role in erythroblast molecular attachments.

Alternative Splicing↗

The role of integrins in human embryo implantation.

Integrins are adhesion molecules present in endometrial, decidual, and extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVCT) cells. They participate in cell-cell adhesion as well as in adhesion between cells and components of the extracellular matrix, and they play an important role in the endometrial phenotype change that occurs during the secretory phase, the first stage of implantation. At the beginning of pregnancy, the change in integrin expression is synchronized with the trophoblast attachment (embryo-endometrium interactions with integrins alpha(v)beta3, alpha4beta1, alpha6beta1, and alpha7beta1) and the embryo's invasion of the decidua (integrins alpha6beta4-->alpha5beta1-->alpha1beta1-->alpha4beta1 switch from proliferative to endovascular EVCT). Several diseases, including preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation caused by vascular problems and defective luteal phases, may be explained by anomalies in integrin patterns.

Cell Adhesion Molecules↗

Integrin alpha4beta7 and its counterreceptor MAdCAM-1 contribute to hematopoietic progenitor recruitment into bone marrow following transplantation.

Previous studies have shown that alpha4beta1 (very late activation antigen-4 [VLA-4]) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) play a major role in hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) homing to bone marrow (BM). However, the antibody used to block VLA-4 function in the mouse (hybridoma clone PS/2) is not specific to VLA-4 but inhibits both alpha4beta1 and alpha4beta7 integrins. Here we have evaluated the contribution of alpha4beta7 in HPC homing to BM. Lineage(neg)Sca-1(pos)c-kit(pos) cells from adult mouse BM and the factor-dependent cell progenitor (FDCP)-mix progenitor cell line express similar levels of alpha4beta7 by flow cytometry. The alpha4beta7 complex was functional since the chemokine CXCL12 enhanced the adhesion of FDCP-mix to immobilized mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) and this was completely abrogated by anti-alpha4beta7 (hybridoma clone DATK32) or anti-alpha4 integrins (PS/2). BM intravital microscopy revealed that alpha4beta7 plays a predominant role in initial tethering and rolling but not in firm adhesion of FDCP-mix cells. Using homing assays, we demonstrate that alpha4beta7 on HPCs contributes to about half of all alpha4 integrin-mediated homing activity following BM transplantation. MAdCAM-1 is likely expressed since its inhibition significantly reduced HPC homing. Although there may be other alpha4beta7 integrin ligands involved (eg, fibronectin and VCAM-1), these data thus suggest that alpha4beta7 and its counterreceptor MAdCAM-1 represent a novel adhesion pathway mediating HPC homing to BM.

Animals↗

The expression of alpha(v) and beta3 integrin subunits in the normal human Fallopian tube epithelium suggests the occurrence of a tubal implantation window.

The co-expression of alpha1beta1, alpha4beta1 and alphavbeta3 integrins in the human endometrium coincides with the implantation window. The alphavbeta3 integrin is expressed in the apical surface of the luminal epithelium and may serve to anchor trophoblast cells in the adhesion phase of implantation. Using immunohistochemistry, we compared the expression of alphav, alpha1, alpha4 and beta3 integrin subunits in samples of normal human Fallopian tube and endometrium obtained from five women in the non-receptive period (luteal phase days 2-4) and from another five women in the receptive period (luteal phase days 6-8). The staining was quantified visually on a scale of 0 to ++, according to the intensity and density of stained cells. The alphav subunit is expressed in the Fallopian tube epithelium during both periods in a pericellular distribution. The beta3 subunit is also expressed in the same location, but it is up-regulated during the period of endometrial receptivity. The other subunits are expressed in localizations which are not relevant to trophoblast adhesion and exhibit little or no difference in the level of expression between the non-receptive and receptive periods. Based on these results we postulate that the expression of the beta3 subunit in the human tubal epithelium is under the same systemic controlling signals as in the endometrium and that the normal tubal epithelium may have an implantation window, at about the same time as the endometrium, that affords the opportunity for trophoblast attachment should a 5-7 day embryo be unduly retained in the tube.

Antigens, CD↗

Effect of antibody against integrin alpha4 on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Integrins are a family of transmembrane glycoproteins that can interact with components of the extracellular matrix. The alpha4beta1 and alpha4beta7 integrins are heterodimeric leukocyte cell surface molecules critical to their cell and matrix adhesive interactions. Evidence for a central role for the alpha4 integrins in leukocyte pathophysiology in the lung is well documented. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that neutralizing antibody for integrin alpha4 (PS2) may reduce bleomycin (BL)-induced lung fibrosis in vivo. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected intratracheally with saline (SA) or BL (0.08 U/mouse) followed by intraperitoneal injection of SA, isotype control antibody (1E6), or PS2 (100 microg) three times a week. Twenty-one days after the intratracheal instillation, mice were killed for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistological analyses. Treatment with PS2 significantly reduced BL-induced increases in lung lipid peroxidation and hydroxyproline content. Lung histopathology also showed reduced fibrotic lesions in the BL-treated lungs by treatment with PS2. BL-treated mouse lungs also showed induction of cells with the myofibroblast phenotype, as indicated by the increased expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA), whereas treatment with PS2 minimized the BL-induced alphaSMA expression. Furthermore, treatment with PS2 reduced the BL-induced increase in the BAL total cell number, and attenuated the BL-induced increase in the BAL protein level. It is concluded that integrin alpha4 may play an important role in BL-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and the use of anti-alpha4 antibody offers therapeutic antifibrotic potential in vivo.

Actins↗

Alpha-4 integrins and VCAM-1, but not MAdCAM-1, are essential for recruitment of mast cell progenitors to the inflamed lung.

Normal mouse lungs lack appreciable numbers of mast cells (MCs) or MC progenitors (MCp's), yet the appearance of mature MCs in the tracheobronchial epithelial surface is a characteristic of allergic, T-cell-dependent pulmonary inflammation. We hypothesized that pulmonary inflammation would recruit MCp's to inflamed lungs and that this recruitment would be regulated by distinct adhesion pathways. Ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged mice had a greater than 28-fold increase in the number of MCp's in the lungs. In mice lacking endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and in wild-type mice administered blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) to VCAM-1 but not to mucosal addressin CAM-1 (MadCAM-1), recruitment of MCp's to the inflamed lung was reduced by greater than 75%. Analysis of the integrin receptors for VCAM-1 showed that in beta7 integrin-deficient mice, recruitment was reduced 73% relative to wild-type controls, and in either BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice, mAb blocking of alpha4, beta1, or beta7 integrins inhibited the recruitment of MCp's to the inflamed lung. Thus, VCAM-1 interactions with both alpha4beta1 and alpha4beta7 integrins are essential for the recruitment and expansion of the MCp populations in the lung during antigen-induced pulmonary inflammation. Furthermore, the MCp is currently unique among inflammatory cells in its partial dependence on alpha4beta7 integrins for lung recruitment.

Animals↗

Integrin receptor specificity for human red cell ICAM-4 ligand. Critical residues for alphaIIbeta3 binding.

The red cell intercellular adhesion molecule-4 (ICAM-4) binds to different members of the integrin receptor families. To better define the ICAM-4 integrin receptor specificity, cell transfectants individually expressing various integrins were used to demonstrate that alphaLbeta2, alphaMbeta2, and alphaIIbbeta3 (activated) bind specifically and dose dependently to the recombinant ICAM-4-Fc protein. We also show that cell surface ICAM-4 interacts with the cell surface alphaVbeta3 integrin. In addition, using a alpha4beta1 cell transfectant and beta2 integrin-deficient LAD cells, we show here that ICAM-4 failed to interact with alpha4beta1 even after alpha4beta1 activation by phorbol ester or with the monoclonal antibody TS2/16 (+ Mn2+). ICAM-4 amino acids that are critical for alphaIIbbeta3 and alphaVbeta3 interaction were identified by domain deletion analysis, site-directed mutagenesis and synthetic peptide inhibition. Our results provide evidence that the beta3 integrin binding sites encompass the first and second Ig-like domains of ICAM-4. However, while the alphaIIbbeta3 contact site comprises the ABED face of domain D1 with an extension in the C'-E loop of domain D2, the alphaVbeta3 contact site comprises residues on both faces of D1 and in the C'-E loop of D2. These data, together with our previous results, demonstrate that different integrins bind to different but partly overlapping sites on ICAM-4, and that ICAM-4 may accommodate multiple integrin receptors present on leukocytes, platelets and endothelial cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Regulation of macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by adhesion to fibronectin.

The potential for leukocyte-mediated host tissue damage during resolution of inflammatory responses is influenced by the rate at which extravasated apoptotic leukocytes are cleared from inflammatory sites. Regulation of macrophage capacity for clearance of apoptotic granulocytes is likely to be an important factor determining whether inflammation ultimately resolves or progresses to a chronic state. In this study we have investigated the molecular basis for rapid augmentation of macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils, which was observed following macrophage adhesion to fibronectin. We used a combination of monoclonal antibodies, blocking peptides, and recombinant fibronectin fragments to investigate the role of beta1 integrins in mediating the fibronectin effects. Blockade of alpha5beta1 or alpha4beta1 alone did not attenuate fibronectin-augmentation of phagocytosis. In addition, adhesion of macrophages to recombinant fibronectins lacking alpha4beta1 recognition motifs failed to promote phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils. Our results would be consistent with a model in which multiple fibronectin receptors, including beta1 integrins, act co-operatively to augment macrophage phagocytic responses. Together, these data suggest that the extracellular matrix environment of macrophages may provide regulatory signals that act indirectly to rapidly alter the potential for removal of apoptotic cells and influence the process of resolution of inflammation.

Antibodies, Blocking↗

Overlapping and independent functions of fibronectin receptor integrins in early mesodermal development.

Mouse embryos deficient in fibronectin (FN-null) die at E8.5 with mesodermal defects. Eight integrin heterodimers alpha3beta1, alpha4beta1, alpha5beta1, alpha8beta1, alphavbeta1, alphavbeta3, alphavbeta6, and alphaIIbbeta3 can bind to FN. However, embryos deficient in each of these integrins exhibit less severe defects than do FN-null embryos, raising questions as to which integrin(s) are the key FN receptors for these early FN-dependent processes. alpha5beta1 is believed to be the key receptor and alpha5-null embryos display mesodermal defects similar to, although less severe than, those of FN-null. Here we report that the alpha5-null mutation exhibits a more severe phenotype on a 129Sv (129) than on a C57BL/6 (B6) background, as does the FN-null mutation. While alpha5-null/B6 embryos develop normal headfolds, alpha5-null/129 embryos have headfold defects similar to those of FN-null. The differences between FN-null and alpha5-null embryos, however, cannot be attributed to genetic background. FN-null embryos never form somites, whereas in alpha5-null/129 embryos the somites do condense but fail to epithelialize. Second, we examined double mutants carrying all possible pairwise combinations of null mutations in alpha3, alpha4, and alpha5 integrin genes. There was no evidence for any synergy between paired mutations, suggesting that these integrin genes do not have overlapping functions during early embryonic development. Finally, we examined double-mutant embryos deficient in both alpha5 and alphav integrin genes. These double-mutant embryos have an amniotic defect similar to that of FN-null embryos, but die even earlier with a defect in gastrulation. These studies thus revealed a gradation in the severity of defects in the mutations alpha5(-/-); alphav(-/-) > FN(-/-) (129) > FN(-/-) (B6) > alpha5(-/-) (129) > alpha5(-/-) (B6), and in each step in this series there is a certain degree of phenotypic overlap, suggesting that the defects arising from these mutations may result from disruptions of the same embryonic process.

Animals↗

Integrin-mediated drug resistance in multiple myeloma.

Drug resistance remains a major obstacle to the treatment of many hematopoietic malignancies such as multiple myeloma. Although much research has been focused on acquired resistance phenotypes, we believe that de novo drug resistance mechanisms may be an important component in protecting cells from initial drug exposure. It is now realized that many of the biological processes associated with this disease, including cell survival, may come as a result of the direct interactions of malignant plasma cells with the bone marrow microenvironment. This review examines the role of cell adhesion to one bone marrow component, fibronectin (FN), and the impact it may have on response to cytotoxic drugs. We discuss the influence of the integrin VLA-4 (alpha4beta1) on cell adhesion mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR) as well as the effects of chronic drug exposure on integrin function. Data presented here demonstrates that drug selection can make a non-adherent cell line adherent to FN through inside-out integrin activation and consequently cause a decrease in sensitivity to drug. We also speculate on the possible mediators of this intrinsic mechanism of drug resistance which may, along with the integrins themselves, become promising therapeutic targets in cancer treatment.

Cell Adhesion↗

The cell-binding domain of intimin from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli binds to beta1 integrins.

Bacteria interact with mammalian cells surface molecules, such as integrins, to colonize tissues and evade immunological detection. Herein, the ability of intimin, an outer membrane protein from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, to bind beta1 integrins was investigated. Solid-phase binding assays revealed binding of the carboxyl-terminal 280 amino acids of intimin (Int280) to alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins. The binding required divalent ions (in particular, it was enhanced by Mn2+) and was inhibited by an RGD-containing peptide. Nonderivatized Int280, but not Int280CS (like Int280 but with Cys-937 replaced by Ser) blocked the binding of biotinylated Int280 to integrins. Int280 did not efficiently inhibit beta1 integrin binding of invasin from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Both intimin and invasin, immobilized on plastic surfaces, mediated adherence of resting or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-activated human CD4(+) T cells, whereas fibronectin mediated the adherence of only activated T cells. T cell binding to intimin and invasin was integrin mediated because it was specifically blocked by an RGD-containing peptide and by antibodies directed against the integrin subunits beta1, alpha4, and alpha5. These results demonstrate a specific integrin binding activity for intimin that is related to, but distinct from, that of invasin.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗

Beta1 integrin-mediated T cell adhesion and cell spreading are regulated by calpain.

To investigate the function of calpain in T cells, we sought to determine the role of this protease in cellular events mediated by beta1 integrins. T cell receptor cross-linked or phorbol ester-stimulated T cells binding to immobilized fibronectin induce the translocation of calpain to the cytoskeletal/membrane fraction of these cells. Such translocation of calpain is associated with proteolytic modification of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, increased cellular adhesion, and dramatic alterations in cellular morphology. However, affinity-related increases in T cell adhesion induced by the anti-beta1 integrin antibody 8A2 occur in a calpain-independent manner and in the absence of morphological shape changes. Furthermore, calpain undergoes activation in response to either alpha4beta1 or alpha5beta1 integrin binding to fibronectin in appropriately stimulated T cells, and calpain II as well as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B accumulates at sites of focal contact formation. Inhibition of calpain activity not only inhibits the proteolytic modification of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, but also decreases the ability of T cells to adhere to and spread on immobilized fibronectin. Thus, we describe a potential regulatory role for calpain in beta1 integrin-mediated signaling events associated with T cell adhesion and cell spreading on fibronectin.

Adult↗