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Alpha5beta1 integrin controls cyclin D1 expression by sustaining mitogen-activated protein kinase activity in growth factor-treated cells.

Cyclin D1 expression is jointly regulated by growth factors and cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix in many cell types. Growth factors are thought to regulate cyclin D1 expression because they stimulate sustained extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity. However, we show here that growth factors induce transient ERK activity when added to suspended fibroblasts and sustained ERK activity only when added to adherent fibroblasts. Cell attachment to fibronectin or anti-alpha5beta1 integrin is sufficient to sustain the ERK signal and to induce cyclin D1 in growth factor-treated cells. Moreover, when we force the sustained activation of ERK, by conditional expression of a constitutively active MAP kinase/ERK kinase, we overcome the adhesion requirement for expression of cyclin D1. Thus, at least in part, fibroblasts are mitogen and anchorage dependent, because integrin action allows for a sustained ERK signal and the expression of cyclin D1 in growth factor-treated cells.

3T3 Cells↗

SHC-alpha5beta1 integrin interactions regulate breast cancer cell adhesion and motility.

The oncogenic SHC proteins are signaling substrates for most receptor and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases (TKs) and have been implicated in cellular growth, transformation, and differentiation. In tumor cells overexpressing TKs, the levels of tyrosine phosphorylated SHC are chronically elevated. The significance of amplified SHC signaling in breast tumorigenesis and metastasis remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that seven- to ninefold overexpression of SHC significantly altered interactions of cells with fibronectin (FN). Specifically, in human breast cancer cells overexpressing SHC (MCF-7/SHC) the association of SHC with alpha5beta1 integrin (FN receptor) was increased, spreading on FN was accelerated, and basal growth on FN was reduced. These effects coincided with an early decline of adhesion-dependent MAP kinase activity. Basal motility of MCF-7/SHC cells on FN was inhibited relative to that in several cell lines with normal SHC levels. However, when EGF or IGF-I was used as the chemoattractant, the locomotion of MCF-7/SHC cells was greatly (approx fivefold) stimulated, while it was only minimally altered in the control cells. These data suggest that SHC is a mediator of the dynamic regulation of cell adhesion and motility on FN in breast cancer cells.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

NPXY motifs control the recruitment of the alpha5beta1 integrin in focal adhesions independently of the association of talin with the beta1 chain.

With the exception of the divergent beta4 and beta8 chains, the integrin beta subunit cytoplasmic domains are short and highly conserved sequences. Consensus motifs are found among the different cytoplasmic beta chains. Experiments using chimeric receptors demonstrated that the 47 amino acids of the beta1 subunit cytoplasmic domain contain sufficient information to target integrins to adhesion plaques. Three clusters of amino acids, named cyto-1, cyto-2 and cyto-3, seem to contribute to this localization. Cyto-2 and cyto-3 exhibit NPXY motifs. At present, the exact function of these motifs remains unknown but it is likely that these sequences are involved in protein-protein interactions. Although NPXY motifs often act as internalization signals at the cytoplasmic tail of membrane receptors, our previous results showed that the two NPXY motifs are not responsible for the alpha5beta1 integrin endocytosis. Herein, we address the question of the role of the two highly conserved NPXY motifs found in the beta1 cytoplasmic domain, and which correspond to the conserved domains cyto-2 and cyto-3. We demonstrate that, within the integrin beta1 cytoplasmic tail, the two NPXY motifs are required for the recruitment of the integrin in focal adhesions. In addition, our results indicate that these two motifs control but do not belong to the talin-binding sites. Finally, the analysis of the phenotypes of NPXY mutants reveals that the interaction of talin with the beta1 cytosolic domain is not sufficient to target the integrins to focal adhesions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Introduction of bisecting GlcNAc into integrin alpha5beta1 reduces ligand binding and down-regulates cell adhesion and cell migration.

The enzyme beta1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III) catalyzes the addition of a bisecting GlcNAc residue to glycoproteins, resulting in a modulation in biological function. Our previous studies showed that the transfection of the GnT-III gene into B16 melanoma cells results in a suppression of invasive ability and lung colonization. The suppression has been postulated to be due to an increased level of E-cadherin expression on the cell surface, which in turn leads to the up-regulation of cell-cell adhesion. In this study, we report on the effects of overexpression of GnT-III on cell-matrix adhesion. The overexpression of GnT-III, but not that of an enzymatic inactive GnT-III (D323A), inhibits cell spreading and migration on fibronectin, a specific ligand for integrin alpha(5)beta(1), and the focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation. E(4)-PHA lectin blot analyses showed that the levels of bisecting GlcNAc structures on the integrin alpha(5) subunit as well as alpha(2) and alpha(3) subunits immunoprecipitated from GnT-III transfectants were substantially increased. In addition, the affinity of the binding of integrin alpha(5)beta(1) to fibronectin was significantly reduced by the introduction of the bisecting GlcNAc, to the alpha(5) subunit. These findings suggest that the modification of N-glycan of integrin by GnT-III inhibits its ligand binding ability, subsequently leading to the down-regulation of integrin-mediated signaling.

Acetylglucosamine↗

Phosphatidylinositol mannoside from Mycobacterium tuberculosis binds alpha5beta1 integrin (VLA-5) on CD4+ T cells and induces adhesion to fibronectin.

The pathological hallmark of the host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the granuloma where T cells and macrophages interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) to control the infection. Recruitment and retention of T cells within inflamed tissues depend on adhesion to the ECM. T cells use integrins to adhere to the ECM, and fibronectin (FN) is one of its major components. We have found that the major M. tuberculosis cell wall glycolipid, phosphatidylinositol mannoside (PIM), induces homotypic adhesion of human CD4+ T cells and T cell adhesion to immobilized FN. Treatment with EDTA and cytochalasin D prevented PIM-induced T cell adhesion. PIM-induced T cell adhesion to FN was blocked with mAbs against alpha5 integrin chain and with RGD-containing peptides. Alpha5beta1 (VLA-5) is one of two major FN receptors on T cells. PIM was found to bind directly to purified human VLA-5. Thus, PIM interacts directly with VLA-5 on CD4+ T lymphocytes, inducing activation of the integrin, and promoting adhesion to the ECM glycoprotein, FN. This is the first report of direct binding of a M. tuberculosis molecule to a receptor on human T cells resulting in a change in CD4+ T cell function.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗

The fibronectin-binding integrins alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 differentially modulate RhoA-GTP loading, organization of cell matrix adhesions, and fibronectin fibrillogenesis.

We have studied the formation of different types of cell matrix adhesions in cells that bind to fibronectin via either alpha5beta1 or alphavbeta3. In both cases, cell adhesion to fibronectin leads to a rapid decrease in RhoA activity. However, alpha5beta1 but not alphavbeta3 supports high levels of RhoA activity at later stages of cell spreading, which are associated with a translocation of focal contacts to peripheral cell protrusions, recruitment of tensin into fibrillar adhesions, and fibronectin fibrillogenesis. Expression of an activated mutant of RhoA stimulates alphavbeta3-mediated fibrillogenesis. Despite the fact that alpha5beta1-mediated adhesion to the central cell-binding domain of fibronectin supports activation of RhoA, other regions of fibronectin are required for the development of alpha5beta1-mediated but not alphavbeta3-mediated focal contacts. Using chimeras of beta1 and beta3 subunits, we find that the extracellular domain of beta1 controls RhoA activity. By expressing both beta1 and beta3 at high levels, we show that beta1-mediated control of the levels of beta3 is important for the distribution of focal contacts. Our findings demonstrate that the pattern of fibronectin receptors expressed on a cell dictates the ability of fibronectin to stimulate RhoA-mediated organization of cell matrix adhesions.

Actins↗

Regulation of alpha5beta1 integrin conformation and function by urokinase receptor binding.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptors (uPARs), up-regulated during tumor progression, associate with beta1 integrins, localizing urokinase to sites of cell attachment. Binding of uPAR to the beta-propeller of alpha3beta1 empowers vitronectin adhesion by this integrin. How uPAR modifies other beta1 integrins remains unknown. Using recombinant proteins, we found uPAR directly binds alpha5beta1 and rather than blocking, renders fibronectin (Fn) binding by alpha5beta1 Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) resistant. This resulted from RGD-independent binding of alpha5beta1-uPAR to Fn type III repeats 12-15 in addition to type III repeats 9-11 bound by alpha5beta1. Suppression of endogenous uPAR by small interfering RNA in tumor cells promoted weaker, RGD-sensitive Fn adhesion and altered overall alpha5beta1 conformation. A beta1 peptide (res 224NLDSPEGGF232) that models near the known alpha-chain uPAR-binding region, or a beta1-chain Ser227Ala point mutation, abrogated effects of uPAR on alpha5beta1. Direct binding and regulation of alpha5beta1 by uPAR implies a modified "bent" integrin conformation can function in an alternative activation state with this and possibly other cis-acting membrane ligands.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Surface densities of ephrin-B1 determine EphB1-coupled activation of cell attachment through alphavbeta3 and alpha5beta1 integrins.

Receptors of the Eph family and their ligands (ephrins) mediate developmental vascular assembly and direct axonal guidance. Migrating cell processes identify appropriate targets within migratory fields based on topographically displayed ephrin gradients. Here, EphB1 regulated cell attachment by discriminating the density at which ephrin-B1 was displayed on a reconstituted surface. EphB1-ephrin-B1 engagement did not promote cell attachment through mechanical tethering, but did activate integrin-mediated attachment. In endothelial cells, attachment to RGD peptides or fibrinogen was mediated through alphavbeta3 integrin. EphB1 transfection conferred ephrin-B1-responsive activation of alpha5beta1 integrin-mediated cell attachment in human embryonic kidney cells. Activation-competent but signaling-defective EphB1 point mutants failed to stimulate ephrin-B1 dependent attachment. These findings lead us to propose that EphB1 functions as a 'ligand density sensor' to signal integrin-mediated cell-matrix attachment.

Cell Adhesion↗

[The expression of integrin alpha5beta1 and transforming growth factor-beta in pulmonary fibrosis of rat].

OBJECTIVE: To study the roles of integrin alpha(5)beta(1) played in rat pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: The dynamic changes of fibronectin (FN), FN receptor alpha(5)beta(1), and TGF-beta were analysed in bleomycin-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis by using immunohistochemical technique. Northern blot analysis and immunocytochemistry techniques were performed in order to detect the expression of alpha(5)beta(1), FN mRNA and their relevant proteins in cultured rat pulmonary fibroblasts (PFbs) after administration of TGF-beta1. RESULTS: (1) A strong positive reaction with anti-integrin alpha(5)beta(1) was seen in the pneumocytes, endothelial cells and proliferated mesenchymal cells on the 1st to 3rd day after bleomycin. The positive signals for integrin alpha(5)beta(1) were apparent mainly in those proliferated interstitial cells with fibroblast and myofibroblast differentiation 7 days after bleomycin treatment. Changes in FN were similar to that of the integrin alpha(5)beta(1). (2) Expression of alpha(5)beta(1), FN mRNAs and their relevant proteins was increased in rat PFbs after TGF-beta1 administration. CONCLUSIONS: Integrin alpha(5)beta(1) played a key role in inducing the activation, proliferation and differentiation of PFbs, causing an increase of extra-cellular matrix synthesis during pulmonary fibrogenesis.

Animals↗

Overexpression of Betaig-h3 gene downregulates integrin alpha5beta1 and suppresses tumorigenicity in radiation-induced tumorigenic human bronchial epithelial cells.

Interaction between cell and extracellular matrix plays a crucial role in tumour invasion and metastasis. Using an immortalised human bronchial epithelial (BEP2D) cell model, the study here shows that expression of Betaig-h3 gene, which encodes a secreted adhesion molecule induced by transforming growth factor-beta, is markedly decreased in several independently generated, radiation-induced tumour cell lines (TL1-TL5) relative to parental BEP2D cells. Transfection of Betaig-h3 gene into tumour cells resulted in a significant reduction in tumour growth. While integrin receptor alpha5beta1 was overexpressed in tumour cells, its expression was corrected to the level found in control BEP2D cells after Betaig-h3 transfection. These data suggest that Betaig-h3 gene is involved in tumour progression by regulating integrin receptor alpha5beta1. The findings provide strong evidence that the Betaig-h3 gene has tumour suppressor function in human BEP2D cell model and suggest a potential target for interventional therapy.

Animals↗

Mobility of integrin alpha5beta1 measured on the isolated ventral membranes of human skin fibroblasts.

We have measured the lateral mobility of individual alpha5 integrin molecules in ventral plasma membranes of fibroblasts, which were prepared by removal of apical surfaces and nuclei followed by elimination of actin filaments with gelsolin, an actin-severing protein. The cytoplasmic domain of individual integrin molecules was tagged with 100 nm fluorescent polystyrene bead, and motion of the bead was observed and video-recorded. Position of the bead in each frame was determined from the centroid of the fluorescence image, from which plots of the mean-square displacement against time intervals were derived. Within short intervals of time (<100 ms) the mean-square displacement was proportional to the time interval, and the averaged translational diffusion coefficient of (5.3+/-4.4) x 10(-10) cm2/s was obtained with a broad distribution of (1.3-20) x 10(-10) cm2/s. The broad distribution might reflect the oligomerized state of integrin. The largest diffusion coefficient was comparable to that of lipid molecules previously measured in cells and probably represented the diffusion of a single integrin molecule in the presence of little interference of actin cytoskeleton or extracellular matrix. In longer time intervals (>100 ms) the motion of the bead was confined in an area, the average diameter of which was 410+/-160 nm. This was similar to the values described in previous reports, in which the motion of other membrane receptors labeled on their extracellular domain was measured in living cells.

Actins↗

Integrins alpha5beta1, alphavbeta1, and alphavbeta6 collaborate in squamous carcinoma cell spreading and migration on fibronectin.

The expression of alphavbeta6 fibronectin/tenascin receptor integrin is induced in malignant transformation of oral epithelium. In this study, we demonstrate the contribution of alphavbeta6 as well as other fibronectin receptor integrins in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell adhesion and migration. Of 11 SCC cell lines isolated from the head and neck area, 8 (73%) expressed alphavbeta6 integrin on the cell surface. Three cell lines were chosen for further functional experiments: 1 with relatively high, 1 with moderate, and 1 with minimal surface expression of alphavbeta6 integrin. In addition to alphavbeta6, all 3 cell lines expressed alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta1 fibronectin receptor integrins. Function-blocking experiments with inhibitory anti-integrin antibodies showed that all these three integrins were functional in SCC cell spreading on fibronectin. Integrin alphavbeta6, however, was not used as a primary but as an alternative fibronectin receptor by SCC cells, as the inhibitory anti-beta6 integrin antibody alone had no effect on spreading. In migration, however, alphavbeta6, alpha5beta1, and alphavbeta1 integrins were all used in cooperation. The presence of alphavbeta1 integrin in SCC cells is a novel finding as is its contribution to SCC cell migration. When one or two of these three receptors were blocked, the cells demonstrated an adaptive ability to remain migratory using integrins that were not targeted by antibodies. Utilization of a combination of receptors of different affinities may be beneficial for SCC cell migration versatility.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Inhibition of integrin alpha5beta1 function with a small peptide (ATN-161) plus continuous 5-FU infusion reduces colorectal liver metastases and improves survival in mice.

Integrin alpha(5)beta(1) is expressed on activated endothelial cells and plays a critical role in tumor angiogenesis. We hypothesized that a novel integrin alpha(5)beta(1) antagonist, ATN-161, would inhibit angiogenesis and growth of liver metastases in a murine model. We further hypothesized that combining ATN-161 with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy would enhance the antineoplastic effect. Murine colon cancer cells (CT26) were injected into spleens of BALB/c mice to produce liver metastases. Four days thereafter, mice were given either ATN-161 (100 mg/kg, every 3rd day) or saline by intraperitoneal injection, with or without combination of continuous-infusion 5-FU (100 mg/kg/2 weeks), which was started on day 7. On day 20 after tumor cell inoculation, mice were killed and liver weights and number of liver metastases were determined. A follow-up study on survival was also conducted in which mice were randomized to receive ATN-161, 5-FU or ATN-161+5-FU. Combination therapy with ATN-161+5-FU significantly reduced tumor burden (liver weight) and number of liver metastases (p<0.02). Liver tumors in the ATN-161 and ATN-161+5-FU groups had significantly fewer microvessels (p<0.05) than tumors in the control or 5-FU-treated groups. Unlike treatment with either agent alone, ATN-161+5-FU significantly increased tumor cell apoptosis and decreased tumor cell proliferation (p<0.03) and improved overall survival (p<0.03, log-rank test). Targeting integrin alpha(5)beta(1) in combination with 5-FU infusion reduced liver metastases formation and improved survival in this colon cancer model. The enhancement of antineoplastic activity from the combination of anti-angiogenic therapy and chemotherapy may be a promising approach for treating metastatic colorectal cancer.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

Stable interaction between alpha5beta1 integrin and Tie2 tyrosine kinase receptor regulates endothelial cell response to Ang-1.

During angiogenic remodeling, Ang-1, the ligand of Tie2 tyrosine kinase, is involved in vessel sprouting and stabilization through unclear effects on nascent capillaries and mural cells. In our study, we hypothesized that the Ang-1/Tie2 system could cross-talk with integrins, and be influenced by the dynamic interactions between extracellular matrix and endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we show that alpha5beta1 specifically sensitizes and modulates Tie2 receptor activation and signaling, allowing EC survival at low concentrations of Ang-1 and inducing persistent EC motility. Tie2 and alpha5beta1 interact constitutively; alpha5beta1 binding to fibronectin increases this association, whereas Ang-1 stimulation recruits p85 and FAK to this complex. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Ang-1 is able to mediate selectively alpha5beta1 outside-in FAK phosphorylation. Thus, Ang-1 triggers signaling pathways through Tie2 and alpha5beta1 receptors that could cross-talk when Tie2/alpha5beta1 interaction occurs in ECs plated on fibronectin. By using blocking antibodies, we consistently found that alpha5beta1, but not alphavbeta3 activation, is essential to Ang-1-dependent angiogenesis in vivo.

Angiopoietin-1↗

Deletion of mouse embryo fibroblast N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V stimulates alpha5beta1 integrin expression mediated by the protein kinase C signaling pathway.

An N-linked glycan often increased during oncogenic transformation contains beta(1,6)-linked GlcNAc, synthesized by the N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V). The progression of polyoma middle T-antigen oncoprotein-induced mammary carcinomas in GnT-V null mice was significantly retarded compared with that observed in wild-type mice. The matrix adhesion of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) from GnT-V null and wild-type mice was investigated to understand the mechanism by which deletion of GnT-V could retard tumor progression. GnT-V null MEF displayed enhanced adhesion to and spreading on fibronectin-coated plates with concomitant inhibition of cell migration. GnT-V null MEF also showed increased focal adhesion kinase tyrosine phosphorylation, consistent with decreased cell motility on fibronectin-coated plates. Expression of GnT-V cDNA in the null MEF reversed these abnormal characteristics, indicating the direct involvement of N-glycosylation events in these phenotypic changes. The alpha5beta1 fibronectin receptors exhibited increased clustering on the null MEF cell surfaces, consistent with previous studies that observed less integrin clustering in cells overexpressing GnT-V. Most surprisingly, GnT-V null MEF displayed increased expression levels of both alpha5 and beta1 subunits in lysates and on the cell surface. Increased alpha5beta1 expression in the null MEF was because of increased alpha5beta1 transcript levels that declined after re-expression of GnT-V cDNA, confirming that increased alpha5beta1 expression in null MEF was because of changes in GnT-V expression. The increased null MEF transcripts were shown to be caused at least in part by increased integrin promoter activity. Moreover, increased alpha5beta1 integrin transcripts in GnT-V null MEF were not due to a differential response to fibronectin; rather, they appeared to be mediated by activation of a protein kinase C signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that deletion of MEF GnT-V resulted in enhanced integrin clustering and activation of alpha5beta1 transcription by protein kinase C signaling, which in turn up-regulated levels of cell surface alpha5beta1 fibronectin receptors that resulted in increased matrix adhesion and inhibition of migration.

Animals↗

Effect of quiescence on integrin alpha5beta1 expression in human retinal pigment epithelium.

PURPOSE: The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is differentiated and mitotically inactive in the normal eye, but several pathologies such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) cause RPE cells to dedifferentiate and resume proliferation. Integrins, a family of cell surface glycoproteins that mediate cell proliferation and differentiation, are thought to play fundamental roles in PVR. The aim of this study was to evaluate protein expression and gene regulation of the integrin alpha5 subunit in proliferating and quiescent RPE cells. METHODS: Protein expression was studied in situ by immunohistochemistry and in vitro at different cell confluences by immunoprecipitation. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and transient transfections were used to determine whether increasing cell confluence also affected alpha5 subunit mRNA levels and promoter activity, respectively. RESULTS: We demonstrated that the integrin alpha5 subunit is present at the RPE cell surface both in situ and in vitro, and that alpha5 protein level is influenced by confluence. Levels of integrin alpha5 transcripts are similar for sub-confluent and confluent cells, and a small increase in the promoter activity was observed between sub-confluent and confluent cells. However, both the integrin alpha5 subunit transcript and the alpha5 promoter activity decreased when cells reached post-confluence. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that cell confluence affected protein and gene expression of the integrin alpha5 subunit. Proliferating RPE cells expressed high levels of both the alpha5 protein and mRNA transcripts and showed a high promoter activity. However, when cells reached quiescence, alpha5 gene expression was substantially reduced and RPE cells expressed little alpha5 protein at their cell surface.

Adolescent↗

Development of cytotrophoblast columns from explanted first-trimester human placental villi: role of fibronectin and integrin alpha5beta1.

Human first-trimester floating mesenchymal villi explanted onto gels of collagen I or Matrigel were observed to undergo de novo development of anchoring sites. These consisted of cytotrophoblast columns that formed by proliferation of stem villous cytotrophoblast cells, as revealed by whole-mount and thin-section microscopy and incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine into DNA. Column formation occurred exclusively at the distal tips of the villi. No column formation was observed in tissue explanted onto agarose. On Matrigel, the developing columns penetrated downwards into the matrix, whereas on collagen I, cytotrophoblast sheets spread across the surface of the gel and merged to form a shell. The developing columnar cytotrophoblast up-regulated integrins alpha1beta1 and alpha5beta1 and produced an extracellular matrix containing oncofetal fibronectin, as in vivo. Function-blocking antibodies were used to investigate the role of the integrin-fibronectin interaction in anchoring villus development on collagen I. Antibodies to fibronectin and the integrin subunits alpha5 and beta1, added at 24 h, all changed the pattern of cytotrophoblast outgrowth. Anti-fibronectin caused cell rounding within the cytotrophoblast sheet and increased the population of single cells at its periphery. Anti-integrin alpha5 caused rounding and redistribution of cells within the outgrowth. In the presence of anti-integrin beta1, cell-collagen interactions within the sheet were destabilized, often leading to the appearance of an annulus of aggregated cells at the periphery. These results show that 1) mesenchymal villi retain the potential to form anchoring sites until at least the end of the first trimester, 2) adhesion to a permissive extracellular matrix stimulates cytotrophoblast proliferation and differentiation along the extravillous lineage, 3) integrin alpha5beta1-fibronectin interactions contribute significantly to anchorage of the placenta to uterine extracellular matrix. We suggest that as the developing placenta ramifies, new sites of anchorage form whenever peripheral villi contact decidua. This process is predicted to contribute to the stability of the placental-decidual interface.

Animals↗