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Integrin chains beta1 and alphav as prognostic factors in human metastatic melanoma.

The expression pattern of integrin-type cell adhesion receptors is often changed during malignant transformation. In the present work, we studied the prognostic significance of beta1 and alphav integrin chains for survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. The expression levels of beta1 integrin were also compared with those of Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, the presence of which is associated with treatment response and survival in melanoma. The expression of beta1 and alphav integrins in 68 melanoma metastases obtained from 55 patients treated with combined chemoimmunotherapy was studied by immunohistochemistry using anti-beta1 and anti-alphav antibodies. The patients were divided into two groups (using a cut-off point of >/= 81%) for beta1 integrin expression levels and into three categories (negative/low, median, high) for alphav integrin expression levels. All tumours were positive for beta1 integrin, and the tumours (n = 6) which had the highest alphav score were also strongly positive for beta1 (94%; P = 0.0055). Patients (n = 43) with 80% or less beta1 integrin-positive tumour cells in their samples had a median disease-free survival (DFS) of 17.0 months, and patients (n = 12) with 81% or more beta1 integrin-positive tumour cells had a DFS of only 5.7 months (P = 0.0001). Patients (n = 32) with low alphav integrin expression levels had shorter DFS (median 12.3 months; P = 0.0146) than patients (n = 20) with median expression levels (median 16.7 months; P = 0.0146). However, three patients who had a very strong alphav expression in their tumours had a median DFS of only 1.8 months (P = 0.0146). Median level expression of beta1 integrin was associated with the presence of Bcl-2 in tumour cells (P = 0.0033). Our results suggest that beta1 and alphav integrin chains are independently expressed in metastatic melanoma and may have an effect on the metastatic potential of melanoma cells.

Adult↗

Prinomastat, a hydroxamate inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases, has a complex effect on migration of breast carcinoma cells.

Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and alphavbeta3 integrin have been directly implicated in tumor cell dissemination and metastasis. We have demonstrated that in the case of breast carcinoma MCF7 cells co-expressing MT1-MMP and alphavbeta3 integrin, the proteinase processes the pro-alphav integrin subunit, thus facilitating alphavbeta3 integrin maturation and cell migration on vitronectin. Our findings show that cell surface MT1-MMP is a short-lived protein with a life span in the range of several hours. In contrast, turnover of alphavbeta3 integrin is much slower. The half-life of alphavbeta3 heterodimer is about 24 hr. This large difference in life span allowed us to distinguish between the effects of MT1-MMP on cell migration brought by matrix proteolysis from those imposed through alphavbeta3 integrin maturation. We then modulated the enzyme's activity by a potent hydroxamate MMP inhibitor, Prinomastat (AG3340), to analyze the divergent effects of MT1-MMP on cell migration. Although Prinomastat immediately blocked MT1-MMP-mediated matrix degradation, the pool of MT1-MMP-modified alphavbeta3 integrin molecules was still capable of mediating cell-matrix interactions. To our considerable surprise, inhibition of MT1-MMP-dependent vitronectin proteolysis by Prinomastat allowed a several-fold increase in migration of MCF7 cells co-expressing MT1-MMP and alphavbeta3 integrin. In contrast, long-term Prinomastat inhibition of MT1-MMP-dependent pro-alphav cleavage and thus alphavbeta3 integrin maturation strongly inhibited cell motility. Our studies suggest that MT1-MMP could actually promote cell migration via modification of the cell surface receptors, including alphavbeta3 integrin, rather than facilitate cell migration through direct cleavage of the matrix proteins.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (eN, CD73) is coexpressed with metastasis promoting antigens in human melanoma cells.

Upregulated expression of eN has been found in the highly invasive human melanoma cell lines but neither in melanocytes nor in primary tumor cells. Membrane proteins associated with cell adhesion and metastasis: alpha5-, beta1-, beta3-integrins, and CD44 were elevated gradually in accordance with increasing metastatic potential. alphav-integrin was seen mostly in aggressive melanomas. The expression of eN correlated with a number of metastasis-related markers and thus may have a function in the process. eN activity went parallel with its amount in all cells. Concanavalin A strongly inhibited the enzyme in a noncompetitive way. Clustering of eN protein in overexpressing cells by ConA-treatment increased the enzyme association with the heavy cytoskeletal complexes. A similar shift towards cytoskeletal fractions took also place with other membrane proteins coexpressed with eN. This ConA-induced association may reflect a putative interaction of eN with physiological ligand, that upon interaction, aggregates protein components of lipid rafts and triggers signaling pathway that may be intrinsically involved in cell-stroma adhesion.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

Distribution of alphavbeta3, alphavbeta5 integrins and the integrin associated protein--IAP (CD47) in human glomerular diseases.

The alphav integrins present on the membrane of numerous cells, mediate attachment to matrix proteins, cell proliferation, migration and survival. We studied the expression of alphav integrinis and CD47 (a beta3 chain integrin associated protein) in various forms of glomerulonephritis (GN) characterized by mesangial proliferation and/or increased mesangial matrix. In normal glomeruli, epithelial cells expressed alphavbeta3, alphavbeta5 and CD47; endothelial cells expressed alpha5beta1 and CD47; mesangial cells expressed alphavbeta5, CD47, and to a less extent alphavbeta3. In acute post infectious GN (APIGN), membrano-proliferative GN (MPGN) and diabetic nephropathy(DN), we observed that the beta3 chain, normally expressed by mesangial cells, was not detectable in the mesangium while its expression by epithelial cells was not modified. Parallel to the disappearance of alphavbeta3, the CD47 expression was decreased on the mesangial cells in MPGN, APIGN and DN. The expression of alphavbeta5 was clearly increased on podocytes and on proliferating mesangial cells in APIGN. By contrast, the mesangial expression of alphavbeta was normal or decreased in DN. The alpha5 chain of integrin, absent on normal mesangial cell, was expressed on proliferating mesangial cells in MPGN and APIGN. Thus, we observed modifications of alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 expression during human GN. The modulations of alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 expression differed according to the different glomerular cell types and were not parallel in glomerular cells: alphavbeta3 was decreased (and alphavbeta5 unchanged) on proliferating mesangial cells and alphavbeta5 was increased (and alphavbeta3 unchanged) in podocytes. This may reflect the existence of two distinct regulatory pathways.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Characterization of integrin expression in islets isolated from hamster, canine, porcine, and human pancreas.

The reasons for the failure of clinical islet transplantation remain obscure. Islet isolation, however, exposes the islet to variety of cellular stresses, including disruption of the cell-matrix relationship, an event associated with apoptosis. The cell-matrix relationship is characterized by an interaction between cell surface integrin receptors and matrix molecules of the surrounding basement membrane (BM). The purpose of this study was to characterize integrin expression and the distribution of the peri-insular BM in human, porcine, canine, and hamster pancreas, and after routine islet isolation. Whereas islets in the porcine pancreas do not have a demonstrable BM, islets in the human, canine, and hamster pancreas have an almost continuous BM with very little direct exocrine to endocrine cell-cell contact. After islet isolation, the BM was destroyed, only to be reestablished during the period of culture. In the pancreas of all four species, integrin alpha3 was expressed only on islet cells, and integrin alpha5 was present on islet cells as well as on acinar, centroacinar, and duct cells. Integrin alphaV was detected only in human and canine pancreas. Integrin beta1 was demonstrated only in the human pancreas. In isolated islets, integrin alpha3, alpha5, and alphaV expression decreased during the culture period and the intensity of the staining was observed to be coincident with the distribution of the BM. In summary, this is the first report of integrin expression in hamster, canine, porcine, and human islets. After islet isolation, the altered islet cell-matrix relationship is reflected both in the decrease in integrin expression and in the destruction of the peri-insular BM. These profound changes will need to be considered as the process of islet isolation for transplantation is refined. (J Histochem Cytochem 47:499-506, 1999)

Adult↗

MicroPET and autoradiographic imaging of breast cancer alpha v-integrin expression using 18F- and 64Cu-labeled RGD peptide.

Cell adhesion molecules alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 play a pivotal role in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Antiangiogenic therapy by using small peptide antagonists of alphav-integrins slows tumor growth and prevents tumor spread. The ability to visualize and quantify integrin expression will enable selection of appropriate patients for clinical trials, following determination of treatment efficacy and development of new potent drugs. We have previously labeled cyclic RGD peptide c(RGDyK) with 125I and 18F and applied the radiotracers to both subcutaneous and orthotopic brain tumor models. Here we conjugated c(RGDyK) with 1,4,7,10-tetraaza-1,4,7,10-tetradodecane-N,N',N' ',N' "-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and labeled the DOTA-RGD conjugate with 64Cu (t1/2) = 12.8 h, 19% beta+) in high radiochemical purity and specific activity. The tumor targeting ability and in vivo kinetics of 64Cu-DOTA-RGD was compared with [18F]FB-RGD and 125I-RGD in orthotopic MDA-MB-435 breast cancer model. All three radiotracers revealed fast blood clearance and high tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratios. 125I-RGD had higher tumor uptake than the corresponding 18F and 64Cu analogues. [18F]FB-RGD indicated a fast tumor washout rate and an unfavorable hepatobiliary excretion pathway, resulting in significant activity accumulation in gallbladder and intestines. 64Cu-DOTA-RGD had prolonged tumor retention (1.44 +/- 0.09 %ID/g at 4 h postinjection) and persistent uptake in the liver. All three tracers revealed receptor specific tumor accumulation which were illustrated by effective blocking via coinjection with a blocking dose of c(RGDyK). Static microPET imaging and whole-body autoradiography showed strong contrast from the contralateral background. In conclusion, overall molecular charge and characteristics of radiolabels have profound effects on tumor accumulation and in vivo kinetics of radiolabeled RGD peptide. Further modification of the RGD peptide and optimization of the tracer for prolonged tumor uptake and improved in vivo kinetics are being explored.

Animals↗

The alphavbeta5 integrin of hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells is a transduction receptor of RGD-4C fiber-modified adenoviruses.

Epithelial and endothelial cells expressing the primary Coxsackie virus B adenovirus (Ad) receptor (CAR) and integrin coreceptors are natural targets of human Ad infections. The fiber knob of species A, C, D, E and F Ad serotypes binds CAR by mimicking the CAR-homodimer interface, and the penton base containing arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) motifs binds with low affinity to alphav integrins inducing cell activation. Here, we generated seven different genetically modified Ad vectors with RGD sequences inserted into the HI loop of fiber knob. All mutants bound and infected CAR and alphav integrin-positive epithelial cells with equal efficiencies. However, the Ads containing two additional cysteines, both N and C terminals of the RGD sequence (RGD-4C), were uniquely capable of transducing CAR-less hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic human tumor cell lines and primary melanoma cells. Both binding and transduction of RGD-4C Ad were blocked by soluble RGD peptides. Flow cytometry of cell surface integrins and virus binding to CAR-less cells in the presence of function-blocking anti-integrin antibodies indicated that the alphavbeta5 integrin, but not alphavbeta3, alphaIIbbeta3 or beta1,alpha5 or alpha6-containing integrins served as a functional transduction receptor of the RGD-4C Ads. However, in cells with low levels of alphavbeta5 integrin, the function-blocking anti-alphavbeta5 antibodies were not effective, unlike soluble RGD peptides. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the alphavbeta5 integrin is a functional transduction receptor of RGD-4C Ads in the absence of CAR, and that additional RGD receptors are targets of these viruses. The RGD-4C vectors further extend the tropism of Ads towards potential human therapies.

Adenoviridae↗

Peptides based on alphaV-binding domains of erythrocyte ICAM-4 inhibit sickle red cell-endothelial interactions and vaso-occlusion in the microcirculation.

Growing evidence shows that adhesion molecules on sickle erythrocytes interact with vascular endothelium leading to vaso-occlusion. Erythrocyte intercellular adhesion molecule-4 (ICAM-4) binds alphaV-integrins, including alphaVbeta3 on endothelial cells. To explore the contribution of ICAM-4 to vascular pathology of sickle cell disease, we tested the effects of synthetic peptides, V(16)PFWVRMS (FWV) and T(91)RWATSRI (ATSR), based on alphaV-binding domains of ICAM-4 and capable of inhibiting ICAM-4 and alphaV-binding in vitro. For these studies, we utilized an established ex vivo microvascular model system that enables intravital microscopy and quantitation of adhesion under shear flow. In this model, the use of platelet-activating factor, which causes endothelial oxidant generation and endothelial activation, mimicked physiological states known to occur in sickle cell disease. Infusion of sickle erythrocytes into platelet-activating factor-treated ex vivo rat mesocecum vasculature produced pronounced adhesion of erythrocytes; small-diameter venules were sites of maximal adhesion and frequent blockage. Both FWV and ATSR peptides markedly decreased adhesion, and no vessel blockage was observed with either of the peptides, resulting in improved hemodynamics. ATSR also inhibited adhesion in unactivated microvasculature. Although infused fluoresceinated ATSR colocalized with vascular endothelium, pretreatment with function-blocking antibody to alphaVbeta3-integrin markedly inhibited this interaction. Our data strengthen the thesis that ICAM-4 on sickle erythrocytes binds endothelium via alphaVbeta3 and that this interaction contributes to vaso-occlusion. Thus peptides or small molecule mimetics of ICAM-4 may have therapeutic potential.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

Mouse myoblasts can fuse and form a normal sarcomere in the absence of beta1 integrin expression.

Antibody perturbation experiments suggested that migration, terminal differentiation and fusion of myoblasts are dependent on beta1 integrin expression. In addition, several studies have postulated that beta1 integrins have a role in the formation of sarcomeres. In the present report we have analysed skeletal myogenesis in wild-type/beta1-null chimeric mice and beta1-null embryoid bodies. Trunk and limbs of beta1-null chimeric mice contained muscle tissue composed of normal and beta1-null myoblasts indicating that all myotomic sublineages can form, migrate to their peripheral targets and fuse in the absence of beta1 integrin expression. Pure populations of beta1-null myoblasts and satellite cells isolated from beta1-null chimeric embryos and chimeric newborn mice, respectively, were able to differentiate in vitro and to fuse into multinucleated myotubes. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons between normal and beta1-null myoblasts revealed no apparent difference in their capacity to terminally differentiate and fuse. Furthermore, beta1-null myotubes developed sarcomeres which were indistinguishable from wild-type controls. When normal and beta1-null ES cells were differentiated into embryoid bodies, they contained fully differentiated myotubes with normal sarcomeres and normal deposition of costameric components. However, formation of beta1-null myotubes was delayed and was less efficient in beta1-null embryoid bodies than in wild-type controls. High expression of alphav integrin subunit at the tips of normal as well as beta1-null myotubes indicated that the lack of beta1 integrins did not result in a significant redistribution of alphav-containing receptors.

Animals↗

The type I collagen induction of MT1-MMP-mediated MMP-2 activation is repressed by alphaVbeta3 integrin in human breast cancer cells.

The influence of alphaVbeta3 integrin on MT1-MMP functionality was studied in human breast cancer cells of differing beta3 integrin status. Overexpression of beta3 integrin caused increased cell surface expression of alphaV integrin and increased cellular adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) substrates in BT-549, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. beta3 integrin expression also enhanced the migration of breast cancer cells on ECM substrates and enhanced collagen gel contraction. In vivo, alphaVbeta3 cooperated with MT1-MMP to increase the growth of MCF-7 cells after orthotopic inoculation in immunocompromised mice, but had no influence on in vitro proliferation. Despite these stimulatory effects, overexpression of beta3 integrin suppressed the type I collagen (Col I) induced MMP-2 activation in all breast cancer cell lines analyzed. This was also evident in extracts from the MCF-7 tumors in vivo, where MMP-2 activation was stimulated by MT1-MMP transfection, but attenuated with beta3 integrin expression. Although our studies confirm important biological effects of alphaVbeta3 integrin on enhancing cell adhesion and migration, ECM remodeling and tumor growth, beta3 integrin caused reduced MMP-2 activation in response to Col I in vitro, which appears to be physiologically relevant, as it was also seen in tumor xenografts in vivo. The reduction of MMP-2 activation (and thus MT1-MMP activity) by alphaVbeta3 in response to Col I may be important in scenarios where cells which are activated for matrix degradation need to preserve some pericellular collagen, perhaps as a substrate for cell adhesion and migration, thus maintaining a balanced level of proteolysis required for efficient tumor growth.

Animals↗

Novel RGD lipopeptides for the targeting of liposomes to integrin-expressing endothelial and melanoma cells.

RGD peptides targeting alphav-integrins are promising ligands for the generation of vascular targeting agents. We isolated from phage display RGD motif libraries novel high-affinity cyclic RGD peptides by selection on either endothelial or melanoma cells. Although the starting sequences contained only two cysteine residues flanking the RGD motif, several of the isolated peptides possessed four cysteine residues. A high-affinity peptide (RGD10) constrained by only one disulfide bond was used to generate novel lipopeptides composed of a lipid anchor, a short flexible spacer and the peptide ligand conjugated to the spacer end. Incorporation of RGD10 lipopeptides into liposomes resulted in specific and efficient binding of the liposomes to integrin-expressing cells. In vivo experiments applying doxorubicin-loaded RGD10 liposomes in a C26 colon carcinoma mouse model demonstrated improved efficacy compared with free doxorubicin and untargeted liposomes.

Animals↗

Micro-PET imaging of alphavbeta3-integrin expression with 18F-labeled dimeric RGD peptide.

The alphav integrins, which act as cell adhesion molecules, are closely involved with tumor invasion and angiogenesis. In particular, alphavbeta3 integrin, which is specifically expressed on proliferating endothelial cells and tumor cells, is a logical target for development of a radiotracer method to assess angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapy. In this study, a dimeric cyclic RGD peptide E[c(RGDyK)]2 was labeled with 18F (t(1/2) = 109.7 min) by using a prosthetic 4-[18F]fluorobenzoyl moiety to the amino group of the glutamate. The resulting [18F]FB-E[c(RGDyK)]2, with high specific activity (200-250 GBq/micromol at the end of synthesis), was administered to subcutaneous U87MG glioblastoma xenograft models for micro-PET and autoradiographic imaging as well as direct tissue sampling to assess tumor targeting efficacy and in vivo kinetics of this PET tracer. The dimeric RGD peptide demonstrated significantly higher tumor uptake and prolonged tumor retention in comparison with a monomeric RGD peptide analog [18F]FB-c(RGDyK). The dimeric RGD peptide had predominant renal excretion, whereas the monomeric analog was excreted primarily through the biliary route. Micro-PET imaging 1 hr after injection of the dimeric RGD peptide exhibited tumor to contralateral background ratio of 9.5 +/- 0.8. The synergistic effect of polyvalency and improved pharmacokinetics may be responsible for the superior imaging characteristics of [18F]FB-E[c(RGDyK)]2.

Animals↗

Peripheral nerve regeneration in RGD peptide incorporated collagen tubes.

This paper describes the regeneration of lesioned sciatic nerve with collagen tubes incorporated with RGD cell-adhesive peptide. Collagen implants of 14 mm were grafted to bridge a gap length of 10 mm nerve defect in a rat model. The regenerated tissues were analyzed histomorphologically. The number of myelinated axons in the regenerated mid-graft of the RGD peptide incorporated groups was statistically significant (p<0.05) than control collagen tube and autograft control after 30 days postoperatively. After 90 days of implantation, the mean counts were still statistically significant in the case of RGD peptide group than control collagen and autograft groups. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated the staining of S100 proteins in the peripherally located cells indicating the proliferation of Schwann cells in the early days of regeneration. The staining pattern of integrin-alphaV was observed mostly in the perineurial regions in close proximity to the RGD peptide incorporated collagen tubes. Other studies like sciatic functional index, conduction velocity at 90 days postoperatively suggest complete regeneration of lesioned nerves with RGD incorporated collagen implants.

Animals↗

Cancer treatment by targeted drug delivery to tumor vasculature in a mouse model.

In vivo selection of phage display libraries was used to isolate peptides that home specifically to tumor blood vessels. When coupled to the anticancer drug doxorubicin, two of these peptides-one containing an alphav integrin-binding Arg-Gly-Asp motif and the other an Asn-Gly-Arg motif-enhanced the efficacy of the drug against human breast cancer xenografts in nude mice and also reduced its toxicity. These results indicate that it may be possible to develop targeted chemotherapy strategies that are based on selective expression of receptors in tumor vasculature.

Animals↗

Characterization of the integrin receptor subunit profile in the mammalian sclera.

PURPOSE: During the increased eye growth that results in myopia, the sclera undergoes biochemical and biomechanical remodeling. The cell surface integrin receptor family has important roles during tissue remodeling, regulating the extracellular matrix environment and cellular biomechanical properties. As integrin receptors may have a role in remodeling during myopia, this study detailed subunit gene expression in the mammalian sclera. METHODS: Several tissues, including sclera, were isolated from the tree shrew, a mammalian model used in eye growth studies. Total RNA was purified, reverse transcribed and primers for the alpha- and beta-integrin subunits were designed to the published human sequence in areas of high inter-species homology. PCR was used to amplify products of predetermined size and all tree shrew integrin subunits were sequenced to confirm their identity. Multiple PCR conditions were used to identify the scleral integrin subunits, and positive control tissues were included to reduce the possibility of false negative results. RESULTS: Integrin PCR products corresponding to the beta1-, beta4-, beta5-, and beta8-integrin subunits and the alpha-integrin subunits, alpha1-6-, alpha9-11- and alphav-integrin were identified in the sclera and in scleral fibroblast cultures. The respective sequences showed a high identity (>81%) to their human counterparts. The beta2-, beta3-, beta6-, beta7-, alpha7-, and alpha8-integrin subunits were not detected in tree shrew scleral samples, despite being present in the respective positive controls. Association of the 4 beta-integrin subunits with the 10 alpha-integrin subunits suggests that the mammalian sclera is capable of expressing 13 of the 24 identified integrin receptors. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first systematic description of the integrin subunit expression profile in the sclera. Due to the multiple roles of integrin receptors during tissue remodeling, the identification of these scleral integrins is an important preliminary step in determining the role of these receptors during normal eye growth and myopia development.

Animals↗

Induction of integrin-associated protein (IAP) mRNA expression during memory consolidation in rat hippocampus.

We have previously demonstrated that hippocampal integrin-associated protein (IAP) gene expression is associated with memory formation in a one-way inhibitory avoidance learning in rats. In the present study, we further investigated the role and mechanism of IAP involved in memory consolidation in rats. Because of the minute amount of IAP present in the brain, we have adopted the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Our results revealed that hippocampal IAP mRNA expression is approximately fourfold higher in rats showing good memory retention (GM, retention score of 600 s) at 3 h, but not at other time points, after training when compared with the poor memory rats (retention score < 80 s). On the other hand, integrin alphav mRNA level was markedly increased ( approximately twofold), while integrin beta3 mRNA level was decreased ( approximately 50%) at 1 h post-training. Further, separate sets of RT-PCR analysis revealed that IAP5 and IAP6 mRNA expressions, but not that of IAP7, were markedly increased in GM rats 3 h post-training. Moreover, regional distribution studies revealed that different isoforms of the IAP gene are similarly distributed in different brain areas, while IAP7 has been the predominant form present in astrocyte cells. These results together suggest that IAP mRNA expression is indeed induced upon training, rather than that the GM rats have constitutively higher levels of IAP. The unparallel change of IAP and integrin mRNA expressions as far as time-course is concerned suggests that they are possibly involved in different forms and stages of memory processing. Further, IAP5 and IAP6 are more closely associated with memory consolidation, while IAP7 may constitute the major isotype for signal transduction in astrocyte cells.

Alternative Splicing↗

Aberrant expression of integrin and erbB subunits in breast cancer cell lines.

Integrin and growth factor receptors play an important role in cell functions and their aberrant expressions are implicated in breast cancer malignancy. Recent studies have shown that integrins physically and functionally associate with growth factor receptors suggesting the cooperative regulation of these two signals. We studied the expression of integrin and erbB subunits by flow cytometer in human normal mammary epithelial (HME) cell, non-metastatic (MCF-7, ZR-75-1, MDA-MB453) and metastatic tumor cell lines (MDA-MB231, MDA-MB435). Compared with HME cells, all of non-metastatic and metastatic cell lines showed decreased expressions of alpha2 and beta4 integrin subunits. Two metastatic cell lines, but not three non-metastatic tumor cell lines, expressed alpha5 and alpha6 comparable to HME cells. There was no correlation of erbB2 expression with integrin expressions. We isolated MDA-MB435 subpopulations expressing lower amount of alpha6 integrin and found that alpha5, but not alpha2 and alphav integrins, was concomitantly decreased while erbB family was not affected. Then we transfected erbB2 gene into MDA-MB435 and found the induction of erbB3 expression but not erbB1 and erbB4. However, erbB2 transfection had no effect on the expression of alpha6 and beta4 integrin subunits. These data suggest that the expression of alpha5 and alpha6 integrins may contribute to metastasis, and that the regulation of erbB2 and alpha6 integrin expressions is independent in breast cancer cells.

Breast Neoplasms↗

[The relationship between cellular infection by Hantaan virus and expression of beta3 integrin].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between cellular entry of Hantaan virus (HTNV) and expression of beta3 integrin in beta3-integrin-deficient and HTNV-insusceptible China hamster ovary (CHO) cells. METHODS: Eukaryotic expression vector encoding human integrin beta3 and eukaryotic expression vector harboring human integrin alphav or alphaIIb subunit cDNA were transfected into HTNV non-permissive CHO cells individually or collectively. Screening for stable transfectant clones was performed using G418 selective (culture medium. The exogenous gene expression was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and flow cytometry (FCM). Various modified CHO cells and untransfected CHO cells were infected using HTNV A9. At various time points after infection, HTNV antigens in infected cells were detected qualitatively and quantitatively by IFA, FCM. RESULTS: Highly-effective surface expression of beta3 integrin was measured in CHO/alphavbeta3 and CHO/alphaIIbbeta3, while weaker surface expression was detected in CHO/beta3 (P < 0.05). Expression of alphav or alphaIIb integrin in the individually transfected group was significantly lower than in the cotransfected group (P < 0.01) and the sites of localization changed. In contrast, effective surface expression was not seen when pcDNA3 was transfected alone. The infection rate of CHO/alphavbeta3 (60.1%) and CHO/alphaIIbbeta3 (55. 9%) cells were significantly higher than that of CHO/beta3 (38.7%) cells, while the infection rate of CHO/beta3 was significantly higher than that of CHO/alphav, CHO/pcDNA3 and CHO cells respectively. There was a close relationship between the positive percentage of HTNV A9-infected cells and expression of beta3 integrin. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that cellular entry of HTNV was related to the expression of beta3 integrin.

Animals↗