Histone H2B as a functionally important plasminogen receptor on macrophages

Plasminogen (Plg) facilitates inflammatory cell recruitment, a function that depends upon its binding to Plg receptors (Plg-Rs). However, the Plg-Rs that are critical for cell migration are not well defined. Three previously characterized Plg-Rs (alpha-enolase, annexin 2, and p11) and a recently identified Plg-R (histone H2B [H2B]) were assessed for their contribution to Plg binding and function on macrophages. Two murine macrophage cell lines (RAW 264.7 and J774A.1) and mouse peritoneal macrophages induced by thioglycollate were analyzed. All 4 Plg-Rs were present on the surface of these cells and showed enhanced expression on the thioglycollate-induced macrophages compared with peripheral blood monocytes. Using blocking Fab fragments to each Plg-R, H2B supported approximately 50% of the Plg binding capacity, whereas the other Plg-Rs contributed less than 25%. Anti-H2B Fab also demonstrated a major role of this Plg-R in plasmin generation and matrix invasion. When mice were treated intravenously with anti-H2B Fab, peritoneal macrophage recruitment in response to thioglycollate was reduced by approximately 45% at 24, 48, and 72 hours, with no effect on blood monocyte levels. Taken together, these data suggest that multiple Plg-Rs do contribute to Plg binding to macrophages, and among these, H2B plays a very prominent and functionally important role.     

Plasminogen-mediated matrix invasion and degradation by macrophages is dependent on surface expression of annexin II

Genetic evidence demonstrates the importance of plasminogen activation in the migration of macrophages to sites of injury and inflammation, their removal of necrotic debris, and their clearance of fibrin. These studies identified the plasminogen binding protein annexin II on the surface of macrophages and determined its role in their ability to degrade and migrate through extracellular matrices. Calcium-dependent binding of annexin II to RAW264.7 macrophages was shown using flow cytometry and Western blot analysis of EGTA eluates. Ligand blots demonstrated that annexin II comigrates with one of several proteins in lysates and membranes derived from RAW264.7 macrophages that bind plasminogen. Preincubation of RAW264.7 macrophages with monoclonal anti-annexin II IgG inhibited (35%) their binding of 125I-Lys-plasminogen. Likewise, plasmin binding to human monocyte-derived macrophages and THP-1 monocytes was inhibited (50% and 35%, respectively) when cells were preincubated with anti-annexin II IgG. Inhibition of plasminogen binding to annexin II on RAW264.7 macrophages significantly impaired their ability to activate plasminogen and degrade [3H]-glucosamine-labeled extracellular matrices. The migration of THP-1 monocytes through a porous membrane, in response to monocyte chemotactic protein-1, was blocked when the membranes were coated with extracellular matrix. The addition of plasminogen to the monocytes restored their ability to migrate through the matrix-coated membrane. Preincubation of THP-1 monocytes with anti-annexin II IgG inhibited (60%) their plasminogen-dependent chemotaxis through the extracellular matrix. These studies identify annexin II as a plasminogen binding site on macrophages and indicate an important role for annexin II in their invasive and degradative phenotype.     

Cocoa procyanidins inhibit expression and activation of MMP-2 in vascular smooth muscle cells by direct inhibition of MEK and MT1-MMP activities

AIMS: Expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 play pivotal roles in the migration and invasion of human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) originating from normal human tissue, which is strongly linked to atherosclerosis. The present study investigated the possible inhibitory effects of cocoa procyanidin on thrombin-induced expression and activation of MMP-2 in VSMC. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cocoa procyanidin fraction (CPF) and procyanidin B2, one of major procyanidins in cocoa (3 microg/mL and 5 microM, respectively), strongly inhibited thrombin-induced activation and expression of pro-MMP-2 in VSMC, as determined by zymography. The thrombin-induced invasion and migration of VSMC were inhibited by CPF or procyanidin B2 (P < 0.05), as assessed by a modified Boyden chamber and wound healing assays, respectively. An enzymatic assay data demonstrated that CPF and procyanidin B2 directly inhibited membrane type-1 (MT1)-MMP activity (P < 0.05), and this inhibition of CPF was greater than those of red wine polyphenols. Western blot data showed that CPF and procyanidin B2 inhibited thrombin-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase but not mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) in VSMC. Kinase and pull-down data revealed that CPF and procyanidin B2 inhibited MEK1 activity and directly bound with glutathione-S-transferase-MEK1. In addition, the thrombin-induced invasion and migration and the activation and expression of pro-MMP-2 in VSMC were attenuated by U0126 (a well-known inhibitor of MEK1). CONCLUSION: Cocoa procyanidins are potent inhibitors of MEK and MT1-MMP, and subsequently inhibit the expression and activation of pro-MMP-2, and also the invasion and migration of VSMC, which may in part explain the molecular action of antiatherosclerotic effects of cocoa.     

Membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase is involved in migration of human monocytes and is regulated through their interaction with fibronectin or endothelium

Membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is involved in endothelial and tumor-cell migration, but its putative role in leukocyte migration has not been characterized yet. Here, we demonstrate that anti-MT1-MMP monoclonal antibody (mAb) impaired monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)-stimulated monocyte migration on fibronectin (FN), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). In addition, monocyte transmigration through tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-activated endothelium is also inhibited by anti-MT1-MMP mAb. Therefore, regulation of MT1-MMP in human peripheral blood monocytes was investigated. First, MT1-MMP clustering was observed at motility-associated membrane protrusions of MCP-1-stimulated monocytes migrating on FN, VCAM-1, or ICAM-1 and at the leading edge, together with profilin, of monocytes transmigrating through activated endothelial cells. In addition, up-regulation of MT1-MMP expression was induced in human monocytes upon attachment to FN in a manner dependent on alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins. Binding of monocytes to TNF-alpha-activated human endothelial cells as well as to VCAM-1 or ICAM-1 also resulted in an increase of MT1-MMP expression. These findings correlated with an enhancement of MT1-MMP fibrinolytic activity in monocytes bound to FN, VCAM-1, or ICAM-1. Our data show that MT1-MMP is required during human monocyte migration and endothelial transmigration and that MT1-MMP localization, expression, and activity are regulated in monocytes upon contact with FN or endothelial ligands, pointing to a key role of MT1-MMP in monocyte recruitment during inflammation.     

C-C亚族趋化因子与糖尿病肾病

C—C亚族趋化因子大部分由激活的T细胞和单核细胞产生,主要包括单核细胞趋化蛋白（MCP）-1和正常T细胞活化后表达和分泌的调节蛋白（RANTES）。MCP-1和RANTES是单核／巨噬细胞的特异性趋化因子,在糖尿病肾病（DN）肾组织中表达增加。高水平的C—C趋化因子通过与其受体结合介导单核／巨噬细胞在肾组织的募集和分化,导致肾小球系膜细胞增生,细胞外基质积聚及肾小管纤维化。阻止C—C趋化因子表达将有可能为治疗DN开辟一条新的途径。     

Monoclonal antibodies against receptor-induced binding sites detect cell-bound plasminogen in blood

Binding of Glu-plasminogen (the native, circulating form of the zymogen) to cells results in enhancement of its activation. Cell-associated plasmin proteolytic activity is a key component of physiologic and pathologic processes requiring extracellular matrix degradation. Recently, we developed antiplasminogen mAbs that recognize receptor-induced binding sites (RIBS) in Glu-plasminogen and, therefore, preferentially react with cell-associated Glu-plasminogen in the presence of soluble Glu-plasminogen. Here we have used FACS with a representative antiplasminogen receptor-induced binding site mAb, mAb49, to examine whether plasminogen associates with peripheral blood cells in blood. Plasminogen binding to neutrophils, monocytes, B-lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes, and platelets was clearly detected. Treatment of whole blood with lipopolysaccharide or 12-0 tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate up-regulated plasminogen binding to neutrophils and in vivo treatment with all-trans retinoic acid decreased plasminogen binding to acute promyelocytic leukemia blasts. Our results demonstrate that mAb49 can be used to monitor cell-bound plasminogen in blood under both normal and pathologic conditions.     

Migration of human monocytes in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is mediated via the VEGF receptor flt-1

Treatment of human monocytes with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isolated from tumor cell supernatants was reported to induce monocyte activation and migration. In this study we show that recombinant human VEGF165, and VEGF121 had a maximal effect on human monocyte migration at 65 to 250 pmol/L. Chemotactic activity of VEGF165 was inhibited by a specific antiserum against VEGF, by heat treatment of VEGF165, and by protein kinase inhibitors. In addition, we could show that VEGF-stimulated monocyte migration is mediated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein. Placenta growth factor (PlGF152), a heparin-binding growth factor related to VEGF, was also chemotactic for monocytes at concentrations between 2.5 and 25 pmol/L. In accordance with these findings, human monocytes showed specific and saturable binding for 125I-VEGF165 (half-maximal binding at 1 to 1.5 nmol/L). Using Northern blot analysis, we further could show that human monocytes express only the gene for the VEGF receptor type, flt-1, but not for the second known VEGF receptor, KDR. Resting monocytes expressed low levels of flt-1 gene only. Brief exposure (2 to 4 hours) of human monocytes to lipopolysaccharide, a prototypic monocyte activator, led to a significant upregulation of the flt-1 mRNA level. The results presented here suggest that monocyte chemotaxis in response to VEGF and most likely to PlGF152 is mediated by flt-1 and thus show a possible function for the VEGF-receptor flt-1.     

Mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan affects human polymorphonuclear and mononuclear phagocyte functions differently

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The role of mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan (LAM) in regulating the granulomatous response and its effects on cells involved in early responses to tuberculosis have not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to acquire further evidence about the mechanisms by which LAM takes part in the host response to mycobacterial infections. DESIGN AND METHODS: We compared the in vitro ability of mannosylated LAM (ManLAM) and LAM lacking the terminal mannosyl units (AraLAM) to induce distinct responses in human polymorphonuclear (PMNs) and mononuclear phagocytes [both monocytes and 48-hr monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs)]. The responses examined were chemotaxis, transient changes in free cytosolic calcium, phagocytosis and metabolic activation. RESULTS: AraLAM and ManLAM affected mononuclear, but not polymorphonuclear, phagocyte functions. Both forms of LAM were chemotactic for monocytes and MDMs. The LAM-induced chemotactic response required new protein synthesis, did not induce a rise in cytosolic free calcium levels and was partially inhibited (about 50%) by genistein, but not by calphostin C or PD 98059. Lastly, at physiologic doses ManLAM significantly reduced phagocytosis of M. tuberculosis and zymosan particles by MDMs. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Different phagocytic cells can exhibit variable responses to AraLAM and ManLAM. Moreover, LAMs affect cell functions through different mechanisms. Protein synthesis and activation of protein tyrosine kinases are important intermediates in the signal transduction pathway of the chemotactic response of mononuclear phagocytes to AraLAM and ManLAM; whereas ManLAM-induced inhibition of macrophage phagocytic ability could depend on the binding of macrophage mannose receptors and/or the insertion of this molecule into cellular plasma membrane. Together these data highlight the danger of making generalizations regarding the activity of LAMs on immune defenses.     

Human arterial wall cells secrete factors that are chemotactic for monocytes.

Macrophages and arterial smooth muscle cells comprise the cellular components of the atherosclerotic plaque. The vessel wall accumulation of macrophages occurs by a process of increased circulating monocyte migration into the vessel wall. In these studies it is demonstrated that human macrophages and arterial smooth muscle cells in culture secrete potent chemotactic factors for freshly isolated human monocytes. In contrast, human fibroblast-conditioned medium has no chemotactic activity. The effect of macrophage-conditioned medium is a function of macrophage differentiation and can be potentiated by macrophage activation. These results suggest that secretory products of human macrophages and arterial smooth muscle cells may be important stimuli for increased monocyte migration into the vessel wall in vivo.     

Monoclonal antibodies detect receptor-induced binding sites in Glu-plasminogen

When Glu-plasminogen binds to cells, its activation to plasmin is markedly enhanced compared with the reaction in solution, suggesting that Glu-plasminogen on cell surfaces adopts a conformation distinct from that in solution. However, direct evidence for such conformational changes has not been obtained. Therefore, we developed anti-plasminogen mAbs to test the hypothesis that Glu-plasminogen undergoes conformational changes on its interaction with cells. Six anti-plasminogen mAbs (recognizing 3 distinct epitopes) that preferentially recognized receptor-induced binding sites (RIBS) in Glu-plasminogen were obtained. The mAbs also preferentially recognized Glu-plasminogen bound to the C-terminal peptide of the plasminogen receptor, Plg-R(KT), and to fibrin, plasmin-treated fibrinogen, and Matrigel. We used trypsin proteolysis, immunoaffinity chromatography, and tandem mass spectrometry and identified Glu-plasminogen sequences containing epitopes recognized by the anti-plasminogen-RIBS mAbs: a linear epitope within a domain linking kringles 1 and 2; a nonlinear epitope contained within the kringle 5 domain and the latent protease domain; and a nonlinear epitope contained within the N-terminal peptide of Glu-plasminogen and the latent protease domain. Our results identify neoepitopes latent in soluble Glu-plasminogen that become available when Glu-plasminogen binds to cells and demonstrate that binding of Glu-plasminogen to cells induces a conformational change in Glu-plasminogen distinct from that of Lys-Pg.     

Chemotactic activity of recombinant human granulocyte colony- stimulating factor

Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) induced migration across polycarbonate filters of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). rhG-CSF was active in inducing PMN migration at concentrations greater than or equal to 10 to 100 U/mL (7 to 70 ng/mL). rhG-CSF did not contain appreciable levels of endotoxin contamination as assessed by Limulus amebocyte assay, and Polymixin B did not affect the chemotactic activity of rhG-CSF. A monoclonal anti-G- CSF antibody blocked the induction of migration by G-CSF, thus establishing that the cytokine was responsible for the activity of the recombinant preparation. Checkerboard analysis was performed by seeding different concentrations of G-CSF above and/or below the filter and revealed that the migratory response to this cytokine was best observed in the presence of a positive concentration gradient between the lower and upper compartments of the chamber, thus indicating an actual chemotactic effect. When different migrating cells were examined, rhG- CSF was inactive on large granular lymphocytes and endothelial cells under conditions in which appropriate reference attractants were active. In contrast, rhG-CSF elicited a chemotactic response in monocytes inhibited by specific antibody. Thus, G-CSF is a chemotactic signal for phagocytes. This cytokine, when produced at inflammatory sites, may contribute to the recruitment of phagocytes from the blood compartment to amplify resistance against certain noxious agents.     

Differentiation-enhanced binding of the amino-terminal fragment of human urokinase plasminogen activator to a specific receptor on U937 monocytes.

The purified amino-terminal fragment (ATF) of human urokinase plasminogen activator (residues 1-135), which is not required for activation of plasminogen, binds with high affinity to specific plasma membrane receptors on U937 monocytes. Intact urokinase efficiently competes for 125I-labeled ATF binding; 50% competition occurs with 1 nM urokinase. A large part of receptor-bound urokinase remains on the cell surface for at least 2 hr at 37 degrees C. Differentiation of U937 monocytes into macrophage-like cells specifically increases ATF binding 10- to 20-fold. These results suggest an important role for urokinase in monocyte/macrophage biology: the native enzyme binds to the cells with the amino-terminal domain; the catalytic, carboxyl-terminal domain remains exposed on the cell surface to stimulate localized proteolysis and facilitate cell migration.     

Green tea catechins inhibit the cultured smooth muscle cell invasion through the basement barrier

Epidemiological studies suggest that green tea consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Antioxidative properties of green tea flavonoids, catechins, have been believed to be involved in the antiatherogenic effect of green tea, since catechins inhibit low density lipoprotein oxidation. The migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the tunica media to the subendothelial region is a key event in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and post-angioplasty vascular remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in these processes of SMC migration. In the present study, we investigated the effect of catechins on the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 that was derived from cultured bovine aortic SMCs. We also investigated the effect of catechins on the SMC invasion through the reconstituted basement membrane barrier. A major constituent of green tea catechins, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), inhibited the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and concanavalin A (ConA)-induced pro-MMP-2 activation without the influence of membrane-type MMP expression in SMCs. EGCG also inhibited the SMC invasion through the basement membrane barrier in a concentration-dependent manner without any influence of SMC migration across the basement membrane protein thin-coated filter. The antagonistic effects of other catechins, namely (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) and (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), on gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2, ConA-induced pro-MMP-2 activation, or PDGF-BB-directed SMC invasion were much less pronounced than those of EGCG. Also, (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin failed to show any effect. These findings may suggest that the anti-invasive and anti-metalloproteinase activities involve at least part of the anti-atherogenic action of catechin in accordance with the antioxidant properties of catechin.     

整合素ανβ6对结肠癌细胞胞外基质降解的调控作用

目的 探讨整合素ανβ6在结肠癌细胞侵袭中的作用,并揭示癌细胞调控胞外基质降解的相关分子机制.方法 利用质粒构建ανβ6特异性siRNA表达载体,细胞侵袭实验检测沉默ανβ6对结肠癌细胞HT29体外侵袭能力的影响;分别通过Western blot实验、明胶酶谱实验检测沉默ανβ6对结肠癌细胞胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)、尿激酶型纤溶酶原激活物(uPA)及基质金属蛋白酶(MMP-2、MMP-9)表达的影响;[3H]标记的Ⅳ型胶原降解分析检测沉默ανβ6对结肠癌细胞胞外基质降解能力的影响.结果 特异性siRNA表达载体可有效抑制HT29细胞中ανβ6的表达和结肠癌细胞的体外侵袭能力,显著抑制结肠癌细胞ERK1/2的表达,并抑制其活化形式磷酸化ERK1/2的表达;沉默ανβ6表达显著抑制结肠癌细胞uPA,pro-MMP-9和pro-MMP-2的分泌,以及丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)依赖的胞外基质降解.结论 整合素ανβ6通过MAPK信号通路调控uPA、MMP-9和MMP-2的分泌及活性,从而调控细胞外基质的降解,在结肠癌侵袭转移中发挥了重要作用.     

Lysophosphatidylcholine: a chemotactic factor for human monocytes and its potential role in atherogenesis.

Native low density lipoprotein (LDL) does not affect monocyte/macrophage motility. On the other hand, oxidatively modified LDL inhibits the motility of resident peritoneal macrophages yet acts as a chemotactic factor for circulating human monocytes. We now show that lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PtdCho), which is generated by a phospholipase A2 activity during LDL oxidation, is a potent chemotactic factor for monocytes. It is not chemotactic for neutrophils or for resident macrophages. Platelet-activating factor, after treatment with phospholipase A2, becomes chemotactic for monocytes, whereas the intact factor is not. Synthetic 1-palmitoyl-lyso-PtdCho showed chemotactic activity comparable to that of the lyso-PtdCho fraction derived from oxidized LDL. The results suggest that lyso-PtdCho in oxidized LDL may favor recruitment of monocytes into the arterial wall during the early stages of atherogenesis. Generation of lyso-PtdCho, either from LDL itself or from membrane phospholipids of damaged cells, could play a more general role in inflammatory processes throughout the body.     

Urokinase induces matrix metalloproteinase-9/gelatinase B expression in THP-1 monocytes via ERK1/2 and cytosolic phospholipase A2 activation and eicosanoid production

OBJECTIVE: Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) regulates cell migration and invasion by pericellular proteolysis and signal transduction events. We characterized the mechanisms by which uPA regulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) function in THP-1 monocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS: In THP-1 monocytes, MMP9 production induced by urokinase was completely inhibited by the ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059, but not by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, SB202190. A dominant negative MEK1 adenovirus also blocked MMP9 expression. The effect of urokinase was completely suppressed by genistein and by herbimycin A indicating that tyrosine kinase(s) are required for MMP9 production. Bisindolylmaleimide, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, did not decrease MMP9 expression suggesting that PKC activation is not required. Key roles for cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and eicosanoid production were shown by complete inhibition with methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (an inhibitor of cytosolic PLA2), and indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor), with no effect of monoalide, a secretory PLA2 inhibitor. uPA stimulated phosphorylation of cytosolic PLA2. CONCLUSIONS: Induction of MMP9 by uPA in THP-1 monocytes is via a pathway involving MEK1-ERK1/2-mediated activation of cytosolic PLA2 and eicosanoid generation. These data suggest important roles for eicosanoids in monocyte migration induced by uPA and MMP9.     

Protein kinase C-dependent effects on leukocyte migration of thalidomide.

Thalidomide is effective in the treatment of some tumor necrosis factor-related diseases, but its cellular target is not known. Effects of thalidomide were investigated on lymphocytes and monocytes. Cell migration was examined in a Boyden chamber. Effects on protein kinase C (PKC) were investigated functionally by use of PKC inhibitor and in purified enzyme preparations. Thalidomide itself showed no direct chemotactic effect on lymphocytes or monocytes. Preincubation with the drug significantly enhanced random migration of both cell types. This effect was bisindolylmaleimide-reversible, suggesting involvement of PKC. Preincubation with thalidomide diminished the chemotactic response of monocytes towards formyl peptide but failed to influence lymphocyte chemotaxis towards RANTES or interleukin-8. In a cell-free assay, inhibition of PKC activation by bisindolylmaleimide could be reversed by thalidomide, indicating direct interactions of thalidomide with PKC. Results suggest that effects of thalidomide in chronic inflammation may be related to actions on leukocyte functions.     

Leukemia inhibitory factor induces interleukin-8 and monocyte chemotactic and activating factor in human monocytes: differential regulation by interferon-gamma

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a cytokine released at the site of injuries where there is a recruitment of monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells. We analyzed the effect of LIF on human monocytes, which are a major source of chemotactic factors. We showed that supernatants of monocytes treated with LIF (50 ng/mL) for 18 hours had chemotactic activity for neutrophils and monocytes that was neutralized by anti-interleukin-8 (anti-IL-8) and anti-monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (anti-MCAF) neutralizing antibodies. Northern blot analysis showed induction of IL-8 and MCAF RNA in monocytes treated with LIF. Both IL-8 and MCAF mRNA were induced within 3 hours of stimulation. IL-8 and MCAF mRNAs expression peaked at 6 hours and 18 hours, respectively. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a potent monocyte activator, inhibited IL-8 induction by LIF. On the contrary, IFN-gamma by itself induced MCAF and did not affect the LIF- induced MCAF. These results indicate that LIF released at the site of injury by inducing IL-8 and MCAF can play an important role in recruiting leukocytes and that IFN-gamma can differentially regulate this recruitment.     

Leptin induces endothelial cell migration through Akt,which is inhibited by PPARgamma-ligands

Migration of endothelial cells (EC) is a key event in angiogenesis that contributes to neovascularization in diabetic vasculopathy. Leptin induces angiogenesis and is elevated in obesity and hyperinsulinemia. The antidiabetic thiazolidinediones (TZD) inhibit leptin gene expression and vascular smooth muscle cell migration through activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma). This study investigates the role of leptin in EC migration, the chemotactic signaling pathways involved, and the effects of the TZD-PPARgamma ligands troglitazone (TRO) and ciglitazone (CIG) on EC migration. We demonstrate that leptin induces EC migration. Because activation of two signaling pathways, the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-->Akt-->eNOS and the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway, is known to be involved in cell migration, we used the pharmacological inhibitors wortmannin and PD98059 to determine if chemotactic signaling by leptin involves Akt or ERK1/2, respectively. Both wortmannin and PD98059 significantly inhibited leptin-induced migration. Treatment with the TZD-PPARgamma-ligands TRO and CIG significantly inhibited the chemotactic response toward leptin. Both PPARgamma-ligands inhibited leptin-stimulated Akt and eNOS phosphorylation, but neither attenuated ERK 1/2 activation in response to leptin. The inhibition of Akt-phosphorylation was accompanied by a PPARgamma-ligand-mediated upregulation of PTEN, a phosphatase that functions as a negative regulator of PI3K-->Akt signaling. These experiments provide the first evidence that activation of Akt and ERK 1/2 are crucial events in leptin-mediated signal transduction leading to EC migration. Moreover, inhibition of leptin-directed migration by the PPARgamma-ligands TRO and CIG through inhibition of Akt underscores their potential in the prevention of diabetes-associated complications.