Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) in rat pancreatic stellate cell function: integrin alpha5beta1 as a novel CCN2 receptor

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are proposed to play a key role in the development of pancreatic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production by rat activated PSCs of the fibrogenic protein, connective tissue growth factor (CCN2), and to determine the effects of CCN2 on PSC function. METHODS: CCN2 production was evaluated by immunoprecipitation and promoter activity assays. Expression of integrin alpha5beta1 was examined by immunoprecipitation and Western blot. Binding between CCN2 and integrin alpha5beta1 was determined in cell-free systems. CCN2 was assessed for its stimulation of PSC adhesion, migration, proliferation, DNA synthesis, and collagen I synthesis. RESULTS: CCN2 was produced by activated PSCs, and its levels were enhanced by transforming growth factor beta1 treatment. CCN2 promoter activity was stimulated by transforming growth factor beta1, platelet-derived growth factor, alcohol, or acetaldehyde. CCN2 stimulated integrin alpha5beta1-dependent adhesion, migration, and collagen I synthesis in PSCs. Integrin alpha5beta1 production by PSCs was verified by immunoprecipitation, while direct binding between integrin alpha5beta1 and CCN2 was confirmed in cell-free binding assays. Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans functioned as a partner of integrin alpha5beta1 in regulating adhesion of PSCs to CCN2. PSC proliferation and DNA synthesis were enhanced by CCN2. CONCLUSIONS: PSCs synthesize CCN2 during activation and after stimulation by profibrogenic molecules. CCN2 regulates PSC function via cell surface integrin alpha5beta1 and heparan sulfate proteoglycan receptors. These data support a role for CCN2 in PSC-mediated fibrogenesis and highlight CCN2 and its receptors as potential novel therapeutic targets.     

Intrinsic biological activity of the thrombospondin structural homology repeat in connective tissue growth factor

Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) is a 349-residue mosaic protein that contains four structural modules (modules 1-4), which are presumptive domains for interactions with regulatory binding proteins and receptors. Module 3, corresponding to residues 199-243, is a thrombospondin structural homology repeat (TSR) and is flanked by regions that are highly susceptible to proteolytic cleavage. To test whether CCN2 module 3 (CCN2(3)) has intrinsic biological properties, it was produced recombinantly in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and examined for its effects on the function of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), the principal fibrogenic cell type in the liver. CCN2(3) stimulated dose-dependent HSC adhesion and activity of p42/p44 mitogen activated protein kinase, the latter of which was antagonized by blocking the activity of focal adhesion kinase. HSC adhesion to immobilized CCN2(3) was attributed to binding interactions with cell surface integrin alpha6beta1. As assessed by RT-PCR or Western blotting, CCN2(3) stimulated production of fibronectin and pro-collagen type IV(alpha5), both of which are downstream components of HSC-mediated fibrogenesis and which are constituents of high density matrix in fibrotic lesions. These data show that while the full length CCN2 protein is strongly associated with fibrosis and stellate cell function, key integrinbinding properties, signaling, and fibrogenic pathways are exhibited by module 3 alone. These data indicate that module 3 of CCN2 is intrinsically active and suggest that liberation of module 3 following CCN2 proteolysis may contribute to HSC-mediated fibrogenesis, as well as other CCN2-dependent processes.     

Identification of integrin alpha(M)beta(2) as an adhesion receptor on peripheral blood monocytes for Cyr61 (CCN1) and connective tissue growth factor (CCN2): immediate-early gene products expressed in atherosclerotic lesions

Cysteine-rich 61 (Cyr61, CCN1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) are growth factor-inducible immediate-early gene products found in blood vessel walls and healing cutaneous wounds. We previously reported that the adhesion of endothelial cells, platelets, and fibroblasts to these extracellular matrix-associated proteins is mediated through integrin receptors. In this study, we demonstrated that both Cyr61 and CTGF are expressed in advanced atherosclerotic lesions of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Because monocyte adhesion and transmigration are important for atherosclerosis, wound healing, and inflammation, we examined the interaction of THP-1 monocytic cells and isolated peripheral blood monocytes with Cyr61 and CTGF. THP-1 cells and monocytes adhered to Cyr61- or CTGF-coated wells in an activation-dependent manner and this process was mediated primarily through integrin alpha(M)beta(2). Additionally, expression of alpha(M)beta(2) on human embryonic kidney 293 cells resulted in enhanced cell adhesion to Cyr61. Consistent with these data, a GST-fusion protein containing the I domain of the integrin alpha(M) subunit bound specifically to immobilized Cyr61 or CTGF. We have also investigated the requirement of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) as coreceptors for monocyte adhesion to Cyr61. Pretreatment of monocytes with heparin or heparinase I resulted in partial inhibition of cell adhesion to Cyr61. However, monocytes, but not fibroblasts, were capable of adhering to a Cyr61 mutant deficient in heparin binding activity. Collectively, these results show that activated monocytes adhere to Cyr61 and CTGF through integrin alpha(M)beta(2) and cell surface HSPGs. However, unlike fibroblast adhesion to Cyr61, cell surface HSPGs are not absolutely required for this adhesion process.     

Integrin alpha6beta1 plays a significant role in the attachment of hepatoma cells to laminin.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tumor invasion and metastasis consist of a series of complex events. During this process, the ability of tumor cells to adhere to laminin, a major component of basement membranes, is required at various steps. The expression of laminin-binding integrins and the extent of tumor metastasis and progression appear to be related. In hepatocellular carcinoma, increased expression of laminin-binding integrins is observed. However, little is known concerning the possible functional interactions between laminin-binding integrins and laminin. Therefore, we investigated the participation of laminin-binding integrins in the attachment of hepatoma cells to laminin. METHODS: Human hepatoma cell lines (KIM-1, KYN-1, 2) were used. We investigated the expression of integrin alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha6, beta1, and beta4 subunits on hepatoma cells by immunocytochemical and flow cytometric analysis. Participation of these integrin subunits in the attachment of hepatoma cells to laminin was evaluated by an inhibition of cell adhesion assay. RESULTS: Integrin alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha6 and beta1 subunits were expressed at the marginal areas of hepatoma cells, while the integrin beta4 subunit was scarcely detected. Laminin promoted the attachment of hepatoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Although anti-integrin alpha1, alpha2, beta3 and beta4 subunit antibodies did not inhibit cell attachment to laminin, anti-integrin alpha6 and beta1 subunit antibodies inhibited the attachment by 50% or more. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that integrin alpha6beta1 is very important in the attachment of hepatoma cells to laminin, suggesting the participation of this integrin in metastasis and invasion of hepatoma cells.     

A predominant role of integrin alpha 4 in the spontaneous development of autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice.

To elucidate the role of cell adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and to determine the predominant lymphocytic homing pathway(s) involved in the selective lymphocytic infiltration of pancreatic islets (insulitis), nonobese diabetic mice were treated with monoclonal antibodies specific for the L-selectin and integrin alpha 4 lymphocyte adhesion molecules. Treatment of neonatal mice with either anti-L-selectin or anti-integrin alpha 4 monoclonal antibodies for the first 4 weeks of life led to a significant and long-term protection against spontaneous occurrence of insulitis and diabetes. The same treatment failed to inhibit lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary glands (sialadenitis). This tissue-specific inhibition of inflammation may be attributed to differences between the pancreas and salivary gland in their expression of endothelial ligands for L-selectin (peripheral vascular addressin) and for integrin alpha 4 (mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1). Mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 is highly expressed by vessels within the inflamed islets but was not detected in the salivary glands. In contrast, peripheral vascular addressin- and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1-expressing vessels can be found in almost every area of inflammation within the salivary glands but are seen in only 40-50% of inflamed islets. Anti-L-selectin and anti-integrin alpha 4 treatment had no demonstrable effect on anti-beta-cell autoimmunity or on the immune responses to foreign antigens. Therapeutic treatment with anti-L-selectin after the onset of insulitis from 10 to 14 weeks of age delayed the onset but failed to prevent spontaneous insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, whereas anti-integrin alpha 4 treatment resulted in a significant and long-lasting suppression of the disease. These data strongly suggest that integrin alpha 4 plays a prominent role in the spontaneous development of insulitis and diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice.     

The angiogenic factor CCN1 promotes adhesion and migration of circulating CD34+ progenitor cells: potential role in angiogenesis and endothelial regeneration

Tissue regeneration involves the formation of new blood vessels regulated by angiogenic factors. We reported recently that the expression of the angiogenic factor CCN1 is up-regulated under various pathophysiologic conditions within the cardiovascular system. Because CD34+ progenitor cells participate in cardiovascular tissue regeneration, we investigated whether CCN1-detected for the first time in human plasma-promotes the recruitment of CD34+ progenitor cells to endothelial cells, thereby enhancing endothelial proliferation and neovascularization. In this study, we demonstrated that CCN1 and supernatants from CCN1-stimulated human CD34+ progenitor cells promoted proliferation of endothelial cells and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, CCN1 induced migration and transendothelial migration of CD34+ cells and the release of multiple growth factors, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) from these cells. Moreover, the CCN1-specific integrins alpha(M)beta(2) and alpha(V)beta(3) are expressed on CD34+ cells and CCN1 stimulated integrin-dependent signaling. Furthermore, integrin antagonists (RGD-peptides) suppressed both binding of CCN1 to CD34+ cells and CCN1-induced adhesion of CD34+ cells to endothelial cells. These data suggest that CCN1 promotes integrin-dependent recruitment of CD34+ progenitor cells to endothelial cells, which may contribute to paracrine effects on angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.     

Constitutive homing of mast cell progenitors to the intestine depends on autologous expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR2

Homing of mast cell progenitors (MCps) to the mouse small intestine involves the interaction of alpha4beta7 integrin with mucosal addressin cellular adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1). We now demonstrate the dependence of this process on CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) using null strains and mice sublethally irradiated and bone marrow (BM) reconstituted (SIBR) with wild-type or null BM or with wild-type BM followed by administration of blocking antibody. The intestinal MCp concentration in CXCR2(-/-) mice was reduced by 67%, but was unaltered in CC chemokine receptor 2(-/-) (CCR2(-/-)), CCR3(-/-), or CCR5(-/-) mice. SIBR mice given CXCR2(-/-) BM had an intestinal MCp concentration that was 76% less than that in BALB/c BM reconstituted mice. Antibody blockade of VCAM-1 or of CXCR2 in SIBR mice reduced intestinal MCp reconstitution, and mice lacking endothelial VCAM-1 also had a marked reduction relative to wild-type mice. Finally, the half-life of intestinal MCps in wild-type mice was less than one week on the basis of a more than 50% reduction by administration of anti-alpha4beta7 integrin or anti-CXCR2. Thus, the establishment and maintenance of MCps in the small intestine is a dynamic process that requires expression of the alpha4beta7 integrin and the alpha-chemokine receptor CXCR2.     

Genetic perturbation of the putative cytoplasmic membrane-proximal salt bridge aberrantly activates alpha(4) integrins

alpha(4) integrins play a pivotal role in leukocyte migration and tissue-specific homing. The ability of integrins to bind ligand is dynamically regulated by activation-dependent conformational changes triggered in the cytoplasmic domain. An NMR solution structure defined a putative membrane-proximal salt bridge between the alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin cytoplasmic tails, which restrains integrins in their low-affinity state. However, the physiological importance of this salt bridge in alpha(4) integrin regulation remains to be elucidated. To address this question, we disrupted the salt bridge in murine germ line by mutating the conserved cytoplasmic arginine R(GFFKR) in alpha(4) integrins. In lymphocytes from knock-in mice (alpha(4)-R/A(GFFKR)), alpha(4)beta(1) and alpha(4)beta(7) integrins exhibited constitutively up-regulated ligand binding. However, transmigration of these cells across VCAM-1 and MAdCAM-1 substrates, or across endothelial monolayers, was reduced. Perturbed detachment of the tail appeared to cause the reduced cell migration of alpha(4)-R/A(GFFKR) lymphocytes. In vivo, alpha(4)-R/A(GFFKR) cells exhibited increased firm adhesion to Peyer patch venules but reduced homing to the gut. Our results demonstrate that the membrane-proximal salt bridge plays a critical role in supporting proper alpha(4) integrin adhesive dynamics. Loss of this interaction destabilizes the nonadhesive conformation, and thereby perturbs the properly balanced cycles of adhesion and deadhesion required for efficient cell migration.     

Alphavbeta3 integrin signaling pathway is involved in insulin-like growth factor I-stimulated human extravillous trophoblast cell migration

IGF-I and -II provide paracrine and autocrine stimuli, respectively, for extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell migration. This study examined the role of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin and its signaling pathway in IGF-I-stimulated migration. Migration assays were conducted using cultured EVT cells treated with or without IGF-I in the presence or absence of alphaIR3, Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) hexapeptide, and antibody against alpha(v)beta(3) integrin. Morphological changes were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Colocalization of alpha(5)beta(1) alpha(v)beta(3) integrins, vinculin, focal adhesion kinase, and paxillin were determined by immuno-cytochemistry and immunoblotting. The results showed that IGF-I could stimulate EVT cell migration in a time- and dose-dependent manner and addition of alphaIR3, Arg-Gly-Asp hexapeptide, and antibody against alpha(v)beta(3) integrin attenuated the IGF-I migratory effect. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that IGF-I promoted lamellipodia formation. Immunostaining and immunoblotting exhibited the colocalization of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin with phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase, paxillin, and vinculin at focal adhesions after IGF-I treatment. Immunoblotting demonstrated an increase in focal adhesion kinase and paxillin tyrosine phosphorylation followed by tyrosine phosphorylation of IGF-I receptor in a time- and dose-dependent manner. These findings indicated alpha(v)beta(3) integrin localization in the core of focal adhesions of EVT cells and that alpha(v)beta(3) integrin signaling pathways are activated in IGF-I-mediated migration of these cells.     

Integrin alpha 4 beta 1 and glycoprotein IV (CD36) are expressed on circulating reticulocytes in sickle cell anemia

The abnormal adherence of red blood cells, especially circulating reticulocytes (erythrocyte precursors), to the endothelium is believed to contribute to vascular occlusion observed in patients with sickle cell disease. Although several plasma proteins including von Willebrand factor and fibronectin have been proposed to mediate this adhesion, the mechanism of sickle cell adhesion to the endothelium remains unknown. Using flow cytometry, we screened sickle red blood cells with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against known adhesion receptors and detected integrin subunits alpha 4 and beta 1 and the nonintegrin glycoprotein IV on reticulocytes but not on erythrocytes. No reactivity was detected against integrin subunits alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, alpha 6, alpha v, beta 2, beta 3, integrin alpha IIb beta 3, or the nonintegrin glycoprotein Ib. Immunoprecipitation of reticulocytes with either alpha 4- or beta 1-specific antibodies identified the alpha 4 beta 1 complex (alpha 4(70) and alpha 4(80) forms), a receptor for fibronectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. An antibody against glycoprotein IV, a receptor reported to bind thrombospondin and collagen, immunoprecipitated an 88-kD protein consistent with its reported M(r). MoAbs against alpha 4 and glycoprotein IV bound to an average of 4,600 and 17,500 sites per reticulocyte, respectively. Identification of alpha 4 beta 1 and glycoprotein IV on reticulocytes suggests both plasma-dependent and independent mechanisms of reticulocyte adhesion to endothelium and exposed extracellular matrix.     

Phorbol ester induces a transient increase in alpha(5)beta(1)-mediated adhesion of the megakaryoblastic cell line CHRF 288-11

This study investigated the mechanism by which treatment of the CHRF 288-11 megakaryoblastic cell line with phorbol myristate acetate caused a transient increase in adhesion. The adhesion to tissue culture plastic occurred within 4 h and could be reversed by treatment with RGDS-peptide suggesting the involvement of one or more RGD-binding integrins. Ligand-binding adhesion assays suggested that PMA-induced CHRF 288-11 cells had very little affinity for fibrinogen, a low affinity for vitronectin and a much higher affinity for fibronectin. Further adhesion assays performed in the presence of various integrin antagonists or inhibiting monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that the fibronectin-mediated cell adhesion is via the alpha beta , fibronectin receptor, integrin. Flow cytometrical investigations showed that this increase in alpha(5)beta(1)-adhesion on CHRF 288-11 cells following PMA stimulation was not brought about by an increase in alpha(5)beta(1)-integrin expression and inferred that increased adhesion is achieved by an increase in alpha(5)beta(1) ligand-binding function. These findings confirm other reports using different cells that the expression and function of integrins may play an important role in megakaryocytopoiesis. Modulation of integrin function may facilitate the migration of maturing megakaryoblasts in the bone marrow stroma before their movement through the sinus wall and into the blood stream. The report demonstrates that the CHRF 288-11 megakaryoblastic cell line is a useful model for investigating some aspects of these phenomena.     

The integrin, alpha6beta1, is necessary for the matrix-dependent activation of FAK and MAP kinase and the migration of human hepatocarcinoma cells.

Expression of the integrin, alpha6beta1, a receptor for laminins, is associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The approach to investigating the alpha6beta1 integrin signaling in HCC cells was to express a deletion mutant of the beta4 integrin cytoplasmic domain (beta4-Deltacyt) in 2 HCC cell lines, HepG2 and Huh7. Expression of this mutant prevents formation of the alpha6beta1 heterodimer. As expected, adhesion of both the HepG2/beta4-Deltacyt and Huh7/beta4-Deltacyt transfectants to laminin, but not to collagen, was reduced compared with the mock transfectants. However, migration of the beta4-Deltacyt transfectants toward both collagen and laminin was inhibited, suggesting a role for alpha6beta1 in the signaling of migration. Migration of HCC cells requires mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. The adhesion of the beta4-Deltacyt transfectants to collagen resulted in a substantial reduction in MAP kinase activation in comparison with the mock transfectants, although their ability to activate MAP kinase in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation was not impaired. In addition, matrix adhesion of the beta4-Deltacyt transfectants did not stimulate the tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and this defect correlated with reduced binding of adaptor protein Grb2 to FAK. These results suggest that FAK tyrosine phosphorylation is dependent on alpha6beta1 expression, and that FAK-Grb2 association plays a central role in alpha6beta1-mediated activation of MAP kinase. Moreover, the expression of alpha6beta1 in HCC cells is necessary for FAK/MAP kinase-dependent migration.     

Platelet HDL(3) binding sites are not related to integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) (GPIIb-IIIa)

Early studies considered that fibrinogen receptor (glycoprotein [GP] IIb-IIIa or platelet integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3)) is the binding site for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein type 3 (HDL(3)). Recent data, however, do not support the hypothesis that the binding of LDL to human intact resting platelets is related to integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3). In this study we present evidence that platelet integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) is also not involved in the interaction of HDL(3) and human intact resting platelets. Firstly, specific ligands for platelet integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3), such as fibrinogen, vitronectin, von Willebrand factor and fibronectin, were unable to inhibit the binding of HDL(3) to intact resting platelets. Secondly, the HDL(3) binding characteristics (K(d) and B(max) values), the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and the inhibition of thrombin-induced inositoltriphosphate (IP(3)) formation and calcium (Ca(2+)) mobilization mediated by HDL(3) particles were similar in platelets from control subjects and patients with type I and type II Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, which are characterized by total and partial lack of GPIIb-IIIa and fibrinogen, respectively. In contrast, nitrosylation of tyrosine residues of HDL(3) by tetranitromethane fully abolished both the ability of particles to interact with its specific binding sites and the functional effects. Thirdly, polyclonal antibodies against the GPIIb-IIIa complex (edu-3 and 5B12), human antiserums against platelet alloantigens (anti-Bak(a/B) and anti-PL(A1/2)), anti-integrin subunits (anti-alpha(V) and anti-beta(3)), and a wide panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against well-known epitopes of GPIIb (M3, M4, M5, M6, M8 and M95-2b) and GPIIIa (P23-7, P33, P37, P40, and P97) did not affect the binding of HDL(3) particles to human intact resting platelets. Overall results show that neither the GPIIb-IIIa complex nor GPIIb or GPIIIa individually are the membrane binding proteins for HDL(3)on intact resting platelets.     

Human tumstatin and human endostatin exhibit distinct antiangiogenic activities mediated by alpha v beta 3 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins

Tumstatin and endostatin are two inhibitors of angiogenesis derived from precursor human collagen molecules known as alpha 3 chain of type IV collagen and alpha1 chain of type XVIII collagen, respectively. Although both these inhibitors are noncollagenous (NC1) domain fragments of collagens, they only share a 14% amino acid homology. In the present study we evaluated the functional receptors, mechanism of action, and intracellular signaling induced by these two collagen-derived inhibitors. Human tumstatin prevents angiogenesis via inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis with no effect on migration, whereas human endostatin prevents endothelial cell migration with no effect on proliferation. We demonstrate that human tumstatin binds to alpha v beta 3 integrin in a vitronectin/fibronectin/RGD cyclic peptide independent manner, whereas human endostatin competes with fibronectin/RGD cyclic peptide to bind alpha 5 beta 1 integrin. The activity of human tumstatin is mediated by alpha v beta 3 integrin, whereas the activity of human endostatin is mediated by alpha 5 beta 1 integrin. Additionally, although human tumstatin binding to alpha v beta 3 integrin leads to the inhibition of Cap-dependent translation (protein synthesis) mediated by focal adhesion kinase/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mTOR/4E-BP1 pathway, human endostatin binding to alpha 5 beta 1 integrin leads to the inhibition of focal adhesion kinase/c-Raf/MEK1/2/p38/ERK1 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, with no effect on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mTOR/4E-BP1 and Cap-dependent translation. Collectively, such distinct properties of human tumstatin and human endostatin provide the first insight into their diverse antiangiogenic actions and argue for combining them for targeting tumor angiogenesis.     

Expression and function of cell adhesion molecules on fetal liver, cord blood and bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors: implications for anatomical localization and developmental stage specific regulation of hematopoiesis

The mechanism of localization, migration, and regulation of hematopoiesis at different stages of ontogeny is not well understood, but may relate to the specific adhesive interactions between hematopoietic stem cells and their microenvironment at different ontogenic stages. We studied the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAM) on fetal liver (FL), umbilical cord blood (UCB) and adult bone marrow (ABM) CD34+ cells, and the adhesion of committed progenitors (CFC) from all three sources to ABM stromal layers and purified extracellular matrix proteins. Compared to ABM CFC, significantly more UCB CFC and fewer FL CFC adhered to ABM stroma. Adhesion of FL CFC to fibronectin (FN), the 75 kD RGD containing FN fragment and the 33-66 kD COOH-terminal heparin binding FN fragment was also significantly less than that of ABM CFC. Like ABM CFC, the adhesion of FL CFC was mediated through alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins. Of note, more FL CD34+ cells expressed alpha5 integrins and the number of alpha4, alpha5 and beta1 integins per cell (mean channel frequency) was similar or higher for FL CD34+ cells than ABM CD34+ cells. Further, treatment of FL CFC with a beta1 integrin activating antibody (8A2), increased adhesion of FL CFC to FN to the same level as that of 8A2 treated ABM CFC. This suggests that the alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins on FL CD34+ cells may be present in a low avidity/affinity state. We also show that unlike ABM, FL CD34+ cells expressed alpha2 and that approximately 20% FL CFC adhered to collagen IV. Further, alpha2beta1 integrin on FL CFC was functional since their engagement, either by adhesion to collagen IV or through blocking alpha2 antibodies, transmitted proliferation inhibitory signals. In contrast to alpha4b and alpha5beta1 integrin dependent adhesion, alpha2beta1 dependent adhesion of FL CFC to collagen IV was not enhanced after treatment with 8A2. The reason for this is not clear but suggests that alpha2 integrins on FL CFC are maximally activated. This novel adhesive interaction with collagen IV, reminiscent of that described for CML progenitors, may have a role in the extramedullary localization of FL hematopoiesis or its developmental stage-specific regulation by its microenvironment. Studies to evaluate these possibilities are underway.     

Integrin-mediated adhesion of human articular chondrocytes to cartilage

OBJECTIVE: To determine 1) the kinetics and strength of adhesion of human articular chondrocytes to a cut cartilage surface, and 2) the role of specific integrins in mediating such adhesion, using an in vitro model. METHODS: Human articular chondrocytes isolated from cadaveric donors (mean +/- SD age 38 +/- 13 years) were cultured in high-density or low-density monolayer. Following release from culture with trypsin and a 2-2.5-hour recovery period, chondrocytes were analyzed either for adhesion to cartilage or for integrin expression by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Following culture in monolayer, adhesion of chondrocytes to cartilage increased with time, from 6-16% at 10 minutes to a maximum of 59-82% at 80-320 minutes. After 80 minutes of adhesion, the resistance of cells to flow-induced shear stress (50% detachment) was approximately 21 Pa. Chondrocyte adhesion to cartilage decreased with pretreatment of cells with monoclonal antibodies that bound to and blocked certain integrins. After an 80-minute incubation time, adhesion of chondrocytes cultured in high-density monolayer decreased from the value of IgG1-treated controls (55%) with blocking of the beta1 integrin subunit (to 23%) or with blocking of alpha 5 beta 1 (to 36%). Following expansion of chondrocytes in low-density monolayer, the mechanisms of adhesion to cartilage were generally similar. After an 80-minute incubation time, adhesion of chondrocytes cultured in low-density monolayer decreased from the value of IgG1-treated controls (62%) with blocking of the beta1 integrin subunit (to 30%) or with blocking of alpha 5 beta 1 (to 44%). Additionally, adhesion of these cells decreased to 46% by blocking of alpha v beta 5, with a similar trend in effect for chondrocytes cultured in high-density monolayer. Blocking of the alpha 1 or alpha 3 integrin subunits or alpha v beta 3 had no detectable effect on adhesion, even though these receptors were detected by flow cytometry. CONCLUSION: Under the culture and seeding conditions studied, beta1, alpha 5 beta 1, and alpha v beta 5 integrins mediate human chondrocyte adhesion to cartilage. These chondrocyte integrins have a potential role in the initial adhesion and retention of chondrocytes at a cartilage defect site following clinical procedures of chondrocyte transplantation.     

Laminin deposition to type IV collagen enhances haptotaxis, chemokinesis, and adhesion of hepatoma cells through beta1-integrins

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In hepatocellular carcinoma, laminin deposition to type IV collagen along the sinusoids is observed with the development of arterial network, coinciding with intrahepatic metastasis. We investigated the influence of laminin deposition to type IV collagen on hepatoma cell adhesion, motility and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are indispensable behaviors for tumor metastasis. METHODS: Hepatoma cell lines (KYN-1, -2 and -3) were used. The expression of integrin subunit mRNAs in hepatoma cells was confirmed by RT-PCR. The influence of laminin addition to type IV collagen on the adhesion, chemokinesis, and migration of KYN-1, -2 and -3 was evaluated by the haptotactic migration, phagokinetic track motility, and cell adhesion assays. The effects of integrin subunits on these activities were evaluated using the function-blocking antibodies for integrins. Phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and secretion of MMPs were investigated by Western blotting and gelatin zymography. RESULTS: Integrin alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha6 and beta1 subunit mRNAs were detected. The combination of type IV collagen and laminin enhanced the migration, chemokinesis, and adhesion of hepatoma cells compared to that of type IV collagen when used alone. The enhanced activity was significantly suppressed by function-blocking antibodies for integrin alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha6 and beta1 subunits. Hepatoma cells cultured on the combination of type IV collagen and laminin showed phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and increased secretion of MMPs. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of laminin to type IV collagen enhances hepatoma cell adhesion and motility through beta1-integrins.     

Laminin isoform-specific promotion of adhesion and migration of human bone marrow progenitor cells

Laminins are alphabetagamma heterotrimeric extracellular proteins that regulate cellular functions by adhesion to integrin and nonintegrin receptors. Laminins containing alpha4 and alpha5 chains are expressed in bone marrow, but their interactions with hematopoietic progenitors are unknown. We studied human bone marrow cell adhesion to laminin-10/11 (alpha5beta1gamma1/alpha5beta2gamma1), laminin-8 (alpha4beta1gamma1), laminin-1 (alpha1beta1gamma1), and fibronectin. About 35% to 40% of CD34(+) and CD34(+)CD38(-) stem and progenitor cells adhered to laminin-10/11, and 45% to 50% adhered to fibronectin, whereas they adhered less to laminin-8 and laminin-1. Adhesion of CD34(+)CD38(-) cells to laminin-10/11 was maximal without integrin activation, whereas adhesion to other proteins was dependent on protein kinase C activation by 12-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Fluorescence-activated cell-sorting (FACS) analysis showed expression of integrin alpha6 chain on most CD34(+) and CD34(+)CD38(-) cells. Integrin alpha6 and beta1 chains were involved in binding of both cell fractions to laminin-10/11 and laminin-8. Laminin-10/11 was highly adhesive to lineage-committed myelomonocytic and erythroid progenitor cells and most lymphoid and myeloid cell lines studied, whereas laminin-8 was less adhesive. In functional assays, both laminin-8 and laminin-10/11 facilitated stromal-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha)-stimulated transmigration of CD34(+) cells, by an integrin alpha6 receptor-mediated mechanism. In conclusion, we demonstrate laminin isoform-specific adhesive interactions with human bone marrow stem, progenitor, and more differentiated cells. The cell-adhesive laminins affected migration of hematopoietic progenitors, suggesting a physiologic role for laminins during hematopoiesis.     

Diminished expression of integrin adhesion molecules on human colonic epithelial cells during the benign to malign tumour transformation.

Integrins are transmembrane molecules that mediate cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesion. Because alterations in the adhesive properties of tumour cells are thought to influence tumour cell invasion, the expression of integrin alpha and beta chains in 19 human colorectal carcinomas, eight adenomas, and eight normal colon tissues was examined immunohistochemically using an indirect immunofluorescent technique. Normal colonic epithelial cells were found to express the integrin alpha 3, alpha 5, alpha 6, beta 1, and beta 4 chains, whereas the alpha 2 chain was expressed only on epithelial cells lining the base of the crypts and was absent from cells lining the mouth of the crypts or the surface epithelium. No epithelial staining of the alpha 1, alpha 4, beta 2, and beta 3 chains was observed. A progressive reduction of all normally expressed alpha and beta chains was associated with increasing neoplastic transformation. The expression of the alpha 3 and alpha 5 chains was already noticeably reduced in adenomas, and was completely absent in most colonic carcinomas. In contrast, alpha 6, beta 1, and beta 4 expression was maintained in adenomas, whereas the transformation from benign to malignant neoplasms associated with infiltrative growth was characterised by diminished or lost expression of alpha 6, beta 1, and beta 4 chains. Thus, the decreased expression of integrins in human colon carcinomas may contribute to the altered adhesion and migration properties of these tumour cells.     

Alteration of integrins by interleukin-1alpha in human pancreatic cancer cells

INTRODUCTION: Adhesion of tumor cells to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. AIMS: To investigate the expression of integrins in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and its alteration by interleukin (IL)-1alpha to examine the mechanism of adhesion of metastatic human pancreatic cancer cells to ECM proteins. METHODOLOGY: The expression of integrin subunits and their alteration by IL-1alpha were examined by flow-cytometric analysis and cellular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in three metastatic human pancreatic cancer cell lines (AsPC-1, BxPC-3, and SW1990) and two nonmetastatic cancer cell lines (PaCa-2 and PANC-1). In addition, assays of cancer cell adhesion to ECM proteins were performed to investigate if increased integrin expression actually affected the adhesive interaction between cancer cells and the putative integrin ECM ligands. RESULTS: The alpha(6) subunit expressed in metastatic cancer cells was enhanced by IL-1alpha. Metastatic cancer cells also showed preferential adherence to laminin compared with nonmetastatic cancer cells, and this was enhanced by IL-1alpha. CONCLUSION: In pancreatic cancer, the enhancement of alpha(6)beta(1) integrin by IL-1alpha through IL-1 receptor type I, as well as the expression of alpha(6)beta(1) integrin, plays an important role in metastasis formation.