Epidermal dysplasia and abnormal hair follicles in transgenic mice overexpressing homeobox gene MSX-2.

PubMed

Jiang, T X; Liu, Y H; Widelitz, R B; Kundu, R K; Maxson, R E; Chuong, C M

1999-08-01

The homeobox gene Msx-2 is expressed specifically in sites of skin appendage formation. To explore its part in skin morphogenesis, we produced transgenic mice expressing Msx-2 under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. The skin of these transgenic mice was flaky, exhibiting desquamation and shorter hairs. Histologic analysis showed thickened epidermis with hyperproliferation, which was restricted to the basal layer. Hyperkeratosis was also evident. A wide zone of suprabasal cells were misaligned and coexpressed keratins 14 and 10. There was reduced expression of integrin beta 1 and DCC in the basal layer. Hair follicles were misaligned with a shrunken matrix region. The dermis showed increased cellularity and empty vacuoles. We suggest that Msx-2 is involved in the growth control of skin and skin appendages.

Skeletal Phenotype of Transgenic Mice Expressing the Beta1 Integrin Cytoplasmic Tail In Osteoblasts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Globus, R. K.; vanderMeulen, M. C. H.; Damsky, D.; Kim, J.-B.; Amblard, D.; Amblard, D.; Nishimura, Y.; Almeida, E.; Iwaniec, U. T.; Wronski, T. J.;

Characterization of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei integrin β and its role in immunomodulation by dsRNA-mediated gene silencing.

PubMed

Lin, Yong-Chin; Chen, Jiann-Chu; Chen, Yu-Yuan; Liu, Chun-Hung; Cheng, Winton; Hsu, Chih-Hung; Tsui, Wen-Ching

2013-06-01

The full sequence of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei integrin β (LV-B) is 2879bp which encodes 787 amino acids (aa) of the open reading frame (ORF). The mature protein (764 aa) contains (1) an extracellular domain (ED) of 692 aa, (2) a transmembrane domain (TD) of 23 aa, and (3) a cytoplasmic domain (CD) of 49 aa. The cloned LV-B grouped together with crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus integrin β (PL-B1), but was far away from vertebrate integrin β1, β3, β5, β6, β7, and β8, and another L. vannamei integrin β (LV). A Southern blot analysis indicated that the cloned LV-B was a single copy of genomic DNA. LV-B mRNA was expressed in all tissues, and was highly expressed in haemocytes. LV-B was downregulated in shrimp 24 and 96h after having received white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). LV-B expression by haemocytes of shrimp was higher in the postmoult (A and B) stage, and lower in the premoult (D2/D3) stage. LV-B expression was significantly higher by shrimp reared in 2.5‰ and 5‰ salinities. Shrimp injected with integrin β dsRNA showed gene silencing of integrin β after 36h. LV-B-silenced shrimp showed decreased hyaline cells (HCs), granular cells (GCs, including semi-granular cells), the total haemocyte count (THC), respiratory bursts (RBs), and lysozyme activity, but showed increased RB/HC, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity/HC, and the phenoloxidase (PO) activity/GC. LV-B-silenced shrimp showed upregulated expressions of lipopolysaccharide- and β-glucan-binding protein (LGBP), peroxinectin (PX), prophenoloxidase I (proPO I), proPO II, proPO-activating enzyme (ppA), α2-macroglobulin (α2-M), cytMnSOD, mtMnSOD, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). It was concluded that integrin β plays important roles in proPO activation, phagocytosis, and the antioxidant system for immunomodulation in shrimp. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tumor formation initiated by nondividing epidermal cells via an inflammatory infiltrate.

PubMed

Arwert, Esther N; Lal, Rohit; Quist, Sven; Rosewell, Ian; van Rooijen, Nico; Watt, Fiona M

2010-11-16

In mammalian epidermis, integrin expression is normally confined to the basal proliferative layer that contains stem cells. However, in epidermal hyperproliferative disorders and tumors, integrins are also expressed by suprabasal cells, with concomitant up-regulation of Erk mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. In transgenic mice, expression of activated MAPK kinase 1 (MEK1) in the suprabasal, nondividing, differentiated cell layers (InvEE transgenics) results in epidermal hyperproliferation and skin inflammation. We now demonstrate that wounding induces benign tumors (papillomas and keratoacanthomas) in InvEE mice. By generating chimeras between InvEE mice and mice that lack the MEK1 transgene, we demonstrate that differentiating, nondividing cells that express MEK1 stimulate adjacent transgene-negative cells to divide and become incorporated into the tumor mass. Dexamethasone treatment inhibits tumor formation, suggesting that inflammation is involved. InvEE skin and tumors express high levels of IL1α; treatment with an IL1 receptor antagonist delays tumor onset and reduces incidence. Depletion of γδ T cells and macrophages also reduces tumor incidence. Because a hallmark of cancer is uncontrolled proliferation, it is widely assumed that tumors arise only from dividing cells. In contrast, our studies show that differentiated epidermal cells can initiate tumor formation without reacquiring the ability to divide and that they do so by triggering an inflammatory infiltrate.

The Novel α4B Murine α4 Integrin Protein Splicing Variant Inhibits α4 Protein-dependent Cell Adhesion*

PubMed Central

Kouro, Hitomi; Kon, Shigeyuki; Matsumoto, Naoki; Miyashita, Tomoe; Kakuchi, Ayaka; Ashitomi, Dai; Saitoh, Kodai; Nakatsuru, Takuya; Togi, Sumihito; Muromoto, Ryuta; Matsuda, Tadashi

2014-01-01

Integrins affect the motility of multiple cell types to control cell survival, growth, or differentiation, which are mediated by cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. We reported previously that the α9 integrin splicing variant, SFα9, promotes WT α9 integrin-dependent adhesion. In this study, we introduced a new murine α4 integrin splicing variant, α4B, which has a novel short cytoplasmic tail. In inflamed tissues, the expression of α4B, as well as WT α4 integrin, was up-regulated. Cells expressing α4B specifically bound to VCAM-1 but not other α4 integrin ligands, such as fibronectin CS1 or osteopontin. The binding of cells expressing WT α4 integrin to α4 integrin ligands is inhibited by coexpression of α4B. Knockdown of α4B in metastatic melanoma cell lines results in a significant increase in lung metastasis. Expression levels of WT α4 integrin are unaltered by α4B, with α4B acting as a regulatory subunit for WT α4 integrin by a dominant-negative effect or inhibiting α4 integrin activation. PMID:24755217

Detection of ultrastructural changes in genetically altered and exercised skeletal muscle using PS-OCT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasquesi, James J.; Schlachter, Simon C.; Boppart, Marni D.; Chaney, Eric; Kaufman, Stephen J.; Boppart, Stephen A.

2006-02-01

Birefringence of skeletal muscle has been associated with the ultrastructure of individual sarcomeres, specifically the arrangement of A-bands corresponding to the thick myosin filaments. Murine skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius) was imaged with a fiber-based PS-OCT imaging system to determine the level of birefringence present in the tissue under various conditions. In addition to muscle controls from wild-type mice, muscle from abnormal mice included: genetically-modified (mdx) mice which model human muscular dystrophy, transgenic mice exhibiting an overexpression of integrin (α7β1), and transgenic integrin (α7β1)knockout mice. Comparisons were also made between rested and exercised muscles to determine the effects of exercise on muscle birefringence for each of these normal and abnormal conditions. The PS-OCT images revealed that the presence of birefringence was similar in the rested muscle with dystrophy-like features (i.e., lacking the structural protein dystrophin - mdx) and in the integrin (α7β1)knockout muscle when compared to the normal (wild-type) control. However, exercising these abnormal muscle tissues drastically reduced the presence of birefringence detected by the PS-OCT system. The muscle exhibiting an overexpression of integrin (α7β1) remained heavily birefringent before and after exercise, similar to the normal (wild-type) muscle. These results suggest that there is a distinct relationship between the degree of birefringence detected using PS-OCT and the sarcomeric ultrastructure present within skeletal muscle.

Characterization of Laminin Binding Integrin Internalization in Prostate Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Das, Lipsa; Anderson, Todd A; Gard, Jaime M C; Sroka, Isis C; Strautman, Stephanie R; Nagle, Raymond B; Morrissey, Colm; Knudsen, Beatrice S; Cress, Anne E

2017-05-01

Laminin binding integrins α6 (CD49f) and α3 (CD49c) are persistently but differentially expressed in prostate cancer (PCa). Integrin internalization is an important determinant of their cell surface expression and function. Using flow cytometry, and first order kinetic modeling, we quantitated the intrinsic internalization rates of integrin subunits in a single cycle of internalization. In PCa cell line DU145, α6 integrin internalized with a rate constant (k actual ) of 3.25 min -1 , threefold faster than α3 integrin (1.0 min -1 ), 1.5-fold faster than the vitronectin binding αv integrin (CD51) (2.2 min -1 ), and significantly slower than the unrelated transferrin receptor (CD71) (15 min -1 ). Silencing of α3 integrin protein expression in DU145, PC3, and PC3B1 cells resulted in up to a 1.71-fold increase in k actual for α6 integrin. The internalized α6 integrin was targeted to early endosomes but not to lamp1 vesicles. Depletion of α3 integrin expression resulted in redistribution of α6β4 integrin to an observed cell-cell staining pattern that is consistent with a suprabasal distribution observed in epidermis and early PIN lesions in PCa. Depletion of α3 integrin increased cell migration by 1.8-fold, which was dependent on α6β1 integrin. Silencing of α6 integrin expression however, had no significant effect on the k actual of α3 integrin or its distribution in early endosomes. These results indicate that α3 and α6 integrins have significantly different internalization kinetics and that coordination exists between them for internalization. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1038-1049, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Characterization of Laminin Binding Integrin Internalization in Prostate Cancer Cells†

PubMed Central

Das, Lipsa; Anderson, Todd A.; Gard, Jaime M.C.; Sroka, Isis C.; Strautman, Stephanie R.; Nagle, Raymond B.; Morrissey, Colm; Knudsen, Beatrice S.; Cress, Anne E.

2017-01-01

Laminin binding integrins α6 (CD49f) and α3 (CD49c) are persistently but differentially expressed in prostate cancer (PCa). Integrin internalization is an important determinant of their cell surface expression and function. Using flow cytometry, and first order kinetic modelling, we quantitated the intrinsic internalization rates of integrin subunits in a single cycle of internalization. In PCa cell line DU145, α6 integrin internalized with a rate constant (kactual) of 3.25min−1, 3-fold faster than α3 integrin (1.0 min−1), 1.5-fold faster than the vitronectin binding αv integrin (CD51) (2.2 min−1), and significantly slower than the unrelated transferrin receptor (CD71) (15 min−1). Silencing of α3 integrin protein expression in DU145, PC3 and PC3B1 cells resulted in up to a 1.71-fold increase in kactual for α6 integrin. The internalized α6 integrin was targeted to early endosomes but not to lamp1 vesicles. Depletion of α3 integrin expression resulted in redistribution of α6β4 integrin to an observed cell-cell staining pattern that is consistent with a suprabasal distribution observed in epidermis and early PIN lesions in PCa. Depletion of α3 integrin increased cell migration by 1.8 fold, which was dependent on α6β1 integrin. Silencing of α6 integrin expression however, had no significant effect on the kactual of α3 integrin or its distribution in early endosomes. These results indicate that α3 and α6 integrins have significantly different internalization kinetics and that coordination exists between them for internalization. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved PMID:27509031

Molecular Genetic Studies of Bone Mechanical Strain and of Pedigrees with Very High Bone Density

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

PTP1B . Recruitment of STAT3 to the phosphorylated tyr(pY)-1138 residue leads to its rapid phosphorylation, dimerization, and translocation to the... PTP1B is a critical downstream negative regulator of the Lepr pathway. Deletion of PTP1B gene enhanced leptin sensitivity in mice (11). PTP1B ...interactions between the Lepr and the integrin signaling pathways. Specifically, the recruitment of SHP2 and/or PTP1B to integrin is essential for the

Cucurbitacin B purified from Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich from Tunisia inhibits α5β1 integrin-mediated adhesion, migration, proliferation of human glioblastoma cell line and angiogenesis.

PubMed

Touihri-Barakati, Imen; Kallech-Ziri, Olfa; Ayadi, Wiem; Kovacic, Hervé; Hanchi, Belgacem; Hosni, Karim; Luis, José

2017-02-15

Integrins are essential protagonists in the complex multistep process of cancer progression and are thus attractive targets for the development of anticancer agents. Cucurbitacin B, a triterpenoid purified from the leaves of Tunisian Ecballium elaterium exhibited an anticancer effect and displayed anti-integrin activity on human glioblastoma U87 cells, without being cytotoxic at concentrations up to 500nM. Here we show that cucurbitacin B affected the adhesion and migration of U87 cells to fibronectin in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 86.2nM and 84.6nM, respectively. Time-lapse videomicroscopy showed that cucurbitacin B significantly reduced U87 cells motility and affected directional persistence. Cucurbitacin B also inhibited proliferation with IC50 value of 70.1nM using Crystal Violet assay. Moreover, cucurbitacin B efficiently inhibited in vitro human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC) angiogenesis with concentration up to 10nM. Interestingly, we demonstrate for the first time that this effect was specifically mediated by α5β1 integrins. These findings reveal a novel mechanism of action for cucurbitacin B, which displays a potential interest as a specific anti-integrin drug. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flanking sequence determination and specific PCR identification of transgenic wheat B102-1-2.

PubMed

Cao, Jijuan; Xu, Junyi; Zhao, Tongtong; Cao, Dongmei; Huang, Xin; Zhang, Piqiao; Luan, Fengxia

2014-01-01

The exogenous fragment sequence and flanking sequence between the exogenous fragment and recombinant chromosome of transgenic wheat B102-1-2 were successfully acquired using genome walking technology. The newly acquired exogenous fragment encoded the full-length sequence of transformed genes with transformed plasmid and corresponding functional genes including ubi, vector pBANF-bar, vector pUbiGUSPlus, vector HSP, reporter vector pUbiGUSPlus, promoter ubiquitin, and coli DH1. A specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification method for transgenic wheat B102-1-2 was established on the basis of designed primers according to flanking sequence. This established specific PCR strategy was validated by using transgenic wheat, transgenic corn, transgenic soybean, transgenic rice, and non-transgenic wheat. A specifically amplified target band was observed only in transgenic wheat B102-1-2. Therefore, this method is characterized by high specificity, high reproducibility, rapid identification, and excellent accuracy for the identification of transgenic wheat B102-1-2.

Signal Regulatory Protein α Negatively Regulates β2 Integrin-Mediated Monocyte Adhesion, Transendothelial Migration and Phagocytosis

PubMed Central

Liu, Dan-Qing; Li, Li-Min; Guo, Ya-Lan; Bai, Rui; Wang, Chen; Bian, Zhen; Zhang, Chen-Yu; Zen, Ke

2008-01-01

Background Signal regulate protein α (SIRPα) is involved in many functional aspects of monocytes. Here we investigate the role of SIRPα in regulating β2 integrin-mediated monocyte adhesion, transendothelial migration (TEM) and phagocytosis. Methodology/Principal Findings THP-1 monocytes/macropahges treated with advanced glycation end products (AGEs) resulted in a decrease of SIRPα expression but an increase of β2 integrin cell surface expression and β2 integrin-mediated adhesion to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)–stimulated human microvascular endothelial cell (HMEC-1) monolayers. In contrast, SIRPα overexpression in THP-1 cells showed a significant less monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)–triggered cell surface expression of β2 integrins, in particular CD11b/CD18. SIRPα overexpression reduced β2 integrin-mediated firm adhesion of THP-1 cells to either TNFα–stimulated HMEC-1 monolayers or to immobilized intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). SIRPα overexpression also reduced MCP-1–initiated migration of THP-1 cells across TNFα–stimulated HMEC-1 monolayers. Furthermore, β2 integrin-mediated THP-1 cell spreading and actin polymerization in response to MCP-1, and phagocytosis of bacteria were both inhibited by SIRPα overexpression. Conclusions/Significance SIRPα negatively regulates β2 integrin-mediated monocyte adhesion, transendothelial migration and phagocytosis, thus may serve as a critical molecule in preventing excessive activation and accumulation of monocytes in the arterial wall during early stage of atherosclerosis. PMID:18820737

Podocyte changes upon induction of albuminuria in Thy-1.1 transgenic mice.

PubMed

Smeets, Bart; Dijkman, Henry B P M; te Loeke, Nathalie A J M; van Son, Jacco P H F; Steenbergen, Eric J; Assmann, Karel J M; Wetzels, Jack F M; Groenen, Patricia J T A

2003-12-01

Thy-1.1 transgenic mice, characterized by ectopic expression of the Thy-1.1 protein on podocytes, spontaneously develop proteinuria and focal glomerulosclerosis (FGS). Injection of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against the Thy-1.1 protein in young transgenic mice induces a massive albuminuria that is followed by an accelerated FGS within 3 weeks. This albuminuria is complement and leukocyte independent. The time course of proteinuria, the pathogenesis of the acute proteinuria and the dose dependency of FGS are unknown. Albuminuria was measured in Thy-1.1 transgenic mice after injection of different doses of anti-Thy-1.1 mAb and at different time points within the first 24 h after injection. Podocytic foot processes and slit pore diameter were quantitated by electron microscopy. Changes in expression of slit pore constituents (podocin, CD2AP, nephrin and ZO-1), cytoskeleton-associated proteins (actin, alpha-actinin, ezrin and synaptopodin), the GDH-podocyte adhesion molecules alpha(3)-integrin, and heparan sulfate were studied by immunofluorescence. FGS was scored by light microscopy at 3 weeks after induction of albuminuria. Albuminuria in Thy-1.1 transgenic mice was observed within 10 min after anti-Thy-1.1 mAb injection. This rapid development of albuminuria was accompanied by a reduction in number of podocytic foot processes from 20.0 +/- 0.7/10 microm glomerular basement membrane (GBM) in saline-treated transgenic mice to 8.0 +/- 0.5 and 2.2 +/- 0.2 in anti-Thy-1.1-treated mice, at 10 min and 8 h after treatment, respectively. In addition, we observed a significant decrease in width of remaining slit pores, from 32.7 +/- 1.1 to 26.8 +/- 1.4 nm at 10 min after mAb injection. By immunofluorescence, we did not observe major changes in the expression pattern of any of the proteins studied. There was no correlation between the injected dose of the anti-Thy-1.1 mAb and the acute albuminuria. In contrast, the percentage of FGS at 3 weeks correlated with the dose, and a significant correlation between the percentage of FGS and the time-averaged albuminuria over the 3 week study period (P < 0.001) was found. Injection of mAb directed against the Thy-1.1 protein, in young non-albuminuric Thy-1.1 transgenic mice, induced an acute albuminuria within 10 min, which was accompanied by foot process effacement. Notably, we observed a decrease in slit pore width although the expression of slit pore proteins was unchanged. Also, the acute albuminuria could not be related to alterations in cytoskeleton-associated proteins, the GBM adhesion molecule alpha(3)-integrin or heparan sulfate in the GBM. The dose-dependent development of FGS and the correlation between the percentage FGS and time-averaged albuminuria suggest that, in our model, FGS is a consequence of podocyte injury. However, the data leave open the possibility that albuminuria itself contributes to FGS development. The Thy-1.1 transgenic mouse model is an excellent model to study further the relationship between podocytic injury, albuminuria and the development of FGS.

Gfi1b controls integrin signaling-dependent cytoskeleton dynamics and organization in megakaryocytes.

PubMed

Beauchemin, Hugues; Shooshtarizadeh, Peiman; Vadnais, Charles; Vassen, Lothar; Pastore, Yves D; Möröy, Tarik

2017-03-01

Mutations in GFI1B are associated with inherited bleeding disorders called GFI1B -related thrombocytopenias. We show here that mice with a megakaryocyte-specific Gfi1b deletion exhibit a macrothrombocytopenic phenotype along a megakaryocytic dysplasia reminiscent of GFI1B -related thrombocytopenia. GFI1B deficiency increases megakaryocyte proliferation and affects their ploidy, but also abrogates their responsiveness towards integrin signaling and their ability to spread and reorganize their cytoskeleton. Gfi1b -null megakaryocytes are also unable to form proplatelets, a process independent of integrin signaling. GFI1B-deficient megakaryocytes exhibit aberrant expression of several components of both the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton, with a dramatic reduction of α-tubulin. Inhibition of FAK or ROCK, both important for actin cytoskeleton organization and integrin signaling, only partially restored their response to integrin ligands, but the inhibition of PAK, a regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, completely rescued the responsiveness of Gfi1b -null megakaryocytes to ligands, but not their ability to form proplatelets. We conclude that Gfi1b controls major functions of megakaryocytes such as integrin-dependent cytoskeleton organization, spreading and migration through the regulation of PAK activity whereas the proplatelet formation defect in GFI1B-deficient megakaryocytes is due, at least partially, to an insufficient α-tubulin content. Copyright© Ferrata Storti Foundation.

Ligand-induced Epitope Masking

PubMed Central

Mould, A. Paul; Askari, Janet A.; Byron, Adam; Takada, Yoshikazu; Jowitt, Thomas A.; Humphries, Martin J.

2016-01-01

We previously demonstrated that Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing ligand-mimetic inhibitors of integrins are unable to dissociate pre-formed integrin-fibronectin complexes (IFCs). These observations suggested that amino acid residues involved in integrin-fibronectin binding become obscured in the ligand-occupied state. Because the epitopes of some function-blocking anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) lie near the ligand-binding pocket, it follows that the epitopes of these mAbs may become shielded in the ligand-occupied state. Here, we tested whether function-blocking mAbs directed against α5β1 can interact with the integrin after it forms a complex with an RGD-containing fragment of fibronectin. We showed that the anti-α5 subunit mAbs JBS5, SNAKA52, 16, and P1D6 failed to disrupt IFCs and hence appeared unable to bind to the ligand-occupied state. In contrast, the allosteric anti-β1 subunit mAbs 13, 4B4, and AIIB2 could dissociate IFCs and therefore were able to interact with the ligand-bound state. However, another class of function-blocking anti-β1 mAbs, exemplified by Lia1/2, could not disrupt IFCs. This second class of mAbs was also distinguished from 13, 4B4, and AIIB2 by their ability to induce homotypic cell aggregation. Although the epitope of Lia1/2 was closely overlapping with those of 13, 4B4, and AIIB2, it appeared to lie closer to the ligand-binding pocket. A new model of the α5β1-fibronectin complex supports our hypothesis that the epitopes of mAbs that fail to bind to the ligand-occupied state lie within, or very close to, the integrin-fibronectin interface. Importantly, our findings imply that the efficacy of some therapeutic anti-integrin mAbs could be limited by epitope masking. PMID:27484800

Ligand-induced Epitope Masking: DISSOCIATION OF INTEGRIN α5β1-FIBRONECTIN COMPLEXES ONLY BY MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES WITH AN ALLOSTERIC MODE OF ACTION.

PubMed

Mould, A Paul; Askari, Janet A; Byron, Adam; Takada, Yoshikazu; Jowitt, Thomas A; Humphries, Martin J

2016-09-30

We previously demonstrated that Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing ligand-mimetic inhibitors of integrins are unable to dissociate pre-formed integrin-fibronectin complexes (IFCs). These observations suggested that amino acid residues involved in integrin-fibronectin binding become obscured in the ligand-occupied state. Because the epitopes of some function-blocking anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) lie near the ligand-binding pocket, it follows that the epitopes of these mAbs may become shielded in the ligand-occupied state. Here, we tested whether function-blocking mAbs directed against α5β1 can interact with the integrin after it forms a complex with an RGD-containing fragment of fibronectin. We showed that the anti-α5 subunit mAbs JBS5, SNAKA52, 16, and P1D6 failed to disrupt IFCs and hence appeared unable to bind to the ligand-occupied state. In contrast, the allosteric anti-β1 subunit mAbs 13, 4B4, and AIIB2 could dissociate IFCs and therefore were able to interact with the ligand-bound state. However, another class of function-blocking anti-β1 mAbs, exemplified by Lia1/2, could not disrupt IFCs. This second class of mAbs was also distinguished from 13, 4B4, and AIIB2 by their ability to induce homotypic cell aggregation. Although the epitope of Lia1/2 was closely overlapping with those of 13, 4B4, and AIIB2, it appeared to lie closer to the ligand-binding pocket. A new model of the α5β1-fibronectin complex supports our hypothesis that the epitopes of mAbs that fail to bind to the ligand-occupied state lie within, or very close to, the integrin-fibronectin interface. Importantly, our findings imply that the efficacy of some therapeutic anti-integrin mAbs could be limited by epitope masking. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Regulation of COX-2–mediated signaling by α3 type IV noncollagenous domain in tumor angiogenesis

PubMed Central

Boosani, Chandra Shekhar; Mannam, Arjuna P.; Cosgrove, Dominic; Silva, Rita; Hodivala-Dilke, Kairbaan M.; Keshamouni, Venkateshwar G.

2007-01-01

Human α3 chain, a noncollagenous domain of type IV collagen [α3(IV)NC1], inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth. These biologic functions are partly attributed to the binding of α3(IV)NC1 to αVβ3 and α3β1 integrins. α3(IV)NC1 binds αVβ3 integrin, leading to translation inhibition by inhibiting focal adhesion kinase/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mTOR/4E-BP1 pathways. In the present study, we evaluated the role of α3β1 and αVβ3 integrins in tube formation and regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) on α3(IV)NC1 stimulation. We found that although both integrins were required for the inhibition of tube formation by α3(IV)NC1 in endothelial cells, only α3β1 integrin was sufficient to regulate COX-2 in hypoxic endothelial cells. We show that binding of α3(IV)NC1 to α3β1 integrin leads to inhibition of COX-2–mediated pro-angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor by regulating IκBα/NFκB axis, and is independent of αVβ3 integrin. Furthermore, β3 integrin–null endothelial cells, when treated with α3(IV)NC1, inhibited hypoxia-mediated COX-2 expression, whereas COX-2 inhibition was not observed in α3 integrin–null endothelial cells, indicating that regulation of COX-2 by α3(IV)NC1 is mediated by integrin α3β1. Our in vitro and in vivo findings demonstrate that α3β1 integrin is critical for α3(IV)NC1-mediated inhibition of COX-2–dependent angiogenic signaling and inhibition of tumor progression. PMID:17426256

Stable coordination of the inhibitory Ca2+ ion at MIDAS in integrin CD11b/CD18 by an antibody-derived ligand aspartate: Implications for integrin regulation and structure-based drug design

PubMed Central

Mahalingam, Bhuvaneshwari; Ajroud, Kaouther; Alonso, Jose Luis; Anand, Saurabh; Adair, Brian; Horenstein, Alberto L; Malavasi, Fabio; Xiong, Jian-Ping; Arnaout, M. Amin

2011-01-01

A central feature of integrin interaction with physiologic ligands is the monodentate binding of a ligand carboxylate to a Mg2+ ion hexacoordinated at the metal-ion-dependent-adhesion site (MIDAS) in the integrin A-domain. This interaction stabilizes the A-domain in the high-affinity state, which is distinguished from the default low-affinity state by tertiary changes in the domain that culminate in cell adhesion. Small molecule ligand-mimetic integrin antagonists act as partial agonists, eliciting similar activating conformational changes in the A-domain, which has contributed to paradoxical adhesion and increased patient mortality in large clinical trials. As with other ligand-mimetic integrin antagonists, the function-blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) 107 binds MIDAS of integrin CD11b/CD18 A-domain (CD11bA), but in contrast, it favors the inhibitory Ca2+ ion over Mg2+ at MIDAS. We determined the crystal structures of the Fab fragment of mAb 107 complexed to the low- and high-affinity states of CD11bA. Favored binding of Ca2+ at MIDAS is caused by the unusual symmetric bidentate ligation of a Fab-derived ligand Asp to a heptacoordinated MIDAS Ca2+. Binding of Fab 107 to CD11bA did not trigger the activating tertiary changes in the domain or in the full-length integrin. These data show that denticity of the ligand Asp/Glu can modify divalent cation selectivity at MIDAS and hence integrin function. Stabilizing the Ca2+ ion at MIDAS by bidentate ligation to a ligand Asp/Glu may provide one approach for designing pure integrin antagonists. PMID:22095715

Expression of an Activated Integrin Promotes Long-Distance Sensory Axon Regeneration in the Spinal Cord

PubMed Central

Cheah, Menghon; Chew, Daniel J.; Moloney, Elizabeth B.; Verhaagen, Joost; Fässler, Reinhard

2016-01-01

After CNS injury, axon regeneration is blocked by an inhibitory environment consisting of the highly upregulated tenascin-C and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). Tenascin-C promotes growth of axons if they express a tenascin-binding integrin, particularly α9β1. Additionally, integrins can be inactivated by CSPGs, and this inhibition can be overcome by the presence of a β1-binding integrin activator, kindlin-1. We examined the synergistic effect of α9 integrin and kindlin-1 on sensory axon regeneration in adult rat spinal cord after dorsal root crush and adeno-associated virus transgene expression in dorsal root ganglia. After 12 weeks, axons from C6–C7 dorsal root ganglia regenerated through the tenascin-C-rich dorsal root entry zone into the dorsal column up to C1 level and above (>25 mm axon length) through a normal pathway. Animals also showed anatomical and electrophysiological evidence of reconnection to the dorsal horn and behavioral recovery in mechanical pressure, thermal pain, and ladder-walking tasks. Expression of α9 integrin or kindlin-1 alone promoted much less regeneration and recovery. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The study demonstrates that long-distance sensory axon regeneration over a normal pathway and with sensory and sensory–motor recovery can be achieved. This was achieved by expressing an integrin that recognizes tenascin-C, one of the components of glial scar tissue, and an integrin activator. This enabled extensive long-distance (>25 mm) regeneration of both myelinated and unmyelinated sensory axons with topographically correct connections in the spinal cord. The extent of growth and recovery we have seen would probably be clinically significant. Restoration of sensation to hands, perineum, and genitalia would be a significant improvement for a spinal cord-injured patient. PMID:27383601

The group B streptococcal alpha C protein binds alpha1beta1-integrin through a novel KTD motif that promotes internalization of GBS within human epithelial cells.

PubMed

Bolduc, Gilles R; Madoff, Lawrence C

2007-12-01

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis among neonates and a cause of morbidity among pregnant women and immunocompromised adults. GBS epithelial cell invasion is associated with expression of alpha C protein (ACP). Loss of ACP expression results in a decrease in GBS internalization and translocation across human cervical epithelial cells (ME180). Soluble ACP and its 170 amino acid N-terminal region (NtACP), but not the repeat protein RR', bind to ME180 cells and reduce internalization of wild-type GBS to levels obtained with an ACP-deficient isogenic mutant. In the current study, ACP colocalized with alpha(1)beta(1)-integrin, resulting in integrin clustering as determined by laser scanning confocal microscopy. NtACP contains two structural domains, D1 and D2. D1 is structurally similar to fibronectin's integrin-binding region (FnIII10). D1's (KT)D146 motif is structurally similar to the FnIII10 (RG)D1495 integrin-binding motif, suggesting that ACP binds alpha(1)beta(1)-integrin via the D1 domain. The (KT)D146A mutation within soluble NtACP reduced its ability to bind alpha(1)beta(1)-integrin and inhibit GBS internalization within ME180 cells. Thus ACP binding to human epithelial cell integrins appears to contribute to GBS internalization within epithelial cells.

Klf5 controls bone marrow homing of stem cells and progenitors through Rab5-mediated β1/β2-integrin trafficking

PubMed Central

Taniguchi Ishikawa, E.; Chang, K.H.; Nayak, R.; Olsson, H.A; Ficker, A.; Dunn, S.K.; Madhu, M.; Sengupta, A.; Whitsett, J.A.; Grimes, H.L.; Cancelas, J.A.

2013-01-01

Kruppel-like factor 5 (Klf5) regulates pluripotent stem cell self-renewal but its role in somatic stem cells is unknown. Here we show that Klf5 deficient haematopoietic stem cells and progenitors (HSC/P) fail to engraft after transplantation. This HSC/P defect is associated with impaired bone marrow homing and lodging and decreased retention in bone marrow, and with decreased adhesion to fibronectin and expression of membrane-bound β1/β2-integrins. In vivo inducible gain-of-function of Klf5 in HSCs increases HSC/P adhesion. The expression of Rab5 family members, mediators of β1/β2-integrin recycling in the early endosome, is decreased in Klf5Δ/Δ HSC/Ps. Klf5 binds directly to the promoter of Rab5a/b and overexpression of Rab5b rescues the expression of activated β1/β2-integrins, adhesion and bone marrow homing of Klf5Δ/Δ HSC/Ps. Altogether, these data indicate that Klf5 is indispensable for adhesion, homing, lodging and retention of HSC/Ps in the bone marrow through Rab5-dependent post-translational regulation of β1/β2 integrins. PMID:23552075

Bit-1 Mediates Integrin-dependent Cell Survival through Activation of the NFκB Pathway*

PubMed Central

Griffiths, Genevieve S.; Grundl, Melanie; Leychenko, Anna; Reiter, Silke; Young-Robbins, Shirley S.; Sulzmaier, Florian J.; Caliva, Maisel J.; Ramos, Joe W.; Matter, Michelle L.

2011-01-01

Loss of properly regulated cell death and cell survival pathways can contribute to the development of cancer and cancer metastasis. Cell survival signals are modulated by many different receptors, including integrins. Bit-1 is an effector of anoikis (cell death due to loss of attachment) in suspended cells. The anoikis function of Bit-1 can be counteracted by integrin-mediated cell attachment. Here, we explored integrin regulation of Bit-1 in adherent cells. We show that knockdown of endogenous Bit-1 in adherent cells decreased cell survival and re-expression of Bit-1 abrogated this effect. Furthermore, reduction of Bit-1 promoted both staurosporine and serum-deprivation induced apoptosis. Indeed knockdown of Bit-1 in these cells led to increased apoptosis as determined by caspase-3 activation and positive TUNEL staining. Bit-1 expression protected cells from apoptosis by increasing phospho-IκB levels and subsequently bcl-2 gene transcription. Protection from apoptosis under serum-free conditions correlated with bcl-2 transcription and Bcl-2 protein expression. Finally, Bit-1-mediated regulation of bcl-2 was dependent on focal adhesion kinase, PI3K, and AKT. Thus, we have elucidated an integrin-controlled pathway in which Bit-1 is, in part, responsible for the survival effects of cell-ECM interactions. PMID:21383007

Role of Integrin-Beta1 in Polycystic Kidney Disease

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-01

inheritance of the transgene, as paternal transmission would lead to gene recombination not only in the kidneys, but also in sperm and the resulting...Yanagisawa M, Miller L, Nelson RD, Kohan DE: Collecting duct-specific knockout of endothelin-1 causes hypertension and sodium retention . J Clin Invest

EMMPRIN reduction via scFv-M6-1B9 intrabody affects α3β1-integrin and MCT1 functions and results in suppression of progressive phenotype in the colorectal cancer cell line Caco-2.

PubMed

Sangboonruang, S; Thammasit, P; Intasai, N; Kasinrerk, W; Tayapiwatana, C; Tragoolpua, K

2014-06-01

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) exhibits overexpression in various cancers and promotes cancer progression and metastasis via the interaction with its associated molecules. The scFv-M6-1B9 intrabody has a potential ability to reduce EMMPRIN cell surface expression. However, the subsequent effect of scFv-M6-1B9 intrabody-mediated EMMPRIN abatement on its related molecules, α3β1-integrin, MCT1, MMP-2 and MMP-9, is undefined. Our results demonstrated that the scFv-M6-1B9 intrabody efficiently decreased α3β1-integrin cell surface expression levels. In addition, intracellular accumulation of MCT1 and lactate were increased. These results lead to suppression of features characteristic for tumor progression, including cell migration, proliferation and invasion, in a colorectal cancer cell line (Caco-2) although there was no difference in MMP expression. Thus, EMMPRIN represents an attractive target molecule for the disruption of cancer proliferation and metastasis. An scFv-M6-1B9 intrabody-based approach could be relevant for cancer gene therapy.

Cigarette smoke induces β2-integrin-dependent neutrophil migration across human endothelium

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Cigarette smoking induces peripheral inflammatory responses in all smokers and is the major risk factor for neutrophilic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cigarette smoke on neutrophil migration and on β2-integrin activation and function in neutrophilic transmigration through endothelium. Methods and results Utilizing freshly isolated human PMNs, the effect of cigarette smoke on migration and β2-integrin activation and function in neutrophilic transmigration was studied. In this report, we demonstrated that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) dose dependently induced migration of neutrophils in vitro. Moreover, CSE promoted neutrophil adherence to fibrinogen. Using functional blocking antibodies against CD11b and CD18, it was demonstrated that Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) is responsible for the cigarette smoke-induced firm adhesion of neutrophils to fibrinogen. Furthermore, neutrophils transmigrated through endothelium by cigarette smoke due to the activation of β2-integrins, since pre-incubation of neutrophils with functional blocking antibodies against CD11b and CD18 attenuated this transmigration. Conclusion This is the first study to describe that cigarette smoke extract induces a direct migratory effect on neutrophils and that CSE is an activator of β2-integrins on the cell surface. Blocking this activation of β2-integrins might be an important target in cigarette smoke induced neutrophilic diseases. PMID:21651795

Bartonella henselae engages inside-out and outside-in signaling by integrin β1 and talin1 during invasome-mediated bacterial uptake.

PubMed

Truttmann, Matthias C; Misselwitz, Benjamin; Huser, Sonja; Hardt, Wolf-Dietrich; Critchley, David R; Dehio, Christoph

2011-11-01

The VirB/D4 type IV secretion system (T4SS) of the bacterial pathogen Bartonella henselae (Bhe) translocates seven effector proteins (BepA-BepG) into human cells that subvert host cellular functions. Two redundant pathways dependent on BepG or the combination of BepC and BepF trigger the formation of a bacterial uptake structure termed the invasome. Invasome formation is a multi-step process consisting of bacterial adherence, effector translocation, aggregation of bacteria on the cell surface and engulfment, and eventually, complete internalization of the bacterial aggregate occurs in an F-actin-dependent manner. In the present study, we show that Bhe-triggered invasome formation depends on integrin-β1-mediated signaling cascades that enable assembly of the F-actin invasome structure. We demonstrate that Bhe interacts with integrin β1 in a fibronectin- and VirB/D4 T4SS-independent manner and that activated integrin β1 is essential for both effector translocation and the actin rearrangements leading to invasome formation. Furthermore, we show that talin1, but not talin2, is required for inside-out activation of integrin β1 during invasome formation. Finally, integrin-β1-mediated outside-in signaling by FAK, Src, paxillin and vinculin is necessary for invasome formation. This is the first example of a bacterial entry process that fully exploits the bi-directional signaling capacity of integrin receptors in a talin1-specific manner.

Alpha1B-adrenoceptor signaling and cell motility: GTPase function of Gh/transglutaminase 2 inhibits cell migration through interaction with cytoplasmic tail of integrin alpha subunits.

PubMed

Kang, Sung Koo; Yi, Kye Sook; Kwon, Nyoun Soo; Park, Kwang-Hyun; Kim, Uh-Hyun; Baek, Kwang Jin; Im, Mie-Jae

2004-08-27

A multifunctional enzyme, G(h), is a GTP-binding protein that couples to the alpha(1B)-adrenoreceptor and stimulates phospholipase C-delta1 but also displays transglutaminase 2 (TG2) activity. G(h)/TG2 has been implicated to play a role in cell motility. In this study we have examined which function of G(h)/TG2 is involved in this cellular response and the molecular basis. Treatment of human aortic smooth muscle cell with epinephrine inhibits migration to fibronectin and vitronectin, and the inhibition is blocked by the alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor antagonist prazosin or chloroethylclonidine. Up-regulation or overexpression of G(h)/TG2 in human aortic smooth muscle cells, DDT1-MF2, or human embryonic kidney cells, HEK 293 cells, results in inhibition of the migratory activity, and stimulation of the alpha(1B)-adrenoreceptor with the alpha(1) agonist further augments the inhibition of migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells and DDT1-MF2. G(h)/TG2 is coimmunoprecipitated by an integrin alpha(5) antibody and binds to the cytoplasmic tail peptide of integrins alpha(5), alpha(v), and alpha(IIb) subunits in the presence of guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS). Mutation of Lys-Arg residues in the GFFKR motif, present in the alpha(5)-tail, significantly reduces the binding of GTPgammaS-G(h)/TG2. Moreover, the motif-containing integrin alpha(5)-tail peptides block G(h)/TG2 coimmunoprecipitation and reverse the inhibition of the migratory activity of HEK 293 cells caused by overexpression G(h)/TG2. These results provide evidence that G(h) function initiates the modulation of cell motility via association of GTP-bound G(h)/TG2 with the GFFKR motif located in integrin alpha subunits.

A natural variant of the cysteine protease virulence factor of group A Streptococcus with an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif preferentially binds human integrins alphavbeta3 and alphaIIbbeta3.

PubMed

Stockbauer, K E; Magoun, L; Liu, M; Burns, E H; Gubba, S; Renish, S; Pan, X; Bodary, S C; Baker, E; Coburn, J; Leong, J M; Musser, J M

1999-01-05

The human pathogenic bacterium group A Streptococcus produces an extracellular cysteine protease [streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB)] that is a critical virulence factor for invasive disease episodes. Sequence analysis of the speB gene from 200 group A Streptococcus isolates collected worldwide identified three main mature SpeB (mSpeB) variants. One of these variants (mSpeB2) contains an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence, a tripeptide motif that is commonly recognized by integrin receptors. mSpeB2 is made by all isolates of the unusually virulent serotype M1 and several other geographically widespread clones that frequently cause invasive infections. Only the mSpeB2 variant bound to transfected cells expressing integrin alphavbeta3 (also known as the vitronectin receptor) or alphaIIbbeta3 (platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa), and binding was blocked by a mAb that recognizes the streptococcal protease RGD motif region. In addition, mSpeB2 bound purified platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3. Defined beta3 mutants that are altered for fibrinogen binding were defective for SpeB binding. Synthetic peptides with the mSpeB2 RGD motif, but not the RSD sequence present in other mSpeB variants, blocked binding of mSpeB2 to transfected cells expressing alphavbeta3 and caused detachment of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The results (i) identify a Gram-positive virulence factor that directly binds integrins, (ii) identify naturally occurring variants of a documented Gram-positive virulence factor with biomedically relevant differences in their interactions with host cells, and (iii) add to the theme that subtle natural variation in microbial virulence factor structure alters the character of host-pathogen interactions.

IL-10+ innate-like B cells are part of the skin immune system and require α4β1 integrin to migrate between the peritoneum and inflamed skin1

PubMed Central

Glabman, Raisa A.; Ruthel, Gordon; Hamann, Alf; Debes, Gudrun F.

2016-01-01

The skin is an important barrier organ and frequent target of autoimmunity and allergy. Here we found innate-like B cells that expressed the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the skin of humans and mice. Unexpectedly, innate-like B1 and conventional B2 cells showed differential homing capacities with peritoneal B1 cells preferentially migrating into the inflamed skin of mice. Importantly, the skin-homing B1 cells included IL-10 secreting cells. B1 cell homing into the skin was independent of typical skin-homing trafficking receptors and instead required α4β1-integrin. Moreover, B1 cells constitutively expressed activated β1 integrin and relocated from the peritoneum to the inflamed skin and intestine upon innate stimulation, indicating an inherent propensity to extravasate into inflamed and barrier sites. We conclude that innate-like B cells migrate from central reservoirs into skin, adding an important cell type with regulatory and protective functions to the skin immune system. PMID:26851219

Hypoxia-inducible factor regulates alphavbeta3 integrin cell surface expression.

PubMed

Cowden Dahl, Karen D; Robertson, Sarah E; Weaver, Valerie M; Simon, M Celeste

2005-04-01

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-deficient placentas exhibit a number of defects, including changes in cell fate adoption, lack of fetal angiogenesis, hypocellularity, and poor invasion into maternal tissue. HIF is a heterodimeric transcription factor consisting of alpha and beta aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator or ARNT) subunits. We used undifferentiated trophoblast stem (TS) cells to characterize HIF-dependent adhesion, migration, and invasion. Arnt(-/-) and Hifalpha(-/-) TS cells exhibit reduced adhesion and migration toward vitronectin compared with wild-type cells. Furthermore, this defect is associated with decreased cell surface expression of integrin alphavbeta3 and significantly decreased expression of this integrin in focal adhesions. Because of the importance of adhesion and migration in tumor progression (in addition to placental development), we examined the affect of culturing B16F0 melanoma cells in 1.5% oxygen (O(2)). Culturing B16F0 melanoma cells at 1.5% O(2) resulted in increased alphavbeta3 integrin surface expression and increased adhesion to and migration toward vitronectin. Together, these data suggest that HIF and O(2) tension influence placental invasion and tumor migration by increasing cell surface expression of alphavbeta3 integrin.

Hypoxia-inducible Factor Regulates αvβ3 Integrin Cell Surface Expression

PubMed Central

Cowden Dahl, Karen D.; Robertson, Sarah E.; Weaver, Valerie M.; Simon, M. Celeste

2005-01-01

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-deficient placentas exhibit a number of defects, including changes in cell fate adoption, lack of fetal angiogenesis, hypocellularity, and poor invasion into maternal tissue. HIF is a heterodimeric transcription factor consisting of α and β aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator or ARNT) subunits. We used undifferentiated trophoblast stem (TS) cells to characterize HIF-dependent adhesion, migration, and invasion. Arnt-/- and Hifα-/- TS cells exhibit reduced adhesion and migration toward vitronectin compared with wild-type cells. Furthermore, this defect is associated with decreased cell surface expression of integrin αvβ3 and significantly decreased expression of this integrin in focal adhesions. Because of the importance of adhesion and migration in tumor progression (in addition to placental development), we examined the affect of culturing B16F0 melanoma cells in 1.5% oxygen (O2). Culturing B16F0 melanoma cells at 1.5% O2 resulted in increased αvβ3 integrin surface expression and increased adhesion to and migration toward vitronectin. Together, these data suggest that HIF and O2 tension influence placental invasion and tumor migration by increasing cell surface expression of αvβ3 integrin. PMID:15689487

β1 integrin- and JNK-dependent tumor growth upon hypofractionated radiation.

PubMed

Sayeed, Aejaz; Lu, Huimin; Liu, Qin; Deming, David; Duffy, Alexander; McCue, Peter; Dicker, Adam P; Davis, Roger J; Gabrilovich, Dmitry; Rodeck, Ulrich; Altieri, Dario C; Languino, Lucia R

2016-08-16

Radiation therapy is an effective cancer treatment modality although tumors invariably become resistant. Using the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model system, we report that a hypofractionated radiation schedule (10 Gy/day for 5 consecutive days) effectively blocks prostate tumor growth in wild type (β1wt /TRAMP) mice as well as in mice carrying a conditional ablation of β1 integrins in the prostatic epithelium (β1pc-/- /TRAMP). Since JNK is known to be suppressed by β1 integrins and mediates radiation-induced apoptosis, we tested the effect of SP600125, an inhibitor of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) in the TRAMP model system. Our results show that SP600125 negates the effect of radiation on tumor growth in β1pc-/- /TRAMP mice and leads to invasive adenocarcinoma. These effects are associated with increased focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression and phosphorylation in prostate tumors in β1pc-/- /TRAMP mice. In marked contrast, radiation-induced tumor growth suppression, FAK expression and phosphorylation are not altered by SP600125 treatment of β1wt /TRAMP mice. Furthermore, we have reported earlier that abrogation of insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) in prostate cancer cells enhances the sensitivity to radiation. Here we further explore the β1/IGF-IR crosstalk and report that β1 integrins promote cell proliferation partly by enhancing the expression of IGF-IR. In conclusion, we demonstrate that β1 integrin-mediated inhibition of JNK signaling modulates tumor growth rate upon hypofractionated radiation.

Characterization of four CD18 mutants in leucocyte adhesion deficient (LAD) patients with differential capacities to support expression and function of the CD11/CD18 integrins LFA-1, Mac-1 and p150,95

PubMed Central

Shaw, J M; Al-Shamkhani, A; Boxer, L A; Buckley, C D; Dodds, A W; Klein, N; Nolan, S M; Roberts, I; Roos, D; Scarth, S L; Simmons, D L; Tan, S M; Law, S K A

2001-01-01

Leucocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) is a hereditary disorder caused by mutations in the CD18 (β2 integrin) gene. Four missense mutations have been identified in three patients. CD18(A270V) supports, at a diminished level, CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1, αMβ2 integrin) and CD11c/CD18 (p150,95, αXβ2 integrin) expression and function but not CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1, αLβ2 integrin) expression. Conversely, CD18(A341P) supports a limited level of expression and function of CD11a/CD18, but not of the other two CD11/CD18 antigens. CD18(C590R) and CD18(R593C) show a decreasing capacity to associate with the CD11a, CD11c and CD11b subunits. Transfectants expressing the CD11a/CD18 with the C590R and R593C mutations are more adhesive than transfectants expressing wild-type LFA-1, and express the reporter epitope of the monoclonal antibody 24 constitutively. Thus, the four mutations affect CD18 differently in its capacities to support CD11/CD18 expression and adhesion. These results not only provide a biochemical account for the clinical diversity of patients with leucocyte adhesion deficiency, but also offer novel insights into the structural basis of interaction between the α and β subunits, which is an integral component in our understanding of integrin-mediated adhesion and its regulation. PMID:11703376

Serosal Cavities Contain Two Populations of Innate-like integrin α4highCD4+ T Cells, Integrin α4β1+α6β1+α4β7- and α4β1+α6β1-α4β7+ Cells.

PubMed

Yang, Jeong In; Park, Chanho; Kho, Inseong; Lee, Sujin; Suh, Kyung-Suk; Kim, Tae Jin

2017-12-01

We previously reported peritoneal innate-like integrin α4 (CD49d) high CD4 + T cells that provided help for B-1a cells. Here we analyzed the expression of various integrin chains on the peritoneal and pleural integrin α4 high CD4 + T cells and investigated the functional heterogeneity of the subpopulations based on the integrin expression. Pleural cavity contained a lower ratio of integrin α4 high CD4 + T cells to integrin α4 low CD4 + T cells than peritoneal cavity, but the pleural integrin α4 high CD4 + T cells have the same characteristics of the peritoneal integrin α4 high CD4 + T cells. Most of integrin α4 high CD4 + T cells were integrin β1 high β7 - , but a minor population of integrin α4 high CD4 + T cells was integrin β1 + β7 + . Interestingly, the integrin α4 high β1 high β7 - CD4 + T cells expressed high levels of integrin α4β1 and α6β1, whereas integrin α4 high β1 + β7 + CD4 + T cells expressed high levels of integrin α4β1 and α4β7, suggesting an alternative expression of integrin α6β1 or α4β7 in combination with α4β1 in respective major and minor populations of integrin α4 high CD4 + T cells. The minor population, integrin α4 high β1 + β7 + CD4 + T cells, were different from the integrin α4 high β1 high β7 - CD4 + T cells in that they secreted a smaller amount of Th1 cytokines upon stimulation and expressed lower levels of Th1-related chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR3 than the integrin α4 high β 1 high β 7 - CD4 + T cells. In summary, the innate-like integrin α4 high CD4 + T cells could be divided into 2 populations, integrin α4β1 + α6β1 + α4β7 - and α4β1 + α6β1 - α4β7 + cells. The functional significance of serosal integrin α4β7 + CD4 + T cells needed to be investigated especially in view of mucosal immunity.

Genetic ablation of the alpha 6-integrin subunit in Tie1Cre mice enhances tumour angiogenesis.

PubMed

Germain, Mitchel; De Arcangelis, Adèle; Robinson, Stephen D; Baker, Marianne; Tavora, Bernardo; D'Amico, Gabriela; Silva, Rita; Kostourou, Vassiliki; Reynolds, Louise E; Watson, Alan; Jones, J Louise; Georges-Labouesse, Elisabeth; Hodivala-Dilke, Kairbaan

2010-02-01

Laminins are expressed highly in blood vessel basement membranes and have been implicated in angiogenesis. alpha6beta1- and alpha6beta4-integrins are major receptors for laminins in endothelial cells, but the precise role of endothelial alpha6-integrin in tumour angiogenesis is not clear. We show that blood vessels in human invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast have decreased expression of the alpha6-integrin-subunit when compared with normal breast tissue. These data suggest that a decrease in alpha6-integrin-subunit expression in endothelial cells is associated with tumour angiogenesis. To test whether the loss of the endothelial alpha6-integrin subunit affects tumour growth and angiogenesis, we generated alpha6fl/fl-Tie1Cre+ mice and showed that endothelial deletion of alpha6-integrin is sufficient to enhance tumour size and tumour angiogenesis in both murine B16F0 melanoma and Lewis cell lung carcinoma. Mechanistically, endothelial alpha6-integrin deficiency elevated significantly VEGF-mediated angiogenesis both in vivo and ex vivo. In particular, alpha6-integrin-deficient endothelial cells displayed increased levels of VEGF-receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and VEGF-mediated downstream ERK1/2 activation. By developing the first endothelial-specific alpha6-knockout mice, we show that the expression of the alpha6-integrin subunit in endothelial cells acts as a negative regulator of angiogenesis both in vivo and ex vivo. Copyright 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Overlapping expression patterns and functions of three paralogous P5B ATPases in Caenorhabditis elegans.

PubMed

Zielich, Jeffrey; Tzima, Elena; Schröder, Eva Ayla; Jemel, Faten; Conradt, Barbara; Lambie, Eric J

2018-01-01

P5B ATPases are present in the genomes of diverse unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes, indicating that they have an ancient origin, and that they are important for cellular fitness. Inactivation of ATP13A2, one of the four human P5B ATPases, leads to early-onset Parkinson's disease (Kufor-Rakeb Syndrome). The presence of an invariant PPALP motif within the putative substrate interaction pocket of transmembrane segment M4 suggests that all P5B ATPases might have similar transport specificity; however, the identity of the transport substrate(s) remains unknown. Nematodes of the genus Caenorhabditis possess three paralogous P5B ATPase genes, catp-5, catp-6 and catp-7, which probably originated from a single ancestral gene around the time of origin of the Caenorhabditid clade. By using CRISPR/Cas9, we have systematically investigated the expression patterns, subcellular localization and biological functions of each of the P5B ATPases of C. elegans. We find that each gene has a unique expression pattern, and that some tissues express more than one P5B. In some tissues where their expression patterns overlap, different P5Bs are targeted to different subcellular compartments (e.g., early endosomes vs. plasma membrane), whereas in other tissues they localize to the same compartment (plasma membrane). We observed lysosomal co-localization between CATP-6::GFP and LMP-1::RFP in transgenic animals; however, this was an artifact of the tagged LMP-1 protein, since anti-LMP-1 antibody staining of native protein revealed that LMP-1 and CATP-6::GFP occupy different compartments. The nematode P5Bs are at least partially redundant, since we observed synthetic sterility in catp-5(0); catp-6(0) and catp-6(0) catp-7(0) double mutants. The double mutants exhibit defects in distal tip cell migration that resemble those of ina-1 (alpha integrin ortholog) and vab-3 (Pax6 ortholog) mutants, suggesting that the nematode P5Bs are required for ina-1and/or vab-3 function. This is potentially a conserved regulatory interaction, since mammalian ATP13A2, alpha integrin and Pax6 are all required for proper dopaminergic neuron function.

Overlapping expression patterns and functions of three paralogous P5B ATPases in Caenorhabditis elegans

PubMed Central

Zielich, Jeffrey; Tzima, Elena; Schröder, Eva Ayla; Jemel, Faten; Conradt, Barbara

2018-01-01

P5B ATPases are present in the genomes of diverse unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes, indicating that they have an ancient origin, and that they are important for cellular fitness. Inactivation of ATP13A2, one of the four human P5B ATPases, leads to early-onset Parkinson’s disease (Kufor-Rakeb Syndrome). The presence of an invariant PPALP motif within the putative substrate interaction pocket of transmembrane segment M4 suggests that all P5B ATPases might have similar transport specificity; however, the identity of the transport substrate(s) remains unknown. Nematodes of the genus Caenorhabditis possess three paralogous P5B ATPase genes, catp-5, catp-6 and catp-7, which probably originated from a single ancestral gene around the time of origin of the Caenorhabditid clade. By using CRISPR/Cas9, we have systematically investigated the expression patterns, subcellular localization and biological functions of each of the P5B ATPases of C. elegans. We find that each gene has a unique expression pattern, and that some tissues express more than one P5B. In some tissues where their expression patterns overlap, different P5Bs are targeted to different subcellular compartments (e.g., early endosomes vs. plasma membrane), whereas in other tissues they localize to the same compartment (plasma membrane). We observed lysosomal co-localization between CATP-6::GFP and LMP-1::RFP in transgenic animals; however, this was an artifact of the tagged LMP-1 protein, since anti-LMP-1 antibody staining of native protein revealed that LMP-1 and CATP-6::GFP occupy different compartments. The nematode P5Bs are at least partially redundant, since we observed synthetic sterility in catp-5(0); catp-6(0) and catp-6(0) catp-7(0) double mutants. The double mutants exhibit defects in distal tip cell migration that resemble those of ina-1 (alpha integrin ortholog) and vab-3 (Pax6 ortholog) mutants, suggesting that the nematode P5Bs are required for ina-1and/or vab-3 function. This is potentially a conserved regulatory interaction, since mammalian ATP13A2, alpha integrin and Pax6 are all required for proper dopaminergic neuron function. PMID:29547664

Epidermal Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 is Not a Primary Inducer of Cutaneous Inflammation in Transgenic Mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Ifor R.; Kupper, Thomas S.

1994-10-01

Keratinocytes at sites of cutaneous inflammation have increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), a cytokine-inducible adhesion molecule which binds the leukocyte integrins LFA-1 and Mac-1. Transgenic mice were prepared in which the expression of mouse ICAM-1 was targeted to basal keratinocytes by using the human K14 keratin promoter. The level of constitutive expression attained in the transgenic mice exceeded the peak level of ICAM-1 expression induced on nontransgenic mouse keratinocytes in vitro by optimal combinations of interferon γ and tumor necrosis factor α or in vivo by proinflammatory stimuli such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. In vitro adhesion assays demonstrated that cultured transgenic keratinocytes were superior to normal keratinocytes as a substrate for the LFA-1-dependent binding of mouse T cells, confirming that the transgene-encoded ICAM-1 was expressed in a functional form. However, the high level of constitutive ICAM-1 expression achieved on keratinocytes in vivo in these transgenic mice did not result in additional recruitment of CD45^+ leukocytes into transgenic epidermis, nor did it elicit dermal inflammation. Keratinocyte ICAM-1 expression also did not potentiate contact-hypersensitivity reactions to epicutaneous application of haptens. The absence of a spontaneous phenotype in these transgenic mice was not the result of increased levels of soluble ICAM-1, since serum levels of soluble ICAM-1 were equal in transgenic mice and controls. We conclude that elevated ICAM-1 expression on keratinocytes cannot act independently to influence leukocyte trafficking and elicit cutaneous inflammation.

Modulation of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation through Substrate-dependent Changes in Fibronectin Conformation

PubMed Central

García, Andrés J.; Vega, María D.; Boettiger, David

1999-01-01

Integrin-mediated cell adhesion to extracellular matrices provides signals essential for cell cycle progression and differentiation. We demonstrate that substrate-dependent changes in the conformation of adsorbed fibronectin (Fn) modulated integrin binding and controlled switching between proliferation and differentiation. Adsorption of Fn onto bacterial polystyrene (B), tissue culture polystyrene (T), and collagen (C) resulted in differences in Fn conformation as indicated by antibody binding. Using a biochemical method to quantify bound integrins in cultured cells, we found that differences in Fn conformation altered the quantity of bound α5 and β1 integrin subunits but not αv or β3. C2C12 myoblasts grown on these Fn-coated substrates proliferated to different levels (B > T > C). Immunostaining for muscle-specific myosin revealed minimal differentiation on B, significant levels on T, and extensive differentiation on C. Differentiation required binding to the RGD cell binding site in Fn and was blocked by antibodies specific for this site. Switching between proliferation and differentiation was controlled by the levels of α5β1 integrin bound to Fn, and differentiation was inhibited by anti-α5, but not anti-αv, antibodies, suggesting distinct integrin-mediated signaling pathways. Control of cell proliferation and differentiation through conformational changes in extracellular matrix proteins represents a versatile mechanism to elicit specific cellular responses for biological and biotechnological applications. PMID:10069818

Integrins (alpha7beta1) in muscle function and survival. Disrupted expression in merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy.

PubMed Central

Vachon, P H; Xu, H; Liu, L; Loechel, F; Hayashi, Y; Arahata, K; Reed, J C; Wewer, U M; Engvall, E

1997-01-01

Mutations in genes coding for dystrophin, for alpha, beta, gamma, and delta-sarcoglycans, or for the alpha2 chain of the basement membrane component merosin (laminin-2/4) cause various forms of muscular dystrophy. Analyses of integrins showed an abnormal expression and localization of alpha7beta1 isoforms in myofibers of merosin-deficient human patients and mice, but not in dystrophin-deficient or sarcoglycan-deficient humans and animals. It was shown previously that skeletal muscle fibers require merosin for survival and function (Vachon, P.H., F. Loechel, H. Xu, U.M. Wewer, and E. Engvall. 1996. J. Cell Biol. 134:1483-1497). Correction of merosin deficiency in vitro through cell transfection with the merosin alpha2 chain restored the normal localization of alpha7beta1D integrins as well as myotube survival. Overexpression of the apoptosis-suppressing molecule Bcl-2 also promoted the survival of merosin-deficient myotubes, but did not restore a normal expression of alpha7beta1D integrins. Blocking of beta1 integrins in normal myotubes induced apoptosis and severely reduced their survival. These findings (a) identify alpha7beta1D integrins as the de facto receptors for merosin in skeletal muscle; (b) indicate a merosin dependence for the accurate expression and membrane localization of alpha7beta1D integrins in myofibers; (c) provide a molecular basis for the critical role of merosin in myofiber survival; and (d) add new insights to the pathogenesis of neuromuscular disorders. PMID:9312189

Inhibition of the αvβ6 integrin leads to limited alteration of TGF-α-induced pulmonary fibrosis

PubMed Central

Madala, Satish K.; Korfhagen, Thomas R.; Schmidt, Stephanie; Davidson, Cynthia; Edukulla, Ramakrishna; Ikegami, Machiko; Violette, Shelia M.; Weinreb, Paul H.; Sheppard, Dean

2014-01-01

A number of growth factors and signaling pathways regulate matrix deposition and fibroblast proliferation in the lung. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of receptors and the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family are active in diverse biological processes and are central mediators in the initiation and maintenance of fibrosis in many diseases. Transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) is a ligand for the EGFR, and doxycycline (Dox)-inducible transgenic mice conditionally expressing TGF-α specifically in the lung epithelium develop progressive fibrosis accompanied with cachexia, changes in lung mechanics, and marked pleural thickening. Although recent studies demonstrate that EGFR activation modulates the fibroproliferative effects involved in the pathogenesis of TGF-β induced pulmonary fibrosis, in converse, the direct role of EGFR induction of the TGF-β pathway in the lung is unknown. The αvβ6 integrin is an important in vivo activator of TGF-β activation in the lung. Immunohistochemical analysis of αvβ6 protein expression and bronchoalveolar analysis of TGF-β pathway signaling indicates activation of the αvβ6/TGF-β pathway only at later time points after lung fibrosis was already established in the TGF-α model. To determine the contribution of the αvβ6/TGF-β pathway on the progression of established fibrotic disease, TGF-α transgenic mice were administered Dox for 4 wk, which leads to extensive fibrosis; these mice were then treated with a function-blocking anti-αvβ6 antibody with continued administration of Dox for an additional 4 wk. Compared with TGF-α transgenic mice treated with control antibody, αvβ6 inhibition significantly attenuated pleural thickening and altered the decline in lung mechanics. To test the effects of genetic loss of the β6 integrin, TGF-α transgenic mice were mated with β6-null mice and the degree of fibrosis was compared in adult mice following 8 wk of Dox administration. Genetic ablation of the β6 integrin attenuated histological and physiological changes in the lungs of TGF-α transgenic mice although a significant degree of fibrosis still developed. In summary, inhibition of the β6 integrin led to a modest, albeit significant, effect on pleural thickening and lung function decline observed with TGF-α-induced pulmonary fibrosis. These data support activation of the αvβ6/TGF-β pathway as a secondary effect contributing to TGF-α-induced pleural fibrosis and suggest a complex contribution of multiple mediators to the maintenance of progressive fibrosis in the lung. PMID:24508732

SU9516 Increases α7β1 Integrin and Ameliorates Disease Progression in the mdx Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

PubMed

Sarathy, Apurva; Wuebbles, Ryan D; Fontelonga, Tatiana M; Tarchione, Ashley R; Mathews Griner, Lesley A; Heredia, Dante J; Nunes, Andreia M; Duan, Suzann; Brewer, Paul D; Van Ry, Tyler; Hennig, Grant W; Gould, Thomas W; Dulcey, Andrés E; Wang, Amy; Xu, Xin; Chen, Catherine Z; Hu, Xin; Zheng, Wei; Southall, Noel; Ferrer, Marc; Marugan, Juan; Burkin, Dean J

2017-06-07

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, resulting in a complete loss of the dystrophin protein. Dystrophin is a critical component of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC), which links laminin in the extracellular matrix to the actin cytoskeleton within myofibers and provides resistance to shear stresses during muscle activity. Loss of dystrophin in DMD patients results in a fragile sarcolemma prone to contraction-induced muscle damage. The α7β1 integrin is a laminin receptor protein complex in skeletal and cardiac muscle and a major modifier of disease progression in DMD. In a muscle cell-based screen for α7 integrin transcriptional enhancers, we identified a small molecule, SU9516, that promoted increased α7β1 integrin expression. Here we show that SU9516 leads to increased α7B integrin in murine C2C12 and human DMD patient myogenic cell lines. Oral administration of SU9516 in the mdx mouse model of DMD increased α7β1 integrin in skeletal muscle, ameliorated pathology, and improved muscle function. We show that these improvements are mediated through SU9516 inhibitory actions on the p65-NF-κB pro-inflammatory and Ste20-related proline alanine rich kinase (SPAK)/OSR1 signaling pathways. This study identifies a first in-class α7 integrin-enhancing small-molecule compound with potential for the treatment of DMD. Copyright © 2017 The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. All rights reserved.

Identification of inhibitors of α2β1 integrin, members of C-lectin type proteins, in Echis sochureki venom

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jakubowski, Piotr; Calvete, Juan J.; Eble, Johannes A.

Snake venom antagonists of α2β1 integrin have been identified as members of a C-lectin type family of proteins (CLP). In the present study, we characterized three new CLPs isolated from Echis sochureki venom, which interact with this integrin. These proteins were purified using a combination of gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. Sochicetin-A and sochicetin-B potently inhibited adhesion of cells expressing α2β1 integrin and binding of isolated α2β1 ectodomain to collagen I, as well as bound to recombinant GST-α2A domain in ELISA, whereas activity of sochicetin-C in these assays was approximately two orders of magnitude lower. Structurally,more » sochicetin-B and sochicetin-C are typical heterodimeric αβ CLPs, whereas sochicetin-A exhibits a trimer of its subunits (αβ){sub 3} in the quaternary structure. Immobilized sochicetins supported adhesion of glioma cell lines, LN18 and LBC3, whereas in a soluble form they partially inhibited adhesion of these cells to collagen I. Glioma cells spread very poorly on sochicetin-A, showing no cytoskeleton rearrangement typical for adhesion to collagen I or fibronectin. Adhesion on CLP does not involve focal adhesion elements, such as vinculin. Sochicetin-A also inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation, similar to other CLPs' action on the blood coagulation system. - Highlights: • Isolation of three novel snake venom CLPs inhibiting α2β1 integrin • Reporting hexameric CLP, sochicetin-A with anti-collagen receptor activity • CLPs antagonize the interaction of glioma cells with collagen matrix. • Sochicetin-A does not support glioma cell spreading.« less

Smurf1 inhibits integrin activation by controlling Kindlin-2 ubiquitination and degradation

PubMed Central

Wei, Xiaofan; Wang, Xiang; Zhan, Jun; Chen, Yuhan; Fang, Weigang; Zhang, Lingqiang

2017-01-01

Integrin activation is an indispensable step for various integrin-mediated biological functions. Kindlin-2 is known to coactivate integrins with Talin; however, molecules that restrict integrin activation are elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf1 controls the amount of Kindlin-2 protein in cells and hinders integrin activation. Smurf1 interacts with and promotes Kindlin-2 ubiquitination and degradation. Smurf1 selectively mediates degradation of Kindlin-2 but not Talin, leading to inhibition of αIIbβ3 integrin activation in Chinese hamster ovary cells and β1 integrin activation in fibroblasts. Enhanced activation of β1 integrin was found in Smurf1-knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts, which correlates with an increase in Kindlin-2 protein levels. Similarly, a reciprocal relationship between Smurf1 and Kindlin-2 protein levels is found in tissues from colon cancer patients, suggesting that Smurf1 mediates Kindlin-2 degradation in vivo. Collectively, we demonstrate that Smurf1 acts as a brake for integrin activation by controlling Kindlin-2 protein levels, a new mechanism that permits precise modulation of integrin-mediated cellular functions. PMID:28408404

Reduced chondrocyte proliferation and chondrodysplasia in mice lacking the integrin-linked kinase in chondrocytes.

PubMed

Terpstra, Leonieke; Prud'homme, Josée; Arabian, Alice; Takeda, Shu; Karsenty, Gérard; Dedhar, Shoukat; St-Arnaud, René

2003-07-07

Chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation requires their attachment to the collagen type II-rich matrix of developing bone. This interaction is mediated by integrins and their cytoplasmic effectors, such as the integrin-linked kinase (ILK). To elucidate the molecular mechanisms whereby integrins control these processes, we have specifically inactivated the ILK gene in growth plate chondrocytes using the Cre-lox methodology. Mice carrying an ILK allele flanked by loxP sites (ILK-fl) were crossed to transgenic mice expressing the Cre recombinase under the control of the collagen type II promoter. Inactivation of both copies of the ILK-fl allele lead to a chondrodysplasia characterized by a disorganized growth plate and to dwarfism. Expression of chondrocyte differentiation markers such as collagen type II, collagen type X, Indian hedgehog and the PTH-PTHrP receptor was normal in ILK-deficient growth plates. In contrast, chondrocyte proliferation, assessed by BrdU or proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling, was markedly reduced in the mutant growth plates. Cell-based assays showed that integrin-mediated adhesion of primary cultures of chondrocytes from mutant animals to collagen type II was impaired. ILK inactivation in chondrocytes resulted in reduced cyclin D1 expression, and this most likely explains the defect in chondrocyte proliferation observed when ILK is inactivated in growth plate cells.

Ankyrin-B is a PI3P effector that promotes polarized α5β1-integrin recycling via recruiting RabGAP1L to early endosomes

PubMed Central

Qu, Fangfei; Lorenzo, Damaris N; King, Samantha J; Brooks, Rebecca; Bear, James E; Bennett, Vann

2016-01-01

Endosomal membrane trafficking requires coordination between phosphoinositide lipids, Rab GTPases, and microtubule-based motors to dynamically determine endosome identity and promote long-range organelle transport. Here we report that ankyrin-B (AnkB), through integrating all three systems, functions as a critical node in the protein circuitry underlying polarized recycling of α5β1-integrin in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, which enables persistent fibroblast migration along fibronectin gradients. AnkB associates with phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P)-positive organelles in fibroblasts and binds dynactin to promote their long-range motility. We demonstrate that AnkB binds to Rab GTPase Activating Protein 1-Like (RabGAP1L) and recruits it to PI3P-positive organelles, where RabGAP1L inactivates Rab22A, and promotes polarized trafficking to the leading edge of migrating fibroblasts. We further determine that α5β1-integrin depends on an AnkB/RabGAP1L complex for polarized recycling. Our results reveal AnkB as an unexpected key element in coordinating polarized transport of α5β1-integrin and likely of other specialized endocytic cargos. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.20417.001 PMID:27718357

An Integrin-Targeting RGDK-Tagged Nanocarrier: Anticancer Efficacy of Loaded Curcumin.

PubMed

Das, Krishnendu; Nimushakavi, Sahithi; Chaudhuri, Arabinda; Das, Prasanta Kumar

2017-05-22

Herein we report the design and development of α 5 β 1 integrin-specific noncovalent RGDK-lipopeptide-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) that selectively deliver the anticancer drug curcumin to tumor cells. RGDK tetrapeptide-tagged amphiphiles were synthesized that efficiently disperse SWNTs with a suspension stability index of >80 % in cell culture media. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)- and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-based cell viability assays in tumor (B16F10 melanoma) and noncancerous (NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast) cells revealed the non-cytotoxic nature of these RGDK-lipopeptide-SWNT conjugates. Cellular uptake experiments with monoclonal antibodies against α v β 3 , α v β 5 , and α 5 β 1 integrins showed that these SWNT nanovectors deliver their cargo (Cy3-labeled oligonucleotides, Cy3-oligo) to B16F10 cells selectively via α 5 β 1 integrin. Notably, the nanovectors failed to deliver the Cy3-oligo to NIH3T3 cells. The RGDK-SWNT is capable of delivering the anticancer drug curcumin to B16F10 cells more efficiently than NIH3T3 cells, leading to selective killing of B16F10 cells. Results of Annexin V binding based flow cytometry experiments are consistent with selective killing of tumor cells through the late apoptotic pathway. Biodistribution studies in melanoma (B16F10)-bearing C57BL/6J mice showed tumor-selective accumulation of curcumin intravenously administered via RGDK-lipopeptide-SWNT nanovectors. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The lutheran/basal cell adhesion molecule promotes tumor cell migration by modulating integrin-mediated cell attachment to laminin-511 protein.

PubMed

Kikkawa, Yamato; Ogawa, Takaho; Sudo, Ryo; Yamada, Yuji; Katagiri, Fumihiko; Hozumi, Kentaro; Nomizu, Motoyoshi; Miner, Jeffrey H

2013-10-25

Cell-matrix interactions are critical for tumor cell migration. Lutheran (Lu), also known as basal cell adhesion molecule (B-CAM), competes with integrins for binding to laminin α5, a subunit of LM-511, a major component of basement membranes. Here we show that the preferential binding of Lu/B-CAM to laminin α5 promotes tumor cell migration. The attachment of Lu/B-CAM transfectants to LM-511 was slightly weaker than that of control cells, and this was because Lu/B-CAM disturbed integrin binding to laminin α5. Lu/B-CAM induced a spindle cell shape with pseudopods and promoted cell migration on LM-511. In addition, blocking with an anti-Lu/B-CAM antibody led to a flat cell shape and inhibited migration on LM-511, similar to the effects of an activating integrin β1 antibody. We conclude that tumor cell migration on LM-511 requires that Lu/B-CAM competitively modulates cell attachment through integrins. We suggest that this competitive interaction is involved in a balance between static and migratory cell behaviors.

The Ras-related Protein, Rap1A, Mediates Thrombin-stimulated, Integrin-dependent Glioblastoma Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth*

PubMed Central

Sayyah, Jacqueline; Bartakova, Alena; Nogal, Nekeisha; Quilliam, Lawrence A.; Stupack, Dwayne G.; Brown, Joan Heller

2014-01-01

Rap1 is a Ras family GTPase with a well documented role in ERK/MAP kinase signaling and integrin activation. Stimulation of the G-protein-coupled receptor PAR-1 with thrombin in human 1321N1 glioblastoma cells led to a robust increase in Rap1 activation. This response was sustained for up to 6 h and mediated through RhoA and phospholipase D (PLD). Thrombin treatment also induced a 5-fold increase in cell adhesion to fibronectin, which was blocked by down-regulating PLD or Rap1A or by treatment with a β1 integrin neutralizing antibody. In addition, thrombin treatment led to increases in phospho-focal adhesion kinase (tyrosine 397), ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cell proliferation, which were significantly inhibited in cells treated with β1 integrin antibody or Rap1A siRNA. To assess the role of Rap1A in tumor formation in vivo, we compared growth of 1321N1 cells stably expressing control, Rap1A or Rap1B shRNA in a mouse xenograft model. Deletion of Rap1A, but not of Rap1B, reduced tumor mass by >70% relative to control. Similar observations were made with U373MG glioblastoma cells in which Rap1A was down-regulated. Collectively, these findings implicate a Rap1A/β1 integrin pathway, activated downstream of G-protein-coupled receptor stimulation and RhoA, in glioblastoma cell proliferation. Moreover, our data demonstrate a critical role for Rap1A in glioblastoma tumor growth in vivo. PMID:24790104

αVβ6 integrin expression is induced in the POET and Ptenpc-/- mouse models of prostatic inflammation and prostatic adenocarcinoma

PubMed Central

Garlick, David S; Li, Jing; Sansoucy, Brian; Wang, Tao; Griffith, Leeanne; FitzGerald, TJ; Butterfield, Julie; Charbonneau, Bridget; Violette, Shelia M; Weinreb, Paul H; Ratliff, Timothy L; Liao, Chun-Peng; Roy-Burman, Pradip; Vietri, Michele; Lian, Jane B; Stein, Gary S; Altieri, Dario C; Languino, Lucia R

2012-01-01

Chronic inflammation is proposed to prime the development of prostate cancer. However, the mechanisms of prostate cancer initiation and development are not completely understood. The αvβ6 integrin has been shown to play a role in epithelial development, wound healing and some epithelial cancers [1, 2]. Here, we investigate the expression of αvβ6 in mouse models of prostatic inflammation and prostate cancer to establish a possible relationship between inflammation of the prostate, αvβ6 expression and the progression of prostate cancer. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we show expression of αvβ6 in two in vivo mouse models; the Ptenpc-/- model containing a prostate- specific Pten tumor suppressor deletion that causes cancer, and the prostate ovalbumin-expressing transgenic (POET) inflammation mouse model. We show that the αvβ6 integrin is induced in prostate cancer and inflammation in vivo in these two mouse models. αvβ6 is expressed in all the mice with cancer in the Ptenpc-/- model but not in age-matched wild-type mice. In the POET inflammation model, αvβ6 is expressed in mice injected with activated T-cells, but in none of the control mice. In the POET model, we also used real time PCR to assess the expression of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGFβ1), a factor in inflammation that is activated by αvβ6. In conclusion, through in vivo evidence, we conclude that αvβ6 integrin may be a crucial link between prostatic inflammation and prostatic adenocarcinoma. PMID:22611469

α(V)β(6) integrin expression is induced in the POET and Pten(pc-/-) mouse models of prostatic inflammation and prostatic adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Garlick, David S; Li, Jing; Sansoucy, Brian; Wang, Tao; Griffith, Leeanne; Fitzgerald, Tj; Butterfield, Julie; Charbonneau, Bridget; Violette, Shelia M; Weinreb, Paul H; Ratliff, Timothy L; Liao, Chun-Peng; Roy-Burman, Pradip; Vietri, Michele; Lian, Jane B; Stein, Gary S; Altieri, Dario C; Languino, Lucia R

2012-01-01

Chronic inflammation is proposed to prime the development of prostate cancer. However, the mechanisms of prostate cancer initiation and development are not completely understood. The α(v)β(6) integrin has been shown to play a role in epithelial development, wound healing and some epithelial cancers [1, 2]. Here, we investigate the expression of α(v)β(6) in mouse models of prostatic inflammation and prostate cancer to establish a possible relationship between inflammation of the prostate, α(v)β(6) expression and the progression of prostate cancer. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we show expression of α(v)β(6) in two in vivo mouse models; the Pten(pc)-/- model containing a prostate- specific Pten tumor suppressor deletion that causes cancer, and the prostate ovalbumin-expressing transgenic (POET) inflammation mouse model. We show that the α(v)β(6) integrin is induced in prostate cancer and inflammation in vivo in these two mouse models. α(v)β(6) is expressed in all the mice with cancer in the Pten(pc-/-) model but not in age-matched wild-type mice. In the POET inflammation model, α(v)β(6) is expressed in mice injected with activated T-cells, but in none of the control mice. In the POET model, we also used real time PCR to assess the expression of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGFβ1), a factor in inflammation that is activated by α(v)β(6). In conclusion, through in vivo evidence, we conclude that α(v)β(6) integrin may be a crucial link between prostatic inflammation and prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Chondrocyte heterogeneity: immunohistologically defined variation of integrin expression at different sites in human fetal knees.

PubMed

Salter, D M; Godolphin, J L; Gourlay, M S

1995-04-01

During development and at maturity different forms of cartilage vary in morphology and macromolecular content. This reflects heterogeneity of chondrocyte activity, in part involving differential interactions with the adjacent extracellular matrix via specialized cell surface receptors such as integrins. We undertook an immunohistological study on a series of human fetal knee joints to assess variation in the expression of integrins by chondrocytes and potential matrix ligands in articular, epiphyseal, growth plate, and meniscal cartilage. The results show that articular chondrocytes (beta 1+, beta 5 alpha V+, alpha 1+, alpha 2+/-, alpha 5+, weakly alpha 6+, alpha V+) differed from epiphyseal (beta 1+, beta 5 alpha V+, alpha 1+/-, alpha 2+/-, alpha 5+, alpha 6+, alpha V+) growth plate (beta 1+, beta 5 alpha V+, alpha 1-, alpha 2-, alpha 5+, alpha 6+, alpha V+), and meniscal cells (beta 1+, beta 5 alpha V+, alpha 1+, strongly alpha 2+, alpha 5+, alpha 6+, alpha V+ in expression of integrin subunits. There was no expression of beta 3, beta 4, beta 6, or alpha 3 by chondrocytes. These results differ from previous reports on the expression of integrins by adult articular cartilage, where alpha 2 and alpha 6 are not seen. Variation in distribution of matrix ligands was also seen. Fibronectin, laminin and Type VI collagen were expressed in all cartilages but there was restricted expression of tenascin, ED-A and ED-B fibronectin isoforms (articular cartilage and meniscus), and vitronectin (absent from growth plate cartilage). Regulated expression of integrins by chondrocytes, associated with changes in the pericellular matrix composition, is of potential importance in control of cartilage differentiation and function in health and disease.

β1 Integrins Mediate Attachment of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Cartilage Lesions

PubMed Central

Zwolanek, Daniela; Flicker, Magdalena; Kirstätter, Elisabeth; Zaucke, Frank; van Osch, Gerjo J.V.M.; Erben, Reinhold G.

2015-01-01

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) may have great potential for cell-based therapies of osteoarthritis. However, after injection in the joint, only few cells adhere to defective articular cartilage and contribute to cartilage regeneration. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms of MSC attachment to defective articular cartilage. Here, we developed an ex vivo attachment system, using rat osteochondral explants with artificially created full-thickness cartilage defects in combination with genetically labeled MSC isolated from bone marrow of human placental alkaline phosphatase transgenic rats. Binding of MSC to full-thickness cartilage lesions was improved by serum, but not hyaluronic acid, and was dependent on the presence of divalent cations. Additional in vitro tests showed that rat MSC attach, in a divalent cation-dependent manner, to collagen I, collagen II, and fibronectin, but not to collagen XXII or cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). RGD peptides partially blocked the adhesion of MSC to fibronectin in vitro and to cartilage lesions ex vivo. Furthermore, the attachment of MSC to collagen I and II in vitro and to cartilage lesions ex vivo was almost completely abolished in the presence of a β1 integrin blocking antibody. In conclusion, our data suggest that attachment of MSC to ex vivo full-thickness cartilage lesions is almost entirely β1 integrin-mediated, whereby both RGD- and collagen-binding integrins are involved. These findings suggest a key role of integrins during MSC attachment to defective cartilage and may pave the way for improved MSC-based therapies in the future. PMID:26309781

Discovery, SAR, and Radiolabeling of Halogenated Benzimidazole Carboxamide Antagonists as Useful Tools for (alpha)4(beta)1 Integrin Expressed on T- and B-cell Lymphomas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carpenter, R D; Natarajan, A; Lau, E Y

2010-02-08

The cell surface receptor {alpha}{sub 4}{beta}{sub 1} integrin is an attractive yet poorly understood target for selective diagnosis and treatment of T- and B-cell lymphomas. This report focuses on the rapid microwave preparation of medicinally pertinent benzimidazole heterocycles, structure-activity relationships (SAR) of novel halobenzimidazole carboxamide antagonists 3-6, and preliminary biological evaluation of radioiodinated agents 7, 8, and 18. The I-125 derivative 18 had good tumor uptake (12 {+-} 1% ID/g at 24 h; 4.5 {+-} 1% ID/g at 48 h) and tumor:kidney ratio ({approx}4:1 at 24 h; 2.5:1 at 48 h) in xenograft murine models of B-cell lymphoma. Molecular homologymore » models of {alpha}{sub 4}{beta}{sub 1} integrin have predicted that docked halobenzimidazole carboxamides have the halogen atom in a suitable orientation for halogen-hydrogen bonding. These high affinity ({approx} pM binding) halogenated ligands are attractive tools for medicinal and biological use; the fluoro and iodo derivatives are potential radiodiagnostic ({sup 18}F) or radiotherapeutic ({sup 131}I) agents, whereas the chloro and bromo analogues could provide structural insight into integrin-ligand interactions through photoaffinity cross-linking/mass spectroscopy experiments, as well as co-crystallization X-ray studies.« less

αMβ2-integrin-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 interactions drive the flow-dependent trafficking of Guillain-Barré syndrome patient derived mononuclear leukocytes at the blood-nerve barrier in vitro

PubMed Central

Yosef, Nejla; Ubogu, Eroboghene E.

2012-01-01

The mechanisms of hematogenous leukocyte trafficking at the human blood-nerve barrier (BNB) are largely unknown. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). We developed a cytokine-activated human in vitro BNB model using primary endoneurial endothelial cells. Endothelial treatment with 10 U/mL tissue necrosis factor-α and 20 U/mL interferon-γ resulted in de novo expression of proinflammatory chemokines CCL2, CXCL9, CXCL11 and CCL20, with increased expression of CXCL2-3, CXCL8 and CXCL10 relative to basal levels. Cytokine treatment induced/ enhanced ICAM-1, E- and P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and the alternatively spliced pro-adhesive fibronectin variant, fibronectin connecting segment-1 expression in a time-dependent manner, without alterations in junctional adhesion molecule-A expression. Lymphocytes and monocytes from untreated GBS patients express ICAM-1 counterligands, αM- and αL-integrin, with differential regulation of αM-integrin expression compared to healthy controls. Under flow conditions that mimic capillary hemodynamics in vivo, there was a >3-fold increase in total GBS patient and healthy control mononuclear leukocyte adhesion/ migration at the BNB following cytokine treatment relative to the untreated state. Function neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against human αM-integrin (CD11b) and ICAM-1 reduced untreated GBS patient mononuclear leukocyte trafficking at the BNB by 59% and 64.2% respectively. Monoclonal antibodies against αL-integrin (CD11a) and human intravenous immunoglobulin reduced total leukocyte adhesion/migration by 22.8% and 17.6% respectively. This study demonstrates differential regulation of αM-integrin on circulating mononuclear cells in GBS, as well as an important role for αM-integrin-ICAM-1 interactions in pathogenic GBS patient leukocyte trafficking at the human BNB in vitro. PMID:22552879

Does endometrial integrin expression in endometriosis patients predict enhanced in vitro fertilization cycle outcomes after prolonged GnRH agonist therapy?

PubMed

Surrey, Eric S; Lietz, Annette K; Gustofson, Robert L; Minjarez, Debra A; Schoolcraft, William B

2010-02-01

To determine whether endometrial expression of the integrin alpha(v)beta(3) vitronectin can predict which endometriosis patient subgroup will benefit from pre-IVF cycle prolonged GnRH agonist (GnRHa) therapy. Prospective randomized institutional review board approved pilot trial. Private assisted reproductive technology program. IVF candidates with regular menses, surgically confirmed endometriosis, and normal ovarian reserve. All patients underwent endometrial biopsy 9 to 11 days post-LH surge to evaluate alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression. Patients were randomized either to receive depot leuprolide acetate 3.75 mg every 28 days for three doses before controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) or to proceed directly to COH and IVF. Group 1: integrin-positive controls (N = 12); group 2: integrin-positive administered prolonged GnRHa (N = 8). Group A: integrin-negative controls (N = 7); group B: integrin-negative administered prolonged GnRHa (N = 9). COH responses, ongoing pregnancy and implantation rates. There were no significant effects of GnRH agonist treatment in either of the integrin expression strata regarding ongoing pregnancy or implantation rates, although these outcomes were more frequent in group 2 vs. 1 (62.5% vs. 41.6% and 35% vs. 20.6%, respectively). This effect may have because of limited sample size. The value of a negative integrin biopsy in predicting an ongoing pregnancy after prolonged GnRH agonist therapy was only 44.4%. Endometrial alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression did not predict which endometriosis patients would benefit from prolonged GnRHa therapy before IVF. Copyright 2010 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Beta 1D integrin displaces the beta 1A isoform in striated muscles: localization at junctional structures and signaling potential in nonmuscle cells.

PubMed

Belkin, A M; Zhidkova, N I; Balzac, F; Altruda, F; Tomatis, D; Maier, A; Tarone, G; Koteliansky, V E; Burridge, K

1996-01-01

The cytoplasmic domains of integrins provide attachment of these extracellular matrix receptors to the cytoskeleton and play a critical role in integrin-mediated signal transduction. In this report we describe the identification, expression, localization, and initial functional characterization of a novel form of beta 1 integrin, termed beta 1D. This isoform contains a unique alternatively spliced cytoplasmic domain of 50 amino acids, with the last 24 amino acids encoded by an additional exon. Of these 24 amino acids, 11 are conserved when compared to the beta 1A isoform, but 13 are unique (Zhidkova, N. I., A. M. Belkin, and R. Mayne. 1995. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 214:279-285; van der Flier, A., I. Kuikman, C. Baudoin, R, van der Neuf, and A. Sonnenberg. 1995. FEBS Lett. 369:340-344). Using an anti-peptide antibody against the beta 1D integrin subunit, we demonstrated that the beta 1D isoform is synthesized only in skeletal and cardiac muscles, while very low amounts of beta 1A were detected by immunoblot in striated muscles. Whereas beta 1A could not be detected in adult skeletal muscle fibers and cardiomyocytes by immunofluorescence, beta 1D was localized to the sarcolemma of both cell types. In skeletal muscle, beta 1D was concentrated in costameres, myotendinous, and neuromuscular junctions. In cardiac muscle this beta 1 isoform was found in costamers and intercalated discs. beta 1D was associated with alpha 7A and alpha 7B in adult skeletal muscle. In cardiomyocytes of adult heart, alpha 7B was the major partner for the beta 1D isoform. beta 1D could not be detected in proliferating C2C12 myoblasts, but it appeared immediately after myoblast fusion and its amount continued to rise during myotube growth and maturation. In contrast, expression of the beta 1A isoform was downregulated during myodifferentiation in culture and it was completely displaced by beta 1D in mature differentiated myotubes. We also analyzed some functional properties of the beta 1D integrin subunit. Expression of human beta 1D in CHO cells led to its localization at focal adhesions. Clustering of this integrin isoform on the cell surface stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK (focal adhesion kinase) and caused transient activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. These data indicate that beta 1D and beta 1A integrin isoforms are functionally similar with regard to integrin-mediated signaling.

Integrins engage mitochondrial function for signal transduction by a mechanism dependent on Rho GTPases

PubMed Central

Werner, Erica; Werb, Zena

2002-01-01

We show here the transient activation of the small GTPase Rac, followed by a rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS), as necessary early steps in a signal transduction cascade that lead to NFκB activation and collagenase-1 (CL-1)/matrix metalloproteinase-1 production after integrin-mediated cell shape changes. We show evidence indicating that this constitutes a new mechanism for ROS production mediated by small GTPases. Activated RhoA also induced ROS production and up-regulated CL-1 expression. A Rac mutant (L37) that prevents reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton prevented integrin-induced CL-1 expression, whereas mutations that abrogate Rac binding to the neutrophil NADPH membrane oxidase in vitro (H26 and N130) did not. Instead, ROS were produced by integrin-induced changes in mitochondrial function, which were inhibited by Bcl-2 and involved transient membrane potential loss. The cells showing this transient decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential were already committed to CL-1 expression. These results unveil a new molecular mechanism of signal transduction triggered by integrin engagement where a global mitochondrial metabolic response leads to gene expression rather than apoptosis. PMID:12119354

Integrins engage mitochondrial function for signal transduction by a mechanism dependent on Rho GTPases.

PubMed

Werner, Erica; Werb, Zena

2002-07-22

We show here the transient activation of the small GTPase Rac, followed by a rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS), as necessary early steps in a signal transduction cascade that lead to NFkappaB activation and collagenase-1 (CL-1)/matrix metalloproteinase-1 production after integrin-mediated cell shape changes. We show evidence indicating that this constitutes a new mechanism for ROS production mediated by small GTPases. Activated RhoA also induced ROS production and up-regulated CL-1 expression. A Rac mutant (L37) that prevents reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton prevented integrin-induced CL-1 expression, whereas mutations that abrogate Rac binding to the neutrophil NADPH membrane oxidase in vitro (H26 and N130) did not. Instead, ROS were produced by integrin-induced changes in mitochondrial function, which were inhibited by Bcl-2 and involved transient membrane potential loss. The cells showing this transient decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential were already committed to CL-1 expression. These results unveil a new molecular mechanism of signal transduction triggered by integrin engagement where a global mitochondrial metabolic response leads to gene expression rather than apoptosis.

The Ras-related protein, Rap1A, mediates thrombin-stimulated, integrin-dependent glioblastoma cell proliferation and tumor growth.

PubMed

Sayyah, Jacqueline; Bartakova, Alena; Nogal, Nekeisha; Quilliam, Lawrence A; Stupack, Dwayne G; Brown, Joan Heller

2014-06-20

Rap1 is a Ras family GTPase with a well documented role in ERK/MAP kinase signaling and integrin activation. Stimulation of the G-protein-coupled receptor PAR-1 with thrombin in human 1321N1 glioblastoma cells led to a robust increase in Rap1 activation. This response was sustained for up to 6 h and mediated through RhoA and phospholipase D (PLD). Thrombin treatment also induced a 5-fold increase in cell adhesion to fibronectin, which was blocked by down-regulating PLD or Rap1A or by treatment with a β1 integrin neutralizing antibody. In addition, thrombin treatment led to increases in phospho-focal adhesion kinase (tyrosine 397), ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cell proliferation, which were significantly inhibited in cells treated with β1 integrin antibody or Rap1A siRNA. To assess the role of Rap1A in tumor formation in vivo, we compared growth of 1321N1 cells stably expressing control, Rap1A or Rap1B shRNA in a mouse xenograft model. Deletion of Rap1A, but not of Rap1B, reduced tumor mass by >70% relative to control. Similar observations were made with U373MG glioblastoma cells in which Rap1A was down-regulated. Collectively, these findings implicate a Rap1A/β1 integrin pathway, activated downstream of G-protein-coupled receptor stimulation and RhoA, in glioblastoma cell proliferation. Moreover, our data demonstrate a critical role for Rap1A in glioblastoma tumor growth in vivo. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kawamoto, Eiji; Emergency and Critical Care Center, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507; Okamoto, Takayuki, E-mail: okamotot@doc.medic.mie-u.ac.jp

LFA-1 (αLβ2) and Mac-1 (αMβ2) integrins regulate leukocyte trafficking in health and disease by binding primarily to IgSF ligand ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 on endothelial cells. Here we have shown that the anti-coagulant molecule thrombomodulin (TM), found on the surface of endothelial cells, functions as a potentially new ligand for leukocyte integrins. We generated a recombinant extracellular domain of human TM and Fc fusion protein (TM-domains 123-Fc), and showed that pheripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) bind to TM-domains 123-Fc dependent upon integrin activation. We then demonstrated that αL integrin-blocking mAb, αM integrin-blocking mAb, and β2 integrin-blocking mAb inhibited the binding ofmore » PBMCs to TM-domains 123-Fc. Furthermore, we show that the serine/threonine-rich domain (domain 3) of TM is required for the interaction with the LFA-1 (αLβ2) and Mac-1 (αMβ2) integrins to occur on PBMCs. These results demonstrate that the LFA-1 and Mac-1 integrins on leukocytes bind to TM, thereby establishing the molecular and structural basis underlying LFA-1 and Mac-1 integrin interaction with TM on endothelial cells. In fact, integrin-TM interactions might be involved in the dynamic regulation of leukocyte adhesion with endothelial cells. - Highlights: • LFA-1 and Mac-1 integrins bind to the anti-coagulant molecule thrombomodulin. • The serine/threonine-rich domain of thrombomodulin is essential to interact with the LFA-1 and Mac-1 integrins on PBMCs. • Integrin-TM interactions might be involved in the dynamic regulation of leukocyte adhesion with endothelial cells.« less

Vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 mediates trafficking of {alpha}5{beta}1 integrin to the plasma membrane

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hasan, Nazarul; Hu, Chuan, E-mail: chuan.hu@louisville.edu

2010-01-01

Integrins are major receptors for cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM). As transmembrane proteins, the levels of integrins at the plasma membrane or the cell surface are ultimately determined by the balance between two vesicle trafficking events: endocytosis of integrins at the plasma membrane and exocytosis of the vesicles that transport integrins. Here, we report that vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), a SNARE protein that mediates vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane, is involved in the trafficking of {alpha}5{beta}1 integrin. VAMP2 was present on vesicles containing endocytosed {beta}1 integrin. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing of VAMP2 markedly reduced cellmore » surface {alpha}5{beta}1 and inhibited cell adhesion and chemotactic migration to fibronectin, the ECM ligand of {alpha}5{beta}1, without altering cell surface expression of {alpha}2{beta}1 integrin or {alpha}3{beta}1 integrin. By contrast, silencing of VAMP8, another SNARE protein, had no effect on cell surface expression of the integrins or cell adhesion to fibronectin. In addition, VAMP2-mediated trafficking is involved in cell adhesion to collagen but not to laminin. Consistent with disruption of integrin functions in cell proliferation and survival, VAMP2 silencing diminished proliferation and triggered apoptosis. Collectively, these data indicate that VAMP2 mediates the trafficking of {alpha}5{beta}1 integrin to the plasma membrane and VAMP2-dependent integrin trafficking is critical in cell adhesion, migration and survival.« less

Insulin resistance in striated muscle-specific integrin receptor beta1-deficient mice.

PubMed

Zong, Haihong; Bastie, Claire C; Xu, Jun; Fassler, Reinhard; Campbell, Kevin P; Kurland, Irwin J; Pessin, Jeffrey E

2009-02-13

Integrin receptor plays key roles in mediating both inside-out and outside-in signaling between cells and the extracellular matrix. We have observed that the tissue-specific loss of the integrin beta1 subunit in striated muscle results in a near complete loss of integrin beta1 subunit protein expression concomitant with a loss of talin and to a lesser extent, a reduction in F-actin content. Muscle-specific integrin beta1-deficient mice had no significant difference in food intake, weight gain, fasting glucose, and insulin levels with their littermate controls. However, dynamic analysis of glucose homeostasis using euglycemichyperinsulinemic clamps demonstrated a 44 and 48% reduction of insulin-stimulated glucose infusion rate and glucose clearance, respectively. The whole body insulin resistance resulted from a specific inhibition of skeletal muscle glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis without any significant effect on the insulin suppression of hepatic glucose output or insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipose tissue. The reduction in skeletal muscle insulin responsiveness occurred without any change in GLUT4 protein expression levels but was associated with an impairment of the insulin-stimulated protein kinase B/Akt serine 473 phosphorylation but not threonine 308. The inhibition of insulin-stimulated serine 473 phosphorylation occurred concomitantly with a decrease in integrin-linked kinase expression but with no change in the mTOR.Rictor.LST8 complex (mTORC2). These data demonstrate an in vivo crucial role of integrin beta1 signaling events in mediating cross-talk to that of insulin action.

Differential regulations of fibronectin and laminin in Smad2 activation in vascular endothelial cells in response to disturbed flow.

PubMed

Yang, Tung-Lin; Lee, Pei-Ling; Lee, Ding-Yu; Wang, Wei-Li; Wei, Shu-Yi; Lee, Chih-I; Chiu, Jeng-Jiann

2018-01-02

Atherosclerosis occurs in arterial curvatures and branches, where the flow is disturbed with low and oscillatory shear stress (OSS). The remodeling and alterations of extracellular matrices (ECMs) and their composition is the critical step in atherogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of different ECM proteins on the regulation of mechanotransduction in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) in response to OSS. Through the experiments ranging from in vitro cell culture studies on effects of OSS on molecular signaling to in vivo examinations on clinical specimens from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), we elucidated the roles of integrins and different ECMs, i.e., fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LM), in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptor (TβR)-mediated Smad2 activation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling in ECs in response to OSS and hence atherogenesis. OSS at 0.5±12 dynes/cm 2 induces sustained increases in the association of types I and II TβRs with β1 and β3 integrins in ECs grown on FN, but it only transient increases in ECs grown on LM. OSS induces a sustained activation of Smad2 in ECs on FN, but only a transient activation of Smad2 in ECs on LM. OSS-activation of Smad2 in ECs on FN regulates downstream NF-κB signaling and pro-inflammatory gene expression through the activation of β1 integrin and its association with TβRs. In contrast, OSS induces transient activations of β1 and β3 integrins in ECs on LM, which associate with type I TβR to regulate Smad2 phosphorylation, resulting in transient induction of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory gene expression. In vivo investigations on diseased human coronary arteries from CAD patients revealed that Smad2 is highly activated in ECs of atherosclerotic lesions, which is accompanied by the concomitant increase of FN rather than LM in the EC layer and neointimal region of atherosclerotic lesions. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of how OSS regulates Smad2 signaling and pro-inflammatory genes through the complex signaling networks of integrins, TβRs, and ECMs, thus illustrating the molecular basis of regional pro-inflammatory activation within disturbed flow regions in the arterial tree.

Novel function of Extracellular matrix protein 1 in suppressing Th17 cell development in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

PubMed Central

Su, Pan; Chen, Sheng; Zheng, Yu Han; Zhou, Hai Yan; Yan, Cheng Hua; Yu, Fang; Zhang, Ya Guang; He, Lan; Zhang, Yuan; Wang, Yanming; Wu, Lei; Wu, Xiaoai; Yu, Bingke; Ma, Li Yan; Yang, Zhiru; Wang, Jianhua; Zhao, Guixian; Zhu, Jinfang; Wu, Zhi-Ying; Sun, Bing

2016-01-01

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS characterized by demyelination and axonal damage. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a well-established animal model for human MS. While Th17 cells are important for the disease induction, Th2 cells are inhibitory in this process. Here, we report the effect of a Th2 cell product, extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1), on the differentiation of Th17 cells and the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our results demonstrated that ECM1 administration from day 1 to day 7 following the EAE induction could ameliorate the Th17 cell responses and EAE development in vivo. Further mechanism study revealed that ECM1 could interact with αv integrin on DC cells and block the αv integrin-mediated activation of latent TGF-β, resulting in an inhibition of Th17 differentiation at early stage of EAE induction. Furthermore, overexpression of ECM1 in vivo significantly inhibited Th17 cell response and EAE induction in ECM1 transgenic mouse. Overall, our work has identified a novel function of ECM1 in inhibiting Th17 differentiation in the EAE model, suggesting that ECM1 may have a potential to be used in clinical applications for understanding the pathogenesis of MS and its diagnosis. PMID:27316685

VLA-4 integrin concentrates at the peripheral supramolecular activation complex of the immune synapse and drives T helper 1 responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mittelbrunn, María; Molina, Ana; Escribese, María M.; Yáñez-Mó, María; Escudero, Ester; Ursa, Ángeles; Tejedor, Reyes; Mampaso, Francisco; Sánchez-Madrid, Francisco

2004-07-01

The integrin 41 (VLA-4) not only mediates the adhesion and transendothelial migration of leukocytes, but also provides costimulatory signals that contribute to the activation of T lymphocytes. However, the behavior of 41 during the formation of the immune synapse is currently unknown. Here, we show that 41 is recruited to both human and murine antigen-dependent immune synapses, when the antigen-presenting cell is a B lymphocyte or a dendritic cell, colocalizing with LFA-1 at the peripheral supramolecular activation complex. However, when conjugates are formed in the presence of anti-4 antibodies, VLA-4 colocalizes with the CD3- chain at the center of the synapse. In addition, antibody engagement of 4 integrin promotes polarization toward a T helper 1 (Th1) response in human in vitro models of CD4+ T cell differentiation and naïve T cell priming by dendritic cells. The in vivo administration of anti-4 integrin antibodies also induces an immune deviation to Th1 response that dampens a Th2-driven autoimmune nephritis in Brown Norway rats. These data reveal a regulatory role of 4 integrins on T lymphocyte-antigen presenting cell cognate immune interactions.

Role of Integrin Alpha 5 in ErbB2-Mediated Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

AD__ ( Leave blank) _______________ Award Number: W81XWH-08-1...specific for RTKs since we also found that reducing integrin α5 had no effect on anchorage independent growth of RasG12V overexpressing cells...initially effective in breast cancer patients, lose activity during prolonged treatment (Nahta et al., 2006) indicating the need for identification

Trichostatin A suppresses lung adenocarcinoma development in Grg1 overexpressing transgenic mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Ju, E-mail: ju.liu@sdu.edu.cn; Molecular and Cellular Biology Division, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5; Li, Yan

Trichostatin A (TSA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor and a potential therapeutic for various malignancies. The in vivo effect of TSA, however, has not been investigated in a transgenic lung cancer model. Previously, we generated transgenic mice with overexpression of Groucho-related-gene 1 (Grg1) and these mice all developed mucinous lung adenocarcinoma. Grg1 is a transcriptional co-repressor protein, the function of which is thought to depend on HDAC activity. However, functions outside the nucleus have also been proposed. We tested the supposition that Grg1-induced tumorigenesis is HDAC-dependent by assaying the therapeutic effect of TSA in the Grg1 transgenic mouse model. We foundmore » that TSA significantly inhibited lung tumorigenesis in Grg1 transgenic mice (p < 0.01). TSA did not affect overall Grg1 protein levels, but instead reduced ErbB1 and ErbB2 expression, which are upregulated by Grg1 in the absence of TSA. We confirmed this effect in A549 cells. Furthermore, lapatinib, an inhibitor of both ErbB1 and ErbB2, effectively masked the effect of TSA on the inhibition of A549 cell proliferation and migration, suggesting TSA does work, at least in part, by downregulating ErbB receptors. We additionally found that TSA reduced the expression of VEGF and VEGFR2, but not basic FGF and FGFR1. Our findings indicate that TSA effectively inhibits Grg1-induced lung tumorigenesis through the down-regulation of ErbB1 and ErbB2, as well as reduced VEGF signaling. This suggests TSA and other HDAC inhibitors could have therapeutic value in the treatment of lung cancers with Grg1 overexpression. - Highlights: • TSA suppresses lung tumorigenesis in Grg1 overexpressing transgenic mice. • TSA does not affect overall Grg1 protein levels in the mice and in A549 cells. • TSA reduces ErbB1 and ErbB2 expression in the mice and in A549 cells. • Lapatinib masks TSA-induced inhibition of A549 cell proliferation and migration. • TSA inhibits VEGF signaling, but not basic FGF signaling.« less

NFATc1 regulation of the human β3 integrin promoter in osteoclast differentiation

PubMed Central

Crotti, Tania N.; Flannery, Merrilee; Walsh, Nicole C.; Fleming, Joseph D.; Goldring, Steven R.; McHugh, Kevin P.

2006-01-01

The transcription factor NFATc1 plays an essential role in transducing signals from RANKL in osteoclast differentiation. To date, however, the specific transcriptional targets of NFATc1 are unknown. Expression of the β3 integrin is required for normal osteoclast function. We therefore examined the role of NFATc1 in human β3 integrin expression in osteoclast differentiation. Analysis of the mouse and human β3 gene promoters revealed considerable sequence homology across a 1.3 kb region upstream of the transcription start site (TSS), with conserved NFAT binding elements present. The region −1242 to +29 (relative to the TSS) was cloned as a luciferase reporter construct (pB3-1.3) and a deletion construct removing to −997 (pB3-1) made. The deletion of 245 bp 5′ removed three conserved NFAT sites including a consensus NFAT:AP-1 site. The pB3-1.3 reporter construct was induced by treatment with RANKL in the range 2.5–40 ng/ml and dose-dependently induced by co-transfection with human NFATc1 in RAW264.7 cells. The pB3-1 deletion construct was minimally induced with RANKL treatment and unresponsive to co-transfected NFATc1. Direct NFAT binding to two of the consensus NFAT sites within this 245 bp 5′ region was demonstrated by EMSA and supershift with anti-NFAT antibodies. Mutation of two of the conserved NFAT sites in the −1242 to −997 fragment was required to prevent binding. The double NFAT mutant, in the context of the full-length promoter was unresponsive to RANKL treatment or co-transfected NFATc1. We generated cell-permeable TAT-dominant-negative (dn)NFATc1 fusion proteins to assess the effect of blockade of NFAT signaling. Transduction with dnNFAT inhibited RANKL induction of the human β3 integrin promoter. Involvement of the NFATc1-calcineurin pathway in regulating the human β3 integrin promoter was further confirmed using the calcineurin pathway inhibitory peptide 11R-VIVIT. Together these results establish the β3 gene as a direct target of NFATc1 in RANKL-dependent osteoclast formation. PMID:16513293

Oncofetal Chondroitin Sulfate Glycosaminoglycans Are Key Players in Integrin Signaling and Tumor Cell Motility.

PubMed

Clausen, Thomas Mandel; Pereira, Marina Ayres; Al Nakouzi, Nader; Oo, Htoo Zarni; Agerbæk, Mette Ø; Lee, Sherry; Ørum-Madsen, Maj Sofie; Kristensen, Anders Riis; El-Naggar, Amal; Grandgenett, Paul M; Grem, Jean L; Hollingsworth, Michael A; Holst, Peter J; Theander, Thor; Sorensen, Poul H; Daugaard, Mads; Salanti, Ali

2016-12-01

Many tumors express proteoglycans modified with oncofetal chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains (ofCS), which are normally restricted to the placenta. However, the role of ofCS in cancer is largely unknown. The function of ofCS in cancer was analyzed using the recombinant ofCS-binding VAR2CSA protein (rVAR2) derived from the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum We demonstrate that ofCS plays a key role in tumor cell motility by affecting canonical integrin signaling pathways. Binding of rVAR2 to tumor cells inhibited the interaction of cells with extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which correlated with decreased phosphorylation of Src kinase. Moreover, rVAR2 binding decreased migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth of tumor cells in vitro Mass spectrometry of ofCS-modified proteoglycan complexes affinity purified from tumor cell lines on rVAR2 columns revealed an overrepresentation of proteins involved in cell motility and integrin signaling, such as integrin-β1 (ITGB1) and integrin-α4 (ITGA4). Saturating concentrations of rVAR2 inhibited downstream integrin signaling, which was mimicked by knockdown of the core chondroitin sulfate synthesis enzymes β-1,3-glucuronyltransferase 1 (B3GAT1) and chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1 (CSGALNACT1). The ofCS modification was highly expressed in both human and murine metastatic lesions in situ and preincubation or early intravenous treatment of tumor cells with rVAR2 inhibited seeding and spreading of tumor cells in mice. This was associated with a significant increase in survival of the animals. These data functionally link ofCS modifications with cancer cell motility and further highlights ofCS as a novel therapeutic cancer target. The cancer-specific expression of ofCS aids in metastatic phenotypes and is a candidate target for therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 14(12); 1288-99. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

[Influence of macrophages on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor mRNA, homeobox B2 mRNA, and integrin alpha nu beta3 in vascular endothelial strain].

PubMed

Liu, Liang; Liu, Chang; Zhang, Xiao-qi; Ming, Jia; Liu, Xu-sheng; Xu, Hui; Cheng, Tian-min

2005-06-01

To investigate the influence of macrophages on the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor (KDR) mRNA, homeobox B2 (HOXB2) mRNA, and integrin alpha nu beta3 in vitro in vascular endothelial strain. Human umbilical vein cells (ECV304) were cultured in vitro and divided into 4 groups, i.e. (1) ECV304 group, (2) ECV304 + conA group [with conA (25 microg/ml in culture) added to ECV304], (3) ECV304 + U937 group (with 1 x 10(5)/ml of U937 cells added to 1 x 10(5)/ml ECV 304), (4) ECV304 + U937 + conA group [with 1 x 10(5)/ml of U937 cells and conA (25 microg/ml in culture)] groups. Forty-eight hours after culturing, the expression of integrin receptor alpha nu beta3 and the changes in the expression of KDR mRNA and HOXB2 mRNA in each group were determined by immunofluorescent technique and RT-PCR, respectively. The expression of integrin receptor alpha nu beta3, KDR mRNA, and HOXB2 mRNA in ECV304 group were 6.7 +/- 1.5, 0.633 +/- 0.012, and 0.674 +/- 0.004, respectively, while those in ECV304 + U937 + conA group (10.2 +/- 1.7, 0.879 +/- 0.003, 0.947 +/- 0.003) were obviously more upregulated when compared with those in ECV304 group (P < 0.01). No difference in the above indices was found between ECV304 and ECV304 + conA, ECV304 + U937 groups (P > 0.05). Macrophages activated by ConA can accelerate the proliferation, migration and adhesion to the basement membrane matrix of vascular endothelial cells through the influence on the expression of KDR mRNA, HOXB2 mRNA and integrin alpha nu beta3, and through this pathway the angiogenesis is modulated.

Activation of c-Raf-1 kinase signal transduction pathway in alpha(7) integrin-deficient mice.

PubMed

Saher, G; Hildt, E

1999-09-24

Integrin alpha(7)-deficient mice develop a novel form of muscular dystrophy. Here we report that deficiency of alpha(7) integrin causes an activation of the c-Raf-1/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) 2 kinase signal transduction pathway in muscle cells. The observed activation of c-Raf-1/MAP2 kinases is a specific effect, because the alpha(7) integrin deficiency does not cause unspecific stress as determined by measurement of the Hsp72/73 level and activity of the JNK2 kinase. Because an increased level of activated FAK was found in muscle of alpha(7) integrin-deficient mice, the activation of c-Raf-1 kinase is triggered most likely by an integrin-dependent pathway. In accordance with this, in the integrin alpha(7)-deficient mice, part of the integrin beta(1D) variant in muscle is replaced by the beta(1A) variant, which permits the FAK activation. A recent report describes that integrin activity can be down-modulated by the c-Raf-1/MAP2 kinase pathway. Specific activation of the c-Raf-1/MAP2 kinases by cell-permeable peptides in skeletal muscle of rabbits causes degeneration of muscle fibers. Therefore, we conclude that in alpha(7) integrin-deficient mice, the continuous activation of c-Raf-1 kinase causes a permanent reduction of integrin activity diminishing integrin-dependent cell-matrix interactions and thereby contributing to the development of the dystrophic phenotype.

PTP1B triggers integrin-mediated repression of myosin activity and modulates cell contractility

PubMed Central

González Wusener, Ana E.; González, Ángela; Nakamura, Fumihiko; Arregui, Carlos O.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Cell contractility and migration by integrins depends on precise regulation of protein tyrosine kinase and Rho-family GTPase activities in specific spatiotemporal patterns. Here we show that protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B cooperates with β3 integrin to activate the Src/FAK signalling pathway which represses RhoA-myosin-dependent contractility. Using PTP1B null (KO) cells and PTP1B reconstituted (WT) cells, we determined that some early steps following cell adhesion to fibronectin and vitronectin occurred robustly in WT cells, including aggregation of β3 integrins and adaptor proteins, and activation of Src/FAK-dependent signalling at small puncta in a lamellipodium. However, these events were significantly impaired in KO cells. We established that cytoskeletal strain and cell contractility was highly enhanced at the periphery of KO cells compared to WT cells. Inhibition of the Src/FAK signalling pathway or expression of constitutive active RhoA in WT cells induced a KO cell phenotype. Conversely, expression of constitutive active Src or myosin inhibition in KO cells restored the WT phenotype. We propose that this novel function of PTP1B stimulates permissive conditions for adhesion and lamellipodium assembly at the protruding edge during cell spreading and migration. PMID:26700725

Potential future clinical applications for the GPIIb/IIIa antagonist, abciximab in thrombosis, vascular and oncological indications.

PubMed

Cohen, S A; Trikha, M; Mascelli, M A

2000-01-01

Abciximab (ReoPro) is a mouse-human chimeric monoclonal antibody Fab fragment of the parent murine monoclonal antibody 7E3, and was the first of these agents approved for use as adjunct therapy for the prevention of cardiac ischemic complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Abciximab binds with high avidity to both the non-activated and activated form of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor of platelets, the major adhesion receptor involved in aggregation. Additional cardiovascular indications for abciximab are unstable angina, carotid stenting, ischemic stroke and peripheral vascular diseases. Abciximab also interacts with two other integrin receptors; the a av b b3 receptor, which is present in low numbers on platelets but in high density on activated endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and a aMb b2 integrin which is present on activated leukocytes. Cell types that express integrins GPIIb/IIIa and a av b b3 such as platelets, endothelial and tumor cells have been implicated in angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis. Since abciximab interacts with high avidity to integrins GPIIb/IIIa and a av b b3, it is reasonable to assume that it may possess anti-angiogenic properties in angiogenesis-related diseases, as well as anti-metastastatic properties in case of disseminating tumors expressing the target integrin receptors.

The Plasma Membrane Sialidase NEU3 Regulates the Malignancy of Renal Carcinoma Cells by Controlling β1 Integrin Internalization and Recycling*

PubMed Central

Tringali, Cristina; Lupo, Barbara; Silvestri, Ilaria; Papini, Nadia; Anastasia, Luigi; Tettamanti, Guido; Venerando, Bruno

2012-01-01

The human plasma membrane sialidase NEU3 is a key enzyme in the catabolism of membrane gangliosides, is crucial in the regulation of cell surface processes, and has been demonstrated to be significantly up-regulated in renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). In this report, we show that NEU3 regulates β1 integrin trafficking in RCC cells by controlling β1 integrin recycling to the plasma membrane and controlling activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling. NEU3 silencing in RCC cells increased the membrane ganglioside content, in particular the GD1a content, and changed the expression of key regulators of the integrin recycling pathway. In addition, NEU3 silencing up-regulated the Ras-related protein RAB25, which directs internalized integrins to lysosomes, and down-regulated the chloride intracellular channel protein 3 (CLIC3), which induces the recycling of internalized integrins to the plasma membrane. In this manner, NEU3 silencing enhanced the caveolar endocytosis of β1 integrin, blocked its recycling and reduced its levels at the plasma membrane, and, consequently, inhibited EGFR and FAK/AKT. These events had the following effects on the behavior of RCC cells: they (a) decreased drug resistance mediated by the block of autophagy and the induction of apoptosis; (b) decreased metastatic potential mediated by down-regulation of the metalloproteinases MMP1 and MMP7; and (c) decreased adhesion to collagen and fibronectin. Therefore, our data identify NEU3 as a key regulator of the β1 integrin-recycling pathway and FAK/AKT signaling and demonstrate its crucial role in RCC malignancy. PMID:23139422

Definition of molecular determinants of prostate cancer cell bone extravasation.

PubMed

Barthel, Steven R; Hays, Danielle L; Yazawa, Erika M; Opperman, Matthew; Walley, Kempland C; Nimrichter, Leonardo; Burdick, Monica M; Gillard, Bryan M; Moser, Michael T; Pantel, Klaus; Foster, Barbara A; Pienta, Kenneth J; Dimitroff, Charles J

2013-01-15

Advanced prostate cancer commonly metastasizes to bone, but transit of malignant cells across the bone marrow endothelium (BMEC) remains a poorly understood step in metastasis. Prostate cancer cells roll on E-selectin(+) BMEC through E-selectin ligand-binding interactions under shear flow, and prostate cancer cells exhibit firm adhesion to BMEC via β1, β4, and αVβ3 integrins in static assays. However, whether these discrete prostate cancer cell-BMEC adhesive contacts culminate in cooperative, step-wise transendothelial migration into bone is not known. Here, we describe how metastatic prostate cancer cells breach BMEC monolayers in a step-wise fashion under physiologic hemodynamic flow. Prostate cancer cells tethered and rolled on BMEC and then firmly adhered to and traversed BMEC via sequential dependence on E-selectin ligands and β1 and αVβ3 integrins. Expression analysis in human metastatic prostate cancer tissue revealed that β1 was markedly upregulated compared with expression of other β subunits. Prostate cancer cell breaching was regulated by Rac1 and Rap1 GTPases and, notably, did not require exogenous chemokines as β1, αVβ3, Rac1, and Rap1 were constitutively active. In homing studies, prostate cancer cell trafficking to murine femurs was dependent on E-selectin ligand, β1 integrin, and Rac1. Moreover, eliminating E-selectin ligand-synthesizing α1,3 fucosyltransferases in transgenic adenoma of mouse prostate mice dramatically reduced prostate cancer incidence. These results unify the requirement for E-selectin ligands, α1,3 fucosyltransferases, β1 and αVβ3 integrins, and Rac/Rap1 GTPases in mediating prostate cancer cell homing and entry into bone and offer new insight into the role of α1,3 fucosylation in prostate cancer development.

Integrins protect cardiomyocytes from ischemia/reperfusion injury

PubMed Central

Okada, Hideshi; Lai, N. Chin; Kawaraguchi, Yoshitaka; Liao, Peter; Copps, Jeffrey; Sugano, Yasuo; Okada-Maeda, Sunaho; Banerjee, Indroneal; Schilling, Jan M.; Gingras, Alexandre R.; Asfaw, Elizabeth K.; Suarez, Jorge; Kang, Seok-Min; Perkins, Guy A.; Au, Carol G.; Israeli-Rosenberg, Sharon; Manso, Ana Maria; Liu, Zheng; Milner, Derek J.; Kaufman, Stephen J.; Patel, Hemal H.; Roth, David M.; Hammond, H. Kirk; Taylor, Susan S.; Dillmann, Wolfgang H.; Goldhaber, Joshua I.; Ross, Robert S.

2013-01-01

Ischemic damage is recognized to cause cardiomyocyte (CM) death and myocardial dysfunction, but the role of cell-matrix interactions and integrins in this process has not been extensively studied. Expression of α7β1D integrin, the dominant integrin in normal adult CMs, increases during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), while deficiency of β1 integrins increases ischemic damage. We hypothesized that the forced overexpression of integrins on the CM would offer protection from I/R injury. Tg mice with CM-specific overexpression of integrin α7β1D exposed to I/R had a substantial reduction in infarct size compared with that of α5β1D-overexpressing mice and WT littermate controls. Using isolated CMs, we found that α7β1D preserved mitochondrial membrane potential during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury via inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+ overload but did not alter H/R effects on oxidative stress. Therefore, we assessed Ca2+ handling proteins in the CM and found that β1D integrin colocalized with ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) in CM T-tubules, complexed with RyR2 in human and rat heart, and specifically bound to RyR2 amino acids 165–175. Integrins stabilized the RyR2 interdomain interaction, and this stabilization required integrin receptor binding to its ECM ligand. These data suggest that α7β1D integrin modifies Ca2+ regulatory pathways and offers a means to protect the myocardium from ischemic injury. PMID:24091324

Synergistic action of cisplatin and echistatin in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Czarnomysy, Robert; Surażyński, Arkadiusz; Popławska, Bożena; Rysiak, Edyta; Pawłowska, Natalia; Czajkowska, Anna; Bielawski, Krzysztof; Bielawska, Anna

2017-03-01

The aim of our study was to determine whether the use of cisplatin in the presence echistatin in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells leads to a reduction of toxic effects associated with the use of cisplatin. The expression of β 1 -integrin and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-IR), signaling pathway protein expression: protein kinase B (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK1/ERK2), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and caspase-3 and -9 activity was measured after 24 h of incubation with tested compounds to explain detailed molecular mechanism of induction of apoptosis. The viability of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining assay was performed to detect the induction of apoptosis. Inhibition DNA biosynthesis was determined by [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. The expression of of β 1 -integrin, IGF-IR, AKT, ERK1/ERK2, NFκB, caspase-3 and -9 was evaluated using Western blot. The results suggest that treatment of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells for 24 h cisplatin plus echistatin severely inhibits cell growth and activates apoptosis by upregulation of caspase-3 and -9 expressions. The effect was stronger than treatment cisplatin and echistatin alone. In this study, we have found that cisplatin plus echistatin treatment decreases collagen biosynthesis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells stronger than the individual compounds. The inhibition was found to be dependent on the β 1 -integrin and IGF receptor activation. A significant reduction of ERK1/ERK2, AKT expression in cancer cells after cisplatin plus echistatin treatment was also found. The cancer cells treated by echistatin, cisplatin, and in particular the combination of both compounds drastically increased expression of NFκB transcription factor. Our results suggest that combined therapy cisplatin plus echistatin is a possible way to improve selectiveness of cisplatin. This mechanism probably is due to downregulation of expression of β 1 -integrin and IGF-IR receptors, and the signaling pathway proteins induced by these receptors. Our results suggest that therapy cisplatin plus echistatin is a possible way to improve selectiveness of cisplatin.

Loss of bone strength in HLA-B27 transgenic rats is characterized by a high bone turnover and is mainly osteoclast-driven.

PubMed

Rauner, Martina; Thiele, Sylvia; Fert, Ingrid; Araujo, Luiza M; Layh-Schmitt, Gerlinde; Colbert, Robert A; Hofbauer, Christine; Bernhardt, Ricardo; Bürki, Alexander; Schwiedrzik, Jakob; Zysset, Philippe K; Pietschmann, Peter; Taurog, Joel D; Breban, Maxime; Hofbauer, Lorenz C

2015-06-01

Although osteopenia is frequent in spondyloarthritis (SpA), the underlying cellular mechanisms and association with other symptoms are poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize bone loss during disease progression, determine cellular alterations, and assess the contribution of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to bone loss in HLA-B27 transgenic rats. Bones of 2-, 6-, and 12-month-old non-transgenic, disease-free HLA-B7 and disease-associated HLA-B27 transgenic rats were examined using peripheral quantitative computed tomography, μCT, and nanoindentation. Cellular characteristics were determined by histomorphometry and ex vivo cultures. The impact of IBD was determined using [21-3 x 283-2]F1 rats, which develop arthritis and spondylitis, but not IBD. HLA-B27 transgenic rats continuously lost bone mass with increasing age and had impaired bone material properties, leading to a 3-fold decrease in bone strength at 12 months of age. Bone turnover was increased in HLA-B27 transgenic rats, as evidenced by a 3-fold increase in bone formation and a 6-fold increase in bone resorption parameters. Enhanced osteoclastic markers were associated with a larger number of precursors in the bone marrow and a stronger osteoclastogenic response to RANKL or TNFα. Further, IBD-free [21-3 x 283-2]F1 rats also displayed decreased total and trabecular bone density. HLA-B27 transgenic rats lose an increasing amount of bone density and strength with progressing age, which is primarily mediated via increased bone remodeling in favor of bone resorption. Moreover, IBD and bone loss seem to be independent features of SpA in HLA-B27 transgenic rats. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

HoxB2 binds mutant SOD1 and is altered in transgenic model of ALS.

PubMed

Zhai, Jinbin; Lin, Hong; Canete-Soler, Rafaela; Schlaepfer, William W

2005-09-15

Mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) cause approximately 20% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by a toxic gain of function; however, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report the identification of HoxB2, a homeodomain-containing transcription factor, as a G93A mutant SOD1 interactive protein in a yeast two-hybrid screen. We show that HoxB2 co-precipitates and co-localizes with mutant SOD1 in neuronal cell lines, as well as in brain and spinal cord of G93A mutant SOD1 transgenic mice. Mutagenesis further shows that this interaction is mediated by the central homeodomain of HoxB2. In motor neuron-like NSC-34 cells, overexpression of HoxB2 or its homeodomain decreases the insolubility of mutant SOD1 and inhibits G93A or G86R mutant SOD1-induced neuronal cell death. In human and mouse tissues, we show that expression of HoxB2 persists in adult spinal cord and is primarily localized in nuclei of motor neurons. In G93A transgenic mice, HoxB2 co-localizes with mutant SOD1 and is redistributed to perikarya and proximal neurites of motor neurons. In addition, there is progressive accumulation of HoxB2 and mutant SOD1 as punctate inclusions in the neuropil surrounding motor neurons. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that interaction of HoxB2 with mutant SOD1 occurs in motor neurons of G93A mutant SOD1 transgenic mice and suggest that this interaction may modulate the neurotoxicity of mutant SOD1.

Integrin β4 Signaling Promotes Mammary Tumor Cell Adhesion to Brain Microvascular Endothelium by Inducing ErbB2-mediated Secretion of VEGF

PubMed Central

Fan, Jie; Cai, Bin; Zeng, Min; Hao, Yanyan

2015-01-01

Prior studies have indicated that the β4 integrin promotes mammary tumor invasion and metastasis by combining with ErbB2 and amplifying its signaling capacity. However, the effector pathways and cellular functions by which the β4 integrin exerts these effects are incompletely understood. To examine if β4 signaling plays a role during mammary tumor cell adhesion to microvascular endothelium, we have examined ErbB2-transformed mammary tumor cells expressing either a wild-type (WT) or a signaling-defective form of β4 (1355T). We report that WT cells adhere to brain microvascular endothelium in vitro to a significantly larger extent as compared to 1355T cells. Interestingly, integrin β4 signaling does not exert a direct effect on adhesion to the endothelium or the underlying basement membrane. Rather, it enhances ErbB2-dependent expression of VEGF by tumor cells. VEGF in turn disrupts the tight and adherens junctions of endothelial monolayers, enabling the exposure of underlying basement membrane and increasing the adhesion of tumor cells to the intercellular junctions of endothelium. Inhibition of ErbB2 on tumor cells or the VEGFR-2 on endothelial cells suppresses mammary tumor cell adhesion to microvascular endothelium. Our results indicate that β4 signaling regulates VEGF expression by the mammary tumor cells thereby enhancing their adhesion to microvascular endothelium. PMID:21556948

Berberine attenuates CCN2-induced IL-1β expression and prevents cartilage degradation in a rat model of osteoarthritis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Shan-Chi; Lee, Hsiang-Ping; Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; also known as CCN2) is an inflammatory mediator that is abundantly expressed in osteoarthritis (OA). Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) plays a pivotal role in OA pathogenesis. Berberine exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect, but the mechanisms by which it modulates CCN2-induced IL-1β expression in OA synovial fibroblasts (OASFs) remain unknown. We showed that CCN2-induced IL-1β expression is mediated by the activation of α{sub v}β{sub 3}/α{sub v}β{sub 5} integrin-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and subsequent activation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), p38/JNK, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. This IL-1β expression in OASFs is attenuated by N-acetylcysteine (NAC),more » inhibitors of ASK1, p38, or JNK, or treatment with berberine. Furthermore, berberine also reverses cartilage damage in an experimental model of collagenase-induced OA (CIOA). We observed that CCN2 increased IL-1β expression via α{sub v}β{sub 3}/α{sub v}β{sub 5} integrins, ROS, and ASK1, p38/JNK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Berberine was found to inhibit these signaling components in OASFs in vitro and prevent cartilage degradation in vivo. We suggest a novel therapeutic strategy of using berberine for managing OA. - Highlights: • CCN2 induce IL-1β production via αvβ3/αvβ5 integrin, ROS, ASK1, p38/JNK, and NF-κB. • Berberine attenuates CCN2-induced IL-1β expression in vitro and in OA rat model. • Berberine as natural drug of choice for anti-inflammatory effect to ameliorates OA.« less

The integrin-binding motif RGDS induces protein tyrosine phosphorylation without activation in Bufo arenarum (Amphibia) oocytes.

PubMed

Mouguelar, Valeria S; Cabada, Marcelo O; Coux, Gabriela

2011-05-01

Integrins are cell adhesion molecules that are thought to be involved in sperm-oocyte interaction. Nevertheless, their function in mammalian fertilization is still controversial, as different species behave differently. In amphibians, their role is mainly supported by Xenopus laevis studies, where RGDS peptide induces oocyte activation. We recently provided evidence suggesting the presence and involvement of integrins in the interaction of the oocyte plasma membrane (PM) with sperm in the amphibian Bufo arenarum. In order to understand the role of integrin homologs in oocytes and their possible contribution to egg activation mechanisms, we examined the presence of integrin subunits and the effect of RGDS peptide on oocytes and during fertilization. Western blot studies detected integrin subunits α5, αV and β1 in oocytes. In sperm, we could detect only the αV integrin subunit. We found that RGDS peptide was unable to elicit egg activation or MAPK dephosphorylation, but can induce reversible inhibition of fertilization. A similar partial inhibition was produced by an anti-β1 integrin antibody. Using an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody we found major changes in phosphotyrosine-containing proteins in egg extracts minutes after fertilization. Cytosol and PMs isolated from oocytes and fertilized eggs showed additional fertilization-induced phosphorylated proteins. Some of these were also present in cytosol and PMs from RGDS-treated oocytes (partially mimicking fertilization). These findings suggest that B. arenarum fertilization involves integrins (e.g. β1 subunit) as adhesion proteins. Our data support the view that RGDS-binding receptors may function as signaling receptors in B. arenarum oocytes, but integrin engagement by RGDS is not sufficient for oocyte activation.

α2 Integrin, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 act sequentially to induce differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into odontoblast-like cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ozeki, Nobuaki; Kawai, Rie; Hase, Naoko

We previously reported that interleukin 1β acts via matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 to regulate cell proliferation and suppress apoptosis in α2 integrin-positive odontoblast-like cells differentiated from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here we characterize the signal cascade underpinning odontoblastic differentiation in mouse ES cells. The expression of α2 integrin, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (Emmprin), and MMP-3 mRNA and protein were all potently increased during odontoblastic differentiation. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) disruption of the expression of these effectors potently suppressed the expression of the odontoblastic biomarkers dentin sialophosphoprotein, dentin matrix protein-1 and alkaline phosphatase, and blocked odontoblast calcification. Our siRNA, western blotmore » and blocking antibody analyses revealed a unique sequential cascade involving α2 integrin, Emmprin and MMP-3 that drives ES cell differentiation into odontoblasts. This cascade requires the interaction between α2 integrin and Emmprin and is potentiated by exogenous MMP-3. Finally, although odontoblast-like cells potently express α2, α6, αV, β1, and β3, integrins, we confirmed that β1 integrin acts as the trigger for ES cell differentiation, apparently in complex with α2 integrin. These results demonstrate a unique and unanticipated role for an α2 integrin-, Emmprin-, and MMP-3-mediated signaling cascade in driving mouse ES cell differentiation into odontoblast-like cells. - Highlights: • Odontoblast differentiation requires activation of α2 integrin, Emmprin and MMP-3. • α2 integrin, Emmprin and MMP-3 form a sequential signaling cascade. • β1 integrin acts a specific trigger for odontoblast differentiation. • The role of these effectors is highly novel and unanticipated.« less

Field Performance of Transgenic Sugarcane Lines Resistant to Sugarcane Mosaic Virus

PubMed Central

Yao, Wei; Ruan, Miaohong; Qin, Lifang; Yang, Chuanyu; Chen, Rukai; Chen, Baoshan; Zhang, Muqing

2017-01-01

Sugarcane mosaic disease is mainly caused by the sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), which can significantly reduce stalk yield and sucrose content of sugarcane in the field. Coat protein mediated protection (CPMP) is an effective strategy to improve virus resistance. A 2-year field study was conducted to compare five independent transgenic sugarcane lines carrying the SCMV-CP gene (i.e., B2, B36, B38, B48, and B51) with the wild-type parental clone Badila (WT). Agronomic performance, resistance to SCMV infection, and transgene stability were evaluated and compared with the wild-type parental clone Badila (WT) at four experimental locations in China across two successive seasons, i.e., plant cane (PC) and 1st ratoon cane (1R). All transgenic lines derived from Badila had significantly greater tons of cane per hectare (TCH) and tons of sucrose per hectare (TSH) as well as lower SCMV disease incidence than those from Badila in the PC and 1R crops. The transgenic line B48 was highly resistant to SCMV with less than 3% incidence of infection. The recovery phenotype of transgenic line B36 was infected soon after virus inoculation, but the subsequent leaves showed no symptoms of infection. Most control plants developed symptoms that persisted and spread throughout the plant with more than 50% incidence. B48 recorded an average of 102.72 t/ha, which was 67.2% more than that for Badila. The expression of the transgene was stable over many generations with vegetative propagation. These results show that SCMV-resistant transgenic lines derived from Badila can provide resistant germplasm for sugarcane breeding and can also be used to study virus resistance mechanisms. This is the first report on the development and field performance of transgenic sugarcane plants that are resistant to SCMV infection in China. PMID:28228765

Field Performance of Transgenic Sugarcane Lines Resistant to Sugarcane Mosaic Virus.

PubMed

Yao, Wei; Ruan, Miaohong; Qin, Lifang; Yang, Chuanyu; Chen, Rukai; Chen, Baoshan; Zhang, Muqing

2017-01-01

Sugarcane mosaic disease is mainly caused by the sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), which can significantly reduce stalk yield and sucrose content of sugarcane in the field. Coat protein mediated protection (CPMP) is an effective strategy to improve virus resistance. A 2-year field study was conducted to compare five independent transgenic sugarcane lines carrying the SCMV-CP gene (i.e., B2, B36, B38, B48, and B51) with the wild-type parental clone Badila (WT). Agronomic performance, resistance to SCMV infection, and transgene stability were evaluated and compared with the wild-type parental clone Badila (WT) at four experimental locations in China across two successive seasons, i.e., plant cane (PC) and 1st ratoon cane (1R). All transgenic lines derived from Badila had significantly greater tons of cane per hectare (TCH) and tons of sucrose per hectare (TSH) as well as lower SCMV disease incidence than those from Badila in the PC and 1R crops. The transgenic line B48 was highly resistant to SCMV with less than 3% incidence of infection. The recovery phenotype of transgenic line B36 was infected soon after virus inoculation, but the subsequent leaves showed no symptoms of infection. Most control plants developed symptoms that persisted and spread throughout the plant with more than 50% incidence. B48 recorded an average of 102.72 t/ha, which was 67.2% more than that for Badila. The expression of the transgene was stable over many generations with vegetative propagation. These results show that SCMV-resistant transgenic lines derived from Badila can provide resistant germplasm for sugarcane breeding and can also be used to study virus resistance mechanisms. This is the first report on the development and field performance of transgenic sugarcane plants that are resistant to SCMV infection in China.

SAP Suppresses the Development of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in C57BL6 Mice

PubMed Central

Ji, Zhe; Ke, Zun-Ji; Geng, Jian-Guo

2012-01-01

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a CD4+ T cell-mediated disease of the CNS. Serum amyloid P component (SAP) is a highly conserved plasma protein named for its universal presence in amyloid deposits. Here we report SAP transgenic mice had unexpectedly attenuated EAE due to impaired encephalitogenic responses. Following induction with myelin oligodendroglial glycoprotein (MOG) peptide 35–55 in CFA, SAP transgenic mice showed reduced spinal cord inflammation with lower severity of EAE attacks as compared with control C57BL/6 mice. However in SAP-KO mice, the severity of EAE is enhanced. Adoptive transfer of Ag-restimulated T cells from wild-type to SAP transgenic mice or transfer of SAP transgenic Ag-restimulated T cells to control mice induced milder EAE. T cells from MOG-primed SAP transgenic mice showed weak proliferative responses. Furthermore, in SAP transgenic mice, there is little infiltration of CD45-positive cells in the spinal cord. In vitro, SAP suppressed the secretion of IL-2 stimulated by P-selectin, and blocked P-selectin binding to T cells. Moreover, SAP could change the affinity between α4-integrin and T cells. These data suggested that SAP could antagonize the development of the acute phase of inflammation accompanying EAE by modulating the function of P-selectin. PMID:21647172

Ouabain interactions with the α4 isoform of the sodium pump trigger non-classical steroid hormone signaling and integrin expression in spermatogenic cells.

PubMed

Upmanyu, Neha; Dietze, Raimund; Kirch, Ulrike; Scheiner-Bobis, Georgios

2016-11-01

In addition to the ubiquitous α1 isoform of the sodium pump, sperm cells also express a male-specific α4 isoform whose function has been associated with sperm motility, fertility, and capacitation. Here we investigate in the murine spermatogenic cell line GC-2 interactions of the α4 isoform with the cardiotonic steroid ouabain in signaling cascades involved in the non-classical action of steroid hormones. Exposure of GC-2 cells to low concentrations of ouabain stimulates the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and of the transcription factors CREB and ATF-1. As a consequence of this signaling cascade, ouabain stimulates on the mRNA level the expression of integrins αv, β3 and α5, whose expression is also modulated by the cAMP response element. Increased expression of integrins αv and β3 is also seen in cultures of seminiferous tubules exposed to 10nM ouabain. At the protein level we observed a significant stimulation of β3 integrin expression by ouabain. Abrogation of α4 isoform expression by siRNA leads to the complete suppression of all ouabain-induced signaling mentioned above, including its stimulatory effect on the expression of β3 integrin. The results presented here demonstrate for the first time the induction of signaling cascades through the interaction of ouabain with the α4 isoform in a germ-cell derived cell line. The novel finding that these interactions lead to increased expression of integrins in GC-2 cells and the confirmation of these results in the ex vivo experiments indicate that hormone/receptor-like interactions of ouabain with the α4 isoform might be of significance for male physiology. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fibronectins containing extradomain A or B enhance osteoblast differentiation via distinct integrins

PubMed Central

Sens, Carla; Huck, Katrin; Pettera, Stefan; Uebel, Stephan; Wabnitz, Guido; Moser, Markus; Nakchbandi, Inaam A.

2017-01-01

Fibronectin is a multidomain protein secreted by various cell types. It forms a network of fibers within the extracellular matrix and impacts intracellular processes by binding to various molecules, primarily integrin receptors on the cells. Both the presence of several isoforms and the ability of the various domains and isoforms to bind to a variety of integrins result in a wide range of effects. In vivo findings suggest that fibronectin isoforms produced by the osteoblasts enhance their differentiation. Here we report that the isoform characterized by the presence of extradomain A activates α4β1 integrin and augments osteoblast differentiation. In addition, the isoform containing extradomain B enhances the binding of fibronectin through the RGD sequence to β3-containing integrin, resulting in increased mineralization by and differentiation of osteoblasts. Our study thus reveals novel functions for two fibronectin isoforms and the mediating receptors in osteoblast differentiation. PMID:28325836

Cyclophilin B induces integrin-mediated cell adhesion by a mechanism involving CD98-dependent activation of protein kinase C-delta and p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinases.

PubMed

Melchior, Aurélie; Denys, Agnès; Deligny, Audrey; Mazurier, Joël; Allain, Fabrice

2008-02-01

Initially identified as a cyclosporin-A binding protein, cyclophilin B (CyPB) is an inflammatory mediator that induces adhesion of T lymphocytes to fibronectin, by a mechanism dependent on CD147 and alpha 4 beta 1 integrins. Recent findings have suggested that another cell membrane protein, CD98, may cooperate with CD147 to regulate beta1 integrin functions. Based on these functional relationships, we examined the contribution of CD98 in the pro-adhesive activity of CyPB, by utilizing the responsive promonocyte cell line THP-1. We demonstrated that cross-linking CD98 with CD98-AHN-18 antibody mimicked the responses induced by CyPB, i.e. homotypic aggregation, integrin-mediated adhesion to fibronectin and activation of p44/42 MAPK. Consistent with previous data, immunoprecipitation confirmed the existence of a heterocomplex wherein CD147, CD98 and beta1 integrins were associated. We then demonstrated that CyPB-induced cell adhesion and p44/42 MAPK activation were dependent on the participation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and subsequent activation of protein kinase C-delta. Finally, silencing the expression of CD98 by RNA interference potently reduced CyPB-induced cell responses, thus confirming the role of CD98 in the pro-adhesive activity of CyPB. Altogether, our results support a model whereby CyPB induces integrin-mediated adhesion via interaction with a multimolecular unit formed by the association between CD147, CD98 and beta1 integrins.

Integrin beta 1 inhibition alleviates the chronic hyperproliferative dermatitis phenotype of SHARPIN-deficient mice.

PubMed

Peuhu, Emilia; Salomaa, Siiri I; De Franceschi, Nicola; Potter, Christopher S; Sundberg, John P; Pouwels, Jeroen

2017-01-01

SHARPIN (Shank-Associated RH Domain-Interacting Protein) is a component of the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC), which enhances TNF-induced NF-κB activity. SHARPIN-deficient (Sharpincpdm/cpdm) mice display multi-organ inflammation and chronic proliferative dermatitis (cpdm) due to TNF-induced keratinocyte apoptosis. In cells, SHARPIN also inhibits integrins independently of LUBAC, but it has remained enigmatic whether elevated integrin activity levels in the dermis of Sharpincpdm/cpdm mice is due to increased integrin activity or is secondary to inflammation. In addition, the functional contribution of increased integrin activation to the Sharpincpdm/cpdm phenotype has not been investigated. Here, we find increased integrin activity in keratinocytes from Tnfr1-/- Sharpincpdm/cpdm double knockout mice, which do not display chronic inflammation or proliferative dermatitis, thus suggesting that SHARPIN indeed acts as an integrin inhibitor in vivo. In addition, we present evidence for a functional contribution of integrin activity to the Sharpincpdm/cpdm skin phenotype. Treatment with an integrin beta 1 function blocking antibody reduced epidermal hyperproliferation and epidermal thickness in Sharpincpdm/cpdm mice. Our data indicate that, while TNF-induced cell death triggers the chronic inflammation and proliferative dermatitis, absence of SHARPIN-dependent integrin inhibition exacerbates the epidermal hyperproliferation in Sharpincpdm/cpdm mice.

Blocking neutrophil integrin activation prevents ischemia-reperfusion injury.

PubMed

Yago, Tadayuki; Petrich, Brian G; Zhang, Nan; Liu, Zhenghui; Shao, Bojing; Ginsberg, Mark H; McEver, Rodger P

2015-07-27

Neutrophil recruitment, mediated by β2 integrins, combats pyogenic infections but also plays a key role in ischemia-reperfusion injury and other inflammatory disorders. Talin induces allosteric rearrangements in integrins that increase affinity for ligands (activation). Talin also links integrins to actin and other proteins that enable formation of adhesions. Structural studies have identified a talin1 mutant (L325R) that perturbs activation without impairing talin's capacity to link integrins to actin and other proteins. Here, we found that mice engineered to express only talin1(L325R) in myeloid cells were protected from renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Dissection of neutrophil function in vitro and in vivo revealed that talin1(L325R) neutrophils had markedly impaired chemokine-induced, β2 integrin-mediated arrest, spreading, and migration. Surprisingly, talin1(L325R) neutrophils exhibited normal selectin-induced, β2 integrin-mediated slow rolling, in sharp contrast to the defective slow rolling of neutrophils lacking talin1 or expressing a talin1 mutant (W359A) that blocks talin interaction with integrins. These studies reveal the importance of talin-mediated activation of integrins for renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. They further show that neutrophil arrest requires talin recruitment to and activation of integrins. However, although neutrophil slow rolling requires talin recruitment to integrins, talin-mediated integrin activation is dispensable. © 2015 Yago et al.

Integrin-Using Rotaviruses Bind α2β1 Integrin α2 I Domain via VP4 DGE Sequence and Recognize αXβ2 and αVβ3 by Using VP7 during Cell Entry

PubMed Central

Graham, Kate L.; Halasz, Peter; Tan, Yan; Hewish, Marilyn J.; Takada, Yoshikazu; Mackow, Erich R.; Robinson, Martyn K.; Coulson, Barbara S.

2003-01-01

Integrins α2β1, αXβ2, and αVβ3 have been implicated in rotavirus cell attachment and entry. The virus spike protein VP4 contains the α2β1 ligand sequence DGE at amino acid positions 308 to 310, and the outer capsid protein VP7 contains the αXβ2 ligand sequence GPR. To determine the viral proteins and sequences involved and to define the roles of α2β1, αXβ2, and αVβ3, we analyzed the ability of rotaviruses and their reassortants to use these integrins for cell binding and infection and the effect of peptides DGEA and GPRP on these events. Many laboratory-adapted human, monkey, and bovine viruses used integrins, whereas all porcine viruses were integrin independent. The integrin-using rotavirus strains each interacted with all three integrins. Integrin usage related to VP4 serotype independently of sialic acid usage. Analysis of rotavirus reassortants and assays of virus binding and infectivity in integrin-transfected cells showed that VP4 bound α2β1, and VP7 interacted with αXβ2 and αVβ3 at a postbinding stage. DGEA inhibited rotavirus binding to α2β1 and infectivity, whereas GPRP binding to αXβ2 inhibited infectivity but not binding. The truncated VP5* subunit of VP4, expressed as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein, bound the expressed α2 I domain. Alanine mutagenesis of D308 and G309 in VP5* eliminated VP5* binding to the α2 I domain. In a novel process, integrin-using viruses bind the α2 I domain of α2β1 via DGE in VP4 and interact with αXβ2 (via GPR) and αVβ3 by using VP7 to facilitate cell entry and infection. PMID:12941907

High-Throughput Screening based Identification of Small Molecule Antagonists of Integrin CD11b/CD18 Ligand Binding

PubMed Central

Faridi, Mohd Hafeez; Maiguel, Dony; Brown, Brock T.; Suyama, Eigo; Barth, Constantinos J.; Hedrick, Michael; Vasile, Stefan; Sergienko, Eduard; Schürer, Stephan; Gupta, Vineet

2010-01-01

Binding of leukocyte specific integrin CD11b/CD18 to its physiologic ligands is important for the development of normal immune response in vivo. Integrin CD11b/CD18 is also a key cellular effector of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, small molecules selectively inhibiting the function of integrin CD11b/CD18 are currently lacking. We used a newly described cell-based high throughput screening assay to identify a number of highly potent antagonists of integrin CD11b/CD18 from chemical libraries containing >100,000 unique compounds. Computational analyses suggest that the identified compounds cluster into several different chemical classes. A number of the newly identified compounds blocked adhesion of wild-type mouse neutrophils to CD11b/CD18 ligand fibrinogen. Mapping the most active compounds against chemical fingerprints of known antagonists of related integrin CD11a/CD18 shows little structural similarity, suggesting that the newly identified compounds are novel and unique. PMID:20188705

The Effect of Conditional Inactivation of Beta 1 Integrins using Twist 2 Cre, Osterix Cre and Osteocalcin Cre Lines on Skeletal Phenotype

PubMed Central

Shekaran, Asha; Shoemaker, James T.; Kavanaugh, Taylor E.; Lin, Angela S.; LaPlaca, Michelle C.; Fan, Yuhong; Guldberg, Robert E.; García, Andrés J.

2014-01-01

Skeletal development and growth are complex processes regulated by multiple microenvironmental cues, including integrin-ECM interactions. The β1 sub-family of integrins is the largest integrin sub-family and constitutes the main integrin binding partners of collagen I, the major ECM component of bone. As complete β1 integrin integrin knockout results in embryonic lethality, studies of β1 integrin function in vivo rely on tissue-specific gene deletions. While multiple in vitro studies indicate that β1 integrins are crucial regulators of osteogenesis and mineralization, in vivo osteoblast-specific perturbations of β1 integrins have resulted in mild and sometimes contradictory skeletal phenotypes. To further investigate the role of β1 integrins on skeletal phenotype, we used the Twist2-Cre, Osterix-Cre and Osteocalcin-Cre lines to generate conditional β1 integrin deletions, where cre is expressed primarily in mesenchymal condensation, pre-osteoblast, and mature osteoblast lineage cells respectively within these lines. Mice with Twist2-specific β1 integrin disruption were smaller, had impaired skeletal development, especially in the craniofacial and vertebral tissues at E19.5, and did not survive beyond birth. Osterix-specific β1 integrin deficiency resulted in viable mice which were normal at birth but displayed early defects in calvarial ossification, incisor eruption and growth as well as femoral bone mineral density, structure, and mechanical properties. Although these defects persisted into adulthood, they became milder with age. Finally, a lack of β1 integrins in mature osteoblasts and osteocytes resulted in minor alterations to femur structure but had no effect on mineral density, biomechanics or fracture healing. Taken together, our data indicate that β1 integrin expression in early mesenchymal condensations play an important role in skeletal ossification, while β1 integrin-ECM interactions in pre-osteoblast, odontoblast- and hypertrophic chondryocyte- lineage cells regulate incisor eruption and perinatal bone formation in both intramembranously and endochondrally formed bones in young, rapidly growing mice. In contrast, the Osteocalcin-specific β1 integrin deletion had only minor effects on skeletal phenotype. PMID:25183373

Radil controls neutrophil adhesion and motility through β2-integrin activation

PubMed Central

Liu, Lunhua; Aerbajinai, Wulin; Ahmed, Syed M.; Rodgers, Griffin P.; Angers, Stephane; Parent, Carole A.

2012-01-01

Integrin activation is required to facilitate multiple adhesion-dependent functions of neutrophils, such as chemotaxis, which is critical for inflammatory responses to injury and pathogens. However, little is known about the mechanisms that mediate integrin activation in neutrophils. We show that Radil, a novel Rap1 effector, regulates β1- and β2-integrin activation and controls neutrophil chemotaxis. On activation and chemotactic migration of neutrophils, Radil quickly translocates from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane in a Rap1a-GTP–dependent manner. Cells overexpressing Radil show a substantial increase in cell adhesion, as well as in integrin/focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation, and exhibit an elongated morphology, with severe tail retraction defects. This phenotype is effectively rescued by treatment with either β2-integrin inhibitory antibodies or FAK inhibitors. Conversely, knockdown of Radil causes severe inhibition of cell adhesion, β2-integrin activation, and chemotaxis. Furthermore, we found that inhibition of Rap activity by RapGAP coexpression inhibits Radil-mediated integrin and FAK activation, decreases cell adhesion, and abrogates the long-tail phenotype of Radil cells. Overall, these studies establish that Radil regulates neutrophil adhesion and motility by linking Rap1 to β2-integrin activation. PMID:23097489

Radil controls neutrophil adhesion and motility through β2-integrin activation.

PubMed

Liu, Lunhua; Aerbajinai, Wulin; Ahmed, Syed M; Rodgers, Griffin P; Angers, Stephane; Parent, Carole A

2012-12-01

Integrin activation is required to facilitate multiple adhesion-dependent functions of neutrophils, such as chemotaxis, which is critical for inflammatory responses to injury and pathogens. However, little is known about the mechanisms that mediate integrin activation in neutrophils. We show that Radil, a novel Rap1 effector, regulates β1- and β2-integrin activation and controls neutrophil chemotaxis. On activation and chemotactic migration of neutrophils, Radil quickly translocates from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane in a Rap1a-GTP-dependent manner. Cells overexpressing Radil show a substantial increase in cell adhesion, as well as in integrin/focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation, and exhibit an elongated morphology, with severe tail retraction defects. This phenotype is effectively rescued by treatment with either β2-integrin inhibitory antibodies or FAK inhibitors. Conversely, knockdown of Radil causes severe inhibition of cell adhesion, β2-integrin activation, and chemotaxis. Furthermore, we found that inhibition of Rap activity by RapGAP coexpression inhibits Radil-mediated integrin and FAK activation, decreases cell adhesion, and abrogates the long-tail phenotype of Radil cells. Overall, these studies establish that Radil regulates neutrophil adhesion and motility by linking Rap1 to β2-integrin activation.

Calreticulin overexpression correlates with integrin-α5 and transforming growth factor-β1 expression in the atria of patients with rheumatic valvular disease and atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Zhao, Fei; Zhang, Shijiang; Shao, Yongfeng; Wu, Yanhu; Qin, Jianwei; Chen, Yijiang; Chen, Liang; Gu, Haitao; Wang, Xiaowei; Huang, Chenjun; Zhang, Wei

2013-10-03

The aim of this study was to determine whether altered calreticulin expression and distribution contribute to the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with valvular heart disease (VHD). AF affects electrophysiological and structural changes that exacerbate AF. Atrial remodeling reportedly underlies AF generation, but the precise mechanism of atrial remodeling in AF remains unclear. Right and left atrial specimens were obtained from 68 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. The patients were divided into sinus rhythm (SR; n=25), paroxysmal AF (PaAF; n=11), and persistent AF (PeAF; AF lasting >6 months; n=32) groups. Calreticulin, integrin-α5, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA and protein expression were measured. We also performed immunoprecipitation for calreticulin with either calcineurin B or integrin-α5. Calreticulin, integrin-α5, and TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression were increased in the AF groups, especially in the left atrium in patients with mitral valve disease. Calreticulin interacted with both calcineurin B and integrin-α5. Integrin-α5 expression correlated with TGF-β1 expression, while calreticulin expression correlated with integrin-α5 and TGF-β1 expression. Despite similar cardiac function classifications, calreticulin expression was greater in the PeAF group than in the SR group. Calreticulin, integrin-α5, and TGF-β1 expression was increased in atrial tissue in patients with AF and was related to AF type, suggesting that calreticulin is involved in the pathogenesis of AF in VHD patients. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Osteoblast-secreted WISP-1 promotes adherence of prostate cancer cells to bone via the VCAM-1/integrin α4β1 system.

PubMed

Chang, An-Chen; Chen, Po-Chun; Lin, Yu-Feng; Su, Chen-Ming; Liu, Ju-Fang; Lin, Tien-Huang; Chuang, Show-Mei; Tang, Chih-Hsin

2018-07-10

Bone metastasis is a frequent occurrence in prostate cancer (PCa) that is associated with severe complications such as fracture, bone pain and hypercalcemia. The cross-talk between metastatic cancer cells and bone is critical to the development and progression of bone metastases. In our previous data, we have described how the involvement of the Wnt-induced secreted protein-1/vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (WISP-1/VCAM-1) system in this tumor-bone interaction contributes to human PCa cell motility. In this study, we found that WISP-1 regulates bone mineralization by inducing bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), BMP4 and osteopontin (OPN) expression in osteoblasts. We also found that WISP-1 inhibited RANKL-dependent osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, osteoblast-derived WISP-1 enhanced VCAM-1 expression in PCa cells and subsequently promoted the adherence of cancer cells to osteoblasts. Furthermore, endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression in PCa cells was regulated by osteoblast-derived WISP-1, which promoted integrin α4β1 expression in osteoblasts via the MAPK pathway. Pretreatment of PCa cells with VCAM-1 antibody or osteoblasts with integrin α4β1 antibody attenuated the adherence of PCa cells to osteoblasts, suggesting that integrin α4β1 serves as a ligand that captures VCAM-1 + metastatic tumor cells adhering to osteoblasts. Our findings reveal that osteoblast-derived WISP-1 plays a key role in regulating the adhesion of PCa cells to osteoblasts via the VCAM-1/integrin α4β1 system. Osteoblast-derived WISP-1 is a promising target for the prevention and inhibition of PCa-bone interaction. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Innate Immune Activation Can Trigger Experimental Spondyloarthritis in HLA-B27/Huβ2m Transgenic Rats

PubMed Central

van Tok, Melissa N.; Satumtira, Nimman; Dorris, Martha; Pots, Desirée; Slobodin, Gleb; van de Sande, Marleen G.; Taurog, Joel D.; Baeten, Dominique L.; van Duivenvoorde, Leonie M.

2017-01-01

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) does not display the typical features of auto-immune disease. Despite the strong association with MHC class I, CD8+ T cells are not required for disease induction in the HLA-B27/Huβ2m transgenic rats. We used Lewis HLA-B27/Huβ2m transgenic rats [21-3 × 283-2]F1, HLA-B7/Huβ2m transgenic rats [120-4 × 283-2]F1, and wild-type rats to test our hypothesis that SpA may be primarily driven by the innate immune response. In vitro, splenocytes were stimulated with heat-inactivated Mycobacterium tuberculosis and cytokine expression and production was measured. In vivo, male and female rats were immunized with 30, 60, or 90 µg of heat-inactivated M. tuberculosis and clinically monitored for spondylitis and arthritis development. After validation of the model, we tested whether prophylactic and therapeutic TNF targeting affected spondylitis and arthritis. In vitro stimulation with heat-inactivated M. tuberculosis strongly induced gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, IL-6, IL-1α, and IL-1β, in the HLA-B27 transgenic rats compared with controls. In vivo immunization induced an increased spondylitis and arthritis incidence and an accelerated and synchronized onset of spondylitis and arthritis in HLA-B27 transgenic males and females. Moreover, immunization overcame the protective effect of orchiectomy. Prophylactic TNF targeting resulted in delayed spondylitis and arthritis development and reduced arthritis severity, whereas therapeutic TNF blockade did not affect spondylitis and arthritis severity. Collectively, these data indicate that innate immune activation plays a role in the initiation of HLA-B27-associated disease and allowed to establish a useful in vivo model to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease initiation and progression. PMID:28824645

In vivo imaging of tumour angiogenesis in mice with the alpha(v)beta (3) integrin-targeted tracer 99mTc-RAFT-RGD.

PubMed

Sancey, Lucie; Ardisson, Valérie; Riou, Laurent M; Ahmadi, Mitra; Marti-Batlle, Danièle; Boturyn, Didier; Dumy, Pascal; Fagret, Daniel; Ghezzi, Catherine; Vuillez, Jean-Philippe

2007-12-01

The molecular imaging of tumour neoangiogenesis currently represents a major field of research for the diagnostic and treatment strategy of solid tumours. Endothelial cells from tumour neovessels overexpress the alpha(v)beta(3) integrin, which selectively binds to Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing peptides. We evaluated the potential of the novel radiotracer (99m)Tc-RAFT-RGD for the non-invasive molecular imaging of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression in mice models of tumour development. (99m)Tc-RAFT-RGD, (99m)Tc-cRGD (specific control) and (99m)Tc-RAFT-RAD (non-specific control) were injected intravenously to mice bearing B16F0 or TS/A-pc tumours. In vivo whole-body tomographic imaging and post-mortem biodistribution studies were performed 60 min following tracer injection. Adjacent tumour slices were used to compare the localisation of neovessels from immunostaining and the pattern of (99m)Tc-RAFT-RGD uptake from autoradiographic ex vivo imaging. Biodistribution studies indicated that (99m)Tc-RAFT-RGD tumour uptake was significantly higher than that of (99m)Tc-RAFT-RAD in B16F0 (2.4+/-0.5 vs 1.0+/-0.1%ID/g, respectively) and in TS/A-pc tumours (2.7+/-0.8 vs 0.7+/-0.1%ID/g, respectively). Immunohistochemical and autoradiographic studies indicated that (99m)Tc-RAFT-RGD intratumoural uptake preferentially occurred in angiogenic areas. Tomographic imaging allowed tumour visualisation following injection of (99m)Tc-RAFT-RGD and (99m)Tc-cRGD with similar tumour-to-contralateral muscle (T/CM) ratios in B16F0 and in TS/A-pc tumours whereas (99m)Tc-RAFT-RAD T/CM ratios did not allow tumour imaging. In accordance with the higher level of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression on TS/A-pc tumours than on B16F0 tumours as determined from western blot and immunoprecipitation analyses, the (99m)Tc-RAFT-RGD T/CM ratio was significantly higher in TS/A-pc than in B16F0 tumours. (99m)Tc-RAFT-RGD allowed the in vivo imaging of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin tumour expression.

Phorbol esters alter alpha4 and alphad integrin usage during eosinophil adhesion to VCAM-1.

PubMed

Kikuchi, Matsuo; Tachimoto, Hiroshi; Nutku, Esra; Hudson, Sherry A; Bochner, Bruce S

2003-01-01

We examined the effect of the protein kinase C activator phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) on the human eosinophil adhesion molecule phenotype and attachment to VCAM-1 via alpha4 and alphad integrins under static and flow conditions. PMA increased surface expression of alphad integrins and decreased alpha4 integrin expression. Under static conditions, eosinophils bound well to VCAM-1, primarily via alpha4beta1 integrins, with a minor alphadbeta2 integrin component. Unexpectedly, PMA-stimulated eosinophils bound equally well to VCAM-1 and albumin in a temperature- and divalent cation-dependent manner, yet adhesion was independent of beta1 and beta2 integrins. Under flow conditions, eosinophils readily attached to VCAM-1, and adhesion was inhibited by both alpha4 and alphad mAbs (95 and 50% inhibition, respectively). Many fewer PMA-stimulated eosinophils bound to VCAM-1 under flow conditions, but both alpha4 and alphad mAbs inhibited adhesion equally. Thus, PMA alters eosinophil integrin expression and the relative contributions of alpha4 and alphad integrins during attachment to VCAM-1.

Applications of transgenics in studies of bone sialoprotein.

PubMed

Zhang, Jin; Tu, Qisheng; Chen, Jake

2009-07-01

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a major non-collagenous protein in mineralizing connective tissues such as dentin, cementum and calcified cartilage tissues. As a member of the Small Integrin-Binding Ligand, N-linked Glycoprotein (SIBLING) gene family of glycoproteins, BSP is involved in regulating hydroxyapatite crystal formation in bones and teeth, and has long been used as a marker gene for osteogenic differentiation. In the most recent decade, new discoveries in BSP gene expression and regulation, bone remodeling, bone metastasis, and bone tissue engineering have been achieved with the help of transgenic mice. In this review, we discuss these new discoveries obtained from the literatures and from our own laboratory, which were derived from the use of transgenic mouse mutants related to BSP gene or its promoter activity.

The 193-base pair Gsg2 (haspin) promoter region regulates germ cell-specific expression bidirectionally and synchronously.

PubMed

Tokuhiro, Keizo; Miyagawa, Yasushi; Yamada, Shuichi; Hirose, Mika; Ohta, Hiroshi; Nishimune, Yoshitake; Tanaka, Hiromitsu

2007-03-01

Haspin is a unique protein kinase expressed predominantly in haploid male germ cells. The genomic structure of haspin (Gsg2) has revealed it to be intronless, and the entire transcription unit is in an intron of the integrin alphaE (Itgae) gene. Transcription occurs from a bidirectional promoter that also generates an alternatively spliced integrin alphaE-derived mRNA (Aed). In mice, the testis-specific alternative splicing of Aed is expressed bidirectionally downstream from the Gsg2 transcription initiation site, and a segment consisting of 26 bp transcribes both genomic DNA strands between Gsg2 and the Aed transcription initiation sites. To investigate the mechanisms for this unique gene regulation, we cloned and characterized the Gsg2 promoter region. The 193-bp genomic fragment from the 5' end of the Gsg2 and Aed genes, fused with EGFP and DsRed genes, drove the expression of both proteins in haploid germ cells of transgenic mice. This promoter element contained only a GC-rich sequence, and not the previously reported DNA sequences known to bind various transcription factors--with the exception of E2F1, TCFAP2A1 (AP2), and SP1. Here, we show that the 193-bp DNA sequence is sufficient for the specific, bidirectional, and synchronous expression in germ cells in the testis. We also demonstrate the existence of germ cell nuclear factors specifically bound to the promoter sequence. This activity may be regulated by binding to the promoter sequence with germ cell-specific nuclear complex(es) without regulation via DNA methylation.

Identification of Human Cathelicidin Peptide LL-37 as a Ligand for Macrophage Integrin αMβ2 (Mac-1, CD11b/CD18) that Promotes Phagocytosis by Opsonizing Bacteria

PubMed Central

Lishko, Valeryi K.; Moreno, Benjamin; Podolnikova, Nataly P.; Ugarova, Tatiana P.

2016-01-01

LL-37, a cationic antimicrobial peptide, has numerous immune-modulating effects. However, the identity of a receptor(s) mediating the responses in immune cells remains uncertain. We have recently demonstrated that LL-37 interacts with the αMI-domain of integrin αMβ2 (Mac-1), a major receptor on the surface of myeloid cells, and induces a migratory response in Mac-1-expressing monocyte/macrophages as well as activation of Mac-1 on neutrophils. Here, we show that LL-37 and its C-terminal derivative supported strong adhesion of various Mac-1-expressing cells, including HEK293 cells stably transfected with Mac-1, human U937 monocytic cells and murine IC-21 macrophages. The cell adhesion to LL-37 was partially inhibited by specific Mac-1 antagonists, including mAb against the αM integrin subunit and neutrophil inhibitory factor, and completely blocked when anti-Mac-1 antibodies were combined with heparin, suggesting that cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans act cooperatively with integrin Mac-1. Coating both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with LL-37 significantly potentiated their phagocytosis by macrophages, and this process was blocked by a combination of anti-Mac-1 mAb and heparin. Furthermore, phagocytosis by wild-type murine peritoneal macrophages of LL-37-coated latex beads, a model of foreign surfaces, was several fold higher than that of untreated beads. By contrast, LL-37 failed to augment phagocytosis of beads by Mac-1-deficient macrophages. These results identify LL-37 as a novel ligand for integrin Mac-1 and demonstrate that the interaction between Mac-1 on macrophages and bacteria-bound LL-37 promotes phagocytosis. PMID:27990411

Preliminarily study on the maximum handling size, prey size and species selectivity of growth hormone transgenic and non-transgenic common carp Cyprinus carpio when foraging on gastropods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Tingbing; Zhang, Lihong; Zhang, Tanglin; Wang, Yaping; Hu, Wei; Olsen, Rolf Eric; Zhu, Zuoyan

2017-10-01

The present study preliminarily examined the differences in maximum handling size, prey size and species selectivity of growth hormone transgenic and non-transgenic common carp Cyprinus carpio when foraging on four gastropods species (Bellamya aeruginosa, Radix auricularia, Parafossarulus sinensis and Alocinma longicornis) under laboratory conditions. In the maximum handling size trial, five fish from each age group (1-year-old and 2-year-old) and each genotype (transgenic and non-transgenic) of common carp were individually allowed to feed on B. aeruginosa with wide shell height range. The results showed that maximum handling size increased linearly with fish length, and there was no significant difference in maximum handling size between the two genotypes. In the size selection trial, three pairs of 2-year-old transgenic and non-transgenic carp were individually allowed to feed on three size groups of B. aeruginosa. The results show that the two genotypes of C. carpio favored the small-sized group over the large-sized group. In the species selection trial, three pairs of 2-year-old transgenic and non-transgenic carp were individually allowed to feed on thin-shelled B. aeruginosa and thick-shelled R. auricularia, and five pairs of 2-year-old transgenic and non-transgenic carp were individually allowed to feed on two gastropods species (P. sinensis and A. longicornis) with similar size and shell strength. The results showed that both genotypes preferred thin-shelled Radix auricularia rather than thick-shelled B. aeruginosa, but there were no significant difference in selectivity between the two genotypes when fed on P. sinensis and A. longicornis. The present study indicates that transgenic and non-transgenic C. carpio show similar selectivity of predation on the size- and species-limited gastropods. While this information may be useful for assessing the environmental risk of transgenic carp, it does not necessarily demonstrate that transgenic common carp might have lesser environmental impacts than non-transgenic carp.

The influence of surface integrin binding patterns on specific biomaterial-cell interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beranek, Maggi Marie

As the future of biomaterials progresses toward bioactivity, the biomaterial surface must control non-specific protein adsorption and encourage selective protein and cell adsorption. Integrins alphavbeta3, alpha 1beta1, alpha5beta1 and alpha Mbeta2 are expressed on cells involved in endothelialization, inflammation, and intimal hyperplasia. These cellular events play a vital role in biomaterial biocompatibility, especially in the vascular environment. The overall hypothesis of these studies is that biomaterial surfaces exhibit selective integrin binding, which then specifies differential cell binding. To test this hypothesis, four specific aims were developed. The first aim was designed to determine whether metal and polymeric biomaterials exhibit selective integrin binding. The tested materials included 316L stainless steel, nitinol, gold, Elgiloy RTM, poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide), polycarbonate urethane and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Discrete integrin binding patterns were detected microscopically using integrin specific fluorescent antibodies. Stainless steel exhibited high level integrin alpha1beta 1 and low level integrin alphaMbeta2 binding pattern. This suggests that this metal surface should selectively encourage endothelial cell to inflammatory cell binding. In contrast, gold bound ten times the amount of integrin alphaMbeta2 compared to integrin alpha1beta1, which should encourage inflammatory cell adhesion. The 65/35 poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) was the only polymeric biomaterial tested that had integrin binding levels comparable to metal biomaterials. Based on these observations, a combinational biomaterial with a surface pattern of 65/35 poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) dots on a 316L stainless steel background was created. A pattern of high level integrin alpha1beta1 binding and low level integrin alpha Mbeta2 binding on this combinational surface indicates that this surface should selectively favor endothelial cell binding. In the second aim, the response of surface-bound integrins to flow-related shear stress was examined. Based on fluorescent analysis, total alphavbeta 3, alpha1beta1, and alpha5beta 1 appeared to increase on stainless steel after 90-minute low shear stress exposure, whereas only alpha5beta1 appeared to increase when exposed to high shear. 65/35 poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) exhibited increased total binding of alpha5beta1 and alphaMbeta2, when exposed to either shear stress level. Exposure to either shear stress regimen appeared to increase binding of all integrins on the combinational surface. These responses to shear stress suggest differential integrin binding affinity compared to stainless steel. Using antibodies specific to the integrin subunits, the apparent increase in surface-bound integrins was found to be related to a surface disassociation of alpha and beta subunits. The third aim evaluated human aortic endothelial cells and acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) cell binding to the tested biomaterial surfaces under both static and flow conditions. Both stainless steel and the combinational surface had increased endothelial cell binding compared to monocyte attachment. Pre-incubation of the surface with the specific integrins significantly inhibited human aortic endothelial cell binding. Aim four was designed to investigate the influence of surface bound integrins on human aortic endothelial cell migration under shear stress. If biomaterial surface integrin binding patterns are specific, then pre-bound surface integrins should competitively inhibit binding of cellular integrins to the surface. Cell migration distance on to alphavbeta3, alpha 1beta1, and alpha5beta1 pre-incubated stainless steel was decreased ten-fold, and decreased by three-fold on both 65/35 poly(D, L-lactide-coglycolide) and combinational surfaces compared to the respective bare surfaces. In contrast, migration distance on to alphaMbeta2 pre-coated stainless steel and combinational surface was decreased by only sixty percent and only fifty percent on alphaMbeta2 precoated 65/35 poly(D, L -lactide-co-glycolide). These results suggested that surface binding sites are selective and critical in governing endothelial cell migration. In conclusion, these results support the hypothesis that a surface that encourages specific integrin binding would promote differential cell binding. The novel integrin binding model used in this investigation may be a methodology that can be employed to evaluate potential vascular biomaterials.

Internal relationship between symptomatic venous thromboembolism and risk factors: up-regulation of integrin β1, β2 and β3 levels

PubMed Central

Duan, Qianglin; Wang, Lemin; Yang, Fan; Li, Jue; Song, Yanli; Gong, Zhu; Li, Guiyuan; Song, Haoming; Zhang, Xiaoyu; Shen, Zugang; Dart, Anthony

2015-01-01

Background: To compare different expression of core proteins among venous thromboembolism (VTE) and those with risk factor groups and analyze the relative risk for VTE after integrating integrin β1, β2 and β3 expression. Methods: A total of 1006 subjects were recruited and divided into VTE group, risk factor groups and control (non- risk factor) group. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the expression of integrin β1, β2 and β3. The relative risk for VTE was evaluated with independent, parallel and serial methods. Results: The expression of integrin β1 increased markedly in VTE patients, and those with risk factors (acute infection, malignancy, and autoimmune diseases), respectively (P < 0.001 or 0.01). The expression of integrin β1 in trauma/surgery group was not significantly different with control group (P > 0.05). The expression of integrin β2 or β3 significantly increased in VTE group, but that in risk factor groups was not significantly increased (P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed the trauma/surgery groups had no significantly increased risk for VTE. Conclusions: VTE group patients have significantly increased expression of integrin β1, β2 and β3, and risk factor groups (acute infection, malignancy and autoimmune disease) have significantly increased expression of integrin β1. The significant increase in integrin β2, β3 expression is a marker differentiating of VTE group patients with other risk factor groups. Trauma/surgery group has no increased expression of integrin β1, β2 and β3 as other risk factors. Thus, that trauma/surgery may be not the “true” risk factor for VTE. PMID:26045901

Intravaginal infection with herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) generates a functional effector memory T cell population that persists in the murine genital tract.

PubMed

Tang, Vera A; Rosenthal, Kenneth L

2010-12-01

Although the female genital tract is the main portal of entry for sexually transmitted infections in women, we still have limited understanding of the generation, maintenance and characteristics of memory T cells in the local tissue. Here, we utilized a mouse model of intravaginal HSV-2 infection and tetramers against the immunodominant HSV glycoprotein B epitope recognized by CD8+ T cells to examine the generation, maintenance and characteristics of anti-HSV memory T cells in the genital tract following acute infection. Our results show that the highest percentage of HSVgB-specific CD8+ T cells was found in the genital tract compared to the spleen or iliac lymphnode. Indeed, although the actual number of CD8+ T cells contracted following viral clearance, approximately one quarter of the CD8+ population that remained in the genital tissue was HSVgB-specific. Memory gB-tetramer+CD8 T cells in the genital tract were positive for CD127 and KLRG1 and negative for CD62L and CCR7, thus confirming that HSV-specific CD8 cells were effector memory T cells that lack the capacity for homing to lymphoid tissues. Functionally, both memory CD8+ and CD4+ HSV-specific populations in the genital tract produced IFNγ when stimulated in vitro and CD4+ cells also produced TNFα. Genital HSVgB-specific memory T cells expressed tissue-homing integrins CD103 (αE integrin) and CD49a (VLA-1 or α1 integrin). Our findings suggest that HSV-specific memory T cells are retained in the genital tract, poised to act as an early line of defense against future virus encounter. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and evaluation of a radioiodinated peptide probe targeting αvβ6 integrin for the detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ueda, Masashi; Department of Patho-Functional Bioanalysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501; Fukushima, Takahiro

Highlights: • We developed a radioiodinated peptide probe targeting αvβ6 integrin ({sup 123}I-IFMDV2). • {sup 123}I-IFMDV2 had a high affinity and selectivity for αvβ6 integrin. • {sup 123}I-IFMDV2 showed a specific binding to αvβ6 integrin in vivo. • {sup 123}I-IFMDV2 enabled clear visualization of the αvβ6-integrin-positive tumor. - Abstract: Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a major cause of cancer-related death. Since significant upregulation of αvβ6 integrin has been reported in PDAC, this integrin is a promising target for PDAC detection. In this study, we aimed to develop a radioiodinated probe for the imaging of αvβ6 integrin-positive PDAC with single-photonmore » emission computed tomography (SPECT). Methods: Four peptide probes were synthesized and screened by competitive and saturation binding assays using 2 PDAC cell lines (AsPC-1, αvβ6 integrin-positive; MIA PaCa-2, αvβ6 integrin-negative). The probe showing the best affinity was used to study the biodistribution assay, an in vivo blocking study, and SPECT imaging using tumor bearing mice. Autoradiography and immunohistochemical analysis were also performed. Results: Among the 4 probes examined in this study, {sup 125}I-IFMDV2 showed the highest affinity for αvβ6 integrin expressed in AsPC-1 cells and no affinity for MIA PaCa-2 cells. The accumulation of {sup 125}I-IFMDV2 in the AsPC-1 xenograft was 3–5 times greater than that in the MIA PaCa-2 xenograft, consistent with the expression of αvβ6 integrin in each xenograft, and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Pretreatment with excess amounts of A20FMDV2 significantly blocked the accumulation of {sup 125}I-IFMDV2 in the AsPC-1 xenograft, but not in the MIA PaCa-2 xenograft. Furthermore, {sup 123}I-IFMDV2 enabled clear visualization of the AsPC-1 xenograft. Conclusion: {sup 123}I-IFMDV2 is a potential SPECT probe for the imaging of αvβ6 integrin in PDAC.« less

Comparative proteomic analysis of rd29A:RdreB1BI transgenic and non-transgenic strawberries exposed to low temperature.

PubMed

Gu, Xianbin; Gao, Zhihong; Zhuang, Weibing; Qiao, Yushan; Wang, Xiuyun; Mi, Lin; Zhang, Zhen; Lin, Zhilin

2013-05-01

Low-temperature stress is one of the major abiotic stresses in plants worldwide, and the dehydration responsive element binding protein (DREB) transcription factor induces expression of genes involved in environmental stress tolerance in plants. A proteomic approach based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and subsequent mass spectrometric identification was used to study the changes in the leaf proteome profiles of rd29A:RdreB1BI transgenic and non-transgenic strawberries exposed to low-temperature conditions. By comparing the proteomic profiles, we located 21 protein spots that were reproducibly up- or down-regulated by more than twofold between transgenic and non-transgenic strawberries. Eight identified proteins function in energy and metabolism, four in biosynthetic processes, four were stress and defense related, three spots were identified as cold-stress related expressed sequence tags (ESTs), and two were unknown proteins. The change patterns of low-temperature tolerance proteins, including photosynthetic proteins (RuBisCO large subunit and RuBisCO activase), cytoplasmic Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), late embryogenesis abundant protein 14-A (Lea14-A), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A), and cold-stress related ESTs, were differentially regulated between non-transgenic and rd29A:RdreB1BI transgenic strawberries. They are likely important gene products in the regulatory network of the RdreB1BI gene. Consequently, this study provides the first characterization of the transgenic strawberry proteome and the predicted target proteins of the RdreB1BI gene by using proteomic approaches. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

CD44-mediated activation of α5β1-integrin, cortactin and paxillin signaling underpins adhesion of basal-like breast cancer cells to endothelium and Fibronectin-enriched matrices

PubMed Central

McFarlane, Suzanne; McFarlane, Cheryl; Montgomery, Nicola; Hill, Ashleigh; Waugh, David J.J.

2015-01-01

CD44 expression is elevated in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) tissue, and correlates with increased efficiency of distant metastasis in patients and experimental models. We sought to characterize mechanisms underpinning CD44-promoted adhesion of BLBC cells to vascular endothelial monolayers and extracellular matrix (ECM) substrates. Stimulation with hyaluronan (HA), the native ligand for CD44, increased expression and activation of β1-integrin receptors, and increased α5-integrin subunit expression. Adhesion assays confirmed that CD44-signalling potentiated BLBC cell adhesion to endothelium and Fibronectin in an α5B1-integrin-dependent mechanism. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed HA-promoted association of CD44 with talin and the β1-integrin chain in BLBC cells. Knockdown of talin inhibited CD44 complexing with β1-integrin and repressed HA-induced, CD44-mediated activation of β1-integrin receptors. Immunoblotting confirmed that HA induced rapid phosphorylation of cortactin and paxillin, through a CD44-dependent and β1-integrin-dependent mechanism. Knockdown of CD44, cortactin or paxillin independently attenuated the adhesion of BL-BCa cells to endothelial monolayers and Fibronectin. Accordingly, we conclude that CD44 induced, integrin-mediated signaling not only underpins efficient adhesion of BLBC cells to BMECs to facilitate extravasation but initiates their adhesion to Fibronectin, enabling penetrant cancer cells to adhere more efficiently to underlying Fibronectin-enriched matrix present within the metastatic niche. PMID:26447611

Transgenic plants of Petunia hybrida harboring the CYP2E1 gene efficiently remove benzene and toluene pollutants and improve resistance to formaldehyde

PubMed Central

Zhang, Daoxiang; Xiang, Taihe; Li, Peihan; Bao, Lumin

2011-01-01

The CYP2E1 protein belongs to the P450 enzymes family and plays an important role in the metabolism of small molecular and organic pollutants. In this study we generated CYP2E1 transgenic plants of Petunia using Agrobacterium rhizogenes K599. PCR analysis confirmed that the regenerated plants contained the CYP2E1 transgene and the rolB gene of the Ri plasmid. Southern blotting revealed the presence of multiple copies of CYP2E1 in the genome of transgenic plants. Fluorescent quantitative PCR revealed exogenous CYP2E1 gene expression in CYP2E1 transgenic plants at various levels, whereas no like expression was detected in either GUS transgenic plants or wild-types. The absorption of benzene and toluene by transgenic plants was analyzed through quantitative gas chromatography. Transgenic plants with high CYP2E1 expression showed a significant increase in absorption capacity of environmental benzene and toluene, compared to control GUS transgenic and wild type plants. Furthermore, these plants also presented obvious improved resistance to formaldehyde. This study, besides being the first to reveal that the CYP2E1 gene enhances plant resistance to formaldehyde, also furnishes a new method for reducing pollutants, such as benzene, toluene and formaldehyde, by using transgenic flowering horticultural plants. PMID:22215968

Nanoparticle targeted therapy against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Satake, Noriko; Lee, Joyce; Xiao, Kai; Luo, Juntao; Sarangi, Susmita; Chang, Astra; McLaughlin, Bridget; Zhou, Ping; Kenney, Elaina; Kraynov, Liliya; Arnott, Sarah; McGee, Jeannine; Nolta, Jan; Lam, Kit

2011-06-01

The goal of our project is to develop a unique ligand-conjugated nanoparticle (NP) therapy against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). LLP2A, discovered by Dr. Kit Lam, is a high-affinity and high-specificity peptidomimetic ligand against an activated α4β1 integrin. Our study using 11 fresh primary ALL samples (10 precursor B ALL and 1 T ALL) showed that childhood ALL cells expressed activated α4β1 integrin and bound to LLP2A. Normal hematopoietic cells such as activated lymphocytes and monocytes expressed activated α4β1 integrin; however, normal hematopoietic stem cells showed low expression of α4β1 integrin. Therefore, we believe that LLP2A can be used as a targeted therapy for childhood ALL. The Lam lab has developed novel telodendrimer-based nanoparticles (NPs) which can carry drugs efficiently. We have also developed a human leukemia mouse model using immunodeficient NOD/SCID/IL2Rγ null mice engrafted with primary childhood ALL cells from our patients. LLP2A-conjugated NPs will be evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using primary leukemia cells and this mouse model. NPs will be loaded first with DiD near infra-red dye, and then with the chemotherapeutic agents daunorubicin or vincristine. Both drugs are mainstays of current chemotherapy for childhood ALL. Targeting properties of LLP2A-conjugated NPs will be evaluated by fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, MTS assay, and mouse survival after treatment. We expect that LLP2A-conjugated NPs will be preferentially delivered and endocytosed to leukemia cells as an effective targeted therapy.

Transgenic plants expressing GLK1 and CCA1 having increased nitrogen assimilation capacity

DOEpatents

Coruzzi, Gloria [New York, NY; Gutierrez, Rodrigo A [Santiago, CL; Nero, Damion C [Woodside, NY

2012-04-10

Provided herein are compositions and methods for producing transgenic plants. In specific embodiments, transgenic plants comprise a construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1, operably linked to a plant-specific promote, wherein the CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1 is ectopically overexpressed in the transgenic plants, and wherein the promoter is optionally a constitutive or inducible promoter. In other embodiments, transgenic plants in which express a lower level of CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1 are provided. Also provided herein are commercial products (e.g., pulp, paper, paper products, or lumber) derived from the transgenic plants (e.g., transgenic trees) produced using the methods provided herein.

Selectins and chemokines use shared and distinct signals to activate β2 integrins in neutrophils

PubMed Central

Yago, Tadayuki; Zhang, Nan; Zhao, Liang; Abrams, Charles S.

2018-01-01

Rolling neutrophils receive signals while engaging P- and E-selectin and chemokines on inflamed endothelium. Selectin signaling activates β2 integrins to slow rolling velocities. Chemokine signaling activates β2 integrins to cause arrest. Despite extensive study, key aspects of these signaling cascades remain unresolved. Using complementary in vitro and in vivo assays, we found that selectin and chemokine signals in neutrophils triggered Rap1a-dependent and phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase γ (PIP5Kγ90)–dependent pathways that induce integrin-dependent slow rolling and arrest. Interruption of both pathways, but not either pathway alone, blocked talin-1 recruitment to and activation of integrins. An isoform of PIP5Kγ90 lacking the talin-binding domain (PIP5Kγ87) could not activate integrins. Chemokines, but not selectins, used phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ) in cooperation with Rap1a to mediate integrin-dependent slow rolling (at low chemokine concentrations), as well as arrest (at high chemokine concentrations). High levels of chemokines activated β2 integrins without selectin signals. When chemokines were limiting, they synergized with selectins to activate β2 integrins. PMID:29592875

Selectins and chemokines use shared and distinct signals to activate β2 integrins in neutrophils.

PubMed

Yago, Tadayuki; Zhang, Nan; Zhao, Liang; Abrams, Charles S; McEver, Rodger P

2018-04-10

Rolling neutrophils receive signals while engaging P- and E-selectin and chemokines on inflamed endothelium. Selectin signaling activates β2 integrins to slow rolling velocities. Chemokine signaling activates β2 integrins to cause arrest. Despite extensive study, key aspects of these signaling cascades remain unresolved. Using complementary in vitro and in vivo assays, we found that selectin and chemokine signals in neutrophils triggered Rap1a-dependent and phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase γ (PIP5Kγ90)-dependent pathways that induce integrin-dependent slow rolling and arrest. Interruption of both pathways, but not either pathway alone, blocked talin-1 recruitment to and activation of integrins. An isoform of PIP5Kγ90 lacking the talin-binding domain (PIP5Kγ87) could not activate integrins. Chemokines, but not selectins, used phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ) in cooperation with Rap1a to mediate integrin-dependent slow rolling (at low chemokine concentrations), as well as arrest (at high chemokine concentrations). High levels of chemokines activated β2 integrins without selectin signals. When chemokines were limiting, they synergized with selectins to activate β2 integrins. © 2018 by The American Society of Hematology.

Selective inhibition of prostaglandin E2 receptors EP2 and EP4 inhibits adhesion of human endometriotic epithelial and stromal cells through suppression of integrin-mediated mechanisms.

PubMed

Lee, JeHoon; Banu, Sakhila K; Burghardt, Robert C; Starzinski-Powitz, Anna; Arosh, Joe A

2013-03-01

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease of reproductive age women characterized by the presence of functional endometrial tissues outside the uterine cavity. Interactions between the endometriotic cells and the peritoneal extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) are crucial mechanisms that allow adhesion of the endometriotic cells into peritoneal mesothelia. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In previous studies, we have reported that selective inhibition of PGE2 receptors PTGER2 and PTGER4 decreases survival and invasion of human endometriotic epithelial and stromal cells through multiple mechanisms. Results of the present study indicates that selective inhibition of PTGER2- and PTGER4-mediated PGE2 signaling 1) decreases the expression and/or activity of specific integrin receptor subunits Itgb1 (beta1) and Itgb3 (beta3) but not Itgb5 (beta5), Itga1 (alpha1), Itga2 (alpha2), Itga5 (alpha5), and Itgav (alphav); 2) decreases integrin-signaling components focal adhesion kinase or protein kinase 2 (PTK2) and talin proteins; 3) inhibits interactions between Itgb1/Itgb3 subunits, PTK2, and talin and PTGER2/PTGER4 proteins through beta-arrestin-1 and Src kinase protein complex in human endometriotic epithelial cells 12Z and stromal cells 22B; and 4) decreases adhesion of 12Z and 22B cells to ECM collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, and vitronectin in a substrate-specific manner. These novel findings provide an important molecular framework for further evaluation of selective inhibition of PTGER2 and PTGER4 as potential nonsteroidal therapy to expand the spectrum of currently available treatment options for endometriosis in child-bearing age women.

Blocking neutrophil integrin activation prevents ischemia–reperfusion injury

PubMed Central

Yago, Tadayuki; Petrich, Brian G.; Zhang, Nan; Liu, Zhenghui; Shao, Bojing; Ginsberg, Mark H.

2015-01-01

Neutrophil recruitment, mediated by β2 integrins, combats pyogenic infections but also plays a key role in ischemia–reperfusion injury and other inflammatory disorders. Talin induces allosteric rearrangements in integrins that increase affinity for ligands (activation). Talin also links integrins to actin and other proteins that enable formation of adhesions. Structural studies have identified a talin1 mutant (L325R) that perturbs activation without impairing talin’s capacity to link integrins to actin and other proteins. Here, we found that mice engineered to express only talin1(L325R) in myeloid cells were protected from renal ischemia–reperfusion injury. Dissection of neutrophil function in vitro and in vivo revealed that talin1(L325R) neutrophils had markedly impaired chemokine-induced, β2 integrin–mediated arrest, spreading, and migration. Surprisingly, talin1(L325R) neutrophils exhibited normal selectin-induced, β2 integrin–mediated slow rolling, in sharp contrast to the defective slow rolling of neutrophils lacking talin1 or expressing a talin1 mutant (W359A) that blocks talin interaction with integrins. These studies reveal the importance of talin-mediated activation of integrins for renal ischemia–reperfusion injury. They further show that neutrophil arrest requires talin recruitment to and activation of integrins. However, although neutrophil slow rolling requires talin recruitment to integrins, talin-mediated integrin activation is dispensable. PMID:26169939

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, S.D.; Cooper, P.; Fung, J.

Genetic factors affecting post-natal g-globin expression - a major modifier of the severity of both b-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, have been difficult to study. This is especially so in mice, an organism lacking a globin gene with an expression pattern equivalent to that of human g-globin. To model the human b-cluster in mice, with the goal of screening for loci affecting human g-globin expression in vivo, we introduced a human b-globin cluster YAC transgene into the genome of FVB mice . The b-cluster contained a Greek hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) g allele resulting in postnatal expression ofmore » human g-globin in transgenic mice. The level of human g-globin for various F1 hybrids derived from crosses between the FVB transgenics and other inbred mouse strains was assessed. The g-globin level of the C3HeB/FVB transgenic mice was noted to be significantly elevated. To map genes affecting postnatal g-globin expression, a 20 centiMorgan (cM) genome scan of a C3HeB/F VB transgenics [prime] FVB backcross was performed, followed by high-resolution marker analysis of promising loci. From this analysis we mapped a locus within a 2.2 cM interval of mouse chromosome 1 at a LOD score of 4.2 that contributes 10.4% of variation in g-globin expression level. Combining transgenic modeling of the human b-globin gene cluster with quantitative trait analysis, we have identified and mapped a murine locus that impacts on human g-globin expression in vivo.« less

Medium-chain, triglyceride-containing lipid emulsions increase human neutrophil beta2 integrin expression, adhesion, and degranulation.

PubMed

Wanten, G J; Geijtenbeek, T B; Raymakers, R A; van Kooyk, Y; Roos, D; Jansen, J B; Naber, A H

2000-01-01

To test the hypothesis that lipid emulsions with different triglyceride structures have distinct immunomodulatory properties, we analyzed human neutrophil adhesion and degranulation after lipid incubation. Neutrophils, isolated from the blood of 10 healthy volunteers, were incubated in medium or physiologic (2.5 mmol/L) emulsions containing long-chain (LCT), medium-chain (MCT), mixed LCT/MCT, or structured (SL) triglycerides. Expression of adhesion molecules and degranulation markers was evaluated by flow cytometry. Also, functional adhesion was investigated by means of a flow cytometric assay using fluorescent beads coated with the integrin ligand intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. Although LCT and SL had no effect, LCT/MCT significantly increased expression of the beta2 integrins lymphocyte-function-associated antigen 1 (+18%), macrophage antigen 1 (+387%), p150,95 (+82%), and (alphaDbeta2 (+230%). Degranulation marker expression for azurophilic (CD63, +210%) and specific granules (CD66b, +370%) also significantly increased, whereas L-selectin (CD62L, -70%) decreased. The effects of LCT/MCT were mimicked by the MCT emulsion. ICAM-1 adhesion (% beads bound) was increased by LCT/MCT (34% +/- 4%), whereas LCT (19% +/-3%) and SL (20% +/- 2%) had no effect compared with medium (17% +/- 3%). LCT/MCT and MCT, contrary to LCT and SL emulsions, increased neutrophil beta2 integrin expression, adhesion, and degranulation. Apart from other emulsion constituents, triglyceride chain length might therefore be a key feature in the interaction of lipid emulsions and the phagocyte immune system.

Enhanced salt tolerance of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) by rstB gene transformation.

PubMed

Zhang, Wan-Jun; Wang, Tao

2015-05-01

Generating salt tolerance forage plant is essential for use of the land affected by high salinity. A salt tolerance gene rstB was used as a selectable marker gene in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of tobacco under a selective regime of 170mM NaCl. The transgenic plants showed clear improvement in salt tolerance. To improve salt tolerance of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), rstB gene was introduced into alfalfa genome by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. No abnormal phenotype was observed among the transgenic plants when compared with wild type (wt) plants. Significant enhancement of resistance to salt-shock treatment was noted on the rstB transgenic (T0) plants. Transgenic second-generation (T1) seeds showed improved germination rate and seedling growth under salt-stress condition. Hindered Na(+) accumulation, but enhanced Ca(2+) accumulation was observed on the rstB T1 plants when subjected to salt-stresses. Enhanced calcium accumulation in transgenic plants was also verified by cytohistochemical localization of calcium. Under salt-stress of 50mM NaCl, about 15% of the transgenic plants finished their life-cycle but the wt plants had no flower formation. The results demonstrated that the expression of rstB gene improved salt tolerance in transgenic alfalfa. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simulated physiological stretch increases expression of extracellular matrix proteins in human bladder smooth muscle cells via integrin α4/αv-FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

PubMed

Chen, Shulian; Peng, Chuandu; Wei, Xin; Luo, Deyi; Lin, Yifei; Yang, Tongxin; Jin, Xi; Gong, Lina; Li, Hong; Wang, Kunjie

2017-08-01

To investigate the effect of simulated physiological stretch on the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and the role of integrin α4/αv, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) in the stretch-induced ECM protein expression of human bladder smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs). HBSMCs were seeded onto silicone membrane and subjected to simulated physiological stretch at the range of 5, 10, and 15% elongation. Expression of primary ECM proteins in HBSMCs was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Specificity of the FAK and ERK1/2 was determined by Western blot with FAK inhibitor and ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059). Specificity of integrin α4 and integrin αv was determined with small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) transfection. The expression of collagen I (Col1), collagen III (Col3), and fibronectin (Fn) was increased significantly under the simulated physiological stretch of 10 and 15%. Integrin α4 and αv, FAK, ERK1/2 were activated by 10% simulated physiological stretch compared with the static condition. Pretreatment of ERK1/2 inhibitor, FAK inhibitor, integrin α4 siRNA, or integrin αv siRNA reduced the stretch-induced expression of ECM proteins. And FAK inhibitor decreased the stretch-induced ERK1/2 activity and ECM protein expression. Integrin α4 siRNA or integrin αv siRNA inhibited the stretch-induced activity of FAK. Simulated physiological stretch increases the expression of ECM proteins in HBSMCs, and integrin α4/αv-FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway partly modulates the mechano-transducing process.

RdreB1BI enhances drought tolerance by activating AQP-related genes in transgenic strawberry.

PubMed

Gu, Xianbin; Gao, Zhihong; Yan, Yichao; Wang, Xiuyun; Qiao, Yushan; Chen, Yahua

2017-10-01

The dehydration-responsive element binding protein (DREB) family of transcription factors is associated with abiotic stress responses during plant growth and development. This study focussed on the subfamily member DREB1B, which was initially described as highly and specifically responsive to low temperature. However, here it is shown that DREB1B is not only involved in cold tolerance but also other abiotic stress tolerances, such as that of drought. To further understand the genetic improvement effects of the drought tolerance provided by RdreB1BI in transgenic strawberry, drought stress responses of transgenic plants were evaluated at the morphological, physiological, and transcriptional levels. Transactivation assays revealed that RdreB1BI could activate the FvPIP2;1 like 1 promoter. RdreB1BI transgenic plants showed enhanced drought tolerance on the basis of lower rates of electrolyte leakage (EL), higher relative water content (RWC), and less stomatal aperture as well as increased peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and less malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. The transgenic plants also accumulated higher levels of drought-related regulatory genes and functional gene transcripts, including those of PIP, NAC, RD22, ABI, and NCED. Together, these results demonstrate that RdreB1BI plays an essential role in the regulation of the drought stress response. DREB1B transcription constitutes a useful strategy to exploit in transgenic plants for coping with abiotic stresses, at least cold and drought stresses. The approach may be helpful for genetic engineering horticultural plants to have increased environmental adaptations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Absence of integrin alpha 7 causes a novel form of muscular dystrophy.

PubMed

Mayer, U; Saher, G; Fässler, R; Bornemann, A; Echtermeyer, F; von der Mark, H; Miosge, N; Pöschl, E; von der Mark, K

1997-11-01

Integrin alpha 7 beta 1 is a specific cellular receptor for the basement membrane protein laminin-1 (refs 1,2), as well as for the laminin isoforms -2 and -4 (ref. 3). The alpha 7 subunit is expressed mainly in skeletal and cardiac muscle and has been suggested to be involved in differentiation and migration processes during myogenesis. Three cytoplasmic and two extracellular splice variants that have been described are developmentally regulated and expressed in different sites in the muscle. In adult muscle, the alpha 7A and alpha 7B subunits are concentrated in myotendinous junctions but can also be detected in neuromuscular junctions and along the sarcolemmal membrane. To study the potential involvement of alpha 7 integrin, during myogenesis and its role in muscle integrity and function, we generated a null allele of the alpha 7 gene (Itga7) in the germline of mice by homologous recombination in embryonic stem (ES) cells. Surprisingly, mice homozygous for the mutation are viable and fertile, indicating that the alpha 7 beta 1 integrin is not essential for myogenesis. However, histological analysis of skeletal muscle revealed typical symptoms of a progressive muscular dystrophy starting soon after birth, but with a distinct variability in different muscle types. The observed histopathological changes strongly indicate an impairment of function of the myotendinous junctions. These findings demonstrate that alpha 7 beta 1 integrin represents an indispensable linkage between the muscle fibre and the extracellular matrix that is independent of the dystrophin-dystroglycan complex-mediated interaction of the cytoskeleton with the muscle basement membrane.

Destiny of a transgene escape from Brassica napus into Brassica rapa.

PubMed

Lu, M.; Kato, M.; Kakihara, F.

2002-07-01

Transgenic Brassica napus can be easily crossed with wild Brassica rapa. The spread of the transgene to wild species has aroused the general concern about its effect on ecological and agricultural systems. This paper was designated, by means of population genetics, to study the fate of a transgene escape from B. napus to B. rapa. Three models were proposed to survey the change in gene frequency during successive backcross processes by considering selection pressures against aneuploids, against herbicide-susceptible individuals, and by considering A-C intergenomic recombination and the effect of genetic drift. The transmission rate of an A-chromosome gene through an individual to the next generation was 50%, irrespective of the chromosome number; while that of a C-chromosome transgene varied from 8.7% to 39.9%, depending on the chromosome number of the individual used in the backcross. Without spraying herbicide, the frequency of an A-chromosome gene was 50% in the BC(1) generation, and decreased by 50% with the advance of each backcross generation; that of a C-chromosome gene was around 39.9% in BC(1), 7.7% in BC(2), 1.2% in BC(3) and 0.1% in the BC(4) generation. Under the selection pressure against herbicide-susceptible individuals, the frequency of a transgene reached a stable value of about 5.5% within six generations of successive backcrossings. The effect of genetic drift and intergenomic exchange on gene transmission rate was discussed. It is suggested that the transgene integrated on a C-chromosome (or better on a cytoplasm genome) is safer than that on an A-chromosome. The transgenic cultivars should be cultivated rotationally by year(s) with other non-transgenic varieties in order to reduce the transfer of the transgene to wild B. rapa species.

Integrin expression and integrin-mediated adhesion in vitro of human multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) to endothelial cells from various blood vessels.

PubMed

Semon, Julie A; Nagy, Lauren H; Llamas, Claire B; Tucker, H Alan; Lee, Ryang Hwa; Prockop, Darwin J

2010-07-01

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) home to damaged tissue by processes partly regulated by integrins. Integrin subunits expressed by MSCs were identified by flow cytometry (FC), immunocytochemistry (IC), and a panel of integrin-binding antibodies. In subconfluent cultures, over 80% of MSCs expressed integrin subunits beta1, beta2, and alpha3, 20%-55% expressed alpha1, alpha2, alpha4, alpha5, alpha6, and alphaV, and about 10% expressed beta3 when assayed by FC. None of the cells expressed significant levels of 13 other integrins as assayed by FC, but seven of the 13 integrins were detected by IC: beta5, alpha7, alpha8, alpha9, alpha11, alphaX, and alphaD. Expression of some integrins changed with MSC confluency: integrins beta3, alpha1, alpha3, alpha5, and alphaV increased, and alpha6 decreased. Furthermore, alpha4 was the only integrin to vary among preparations of MSCs from different donors. The results resolved some discrepancies in the literature concerning integrin expression by MSCs. We also investigated the role of specific integrins in MSC adhesion to endothelial cells (ECs) from the pulmonary artery (HPAEC), cardiac-derived microvasculature (HMVEC-C), and umbilical veins (HUVEC). In experiments with blocking antibodies to beta integrins, anti-beta5 reduced MSC adhesion to all types of ECs, anti-beta1 to both HUVEC and HPAEC, anti-beta3 to HUVEC, and anti-beta2 to HMVEC-C. With blocking antibodies to alpha integrins, anti-alphaX reduced adhesion to HPAEC and HMVEC-C, anti-alphaV to HPAEC, and both anti-alpha7 and anti-alphaD to HMVEC-C. Thus, MSCs use diverse integrins to adhere to EC from various blood vessels in vitro.

Production of Transgenic Pigs with an Introduced Missense Mutation of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor Type IB Gene Related to Prolificacy.

PubMed

Zhao, Xueyan; Yang, Qiang; Zhao, Kewei; Jiang, Chao; Ren, Dongren; Xu, Pan; He, Xiaofang; Liao, Rongrong; Jiang, Kai; Ma, Junwu; Xiao, Shijun; Ren, Jun; Xing, Yuyun

2016-07-01

In the last few decades, transgenic animal technology has witnessed an increasingly wide application in animal breeding. Reproductive traits are economically important to the pig industry. It has been shown that the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IB (BMPR1B) A746G polymorphism is responsible for the fertility in sheep. However, this causal mutation exits exclusively in sheep and goat. In this study, we attempted to create transgenic pigs by introducing this mutation with the aim to improve reproductive traits in pigs. We successfully constructed a vector containing porcine BMPR1B coding sequence (CDS) with the mutant G allele of A746G mutation. In total, we obtained 24 cloned male piglets using handmade cloning (HMC) technique, and 12 individuals survived till maturation. A set of polymerase chain reactions indicated that 11 of 12 matured boars were transgene-positive individuals, and that the transgenic vector was most likely disrupted during cloning. Of 11 positive pigs, one (No. 11) lost a part of the terminator region but had the intact promoter and the CDS regions. cDNA sequencing showed that the introduced allele (746G) was expressed in multiple tissues of transgene-positive offspring of No.11. Western blot analysis revealed that BMPR1B protein expression in multiple tissues of transgene-positive F1 piglets was 0.5 to 2-fold higher than that in the transgene-negative siblings. The No. 11 boar showed normal litter size performance as normal pigs from the same breed. Transgene-positive F1 boars produced by No. 11 had higher semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm per ejaculate than the negative siblings, although the differences did not reached statistical significance. Transgene-positive F1 sows had similar litter size performance to the negative siblings, and more data are needed to adequately assess the litter size performance. In conclusion, we obtained 24 cloned transgenic pigs with the modified porcine BMPR1B CDS using HMC. cDNA sequencing and western blot indicated that the exogenous BMPR1B CDS was successfully expressed in host pigs. The transgenic pigs showed normal litter size performance. However, no significant differences in litter size were found between transgene-positive and negative sows. Our study provides new insight into producing cloned transgenic livestock related to reproductive traits.

Role of Integrin Subunits in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation and Osteoblast Maturation on Graphitic Carbon-coated Microstructured Surfaces

PubMed Central

Olivares-Navarrete, Rene; Rodil, Sandra E.; Hyzy, Sharon L.; Dunn, Ginger R.; Almaguer-Flores, Argelia; Schwartz, Zvi; Boyan, Barbara D.

2015-01-01

Surface roughness, topography, chemistry, and energy promote osteoblast differentiation and increase osteogenic local factor production in vitro and bone-to-implant contact in vivo, but the mechanisms involved are not well understood. Knockdown of integrin heterodimer alpha2beta1 (α2β1) blocks the osteogenic effects of the surface, suggesting signaling by this integrin homodimer is required. The purpose of the present study was to separate effects of surface chemistry and surface structure on integrin expression by coating smooth or rough titanium (Ti) substrates with graphitic carbon, retaining surface morphology but altering surface chemistry. Ti surfaces (smooth [Ra<0.4μm], rough [Ra≥3.4μm]) were sputter-coated using a magnetron sputtering system with an ultrapure graphite target, producing a graphitic carbon thin film. Human mesenchymal stem cells and MG63 osteoblast-like cells had higher mRNA for integrin subunits α1, α2, αv, and β1 on rough surfaces in comparison to smooth, and integrin αv on graphitic-carbon-coated rough surfaces in comparison to Ti. Osteogenic differentiation was greater on rough surfaces in comparison to smooth, regardless of chemistry. Silencing integrins β1, α1, or α2 decreased osteoblast maturation on rough surfaces independent of surface chemistry. Silencing integrin αv decreased maturation only on graphitic carbon-coated surfaces, not on Ti. These results suggest a major role of the integrin β1 subunit in roughness recognition, and that integrin alpha subunits play a major role in surface chemistry recognition. PMID:25770999

EphA2 promotes cell adhesion and spreading of monocyte and monocyte/macrophage cell lines on integrin ligand-coated surfaces.

PubMed

Saeki, Noritaka; Nishino, Shingo; Shimizu, Tomohiro; Ogawa, Kazushige

2015-01-01

Eph signaling, which arises following stimulation by ephrins, is known to induce opposite cell behaviors such as promoting and inhibiting cell adhesion as well as promoting cell-cell adhesion and repulsion by altering the organization of the actin cytoskeleton and influencing the adhesion activities of integrins. However, crosstalk between Eph/ephrin with integrin signaling has not been fully elucidated in leukocytes, including monocytes and their related cells. Using a cell attachment stripe assay, we have shown that, following stimulation with ephrin-A1, kinase-independent EphA2 promoted cell spreading/elongation as well as adhesion to integrin ligand-coated surfaces in cultured U937 (monocyte) and J774.1 (monocyte/macrophage) cells as well as sublines of these cells expressing dominant negative EphA2 that lacks most of the intracellular region. Moreover, a pull-down assay showed that dominant negative EphA2 is recruited to the β2 integrin/ICAM1 and β2 integrin/VCAM1 molecular complexes in the subline cells following stimulation with ephrin-A1-Fc. Notably, this study is the first comprehensive analysis of the effects of EphA2 receptors on integrin-mediated cell adhesion in monocytic cells. Based on these findings we propose that EphA2 promotes cell adhesion by an unknown signaling pathway that largely depends on the extracellular region of EphA2 and the activation of outside-in integrin signaling.

Expression of hemidesmosomal and extracellular matrix proteins by normal and malignant human prostate tissue.

PubMed Central

Nagle, R. B.; Hao, J.; Knox, J. D.; Dalkin, B. L.; Clark, V.; Cress, A. E.

1995-01-01

The progression of prostate carcinoma may be influenced by the biochemical nature of the basal lamina surrounding the primary carcinoma cells. As a first step toward understanding this process, the composition and structure of the basal lamina in normal prostate, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and human carcinoma were determined. In addition, a comparison was made between the attachments of the normal basal cell to its underlying basal lamina and those made by primary prostate carcinoma. The normal basal cells form both focal adhesions and hemidesmosomal-like structures as observed by transmission electron microscopy. The normal basal cells exhibited a polarized distribution of hemidesmosomal associated proteins including BP180, BP230, HD1, plectin, laminin-gamma 2(B2t), collagen VII, and the corresponding integrin laminin receptors alpha 6 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 4. The expression and distribution pattern of these proteins were retained in the prostate intraepithelial neoplasia lesions. In contrast, the carcinoma cells uniformly lacked hemidesmosomal structures, the integrin alpha 6 beta 4, BP180, laminin-gamma 2 (B2t), and collagen VII but did express BP230 (30%), plectin, HD1 (15%), and the integrin laminin receptors alpha 3 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 1. These results suggest that, although a detectable basal lamina structure is present in carcinoma, its composition and cellular attachments are abnormal. The loss of critical cellular attachments may play a role in influencing the progression potential of prostate carcinoma. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 PMID:7778688

Dynamin2 controls Rap1 activation and integrin clustering in human T lymphocyte adhesion

PubMed Central

Eppler, Felix J.

2017-01-01

Leukocyte trafficking is crucial to facilitate efficient immune responses. Here, we report that the large GTPase dynamin2, which is generally considered to have a key role in endocytosis and membrane remodeling, is an essential regulator of integrin-dependent human T lymphocyte adhesion and migration. Chemical inhibition or knockdown of dynamin2 expression significantly reduced integrin-dependent T cell adhesion in vitro. This phenotype was not observed when T cells were treated with various chemical inhibitors which abrogate endocytosis or actin polymerization. We furthermore detected dynamin2 in signaling complexes and propose that it controls T cell adhesion via FAK/Pyk2- and RapGEF1-mediated Rap1 activation. In addition, the dynamin2 inhibitor-induced reduction of lymphocyte adhesion can be rescued by Rap1a overexpression. We demonstrate that the dynamin2 effect on T cell adhesion does not involve integrin affinity regulation but instead relies on its ability to modulate integrin valency. Taken together, we suggest a previously unidentified role of dynamin2 in the regulation of integrin-mediated lymphocyte adhesion via a Rap1 signaling pathway. PMID:28273099

Methods of affecting nitrogen assimilation in plants

DOEpatents

Coruzzi, Gloria; Gutierrez, Rodrigo A.; Nero, Damion C.

2016-10-11

Provided herein are compositions and methods for producing transgenic plants. In specific embodiments, transgenic plants comprise a construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1, operably linked to a plant-specific promote, wherein the CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1 is ectopically overexpressed in the transgenic plants, and wherein the promoter is optionally a constitutive or inducible promoter. In other embodiments, transgenic plants in which express a lower level of CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1 are provided. Also provided herein are commercial products (e.g., pulp, paper, paper products, or lumber) derived from the transgenic plants (e.g., transgenic trees) produced using the methods provided herein.

Oroxylin A reverses CAM-DR of HepG2 cells by suppressing Integrinβ1 and its related pathway

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Binbin; Zhao, Li; Zhu, Litao

Oroxylin A, a naturally occurring monoflavonoid extracted from Scutellariae radix, shows effective anticancer activities and low toxicities both in vivo and in vitro in previous studies. In this study, we investigated whether the CAM-DR model of HepG2 cells showed resistance to cytotoxic agents compared with normally cultured HepG2 cells. Furthermore, after the treatment of Paclitaxel, less inhibitory effects and decreased apoptosis rate were detected in the model. Data also revealed increased expression of Integrinβ1 might be responsible for the resistance ability. Moreover, Integrinβ1-siRNA-transfected CAM-DR HepG2 cells exhibited more inhibitory effects and higher levels of apoptosis than the non-transfected CAM-DR cells.more » The data corroborated that Integrinβ1 played a significant role in CAM-DR. After the treatment of weakly-toxic concentrations of Oroxylin A, the apoptosis induced by Paclitaxel in the CAM-DR model increased dramatically. Western blot assay revealed Oroxylin A markedly down-regulated the expression of Integrinβ1 and the activity of related pathway. As a conclusion, Oroxylin A can reverse the resistance of CAM-DR via inhibition of Integrinβ1 and its related pathway. Oroxylin A may be a potential candidate of a CAM-DR reversal agent. Highlights: ► Adhesion of HepG2 cells to fibronectin exhibited resistance to Paclitaxel. ► The resistance was associated with the increased expression of Integrinβ1. ► Knocking down Integrinβ1 can increase the toxicity of Paclitaxel on CAM-DR model. ► Oroxylin A reversed the resistance by suppressing Integrinβ1 and related pathway.« less

Effects and mechanism of integrin-β1 gene expression inhibited by shRNA in invasion of pancreatic carcinoma PANC-1 cells.

PubMed

Yu, Feng; Li, Hua; Bu, Xuefeng; Zhang, Yongjun

2012-01-01

To investigate the effects of integrin-β1 gene expression inhibited by shRNA on invasion of pancreatic carcinoma PANC-1 cells in vitro. The eukaryotic expression plasmid of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting integrin-β1 gene (integrin-β1-shRNA) was constructed and transfected into PANC-1 cells. The expressions of integrin-β1 mRNA and protein were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot assay, respectively. The invasive ability of PANC-1 cells was observed with a transwell cell culture chamber and the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were assayed. Compared to the untransfected group, recombinant expression plasmid integrin-β1-shRNA resulted in reduction of integrin-β1 mRNA and protein by 78.58%±7.24% and 92.88%±3.18%, respectively and the average number of invading PANC-1 cells were decreased from 52±5 to 21±4 (p<0.01) and the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were inhibited. Recombinant expression plasmid integrin-β1- shRNA can inhibit the expression of integrin-β1 gene and suppress the invasion of PANC-1 cells in vitro significantly.

Hydrostatic Compress Force Enhances the Viability and Decreases the Apoptosis of Condylar Chondrocytes through Integrin-FAK-ERK/PI3K Pathway.

PubMed

Ma, Dandan; Kou, Xiaoxing; Jin, Jing; Xu, Taotao; Wu, Mengjie; Deng, Liquan; Fu, Lusi; Liu, Yi; Wu, Gang; Lu, Haiping

2016-11-07

Reduced mechanical stimuli in many pathological cases, such as hemimastication and limited masticatory movements, can significantly affect the metabolic activity of mandibular condylar chondrocytes and the growth of mandibles. However, the molecular mechanisms for these phenomena remain unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that integrin-focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase)/PI3K (phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase) signaling pathway mediated the cellular response of condylar chondrocytes to mechanical loading. Primary condylar chondrocytes were exposed to hydrostatic compressive forces (HCFs) of different magnitudes (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kPa) for 2 h. We measured the viability, morphology, and apoptosis of the chondrocytes with different treatments as well as the gene, protein expression, and phosphorylation of mechanosensitivity-related molecules, such as integrin α2, integrin α5, integrin β1, FAK, ERK, and PI3K. HCFs could significantly increase the viability and surface area of condylar chondrocytes and decrease their apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. HCF of 250 kPa resulted in a 1.51 ± 0.02-fold increase of cell viability and reduced the ratio of apoptotic cells from 18.10% ± 0.56% to 7.30% ± 1.43%. HCFs could significantly enhance the mRNA and protein expression of integrin α2, integrin α5, and integrin β1 in a dose-dependent manner, but not ERK1, ERK2, or PI3K. Instead, HCF could significantly increase phosphorylation levels of FAK, ERK1/2, and PI3K in a dose-dependent manner. Cilengitide, the potent integrin inhibitor, could dose-dependently block such effects of HCFs. HCFs enhances the viability and decreases the apoptosis of condylar chondrocytes through the integrin-FAK-ERK/PI3K pathway.

Hydrostatic Compress Force Enhances the Viability and Decreases the Apoptosis of Condylar Chondrocytes through Integrin-FAK-ERK/PI3K Pathway

PubMed Central

Ma, Dandan; Kou, Xiaoxing; Jin, Jing; Xu, Taotao; Wu, Mengjie; Deng, Liquan; Fu, Lusi; Liu, Yi; Wu, Gang; Lu, Haiping

2016-01-01

Reduced mechanical stimuli in many pathological cases, such as hemimastication and limited masticatory movements, can significantly affect the metabolic activity of mandibular condylar chondrocytes and the growth of mandibles. However, the molecular mechanisms for these phenomena remain unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that integrin-focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-ERK (extracellular signal–regulated kinase)/PI3K (phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase) signaling pathway mediated the cellular response of condylar chondrocytes to mechanical loading. Primary condylar chondrocytes were exposed to hydrostatic compressive forces (HCFs) of different magnitudes (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kPa) for 2 h. We measured the viability, morphology, and apoptosis of the chondrocytes with different treatments as well as the gene, protein expression, and phosphorylation of mechanosensitivity-related molecules, such as integrin α2, integrin α5, integrin β1, FAK, ERK, and PI3K. HCFs could significantly increase the viability and surface area of condylar chondrocytes and decrease their apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. HCF of 250 kPa resulted in a 1.51 ± 0.02-fold increase of cell viability and reduced the ratio of apoptotic cells from 18.10% ± 0.56% to 7.30% ± 1.43%. HCFs could significantly enhance the mRNA and protein expression of integrin α2, integrin α5, and integrin β1 in a dose-dependent manner, but not ERK1, ERK2, or PI3K. Instead, HCF could significantly increase phosphorylation levels of FAK, ERK1/2, and PI3K in a dose-dependent manner. Cilengitide, the potent integrin inhibitor, could dose-dependently block such effects of HCFs. HCFs enhances the viability and decreases the apoptosis of condylar chondrocytes through the integrin-FAK-ERK/PI3K pathway. PMID:27827993

αV-class integrins exert dual roles on α5β1 integrins to strengthen adhesion to fibronectin

PubMed Central

Bharadwaj, Mitasha; Strohmeyer, Nico; Colo, Georgina P.; Helenius, Jonne; Beerenwinkel, Niko; Schiller, Herbert B.; Fässler, Reinhard; Müller, Daniel J.

2017-01-01

Upon binding to the extracellular matrix protein, fibronectin, αV-class and α5β1 integrins trigger the recruitment of large protein assemblies and strengthen cell adhesion. Both integrin classes have been functionally specified, however their specific roles in immediate phases of cell attachment remain uncharacterized. Here, we quantify the adhesion of αV-class and/or α5β1 integrins expressing fibroblasts initiating attachment to fibronectin (≤120 s) by single-cell force spectroscopy. Our data reveals that αV-class integrins outcompete α5β1 integrins. Once engaged, αV-class integrins signal to α5β1 integrins to establish additional adhesion sites to fibronectin, away from those formed by αV-class integrins. This crosstalk, which strengthens cell adhesion, induces α5β1 integrin clustering by RhoA/ROCK/myosin-II and Arp2/3-mediated signalling, whereas overall cell adhesion depends on formins. The dual role of both fibronectin-binding integrin classes commencing with an initial competition followed by a cooperative crosstalk appears to be a basic cellular mechanism in assembling focal adhesions to the extracellular matrix. PMID:28128308

Applications of Transgenics in Studies of Bone Sialoprotein

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jin; Tu, Qisheng; Chen, Jake

2010-01-01

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a major non-collagenous protein in mineralizing connective tissues such as dentin, cementum and calcified cartilage tissues. As a member of the SIBLING (Small Integrin-Binding Ligand, N-linked Glycoprotein) gene family of glycoproteins, BSP is involved in regulating hydroxyapatite crystal formation in bones and teeth, and has long been used as a marker gene for osteogenic differentiation. In the most recent decade, new discoveries in BSP gene expression and regulation, bone remodeling, bone metastasis, and bone tissue engineering have been achieved with the help of transgenic mice. In this review, we discuss these new discoveries obtained from the literatures and from our own laboratory, which were derived from the use of transgenic mouse mutants related to BSP gene or its promoter activity. PMID:19326395

Binding of integrin α1 to bone morphogenetic protein receptor IA suggests a novel role of integrin α1β1 in bone morphogenetic protein 2 signalling.

PubMed

Zu, Yan; Liang, Xudong; Du, Jing; Zhou, Shuai; Yang, Chun

2015-11-05

Here, we observed that integrin α1β1 and bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR) IA formed a complex and co-localised in several cell types. However, the molecular interaction between these two molecules was not studied in detail to date and the role of the interaction in BMPR signalling remains unknown; thus, these were investigated here. In a steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulation, the observed development of the rupture force related to the displacement between the A-domain of integrin α1 and the extracellular domain of BMPR IA indicated a strong molecular interaction within the integrin-BMPR complex. Analysis of the intermolecular forces revealed that hydrogen bonds, rather than salt bridges, are the major contributors to these intermolecular interactions. By using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) experiments with site-directed mutants, we found that residues 85-89 in BMPR IA play the most important role for BMPR IA binding to integrin α1β1. These residues are the same as those responsible for bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)/BMPR IA binding. In our experiments, we also found that the interference of integrin α1β1 up regulated the level of phosphorylated Smad1, 5, 8, which is the downstream of BMP/BMPR signalling. Therefore, our results suggest that integrin α1β1/BMPR IA may block BMP-2/BMPR IA complex information and interfere with the BMP-2 signalling pathway in cells. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impaired Integrin-mediated Adhesion and Signaling in Fibroblasts Expressing a Dominant-negative Mutant PTP1B

PubMed Central

Arregui, Carlos O.; Balsamo, Janne; Lilien, Jack

1998-01-01

To investigate the role of nonreceptor protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in β1-integrin– mediated adhesion and signaling, we transfected mouse L cells with normal and catalytically inactive forms of the phosphatase. Parental cells and cells expressing the wild-type or mutant PTP1B were assayed for (a) adhesion, (b) spreading, (c) presence of focal adhesions and stress fibers, and (d) tyrosine phosphorylation. Parental cells and cells expressing wild-type PTP1B show similar morphology, are able to attach and spread on fibronectin, and form focal adhesions and stress fibers. In contrast, cells expressing the inactive PTP1B have a spindle-shaped morphology, reduced adhesion and spreading on fibronectin, and almost a complete absence of focal adhesions and stress fibers. Attachment to fibronectin induces tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin in parental cells and cells transfected with the wild-type PTP1B, while in cells transfected with the mutant PTP1B, such induction is not observed. Additionally, in cells expressing the mutant PTP1B, tyrosine phosphorylation of Src is enhanced and activity is reduced. Lysophosphatidic acid temporarily reverses the effects of the mutant PTP1B, suggesting the existence of a signaling pathway triggering focal adhesion assembly that bypasses the need for active PTP1B. PTP1B coimmunoprecipitates with β1-integrin from nonionic detergent extracts and colocalizes with vinculin and the ends of actin stress fibers in focal adhesions. Our data suggest that PTP1B is a critical regulatory component of integrin signaling pathways, which is essential for adhesion, spreading, and formation of focal adhesions. PMID:9813103

Immunogenicity of recombinant LT-B delivered orally to humans in transgenic corn.

PubMed

Tacket, Carol O; Pasetti, Marcela F; Edelman, Robert; Howard, John A; Streatfield, Stephen

2004-10-22

Previous clinical studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using edible transgenic plants to deliver protective antigens as new oral vaccines. Transgenic corn is particularly attractive for this purpose since the recombinant antigen is stable and homogeneous, and corn can be formulated in several edible forms without destroying the cloned antigen. Transgenic corn expressing 1 mg of LT-B of Escherichia coli without buffer was fed to adult volunteers in three doses, each consisting of 2.1 g of plant material. Seven (78%) of nine volunteers developed rises in both serum IgG anti-LT and numbers of specific antibody secreting cells after vaccination. Four (44%) of nine volunteers also developed stool IgA. Transgenic plants represent a new vector for oral vaccine antigens.

Sodium Octanoate Modulates the Innate Immune Response of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells through the TLR2/P38/JNK/ERK1/2 Pathway: Implications during Staphylococcus aureus Internalization.

PubMed

Alva-Murillo, Nayeli; Ochoa-Zarzosa, Alejandra; López-Meza, Joel E

2017-01-01

Bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) contribute to mammary gland defense against invading pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus (intracellular facultative), which is recognized by TLR2. In a previous report, we showed that sodium octanoate [NaO, a medium chain fatty acid (C8)] induces (0.25 mM) or inhibits (1 mM) S. aureus internalization into bMECs and differentially regulates the innate immune response (IIR). However, the molecular mechanisms have not been described, which was the aim of this study. The results showed that α5β1 integrin membrane abundance (MA) was increased in 0.25 mM NaO-treated cells, but TLR2 or CD36 MA was not modified. When these receptors were blocked individually, 0.25 mM NaO-increased S. aureus internalization was notably reduced. Interestingly, in this condition, the IIR of the bMECs was impaired because MAPK (p38, JNK, and ERK1/2) phosphorylation and the activation of transcription factors related to these pathways were decreased. In addition, the 1 mM NaO treatment induced TLR2 MA, but neither the integrin nor CD36 MA was modified. The reduction in S. aureus internalization induced by 1 mM NaO was increased further when TLR2 was blocked. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of the MAPKs increased, and 13 transcriptional factors related to the IIR were slightly activated (CBF, CDP, c-Myb, AP-1, Ets-1/Pea-3, FAST-1, GAS/ISRE, AP-2, NFAT-1, OCT-1, RAR/DR-5, RXR/DR-1, and Stat-3). Moreover, the 1 mM NaO treatment up-regulated gene expression of IL-8 and RANTES and secretion of IL-1β. Notably, when 1 mM NaO-treated bMECs were challenged with S. aureus , the gene expression of IL-8 and IL-10 increased, while IL-1β secretion was reduced. In conclusion, our results showed that α5β1 integrin, TLR2 and CD36 are involved in 0.25 mM NaO-increased S. aureus internalization in bMECs. In addition, 1 mM NaO activates bMECs via the TLR2 signaling pathways (p38, JNK, and ERK1/2), which improves IIR before S. aureus invasion. Additionally, NaO (1 mM) might exert anti-inflammatory effects after bacterial internalization.

Integrin α1β1 participates in Chondrocyte Transduction of Osmotic Stress.

PubMed Central

Jablonski, Christina L.; Ferguson, Samuel; Pozzi, Ambra; Clark, Andrea L.

2014-01-01

Background/purpose: The goal of this study was to determine the role of the collagen binding receptor integrin α1β1 in regulating osmotically induced [Ca2+]i transients in chondrocytes. Methods: The [Ca2+]i transient response of chondrocytes to osmotic stress was measured using real-time confocal microscopy. Chondrocytes from wildtype and integrin α1-null mice were imaged ex vivo (in the cartilage of intact murine femora) and in vitro (isolated from the matrix, attached to glass coverslips). Immunocytochemistry was performed to detect the presence of the osmosensor, transient receptor potential vanilloid-4 (TRPV4), and the agonist GSK1016790A (GSK101) was used to test for its functionality on chondrocytes from wildtype and integrin α1-null mice. Results/interpretation: Deletion of the integrin α1 subunit inhibited the ability of chondrocytes to respond to a hypo-osmotic stress with [Ca2+]i transients ex vivo and in vitro. The percentage of chondrocytes responding ex vivo was smaller than in vitro and of the cells that responded, more single [Ca2+]i transients were observed ex vivo compared to in vitro. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the presence of TRPV4 on wildtype and integrin α1-null chondrocytes, however application of GSK101 revealed that TRPV4 could be activated on wildtype but not integrin α1-null chondrocytes. Integrin α1β1 is a key participant in chondrocyte transduction of a hypo-osmotic stress. Furthermore, the mechanism by which integrin α1β1 influences osmotransduction is independent of matrix binding, but likely dependent on the chondrocyte osmosensor TRPV4. PMID:24495803

Integrin α1β1 participates in chondrocyte transduction of osmotic stress.

PubMed

Jablonski, Christina L; Ferguson, Samuel; Pozzi, Ambra; Clark, Andrea L

2014-02-28

The goal of this study was to determine the role of the collagen binding receptor integrin α1β1 in regulating osmotically induced [Ca(2+)]i transients in chondrocytes. The [Ca(2+)]i transient response of chondrocytes to osmotic stress was measured using real-time confocal microscopy. Chondrocytes from wildtype and integrin α1-null mice were imaged ex vivo (in the cartilage of intact murine femora) and in vitro (isolated from the matrix, attached to glass coverslips). Immunocytochemistry was performed to detect the presence of the osmosensor, transient receptor potential vanilloid-4 (TRPV4), and the agonist GSK1016790A (GSK101) was used to test for its functionality on chondrocytes from wildtype and integrin α1-null mice. Deletion of the integrin α1 subunit inhibited the ability of chondrocytes to respond to a hypo-osmotic stress with [Ca(2+)]i transients ex vivo and in vitro. The percentage of chondrocytes responding ex vivo was smaller than in vitro and of the cells that responded, more single [Ca(2+)]i transients were observed ex vivo compared to in vitro. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the presence of TRPV4 on wildtype and integrin α1-null chondrocytes, however application of GSK101 revealed that TRPV4 could be activated on wildtype but not integrin α1-null chondrocytes. Integrin α1β1 is a key participant in chondrocyte transduction of a hypo-osmotic stress. Furthermore, the mechanism by which integrin α1β1 influences osmotransduction is independent of matrix binding, but likely dependent on the chondrocyte osmosensor TRPV4. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrial stromal and decidual cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shiokawa, Shigetatsu; Yoshimura, Yasunori; Nakamura, Yukio

The present study was undertaken to investigate the expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrium and decidua using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation. Fluorescence-activated flow cytometry demonstrated the greater expression of the {beta}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 2}, and {alpha}{sub 5} subunits of the {beta}{sub 1} integrin family in cultured stromal cells from the midsecretory phase, than in those of the early proliferative phase. The addition of estradiol (E{sub 2}) and progesterone (P) to cultured stromal cells in the early proliferative phase increased the expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in vitro. Flow cytometry also demonstrated the expression of themore » {beta}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 2}, {alpha}{sub 3}, {alpha}{sub 5}, and {alpha}{sub 6} subunits of {beta}{sub 1} integrin family in cultured decidual cells, and the enriched-fraction of prolactin (PRL)-producing decidual cells isolated by Percoll gradients showed high levels of {beta}{sub 1} integrins expression. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the {beta}{sub 1} integrin cell surface phenotypes in cultured decidual cells observed by flow cytometry. In summary, the present study demonstrated that endometrial stromal and decidual cells expressed {beta}{sub 1} integrin subunits at their surfaces. The expression exhibited a variability throughout the menstrual cycles, being predominantly detected in the secretory phase, and was maintained highly in the decidua. Thus, {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrium and decidua may be important in mediating the organization of extracellular matrix proteins derived from embryos during the early stage of implantation. 43 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.« less

The WAVE2 complex regulates T cell receptor signaling to integrins via Abl- and CrkL-C3G-mediated activation of Rap1.

PubMed

Nolz, Jeffrey C; Nacusi, Lucas P; Segovis, Colin M; Medeiros, Ricardo B; Mitchell, Jason S; Shimizu, Yoji; Billadeau, Daniel D

2008-09-22

WAVE2 regulates T cell receptor (TCR)-stimulated actin cytoskeletal dynamics leading to both integrin clustering and affinity maturation. Although WAVE2 mediates integrin affinity maturation by recruiting vinculin and talin to the immunological synapse in an Arp2/3-dependent manner, the mechanism by which it regulates integrin clustering is unclear. We show that the Abl tyrosine kinase associates with the WAVE2 complex and TCR ligation induces WAVE2-dependent membrane recruitment of Abl. Furthermore, we show that WAVE2 regulates TCR-mediated activation of the integrin regulatory guanosine triphosphatase Rap1 via the recruitment and activation of the CrkL-C3G exchange complex. Moreover, we demonstrate that although Abl does not regulate the recruitment of CrkL-C3G into the membrane, it does affect the tyrosine phosphorylation of C3G, which is required for its guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity toward Rap1. This signaling node regulates not only TCR-stimulated integrin clustering but also affinity maturation. These findings identify a previously unknown mechanism by which the WAVE2 complex regulates TCR signaling to Rap1 and integrin activation.

The WAVE2 complex regulates T cell receptor signaling to integrins via Abl- and CrkL–C3G-mediated activation of Rap1

PubMed Central

Nolz, Jeffrey C.; Nacusi, Lucas P.; Segovis, Colin M.; Medeiros, Ricardo B.; Mitchell, Jason S.; Shimizu, Yoji; Billadeau, Daniel D.

2008-01-01

WAVE2 regulates T cell receptor (TCR)–stimulated actin cytoskeletal dynamics leading to both integrin clustering and affinity maturation. Although WAVE2 mediates integrin affinity maturation by recruiting vinculin and talin to the immunological synapse in an Arp2/3-dependent manner, the mechanism by which it regulates integrin clustering is unclear. We show that the Abl tyrosine kinase associates with the WAVE2 complex and TCR ligation induces WAVE2-dependent membrane recruitment of Abl. Furthermore, we show that WAVE2 regulates TCR-mediated activation of the integrin regulatory guanosine triphosphatase Rap1 via the recruitment and activation of the CrkL–C3G exchange complex. Moreover, we demonstrate that although Abl does not regulate the recruitment of CrkL–C3G into the membrane, it does affect the tyrosine phosphorylation of C3G, which is required for its guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity toward Rap1. This signaling node regulates not only TCR-stimulated integrin clustering but also affinity maturation. These findings identify a previously unknown mechanism by which the WAVE2 complex regulates TCR signaling to Rap1 and integrin activation. PMID:18809728

Divergent Functions of orthologous NAC Transcription Factors in Wheat and Rice

PubMed Central

Distelfeld, Assaf; Pearce, Stephen P.; Avni, Raz; Scherer, Beatrice; Uauy, Cristobal; Piston, Fernando; Slade, Ann; Zhao, Rongrong; Dubcovsky, Jorge

2016-01-01

The wheat GPC-B1 gene located on chromosome 6B is an early regulator of senescence and affects remobilization of protein and minerals to the grain. GPC-B1 is a NAC transcription factor and has a paralogous copy on chromosome 2B in tetraploid wheat, GPC-B2. The closest rice homolog to both wheat GPC genes is Os07g37920 which is located on rice chromosome 2 and is colinear with GPC-B2. Since rice is a diploid species with a sequenced genome, we initiated the study of Os07g37920 to develop a simpler model to study senescence and mineral remobilization in cereals. We developed eleven independent RNA interference transgenic rice lines (Os07g37920-RNAi) and 10 over-expressing transgenic lines (Os07g37920-OE), but none of them showed differences in senescence. Transgenic Os07g37920-RNAi rice plants had reduced proportions of viable pollen grains and were male-sterile, but were able to produce seeds by cross pollination. Analysis of the flower morphology of the transgenic rice plants showed that anthers failed to dehisce. Transgenic Os07g37920-OE lines showed no sterility or anther dehiscence problems. Os07g37920 transcript levels were higher in stamens compared to leaves and significantly reduced in the transgenic Os07g37920-RNAi plants. Wheat GPC genes showed the opposite transcription profile (higher transcript levels in leaves than in flowers) and plants carrying knock-out mutations of all GPC-1 and GPC-2 genes exhibited delayed senescence but normal anther dehiscence and fertility. These results indicate a functional divergence of the homologous wheat and rice NAC genes and suggest the need for separate studies of the function and targets of these transcription factors in wheat and rice. PMID:22278768

Targeted drug delivery and enhanced intracellular release using functionalized liposomes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garg, Ashish

The ability to target cancer cells using an appropriate drug delivery system can significantly reduce the associated side effects from cancer therapies and can help in improving the overall quality of life, post cancer survival. Integrin alpha5beta1 is expressed on several types of cancer cells, including colon cancer and plays an important role in tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, the ability to target the integrin alpha 5beta1 using an appropriate drug delivery nano-vector can significantly help in inhibiting tumor growth and reducing tumor metastasis. The work in this thesis focuses on designing and optimizing, functionalized stealth liposomes (liposomes covered with polyethylene glycol (PEG)) that specifically target the integrin alpha5beta1. The PEG provides a steric barrier allowing the liposomes to circulate in the blood for longer duration and the functionalizing moiety, PR_b peptide specifically recognizes and binds to integrin alpha5beta1 expressing cells. The work demonstrates that by optimizing the amount of PEG and PR_b on the liposomal interface, nano-vectors can be engineered that bind to CT26.WT colon cancer cells in a specific manner and internalize through alpha 5beta1-mediated endocytosis. To further improve the efficacy of the system, PR_b functionalized pH-sensitive stealth liposomes that exhibit triggered release under mild acidic conditions present in endocytotic vesicles were designed. The study showed that PR_b functionalized pH-sensitive stealth liposomes, undergo destabilization under mildly acidic conditions and incorporation of the PR_b peptide does not significantly affect the pH-sensitivity of the liposomes. PR_b functionalized pH-sensitive stealth liposomes bind to CT26.WT colon carcinoma cells that express integrin alpha5beta 1, undergo cellular internalization, and release their load intracellularly in a short period of time as compared to other formulations. PR_b-targeted pH-sensitive stealth liposomes encapsulating 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) show significantly higher cytotoxicity than the PR_b-targeted inert stealth liposomes and the non-targeted stealth liposomes (both pH-sensitive and inert). The studies demonstrated that optimized PR_b functionalized pH sensitive liposomes have the potential to deliver a payload, such as chemotherapeutic agents, directly to colon cancer cells in an efficient and specific manner.

Endothelial adhesion molecules and leukocyte integrins in preeclamptic patients.

PubMed

Haller, H; Ziegler, E M; Homuth, V; Drab, M; Eichhorn, J; Nagy, Z; Busjahn, A; Vetter, K; Luft, F C

1997-01-01

Endothelial cell activation is important in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia; however, the nature of the activation is unknown. We investigated 22 patients with preeclampsia. 29 normotensive pregnancies, and 18 nonpregnant women to test the hypothesis that serum from preeclamptic patients induces expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and stimulates intracellular free calcium concentrations [Ca2+]i in cultured endothelial cells. We then asked whether the corresponding integrin adhesive counter receptors lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (CD11a/CD18), macrophage-1 antigen (CD11b/CD18), p150,95 (CD11c/CD18), and very late activation antigen-4 (CD49/CD29) are increased in patients with preeclampsia. In the pregnant women, the measurements were conducted both before and after delivery. Integrin expression was measured by fluorescent antibody cell sorting analysis using monoclonal antibodies. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were analyzed on endothelial cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. [Ca2+]i was measured with fura 2. Serum from preeclamptic patients increased endothelial cell ICAM-1 expression but not VCAM-1 expression. Preeclamptic patients' serum also increased [Ca2+]i in endothelial cells compared with serum from normal nonpregnant or normal pregnant women. Endothelial cell [Ca2+]i concentrations were correlated with the ICAM-1 expression in preeclamptic patients (r = .80, P < .001) before but not after delivery. Expression of the integrin counter receptors on leukocytes was similarly increased in preclampsia and normal pregnancy compared with the nonpregnant state. The expression decreased significantly after delivery in both groups. Our results demonstrate that serum from preeclamptic women induces increased ICAM-1 surface expression on endothelial cells, while the expression of the integrin counterreceptors was not different. The effect on endothelial cells may be related to an increase in [Ca2+]i. The effect on cultured endothelial cells and the rapid decrease after delivery suggests the presence of a circulating serum factor which increases endothelial cell [Ca2+]i and enhances adhesion molecule expression.

Extracellular Matrix Signaling from the Cellular Membrane Skeleton to the Nuclear Skeleton: A Model of Gene Regulation

PubMed Central

Lelièvre, Sophie; Weaver, Valerie M.; Bissell, Mina J.

2010-01-01

It is well established that cells must interact with their microenvironment and that such interaction is crucial for coordinated function and homeostasis. However, how cells receive and integrate external signals leading to gene regulation is far from understood. It is now appreciated that two classes of cooperative signals are implicated: a soluble class including hormones and growth factors and a class of insoluble signals emanating from the extracellular matrix (ECM) directly through contact with the cell surface. Using 3-dimensional culture systems and transgenic mice, we have been able to identify some of the elements of this ECM-signaling pathway responsible for gene regulation in rodent mammary gland differentiation and involution. Our major observations are 1) the requirement for a laminin-rich basement membrane; 2) the existence of a cooperative signaling pathway between basement membrane and the lactogenic hormone prolactin (PRL); 3) the importance of β1-integrins and bHLH transcription factor(s) and the presence of DNA response elements (exemplified by BCE-1, located on a milk protein gene, β-casein); and 4) the induction of mammary epithelial cell programmed cell death following degradation of basement membrane. We hypothesize that this cooperative signaling between ECM and PRL may be achieved through integrin- and laminin-directed restructuring of the cytoskeleton leading to profound changes in nuclear architecture and transcription factor localization. We postulate that the latter changes allow the prolactin signal to activate transcription of the β-casein gene. To further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying ECM and hormonal cooperative signaling, we are currently investigating ECM regulation of a “solid-state” signaling pathway including ECM fiber proteins, plasma membrane receptors, cytoskeleton, nuclear matrix and chromatin. We further postulate that disruption of such a pathway may be implicated in cell disorders including transformation and carcinogenesis. PMID:8701089

A 17-residue Sequence from the Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) Hemopexin Domain Binds α4β1 Integrin and Inhibits MMP-9-induced Functions in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia B Cells*

PubMed Central

Ugarte-Berzal, Estefanía; Bailón, Elvira; Amigo-Jiménez, Irene; Vituri, Cidonia L.; del Cerro, Mercedes Hernández; Terol, María José; Albar, Juan P.; Rivas, Germán; García-Marco, José A.; García-Pardo, Angeles

2012-01-01

We previously showed that pro-matrix metalloproteinase-9 (proMMP-9) binds to B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells and contributes to B-CLL progression by regulating cell migration and survival. Induction of cell survival involves a non-proteolytic mechanism and the proMMP-9 hemopexin domain (PEX9). To help design specific inhibitors of proMMP-9-cell binding, we have now characterized B-CLL cell interaction with the isolated PEX9. B-CLL cells bound soluble and immobilized GST-PEX9, but not GST, and binding was mediated by α4β1 integrin. The ability to recognize PEX9 was observed in all 20 primary samples studied irrespective of their clinical stage or prognostic marker phenotype. By preparing truncated forms of GST-PEX9 containing structural blades B1B2 or B3B4, we have identified B3B4 as the primary α4β1 integrin-interacting region within PEX9. Overlapping synthetic peptides spanning B3B4 were then tested in functional assays. Peptide P3 (FPGVPLDTHDVFQYREKAYFC), a sequence present in B4 or smaller versions of this sequence (peptides P3a/P3b), inhibited B-CLL cell adhesion to GST-PEX9 or proMMP-9, with IC50 values of 138 and 279 μm, respectively. Mutating the two aspartate residues to alanine rendered the peptides inactive. An anti-P3 antibody also inhibited adhesion to GST-PEX9 and proMMP-9. GST-PEX9, GST-B3B4, and P3/P3a/P3b peptides inhibited B-CLL cell transendothelial migration, whereas the mutated peptide did not. B-CLL cell incubation with GST-PEX9 induced intracellular survival signals, namely Lyn phosphorylation and Mcl-1 up-regulation, and this was also prevented by the P3 peptides. The P3 sequence may, therefore, constitute an excellent target to prevent proMMP-9 contribution to B-CLL pathogenesis. PMID:22730324

Cocrystal structure of the ICAP1 PTB domain in complex with a KRIT1 peptide

PubMed Central

Liu, Weizhi; Boggon, Titus J.

2013-01-01

Integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein-1 (ICAP1) is a suppressor of integrin activation and directly binds to the cytoplasmic tail of β1 integrins; its binding suppresses integrin activation by competition with talin. Krev/Rap1 interaction trapped-1 (KRIT1) releases ICAP1 suppression of integrin activation by sequestering ICAP1 away from integrin cytoplasmic tails. Here, the cocrystal structure of the PTB domain of ICAP1 in complex with a 29-­amino-acid fragment (residues 170–198) of KRIT1 is presented to 1.7 Å resolution [the resolution at which 〈I/σ(I)〉 = 2.9 was 1.83 Å]. In previous studies, the structure of ICAP1 with integrin β1 was determined to 3.0 Å resolution and that of ICAP1 with the N-terminal portion of KRIT1 (residues 1–­198) was determined to 2.54 Å resolution; therefore, this study provides the highest resolution structure yet of ICAP1 and allows further detailed analysis of the interaction of ICAP1 with its minimal binding region in KRIT1. PMID:23695561

Single particle tracking with sterol modulation reveals the cholesterol-mediated diffusion properties of integrin receptors.

PubMed

Arora, Neha; Syed, Aleem; Sander, Suzanne; Smith, Emily A

2014-10-07

A combination of sterol modulation with cyclodextrins plus fluorescence microscopy revealed a biophysical mechanism behind cholesterol's influence on the diffusion of a ubiquitous class of receptors called integrins. The heterogeneous diffusion of integrins bound to ligand-coated quantum dots was measured using single particle tracking (SPT), and the ensemble changes in integrin diffusion were measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). A 25 ± 1% reduction of membrane cholesterol resulted in three significant changes to the diffusion of ligand-bound αPS2CβPS integrins as measured by SPT. There was a 23% increase in ligand-bound mobile integrins; there was a statistically significant increase in the average diffusion coefficient inside zones of confined diffusion, and histograms of confined integrin trajectories showed an increased frequency in the range of 0.1-1 μm(2) s(-1) and a decreased frequency in the 0.001-0.1 μm(2) s(-1) range. No statistical change was measured in the duration of confinement nor the size of confined zones. Restoring the cholesterol-depleted cells with exogenous cholesterol or exogenous epicholesterol resulted in similar diffusion properties. Epicholesterol differs from cholesterol in the orientation of a single hydroxyl group. The ability of epicholesterol to substitute for cholesterol suggests a biophysical mechanism for cholesterol's effect on integrin diffusion. Influences of bilayer thickness, viscosity and organization are discussed as possible explanations for the measured changes in integrin diffusion when the membrane cholesterol concentration is reduced.

Severe B cell hyperplasia and autoimmune disease in TALL-1 transgenic mice

PubMed Central

Khare, Sanjay D.; Sarosi, Ildiko; Xia, Xing-Zhong; McCabe, Susan; Miner, Kent; Solovyev, Irina; Hawkins, Nessa; Kelley, Michael; Chang, David; Van, Gwyneth; Ross, Larry; Delaney, John; Wang, Ling; Lacey, David; Boyle, William J.; Hsu, Hailing

2000-01-01

TALL-1/Blys/BAFF is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand superfamily that is functionally involved in B cell proliferation. Here, we describe B cell hyperplasia and autoimmune lupus-like changes in transgenic mice expressing TALL-1 under the control of a β-actin promoter. The TALL-1 transgenic mice showed severe enlargement of spleen, lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches because of an increased number of B220+ cells. The transgenic mice also had hypergammaglobulinemia contributed by elevations of serum IgM, IgG, IgA, and IgE. In addition, a phenotype similar to autoimmune lupus-like disease was also seen in TALL-1 transgenic mice, characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to nuclear antigens and immune complex deposits in the kidney. Prolonged survival and hyperactivity of transgenic B cells may contribute to the autoimmune lupus-like phenotype in these animals. Our studies further confirm TALL-1 as a stimulator of B cells that affect Ig production. Thus, TALL-1 may be a primary mediator in B cell-associated autoimmune diseases. PMID:10716715

Cell Membrane-formed Nanovesicles for Disease-Targeted Delivery

PubMed Central

Gao, Jin; Chu, Dafeng; Wang, Zhenjia

2016-01-01

Vascular inflammation is underlying components of most diseases. To target inflamed vasculature, nanoparticles are commonly engineered by conjugating antibody to the nanoparticle surface, but this bottom-up approach could affect nanoparticle targeting and therapeutic efficacy in complex, physiologically related systems. During vascular inflammation endothelium via the NF-κB pathway instantly upregulates intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) which binds integrin β2 on neutrophil membrane. Inspired by this interaction, we created a nanovesicle-based drug delivery system using nitrogen cavitation which rapidly disrupts activated neutrophils to make cell membrane nanovesicles. Studies using intravital microscopy of live mouse cremaster venules showed that these vesicles can selectively bind inflamed vasculature because they possess intact targeting molecules of integrin β2. Administering of nanovesicles loaded with TPCA-1 (a NF-κB inhibitor) markedly mitigated mouse acute lung inflammation. Our studies reveal a new top-down strategy for directly employing a diseased tissue to produce biofunctional nanovesicle-based drug delivery systems potentially applied to treat various diseases. PMID:26778696

Inhibition on Apoptosis Induced by Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure in Retinal Ganglion Cell-5 via Laminin Upregulating β1-integrin/Focal Adhesion Kinase/Protein Kinase B Signaling Pathway.

PubMed

Li, Yi; Chen, Yan-Ming; Sun, Ming-Ming; Guo, Xiao-Dan; Wang, Ya-Chen; Zhang, Zhong-Zhi

2016-04-20

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by degeneration of neurons due to loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). High intraocular pressure (HIOP), the main risk factor, causes the optic nerve damage. However, the precise mechanism of HIOP-induced RGC death is not yet completely understood. This study was conducted to determine apoptosis of RGC-5 cells induced by elevated hydrostatic pressures, explore whether laminin is associated with apoptosis under pressure, whether laminin can protect RGCs from apoptosis and affirm the mechanism that regulates the process of RGCs survival. RGC-5 cells were exposed to 0, 20, 40, and 60 mmHg in a pressurized incubator for 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively. The effect of elevated hydrostatic pressure on RGC-5 cells was measured by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and Western blotting of cleaved caspase-3 protein. Location and expression of laminin were detected by immunofluorescence. The expression of β1-integrin, phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and protein kinase B (PKB, or AKT) were investigated with real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. Elevated hydrostatic pressure induced apoptosis in cultured RGC-5 cells. Pressure with 40 mmHg for 24 h induced a maximum apoptosis. Laminin was declined in RGC-5 cells after exposing to 40 mmHg for 24 h. After pretreating with laminin, RGC-5 cells survived from elevated pressure. Furthermore, β1-integrin and phosphorylation of FAK and AKT were increased compared to 40 mmHg group. The data show apoptosis tendency of RGC-5 cells with elevated hydrostatic pressure. Laminin can protect RGC-5 cells against high pressure via β1-integrin/FAK/AKT signaling pathway. These results suggest that the decreased laminin of RGC-5 cells might be responsible for apoptosis induced by elevated hydrostatic pressure, and laminin or activating β1-integrin/FAK/AKT pathway might be potential treatments to prevent RGC loss in glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Inhibition on Apoptosis Induced by Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure in Retinal Ganglion Cell-5 via Laminin Upregulating β1-integrin/Focal Adhesion Kinase/Protein Kinase B Signaling Pathway

PubMed Central

Li, Yi; Chen, Yan-Ming; Sun, Ming-Ming; Guo, Xiao-Dan; Wang, Ya-Chen; Zhang, Zhong-Zhi

2016-01-01

Background: Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by degeneration of neurons due to loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). High intraocular pressure (HIOP), the main risk factor, causes the optic nerve damage. However, the precise mechanism of HIOP-induced RGC death is not yet completely understood. This study was conducted to determine apoptosis of RGC-5 cells induced by elevated hydrostatic pressures, explore whether laminin is associated with apoptosis under pressure, whether laminin can protect RGCs from apoptosis and affirm the mechanism that regulates the process of RGCs survival. Methods: RGC-5 cells were exposed to 0, 20, 40, and 60 mmHg in a pressurized incubator for 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively. The effect of elevated hydrostatic pressure on RGC-5 cells was measured by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and Western blotting of cleaved caspase-3 protein. Location and expression of laminin were detected by immunofluorescence. The expression of β1-integrin, phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and protein kinase B (PKB, or AKT) were investigated with real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. Results: Elevated hydrostatic pressure induced apoptosis in cultured RGC-5 cells. Pressure with 40 mmHg for 24 h induced a maximum apoptosis. Laminin was declined in RGC-5 cells after exposing to 40 mmHg for 24 h. After pretreating with laminin, RGC-5 cells survived from elevated pressure. Furthermore, β1-integrin and phosphorylation of FAK and AKT were increased compared to 40 mmHg group. Conclusions: The data show apoptosis tendency of RGC-5 cells with elevated hydrostatic pressure. Laminin can protect RGC-5 cells against high pressure via β1-integrin/FAK/AKT signaling pathway. These results suggest that the decreased laminin of RGC-5 cells might be responsible for apoptosis induced by elevated hydrostatic pressure, and laminin or activating β1-integrin/FAK/AKT pathway might be potential treatments to prevent RGC loss in glaucomatous optic neuropathy. PMID:27064044

Low-affinity binding in cis to P2Y2R mediates force-dependent integrin activation during hantavirus infection

PubMed Central

Bondu, Virginie; Wu, Chenyu; Cao, Wenpeng; Simons, Peter C.; Gillette, Jennifer; Zhu, Jieqing; Erb, Laurie; Zhang, X. Frank; Buranda, Tione

2017-01-01

Pathogenic hantaviruses bind to the plexin-semaphorin-integrin (PSI) domain of inactive, β3 integrins. Previous studies have implicated a cognate cis interaction between the bent conformation β5/β3 integrins and an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) sequence in the first extracellular loop of P2Y2R. With single-molecule atomic force microscopy, we show a specific interaction between an atomic force microscopy tip decorated with recombinant αIIbβ3 integrins and (RGD)P2Y2R expressed on cell membranes. Mutation of the RGD sequence to RGE in the P2Y2R removes this interaction. Binding of inactivated and fluorescently labeled Sin Nombre virus (SNV) to the integrin PSI domain stimulates higher affinity for (RGD)P2Y2R on cells, as measured by an increase in the unbinding force. In CHO cells, stably expressing αIIbβ3 integrins, virus engagement at the integrin PSI domain, recapitulates physiologic activation of the integrin as indicated by staining with the activation-specific mAB PAC1. The data also show that blocking of the Gα13 protein from binding to the cytoplasmic domain of the β3 integrin prevents outside-in signaling and infection. We propose that the cis interaction with P2Y2R provides allosteric resistance to the membrane-normal motion associated with the switchblade model of integrin activation, where the development of tensile force yields physiological integrin activation. PMID:28835374

Glyphosate drift promotes changes in fitness and transgene flow in canola (Brassica napus) and hybrids

EPA Science Inventory

1. With the advent of transgenic crops, genetically modified, herbicide resistant B. napus has become a model system for examining the risks of escape of transgenes from cultivation and for evaluating potential ecological consequences of novel genes in wild species. 2. We exam...

Effect of BBX-B8 overexpression on development, body weight, silk protein synthesis and egg diapause of Bombyx mori.

PubMed

Zheng, Xiaojian; Gong, Yongchang; Kumar, Dhiraj; Chen, Fei; Kuan, Sulan; Liang, Zi; Hu, Xiaolong; Cao, Guangli; Xue, Renyu; Gong, Chengliang

2016-08-01

Bombyxin (BBX) is an insulin-like peptide exists in the silkworm Bombyx mori. Our previous studies on the effects of inhibiting BBX-B8 expression found that BBX-B8 is important for the development of organ, reproduction and trehalose metabolism in the silkworms. In this paper, we investigated the expression profile of the BBX-B8 gene and effect of BBX-B8 overexpression on the development, body weight, silk protein synthesis and egg diapause of B. mori to further understand BBX-B8 functions. BBX-B8 gene expression could be detected in the brains, midguts, anterior silkglands, ovaries, testes, fat bodies, hemolymph, malpighian tubules and embryos by RT-PCR, however it was mainly expressed in the brain. Western blots showed that the change in BBX-B8 expression was not obvious in the brain of 1- to 4-day-old larvae of fifth instar silkworms, but expression increased substantially at 5- to 6-day-old larvae of fifth instar silkworms. Transgenic silkworms overexpressing BBX-B8 were obtained by introducing non-transposon transgenic vector pIZT-B8 containing a BBX-B8 gene driven by Orgyia pseudotsugata nucleopolyhedrovirus IE2 promoter into the genome. Development duration of the transgenic silkworms was delayed by 2.5-3.5 days. Cocoon shell weight of transgenic silkworms was reduced by 4.79 % in females and 7.44 % in males, pupal weight of transgenic silkworms was reduced 6.75 % in females and 13.83 % in males compared to non-transgenic silkworms, and 5.56-14.29 % of transgenic moths laid nondiapausing eggs. All results indicated that BBX-B8 plays an important role in the development, silk protein synthesis and egg diapause of silkworm.

Direct Interactions with the Integrin β1 Cytoplasmic Tail Activate the Abl2/Arg Kinase*

PubMed Central

Simpson, Mark A.; Bradley, William D.; Harburger, David; Parsons, Maddy; Calderwood, David A.; Koleske, Anthony J.

2015-01-01

Integrins are heterodimeric α/β extracellular matrix adhesion receptors that couple physically to the actin cytoskeleton and regulate kinase signaling pathways to control cytoskeletal remodeling and adhesion complex formation and disassembly. β1 integrins signal through the Abl2/Arg (Abl-related gene) nonreceptor tyrosine kinase to control fibroblast cell motility, neuronal dendrite morphogenesis and stability, and cancer cell invasiveness, but the molecular mechanisms by which integrin β1 activates Arg are unknown. We report here that the Arg kinase domain interacts directly with a lysine-rich membrane-proximal segment in the integrin β1 cytoplasmic tail, that Arg phosphorylates the membrane-proximal Tyr-783 in the β1 tail, and that the Arg Src homology domain then engages this phosphorylated region in the tail. We show that these interactions mediate direct binding between integrin β1 and Arg in vitro and in cells and activate Arg kinase activity. These findings provide a model for understanding how β1-containing integrins interact with and activate Abl family kinases. PMID:25694433

GH indirectly enhances the regeneration of transgenic zebrafish fins through IGF2a and IGF2b.

PubMed

Nornberg, Bruna Félix; Almeida, Daniela Volcan; Figueiredo, Márcio Azevedo; Marins, Luis Fernando

2016-10-01

The somatotropic axis, composed essentially of the growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), is the main regulator of somatic growth in vertebrates. However, these protein hormones are also involved in various other major physiological processes. Although the importance of IGFs in mechanisms involving tissue regeneration has already been established, little is known regarding the direct effects of GH in these processes. In this study, we used a transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) model, which overexpresses GH from the beta-actin constitutive promoter. The regenerative ability of the caudal fin was assessed after repeated amputations, as well as the expression of genes related to the GH/IGF axis. The results revealed that GH overexpression increased the regenerated area of the caudal fin in transgenic fish after the second amputation. Transgenic fish also presented a decrease in gene expression of the GH receptor (ghrb), in opposition to the increased expression of the IGF1 receptors (igf1ra and igf1rb). These results suggest that transgenic fish have a higher sensitivity to IGFs than to GH during fin regeneration. With respect to the different IGFs produced locally, a decrease in igf1a expression and a significant increase in both igf2a and igf2b expression was observed, suggesting that igf1a is not directly involved in fin regeneration. Overall, the results revealed that excess GH enhances fin regeneration in zebrafish through igf2a and igf2b expression, acting indirectly on this major physiological process.

[Detection of the exogenous gene copy number of the transgenic tomato anti-caries vaccine].

PubMed

Bai, Guo-hui; Liu, Jian-guo; Tian, Yuan; Chen, Zhu; Bai, Peng-yuan; Han, Qi; Gu, Yu; Guan, Xiao-yan; Wang, Hai-hui

2013-12-01

To detect the exogenous gene copy number of the transgenic tomato anti-caries vaccine by using the SYBR Green real-time PCR. Recombinant plasmid pEAC10 and pEPC10 were used as standard to detect genome samples of exogenous gene pacA-ctxB and pacP-ctxB by SYBR green fluorescent quantitation, then the average value was calculated as gene copy number. The copy number of the transgenic tomato carrying pacA-ctxB was 1.3 and the pacP-ctxB was 3.2. The transgenic tomato plants which have high stability are low-copy transgenic plants. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (30160086, 81260164), Science and Technical Fund of Guizhou Province (LKZ[2011]41), Project of Technology Innovation Team in Guizhou Province, Leading Academic Discipline Construction Project in Guizhou Province and Excellent Scientific Research Team Cultivation Project in Zunyi Medical College ([2012]12).

Crystal Structure of the Heterotrimeric Integrin-Binding Region of Laminin-111.

PubMed

Pulido, David; Hussain, Sadaf-Ahmahni; Hohenester, Erhard

2017-03-07

Laminins are cell-adhesive glycoproteins that are essential for basement membrane assembly and function. Integrins are important laminin receptors, but their binding site on the heterotrimeric laminins is poorly defined structurally. We report the crystal structure at 2.13 Å resolution of a minimal integrin-binding fragment of mouse laminin-111, consisting of ∼50 residues of α1β1γ1 coiled coil and the first three laminin G-like (LG) domains of the α1 chain. The LG domains adopt a triangular arrangement, with the C terminus of the coiled coil situated between LG1 and LG2. The critical integrin-binding glutamic acid residue in the γ1 chain tail is surface exposed and predicted to bind to the metal ion-dependent adhesion site in the integrin β1 subunit. Additional contacts to the integrin are likely to be made by the LG1 and LG2 surfaces adjacent to the γ1 chain tail, which are notably conserved and free of obstructing glycans. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Prostaglandin E2 suppresses beta1-integrin expression via E-prostanoid receptor in human monocytes/macrophages.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Shunji; Ichiyama, Takashi; Kohno, Fumitaka; Korenaga, Yuno; Ohsaki, Ayami; Hirano, Reiji; Haneda, Yasuhiro; Fukano, Reiji; Furukawa, Susumu

2010-01-01

Beta1-integrins mediate cell attachment to different extracellular matrix proteins, intracellular proteins, and intercellular adhesions. Recently, it has been reported that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has anti-inflammatory properties such as inhibition of the expression of adhesion molecules or production of chemokines. However, the effect of PGE2 on the expression of beta1-integrin remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of PGE2 on the expression of beta1-integrin in the human monocytic cell line THP-1 and in CD14+ monocytes/macrophages in human peripheral blood. For this, we examined the role of four subtypes of PGE2 receptors and E-prostanoid (EP) receptors on PGE2-mediated inhibition. We found that PGE2 significantly inhibited the expression of beta1-integrin, mainly through EP4 receptors in THP-1 cells and CD14+ monocytes/macrophages in human peripheral blood. We suggest that PGE2 has anti-inflammatory effects, leading to the inhibited expression of beta1-integrin in human monocytes/macrophages, and that the EP4 receptor may play an important role in PGE2-mediated inhibition. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anti-IL-5 attenuates activation and surface density of β(2) -integrins on circulating eosinophils after segmental antigen challenge.

PubMed

Johansson, M W; Gunderson, K A; Kelly, E A B; Denlinger, L C; Jarjour, N N; Mosher, D F

2013-03-01

IL-5 activates α(M) β(2) integrin on blood eosinophils in vitro. Eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) following segmental antigen challenge have activated β(2) -integrins. To identify roles for IL-5 in regulating human eosinophil integrins in vivo. Blood and BAL eosinophils were analysed by flow cytometry in ten subjects with allergic asthma who underwent a segmental antigen challenge protocol before and after anti-IL-5 administration. Blood eosinophil reactivity with monoclonal antibody (mAb) KIM-127, which recognizes partially activated β(2) -integrins, was decreased after anti-IL-5. Before anti-IL-5, surface densities of blood eosinophil β(2) , α(M) and α(L) integrin subunits increased modestly post challenge. After anti-IL-5, such increases did not occur. Before or after anti-IL-5, surface densities of β(2) , α(M) , α(L) and α(D) and reactivity with KIM-127 and mAb CBRM1/5, which recognizes high-activity α(M) β(2) , were similarly high on BAL eosinophils 48 h post-challenge. Density and activation state of β(1) -integrins on blood and BAL eosinophils were not impacted by anti-IL-5, even though anti-IL-5 ablated a modest post-challenge increase on blood or BAL eosinophils of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), a receptor for P-selectin that causes activation of β(1) -integrins. Forward scatter of blood eosinophils post-challenge was less heterogeneous and on the average decreased after anti-IL-5; however, anti-IL-5 had no effect on the decreased forward scatter of eosinophils in post-challenge BAL compared with eosinophils in blood. Blood eosinophil KIM-127 reactivity at the time of challenge correlated with the percentage of eosinophils in BAL post-challenge. IL-5 supports a heterogeneous population of circulating eosinophils with partially activated β(2) -integrins and is responsible for up-regulation of β(2) -integrins and PSGL-1 on circulating eosinophils following segmental antigen challenge but has minimal effects on properties of eosinophils in BAL. Dampening of β(2) -integrin function of eosinophils in transit to inflamed airway may contribute to the decrease in lung inflammation caused by anti-IL-5. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Anti-IL-5 attenuates activation and surface density of β2-integrins on circulating eosinophils after segmental antigen challenge

PubMed Central

Johansson, Mats W.; Gunderson, Kristin A.; Kelly, Elizabeth A. B.; Denlinger, Loren C.; Jarjour, Nizar N.; Mosher, Deane F.

2013-01-01

Background IL-5 activates αMβ2 integrin on blood eosinophils in vitro. Eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) following segmental antigen challenge have activated β2-integrins. Objective To identify roles for IL-5 in regulating human eosinophil integrins in vivo. Methods Blood and BAL eosinophils were analyzed by flow cytometry in ten subjects with allergic asthma who underwent a segmental antigen challenge protocol before and after anti-IL-5 administration. Results Blood eosinophil reactivity with monoclonal antibody (mAb) KIM-127, which recognizes partially activated β2-integrins, was decreased after anti-IL-5. Before anti-IL-5, surface densities of blood eosinophil β2, αM, and αL integrin subunits increased modestly post-challenge. After anti-IL-5, such increases did not occur. Before or after anti-IL-5, surface densities of β2,αM, αL, and αD and reactivity with KIM-127 and mAb CBRM1/5, which recognizes high-activity αMβ2, were similarly high on BAL eosinophils 48 h post-challenge. Density and activation state of β1-integrins on blood and BAL eosinophils were not impacted by anti-IL-5, even though anti-IL-5 ablated a modest post-challenge increase on blood or BAL eosinophils of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), a receptor for P-selectin that causes activation of β1-integrins. Forward scatter of blood eosinophils post-challenge was less heterogeneous and on the average decreased after anti-IL-5; however, anti-IL-5 had no effect on the decreased forward scatter of eosinophils in post-challenge BAL compared to eosinophils in blood. Blood eosinophil KIM-127 reactivity at the time of challenge correlated with the percentage of eosinophils in BAL post-challenge. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance IL-5 supports a heterogeneous population of circulating eosinophils with partially activated β2-integrins and is responsible for upregulation of β2-integrins and PSGL-1 on circulating eosinophils following segmental antigen challenge but has minimal effects on properties of eosinophils in BAL. Dampening of β2-integrin function of eosinophils in transit to inflamed airway may contribute to the decrease in lung inflammation caused by anti-IL-5. PMID:23414537

Novel Mechanistic Link between Focal Adhesion Remodeling and Glucose-stimulated Insulin Secretion*

PubMed Central

Rondas, Dieter; Tomas, Alejandra; Soto-Ribeiro, Martinho; Wehrle-Haller, Bernhard; Halban, Philippe A.

2012-01-01

Actin cytoskeleton remodeling is well known to be positively involved in glucose-stimulated pancreatic β cell insulin secretion. We have observed glucose-stimulated focal adhesion remodeling at the β cell surface and have shown this to be crucial for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. However, the mechanistic link between such remodeling and the insulin secretory machinery remained unknown and was the major aim of this study. MIN6B1 cells, a previously validated model of primary β cell function, were used for all experiments. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy revealed the glucose-responsive co-localization of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin with integrin β1 at the basal cell surface after short term stimulation. In addition, blockade of the interaction between β1 integrins and the extracellular matrix with an anti-β1 integrin antibody (Ha2/5) inhibited short term glucose-induced phosphorylation of FAK (Tyr-397), paxillin (Tyr-118), and ERK1/2 (Thr-202/Tyr-204). Pharmacological inhibition of FAK activity blocked glucose-induced actin cytoskeleton remodeling and glucose-induced disruption of the F-actin/SNAP-25 association at the plasma membrane as well as the distribution of insulin granules to regions in close proximity to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, FAK inhibition also completely blocked short term glucose-induced activation of the Akt/AS160 signaling pathway. In conclusion, these results indicate 1) that glucose-induced activation of FAK, paxillin, and ERK1/2 is mediated by β1 integrin intracellular signaling, 2) a mechanism whereby FAK mediates glucose-induced actin cytoskeleton remodeling, hence allowing docking and fusion of insulin granules to the plasma membrane, and 3) a possible functional role for the Akt/AS160 signaling pathway in the FAK-mediated regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. PMID:22139838

Integrin-extracellular matrix interactions in connective tissue remodeling and osteoblast differentiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Globus, R. K.; Moursi, A.; Zimmerman, D.; Lull, J.; Damsky, C.

1995-01-01

The differentiaton of bone cells is a complex multistep process. Bone is somewhat unusual in that it is very actively and continually remodeled in the adult and that maintenance of its mass in the mature organism is exquisitely sensitive to mechanical as well as chemical signals. Bone is also unique because it consists of a very large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM) that is mineralized. The integrin family of ECM receptors has been shown to play an important role in tissue morphogenesis in several systems. Our studies on the regulation of matrix remodeling enzymes by integrins in rabbit synovial fibroblasts show that two b1 integrin fibronectin (FN) receptor complexes (alpha 5 beta 1 and alpha 4 beta 1) cooperate in detecting subtle changes in the composition of the ECM. As a result of signal transduction by these integrins, the levels of mRNA and protein for several members of the metalloproteinase family are regulated in these cells. We have also used antibody and RGD peptide perturbation studies to determine the significance of cell/ECM interactions to normal osteogenesis. We found that interactions between the cell binding domain of FN and integrins are required for both normal morphogenesis and gene expression in cultured osteoblasts that differentiate to form bone-like tissue in culture. These data lead us to propose that beta 1 integrins play an important role in osteoblast differentiation as well as in bone remodeling.

Molecular imaging of alpha v beta3 integrin expression in atherosclerotic plaques with a mimetic of RGD peptide grafted to Gd-DTPA.

PubMed

Burtea, Carmen; Laurent, Sophie; Murariu, Oltea; Rattat, Dirk; Toubeau, Gérard; Verbruggen, Alfons; Vansthertem, David; Vander Elst, Luce; Muller, Robert N

2008-04-01

The integrin alpha v beta3 is highly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques by medial and intimal smooth muscle cells and by endothelial cells of angiogenic microvessels. In this study, we have assessed non-invasive molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of plaque-associated alpha v beta3 integrin expression on transgenic ApoE-/- mice with a low molecular weight peptidomimetic of Arg-Gly-Asp (mimRGD) grafted to gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Gd-DTPA-g-mimRGD). The analogous compound Eu-DTPA-g-mimRGD was employed for an in vivo competition experiment and to confirm the molecular targeting. The specific interaction of mimRGD conjugated to Gd-DTPA or to 99mTc-DTPA with alpha v beta3 integrin was furthermore confirmed on Jurkat T lymphocytes. The mimRGD was synthesized and conjugated to DTPA. DTPA-g-mimRGD was complexed with GdCl3.6H2O, EuCl3.6H2O, or with [99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+. MRI evaluation was performed on a 4.7 T Bruker imaging system. Blood pharmacokinetics of Gd-DTPA-g-mimRGD were assessed in Wistar rats and in c57bl/6j mice. The presence of angiogenic blood vessels and the expression of alpha v beta3 integrin were confirmed in aorta specimens by immunohistochemistry. Gd-DTPA-g-mimRGD produced a strong enhancement of the external structures of the aortic wall and of the more profound layers (possibly tunica media and intima). The aortic lumen seemed to be restrained and distorted. Pre-injection of Eu-DTPA-g-mimRGD diminished the Gd-DTPA-g-mimRGD binding to atherosclerotic plaque and confirmed the specific molecular targeting. A slower blood clearance was observed for Gd-DTPA-g-mimRGD, as indicated by a prolonged elimination half-life and a diminished total clearance. The new compound is potentially useful for the diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and of other pathologies characterized by alpha v beta3 integrin expression, such as cancer and inflammation. The delayed blood clearance, the significant enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio, and the low immunogenicity of the mimetic molecule highlight its potential for an industrial and clinical implementation.

Vasopressor meets vasodepressor: The AT1-B2 receptor heterodimer.

PubMed

Quitterer, Ursula; AbdAlla, Said

2014-04-01

The AT1 receptor for the vasopressor angiotensin II is one of the most important drug targets for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Sensitization of the AT1 receptor system is a common feature contributing to the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular disorders but underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. More than a decade ago, evidence was provided for control of AT1R activation by heterodimerization with the B2 receptor for the vasodepressor peptide, bradykinin, a physiological counterpart of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. AT1-B2 receptor heterodimerization was shown to enhance AT1R-stimulated signaling under pathophysiological conditions such as experimental and human pregnancy hypertension. Notably, AT1R signal sensitization of patients with preeclampsia hypertension was attributed to AT1R-B2R heterodimerization. Vice versa, transgenic mice lacking the AT1-B2 receptor heterodimer due to targeted deletion of the B2R gene showed a significantly reduced AT1R-stimulated vasopressor response compared to transgenic mice with abundant AT1R-B2R heterodimerization. Biophysical methods such as BRET and FRET confirmed those data by demonstrating efficient AT1-B2 receptor heterodimerization in transfected cells and transgenic mice. Recently, a study on AT1R-specific biased agonism directed the focus to the AT1-B2 receptor heterodimer again. The β-arrestin-biased [Sar1,Ile4,Ile8]-angiotensin II promoted not only the recruitment of β-arrestin to the AT1R but also stimulated the down-regulation of the AT1R-associated B2 receptor by co-internalization. Thereby specific targeting of the AT1R-B2R heterodimer became feasible and could open the way to a new class of drugs, which specifically interfere with pathological angiotensin II-AT1 receptor system activation. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dissecting the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and integrin alpha(v)beta3 in angiogenesis in vitro: absence of hemopexin C domain bioactivity, but membrane-Type 1-MMP and alpha(v)beta3 are critical.

PubMed

Nisato, Riccardo E; Hosseini, Ghamartaj; Sirrenberg, Christian; Butler, Georgina S; Crabbe, Thomas; Docherty, Andrew J P; Wiesner, Matthias; Murphy, Gillian; Overall, Christopher M; Goodman, Simon L; Pepper, Michael S

2005-10-15

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and its hemopexin C domain autolytic fragment (also called PEX) have been proposed to be crucial for angiogenesis. Here, we have investigated the dependency of in vitro angiogenesis on MMP-mediated extracellular proteolysis and integrin alpha(v)beta3-mediated cell adhesion in a three-dimensional collagen I model. The hydroxamate-based synthetic inhibitors BB94, CT1399, and CT1847 inhibited endothelial cell invasion, as did neutralizing anti-membrane-type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) antibodies and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-2 and TIMP-3 but not TIMP-1. This confirmed the pivotal importance of MT1-MMP over other MMPs in this model. Invasion was also inhibited by a nonpeptidic antagonist of integrin alpha(v)beta3, EMD 361276. Although PEX strongly inhibited pro-MMP-2 activation, when contaminating lipopolysaccharide was neutralized, PEX neither affected angiogenesis nor bound integrin alpha(v)beta(3). Moreover, no specific binding of pro-MMP-2 to integrin alpha(v)beta3 was found, whereas only one out of four independently prepared enzymatically active MMP-2 preparations could bind integrin alpha(v)beta3 , and this in a PEX-independent manner. Likewise, integrin alpha(v)beta3 -expressing cells did not bind MMP-2-coated surfaces. Hence, these findings show that endothelial cell invasion of collagen I gels is MT1-MMP and alpha(v)beta3 - dependent but MMP-2 independent and does not support a role for PEX in alpha(v)beta3 integrin binding or in modulating angiogenesis in this system.

HIF-1α regulates epithelial inflammation by cell autonomous NFκB activation and paracrine stromal remodeling

PubMed Central

Scortegagna, Marzia; Cataisson, Christophe; Martin, Rebecca J.; Hicklin, Daniel J.; Schreiber, Robert D.; Yuspa, Stuart H.

2008-01-01

Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a master regulatory transcription factor controlling multiple cell-autonomous and non–cell-autonomous processes, such as metabolism, angiogenesis, matrix invasion, and cancer metastasis. Here we used a new line of transgenic mice with constitutive gain of HIF-1 function in basal keratinocytes and demonstrated a signaling pathway from HIF-1 to nuclear factor κ B (NFκB) activation to enhanced epithelial chemokine and cytokine elaboration. This pathway was responsible for a phenotypically silent accumulation of stromal inflammatory cells and a marked inflammatory hypersensitivity to a single 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) challenge. HIF-1–induced NFκB activation was composed of 2 elements, IκB hyperphosphorylation and phosphorylation of Ser276 on p65, enhancing p65 nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, respectively. NFκB transcriptional targets macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2/CXCL2/3), keratinocyte chemokine (KC/CXCL1), and tumor necrosis factor [alfa] (TNFα) were constitutively up-regulated and further increased after TPA challenge both in cultured keratinocytes and in transgenic mice. Whole animal KC, MIP-2, or TNFα immunodepletion each abrogated TPA-induced inflammation, whereas blockade of either VEGF or placenta growth factor (PlGF) signaling did not affect transgenic inflammatory hyper-responsiveness. Thus, epithelial HIF-1 gain of function remodels the local environment by cell-autonomous NFκB-mediated chemokine and cytokine secretion, which may be another mechanism by which HIF-1 facilitates either inflammatory diseases or malignant progression. PMID:18199827

Disruption of integrin-fibronectin complexes by allosteric but not ligand-mimetic inhibitors.

PubMed

Mould, A Paul; Craig, Susan E; Byron, Sarah K; Humphries, Martin J; Jowitt, Thomas A

2014-12-15

Failure of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-based inhibitors to reverse integrin-ligand binding has been reported, but the prevalence of this phenomenon among integrin heterodimers is currently unknown. In the present study we have investigated the interaction of four different RGD-binding integrins (α5β1, αVβ1, αVβ3 and αVβ6) with fibronectin (FN) using surface plasmon resonance. The ability of inhibitors to reverse ligand binding was assessed by their capacity to increase the dissociation rate of pre-formed integrin-FN complexes. For all four receptors we showed that RGD-based inhibitors (such as cilengitide) were completely unable to increase the dissociation rate. Formation of the non-reversible state occurred very rapidly and did not rely on the time-dependent formation of a high-affinity state of the integrin, or the integrin leg regions. In contrast with RGD-based inhibitors, Ca2+ (but not Mg2+) was able to greatly increase the dissociation rate of integrin-FN complexes, with a half-maximal response at ~0.4 mM Ca2+ for αVβ3-FN. The effect of Ca2+ was overcome by co-addition of Mn2+, but not Mg2+. A stimulatory anti-β1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) abrogated the effect of Ca2+ on α5β1-FN complexes; conversely, a function-blocking mAb mimicked the effect of Ca2+. These results imply that Ca2+ acts allosterically, probably through binding to the adjacent metal-ion-dependent adhesion site (ADMIDAS), and that the α1 helix in the β subunit I domain is the key element affected by allosteric modulators. The data suggest an explanation for the limited clinical efficacy of RGD-based integrin antagonists, and we propose that allosteric antagonists could prove to be of greater therapeutic benefit.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Cleavage of the β1 Integrin Ectodomain Facilitates Colon Cancer Cell Motility*

PubMed Central

Kryczka, Jakub; Stasiak, Marta; Dziki, Lukasz; Mik, Michał; Dziki, Adam; Cierniewski, Czesław S.

2012-01-01

Cancer cell invasion is a key element in metastasis that requires integrins for adhesion/de-adhesion, as well as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) for focalized proteolysis. Herein we show that MMP-2 is up-regulated in resected colorectal tumors and degrades β1 integrins with the release of fragments containing the β1 I-domain. The β1 cleavage pattern is similar to that produced by digestion of α5β1 and α2β1 with MMP-2. Two such fragments, at 25 and 75 kDa, were identified after immunoprecipitation, with monoclonal antibody BD610468 reacting with the NH2-terminal I-like ectodomain followed by SDS-PAGE and microsequencing using electrospray (ISI-Q-TOF-Micromass) spectrometry. Cleavage of the β1 integrin can be abolished by inhibition of MMP-2 activity; it can be induced by up-regulation of MMP-2 expression, as exemplified by HT29 colon cancer cells transfected with pCMV6-XL5-MMP-2. Co-immunoprecipitation studies of colon cancer cells showed that the β1 integrin subunit is associated with MMP-2. The MMP-2-mediated shedding of the I-like domain from β1 integrins resulted in decreased adhesion of colon cancer cells to collagen and fibronectin, thus abolishing their receptivity. Furthermore, such cells showed enhanced motility as evaluated by a “wound healing-like” assay and time-lapse microscopy, indicating their increased invasiveness. Altogether, our data demonstrate that MMP-2 amplifies the motility of colon cancer cells, not only by digesting the extracellular matrix components in the vicinity of cancer cells but also by inactivating their major β1 integrin receptors. PMID:22898815

Elucidating the role of select cytoplasmic proteins in altering diffusion of integrin receptors.

PubMed

Sander, Suzanne; Arora, Neha; Smith, Emily A

2012-06-01

Cytoplasmic proteins that affect integrin diffusion in the cell membrane are identified using a combination of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and RNA interference. Integrin receptors are essential for many cellular events, and alterations in lateral diffusion are one mechanism for modulating their function. In cells expressing native cytoplasmic protein concentrations and spread on a slide containing integrin extracellular ligand, 45 ± 2% of the integrin is mobile with a time-dependent 5.2 ± 0.9 × 10(-9) cm(2)/s diffusion coefficient at 1 s. The time exponent is 0.90 ± 0.07, indicating integrin diffusion moderately slows at longer times. The role of a specific cytoplasmic protein in altering integrin diffusion is revealed through changes in the FRAP curve after reducing the cytoplasmic protein's expression. Decreased expression of cytoplasmic proteins rhea, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), or steamer duck decreases the integrin mobile fraction. For rhea and FAK, there is a concomitant shift to Brownian (i.e., time-independent) diffusion at reduced concentrations of these proteins. In contrast, when the expression of actin 42A, dreadlocks, paxillin, integrin-linked kinase (ILK), or vinculin is reduced, integrin diffusion generally becomes more constrained with an increase in the integrin mobile fraction. This same change in integrin diffusion is measured in the absence of integrin extracellular ligand. The results indicate breaking the extracellular ligand-integrin-cytoskeletal linkage alters integrin diffusion properties, and, in most cases, there is no correlation between integrin and lipid diffusion properties.

Immune selection of tumor cells in TCR β-chain transgenic mice.

PubMed

Silaeva, Yulia Yu; Grinenko, Tatyana S; Vagida, Murad S; Kalinina, Anastasia A; Khromykh, Ludmila M; Kazansky, Dmitry B

2014-10-01

The concept of immunological surveillance implies that immunogenic variants of tumor cells arising in the organism can be recognized by the immune system. Tumor progression is provided by somatic evolution of tumor cells under the pressure of the immune system. The loss of MHC Class I molecules on the surface of tumor cells is one of the most known outcomes of immune selection. This study developed a model of immune selection based on the immune response of TCR 1d1 single β-chain transgenic B10.D2(R101) (K(d)I(d)D(b)) mice to allogeneic EL4 (H-2(b)) thymoma cells. In wild-type B10.D2(R101) mice, immunization with EL4 cells induced a vigorous CTL response targeted to the H-2K(b) molecule and results in full rejection of the tumor cells. In contrast, transgenic mice developed a compromised proliferative response in mixed-lymphocyte response assays and were unable to reject transplanted allogeneic EL4 cells. During the immune response to EL4 cells, CD8(+) T-lymphocytes with endogenous β-chains accumulated predominantly in the spleen of transgenic mice and only a small part of the T-lymphocytes expressing transgenic β-chains became CD8(+)CD44(+)CD62L(-) effectors. Then, instead of a full elimination of tumor cells as in wild-type mice, a reproducible prolonged equilibrium phase and subsequent escape was observed in transgenic mice that resulted in death of 90% of the mice in 40-60 days after grafting. Prolonged exposure of tumor cells to the pressure of the immune system in transgenic mice in vivo resulted in a stable loss of H-2K(b) molecules on the EL4 cell surface. Genetic manipulation of the T-lymphocyte repertoire was sufficient to reproduce the classic pattern of interactions between tumor cells and the immune system, usually observed in reliable syngeneic models of anti-tumor immunity. This newly-developed model could be used in further studies of immunoregulatory circuits common for transplantational and anti-tumor immune responses.

Coordinate regulation of estrogen-mediated fibronectin matrix assembly and epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation by the G protein-coupled receptor, GPR30.

PubMed

Quinn, Jeffrey A; Graeber, C Thomas; Frackelton, A Raymond; Kim, Minsoo; Schwarzbauer, Jean E; Filardo, Edward J

2009-07-01

Estrogen promotes changes in cytoskeletal architecture not easily attributed to the biological action of estrogen receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta. The Gs protein-coupled transmembrane receptor, GPR30, is linked to specific estrogen binding and rapid estrogen-mediated release of heparin-bound epidermal growth factor. Using marker rescue and dominant interfering mutant strategies, we show that estrogen action via GPR30 promotes fibronectin (FN) matrix assembly by human breast cancer cells. Stimulation with 17beta-estradiol or the ER antagonist, ICI 182, 780, results in the recruitment of FN-engaged integrin alpha5beta1 conformers to fibrillar adhesions and the synthesis of FN fibrils. Concurrent with this cellular response, GPR30 promotes the formation of Src-dependent, Shc-integrin alpha5beta1 complexes. Function-blocking antibodies directed against integrin alpha5beta1 or soluble Arg-Gly-Asp peptide fragments derived from FN specifically inhibited GPR30-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation. Estrogen-mediated FN matrix assembly and epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation were similarly disrupted in integrin beta1-deficient GE11 cells, whereas reintroduction of integrin beta1 into GE11 cells restored these responses. Mutant Shc (317Y/F) blocked GPR30-induced FN matrix assembly and tyrosyl phosphorylation of erbB1. Interestingly, relative to recombinant wild-type Shc, 317Y/F Shc was more readily retained in GPR30-induced integrin alpha5beta1 complexes, yet this mutant did not prevent endogenous Shc-integrin alpha5beta1 complex formation. Our results suggest that GPR30 coordinates estrogen-mediated FN matrix assembly and growth factor release in human breast cancer cells via a Shc-dependent signaling mechanism that activates integrin alpha5beta1.

A comparative cDNA microarray analysis reveals a spectrum of genes regulated by Pax6 in mouse lens

PubMed Central

Chauhan, Bharesh K.; Reed, Nathan A.; Yang, Ying; Čermák, Lukáš; Reneker, Lixing; Duncan, Melinda K.; Cvekl, Aleš

2007-01-01

Background Pax6 is a transcription factor that is required for induction, growth, and maintenance of the lens; however, few direct target genes of Pax6 are known. Results In this report, we describe the results of a cDNA microarray analysis of lens transcripts from transgenic mice over-expressing Pax6 in lens fibre cells in order to narrow the field of potential direct Pax6 target genes. This study revealed that the transcript levels were significantly altered for 508 of the 9700 genes analysed, including five genes encoding the cell adhesion molecules β1-integrin, JAM1, L1 CAM, NCAM-140 and neogenin. Notably, comparisons between the genes differentially expressed in Pax6 heterozygous and Pax6 over-expressing lenses identified 13 common genes, including paralemmin, GDIβ, ATF1, Hrp12 and Brg1. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting demonstrated that Brg1 is expressed in the embryonic and neonatal (2-week-old) but not in 14-week adult lenses, and confirmed altered expression in transgenic lenses over-expressing Pax6. Furthermore, EMSA demonstrated that the BRG1 promoter contains Pax6 binding sites, further supporting the proposition that it is directly regulated by Pax6. Conclusions These results provide a list of genes with possible roles in lens biology and cataracts that are directly or indirectly regulated by Pax6. PMID:12485166

Regulation of Osteoblast Survival by the Extracellular Matrix and Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Globus. Ruth K.; Almeida, Eduardo A. C.; Searby, Nancy D.; Bowley, Susan M. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Spaceflight adversely affects the skeleton, posing a substantial risk to astronaut's health during long duration missions. The reduced bone mass observed in growing animals following spaceflight is due at least in part to inadequate bone formation by osteoblasts. Thus, it is of central importance to identify basic cellular mechanisms underlying normal bone formation. The fundamental ideas underlying our research are that interactions between extracellular matrix proteins, integrin adhesion receptors, cytoplasmic signaling and cytoskeletal proteins are key ingredients for the proper functioning of osteoblasts, and that gravity impacts these interactions. As an in vitro model system we used primary fetal rat calvarial cells which faithfully recapitulate osteoblast differentiation characteristically observed in vivo. We showed that specific integrin receptors ((alpha)3(beta)1), ((alpha)5(beta)1), ((alpha)8(betal)1) and extracellular matrix proteins (fibronectin, laminin) were needed for the differentiation of immature osteoblasts. In the course of maturation, cultured osteoblasts switched from depending on fibronectin and laminin for differentiation to depending on these proteins for their very survival. Furthermore, we found that manipulating the gravity vector using ground-based models resulted in activation of key intracellular survival signals generated by integrin/extracellular matrix interactions. We are currently testing the in vivo relevance of some of these observations using targeted transgenic technology. In conclusion, mechanical factors including gravity may participate in regulating survival via cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix. This leads us to speculate that microgravity adversely affects the survival of osteoblasts and contributes to spaceflight-induced osteoporosis.

Three TFL1 homologues regulate floral initiation in the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas

PubMed Central

Li, Chaoqiong; Fu, Qiantang; Niu, Longjian; Luo, Li; Chen, Jianghua; Xu, Zeng-Fu

2017-01-01

Recent research revealed that TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) homologues are involved in the critical developmental process of floral initiation in several plant species. In this study, the functions of three putative TFL1 homologues (JcTFL1a, JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c) in the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas were analysed using the transgenic approach. JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c, but not JcTFL1a, could complement the TFL1 function and rescue early flowering and determinate inflorescence phenotype in tfl1-14 Arabidopsis mutant, thus suggesting that JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c may be homologues of TFL1. Transgenic Jatropha overexpressing JcTFL1a, JcTFL1b or JcTFL1c showed late flowering, whereas only JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c overexpression delayed flowering in transgenic Arabidopsis. JcTFL1b-RNAi transgenic Jatropha consistently exhibited moderately early flowering phenotype. JcFT and JcAP1 were significantly downregulated in transgenic Jatropha overexpressing JcTFL1a, JcTFL1b or JcTFL1c, which suggested that the late flowering phenotype of these transgenic Jatropha may result from the repressed expression of JcFT and JcAP1. Our results indicate that these three JcTFL1 genes play redundant roles in repressing flowering in Jatropha. PMID:28225036

Activation states of blood eosinophils in asthma

PubMed Central

Johansson, Mats W.

2014-01-01

Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation rich in eosinophils. Airway eosinophilia is associated with exacerbations and has been suggested to play a role in airway remodeling. Recruitment of eosinophils from the circulation requires that blood eosinophils become activated, leading to their arrest on the endothelium and extravasation. Circulating eosinophils can be envisioned as potentially being in different activation states, including non-activated, pre-activated or “primed”, or fully activated. In addition, the circulation can potentially be deficient of pre-activated or activated eosinophils, because such cells have marginated on activated endothelium or extravasated into the tissue. A number of eosinophil-surface proteins, including CD69, L-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54), CD44, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1, CD162), cytokine receptors, Fc receptors, integrins including αM integrin (CD11b), and activated conformations of Fc receptors and integrins have been proposed to report cell activation. Variation in eosinophil activation states may be associated with asthma activity. Eosinophil-surface proteins proposed to be activation markers, with a particular focus on integrins, and evidence for associations between activation states of blood eosinophils and features of asthma are reviewed here. Partial activation of β1 and β2 integrins on blood eosinophils, reported by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) N29 and KIM-127, is associated with impaired pulmonary function and airway eosinophilia, respectively, in non-severe asthma. The association with lung function does not occur in severe asthma, presumably due to greater eosinophil extravasation, specifically of activated or pre-activated cells, in severe disease. PMID:24552191

Current Anti-Integrin Therapy for Ocular Disease.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Salinas, Roberto; Hernández-Zimbrón, Luis F; Gulias-Cañizo, Rosario; Sánchez-Vela, Mario Alberto; Ochoa-De La Paz, Lenin; Zamora, Ruben; Quiroz-Mercado, Hugo

2017-10-31

The integrin family of cell adhesion molecules mediates homeostasis, signal transduction, and various other interactions between the cell and the extracellular matrix. Integrins are type-1 transmembrane glycoproteins located on the cell surface, widely expressed in leukocytes, which play an important role in the inflammatory pathway. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of anti-integrin therapy and to assess ongoing clinical trials in ocular disease. We performed a search on PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase for the published literature available using the MeSH terms: "integrin therapy" and "αLβ2," "α4β1" and "α4β7," "αvβ3," "αvβ5," and "αvβ1" and/or "ophthalmology," and "clinical trials." We used no language restrictions. We generated searches to account for synonyms of these keywords and MESH headings as follows: (1) "integrin," "therapy," or "treatment"; (2) "clinical trials," "ophthalmology," or "ocular." In addition, the analysis included phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials with a minimal follow-up of six months. Integrin antagonists have shown their capacity to improve signs and symptoms of patients with dry eye disease, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and vitreomacular traction.

Expression of FLNa in human melanoma cells regulates the function of integrin α1β1 and phosphorylation and localisation of PKB/AKT/ERK1/2 kinases.

PubMed

Krebs, Kristi; Ruusmann, Anu; Simonlatser, Grethel; Velling, Teet

2015-12-01

FLNa is a ubiquitous cytoskeletal protein that links transmembrane receptors, including integrins, to F-actin and functions as a signalling intermediate. We investigated FLNa's role in the function of integrin-type collagen receptors, EGF-EGFR signalling and regulation of PKB/Akt and ERK1/2. Using FLNa-deficient M2 human melanoma cells, and same cells expressing EGFP-FLNa (M2F) or its Ig-like repeats 1-8+24, 8-15+24 and 16-24, we found that in M2F and M2 8-15+24 cells, EGF induced the increased phosphorylation of PKB/Akt and ERK1/2. In M2F cells EGF induced the localisation of these kinases to cell nucleus and lamellipodia, respectively, and the ERK1/2 phosphorylation-dependent co-immunoprecipitation of FLNa with ERK1/2. Only M2F and M2 8-15+24 cells adhered to and spread on type I collagen whereas on fibronectin all cells behaved similarly. α1β1 and α2β1 were the integrin-type collagen receptors expressed on these cells with primarily α1β1 localising to focal contacts and affecting cell adhesion and migration in a manner dependent on FLNa or its Ig-like repeats 8-15. Our results suggest a role for FLNa repeats 8-15 in the α1-subunit-dependent regulation of integrin α1β1 function, EGF-EGFR signalling to PKB/Akt and ERK1/2, identify ERK1/2 in EGF-induced FLNa-associated protein complexes, and show that the function of different integrins is subjected to differential regulation by FLNa. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Glia Maturation Factor-γ Regulates Monocyte Migration through Modulation of β1-Integrin*

PubMed Central

Aerbajinai, Wulin; Liu, Lunhua; Zhu, Jianqiong; Kumkhaek, Chutima; Chin, Kyung; Rodgers, Griffin P.

2016-01-01

Monocyte migration requires the dynamic redistribution of integrins through a regulated endo-exocytosis cycle, but the complex molecular mechanisms underlying this process have not been fully elucidated. Glia maturation factor-γ (GMFG), a novel regulator of the Arp2/3 complex, has been shown to regulate directional migration of neutrophils and T-lymphocytes. In this study, we explored the important role of GMFG in monocyte chemotaxis, adhesion, and β1-integrin turnover. We found that knockdown of GMFG in monocytes resulted in impaired chemotactic migration toward formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) and stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) as well as decreased α5β1-integrin-mediated chemoattractant-stimulated adhesion. These GMFG knockdown impaired effects could be reversed by cotransfection of GFP-tagged full-length GMFG. GMFG knockdown cells reduced the cell surface and total protein levels of α5β1-integrin and increased its degradation. Importantly, we demonstrate that GMFG mediates the ubiquitination of β1-integrin through knockdown or overexpression of GMFG. Moreover, GMFG knockdown retarded the efficient recycling of β1-integrin back to the plasma membrane following normal endocytosis of α5β1-integrin, suggesting that the involvement of GMFG in maintaining α5β1-integrin stability may occur in part by preventing ubiquitin-mediated degradation and promoting β1-integrin recycling. Furthermore, we observed that GMFG interacted with syntaxin 4 (STX4) and syntaxin-binding protein 4 (STXBP4); however, only knockdown of STXBP4, but not STX4, reduced monocyte migration and decreased β1-integrin cell surface expression. Knockdown of STXBP4 also substantially inhibited β1-integrin recycling in human monocytes. These results indicate that the effects of GMFG on monocyte migration and adhesion probably occur through preventing ubiquitin-mediated proteasome degradation of α5β1-integrin and facilitating effective β1-integrin recycling back to the plasma membrane. PMID:26895964

A Small Molecule β2 Integrin Agonist Improves Chronic Kidney Allograft Survival by Reducing Leukocyte Recruitment and Accompanying Vasculopathy

PubMed Central

Khan, Samia Q.; Guo, Lingling; Cimbaluk, David J.; Elshabrawy, Hatem; Faridi, Mohd Hafeez; Jolly, Meenakshi; George, James F.; Agarwal, Anupam; Gupta, Vineet

2014-01-01

Kidney allograft rejection is associated with infiltration of inflammatory CD11b+ leukocytes. A CD11b agonist leukadherin-1 (LA1) increases leukocyte adhesion, preventing their transmigration and tissue recruitment in vivo. Here, we test the extent to which LA1-mediated activation of CD11b/CD18 enhances kidney allograft survival in a mouse model of fully MHC-mismatched orthotopic kidney transplantation, where C57BL/6J (H-2b) recipients received kidney allografts from Balb/c mice (H-2d). Isograft control recipients received a kidney from a littermate. Control isograft and allograft recipients were treated daily with cyclosporine (CsA) for 2 weeks, while the test group received CsA therapy and daily LA1 injections during week 1 and alternate days during weeks 2–8. LA1 treatment reduced interstitial leukocyte infiltration in the allograft, reduced neointimal hyperplasia and glomerular damage, and prolonged graft survival from 48.5% (CsA only) to 100% (CsA and LA1) on day 60. Serum creatinine levels showed significantly improved kidney function in LA1-treated mice compared to CsA-treated allograft controls [0.52 ± 0.18 mg/dL vs 0.24 ± 0.07 mg/dL (n = 5), respectively]. Furthermore, combination therapy reduced macrophage infiltration and increased the frequency of FoxP3 + Tregs in the allograft. These findings indicate a crucial role for CD11b/CD18 in the control of leukocyte migration to the transplanted kidney and identify integrin agonist LA1 as a novel potential therapeutic agent for kidney transplantation. PMID:25593918

Flowering-Related RING Protein 1 (FRRP1) Regulates Flowering Time and Yield Potential by Affecting Histone H2B Monoubiquitination in Rice (Oryza Sativa).

PubMed

Du, Yiwei; He, Wei; Deng, Changwang; Chen, Xi; Gou, Lanming; Zhu, Fugui; Guo, Wei; Zhang, Jianfu; Wang, Tao

2016-01-01

Flowering time is a critical trait for crops cultivated under various temperature/photoperiod conditions around the world. To understand better the flowering time of rice, we used the vector pTCK303 to produce several lines of RNAi knockdown transgenic rice and investigated their flowering times and other agronomic traits. Among them, the heading date of FRRP1-RNAi knockdown transgenic rice was 23-26 days earlier than that of wild-type plants. FRRP1 is a novel rice gene that encodes a C3HC4-type Really Interesting Novel Gene (RING) finger domain protein. In addition to the early flowering time, FRRP1-RNAi knockdown transgenic rice caused changes on an array of agronomic traits, including plant height, panicle length and grain length. We analyzed the expression of some key genes associated with the flowering time and other agronomic traits in the FRRP1-RNAi knockdown lines and compared with that in wild-type lines. The expression of Hd3a increased significantly, which was the key factor in the early flowering time. Further experiments showed that the level of histone H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub1) was noticeably reduced in the FRRP1-RNAi knockdown transgenic rice lines compared with wild-type plants and MBP-FRRP1-F1 was capable of self-ubiquitination. The results indicate that Flowering Related RING Protein 1 (FRRP1) is involved in histone H2B monoubiquitination and suggest that FRRP1 functions as an E3 ligase in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, FRRP1 probably regulates flowering time and yield potential in rice by affecting histone H2B monoubiquitination, which leads to changes in gene expression in multiple processes.

Flowering-Related RING Protein 1 (FRRP1) Regulates Flowering Time and Yield Potential by Affecting Histone H2B Monoubiquitination in Rice (Oryza Sativa)

PubMed Central

Deng, Changwang; Chen, Xi; Gou, Lanming; Zhu, Fugui; Guo, Wei; Zhang, Jianfu; Wang, Tao

2016-01-01

Flowering time is a critical trait for crops cultivated under various temperature/photoperiod conditions around the world. To understand better the flowering time of rice, we used the vector pTCK303 to produce several lines of RNAi knockdown transgenic rice and investigated their flowering times and other agronomic traits. Among them, the heading date of FRRP1-RNAi knockdown transgenic rice was 23–26 days earlier than that of wild-type plants. FRRP1 is a novel rice gene that encodes a C3HC4-type Really Interesting Novel Gene (RING) finger domain protein. In addition to the early flowering time, FRRP1-RNAi knockdown transgenic rice caused changes on an array of agronomic traits, including plant height, panicle length and grain length. We analyzed the expression of some key genes associated with the flowering time and other agronomic traits in the FRRP1-RNAi knockdown lines and compared with that in wild-type lines. The expression of Hd3a increased significantly, which was the key factor in the early flowering time. Further experiments showed that the level of histone H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub1) was noticeably reduced in the FRRP1-RNAi knockdown transgenic rice lines compared with wild-type plants and MBP-FRRP1-F1 was capable of self-ubiquitination. The results indicate that Flowering Related RING Protein 1 (FRRP1) is involved in histone H2B monoubiquitination and suggest that FRRP1 functions as an E3 ligase in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, FRRP1 probably regulates flowering time and yield potential in rice by affecting histone H2B monoubiquitination, which leads to changes in gene expression in multiple processes. PMID:26934377

Streptococcal modulation of cellular invasion via TGF-beta1 signaling.

PubMed

Wang, Beinan; Li, Shaoying; Southern, Peter J; Cleary, Patrick P

2006-02-14

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and other bacterial pathogens are known to interact with integrins as an initial step in a complex pathway of bacterial ingestion by host cells. Efficient GAS invasion depends on the interaction of bound fibronectin (Fn) with integrins and activation of integrin signaling. TGF-beta1 regulates expression of integrins, Fn, and other extracellular matrix proteins, and positively controls the integrin signaling pathway. Therefore, we postulated that TGF-beta1 levels could influence streptococcal invasion of mammalian cells. Pretreatment of HEp-2 cells with TGF-beta1 increased their capacity to ingest GAS when the bacteria expressed fibronectin-binding proteins (M1 or PrtF1). Western blots revealed significant induction of alpha5 integrin and Fn expression by HEp-2 cells in response to TGF-beta1. Increased ingestion of streptococci by these cells was blocked by a specific inhibitor of the TGF-beta1 receptor I and antibodies directed against alpha5 integrin and Fn, indicating that increased invasion depends on TGF-beta1 up-regulation of both the alpha5 integrin and Fn. The capacity of TGF-beta1 to up-regulate integrin expression and intracellular invasion by GAS was reproduced in primary human tonsil fibroblasts, which could be a source of TGF-beta1 in chronically infected tonsils. The relationship between TGF-beta1 and GAS invasion was strengthened by the observation that TGF-beta1 production was stimulated in GAS-infected primary human tonsil fibroblasts. These findings suggest a mechanism by which GAS induce a cascade of changes in mammalian tissue leading to elevated expression of the alpha5beta1 receptor, enhanced invasion, and increased opportunity for survival and persistence in their human host.

Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor Subtype 3: A Novel Therapeutic Target of K-Ras Mutant Driven Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

Breeding of LSL K-RasG12D transgenic mice (Projective: months 5-8; Actual: 100% completion) 2b. Nasal instillation of adenoviral particles carrying...1a. Regulatory review and approval of animal protocol (Projective: Months 1-2; Actual: 100% completion). 1b. Mice acquisition and breeding of...S1P3-/-:LSL-K-RasG12D and S1P3+/+:LSL-K-RasG12D bi- transgenic mice (Projective: Months 3-4; Actual: 100% completion). 1c. Nasal instillation of

Integrin alpha 3 beta 1 participates in the phagocytosis of extracellular matrix molecules by human breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Coopman, P J; Thomas, D M; Gehlsen, K R; Mueller, S C

1996-11-01

The mechanisms and receptors involved in phagocytosis by nonhematopoietic cells are not well understood. The involvement of the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin in phagocytosis of the extracellular matrix by human breast cancer cells was studied. The possible role of this integrin was suggested since alpha 3 and beta 1 but not alpha 2 subunits are concentrated at membrane sites where local degradation of fluorescently labeled gelatin occurs. Strikingly, anti-alpha 3 integrin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) stimulate the phagocytosis of fluorescently labeled gelatin films, gelatin beads, and Matrigel films in a quantitative phagocytosis assay. Stimulation of the gelatin uptake by the anti-alpha 3 mAb is dose responsive, saturable, and time dependent. Antibodies against other integrin subunits have a lower stimulatory effect (anti-beta 1) or no significant effect (anti-alpha 2, -alpha 5, -alpha 6, and -alpha v) on gelatin phagocytosis. The synthetic HGD-6 human laminin peptide that binds specifically the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin, but not the scrambled HSGD-6 control peptide, also markedly stimulates gelatin uptake in a dose-responsive way. Furthermore, the stimulatory effects of the HGD-6 peptide and the anti-alpha 3 mAb are additive, suggesting that they might promote phagocytosis in different ways. Other laminin (YIGSR, IKVAV) and fibronectin (GRGDS) peptides have no effect on gelatin phagocytosis. Immunofluorescence shows that the alpha 3 and the beta 1, but not the alpha 2 integrin subunit, concentrate into patches on the cell surface after treatment with their respective mAbs. And, both gelatin and the alpha 3 beta 1 but not the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin are cointernalized and routed to acidic vesicles such as lysosomes. In conclusion, we demonstrate that human breast cancer cells locally degrade and phagocytose the extracellular matrix and show for the first time that the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin participates in this phagocytosis. We hypothesize that the anti-alpha 3 antibodies and the laminin peptide HGD-6 activate the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin, which results in a downstream signaling cascade stimulating phagocytosis.

Structure of a double ubiquitin-like domain in the talin head: a role in integrin activation

PubMed Central

Goult, Benjamin T; Bouaouina, Mohamed; Elliott, Paul R; Bate, Neil; Patel, Bipin; Gingras, Alexandre R; Grossmann, J Günter; Roberts, Gordon C K; Calderwood, David A; Critchley, David R; Barsukov, Igor L

2010-01-01

Talin is a 270-kDa protein that activates integrins and couples them to cytoskeletal actin. Talin contains an N-terminal FERM domain comprised of F1, F2 and F3 domains, but it is atypical in that F1 contains a large insert and is preceded by an extra domain F0. Although F3 contains the binding site for β-integrin tails, F0 and F1 are also required for activation of β1-integrins. Here, we report the solution structures of F0, F1 and of the F0F1 double domain. Both F0 and F1 have ubiquitin-like folds joined in a novel fixed orientation by an extensive charged interface. The F1 insert forms a loop with helical propensity, and basic residues predicted to reside on one surface of the helix are required for binding to acidic phospholipids and for talin-mediated activation of β1-integrins. This and the fact that basic residues on F2 and F3 are also essential for integrin activation suggest that extensive interactions between the talin FERM domain and acidic membrane phospholipids are required to orientate the FERM domain such that it can activate integrins. PMID:20150896

Development of Orally Bioavailable Therapeutics by the Chloroplast Expression System to Counter Muscle Degeneration, Weakness, and Fibrosis in DMD

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-01

validation (Daniell) (months 1-16): 1a. Plant transgenic tobacco seeds and grow (months 1-4, typical growing period; repeated 2 times). 1b. Harvest...GFP. Adult mice were orally fed with leaf materials from transgenic tobacco plants, with the amount adjusted to GFP expression levels, for three... Breeding Cmdx and C57 mice for colony maintenance and expansion (Barton) (months 1-30) 3a. Purchase mice (month 1). 3b. Breed mice for older age

The Arf6 GTPase-activating proteins ARAP2 and ACAP1 define distinct endosomal compartments that regulate integrin α5β1 traffic.

PubMed

Chen, Pei-Wen; Luo, Ruibai; Jian, Xiaoying; Randazzo, Paul A

2014-10-31

Arf6 and the Arf6 GTPase-activating protein (GAP) ACAP1 are established regulators of integrin traffic important to cell adhesion and migration. However, the function of Arf6 with ACAP1 cannot explain the range of Arf6 effects on integrin-based structures. We propose that Arf6 has different functions determined, in part, by the associated Arf GAP. We tested this idea by comparing the Arf6 GAPs ARAP2 and ACAP1. We found that ARAP2 and ACAP1 had opposing effects on apparent integrin β1 internalization. ARAP2 knockdown slowed, whereas ACAP1 knockdown accelerated, integrin β1 internalization. Integrin β1 association with adaptor protein containing a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain, and leucine zipper motif (APPL)-positive endosomes and EEA1-positive endosomes was affected by ARAP2 knockdown and depended on ARAP2 GAP activity. ARAP2 formed a complex with APPL1 and colocalized with Arf6 and APPL in a compartment distinct from the Arf6/ACAP1 tubular recycling endosome. In addition, although ACAP1 and ARAP2 each colocalized with Arf6, they did not colocalize with each other and had opposing effects on focal adhesions (FAs). ARAP2 overexpression promoted large FAs, but ACAP1 overexpression reduced FAs. Taken together, the data support a model in which Arf6 has at least two sites of opposing action defined by distinct Arf6 GAPs. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Astrocyte-to-neuron communication through integrin-engaged Thy-1/CBP/Csk/Src complex triggers neurite retraction via the RhoA/ROCK pathway.

PubMed

Maldonado, H; Calderon, C; Burgos-Bravo, F; Kobler, O; Zuschratter, W; Ramirez, O; Härtel, S; Schneider, P; Quest, A F G; Herrera-Molina, R; Leyton, L

2017-02-01

Two key proteins for cellular communication between astrocytes and neurons are αvβ3 integrin and the receptor Thy-1. Binding of these molecules in the same (cis) or on adjacent (trans) cellular membranes induces Thy-1 clustering, triggering actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Molecular events that could explain how the Thy-1-αvβ3 integrin interaction signals have only been studied separately in different cell types, and the detailed transcellular communication and signal transduction pathways involved in neuronal cytoskeleton remodeling remain unresolved. Using biochemical and genetic approaches, single-molecule tracking, and high-resolution nanoscopy, we provide evidence that upon binding to αvβ3 integrin, Thy-1 mobility decreased while Thy-1 nanocluster size increased. This occurred concomitantly with inactivation and exclusion of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src from the Thy-1/C-terminal Src kinase (Csk)-binding protein (CBP)/Csk complex. The Src inactivation decreased the p190Rho GTPase activating protein phosphorylation, promoting RhoA activation, cofilin, and myosin light chain II phosphorylation and, consequently, neurite shortening. Finally, silencing the adaptor CBP demonstrated that this protein was a key transducer in the Thy-1 signaling cascade. In conclusion, these data support the hypothesis that the Thy-1-CBP-Csk-Src-RhoA-ROCK axis transmitted signals from astrocytic integrin-engaged Thy-1 (trans) to the neuronal actin cytoskeleton. Importantly, the β3 integrin in neurons (cis) was not found to be crucial for neurite shortening. This is the first study to detail the signaling pathway triggered by αvβ3, the endogenous Thy-1 ligand, highlighting the role of membrane-bound integrins as trans acting ligands in astrocyte-neuron communication. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluating the Usefulness of a Novel 10B-Carrier Conjugated With Cyclic RGD Peptide in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

PubMed Central

Masunaga, Shin-ichiro; Kimura, Sadaaki; Harada, Tomohiro; Okuda, Kensuke; Sakurai, Yoshinori; Tanaka, Hiroki; Suzuki, Minoru; Kondo, Natsuko; Maruhashi, Akira; Nagasawa, Hideko; Ono, Koji

2012-01-01

Background To evaluate the usefulness of a novel 10B-carrier conjugated with an integrin-binding cyclic RGD peptide (GPU-201) in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Methods GPU-201 was synthesized from integrin-binding Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) consensus sequence of matrix proteins and a 10B cluster 1, 2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane-10B. Mercaptododecaborate-10B (BSH) dissolved in physiological saline and BSH and GPU-201 dissolved with cyclodextrin (CD) as a solubilizing and dispersing agent were intraperitoneally administered to SCC VII tumor-bearing mice. Then, the 10B concentrations in the tumors and normal tissues were measured by γ-ray spectrometry. Meanwhile, tumor-bearing mice were continuously given 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label all proliferating (P) cells in the tumors, then treated with GPU-201, BSH-CD, or BSH. Immediately after reactor neutron beam or γ-ray irradiation, during which intratumor 10B concentrations were kept at levels similar to each other, cells from some tumors were isolated and incubated with a cytokinesis blocker. The responses of the Q and total (= P + Q) cell populations were assessed based on the frequency of micronuclei using immunofluorescence staining for BrdU. Results The 10B from BSH was washed away rapidly in all these tissues and the retention of 10B from BSH-CD and GPU-201 was similar except in blood where the 10B concentration from GPU-201 was higher for longer. GPU-201 showed a significantly stronger radio-sensitizing effect under neutron beam irradiation on both total and Q cell populations than any other 10B-carrier. Conclusion A novel 10B-carrier conjugated with an integrin-binding RGD peptide (GPU-201) that sensitized tumor cells more markedly than conventional 10B-carriers may be a promising candidate for use in BNCT. However, its toxicity needs to be tested further. PMID:29147290

Dynamin 2 regulation of integrin endocytosis, but not VEGF signaling, is crucial for developmental angiogenesis

PubMed Central

Lee, Monica Y.; Skoura, Athanasia; Park, Eon Joo; Landskroner-Eiger, Shira; Jozsef, Levente; Luciano, Amelia K.; Murata, Takahisa; Pasula, Satish; Dong, Yunzhou; Bouaouina, Mohamed; Calderwood, David A.; Ferguson, Shawn M.; De Camilli, Pietro; Sessa, William C.

2014-01-01

Here we show that dynamin 2 (Dnm2) is essential for angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In cultured endothelial cells lacking Dnm2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling and receptor levels are augmented whereas cell migration and morphogenesis are impaired. Mechanistically, the loss of Dnm2 increases focal adhesion size and the surface levels of multiple integrins and reduces the activation state of β1 integrin. In vivo, the constitutive or inducible loss of Dnm2 in endothelium impairs branching morphogenesis and promotes the accumulation of β1 integrin at sites of failed angiogenic sprouting. Collectively, our data show that Dnm2 uncouples VEGF signaling from function and coordinates the endocytic turnover of integrins in a manner that is crucially important for angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. PMID:24598168

Ligand-induced adhesion to activated endothelium and to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in lymphocytes transfected with the N-formyl peptide receptor.

PubMed

Honda, S; Campbell, J J; Andrew, D P; Engelhardt, B; Butcher, B A; Warnock, R A; Ye, R D; Butcher, E C

1994-04-15

Binding of FMLP to the neutrophil N-formyl peptide receptor (FPR) transmits signals through pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins triggering Ca2+ flux, superoxide production, granule exocytosis, and neutrophil aggregation and adhesion involving the beta 2 (CD18) integrins. Expression of the FPR in mouse fibroblasts or human kidney cells has been shown to confer an N-formyl peptide-inducible Ca2+ flux in transfectants. Here we demonstrate that the transfected receptor can also support ligand-induced alterations in cellular adhesion. We established stable transfectants of mouse L1-2 pre-B cells with cDNA for human FPR (L1-2 FPR cells). The transfectants bind N-formyl-Nle-Leu-Phe-Nle-Tyr-Lys-fluorescein with 1.4 x 10(5) sites per cell and a dissociation constant of 3.3 nM. Stimulation with FMLP induces a transient Ca2+ flux. FMLP also triggers adhesion of L1-2 FPR cells to TNF-alpha- or LPS-activated bEnd3 cells (mouse brain-derived endothelial cells) and to purified mouse VCAM-1. Binding is inhibited by Abs to VCAM-1 and to the alpha-chain of its lymphocyte receptor (the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin, VLA-4). Stimulation with FMLP does not induce a change in cell surface expression of alpha 4. Induced adhesion to VCAM-1 is rapid, detectable at the earliest times measurable (30 to 60 s after FMLP addition), and is inhibited by pertussis toxin. We conclude that FPR can mediate integrin activation not only in neutrophils but also in lymphocytes, and can trigger rapid adhesion via lymphocyte alpha 4 beta 1. The adhesion of lymphocytes is critical to their migration and targeting; our results suggest the possibility of manipulating adhesive responses through expression of chemoattractant receptors in lymphoid cells engineered for cellular therapy, allowing targeted adhesion and potentially migration in response to locally administered ligands.

The clinically active BTK inhibitor PCI-32765 targets B-cell receptor- and chemokine-controlled adhesion and migration in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

PubMed

de Rooij, Martin F M; Kuil, Annemieke; Geest, Christian R; Eldering, Eric; Chang, Betty Y; Buggy, Joseph J; Pals, Steven T; Spaargaren, Marcel

2012-03-15

Small-molecule drugs that target the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) signalosome show clinical efficacy in the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These agents, including the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor PCI-32765, display an unexpected response in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): a rapid and sustained reduction of lymphadenopathy accompanied by transient lymphocytosis, which is reversible upon temporary drug deprivation. We hypothesized that this clinical response reflects impaired integrin-mediated adhesion and/or migration. Here, we show that PCI-32765 strongly inhibits BCR-controlled signaling and integrin α(4)β(1)-mediated adhesion to fibronectin and VCAM-1 of lymphoma cell lines and primary CLL cells. Furthermore, PCI-32765 also inhibits CXCL12-, CXCL13-, and CCL19-induced signaling, adhesion, and migration of primary CLL cells. Our data indicate that inhibition of BTK by PCI-32765 overcomes BCR- and chemokine-controlled integrin-mediated retention and homing of malignant B cells in their growth- and survival-supporting lymph node and bone marrow microenvironment, which results in clinically evident CLL regression.

IL-32γ promotes integrin αvβ6 expression through the activation of NF-κB in HSCs

PubMed Central

Liu, Hongcan; Pan, Xingfei; Cao, Hong; Shu, Xin; Sun, Haixia; Lu, Jianxi; Liang, Jiayin; Zhang, Ka; Zhu, Fengqin; Li, Gang; Zhang, Qi

2017-01-01

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is important in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanism of HSC activation is not completely understood. In the present study, it was demonstrated that interleukin-32γ (IL-32γ) is capable of enhancing intefgrin αvβ6 expression by inducing integrin αvβ6 promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner in HSCs. Furthermore, it was determined that nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation is required for IL-32γ-induced integrin αvβ6 expression. Increased integrin αvβ6 expression is then able to activate HSCs. These results indicate that NF-κB activation is required for IL-32γ to induce integrin αvβ6 expression and consequently promote HSC activation. Therefore, IL-32γ activates HSCs and therefore may be associated with hepatic fibrogenesis. These results may enable the development of novel effective strategies to treat hepatic fibrosis. PMID:29042996

Fibrin(ogen) is internalized and degraded by activated human monocytoid cells via Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18): a nonplasmin fibrinolytic pathway.

PubMed

Simon, D I; Ezratty, A M; Francis, S A; Rennke, H; Loscalzo, J

1993-10-15

Fibrin(ogen) (FGN) is important for hemostasis and wound healing and is cleared from sites of injury primarily by the plasminogen activator system. However, there is emerging evidence in plasminogen activator-deficient transgenic mice that nonplasmin pathways may be important in fibrin(ogen)olysis, as well. Given the proximity of FGN and monocytes within the occlusive thrombus at sites of vascular injury, we considered the possibility that monocytes may play an ancillary role in the degradation and clearance of fibrin. We found that monocytes possess an alternative fibrinolytic pathway that uses the integrin Mac-1, which directly binds and internalizes FGN, resulting in its lysosomal degradation. At 4 degrees C, FGN binds to U937 monocytoid cells in a specific and saturable manner with a kd of 1.8 mumol/L. Binding requires adenosine diphosphate stimulation and is calcium-dependent. At 37 degrees C, FGN and fibrin monomer (FM) are internalized and degraded at rates of 0.37 +/- 0.13 and 0.55 +/- 0.03 microgram/10(6) cells/h by U937 cells, 1.38 +/- 0.02 and 1.20 +/- 0.30 microgram/10(6) cells/h by THP-1 cells, and 2.10 +/- 0.20 and 2.52 +/- 0.18 micrograms/10(6) cells/h by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, respectively. The serine protease inhibitors, PPACK and aprotinin, and the specific elastase inhibitor, AAPVCK, do not significantly inhibit degradation. However, degradation is inhibited by chloroquine, suggesting that a lysosomal pathway is involved. Factor X, a competitive ligand with FGN for the Mac-1 receptor, also blocks degradation, as does a monoclonal antibody to the alpha-subunit of Mac-1. Autoradiography of radioiodinated, internalized FGN shows that FGN proteolysis by the pathway produces a unique degradation pattern distinct from that observed with plasmin. In a fibrin clot lysis assay, Mac-1-mediated fibrinolysis contributed significantly to total fibrinolysis. In summary, FGN is internalized and degraded by activated human monocytoid cells via Mac-1 in the absence of plasmin, thereby providing an alternative fibrinolytic pathway. Thus, in addition to the function of cell adhesion, integrins may also act as receptors that mediate the internalization and degradation of bound ligands.

Association of Factor V Secretion with Protein Kinase B Signaling in Platelets from Horses with Atypical Equine Thrombasthenia.

PubMed

Norris, J W; Pombo, M; Shirley, E; Blevins, G; Tablin, F

2015-01-01

Two congenital bleeding diatheses have been identified in Thoroughbred horses: Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) and a second, novel diathesis associated with abnormal platelet function in response to collagen and thrombin stimulation. Platelet dysfunction in horses with this second thrombasthenia results from a secretory defect. Two affected and 6 clinically normal horses. Ex vivo study. Washed platelets were examined for (1) expression of the αIIb-β3 integrin; (2) fibrinogen binding capacity in response to ADP and thrombin; (3) secretion of dense and α-granules; (4) activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway; and (5) cellular distribution of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate-3-kinase, class 2B (PIK3C2B) and SH2 containing inositol-5'-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1). Platelets from affected horses expressed normal amounts of αIIb-β3 integrin and bound fibrinogen normally in response to ADP, but bound 80% less fibrinogen in response to thrombin. α-granules only released 50% as much Factor V as control platelets, but dense granules released their contents normally. Protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation was reduced after thrombin activation, but mTOR Complex 2 (mTORC2) and phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) signaling were normal. SH2-containing inositol-5'-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) did not localize to the cytoskeleton of affected platelets and was decreased overall consistent with reduced AKT phosphorylation. Defects in fibrinogen binding, granule secretion, and signal transduction are unique to this thrombasthenia, which we designate as atypical equine thrombasthenia. Copyright © The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

PPFIA1 drives active α5β1 integrin recycling and controls fibronectin fibrillogenesis and vascular morphogenesis

PubMed Central

Mana, Giulia; Clapero, Fabiana; Panieri, Emiliano; Panero, Valentina; Böttcher, Ralph T.; Tseng, Hui-Yuan; Saltarin, Federico; Astanina, Elena; Wolanska, Katarzyna I.; Morgan, Mark R.; Humphries, Martin J.; Santoro, Massimo M.; Serini, Guido; Valdembri, Donatella

2016-01-01

Basolateral polymerization of cellular fibronectin (FN) into a meshwork drives endothelial cell (EC) polarity and vascular remodelling. However, mechanisms coordinating α5β1 integrin-mediated extracellular FN endocytosis and exocytosis of newly synthesized FN remain elusive. Here we show that, on Rab21-elicited internalization, FN-bound/active α5β1 is recycled to the EC surface. We identify a pathway, comprising the regulators of post-Golgi carrier formation PI4KB and AP-1A, the small GTPase Rab11B, the surface tyrosine phosphatase receptor PTPRF and its adaptor PPFIA1, which we propose acts as a funnel combining FN secretion and recycling of active α5β1 integrin from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to the EC surface, thus allowing FN fibrillogenesis. In this framework, PPFIA1 interacts with active α5β1 integrin and localizes close to EC adhesions where post-Golgi carriers are targeted. We show that PPFIA1 is required for FN polymerization-dependent vascular morphogenesis, both in vitro and in the developing zebrafish embryo. PMID:27876801

BRI2 (ITM2b) Inhibits Aβ Deposition in Vivo

PubMed Central

Kim, Jungsu; Miller, Victor M.; Levites, Yona; West, Karen Jansen; Zwizinski, Craig W.; Moore, Brenda D.; Troendle, Fredrick J.; Bann, Maralyssa; Verbeeck, Christophe; Price, Robert W.; Smithson, Lisa; Sonoda, Leilani; Wagg, Kayleigh; Rangachari, Vijayaraghavan; Zou, Fanggeng; Younkin, Steven G.; Graff-Radford, Neill; Dickson, Dennis; Rosenberry, Terrone; Golde, Todd E.

2008-01-01

Analyses of the biologic effects of mutations in the BRI2 (ITM2b) and the amyloid β precursor protein (APP) genes support the hypothesis that cerebral accumulation of amyloidogenic peptides in familial British and familial Danish dementias and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with neurodegeneration. We have used somatic brain transgenic technology to express the BRI2 and BRI2-Aβ1-40 transgenes in amyloid β protein precursor (APP) mouse models. Expression of BRI2-Aβ1-40 mimics the suppressive effect previously observed using conventional transgenic methods, further validating the somatic brain transgenic methodology. Unexpectedly, we also find that expression of wild type human BRI2 reduces cerebral Aβ deposition in an AD mouse model. Additional data indicate that the 23 amino acid peptide, Bri23, released from BRI2 by normal processing is present in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), inhibits Aβ aggregation in vitro, and mediates its anti-amyloidogenic effect in vivo. These studies demonstrate that BRI2 is a novel mediator of Aβ deposition in vivo. PMID:18524908

Evidence that activation of ASIC1a by acidosis increases osteoclast migration and adhesion by modulating integrin/Pyk2/Src signaling pathway.

PubMed

Li, X; Ye, J-X; Xu, M-H; Zhao, M-D; Yuan, F-L

2017-07-01

Activated acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is involved in acid-induced osteoclastogenesis by regulating activation of the transcription factor NFATc1. These results indicated that ASIC1a activation by extracellular acid may cause osteoclast migration and adhesion through Ca 2+ -dependent integrin/Pyk2/Src signaling pathway. Osteoclast adhesion and migration are responsible for osteoporotic bone loss. Acidic conditions promote osteoclastogenesis. ASIC1a in osteoclasts is associated with acid-induced osteoclastogenesis through modulating transcription factor NFATc1 activation. However, the influence and the detailed mechanism of ASIC1a in regulating osteoclast adhesion and migration, in response to extracellular acid, are not well characterized. In this study, knockdown of ASIC1a was achieved in bone marrow macrophage cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA). The adhesion and migration abilities of osteoclast precursors and osteoclasts were determined by adhesion and migration assays, in vitro. Bone resorption was performed to measure osteoclast function. Cytoskeletal changes were assessed by F-actin ring formation. αvβ3 integrin expression in osteoclasts was measured by flow cytometry. Western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation were performed to measure alterations in integrin/Pyk2/Src signaling pathway. Our results showed that blockade of ASIC1a using ASIC1a-siRNA inhibited acid-induced osteoclast precursor migration and adhesion, as well as osteoclast adhesion and bone resorption; we also demonstrated that inhibition of ASIC1a decreased the cell surface αvβ3 integrin and β3 protein expression. Moreover, blocking of ASIC1a inhibited acidosis-induced actin ring formation and reduced Pyk2 and Src phosphorylation in osteoclasts and also inhibited the acid-induced association of the αvβ3 integrin/Src/Pyk2. Together, these results highlight a key functional role of ASIC1a/αvβ3 integrin/Pyk2/Src signaling pathway in migration and adhesion of osteoclasts.

The Sal-like 4 - integrin α6β1 network promotes cell migration for metastasis via activation of focal adhesion dynamics in basal-like breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Itou, Junji; Tanaka, Sunao; Li, Wenzhao; Iida, Atsuo; Sehara-Fujisawa, Atsuko; Sato, Fumiaki; Toi, Masakazu

2017-01-01

During metastasis, cancer cell migration is enhanced. However, the mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. Here, we addressed this issue by functionally analyzing the transcription factor Sal-like 4 (SALL4) in basal-like breast cancer cells. Loss-of-function studies of SALL4 showed that this transcription factor is required for the spindle-shaped morphology and the enhanced migration of cancer cells. SALL4 also up-regulated integrin gene expression. The impaired cell migration observed in SALL4 knockdown cells was restored by overexpression of integrin α6 and β1. In addition, we clarified that integrin α6 and β1 formed a heterodimer. At the molecular level, loss of the SALL4 - integrin α6β1 network lost focal adhesion dynamics, which impairs cell migration. Over-activation of Rho is known to inhibit focal adhesion dynamics. We observed that SALL4 knockdown cells exhibited over-activation of Rho. Aberrant Rho activation was suppressed by integrin α6β1 expression, and pharmacological inhibition of Rho activity restored cell migration in SALL4 knockdown cells. These results indicated that the SALL4 - integrin α6β1 network promotes cell migration via modulation of Rho activity. Moreover, our zebrafish metastasis assays demonstrated that this gene network enhances cell migration in vivo. Our findings identify a potential new therapeutic target for the prevention of metastasis, and provide an improved understanding of cancer cell migration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Signal transduction by beta1 integrin receptors in human chondrocytes in vitro: collaboration with the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor.

PubMed

Shakibaei, M; John, T; De Souza, P; Rahmanzadeh, R; Merker, H J

1999-09-15

We have examined the mechanism by which collagen-binding integrins co-operate with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors (IGF-IR) to regulate chondrocyte phenotype and differentiation. Adhesion of chondrocytes to anti-beta1 integrin antibodies or collagen type II leads to phosphorylation of cytoskeletal and signalling proteins localized at focal adhesions, including alpha-actinin, vinculin, paxillin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). These stimulate docking proteins such as Shc (Src-homology collagen). Moreover, exposure of collagen type II-cultured chondrocytes to IGF-I leads to co-immunoprecipitation of Shc protein with the IGF-IR and with beta1, alpha1 and alpha5 integrins, but not with alpha3 integrin. Shc then associates with growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), an adaptor protein and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. The expression of the docking protein Shc occurs only when chondrocytes are bound to collagen type II or integrin antibodies and increases when IGF-I is added, suggesting a collaboration between integrins and growth factors in a common/shared biochemical signalling pathway. Furthermore, these results indicate that focal adhesion assembly may facilitate signalling via Shc, a potential common target for signal integration between integrin and growth-factor signalling regulatory pathways. Thus, the collagen-binding integrins and IGF-IR co-operate to regulate focal adhesion components and these signalling pathways have common targets (Shc-Grb2 complex) in subcellular compartments, thereby linking to the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway. These events may play a role during chondrocyte differentiation.

Inhibition of Focal Adhesion Kinase Signaling by Integrin α6β1 Supports Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Self-Renewal.

PubMed

Villa-Diaz, Luis G; Kim, Jin Koo; Laperle, Alex; Palecek, Sean P; Krebsbach, Paul H

2016-07-01

Self-renewal of human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-known as pluripotent stem cells (PSC)-is influenced by culture conditions, including the substrate on which they are grown. However, details of the molecular mechanisms interconnecting the substrate and self-renewal of these cells remain unclear. We describe a signaling pathway in hPSCs linking self-renewal and expression of pluripotency transcription factors to integrin α6β1 and inactivation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Disruption of this pathway results in hPSC differentiation. In hPSCs, α6β1 is the dominant integrin and FAK is not phosphorylated at Y397, and thus, it is inactive. During differentiation, integrin α6 levels diminish and Y397 FAK is phosphorylated and activated. During reprogramming of fibroblasts into iPSCs, integrin α6 is upregulated and FAK is inactivated. Knockdown of integrin α6 and activation of β1 integrin lead to FAK phosphorylation and reduction of Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2, suggesting that integrin α6 functions in inactivation of integrin β1 and FAK signaling and prevention of hPSC differentiation. The N-terminal domain of FAK, where Y397 is localized, is in the nuclei of hPSCs interacting with Oct4 and Sox2, and this immunolocalization is regulated by Oct4. hPSCs remodel the extracellular microenvironment and deposit laminin α5, the primary ligand of integrin α6β1. Knockdown of laminin α5 resulted in reduction of integrin α6 expression, phosphorylation of FAK and decreased Oct4. In conclusion, hPSCs promote the expression of integrin α6β1, and nuclear localization and inactivation of FAK to supports stem cell self-renewal. Stem Cells 2016;34:1753-1764. © 2016 AlphaMed Press.

Apolipoprotein CIII-induced THP-1 cell adhesion to endothelial cells involves pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein- and protein kinase C alpha-mediated nuclear factor-kappaB activation.

PubMed

Kawakami, Akio; Aikawa, Masanori; Nitta, Noriko; Yoshida, Masayuki; Libby, Peter; Sacks, Frank M

2007-01-01

Plasma apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) independently predicts risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). We recently reported that apoCIII directly enhances adhesion of human monocytes to endothelial cells (ECs), and identified the activation of PKC alpha as a necessary upstream event of enhanced monocyte adhesion. This study tested the hypothesis that apoCIII activates PKC alpha in human monocytic THP-1 cells, leading to NF-kappaB activation. Among inhibitors specific to PKC activators, phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) inhibitor D609 limited apoCIII-induced PKC alpha activation and THP-1 cell adhesion. ApoCIII increased PC-PLC activity in THP-1 cells, resulting in PKC alpha activation. Pertussis toxin (PTX) inhibited apoCIII-induced PC-PLC activation and subsequent PKC alpha activation, implicating PTX-sensitive G protein pathway. ApoCIII further activated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) through PKC alpha in THP-1 cells and augmented beta1-integrin expression. The NF-kappaB inhibitor peptide SN50 partially inhibited apoCIII-induced beta1-integrin expression and THP-1 cell adhesion. ApoCIII-rich VLDL had similar effects to apoCIII alone. PTX-sensitive G protein pathway participates critically in PKC alpha stimulation in THP-1 cells exposed to apoCIII, activating NF-kappaB, and increasing beta1-integrin. This action causes monocytic cells to adhere to endothelial cells. Furthermore, because leukocyte NF-kappaB activation contributes to inflammatory aspects of atherogenesis, apoCIII may stimulate diverse inflammatory responses through monocyte activation.

The TGF-β inhibitory activity of antibody 37E1B5 depends on its H-CDR2 glycan.

PubMed

Tsui, Ping; Higazi, Daniel R; Wu, Yanli; Dunmore, Rebecca; Solier, Emilie; Kasali, Toyin; Bond, Nicholas J; Huntington, Catherine; Carruthers, Alan; Hood, John; Borrok, M Jack; Barnes, Arnita; Rickert, Keith; Phipps, Sandrina; Shirinian, Lena; Zhu, Jie; Bowen, Michael A; Dall'Acqua, William; Murray, Lynne A

2017-01-01

Excessive transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is associated with pro-fibrotic responses in lung disease, yet it also plays essential roles in tissue homeostasis and autoimmunity. Therefore, selective inhibition of excessive and aberrant integrin-mediated TGF-β activation via targeting the α-v family of integrins is being pursued as a therapeutic strategy for chronic lung diseases, to mitigate any potential safety concerns with global TGF-β inhibition. In this work, we reveal a novel mechanism of inhibiting TGF-β activation utilized by an αvβ8 targeting antibody, 37E1B5. This antibody blocks TGF-β activation while not inhibiting cell adhesion. We show that an N-linked complex-type Fab glycan in H-CDR2 of 37E1B5 is directly involved in the inhibition of latent TGF-β activation. Removal of the Fab N-glycosylation site by single amino acid substitution, or removal of N-linked glycans by enzymatic digestion, drastically reduced the antibody's ability to inhibit latency-associated peptide (LAP) and αvβ8 association, and TGF-β activation in an αvβ8-mediated TGF-β signaling reporter assay. Our results indicate a non-competitive, allosteric inhibition of 37E1B5 on αvβ8-mediated TGF-β activation. This unique, H-CDR2 glycan-mediated mechanism may account for the potent but tolerable TGF-b activation inhibition and lack of an effect on cellular adhesion by the antibody.

A novel CD44-binding peptide from the pro-matrix metalloproteinase-9 hemopexin domain impairs adhesion and migration of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells.

PubMed

Ugarte-Berzal, Estefanía; Bailón, Elvira; Amigo-Jiménez, Irene; Albar, Juan Pablo; García-Marco, José A; García-Pardo, Angeles

2014-05-30

(pro)MMP-9 binds to CLL cells through the PEX9 domain and contributes to CLL progression. To biochemically characterize this interaction and identify potential therapeutic targets, we prepared GST-PEX9 forms containing structural blades B1B2 or B3B4. We recently described a sequence in blade B4 (P3 sequence) that bound α4β1 integrin and partially impaired cell adhesion and migration. We have now studied the possible contribution of the B1B2 region to cell interaction with PEX9. CLL cells bound to GST-B1B2 and CD44 was the primary receptor. GST-B1B2 inhibited CLL cell migration as effectively as GST-B3B4. Overlapping synthetic peptides spanning the B1B2 region identified the sequence FDAIAEIGNQLYLFKDGKYW, present in B1 and contained in peptide P6, as the most effective site. P6 inhibited cell adhesion to PEX9 in a dose-dependent manner and with an IC50 value of 90 μM. P6 also inhibited cell adhesion to hyaluronan but had no effect on adhesion to VCAM-1 (α4β1 integrin ligand), confirming its specific interaction with CD44. Spatial localization analyses mapped P6 to the central cavity of PEX9, in close proximity to the previously identified P3 sequence. Both P6 and P3 equally impaired cell adhesion to (pro)MMP-9. Moreover, P6 synergistically cooperated with P3, resulting in complete inhibition of CLL cell binding to PEX9, chemotaxis, and transendothelial migration. Thus, P6 is a novel sequence in PEX9 involved in cell-PEX9/(pro)MMP-9 binding by interacting with CD44. Targeting both sites, P6 and P3, should efficiently prevent (pro)MMP-9 binding to CLL cells and its pathological consequences. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Attenuation of TNF-induced neutrophil adhesion by simvastatin is associated with the inhibition of Rho-GTPase activity, p50 activity and morphological changes.

PubMed

Antoniellis Silveira, Angélica Aparecida; Dominical, Venina Marcela; Morelli Vital, Daiana; Alves Ferreira, Wilson; Trindade Maranhão Costa, Fabio; Werneck, Claudio C; Ferreira Costa, Fernando; Conran, Nicola

2018-05-01

Neutrophil adhesion to the vasculature in response to potent inflammatory stimuli, such as TNF-α (TNF), can contribute to atheroprogression amongst other pathophysiological mechanisms. Previous studies have shown that simvastatin, a statin with known pleiotropic anti-inflammatory properties, can partially abrogate the effects of TNF-induced neutrophil adhesion, in association with the modulation of β 2 -integrin expression. We aimed to further characterize the effects of this statin on neutrophil and leukocyte adhesive mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. A microfluidic assay confirmed the ability of simvastatin to inhibit TNF-induced human neutrophil adhesion to fibronectin ligand under conditions of shear stress, while intravital imaging microscopy demonstrated an abrogation of leukocyte recruitment by simvastatin in the microvasculature of mice that had received a TNF stimulus. This inhibition of neutrophil adhesion was accompanied by the inhibition of TNF-induced RhoA activity in human neutrophils, and alterations in cell morphology and β 2 -integrin activity. Additionally, TNF augmented the activity of the p50 NFκB subunit in human neutrophils and TNF-induced neutrophil adhesion and β 2 -integrin activity could be abolished using pharmacological inhibitors of NFκB translocation, BAY11-7082 and SC514. Accordingly, the TNF-induced elevation of neutrophil p50 activity was abolished by simvastatin. In conclusion, our data provide further evidence of the ability of simvastatin to inhibit neutrophil adhesive interactions in response to inflammatory stimuli, both in vivo and in vitro. Simvastatin appears to inhibit neutrophil adhesion by interfering in TNF-induced cytoskeletal rearrangements, in association with the inhibition of Rho A activity, NFκB translocation and, consequently, β 2 -integrin activity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Integrin β1 regulates leiomyoma cytoskeletal integrity and growth

PubMed Central

Malik, Minnie; Segars, James; Catherino, William H.

2014-01-01

Uterine leiomyomas are characterized by an excessive extracellular matrix, increased mechanical stress, and increased active RhoA. Previously, we observed that mechanical signaling was attenuated in leiomyoma, but the mechanisms responsible remain unclear. Integrins, especially integrin β1, are transmembrane adhesion receptors that couple extracellular matrix stresses to the intracellular cytoskeleton to influence cell proliferation and differentiation. Here we characterized integrin and laminin to signaling in leiomyoma cells. We observed a 2.25 ± 0.32 fold increased expression of integrin β1 in leiomyoma cells, compared to myometrial cells. Antibody-mediated inhibition of integrin β1 led to significant growth inhibition in leiomyoma cells and a loss of cytoskeletal integrity. Specifically, polymerization of actin filaments and formation of focal adhesions were reduced by inhibition of integrin p1. Inhibition of integrin β1 in leiomyoma cells led to 0.81 ± 0.02 fold decrease in active RhoA, and resembled levels found in serum-starved cells. Likewise, inhibition of integrin β1 was accompanied by a decrease in phospho-ERK. Compared to myometrial cells, leiomyoma cells demonstrated increased expression of integrin α6 subunit to laminin receptor (1.91 ± 0.11 fold), and increased expression of laminin 5α (1.52±0.02), laminin 5β (3.06±0.92), and laminin 5γ (1.66 ± 0.06). Of note, leiomyoma cells grown on laminin matrix appear to realign themselves. Taken together, the findings reveal that the attenuated mechanical signaling in leiomyoma cells is accompanied by an increased expression and a dependence on integrin β1 signaling in leiomyoma cells, compared to myometrial cells. PMID:23023061

Simultaneous Targeting of RGD-Integrins and Dual Murine Double Minute Proteins in Glioblastoma Multiforme.

PubMed

Merlino, Francesco; Daniele, Simona; La Pietra, Valeria; Di Maro, Salvatore; Di Leva, Francesco Saverio; Brancaccio, Diego; Tomassi, Stefano; Giuntini, Stefano; Cerofolini, Linda; Fragai, Marco; Luchinat, Claudio; Reichart, Florian; Cavallini, Chiara; Costa, Barbara; Piccarducci, Rebecca; Taliani, Sabrina; Da Settimo, Federico; Martini, Claudia; Kessler, Horst; Novellino, Ettore; Marinelli, Luciana

2018-05-18

In the fight against Glioblastoma Multiforme, recent literature data have highlighted that integrin α5β1 and p53 are part of convergent pathways in the control of glioma apoptosis. This observation prompted us to seek a molecule able to simultaneously modulate both target families. Analyzing the results of a previous virtual screening against murine double minute 2 protein (MDM2), we envisaged that Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-mimetic molecules could be inhibitors of MDM2/4. Herein we present the discovery of compound 7, which inhibits both MDM2/4 and α5β1/αvβ3 integrins. A lead optimization campaign was carried out on 7 with aim to preserve the activities on integrins while improving those on MDM proteins. Compound 9 turned out to be a potent MDM2/4, and α5β1/αvβ3 blocker. In p53-wild type glioma cells, 9 arrested cell cycle and proliferation and strongly reduced cell invasiveness, emerging as the first molecule of a novel class of integrin/MDM inhibitors, which might be especially useful in subpopulations of patients with glioblastoma expressing a functional p53 concomitantly with a high level of α5β1 integrin.

Nck-Interacting Ste20 Kinase Couples Eph Receptors to c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase and Integrin Activation

PubMed Central

Becker, Elena; Huynh-Do, Uyen; Holland, Sacha; Pawson, Tony; Daniel, Tom O.; Skolnik, Edward Y.

2000-01-01

The mammalian Ste20 kinase Nck-interacting kinase (NIK) specifically activates the c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase module. NIK also binds the SH3 domains of the SH2/SH3 adapter protein Nck. To determine whether Nck functions as an adapter to couple NIK to a receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, we determined whether NIK is activated by Eph receptors (EphR). EphRs constitute the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), and members of this family play important roles in patterning of the nervous and vascular systems. In this report, we show that NIK kinase activity is specifically increased in cells stimulated by two EphRs, EphB1 and EphB2. EphB1 kinase activity and phosphorylation of a juxtamembrane tyrosine (Y594), conserved in all Eph receptors, are both critical for NIK activation by EphB1. Although pY594 in the EphB1R has previously been shown to bind the SH2 domain of Nck, we found that stimulation of EphB1 and EphB2 led predominantly to a complex between NIK/Nck, p62dok, RasGAP, and an unidentified 145-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein. Tyrosine-phosphorylated p62dok most probably binds directly to the SH2 domain of Nck and RasGAP and indirectly to NIK bound to the SH3 domain of Nck. We found that NIK activation is also critical for coupling EphB1R to biological responses that include the activation of integrins and JNK by EphB1. Taken together, these findings support a model in which the recruitment of the Ste20 kinase NIK to phosphotyrosine-containing proteins by Nck is an important proximal step in the signaling cascade downstream of EphRs. PMID:10669731

Signal transduction of Helicobacter pylori during interaction with host cell protein receptors of epithelial and immune cells

PubMed Central

Pachathundikandi, Suneesh Kumar; Tegtmeyer, Nicole; Backert, Steffen

2013-01-01

Helicobacter pylori infections can induce pathologies ranging from chronic gastritis, peptic ulceration to gastric cancer. Bacterial isolates harbor numerous well-known adhesins, vacuolating cytotoxin VacA, protease HtrA, urease, peptidoglycan, and type IV secretion systems (T4SS). It appears that H. pylori targets more than 40 known host protein receptors on epithelial or immune cells. A series of T4SS components such as CagL, CagI, CagY, and CagA can bind to the integrin α5β1 receptor. Other targeted membrane-based receptors include the integrins αvβ3, αvβ5, and β2 (CD18), RPTP-α/β, GP130, E-cadherin, fibronectin, laminin, CD46, CD74, ICAM1/LFA1, T-cell receptor, Toll-like receptors, and receptor tyrosine kinases EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, and c-Met. In addition, H. pylori is able to activate the intracellular receptors NOD1, NOD2, and NLRP3 with important roles in innate immunity. Here we review the interplay of various bacterial factors with host protein receptors. The contribution of these interactions to signal transduction and pathogenesis is discussed. PMID:24280762

Dramatic and concerted conformational changes enable rhodocetin to block α2β1 integrin selectively

PubMed Central

Orriss, George L.; Niland, Stephan; Johanningmeier, Benjamin; Pohlentz, Gottfried; Meier, Markus; Karrasch, Simone; Estevão-Costa, Maria Inacia; Martins Lima, Augusto; Stetefeld, Jörg

2017-01-01

The collagen binding integrin α2β1 plays a crucial role in hemostasis, fibrosis, and cancer progression amongst others. It is specifically inhibited by rhodocetin (RC), a C-type lectin-related protein (CLRP) found in Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma) venom. The structure of RC alone reveals a heterotetramer arranged as an αβ and γδ subunit in a cruciform shape. RC specifically binds to the collagen binding A-domain of the integrin α2 subunit, thereby blocking collagen-induced platelet aggregation. However, until now, the molecular basis for this interaction has remained unclear. Here, we present the molecular structure of the RCγδ-α2A complex solved to 3.0 Å resolution. Our findings show that RC undergoes a dramatic structural reorganization upon binding to α2β1 integrin. Besides the release of the nonbinding RCαβ tandem, the RCγ subunit interacts with loop 2 of the α2A domain as result of a dramatic conformational change. The RCδ subunit contacts the integrin α2A domain in the “closed” conformation through its helix C. Combined with epitope-mapped antibodies, conformationally locked α2A domain mutants, point mutations within the α2A loop 2, and chemical modifications of the purified toxin protein, this molecular structure of RCγδ-α2A complex explains the inhibitory mechanism and specificity of RC for α2β1 integrin. PMID:28704364

αMβ₂ integrin activation prevents alternative activation of human and murine macrophages and impedes foam cell formation.

PubMed

Yakubenko, Valentin P; Bhattacharjee, Ashish; Pluskota, Elzbieta; Cathcart, Martha K

2011-03-04

The alternative activation of monocytes by interleukin (IL)-13 and IL-4 is a significant component of the inflammatory response. The consequences of alternative activation in inflammatory diseases remain to be determined. In this report, we explored how integrins, receptors important for monocyte migration to inflammatory sites, regulate IL-13-mediated monocyte activation. We focused on the analysis of 2 proteins, which are upregulated during the alternative activation and are important for the development of atherosclerosis, an oxidative enzyme 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) and a scavenger receptor CD36. We found that adhesion of resting monocytes through β(2) integrins and inside-out activation of β(2) integrins by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 did not change IL-13-stimulated 15-LO upregulation; however, preincubation of monocytes with the antibody MEM48, which generates full activation of β(2) integrins, significantly inhibited 15-LO mRNA and protein expression. In contrast, activation of β(1) integrins had no effect on 15-LO expression. Analysis of integrin clustering through α(M), α(L), α(X), and α(D) subunits demonstrated the pivotal role for integrin α(M)β(2) in inhibiting 15-LO expression. IL-13 treatment upregulates 15-LO-dependent CD36 expression on human monocytes; our studies showed that β(2) integrin activation and α(M) integrin clustering significantly inhibited IL-13-dependent CD36 mRNA and protein expression, as well as CD36-related foam cell formation. Moreover, IL-13 stimulation of α(M)-deficient peritoneal macrophages demonstrated an upregulated level of 15-LO induction, CD36 expression, and lipid accumulation as compared with wild-type controls. The adhesion of monocytes/macrophages through activated integrin α(M)β(2) has a regulatory and potential atheroprotective function during the alternative activation of macrophages.

αMβ2 Integrin Activation Prevents Alternative Activation of Human and Murine Macrophages and Impedes Foam Cell Formation

PubMed Central

Yakubenko, Valentin P.; Bhattacharjee, Ashish; Pluskota, Elzbieta; Cathcart, Martha K.

2011-01-01

Rationale The alternative activation of monocytes by IL-13 and IL-4 is a significant component of the inflammatory response. The consequences of alternative activation in inflammatory diseases remain to be determined. Objective In this paper we explored how integrins, receptors important for monocyte migration to inflammatory sites, regulate IL-13-mediated monocyte activation. We focused on the analysis of two proteins, which are upregulated during the alternative activation and are important for the development of atherosclerosis - an oxidative enzyme 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) and a scavenger receptor CD36. Methods and Results We found that adhesion of resting monocytes through β2 integrins and inside-out activation of β2 integrins by MCP-1 did not change IL-13-stimulated 15-LO upregulation; however, preincubation of monocytes with the antibody MEM48, which generates full activation of β2 integrins, significantly inhibited 15-LO mRNA and protein expression. In contrast, activation of β1 integrins had no effect on 15-LO expression. Analysis of integrin clustering through αM, αL, αX and αD subunits demonstrated the pivotal role for integrin αMβ2 in inhibiting 15-LO expression. IL-13 treatment upregulates 15-LO-dependent CD36 expression on human monocytes, our studies showed that β2 integrin activation and αM integrin clustering significantly inhibited IL-13-dependent CD36 mRNA and protein expression as well as CD36-related foam cell formation. Moreover, IL-13 stimulation of αM-deficient peritoneal macrophages demonstrated an upregulated level of 15-LO induction, CD36 expression and lipid accumulation as compared to wild type controls. Conclusions The adhesion of monocytes/macrophages through activated integrin αMβ2 has a regulatory and potential athero-protective function during the alternative activation of macrophages. PMID:21252155

Generation of Cre-transgenic mice using Dlx1/Dlx2 enhancers and their characterization in GABAergic interneurons

PubMed Central

Potter, Gregory B.; Petryniak, Magdalena A.; Shevchenko, Eugenia; McKinsey, Gabriel L.; Ekker, Marc; Rubenstein, John L.R.

2009-01-01

DLX1 and DLX2 transcription factors are necessary for forebrain GABAergic neuron differentiation, migration, and survival. We generated transgenic mice that express Cre-recombinase under the control of two ultra-conserved DNA elements near the Dlx1&2 locus termed I12b and URE2. We show that Cre-recombinase is active in a “Dlx-pattern” in the embryonic forebrain of transgenic mice. I12b-Cre is more active than URE2-Cre in the medial ganglionic eminences and its derivatives. Fate-mapping of EGFP+ cells in adult Cre;Z/EG animals demonstrated that GABAergic neurons, but not glia, are labeled. Most NPY+, nNOS+, parvalbumin+, and somatostatin+ cells are marked by I12b-Cre in the cortex and hippocampus, while 25-40% of these interneuron subtypes are labeled by URE2-Cre. Labeling of neurons generated between E12.5 to E15.5 indicated differences in birth-dates of EGFP+ cells that populate the olfactory bulb, hippocampus, and cortex. Finally, we provide the first in vivo evidence that both I12b and URE2 are direct targets of DLX2 and require Dlx1 and Dlx2 expression for proper activity. PMID:19026749

Enhanced tolerance and remediation to mixed contaminates of PCBs and 2,4-DCP by transgenic alfalfa plants expressing the 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl-1,2-dioxygenase.

PubMed

Wang, Yan; Ren, Hejun; Pan, Hongyu; Liu, Jinliang; Zhang, Lanying

2015-04-09

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) generally led to mixed contamination of soils as a result of commercial and agricultural activities. Their accumulation in the environment poses great risks to human and animal health. Therefore, the effective strategies for disposal of these pollutants are urgently needed. In this study, genetic engineering to enhance PCBs/2,4-DCP phytoremediation is a focus. We cloned the 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl-1,2-dioxygenase (BphC.B) from a soil metagenomic library, which is the key enzyme of aerobic catabolism of a variety of aromatic compounds, and then it was expressed in alfalfa driven by CaMV 35S promoter using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transgenic line BB11 was selected out through PCR, Western blot analysis and enzyme activity assays. Its disposal and tolerance to both PCBs and 2,4-DCP were examined. The tolerance capability of transgenic line BB11 towards complex contaminants of PCBs/2,4-DCP significantly increased compared with non-transgenic plants. Strong dissipation of PCBs and high removal efficiency of 2,4-DCP were exhibited in a short time. It was confirmed expressing BphC.B would be a feasible strategy to help achieving phytoremediation in mixed contaminated soils with PCBs and 2,4-DCP. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Loss of β1-integrin from urothelium results in overactive bladder and incontinence in mice: a mechanosensory rather than structural phenotype.

PubMed

Kanasaki, Keizo; Yu, Weiqun; von Bodungen, Maximilian; Larigakis, John D; Kanasaki, Megumi; Ayala de la Pena, Francisco; Kalluri, Raghu; Hill, Warren G

2013-05-01

Bladder urothelium senses and communicates information about bladder fullness. However, the mechanoreceptors that respond to tissue stretch are poorly defined. Integrins are mechanotransducers in other tissues. Therefore, we eliminated β1-integrin selectively in urothelium of mice using Cre-LoxP targeted gene deletion. β1-Integrin localized to basal/intermediate urothelial cells by confocal microscopy. β1-Integrin conditional-knockout (β1-cKO) mice lacking urothelial β1-integrin exhibited down-regulation and mislocalization of α3- and α5-integrins by immunohistochemistry but, surprisingly, had normal morphology, permeability, and transepithelial resistance when compared with Cre-negative littermate controls. β1-cKO mice were incontinent, as judged by random urine leakage on filter paper (4-fold higher spotting, P<0.01; 2.5-fold higher urine area percentage, P<0.05). Urodynamic function assessed by cystometry revealed bladder overfilling with 80% longer intercontractile intervals (P<0.05) and detrusor hyperactivity (3-fold more prevoid contractions, P<0.05), but smooth muscle contractility remained intact. ATP secretion into the lumen was elevated (49 vs. 22 nM, P<0.05), indicating abnormal filling-induced purinergic signaling, and short-circuit currents (measured in Ussing chambers) revealed 2-fold higher stretch-activated ion channel conductances in response to hydrostatic pressure of 1 cmH2O (P<0.05). We conclude that loss of integrin signaling from urothelium results in incontinence and overactive bladder due to abnormal mechanotransduction; more broadly, our findings indicate that urothelium itself directly modulates voiding.

A novel leukocyte adhesion deficiency caused by expressed but nonfunctional β2 integrins Mac-1 and LFA-1

PubMed Central

Hogg, Nancy; Stewart, Mairi P.; Scarth, Sarah L.; Newton, Rebecca; Shaw, Jacqueline M.; Law, S.K. Alex; Klein, Nigel

1999-01-01

In the leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD)-1 syndrome, there is diminished expression of β2(CD18) integrins. This is caused by lesions in the β2-subunit gene and gives rise to recurrent bacterial infections, impaired pus formation, and poor wound healing. We describe a patient with clinical features compatible with a moderately severe phenotype of LAD-1 but who expresses the β2 integrins lymphocyte function– associated molecule (LFA)-1 and Mac-1 at 40%–60% of normal levels. This level of expression should be adequate for normal integrin function, but both the patient's Mac-1 on neutrophils and LFA-1 on T cells failed to bind ligands such as fibrinogen and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, respectively, or to display a β2-integrin activation epitope after adhesion-inducing stimuli. Unexpectedly, divalent cation treatment induced the patient's T cells to bind to ICAM-2 and ICAM-3. Sequencing of the patient's two CD18 alleles revealed the mutations S138P and G273R. Both mutations are in the β2-subunit conserved domain, with S138P a putative divalent cation coordinating residue in the metal ion–dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) motif. After K562 cell transfection with α subunits, the mutated S138P β subunit was coexpressed but did not support function, whereas the G273R mutant was not expressed. In summary, the patient described here exhibits failure of the β2 integrins to function despite adequate levels of cell-surface expression. PMID:9884339

Direct binding of F actin to the cytoplasmic domain of the alpha 2 integrin chain in vitro

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kieffer, J. D.; Plopper, G.; Ingber, D. E.; Hartwig, J. H.; Kupper, T. S.

1995-01-01

The transmembrane integrins have been shown to interact with the cytoskeleton via noncovalent binding between cytoplasmic domains (CDs) of integrin beta chains and various actin binding proteins within the focal adhesion complex. Direct or indirect integrin alpha chain CD binding to the actin cytoskeleton has not been reported. We show here that actin, as an abundant constituent of focal adhesion complex proteins isolated from fibroblasts, binds strongly and specifically to alpha 2 CD, but not to alpha 1 CD peptide. Similar specific binding to alpha 2 CD peptide was seen for highly purified F actin, free of putative actin-binding proteins. The bound complex of actin and peptide was visualized directly by coprecipitation, and actin binding was abrogated by removal of a five amino acid sequence from the alpha 2 CD peptide. Our findings may explain the earlier observation that, while integrins alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 1 beta 1 both bind to collagen, only alpha 2 beta 1 can mediate contraction of extracellular collagen matrices.

Selectively Targeting T- and B-Cell Lymphomas: A Benzothiazole Antagonist of α4β1 Integrin

PubMed Central

Carpenter, Richard D.; Andrei, Mirela; Aina, Olulanu H.; Lau, Edmond Y.; Lightstone, Felice C.; Liu, Ruiwu; Lam, Kit S.; Kurth, Mark J.

2011-01-01

Current cancer chemotherapeutic agents clinically deployed today are designed to be indiscriminately cytotoxic, however achieving selective targeting of cancer malignancies would allow for improved diagnostic and chemotherapeutic tools. Integrin α4β1, a heterodimeric cell surface receptor, is believed to have a relaxed conformation in normal cells and an active conformation in cancerous cells, specifically T- and B-cell lymphomas. This highly attractive yet poorly understood receptor has been selectively targeted with the bisaryl urea peptidomimetic antagonist 1. However, concerns regarding its preliminary pharmacokinetic (PK) profile provided an impetus to change the pharmacophore from a bisaryl urea to a 2-arylaminobenzothiazole moiety, resulting in an analog with improved physicochemical properties, solubility and kidney:tumor ratio while maintaining potency (6; IC50 = 53 pM). The results presented herein utilized heterocyclic and solid-phase chemistry, cell adhesion assay, and in vivo optical imaging using the cyanine dye Cy5.5 conjugate. PMID:19072684

Role of insulin receptor and insulin signaling on αPS2CβPS integrins' lateral diffusion.

PubMed

Mainali, Dipak; Syed, Aleem; Arora, Neha; Smith, Emily A

2014-12-01

Integrins are ubiquitous transmembrane receptors with adhesion and signaling properties. The influence of insulin receptor and insulin signaling on αPS2CβPS integrins' lateral diffusion was studied using single particle tracking in S2 cells before and after reducing the insulin receptor expression or insulin stimulation. Insulin signaling was monitored by Western blotting for phospho-Akt expression. The expression of the insulin receptor was reduced using RNA interference (RNAi). After insulin receptor RNAi, four significant changes were measured in integrin diffusion properties: (1) there was a 24% increase in the mobile integrin population, (2) 14% of the increase was represented by integrins with Brownian diffusion, (3) for integrins that reside in confined zones of diffusion, there was a 45% increase in the diameter of the confined zone, and (4) there was a 29% increase in the duration integrins spend in confined zones of diffusion. In contrast to reduced expression of the insulin receptor, which alters integrin diffusion properties, insulin stimulation alone or insulin stimulation under conditions of reduced insulin receptor expression have minimal effects on altering the measured integrin diffusion properties. The differences in integrin diffusion measured after insulin receptor RNAi in the presence or absence of insulin stimulation may be the result of other insulin signaling pathways that are activated at reduced insulin receptor conditions. No change in the average integrin diffusion coefficient was measured for any conditions included in this study.

Integrin-directed modulation of macrophage responses to biomaterials.

PubMed

Zaveri, Toral D; Lewis, Jamal S; Dolgova, Natalia V; Clare-Salzler, Michael J; Keselowsky, Benjamin G

2014-04-01

Macrophages are the primary mediator of chronic inflammatory responses to implanted biomaterials, in cases when the material is either in particulate or bulk form. Chronic inflammation limits the performance and functional life of numerous implanted medical devices, and modulating macrophage interactions with biomaterials to mitigate this response would be beneficial. The integrin family of cell surface receptors mediates cell adhesion through binding to adhesive proteins nonspecifically adsorbed onto biomaterial surfaces. In this work, the roles of integrin Mac-1 (αMβ2) and RGD-binding integrins were investigated using model systems for both particulate and bulk biomaterials. Specifically, the macrophage functions of phagocytosis and inflammatory cytokine secretion in response to a model particulate material, polystyrene microparticles were investigated. Opsonizing proteins modulated microparticle uptake, and integrin Mac-1 and RGD-binding integrins were found to control microparticle uptake in an opsonin-dependent manner. The presence of adsorbed endotoxin did not affect microparticle uptake levels, but was required for the production of inflammatory cytokines in response to microparticles. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that integrin Mac-1 and RGD-binding integrins influence the in vivo foreign body response to a bulk biomaterial, subcutaneously implanted polyethylene terephthalate. A thinner foreign body capsule was formed when integrin Mac-1 was absent (~30% thinner) or when RGD-binding integrins were blocked by controlled release of a blocking peptide (~45% thinner). These findings indicate integrin Mac-1 and RGD-binding integrins are involved and may serve as therapeutic targets to mitigate macrophage inflammatory responses to both particulate and bulk biomaterials. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of β2 integrin associated heparin-binding protein release in ARDS.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Ma, Shaolin; Wang, Xuebin; Feng, Yajing; Zhang, Shouqin; Wang, Sheng; Zhang, Xiangyu

2018-06-15

PMNs (polymorphonuclear neutrophil) play important roles in early stage of inflammation induced ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). Both HBP (Heparin-Binding Protein) released from active PMNs and β2 integrins on the surface of PMNs are involved in vascular leakage. The role and relationship of HBP and β2 integrins on ARDS still requires study. We established ARDS model using C57BL/6 mice with cecal ligation and puncture and eliminating HBP and β2 integrin with respective antibodies. The mice were also challenged with HBP endotracheal instillation. Histopathology score, lung wet/dry ratio, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein, plasma HBP and β2 integrin on PMNs from all groups were measured. β2 integrin and HBP were analyzed after incubated PMNs with streptococcal and pretreat with anti-CD18, anti-HBP, 1-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor. All lung injury indicatrix accompanied with HBP and β2 integrin elevated in CLP group, and HBP and β2 integrin were in correlation with each other and both were in correlation with the severity of lung injury. Endotracheal instillation HBP induced lung injury in CLP mice. Inhibiting both HBP and integrin ameliorated lung injury. HBP release was suppressed by inhibiting integrin and PI3K pathway, while integrin level did not decrease after eliminating HBP. Both HBP and β2 integrin play important roles in ARDS. HBP released from PMNs is β2 integrin-PI3K signaling pathway dependent process revealing potential novel therapeutic targets for ARDS treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Interactive Effects of Transgenically Overexpressed 1Ax1 with Various HMW-GS Combinations on Dough Quality by Introgression of Exogenous Subunits into an Elite Chinese Wheat Variety

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jian; Lei, Qian; Meng, Dandan; Ma, Fengyun; Hu, Wei; Chen, Mingjie; Chang, Junli; Wang, Yuesheng; Yang, Guangxiao; He, Guangyuan

2013-01-01

Seed storage proteins in wheat endosperm, particularly high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS), are primary determinants of dough properties, and affect both end-use quality and grain utilization of wheat (Triticum aestivum L). In order to investigate the interactive effects between the transgenically overexpressed 1Ax1 subunit with different HMW-GS on dough quality traits, we developed a set of 8 introgression lines (ILs) overexpressing the transgenic HMW-glutenin subunit 1Ax1 by introgression of this transgene from transgenic line B102-1-2/1 into an elite Chinese wheat variety Chuanmai107 (C107), using conventional crossing and backcrossing breeding technique. The donor C107 strain lacks 1Ax1 but contains the HMW-GS pairs 1Dx2+1Dy12 and 1Bx7+1By9. The resultant ILs showed robust and stable expression of 1Ax1 even after five generations of self-pollination, and crossing/backcrossing three times. In addition, overexpression of 1Ax1 was compensated by the endogenous gluten proteins. All ILs exhibited superior agronomic performance when compared to the transgenic parent line, B102-1-2/1. Mixograph results demonstrated that overexpressed 1Ax1 significantly improved dough strength, resistance to extension and over-mixing tolerance, in the targeted wheat cultivar C107. Further, comparisons among the ILs showed the interactive effects of endogenous subunits on dough properties when 1Ax1 was overexpressed: subunit pair 17+18 contributed to increased over-mixing tolerance of the dough; expression of the Glu-D1 allele maintained an appropriate balance between x-type and y-type subunits and thereby improved dough quality. It is consistent with ILs C4 (HMW-GS are 1, 17+18, 2+12) had the highest gluten index and Zeleny sedimentation value. This study demonstrates that wheat quality could be improved by using transgenic wheat overexpressing HMW-GS and the feasibility of using such transgenic lines in wheat quality breeding programs. PMID:24167625

HIF-2α-ILK Is Involved in Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Angiogenesis in Multiple Myeloma Under Hypoxic Conditions

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiaoying; Xu, Yinhui; Liu, Hongbo; Zhao, Pan; Chen, Yafang; Yue, Zhijie; Zhang, Zhiqing; Wang, Xiaofang

2018-01-01

Mesenchymal stromal cells are proven to be likely induce the angiogenic response in multiple myeloma and thus represent an enticing target for antiangiogenesis therapies for multiple myeloma. Substantial evidence indicates that angiogenesis in multiple myeloma is complex and involves direct production of angiogenic cytokines by abnormal plasma cells and these B-cell neoplasia generated pathophysiology change within the microenvironment. In this study, we demonstrated that mesenchymal stromal cells cultured with U266/Lp-1 under hypoxic conditions resulted in an increased α-smooth muscle actin expression and high productive levels of both hypoxia-inducible factor-2α and integrin-linked kinase proteins. Moreover, inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α by Small interfering RNA (siRNA) in mesenchymal stromal cells decreased the protein levels of both α-smooth muscle actin and integrin-linked kinase after mesenchymal stromal cells cultured with U266 under hypoxic conditions. We further demonstrated that transfection of integrin-linked kinase-siRNA reduced the protein level of α-smooth muscle actin and attenuated angiogenesis in vitro by decreasing the attachment of Q-dot labeled cells and secretion of angiogenic factors. In conclusion, our research showed that mesenchymal stromal cells cultured with myeloma cells under hypoxia participated in the angiogenesis of multiple myeloma, which is regulated by the hypoxia-inducible factor-2α-integrin-linked kinase pathway. Thus, targeting integrin-linked kinase may represent an effective strategy to block hypoxia-inducible factor-2α-induced angiogenesis in the treatment of multiple myeloma. PMID:29656700

Ganglioside GM2 mediates migration of tumor cells by interacting with integrin and modulating the downstream signaling pathway.

PubMed

Kundu, Manjari; Mahata, Barun; Banerjee, Avisek; Chakraborty, Sohini; Debnath, Shibjyoti; Ray, Sougata Sinha; Ghosh, Zhumur; Biswas, Kaushik

2016-07-01

The definitive role of ganglioside GM2 in mediating tumor-induced growth and progression is still unknown. Here we report a novel role of ganglioside GM2 in mediating tumor cell migration and uncovered its mechanism. Data shows differential expression levels of GM2-synthase as well as GM2 in different human cancer cells. siRNA mediated knockdown of GM2-synthase in CCF52, A549 and SK-RC-26B cells resulted in significant inhibition of tumor cell migration as well as invasion in vitro without affecting cellular proliferation. Over-expression of GM2-synthase in low-GM2 expressing SK-RC-45 cells resulted in a consequent increase in migration thus confirming the potential role GM2 and its downstream partners play in tumor cell migration and motility. Further, treatment of SK-RC-45 cells with exogenous GM2 resulted in a dramatic increase in migratory and invasive capacity with no change in proliferative capacity, thereby confirming the role of GM2 in tumorigenesis specifically by mediating tumor migration and invasion. Gene expression profiling of GM2-synthase silenced cells revealed altered expression of several genes involved in cell migration primarily those controlling the integrin mediated signaling. GM2-synthase knockdown resulted in decreased phosphorylation of FAK, Src as well as Erk, while over-expression and/or exogenous GM2 treatment caused increased FAK and Erk phosphorylation respectively. Again, GM2 mediated invasion and Erk phosphorylation is blocked in integrin knockdown SK-RC-45 cells, thus confirming that GM2 mediated migration and phosphorylation of Erk is integrin dependent. Finally, confocal microscopy suggested co-localization while co-immunoprecipitation and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) confirmed direct interaction of membrane bound ganglioside, GM2 with the integrin receptor. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bcr-Abl induces abnormal cytoskeleton remodeling, beta1 integrin clustering and increased cell adhesion to fibronectin through the Abl interactor 1 pathway.

PubMed

Li, Yingzhu; Clough, Nancy; Sun, Xiaolin; Yu, Weidong; Abbott, Brian L; Hogan, Christopher J; Dai, Zonghan

2007-04-15

Hematopoietic cells isolated from patients with Bcr-Abl-positive leukemia exhibit multiple abnormalities of cytoskeletal and integrin function. These abnormalities are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of leukemia; however, the molecular events leading to these abnormalities are not fully understood. We show here that the Abi1 pathway is required for Bcr-Abl to stimulate actin cytoskeleton remodeling, integrin clustering and cell adhesion. Expression of Bcr-Abl induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Abi1. This is accompanied by a subcellular translocation of Abi1/WAVE2 to a site adjacent to membrane, where an F-actin-enriched structure containing the adhesion molecules such as beta1-integrin, paxillin and vinculin is assembled. Bcr-Abl-induced membrane translocation of Abi1/WAVE2 requires direct interaction between Abi1 and Bcr-Abl, but is independent of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway. Formation of the F-actin-rich complex correlates with an increased cell adhesion to fibronectin. More importantly, disruption of the interaction between Bcr-Abl and Abi1 by mutations either in Bcr-Abl or Abi1 not only abolished tyrosine phosphorylation of Abi1 and membrane translocation of Abi1/WAVE2, but also inhibited Bcr-Abl-stimulated actin cytoskeleton remodeling, integrin clustering and cell adhesion to fibronectin. Together, these data define Abi1/WAVE2 as a downstream pathway that contributes to Bcr-Abl-induced abnormalities of cytoskeletal and integrin function.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, Yoon Pyo; Kim, Baek Gil; Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The potential of targeting ILK and integrins for highly aggressive ovarian cancer. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Unanticipated synergistic effect for the combination of ILK/{beta}4 integrin. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Combination of ILK/{beta}4 integrin effectively inhibited the PI3K/Akt/Rac1 cascade. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Targeting of {beta}4 integrin/ILK had potent inhibitory effects in ovarian cancer. -- Abstract: Integrins and integrin-linked kinase (ILK) are essential to cancerous invasion because they mediate physical interactions with the extracellular matrix, and regulate oncogenic signaling pathways. The purpose of our study is to determine whether deletion of {beta}1 and {beta}4 integrin and ILK, alone or in combination, has antitumoral effects in ovarian cancer. Expressionmore » of {beta}1 and {beta}4 integrin and ILK was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 196 ovarian cancer tissue samples. We assessed the effects of depleting these molecules with shRNAs in ovarian cancer cells by Western blot, conventional RT-PCR, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vitro Rac1 activity assays, and in vivo xenograft formation assays. Overexpression of {beta}4 integrin and ILK in human ovarian cancer specimens was found to correlate with tumor aggressiveness. Depletion of these targets efficiently suppresses ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and xenograft tumor formation in vivo. We also demonstrated that single depletion of ILK or combination depletion of {beta}4 integrin/ILK inhibits phosphorylation of downstream signaling targets, p-Ser 473 Akt and p-Thr202/Tyr204 Erk1/2, and activation of Rac1, as well as reduce expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and increase expression of caspase-3 in vitro. In conclusion, targeting {beta}4 integrin combined with ILK can instigate the latent tumorigenic potential and abrogate the invasive potential in ovarian cancer.« less

Loss of β1-integrin from urothelium results in overactive bladder and incontinence in mice: a mechanosensory rather than structural phenotype

PubMed Central

Kanasaki, Keizo; Yu, Weiqun; von Bodungen, Maximilian; Larigakis, John D.; Kanasaki, Megumi; Ayala de la Pena, Francisco; Kalluri, Raghu; Hill, Warren G.

2013-01-01

Bladder urothelium senses and communicates information about bladder fullness. However, the mechanoreceptors that respond to tissue stretch are poorly defined. Integrins are mechanotransducers in other tissues. Therefore, we eliminated β1-integrin selectively in urothelium of mice using Cre-LoxP targeted gene deletion. β1-Integrin localized to basal/intermediate urothelial cells by confocal microscopy. β1-Integrin conditional-knockout (β1-cKO) mice lacking urothelial β1-integrin exhibited down-regulation and mislocalization of α3- and α5-integrins by immunohistochemistry but, surprisingly, had normal morphology, permeability, and transepithelial resistance when compared with Cre-negative littermate controls. β1-cKO mice were incontinent, as judged by random urine leakage on filter paper (4-fold higher spotting, P<0.01; 2.5-fold higher urine area percentage, P<0.05). Urodynamic function assessed by cystometry revealed bladder overfilling with 80% longer intercontractile intervals (P<0.05) and detrusor hyperactivity (3-fold more prevoid contractions, P<0.05), but smooth muscle contractility remained intact. ATP secretion into the lumen was elevated (49 vs. 22 nM, P<0.05), indicating abnormal filling-induced purinergic signaling, and short-circuit currents (measured in Ussing chambers) revealed 2-fold higher stretch-activated ion channel conductances in response to hydrostatic pressure of 1 cmH2O (P<0.05). We conclude that loss of integrin signaling from urothelium results in incontinence and overactive bladder due to abnormal mechanotransduction; more broadly, our findings indicate that urothelium itself directly modulates voiding.—Kanasaki, K., Yu, W., von Bodungen, M., Larigakis, J. D., Kanasaki, M., Ayala de la Pena, F., Kalluri, R., Hill, W.G. Loss of β1-integrin from urothelium results in overactive bladder and incontinence in mice: a mechanosensory rather than structural phenotype. PMID:23395910

Analysis of the effects of overexpression of metallothionein-I in transgenic mice on the reproductive toxicology of cadmium.

PubMed Central

Dalton, T; Fu, K; Enders, G C; Palmiter, R D; Andrews, G K

1996-01-01

Exposure to low levels of cadmium reduces fertility. In male mice spermatogenesis is highly sensitive to cadmium, whereas in females the peri-implantation period of pregnancy is sensitive. To examine the potential roles of the cadmium-binding protein, metallothionein (MT), in the reproductive toxicology of cadmium, we examined a transgenic mouse strain that overexpresses metallothionein-I (MT-I). These mice had dramatically increased steady-state levels of MT-I mRNA and MT in the testes and in the female reproductive tract during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy, and this overexpression occurred in a cell-specific and temporally regulated manner similar to that of the endogenous MT-I gene. Transgenic and control males were injected with cadmium, and the histology of the testes was examined. An injection of 7.5 mumol Cd/kg had no effect on histology of the testes in either transgenic or control mice. In contrast, an injection of 10 mumol Cd/kg caused rapid changes in the histology of the testes and resulted in pronounced testicular necrosis in both control and transgenic mice. Female transgenic and control mice were mated and then injected with cadmium (30-45 mumol Cd/kg) on the day of blastocyst implantation (day 4). In both of these groups, injection of cadmium reduced pregnancy rate, and no dramatic protection was afforded by maternal and/or embryonic overexpression of MT. Thus, overexpression of MT-I does not significantly protect against either of these cadmium-induced effects on fertility. Images Figure 1. A Figure 1. B Figure 2. A Figure 2. B Figure 2. C Figure 3. Figure 4. A Figure 4. A Figure 4. B Figure 4. B Figure 4. B Figure 4. B Figure 4. D4 Figure 4. D4 Figure 4. D6 Figure 4. D6 Figure 4. D8 Figure 5. A Figure 5. B Figure 5. C Figure 5. D Figure 5. E Figure 6. A Figure 6. B Figure 6. C Figure 6. D Figure 6. E Figure 6. F PMID:8834864

Novel mutations in RASGRP2, which encodes CalDAG-GEFI, abrogate Rap1 activation, causing platelet dysfunction

PubMed Central

Lozano, María Luisa; Cook, Aaron; Bastida, José María; Paul, David S.; Iruin, Gemma; Cid, Ana Rosa; Adan-Pedroso, Rosa; Ramón González-Porras, José; Hernández-Rivas, Jesús María; Fletcher, Sarah J.; Johnson, Ben; Morgan, Neil; Ferrer-Marin, Francisca; Vicente, Vicente; Sondek, John; Watson, Steve P.; Bergmeier, Wolfgang

2016-01-01

In addition to mutations in ITG2B or ITGB3 genes that cause defective αIIbβ3 expression and/or function in Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia patients, platelet dysfunction can be a result of genetic variability in proteins that mediate inside-out activation of αIIbβ3. The RASGRP2 gene is strongly expressed in platelets and neutrophils, where its encoded protein CalDAG-GEFI facilitates the activation of Rap1 and subsequent activation of integrins. We used next-generation sequencing (NGS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify 2 novel function-disrupting mutations in RASGRP2 that account for bleeding diathesis and platelet dysfunction in 2 unrelated families. By using a panel of 71 genes, we identified a homozygous change (c.1142C>T) in exon 10 of RASGRP2 in a 9-year-old child of Chinese origin (family 1). This variant led to a p.Ser381Phe substitution in the CDC25 catalytic domain of CalDAG-GEFI. In 2 Spanish siblings from family 2, WES identified a nonsense homozygous variation (c.337C>T) (p.Arg113X) in exon 5 of RASGRP2. CalDAG-GEFI expression was markedly reduced in platelets from all patients, and by using a novel in vitro assay, we found that the nucleotide exchange activity was dramatically reduced in CalDAG-GEFI p.Ser381Phe. Platelets from homozygous patients exhibited agonist-specific defects in αIIbβ3 integrin activation and aggregation. In contrast, α- and δ-granule secretion, platelet spreading, and clot retraction were not markedly affected. Integrin activation in the patients’ neutrophils was also impaired. These patients are the first cases of a CalDAG-GEFI deficiency due to homozygous RASGRP2 mutations that are linked to defects in both leukocyte and platelet integrin activation. PMID:27235135

The opposing roles of laminin-binding integrins in cancer.

PubMed

Ramovs, Veronika; Te Molder, Lisa; Sonnenberg, Arnoud

2017-01-01

Integrins play an important role in cell adhesion by linking the cytoskeleton of cells to components in the extracellular matrix. In this capacity, integrins cooperate with different cell surface receptors, including growth factor receptors and G-protein coupled receptors, to regulate intracellular signaling pathways that control cell polarization, spreading, migration, survival, and gene expression. A distinct subfamily of molecules in the integrin family of adhesion receptors is formed by receptors that mediate cell adhesion to laminins, major components of the basement membrane that lie under clusters of cells or surround them, separating them from other cells and/or adjacent connective tissue. During the past decades, many studies have provided evidence for a role of laminin-binding integrins in tumorigenesis, and both tumor-promoting and suppressive activities have been identified. In this review we discuss the dual role of the laminin-binding integrins α3β1 and α6β4 in tumor development and progression, and examine the factors and mechanisms involved in these opposing effects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a transgenic tobacco plant for phytoremediation of methylmercury pollution.

PubMed

Nagata, Takeshi; Morita, Hirofumi; Akizawa, Toshifumi; Pan-Hou, Hidemitsu

2010-06-01

To develop the potential of plant for phytoremediation of methylmercury pollution, a genetically engineered tobacco plant that coexpresses organomercurial lyase (MerB) with the ppk-specified polyphosphate (polyP) and merT-encoding mercury transporter was constructed by integrating a bacterial merB gene into ppk/merT-transgenic tobacco. A large number of independent transgenic tobaccos was obtained, in some of which the merB gene was stably integrated in the plant genome and substantially translated to the expected MerB enzyme in the transgenic tobacco. The ppk/merT/merB-transgenic tobacco callus showed more resistance to methylmercury (CH3Hg+) and accumulated more mercury from CH3Hg+-containing medium than the ppk/merT-transgenic and wild-type progenitors. These results suggest that the MerB enzyme encoded by merB degraded the incorporated CH3Hg+ to Hg2+, which then accumulated as a less toxic Hg-polyP complex in the tobacco cells. Phytoremediation of CH3Hg+ and Hg2+ in the environment with this engineered ppk/merT/merB-transgenic plant, which prevents the release mercury vapor (Hg0) into the atmosphere in addition to generating potentially recyclable mercury-rich plant residues, is believed to be more acceptable to the public than other competing technologies, including phytovolatilization.

Integrin-α5 Coordinates Assembly of Posterior Cranial Placodes in Zebrafish and Enhances Fgf-Dependent Regulation of Otic/Epibranchial Cells

PubMed Central

Bhat, Neha; Riley, Bruce B.

2011-01-01

Vertebrate sensory organs develop in part from cranial placodes, a series of ectodermal thickenings that coalesce from a common domain of preplacodal ectoderm. Mechanisms coordinating morphogenesis and differentiation of discrete placodes are still poorly understood. We have investigated whether placodal assembly in zebrafish requires Integrin- α5 (itga5), an extracellular matrix receptor initially expressed throughout the preplacodal ectoderm. Morpholino knockdown of itga5 had no detectable effect on anterior placodes (pituitary, nasal and lens), but posterior placodes developed abnormally, resulting in disorganization of trigeminal and epibranchial ganglia and reduction of the otic vesicle. Cell motion analysis in GFP-transgenic embryos showed that cell migration in itga5 morphants was highly erratic and unfocused, impairing convergence and blocking successive recruitment of new cells into these placodes. Further studies revealed genetic interactions between itga5 and Fgf signaling. First, itga5 morphants showed changes in gene expression mimicking modest reduction in Fgf signaling. Second, itga5 morphants showed elevated apoptosis in the otic/epibranchial domain, which was rescued by misexpression of Fgf8. Third, knockdown of the Fgf effector erm had no effect by itself but strongly enhanced defects in itga5 morphants. Finally, proper regulation of itga5 requires dlx3b/4b and pax8, which are themselves regulated by Fgf. These findings support a model in which itga5 coordinates cell migration into posterior placodes and augments Fgf signaling required for patterning of these tissues and cell survival in otic/epibranchial placodes. PMID:22164214

A near-infrared phthalocyanine dye-labeled agent for integrin αvβ6-targeted theranostics of pancreatic cancer.

PubMed

Gao, Duo; Gao, Liquan; Zhang, Chenran; Liu, Hao; Jia, Bing; Zhu, Zhaohui; Wang, Fan; Liu, Zhaofei

2015-06-01

Integrin αvβ6 is widely upregulated in variant malignant cancers but is undetectable in normal organs, making it a promising target for cancer diagnostic imaging and therapy. Using streptavidin-biotin chemistry, we synthesized an integrin αvβ6-targeted near-infrared phthalocyanine dye-labeled agent, termed Dye-SA-B-HK, and investigated whether it could be used for cancer imaging, optical imaging-guided surgery, and phototherapy in pancreatic cancer mouse models. Dye-SA-B-HK specifically bound to integrin αvβ6 in vitro and in vivo with high receptor binding affinity. Using small-animal optical imaging, we detected subcutaneous and orthotopic BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer xenografts in vivo. Upon optical image-guidance, the orthotopically growing pancreatic cancer lesions could be successfully removed by surgery. Using light irradiation, Dye-SA-B-HK manifested remarkable antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. (18)F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and ex vivo fluorescence staining validated the observed decrease in proliferation of treated tumors by Dye-DA-B-HK phototherapy. Tissue microarray results revealed overexpression of integrin αvβ6 in over 95% cases of human pancreatic cancer, indicating that theranostic application of Dye-DA-B-HK has clear translational potential. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that integrin αvβ6-specific Dye-SA-B-HK is a promising theranostic agent for the management of pancreatic cancer. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In situ analysis of integrin and growth factor receptor signaling pathways in human glioblastomas suggests overlapping relationships with focal adhesion kinase activation.

PubMed

Riemenschneider, Markus J; Mueller, Wolf; Betensky, Rebecca A; Mohapatra, Gayatry; Louis, David N

2005-11-01

Deregulated integrin signaling is common in cancers, including glioblastoma. Integrin binding and growth factor receptor signaling activate focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and subsequently up-regulate extracellular regulated kinases (ERK-1/2), leading to cell-cycle progression and cell migration. Most studies of this pathway have used in vitro systems or tumor lysate-based approaches. We examined these pathways primarily in situ using a panel of 30 glioblastomas and gene expression arrays, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization, emphasizing the histological distribution of molecular changes. Within individual tumors, increased expression of FAK, p-FAK, paxillin, ERK-1/2, and p-ERK-1/2 occurred in regions of elevated EGFR and/or PDGFRA expression. Moreover, FAK activation levels correlated with EGFR and PDGFRA expression, and p-FAK and EGFR expression co-localized at the single-cell level. In addition, integrin expression was enriched in EGFR/PDGFRA-overexpressing areas but was more regionally confined than FAK, p-FAK, and paxillin. Integrins beta8 and alpha5beta1 were most commonly expressed, often in a perinecrotic or perivascular pattern. Taken together, our data suggest that growth factor receptor overexpression facilitates alterations in the integrin signaling pathway. Thus, FAK may act in glioblastoma as a downstream target of growth factor signaling, with integrins enhancing the impact of such signaling in the tumor microenvironment.

Regulation of hematogenous tumor metastasis by acid sphingomyelinase

PubMed Central

Carpinteiro, Alexander; Becker, Katrin Anne; Japtok, Lukasz; Hessler, Gabriele; Keitsch, Simone; Požgajovà, Miroslava; Schmid, Kurt W; Adams, Constantin; Müller, Stefan; Kleuser, Burkhard; Edwards, Michael J; Grassmé, Heike; Helfrich, Iris; Gulbins, Erich

2015-01-01

Metastatic dissemination of cancer cells is the ultimate hallmark of malignancy and accounts for approximately 90% of human cancer deaths. We investigated the role of acid sphingomyelinase (Asm) in the hematogenous metastasis of melanoma cells. Intravenous injection of B16F10 melanoma cells into wild-type mice resulted in multiple lung metastases, while Asm-deficient mice (Smpd1−/− mice) were protected from pulmonary tumor spread. Transplanting wild-type platelets into Asm-deficient mice reinstated tumor metastasis. Likewise, Asm-deficient mice were protected from hematogenous MT/ret melanoma metastasis to the spleen in a mouse model of spontaneous tumor metastasis. Human and mouse melanoma cells triggered activation and release of platelet secretory Asm, in turn leading to ceramide formation, clustering, and activation of α5β1 integrins on melanoma cells finally leading to adhesion of the tumor cells. Clustering of integrins by applying purified Asm or C16 ceramide to B16F10 melanoma cells before intravenous injection restored trapping of tumor cells in the lung in Asm-deficient mice. This effect was revertable by arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptides, which are known inhibitors of integrins, and by antibodies neutralizing β1 integrins. These findings indicate that melanoma cells employ platelet-derived Asm for adhesion and metastasis. PMID:25851537

Antisense expression of the peptide transport gene AtPTR2-B delays flowering and arrests seed development in transgenic Arabidopsis plants.

PubMed Central

Song, W; Koh, S; Czako, M; Marton, L; Drenkard, E; Becker, J M; Stacey, G

1997-01-01

Previously, we identified a peptide transport gene, AtPTR2-B, from Arabidopsis thaliana that was constitutively expressed in all plant organs, suggesting an important physiological role in plant growth and development. To evaluate the function of this transporter, transgenic Arabidopsis plants were constructed expressing antisense or sense AtPTR2-B. Genomic Southern analysis indicated that four independent antisense and three independent sense AtPTR2-B transgenic lines were obtained, which was confirmed by analysis of the segregation of the kanamycin resistance gene carried on the T-DNA. RNA blot data showed that the endogenous AtPTR2-B mRNA levels were significantly reduced in transgenic leaves and flowers, but not in transgenic roots. Consistent with this reduction in endogenous AtPTR2-B mRNA levels, all four antisense lines and one sense line exhibited significant phenotypic changes, including late flowering and arrested seed development. These phenotypic changes could be explained by a defect in nitrogen nutrition due to the reduced peptide transport activity conferred by AtPTR2-B. These results suggest that AtPTR2-B may play a general role in plant nutrition. The AtPTR2-B gene was mapped to chromosome 2, which is closely linked to the restriction fragment length polymorphism marker m246. PMID:9232875

[Distribution diversity of integrins and calcium channels on major human and mouse host cells of Leptospira species].

PubMed

Li, Cheng-xue; Zhao, Xin; Qian, Jing; Yan, Jie

2012-07-01

To determine the distribution of integrins and calcium channels on major human and mouse host cells of Leptospira species. The expression of β1, β2 and β3 integrins was detected with immunofluorescence assay on the surface of human monocyte line THP-1, mouse mononuclear-macrophage-like cell line J774A.1, human vascular endothelial cell line HUVEC, mouse vascular endothelial cell EOMA, human hepatocyte line L-02, mouse hepatocyte line Hepa1-6, human renal tubular epithelial cell line HEK-293, mouse glomerular membrane epithelial cell line SV40-MES13, mouse collagen blast line NIH/3T3, human and mouse platelets. The distribution of voltage gate control calcium channels Cav3.1, Cav3.2, Cav3.3 and Cav2.3, and receptor gate calcium channels P(2)X(1), P(2)2X(2), P(2)X(3), P(2)X(4), P(2)X(5), P(2)X(6) and P(2)X(7) were determined with Western blot assay. β1 integrin proteins were positively expressed on the membrane surface of J774A.1, THP-1, HUVEC, EOMA, L-02, Hepa1-6 and HEK-239 cells as well as human and mouse platelets. β2 integrin proteins were expressed on the membrane surface of J774A.1, THP-1, HUVEC, EOMA, and NIH/3T3 cells. β3 integrin proteins were expressed on the membrane surface of J774A.1, THP-1, HUVEC, EOMA, Hepa1-6, HEK-239 and NIH/3T3 cells as well as human and mouse platelets. P(2)X(1) receptor gate calcium channel was expressed on the membrane surface of human and mouse platelets, while P(2)X(5) receptor gate calcium channel was expressed on the membrane surface of J774A.1, THP-1, L-02, Hepa1-6, HEK-239 and HUVEC cells. However, the other calcium channels were not detected on the tested cell lines or platelets. There is a large distribution diversity of integrins and calcium channel proteins on the major human and mouse host cells of Leptospira species, which may be associated with the differences of leptospira-induced injury in different host cells.

Regulation of In Vitro and In Vivo Immune Functions by the Cytosolic Adaptor Protein SKAP-HOM

PubMed Central

Togni, M.; Swanson, K. D.; Reimann, S.; Kliche, S.; Pearce, A. C.; Simeoni, L.; Reinhold, D.; Wienands, J.; Neel, B. G.; Schraven, B.; Gerber, A.

2005-01-01

SKAP-HOM is a cytosolic adaptor protein representing a specific substrate for the Src family protein tyrosine kinase Fyn. Previously, several groups have provided experimental evidence that SKAP-HOM (most likely in cooperation with the cytosolic adaptor protein ADAP) is involved in regulating leukocyte adhesion. To further assess the physiological role of SKAP-HOM, we investigated the immune system of SKAP-HOM-deficient mice. Our data show that T-cell responses towards a variety of stimuli are unaffected in the absence of SKAP-HOM. Similarly, B-cell receptor (BCR)-mediated total tyrosine phosphorylation and phosphorylation of Erk, p38, and JNK, as well as immunoreceptor-mediated Ca2+ responses, are normal in SKAP-HOM−/− animals. However, despite apparently normal membrane-proximal signaling events, BCR-mediated proliferation is strongly attenuated in the absence of SKAP-HOM−/−. In addition, adhesion of activated B cells to fibronectin (a ligand for β1 integrins) as well as to ICAM-1 (a ligand for β2 integrins) is strongly reduced. In vivo, the loss of SKAP-HOM results in a less severe clinical course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis following immunization of mice with the encephalitogenic peptide of MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein). This is accompanied by strongly reduced serum levels of MOG-specific antibodies and lower MOG-specific T-cell responses. In summary, our data suggest that SKAP-HOM is required for proper activation of the immune system, likely by regulating the cross-talk between immunoreceptors and integrins. PMID:16135797

Variation in One Residue Associated with the Metal Ion-Dependent Adhesion Site Regulates αIIbβ3 Integrin Ligand Binding Affinity

PubMed Central

Wu, Xue; Xiu, Zhilong; Li, Guohui; Luo, Bing-Hao

2013-01-01

The Asp of the RGD motif of the ligand coordinates with the β I domain metal ion dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) divalent cation, emphasizing the importance of the MIDAS in ligand binding. There appears to be two distinct groups of integrins that differ in their ligand binding affinity and adhesion ability. These differences may be due to a specific residue associated with the MIDAS, particularly the β3 residue Ala252 and corresponding Ala in the β1 integrin compared to the analogous Asp residue in the β2 and β7 integrins. Interestingly, mutations in the adjacent to MIDAS (ADMIDAS) of integrins α4β7 and αLβ2 increased the binding and adhesion abilities compared to the wild-type, while the same mutations in the α2β1, α5β1, αVβ3, and αIIbβ3 integrins demonstrated decreased ligand binding and adhesion. We introduced a mutation in the αIIbβ3 to convert this MIDAS associated Ala252 to Asp. By combination of this mutant with mutations of one or two ADMIDAS residues, we studied the effects of this residue on ligand binding and adhesion. Then, we performed molecular dynamics simulations on the wild-type and mutant αIIbβ3 integrin β I domains, and investigated the dynamics of metal ion binding sites in different integrin-RGD complexes. We found that the tendency of calculated binding free energies was in excellent agreement with the experimental results, suggesting that the variation in this MIDAS associated residue accounts for the differences in ligand binding and adhesion among different integrins, and it accounts for the conflicting results of ADMIDAS mutations within different integrins. This study sheds more light on the role of the MIDAS associated residue pertaining to ligand binding and adhesion and suggests that this residue may play a pivotal role in integrin-mediated cell rolling and firm adhesion. PMID:24116162

genetic overexpression of NR2B subunit enhances social recognition memory for different strains and species.

PubMed

Jacobs, Stephanie A; Tsien, Joe Z

2012-01-01

The ability to learn and remember conspecifics is essential for the establishment and maintenance of social groups. Many animals, including humans, primates and rodents, depend on stable social relationships for survival. Social learning and social recognition have become emerging areas of interest for neuroscientists but are still not well understood. It has been established that several hormones play a role in the modulation of social recognition including estrogen, oxytocin and arginine vasopression. Relatively few studies have investigated how social recognition might be improved or enhanced. In this study, we investigate the role of the NMDA receptor in social recognition memory, specifically the consequences of altering the ratio of the NR2B:NR2A subunits in the forebrain regions in social behavior. We produced transgenic mice in which the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor was overexpressed postnatally in the excitatory neurons of the forebrain areas including the cortex, amygdala and hippocampus. We investigated the ability of both our transgenic animals and their wild-type littermate to learn and remember juvenile conspecifics using both 1-hr and 24-hr memory tests. Our experiments show that the wild-type animals and NR2B transgenic mice preformed similarly in the 1-hr test. However, transgenic mice showed better performances in 24-hr tests of recognizing animals of a different strain or animals of a different species. We conclude that NR2B overexpression in the forebrain enhances social recognition memory for different strains and animal species.

Transgenic Expression of Dspp Partially Rescued the Long Bone Defects of Dmp1-null Mice

PubMed Central

Jani, Priyam H.; Gibson, Monica P.; Liu, Chao; Zhang, Hua; Wang, Xiaofang; Lu, Yongbo; Qin, Chunlin

2016-01-01

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) belong to the Small Integrin-Binding Ligand N-linked Glycoprotein (SIBLING) family. In addition to the features common to all SIBLING members, DMP1 and DSPP share several unique similarities in chemical structure, proteolytic activation and tissue localization. Mutations in, or deletion of DMP1, cause autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets along with dental defects; DSPP mutations or its ablation are associated with dentinogenesis imperfecta. While the roles and functional mechanisms of DMP1 in osteogenesis have been extensively studied, those of DSPP in long bones have been studied only to a limited extent. Previous studies by our group revealed that transgenic expression of Dspp completely rescued the dentin defects of Dmp1-null (Dmp1−/−) mice. In this investigation, we assessed the effects of transgenic Dspp on osteogenesis by analyzing the formation and mineralization of the long bones in Dmp1−/− mice that expresses a transgene encoding full-length DSPP driven by a 3.6-kb rat Col1a1 promoter (referred as “Dmp1−/−;Dspp-Tg mice”). We characterized the long bones of the Dmp1−/−;Dspp-Tg mice at different ages and compared them with those from Dmp1−/− and Dmp1+/− (normal control) mice. Our analyses showed that the long bones of Dmp1−/−;Dspp-Tg mice had a significant increase in cortical bone thickness, bone volume and mineral density along with a remarkable restoration of trabecular thickness compared to those of the Dmp1−/− mice. The long bones of Dmp1−/−;Dspp-Tg mice underwent a dramatic reduction in the amount of osteoid, significant improvement of the collagen fibrillar network, and better organization of the lacunocanalicular system, compared to the Dmp1−/− mice. The elevated levels of biglycan, bone sialoprotein and osteopontin in Dmp1−/− mice were also noticeably corrected by the transgenic expression of Dspp. These findings suggest that DSPP and DMP1 may function synergistically within the complex milieus of bone matrices. PMID:26686820

Purification of adult hepatic progenitor cells using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transgenic mice and fluorescence-activated cell sorting.

PubMed

Fujikawa, Takahisa; Hirose, Tetsuro; Fujii, Hideaki; Oe, Shoshiro; Yasuchika, Kentaro; Azuma, Hisaya; Yamaoka, Yoshio

2003-08-01

Recent advances in stem cell research have revealed that hepatic stem/progenitor cells may play an important role in liver development and regeneration. However, a lack of detectable definitive markers in viable cells has hindered their primary culture from adult livers. Enzymatically dissociated liver cells from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transgenic mice, which express GFP highly in liver endodermal cells, were sorted by GFP expression using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Sorted cells were characterized, and also low-density cultured for extended periods to determine their proliferation and clonal differentiation capacities. When CD45(-)TER119(-) side-scatter(low) GFP(high) cells were sorted, alpha-fetoprotein-positive immature endoderm-characterized cells, having high growth potential, were present in this population. Clonal analysis and electron microscopic evaluation revealed that each single cell of this population could differentiate not only into hepatocytes, but also into biliary epithelial cells, showing their bilineage differentiation activity. When surface markers were analyzed, they were positive for Integrin-alpha6 and -beta1, but negative for c-Kit and Thy1.1. Combination of GFP-transgenic mice and fluorescence-activated cell sorting enabled purification of hepatic progenitor cells from adult mouse liver. Further analysis of this population may lead to purification of their human correspondence that would be an ideal cell-source candidate for regenerative medicine.

Colorectal Cancer Metastases Settle in the Hepatic Microenvironment Through α5β1 Integrin.

PubMed

Pelillo, Chiara; Bergamo, Alberta; Mollica, Hilaria; Bestagno, Marco; Sava, Gianni

2015-10-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis dissemination to secondary sites represents the critical point for the patient's survival. The microenvironment is crucial to cancer progression, influencing tumour cell behaviour by modulating the expression and activation of molecules such as integrins, the cell-extracellular matrix interacting proteins participating in different steps of the tumour metastatic process. In this work, we investigated the role of α5β1 integrin and how the microenvironment influences this adhesion molecule, in a model of colon cancer progression to the liver. The culture medium conditioned by the IHH hepatic cell line, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, modulate the activation of α5β1 integrin in the colon cancer cell line HCT-116, and drives FAK phosphorylation during the process of cell adhesion to fibronectin, one of the main components of liver ECM. In these conditions, α5β1 modulates the expression/activity of another integrin, α2β1, involved in the cell adhesion to collagen I. These results suggest that α5β1 integrin holds a leading role in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells adhesion to the ECM through the modulation of the intracellular focal adhesion kinase FAK and the α2β1 integrin activity. The driving role of the tumour microenvironment on CRC dissemination, here detected, and described, strengthens and adds new value to the concept that α5β1 integrin can be an appropriate and relevant therapeutic target for the control of CRC metastases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Expression and in vitro regulation of integrins by normal human urothelial cells.

PubMed

Southgate, J; Kennedy, W; Hutton, K A; Trejdosiewicz, L K

1995-08-01

Integrins are thought to be essential adhesion receptors for the maintenance of tissue histioarchitecture. The purpose of this study was to determine integrin expression patterns in the human stratified transitional epithelium of the urinary tract (urothelium). In situ expression patterns were compared with in vitro expression, using a normal cell culture model system in which the effects of cell stratification can be studied independently of differentiation. By immunohistological criteria, the urothelia of bladder, ureter and renal pelvis expressed alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 integrins in all layers at intercellular junctions, and cytoplasmically in the lower strata. By contrast, alpha 6 beta 4 and occasionally alpha v beta 4 were expressed only by basal cells and localised to the basal lamina. These expression patterns were unaltered in specimens where an inflammatory cell infiltrate was present. In long-term cultures of normal urothelial cells maintained in a low-Ca++ serum-free medium, the monolayer cultures expressed alpha 2 beta 1, alpha 3 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins at intercellular junctions and in cytoplasmic inclusions, whereas alpha 6 beta 4 was distributed in a random pattern over the substratum. Increasing exogenous Ca++ concentrations induced cell stratification and desmosome formation, but not cytodifferentiation. Under these conditions, alpha 6 beta 4 became cell-, rather than substratum-associated, localising particularly to filopodia and lamellipodia. Quantitation of integrin expression by flow cytometry confirmed increased surface expression of alpha 6 beta 4 in high Ca++ media, and also of alpha 3 and alpha 5, but not alpha 2, subunits. These results suggest that alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 integrins, although differentially regulated, are mainly involved in homotypic cell-cell interactions and the maintenance of a stratified morphology, whereas alpha 6 beta 4 is the principal integrin involved in substratum adhesion.

Botanical Extracts from Rosehip (Rosa canina), Willow Bark (Salix alba), and Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) Suppress IL-1β-Induced NF-κB Activation in Canine Articular Chondrocytes.

PubMed

Shakibaei, Mehdi; Allaway, David; Nebrich, Simone; Mobasheri, Ali

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to characterize the anti-inflammatory mode of action of botanical extracts from rosehip (Rosa canina), willow bark (Salix alba), and nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) in an in vitro model of primary canine articular chondrocytes. Methods. The biological effects of the botanical extracts were studied in chondrocytes treated with IL-1β for up to 72 h. Expression of collagen type II, cartilage-specific proteoglycan (CSPG), β1-integrin, SOX-9, COX-2, and MMP-9 and MMP-13 was examined by western blotting. Results. The botanical extracts suppressed IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation by inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, p65 phosphorylation, and p65 nuclear translocation. These events correlated with downregulation of NF-κB targets including COX-2 and MMPs. The extracts also reversed the IL-1β-induced downregulation of collagen type II, CSPG, β1-integrin, and cartilage-specific transcription factor SOX-9 protein expression. In high-density cultures botanical extracts stimulated new cartilage formation even in the presence of IL-1β. Conclusions. Botanical extracts exerted anti-inflammatory and anabolic effects on chondrocytes. The observed reduction of IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation suggests that further studies are warranted to demonstrate the effectiveness of plant extracts in the treatment of OA and other conditions in which NF-κB plays pathophysiological roles.

Botanical Extracts from Rosehip (Rosa canina), Willow Bark (Salix alba), and Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) Suppress IL-1β-Induced NF-κB Activation in Canine Articular Chondrocytes

PubMed Central

Shakibaei, Mehdi; Allaway, David; Nebrich, Simone; Mobasheri, Ali

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to characterize the anti-inflammatory mode of action of botanical extracts from rosehip (Rosa canina), willow bark (Salix alba), and nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) in an in vitro model of primary canine articular chondrocytes. Methods. The biological effects of the botanical extracts were studied in chondrocytes treated with IL-1β for up to 72 h. Expression of collagen type II, cartilage-specific proteoglycan (CSPG), β1-integrin, SOX-9, COX-2, and MMP-9 and MMP-13 was examined by western blotting. Results. The botanical extracts suppressed IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation by inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, p65 phosphorylation, and p65 nuclear translocation. These events correlated with downregulation of NF-κB targets including COX-2 and MMPs. The extracts also reversed the IL-1β-induced downregulation of collagen type II, CSPG, β1-integrin, and cartilage-specific transcription factor SOX-9 protein expression. In high-density cultures botanical extracts stimulated new cartilage formation even in the presence of IL-1β. Conclusions. Botanical extracts exerted anti-inflammatory and anabolic effects on chondrocytes. The observed reduction of IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation suggests that further studies are warranted to demonstrate the effectiveness of plant extracts in the treatment of OA and other conditions in which NF-κB plays pathophysiological roles. PMID:22474508

The PreS2 activator MHBst of hepatitis B virus activates c-raf-1/Erk2 signaling in transgenic mice

PubMed Central

Hildt, Eberhard; Munz, Barbara; Saher, Gesine; Reifenberg, Kurt; Hofschneider, Peter Hans

2002-01-01

The large hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface protein (LHBs) and C-terminally truncated middle size surface proteins (MHBst) form the family of the PreS2 activator proteins of HBV. Their transcriptional activator function is based on the cytoplasmic orientation of the PreS2 domain. MHBst activators are paradigmatic for this class of activators. Here we report that MHBst is protein kinase C (PKC)-dependently phosphorylated at Ser28. The integrity of the phosphorylation site is essential for the activator function. MHBst triggers PKC-dependent activation of c-Raf-1/Erk2 signaling that is a prerequisite for MHBst-dependent activation of AP-1 and NF-κB. To analyze the pathophysiological relevance of these data in vivo, transgenic mice were established that produce the PreS2 activator MHBst specifically in the liver. In these mice, a permanent PreS2-dependent specific activation of c-Raf-1/Erk2 signaling was observed, resulting in an increased hepatocyte proliferation rate. In transgenics older than 15 months, an increased incidence of liver tumors occurs. These data suggest that PreS2 activators LHBs and MHBst exert a tumor promoter-like function by activation of key enzymes of proliferation control. PMID:11847101

The PreS2 activator MHBs(t) of hepatitis B virus activates c-raf-1/Erk2 signaling in transgenic mice.

PubMed

Hildt, Eberhard; Munz, Barbara; Saher, Gesine; Reifenberg, Kurt; Hofschneider, Peter Hans

2002-02-15

The large hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface protein (LHBs) and C-terminally truncated middle size surface proteins (MHBs(t)) form the family of the PreS2 activator proteins of HBV. Their transcriptional activator function is based on the cytoplasmic orientation of the PreS2 domain. MHBs(t) activators are paradigmatic for this class of activators. Here we report that MHBs(t) is protein kinase C (PKC)-dependently phosphorylated at Ser28. The integrity of the phosphorylation site is essential for the activator function. MHBs(t) triggers PKC-dependent activation of c-Raf-1/Erk2 signaling that is a prerequisite for MHBs(t)-dependent activation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB. To analyze the pathophysiological relevance of these data in vivo, transgenic mice were established that produce the PreS2 activator MHBs(t) specifically in the liver. In these mice, a permanent PreS2-dependent specific activation of c-Raf-1/Erk2 signaling was observed, resulting in an increased hepatocyte proliferation rate. In transgenics older than 15 months, an increased incidence of liver tumors occurs. These data suggest that PreS2 activators LHBs and MHBs(t) exert a tumor promoter-like function by activation of key enzymes of proliferation control.

Expression and immunogenicity of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin B subunit in transgenic rice callus.

PubMed

Kim, Tae-Geum; Kim, Bang-Geul; Kim, Mi-Young; Choi, Jae-Kwon; Jung, Eun-Sun; Yang, Moon-Sik

2010-01-01

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli is one of the leading causes of diarrhea in developing countries, and the disease may be fatal in the absence of treatment. Enterotoxigenic E. coli heat-labile toxin B subunit (LTB) can be used as an adjuvant, as a carrier of fused antigens, or as an antigen itself. The synthetic LTB (sLTB) gene, optimized for plant codon usage, has been introduced into rice cells by particle bombardment-mediated transformation. The integration and expression of the sLTB gene were observed via genomic DNA PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The binding activity of LTB protein expressed in transgenic rice callus to G(M1)-ganglioside, a receptor for biologically active LTB, was confirmed by G(M1)-ELISA. Oral inoculation of mice with lyophilized transgenic rice calli containing LTB generated significant IgG antibody titers against bacterial LTB, and the sera of immunized mice inhibited the binding of bacterial LTB to G(M1)-ganglioside. Mice orally immunized with non-transgenic rice calli failed to generate detectable anti-LTB IgG antibody titers. Mice immunized with plant-produced LTB generated higher IgG1 antibody titers than IgG2a, indicating a Th2-type immune response. Mice orally immunized with lyophilized transgenic rice calli containing LTB elicited higher fecal IgA antibody titers than mice immunized with non-transgenic rice calli. These experimental results demonstrate that LTB proteins produced in transgenic rice callus and given to mice by oral administration induce humoral and secreted antibody immune responses. We suggest that transgenic rice callus may be suitable as a plant-based edible vaccine to provide effective protection against enterotoxigenic E. coli heat-labile toxin.

Expression of alpha V integrin is modulated by Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 3C and the metastasis suppressor Nm23-H1 through interaction with the GATA-1 and Sp1 transcription factors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choudhuri, Tathagata; Verma, Subhash C.; Lan, Ke

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a lymphotrophic herpesvirus infecting most of the world's population. It is associated with a number of human lymphoid and epithelial tumors and lymphoproliferative diseases in immunocompromised patients. A subset of latent EBV antigens is required for immortalization of primary B-lymphocytes. The metastatic suppressor Nm23-H1 which is downregulated in human invasive breast carcinoma reduces the migration and metastatic activity of breast carcinoma cells when expressed from a heterologous promoter. Interestingly, the EBV nuclear antigen 3C (EBNA3C) reverses these activities of Nm23-H1. The alpha V integrins recognize a variety of ligands for signaling and are involved in cellmore » migration and proliferation and also serve as major receptors for extracellular-matrix-mediated cell adhesion and migration. The goal of this study was to determine if Nm23-H1 and EBNA3C can modulate alpha V integrin expression and downstream activities. The results of our studies indicate that Nm23-H1 downregulates alpha V intregrin expression in a dose responsive manner. In contrast, EBNA3C can upregulate alpha V integrin expression. Furthermore, the study showed that the association of the Sp1 and GATA transcription factors with Nm23-H1 is required for modulation of the alpha V integrin activity. Thus, these results suggest a direct correlation between the alpha V integrin expression and the interaction of Nm23-H1 with EBNA3C.« less

Integrins β1 and β3 are biomarkers of uterine condition for embryo transfer.

PubMed

Chen, Guowu; Xin, Aijie; Liu, Yulin; Shi, Changgen; Chen, Junling; Tang, Xiaofeng; Chen, Ying; Yu, Min; Peng, Xiandong; Li, Lu; Sun, Xiaoxi

2016-10-26

Clinical ovulation induction induces blood estrogen (E 2 ) in excess of physiological levels, which can hinder uterine receptivity. In contrast, progesterone produces the opposite clinical effect, suggesting that it might be capable of recovering the lost receptivity resulting from exposure to high estrogen levels. Integrins are the most widely used biological markers for monitoring uterine conditions. We studied progesterone-induced changes in integrin β expression patterns as biomarkers for changes in uterine receptivity in response to increased estrogen levels. Endometrial biopsy samples from patients were screened for their estrogen (E 2 ) and progesterone (P4) content and expressing levels of integrin β1 and β3. Uterine receptivity was evaluated using human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells in an embryo attachment model. The respective and concatenated effects of embryo attachment and changes in the integrin β1 and β3 expression patterns on the adenocarcinoma cell plasma membranes in response to 100 nM concentrations of E 2 and P4 were evaluated. Increased blood E 2 concentrations were associated with significantly decreased the levels of integrin β3 expression in uterine biopsy samples. In vitro experiments revealed that a 100 nM E 2 concentration inhibited the distribution of integrin β3 on the plasma membranes of human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells used in the embryo attachment model, and resulted in decreased rates of embryo attachment. In contrast, P4 enhanced the expression of integrin β1 and promoted its distribution on the plasma membranes. Furthermore, P4 recovered the embryo attachment efficiency that was lost by exposure to 100 nM E 2 . Blood E2 and P4 levels and integrin β3 and β1 expression levels in uterine biopsy samples should be considered as biomarkers for evaluating uterine receptivity and determining the optimal time for embryo transfer. Trial registration Trial number: ChiCTR-TRC-13003777; Name of registry: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; Date of registration: 4 September 2013; Date of enrollment of the first study participant: 15 October 2013.

Truncated EphA2 likely potentiates cell adhesion via integrins as well as infiltration and/or lodgment of a monocyte/macrophage cell line in the red pulp and marginal zone of the mouse spleen, where ephrin-A1 is prominently expressed in the vasculature.

PubMed

Konda, Naoko; Saeki, Noritaka; Nishino, Shingo; Ogawa, Kazushige

2017-03-01

We previously established a J774.1 monocyte/macrophage subline expressing a truncated EphA2 construct lacking the kinase domain. We demonstrated that following ephrin-A1 stimulation, endogenous EphA2 promotes cell adhesion through interaction with integrins and integrin ligands such as ICAM1 and that truncated EphA2 potentiates the adhesion and becomes associated with the integrin/integrin ligand complex. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that the EphA/ephrin-A system, particularly EphA2/ephrin-A1, regulates transendothelial migration/tissue infiltration of monocytes/macrophages, because ephrin-A1 is widely recognized to be upregulated in inflammatory vasculatures. To evaluate whether this hypothesis is applicable in the spleen, we screened for EphA2/ephrin-A1 expression and reexamined the cellular properties of the J774.1 subline. We found that ephrin-A1 was expressed in the vasculature of the marginal zone and the red pulp and that its expression was upregulated in response to phagocyte depletion; further, CD115, F4/80, and CXCR4 were expressed in J774.1 cells, which serve as a usable substitute for monocytes/macrophages. Moreover, following ephrin-A1 stimulation, truncated EphA2 did not detectably interfere with the phosphorylation of endogenous EphA2, and it potentiated cell adhesion possibly through modulation of integrin avidity. Accordingly, by intravenously injecting mice with equal numbers of J774.1 and the subline cells labeled with distinct fluorochromes, we determined that truncated EphA2 markedly potentiated preferential cell infiltration into the red pulp and the marginal zone. Thus, modulation of EphA2 signaling might contribute to effective transplantation of tissue-specific resident macrophages and/or monocytes.

Generation of a Stable Transgenic Swine Model Expressing a Porcine Histone 2B-eGFP Fusion Protein for Cell Tracking and Chromosome Dynamics Studies

PubMed Central

Simpson, Sean; Collins, Bruce; Sommer, Jeff; Petters, Robert M.; Caballero, Ignacio; Platt, Jeff L.

2017-01-01

Transgenic pigs have become an attractive research model in the field of translational research, regenerative medicine, and stem cell therapy due to their anatomic, genetic and physiological similarities with humans. The development of fluorescent proteins as molecular tags has allowed investigators to track cell migration and engraftment levels after transplantation. Here we describe the development of two transgenic pig models via SCNT expressing a fusion protein composed of eGFP and porcine Histone 2B (pH2B). This fusion protein is targeted to the nucleosomes resulting a nuclear/chromatin eGFP signal. The first model (I) was generated via random insertion of pH2B-eGFP driven by the CAG promoter (chicken beta actin promoter and rabbit Globin poly A; pCAG-pH2B-eGFP) and protected by human interferon-β matrix attachment regions (MARs). Despite the consistent, high, and ubiquitous expression of the fusion protein pH2B-eGFP in all tissues analyzed, two independently generated Model I transgenic lines developed neurodegenerative symptoms including Wallerian degeneration between 3–5 months of age, requiring euthanasia. A second transgenic model (II) was developed via CRISPR-Cas9 mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) of IRES-pH2B-eGFP into the endogenous β-actin (ACTB) locus. Model II transgenic animals showed ubiquitous expression of pH2B-eGFP on all tissues analyzed. Unlike the pCAG-pH2B-eGFP/MAR line, all Model II animals were healthy and multiple pregnancies have been established with progeny showing the expected Mendelian ratio for the transmission of the pH2B-eGFP. Expression of pH2B-eGFP was used to examine the timing of the maternal to zygotic transition after IVF, and to examine chromosome segregation of SCNT embryos. To our knowledge this is the first viable transgenic pig model with chromatin-associated eGFP allowing both cell tracking and the study of chromatin dynamics in a large animal model. PMID:28081156

Congenital Muscle Disease Study of Patient and Family Reported Medical Information

ClinicalTrials.gov

2017-05-05

Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (Including Unspecified/Undiagnosed); Dystroglycanopathy; Congenital Fiber Type Disproportion; Rigid Spine Muscular Dystrophy; Congenital Myopathy (Including Unspecified/Undiagnosed); Collagen VI CMD (Ullrich CMD, Intermediate, Bethlem Myopathy); Laminin Alpha 2 Related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy; LAMA2-CMD/Merosin Deficient/MDC1A; Walker-Warburg Syndrome; Muscle-Eye-Brain Disease; Fukuyama/Fukutin Related Muscular Dystrophy; Integrin Alpha 7 Deficiency; Integrin Alpha 9 Deficiency; LMNA-CMD/Lamin A/C/Laminopathy; SEPN1-Related Myopathy; Bethlem Myopathy; Actin Aggregation Myopathy; Cap Disease; Central Core Disease; Centronuclear Myopathy; Core Rod Myopathy; Hyaline Body Myopathy; Multiminicore Myopathy; Myotubular Myopathy; Nemaline Myopathy; Tubular Aggregate Myopathy; Zebra Body Myopathy; Reducing Body Myopathy; Spheroid Body Myopathy; LGMD1B (LMNA); LGMD1E (DES); LGMD2G (TCAP); LGMD2H (TRIM32); LGMD2I (FKRP); LGMD2J (TTN); LGMD2K (POMT1); LGMD2M (FKTN); LGMD2N (POMT2); LGMD2O (POMGnT1); LGMD2P (DAG1); LGMD2Q (PLEC1); LGMD2R (DES); LGMD2S (TRAPPC11); LGMD2T (GMPPB); LGMD2U (ISPD); LGMD2V (GAA); Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy; Titinopathy; Choline Kinase B Receptor; Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy; RYR1 Related Myopathy; SYNE1/Nesprin Related Muscular Dystrophy; Telethonin Related Muscular Dystrophy (TCAP/Titin-Cap); Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome; Escobar Syndrome; Myofibrillar Myopathy; Malignant Hyperthermia; Alpha-Dystroglycan Related Muscular Dystrophy (DAG1, DPM1, DPM2, DPM3, FKRP, FKTN); Alpha-Dystroglycan Related Muscular Dystrophy (GAA, ISPD, LARGE, POMT1, POMT2, POMGnT1); Alpha-Dystroglycan Related Muscular Dystrophy (Unspecified/Undiagnosed/Other)

Integrins in T Cell Physiology

PubMed Central

Alabiso, Oscar; Galetto, Alessandra Silvia; Baldanzi, Gianluca

2018-01-01

From the thymus to the peripheral lymph nodes, integrin-mediated interactions with neighbor cells and the extracellular matrix tune T cell behavior by organizing cytoskeletal remodeling and modulating receptor signaling. LFA-1 (αLβ2 integrin) and VLA-4 (α4β1 integrin) play a key role throughout the T cell lifecycle from thymocyte differentiation to lymphocyte extravasation and finally play a fundamental role in organizing immune synapse, providing an essential costimulatory signal for the T cell receptor. Apart from tuning T cell signaling, integrins also contribute to homing to specific target organs as exemplified by the importance of α4β7 in maintaining the gut immune system. However, apart from those well-characterized examples, the physiological significance of the other integrin dimers expressed by T cells is far less understood. Thus, integrin-mediated cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions during the T cell lifespan still represent an open field of research. PMID:29415483

Regulation of B1 cell migration by signals through Toll-like receptors

PubMed Central

Ha, Seon-ah; Tsuji, Masayuki; Suzuki, Keiichiro; Meek, Bob; Yasuda, Nobutaka; Kaisho, Tsuneyasu; Fagarasan, Sidonia

2006-01-01

Peritoneal B1 cells are known to generate large amounts of antibodies outside their residential site. These antibodies play an important role in the early defense against bacteria and viruses, before the establishment of adaptive immune responses. Although many stimuli, including antigen, lipopolysaccharide, or cytokines, have been shown to activate B1 cells and induce their differentiation into plasma cells, the molecular signals required for their egress from the peritoneal cavity are not understood. We demonstrate here that direct signals through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) induce specific, rapid, and transient down-regulation of integrins and CD9 on B1 cells, which is required for detachment from local matrix and a high velocity movement of cells in response to chemokines. Thus, we revealed an unexpected role for TLRs in governing the interplay between integrins, tetraspanins, and chemokine receptors required for B1 cell egress and, as such, in facilitating appropriate transition from innate to adaptive immune responses. PMID:17060475

Integrin α5β1 Inhibition by CLT-28643 Reduces Postoperative Wound Healing in a Mouse Model of Glaucoma Filtration Surgery.

PubMed

Van Bergen, Tine; Zahn, Grit; Caldirola, Patrizia; Fsadni, Mario; Caram-Lelham, Ninus; Vandewalle, Evelien; Moons, Lieve; Stalmans, Ingeborg

2016-11-01

To evaluate the therapeutic potential of the small molecule integrin α5β1 inhibitor, CLT-28643, to improve the filtering surgery outcome in a mouse model. Different dose regimens and administration routes of the inhibitor were compared with mitomycin C (MMC), the gold standard in clin ical practice. The efficacy of CLT-28643 on surgical outcome was studied in a mouse model for filtering surgery (n = 40 eyes from 20 mice per group). Single and repeated subconjunctival (SCJ) injections (1 or 2 μg) and topical eye drops (10 μg) of the integrin inhibitor were compared with 2-minute administration of MMC 0.02%. Bleb size, survival, and signs of toxicity were examined until 28 days after surgery. Immunohistochemical analysis of angiogenesis, inflammation, collagen deposition, and integrin α5β1 expression were performed on postoperative days 3, 8, 14, and 28. A masked observer performed all the assessments. Immunostaining showed that integrin α5β1 was highly expressed in the bleb at early time-points after surgery and that CLT-28643 inhibited this upregulation. Efficacy was shown to be dose-dependent for the integrin inhibitor CLT-28643 for bleb area and survival, and the wound healing process. While 2-μg single injection of CLT-28643 improved bleb characteristics in a similar way as 10-μg administered by eye drops and MMC, repeated injections of 2 μg showed superior efficacy compared to MMC, with no corneal toxicity. Administration of the integrin α5β1 inhibitor CLT-28643 has therapeutic potential as an adjunct to glaucoma surgery, possibly with a superior efficacy and tolerability compared with MMC when used at the optimal dose.

Osteoblast mineralization requires β1 integrin/ICAP-1–dependent fibronectin deposition

PubMed Central

Brunner, Molly; Millon-Frémillon, Angélique; Chevalier, Genevieve; Nakchbandi, Inaam A.; Mosher, Deane; Block, Marc R.

2011-01-01

The morphogenetic and differentiation events required for bone formation are orchestrated by diffusible and insoluble factors that are localized within the extracellular matrix. In mice, the deletion of ICAP-1, a modulator of β1 integrin activation, leads to severe defects in osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization and to a delay in bone formation. Deposition of fibronectin and maturation of fibrillar adhesions, adhesive structures that accompany fibronectin deposition, are impaired upon ICAP-1 loss, as are type I collagen deposition and mineralization. Expression of β1 integrin with a mutated binding site for ICAP-1 recapitulates the ICAP-1–null phenotype. Follow-up experiments demonstrated that ICAP-1 negatively regulates kindlin-2 recruitment onto the β1 integrin cytoplasmic domain, whereas an excess of kindlin-2 binding has a deleterious effect on fibrillar adhesion formation. These results suggest that ICAP-1 works in concert with kindlin-2 to control the dynamics of β1 integrin–containing fibrillar adhesions and, thereby, regulates fibronectin deposition and osteoblast mineralization. PMID:21768292

Overexpression of integrin αv correlates with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Ha, Sang Yun; Shin, Juyoun; Kim, Jeong Hoon; Kang, Myung Soo; Yoo, Hae-Yong; Kim, Hyeon-Ho; Um, Sung-Hee; Kim, Seok-Hyung

2014-07-01

Integrin αv subunits are involved in tumour angiogenesis and tumour progression in various types of cancers. Clinical trials evaluating agents targeting integrin αv are ongoing. Integrin αv expression has been reported in several cancers in association with tumour progression or poor survival. However, no study has addressed the prognostic influence of integrin αv expression on survival of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Immunohistochemical staining of integrin αv was performed in 198 CRC samples to evaluate its prognostic significance. High expression of integrin αv was observed in 58.1% (115/189) of colorectal adenocarcinoma samples, while only in 11.5% (3/26) of tubular adenoma samples and in none of normal mucosa or hyperplastic polyp samples. It was more frequently found in female patients and less frequently observed in well differentiated tumours. The proportion of cases with high expression of integrin αv showed an increasing trend with increased T stage (p=0.032), N stage (p=0.006) and TNM stage (p=0.001). Patients displaying exuberant expression of integrin αv showed shorter overall survival (p=0.001) and disease-free survival (p=0.004). Elevated integrin αv expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR: 2.04, 95% CI 1.16 to 3.56; p=0.013) and disease-free survival (HR: 2.19, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.13; p=0.015). Overexpression of integrin αv is associated with advanced T and N stage and as an independent prognostic factor in CRC. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Characterization of a conformationally sensitive murine monoclonal antibody directed to the metal ion-dependent adhesion site face of integrin CD11b.

PubMed

Li, Rui; Haruta, Ikuko; Rieu, Philippe; Sugimori, Takashi; Xiong, Jian-Ping; Arnaout, M Amin

2002-02-01

Integrin binding to physiologic ligands requires divalent cations and an inside-out-driven switch of the integrin to a high-affinity state. Divalent cations at the metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) face of the alpha subunit-derived A domain provide a direct bridge between ligands and the integrin, and it has been proposed that activation dependency is caused by reorientation of the surrounding residues relative to the metal ion, forming an optimal binding interface. To gain more insight into the functional significance of the protein movements on the MIDAS face, we raised and characterized a murine mAb 107 directed against the MIDAS face of the A domain from integrin CD11b. We find that mAb 107 behaves as a ligand mimic. It binds in a divalent-cation-dependent manner to solvent-exposed residues on the MIDAS face of CD11b, blocks interaction of 11bA or the holoreceptor with ligands, and inhibits spreading and phagocytosis by human neutrophils. However, in contrast to physiologic ligands, mAb 107 preferentially binds to the inactive low-affinity form of the integrin, suggesting that its antagonistic effects are exerted in part by stabilizing the receptor in the low-affinity state. These data support a functional relevance of the protein movements on the MIDAS face and suggest that stabilizing the A domain in the low-affinity state may have therapeutic benefit.

Novel Regulation of Integrin Trafficking by Rab11-FIP5 in Aggressive Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Das, Lipsa; Gard, Jaime M C; Prekeris, Rytis; Nagle, Raymond B; Morrissey, Colm; Knudsen, Beatrice S; Miranti, Cindy K; Cress, Anne E

2018-05-14

The laminin-binding integrins, α3β1 and α6β1, are needed for tumor metastasis and their surface expression is regulated by endocytic recycling. β1 integrins share the Rab11 recycling machinery but the trafficking of α3β1 and α6β1 are distinct by an unknown mechanism. Using a mouse PDX tumor model containing human metastatic prostate cancer, Rab11 family interacting protein 5 (Rab11-FIP5) was identified as a lead candidate for α6β1 trafficking. Rab11-FIP5 and its membrane binding domain were required for α6β1 recycling, without affecting the other laminin-binding integrin (i.e., α3β1) or unrelated membrane receptors like CD44, transferrin receptor, or E-cadherin. Depletion of Rab11-FIP5 resulted in the intracellular accumulation of α6β1 in the Rab11 recycling compartment, loss of cell migration on laminin, and an unexpected loss of α6β1 recycling in cell-cell locations. Taken together, these data demonstrate that α6β1 is distinct from α3β1 via Rab11-FIP5 recycling and recycles in an unexpected cell-cell location. Rab11-FIP5 dependent a6b1 integrin recycling may be selectively targeted to limit migration of prostate cancer cells into laminin-rich tissues. Copyright ©2018, American Association for Cancer Research.

Leukocyte Anti-Trafficking Strategies: Current Status and Future Directions.

PubMed

Sands, Bruce E

2017-01-01

In inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), a pivotal step in the initiation and perpetuation of mucosal inflammation entails the recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes to the gut. Understanding the carefully coordinated series of molecular events that culminate in the recruitment of leukocytes to the gut has resulted in novel interventions with new capabilities in treating both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Key Messages: Natalizumab, an anti-α4 integrin antibody, was the first agent to demonstrate the efficacy of this approach for the induction and maintenance of response and remission in Crohn's disease. Widespread adoption was mitigated by the previously unknown risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with this approach. Current approaches employ a more selective inhibition of adhesion molecules targeting the gut to avoid broad suppression of surveillance for JC virus, the causal pathogen of PML. Subsequently, vedolizumab, a humanized anti-α4β7 integrin antibody, has demonstrated efficacy in patients with IBD and has an excellent safety profile. To date, there have been no cases of PML in patients treated with vedolizumab, suggesting that this more selective agent does not have the same risk for PML as natalizumab. Other agents target β7 integrin (etrolizumab) and mucosal addressin cellular adhesion molecule-1, the endothelial ligand of α4β7 integrin. Efforts to inhibit the chemokine receptor CCR9 using the agent CCX282-B in Crohn's disease were not successful. An orally administered anti-α4 integrin compound showed some promise in a phase 2 trial but raises concern for PML. Finally, the S1P1 receptor agonist ozanimod showed promise in early trials in ulcerative colitis. In summary, anti-trafficking agents have the potential to provide safe and effective therapy for IBD, and are a burgeoning class of novel agents. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Pathway Pathology

PubMed Central

Rosner, Andrea; Miyoshi, Keiko; Landesman-Bollag, Esther; Xu, Xin; Seldin, David C.; Moser, Amy R.; MacLeod, Carol L.; Shyamala, G.; Gillgrass, Amy E.; Cardiff, Robert D.

2002-01-01

To study phenotype-genotype correlations, ErbB/Ras pathway tumors (transgenic for ErbB2, c-Neu, mutants of c-Neu, polyomavirus middle T antigene (PyV-mT), Ras, and bi-transgenic for ErbB2/Neu with ErbB3 and with progesterone receptor) from four different institutions were histopathologically compared with Wnt pathway tumors [transgenes Wnt1, Wnt10b, dominant-negative glycogen synthase kinase 3-β, β-Catenin, and spontaneous mutants of adenomatous polyposis coli gene (Apc)]. ErbB/Ras pathway tumors tend to form solid nodules consisting of poorly differentiated cells with abundant cytoplasm. ErbB/Ras pathway tumors also have scanty stroma and lack myoepithelial or squamous differentiation. In contrast, Wnt pathway tumors exhibit myoepithelial, acinar, or glandular differentiation, and, frequently, combinations of these. Squamous metaplasia is frequent and may include transdifferentiation to epidermal and pilar structures. Most Wnt pathway tumors form caricatures of elongated, branched ductules, and have well-developed stroma, inflammatory infiltrates, and pushing margins. Tumors transgenic for interacting genes such as protein kinase CK2α (casein kinase IIα), and the fibroblast growth factors (Fgf) Int2/Fgf3 or keratinocyte growth factor (Kgf/Fgf7) also have the Wnt pathway phenotype. Because the tumors from the ErbB/Ras and the Wnt pathway are so distinct and can be readily identified using routine hematoxylin and eosin sections, we suggest that pathway pathology is applicable in both basic and clinical cancer research. PMID:12213737

CD11b regulates antibody class switching via induction of AID.

PubMed

Park, Seohyun; Sim, Hyunsub; Kim, Hye-In; Jeong, Daecheol; Wu, Guang; Cho, Soo Young; Lee, Young Seek; Kwon, Hyung-Joo; Lee, Keunwook

2017-07-01

The integrin CD11b, which is encoded by the integrin subunit alpha M (ITGAM), is primarily expressed on the surface of innate immune cells. Genetic variations in ITGAM are among the strongest risk factors for systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies. However, the regulatory function of CD11b in the antibody responses remains unclear. Here, we report the induction of CD11b in activated B2 B cells and define its unexpected role in immunoglobulin heavy chain class switch recombination (CSR). LPS-activated B cells lacking CD11b yielded fewer IgG subtypes such as IgG1 and IgG2a in vitro, and immunization-dependent CSR and affinity maturation of antibodies were severely impaired in CD11b-deficient mice. Notably, we observed the reduced expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), an enzyme that initiates CSR and somatic hypermutation, and ectopic expression of AID was sufficient to rescue the defective CSR of CD11b-deficient B cells. LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and IκBα was attenuated in CD11b-deficient B cells, and hyperactivation of IκB kinase 2 restored the defective AID expression and CSR, which implied that CD11b regulates the NF-κB-dependent induction of AID. Overall, our experimental evidence emphasized the function of CD11b in antibody responses and the role of CD11b as a vital regulator of CSR. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Regulation of P-element transposase activity in Drosophila melanogaster by hobo transgenes that contain KP elements.

PubMed Central

Simmons, Michael J; Haley, Kevin J; Grimes, Craig D; Raymond, John D; Fong, Joseph C L

2002-01-01

Fusions between the Drosophila hsp70 promoter and three different incomplete P elements, KP, SP, and BP1, were inserted into the Drosophila genome by means of hobo transformation vectors and the resulting transgenic stocks were tested for repression of P-element transposase activity. Only the H(hsp/KP) transgenes repressed transposase activity, and the degree of repression was comparable to that of a naturally occurring KP element. The KP transgenes repressed transposase activity both with and without heat-shock treatments. Both the KP element and H(hsp/KP) transgenes repressed the transposase activity encoded by the modified P element in the P(ry(+), Delta2-3)99B transgene more effectively than that encoded by the complete P element in the H(hsp/CP)2 transgene even though the P(ry(+), Delta2-3)99B transgene was the stronger transposase source. Repression of both transposase sources appeared to be due to a zygotic effect of the KP element or transgene. There was no evidence for repression by a strictly maternal effect; nor was there any evidence for enhancement of KP repression by the joint maternal transmission of H(hsp/KP) and H(hsp/CP) transgenes. These results are consistent with the idea that KP-mediated repression of P-element activity involves a KP-repressor polypeptide that is not maternally transmitted and that KP-mediated repression is not strengthened by the 66-kD repressor produced by complete P elements through alternate splicing of their RNA. PMID:12019235

Identification of Cell Adhesive Sequences in the N-terminal Region of the Laminin α2 Chain*

PubMed Central

Hozumi, Kentaro; Ishikawa, Masaya; Hayashi, Takemitsu; Yamada, Yuji; Katagiri, Fumihiko; Kikkawa, Yamato; Nomizu, Motoyoshi

2012-01-01

The laminin α2 chain is specifically expressed in the basement membrane surrounding muscle and nerve. We screened biologically active sequences in the mouse laminin N-terminal region of α2 chain using 216 soluble peptides and three recombinant proteins (rec-a2LN, rec-a2LN+, and rec-a2N) by both the peptide- or protein-coated plate and the peptide-conjugated Sepharose bead assays. Ten peptides showed cell attachment activity in the plate assay, and 8 peptides were active in the bead assay. Seven peptides were active in the both assays. Five peptides promoted neurite outgrowth with PC12 cells. To clarify the cellular receptors, we examined the effects of heparin and EDTA on cell attachment to 11 active peptides. Heparin inhibited cell attachment to 10 peptides, and EDTA significantly affected only A2-8 peptide (YHYVTITLDLQQ, mouse laminin α2 chain, 117–128)-mediated cell attachment. Cell attachment to A2-8 was also specifically inhibited by anti-integrin β1 and anti-integrin α2β1 antibodies. These results suggest that A2-8 promotes an integrin α2β1-mediated cell attachment. The rec-a2LN protein, containing the A2-8 sequence, bound to integrin α2β1 and cell attachment to rec-a2LN was inhibited by A2-8 peptide. Further, alanine substitution analysis of both the A2-8 peptide and the rec-a2LN+ protein revealed that the amino acids Ile-122, Leu-124, and Asp-125 were involved in integrin α2β1-mediated cell attachment, suggesting that the A2-8 site plays a functional role as an integrin α2β1 binding site in the LN module. These active peptides may provide new insights on the molecular mechanism of laminin-receptor interactions. PMID:22654118

Identification of a Retroelement from the Resurrection Plant Boea hygrometrica That Confers Osmotic and Alkaline Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

PubMed Central

Shen, Chun-Ying; Xu, Guang-Hui; Chen, Shi-Xuan; Song, Li-Zhen; Li, Mei-Jing; Wang, Li-Li; Zhu, Yan; Lv, Wei-Tao; Gong, Zhi-Zhong; Liu, Chun-Ming; Deng, Xin

2014-01-01

Functional genomic elements, including transposable elements, small RNAs and non-coding RNAs, are involved in regulation of gene expression in response to plant stress. To identify genomic elements that regulate dehydration and alkaline tolerance in Boea hygrometrica, a resurrection plant that inhabits drought and alkaline Karst areas, a genomic DNA library from B. hygrometrica was constructed and subsequently transformed into Arabidopsis using binary bacterial artificial chromosome (BIBAC) vectors. Transgenic lines were screened under osmotic and alkaline conditions, leading to the identification of Clone L1-4 that conferred osmotic and alkaline tolerance. Sequence analyses revealed that L1-4 contained a 49-kb retroelement fragment from B. hygrometrica, of which only a truncated sequence was present in L1-4 transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Additional subcloning revealed that activity resided in a 2-kb sequence, designated Osmotic and Alkaline Resistance 1 (OAR1). In addition, transgenic Arabidopsis lines carrying an OAR1-homologue also showed similar stress tolerance phenotypes. Physiological and molecular analyses demonstrated that OAR1-transgenic plants exhibited improved photochemical efficiency and membrane integrity and biomarker gene expression under both osmotic and alkaline stresses. Short transcripts that originated from OAR1 were increased under stress conditions in both B. hygrometrica and Arabidopsis carrying OAR1. The relative copy number of OAR1 was stable in transgenic Arabidopsis under stress but increased in B. hygrometrica. Taken together, our results indicated a potential role of OAR1 element in plant tolerance to osmotic and alkaline stresses, and verified the feasibility of the BIBAC transformation technique to identify functional genomic elements from physiological model species. PMID:24851859

Involvement of glycosphingolipid-enriched lipid rafts in inflammatory responses.

PubMed

Iwabuchi, Kazuhisa

2015-01-01

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are membrane components consisting of hydrophobic ceramide and hydrophilic sugar moieties. GSLs cluster with cholesterol in cell membranes to form GSL-enriched lipid rafts. Biochemical analyses have demonstrated that GSL-enriched lipid rafts contain several kinds of transducer molecules, including Src family kinases. Among the GSLs, lactosylceramide (LacCer, CDw17) can bind to various microorganisms, is highly expressed on the plasma membranes of human phagocytes, and forms lipid rafts containing the Src family tyrosine kinase Lyn. LacCer-enriched lipid rafts mediate immunological and inflammatory reactions, including superoxide generation, chemotaxis, and non-opsonic phagocytosis. Therefore, LacCer-enriched membrane microdomains are thought to function as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) expressed on microorganisms. LacCer also serves as a signal transduction molecule for functions mediated by CD11b/CD18-integrin (αM/β2-integrin, CR3, Mac-1), as well as being associated with several key cellular processes. LacCer recruits PCKα/ε and phospholipase A2 to stimulate PECAM-1 expression in human monocytes and their adhesion to endothelial cells, as well as regulating β1-integrin clustering and endocytosis on cell surfaces. This review describes the organizational and inflammation-related functions of LacCer-enriched lipid rafts.

Collagen type I as a ligand for receptor-mediated signaling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boraschi-Diaz, Iris; Wang, Jennifer; Mort, John S.; Komarova, Svetlana V.

2017-05-01

Collagens form the fibrous component of the extracellular matrix in all multi-cellular animals. Collagen type I is the most abundant collagen present in skin, tendons, vasculature, as well as the organic portion of the calcified tissue of bone and teeth. This review focuses on numerous receptors for which collagen acts as a ligand, including integrins, discoidin domain receptors DDR1 and 2, OSCAR, GPVI, G6b-B and Lair-1 of the leukocyte receptor complex and mannose family receptor uPARAP/Endo 180. We explore the process of collagen production and self-assembly, as well as its degradation by collagenases and gelatinases in order to predict potential temporal and spatial sites of action of different collagen receptors. While the interactions of the mature collagen matrix with integrins and DDR are well-appreciated, potential signals from immature matrix as well as collagen degradation products are possible but not yet described. The role of multiple collagen receptors in physiological processes and their contribution to pathophysiology of diseases affecting collagen homeostasis require further studies.

Enhanced resistance to blast fungus in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by expressing the ribosome-inactivating protein α-momorcharin.

PubMed

Qian, Qian; Huang, Lin; Yi, Rong; Wang, Shuzhen; Ding, Yi

2014-03-01

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe grisea is one of the three major diseases that seriously affect the rice production. Alpha-momorcharin (α-MC), a ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) isolated from Momordica charantia seeds, has antifungal effects in vitro. In this study, the α-MC gene was constitutively expressed under the control of the 2×35S promoter in transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method. The nine transgenic plants were obtained and confirmed by PCR and RT-PCR, and the four (B2, B4, B7 and B9) of them whose copy numbers were 1, 2, 3 and 3, respectively, were shown to express the α-MC protein by Western blot. The molecular weight of α-MC in transgenic plants was approximately 38 kDa larger than the purified α-MC protein (28 kDa) in vitro. When the confirmed T1 generations were inoculated with a suspension of M. grisea spores for ten days, the lesions on leaves of transgenic plants were much lesser than those found on wild type (WT). According to the criteria of International Rice Research Institute standard, the mean values for morbidity and disease index numbers were 29.8% and 14.9%, respectively, which were lower than for WT. It is unclear whether RIPs could impact plant fitness and however our results suggest that the α-MC protein is an effective antifungal protein preventing rice blast in transgenic rice. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Triazole RGD antagonist reverts TGFβ1-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in endothelial precursor cells.

PubMed

Bianchini, Francesca; Peppicelli, Silvia; Fabbrizzi, Pierangelo; Biagioni, Alessio; Mazzanti, Benedetta; Menchi, Gloria; Calorini, Lido; Pupi, Alberto; Trabocchi, Andrea

2017-01-01

Fibrosis is the dramatic consequence of a dysregulated reparative process in which activated fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) and Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGFβ1) play a central role. When exposed to TGFβ1, fibroblast and epithelial cells differentiate in myofibroblasts; in addition, endothelial cells may undergo endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and actively participate to the progression of fibrosis. Recently, the role of αv integrins, which recognize the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) tripeptide, in the release and signal transduction activation of TGFβ1 became evident. In this study, we present a class of triazole-derived RGD antagonists that interact with αvβ3 integrin. Above different compounds, the RGD-2 specifically interferes with integrin-dependent TGFβ1 EndoMT in Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells (ECPCs) derived from circulating Endothelial Precursor Cells (ECPCs). The RGD-2 decreases the amount of membrane-associated TGFβ1, and reduces both ALK5/TGFβ1 type I receptor expression and Smad2 phosphorylation in ECPCs. We found that RGD-2 antagonist reverts EndoMT, reducing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin expression in differentiated ECPCs. Our results outline the critical role of integrin in fibrosis progression and account for the opportunity of using integrins as target for anti-fibrotic therapeutic treatment.

Elevated expression of activated forms of Neu/ErbB-2 and ErbB-3 are involved in the induction of mammary tumors in transgenic mice: implications for human breast cancer.

PubMed Central

Siegel, P M; Ryan, E D; Cardiff, R D; Muller, W J

1999-01-01

To assess the importance of Neu activation during mammary tumorigenesis, altered receptors harboring in-frame deletions within the extracellular domain were expressed in transgenic mice. Females from several independent lines develop multiple mammary tumors that frequently metastasize to the lung. Tumor progression in these strains was associated with elevated levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated Neu and ErbB-3. Consistent with these observations, a survey of primary human breast tumors revealed frequent co-expression of both erbB-2 and erbB-3 transcripts. The ability of altered Neu receptors to induce mammary tumorigenesis in transgenic mice prompted us to examine whether similar mutations occurred in ErbB-2 during human breast cancer progression. Interestingly, an alternatively spliced form of erbB-2, closely resembling spontaneous activated forms of neu, was detected in human breast tumors. The ErbB-2 receptor encoded by this novel transcript harbors an in-frame deletion of 16 amino acids in the extracellular domain and can transform Rat-1 fibroblasts. Together, these observations argue that co-expression of ErbB-2 and ErbB-3 may play a critical role in the induction of human breast tumors, and raise the possibility that activating mutations in the ErbB-2 receptor may also contribute to this process. PMID:10205169

Oxidative stress reduces trophoblast FOXO1 and integrin β3 expression that inhibits cell motility.

PubMed

Chen, Chie-Pein; Chen, Cheng-Yi; Wu, Yi-Hsin; Chen, Chia-Yu

2018-06-08

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication associated with placental oxidative stress and impaired trophoblast migration. The mechanism of defective trophoblast migration remains unknown. Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) is a transcription factor. Integrin β3 is involved in cell motility. We hypothesized that FOXO1 mediates expression of trophoblast integrin β3, which could be impaired by oxidative stress and have implications in preeclampsia. The expressions of FOXO1 and integrin β3 were significantly reduced in preeclamptic placentas (n = 15) compared to that of controls (n = 15; p < 0.01). HTR-8/SVneo and JEG-3 trophoblasts were transfected to express wild-type FOXO1-WT or constitutively-expressed nuclear mutant form, FOXO1-AAA. The FOXO1 in HTR-8/SVneo and 3A-Sub-E trophoblasts was silenced by small interfering RNA. AKT-mediated phosphorylation inactivated FOXO1, but FOXO1-AAA was not phosphorylated. The expression of trophoblast integrin β3 was significantly elevated by FOXO1 overexpression and inhibited by FOXO1 knockdown. FOXO1 regulates integrin β3 at the transcriptional level via binding to the putative FOXO1 response element site between position -1154 to -1139 (TGAGATGTTTTGAAAG) in HTR-8/SVneo trophoblasts. The level of phosphorylated FOXO1 was decreased, and the FOXO1 level was increased in trophoblasts treated with AKT inhibitor MK2206, leading to upregulation of integrin β3. The capabilities of trophoblast adhesion and migration were enhanced by FOXO1-overexpression or MK2206, and inhibited by silencing FOXO1 or oxidative stress with H 2 O 2 . These results suggest that FOXO1 enhances trophoblast integrin β3 expression, and mediates cell adhesion and migration. By affecting the expression of FOXO1 and cell motility in trophoblasts, oxidative stress plays a role in the development of preeclampsia. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Laminin-111 peptide C16 regulates invadopodia activity of malignant cells through β1 integrin, Src and ERK 1/2.

PubMed

Siqueira, Adriane S; Pinto, Monique P; Cruz, Mário C; Smuczek, Basilio; Cruz, Karen S P; Barbuto, José Alexandre M; Hoshino, Daisuke; Weaver, Alissa M; Freitas, Vanessa M; Jaeger, Ruy G

2016-07-26

Laminin peptides influence tumor behavior. In this study, we addressed whether laminin peptide C16 (KAFDITYVRLKF, γ1 chain) would increase invadopodia activity of cells from squamous cell carcinoma (CAL27) and fibrosarcoma (HT1080). We found that C16 stimulates invadopodia activity over time in both cell lines. Rhodamine-conjugated C16 decorates the edge of cells, suggesting a possible binding to membrane receptors. Flow cytometry showed that C16 increases activated β1 integrin, and β1 integrin miRNA-mediated depletion diminishes C16-induced invadopodia activity in both cell lines. C16 stimulates Src and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, and ERK 1/2 inhibition decreases peptide-induced invadopodia activity. C16 also increases cortactin phosphorylation in both cells lines. Based on our findings, we propose that C16 regulates invadopodia activity over time of squamous carcinoma and fibrosarcoma cells, probably through β1 integrin, Src and ERK 1/2 signaling pathways.

Deficiency of bone marrow beta3-integrin enhances non-functional neovascularization.

PubMed

Watson, Alan R; Pitchford, Simon C; Reynolds, Louise E; Direkze, Natalie; Brittan, Mairi; Alison, Malcolm R; Rankin, Sara; Wright, Nicholas A; Hodivala-Dilke, Kairbaan M

2010-03-01

beta3-Integrin is a cell surface adhesion and signalling molecule important in the regulation of tumour angiogenesis. Mice with a global deficiency in beta3-integrin show increased pathological angiogenesis, most likely due to increased vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expression on beta3-null endothelial cells. Here we transplanted beta3-null bone marrow (BM) into wild-type (WT) mice to dissect the role of BM beta3-integrin deficiency in pathological angiogenesis. Mice transplanted with beta3-null bone marrow show significantly enhanced angiogenesis in subcutaneous B16F0 melanoma and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cell models and in B16F0 melanoma lung metastasis when compared with tumours grown in mice transplanted with WT bone marrow. The effect of bone marrow beta3-integrin deficiency was also assessed in the RIPTAg mouse model of pancreatic tumour growth. Again, angiogenesis in mice lacking BM beta3-integrin was enhanced. However, tumour weight between the groups was not significantly altered, suggesting that the enhanced blood vessel density in the mice transplanted with beta3-null bone marrow was not functional. Indeed, we demonstrate that in mice transplanted with beta3-null bone marrow a significant proportion of tumour blood vessels are non-functional when compared with tumour blood vessels in WT-transplanted controls. Furthermore, beta3-null-transplanted mice showed an increased angiogenic response to VEGF in vivo when compared with WT-transplanted animals. BM beta3-integrin deficiency affects the mobilization of progenitor cells to the peripheral circulation. We show that VEGF-induced mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells is enhanced in mice transplanted with beta3-null bone marrow when compared with WT-transplanted controls, suggesting a possible mechanism underlying the increased blood vessel density seen in beta3-null-transplanted mice. In conclusion, although BM beta3-integrin is not required for pathological angiogenesis, our studies demonstrate a role for BM beta3-integrin in VEGF-induced mobilization of bone marrow-derived cells to the peripheral circulation and for the functionality of those vessels in which BM-derived cells become incorporated.

Skeletal muscle cells express ICAM-1 after muscle overload and ICAM-1 contributes to the ensuing hypertrophic response.

PubMed

Dearth, Christopher L; Goh, Qingnian; Marino, Joseph S; Cicinelli, Peter A; Torres-Palsa, Maria J; Pierre, Philippe; Worth, Randall G; Pizza, Francis X

2013-01-01

We previously reported that leukocyte specific β2 integrins contribute to hypertrophy after muscle overload in mice. Because intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is an important ligand for β2 integrins, we examined ICAM-1 expression by murine skeletal muscle cells after muscle overload and its contribution to the ensuing hypertrophic response. Myofibers in control muscles of wild type mice and cultures of skeletal muscle cells (primary and C2C12) did not express ICAM-1. Overload of wild type plantaris muscles caused myofibers and satellite cells/myoblasts to express ICAM-1. Increased expression of ICAM-1 after muscle overload occurred via a β2 integrin independent mechanism as indicated by similar gene and protein expression of ICAM-1 between wild type and β2 integrin deficient (CD18-/-) mice. ICAM-1 contributed to muscle hypertrophy as demonstrated by greater (p<0.05) overload-induced elevations in muscle protein synthesis, mass, total protein, and myofiber size in wild type compared to ICAM-1-/- mice. Furthermore, expression of ICAM-1 altered (p<0.05) the temporal pattern of Pax7 expression, a marker of satellite cells/myoblasts, and regenerating myofiber formation in overloaded muscles. In conclusion, ICAM-1 expression by myofibers and satellite cells/myoblasts after muscle overload could serve as a mechanism by which ICAM-1 promotes hypertrophy by providing a means for cell-to-cell communication with β2 integrin expressing myeloid cells.

Skeletal Muscle Cells Express ICAM-1 after Muscle Overload and ICAM-1 Contributes to the Ensuing Hypertrophic Response

PubMed Central

Dearth, Christopher L.; Goh, Qingnian; Marino, Joseph S.; Cicinelli, Peter A.; Torres-Palsa, Maria J.; Pierre, Philippe; Worth, Randall G.; Pizza, Francis X.

2013-01-01

We previously reported that leukocyte specific β2 integrins contribute to hypertrophy after muscle overload in mice. Because intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is an important ligand for β2 integrins, we examined ICAM-1 expression by murine skeletal muscle cells after muscle overload and its contribution to the ensuing hypertrophic response. Myofibers in control muscles of wild type mice and cultures of skeletal muscle cells (primary and C2C12) did not express ICAM-1. Overload of wild type plantaris muscles caused myofibers and satellite cells/myoblasts to express ICAM-1. Increased expression of ICAM-1 after muscle overload occurred via a β2 integrin independent mechanism as indicated by similar gene and protein expression of ICAM-1 between wild type and β2 integrin deficient (CD18-/-) mice. ICAM-1 contributed to muscle hypertrophy as demonstrated by greater (p<0.05) overload-induced elevations in muscle protein synthesis, mass, total protein, and myofiber size in wild type compared to ICAM-1-/- mice. Furthermore, expression of ICAM-1 altered (p<0.05) the temporal pattern of Pax7 expression, a marker of satellite cells/myoblasts, and regenerating myofiber formation in overloaded muscles. In conclusion, ICAM-1 expression by myofibers and satellite cells/myoblasts after muscle overload could serve as a mechanism by which ICAM-1 promotes hypertrophy by providing a means for cell-to-cell communication with β2 integrin expressing myeloid cells. PMID:23505517

Beta1 integrin inhibits apoptosis induced by cyclic stretch in annulus fibrosus cells via ERK1/2 MAPK pathway.

PubMed

Zhang, Kai; Ding, Wei; Sun, Wei; Sun, Xiao-jiang; Xie, You-zhuan; Zhao, Chang-qing; Zhao, Jie

2016-01-01

Low back pain is associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) due to cellular loss through apoptosis. Mechanical factors play an important role in maintaining the survival of the annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and the deposition of extracellular matrix. However, the mechanisms that excessive mechanical forces lead to AF cell apoptosis are not clear. The present study was to look for how AF cells sense mechanical changes. In vivo experiments, the involvement of mechanoreceptors in apoptosis was examined by RT-PCR and/or immunoblotting in the lumbar spine of rats subjected to unbalanced dynamic and static forces. In vitro experiments, we investigated apoptotic signaling pathways in untransfected and transfected AF cells with the lentivirus vector for rat β1 integrin overexpression after cyclic stretch. Apoptosis in AF cells was assessed using flow cytometry, Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining. Western blotting was used to analyze expression of β1 integrin and caspase-3 and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling molecules. In the rat IVDD model, unbalanced dynamic and static forces induced apoptosis of disc cells, which corresponded to decreased expression of β1 integrin. Cyclic stretch-induced apoptosis in rat AF cells correlated with the activation of caspase-3 and with decreased levels of β1 integrin and the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 activation level. However, the overexpression of β1 integrin in AF cells ameliorated cyclic stretch-induced apoptosis and decreased caspase-3 activation. Furthermore, ERK1/2-specific inhibitor promotes apoptosis in vector β1-infected AF cells. These results suggest that the disruption of β1 integrin signaling may underlie disc cell apoptosis induced by mechanical stress. Further work is necessary to fully elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie IVDD caused by unbalanced dynamic and static forces.

Identification of the promoter of the myelomonocytic leukocyte integrin CD11b.

PubMed Central

Hickstein, D D; Baker, D M; Gollahon, K A; Back, A L

1992-01-01

The CD11b (or macrophage-1 antigen; MAC-1) subunit of the leukocyte integrin family forms a noncovalently associated heterodimeric structure with the CD18 (beta) subunit on the surface of human granulocytes and monocyte/macrophages, where it enables these myeloid cells to participate in a variety of adherence-related activities. Expression of the CD11b subunit is restricted to cells of the myelomonocytic lineage and depends upon the stage of differentiation with the most mature myeloid cells expressing the highest levels of CD11b. To study the regulation of CD11b expression, a genomic clone corresponding to the 5' region of the CD11b gene was isolated from a human chromosome 16 library. Primer extension and RNase protection assays identified two major transcriptional start sites, located 90 base pairs and 54 base pairs upstream from the initiation methionine. DNA sequence analysis of 1.7 kilobases of the 5' flanking sequence of the CD11b gene indicated the absence of a "CAAT" or "TATA" box; however, potential binding sites for the transcription activators Sp1, PU.1, ets, and AP-2 are present, as well as retinoic acid response elements. The 1.7-kilobase CD11b promoter sequence displayed functional activity in transient transfection assays in the monocytic cell line THP-1 and the myeloid cell line HL-60. In contrast, this 1.7-kilobase promoter sequence did not display functional activity in the Jurkat T-lymphoid cell line. Detailed characterization of the CD11b promoter sequence should provide insight into the molecular events regulating the tissue-specific and developmental stage-specific expression of the CD11b molecule in myelomonocytic cells. Images PMID:1347945

Identification of integrin heterodimers functioning on the surface of undifferentiated porcine primed embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Kim, Hwa-Young; Baek, Song; Han, Na Rae; Lee, Eunsong; Park, Choon-Keun; Lee, Seung Tae

2018-05-29

In vitro expansion of undifferentiated porcine primed embryonic stem (ES) cells is facilitated by use of non-cellular niches that mimic three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments enclosing an inner cell mass of porcine blastocysts. Therefore, we investigated the integrin heterodimers on the surface of undifferentiated porcine primed ES cells for the purpose of developing a non-cellular niche to support in vitro maintenance of the self-renewal ability of porcine primed ES cells. Immunocytochemistry and a fluorescence immunoassay were performed to assess integrin α and β subunit levels, and attachment and antibody inhibition assays were used to evaluate the function of integrin heterodimers. The integrin α 3 , α 5 , α 6 , α 9 , α V , and β 1 subunits, but not the α 1 , α 2 , α 4 , α 7 , and α 8 subunits, were identified on the surface of undifferentiated porcine primed ES cells. Subsequently, significant increase of their adhesion to fibronectin, tenascin C and vitronectin were observed and functional blocking of integrin heterodimer α 5 β 1 , α 9 β 1 , or α V β 1 showed significantly inhibited adhesion to fibronectin, tenascin C, or vitronectin. No integrin α 6 β 1 heterodimer?mediated adhesion to laminin was detected. These results demonstrate that active α 5 β 1 , α 9 β 1 , and α V β 1 integrin heterodimers are present on the surface of undifferentiated porcine primed ES cells, together with inactive integrin α 3 (presumed) and α 6 subunits. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Selecting the correct cellular model for assessing of the biological response of collagen-based biomaterials.

PubMed

Davidenko, Natalia; Hamaia, Samir; Bax, Daniel V; Malcor, Jean-Daniel; Schuster, Carlos F; Gullberg, Donald; Farndale, Richard W; Best, Serena M; Cameron, Ruth E

2018-01-01

Accurate evaluation of the biological performance of biomaterials requires the correct assessment of their native-like cell ligation properties. However, cell attachment studies often overlook the details of the substrate-cell binding mechanisms, be they integrin-mediated or non-specific, and ignore the class- and species-specificities of the cell adhesion receptor involved. In this work we have used different collagen (Col) substrates (fibrillar collagens I, II and III and network-forming Col IV), containing different affinity cell-recognition motifs, to establish the influence of the receptor identity and species-specificity on collagen-cell interactive properties. Receptor expression was varied by using cells of different origin, or transfecting collagen-binding integrins into integrin-null cells. These include mouse C2C12 myoblasts transfected with human α1, α2, α10 or α11; human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells which constitutively express only human α2β1, and rat glioma Rugli cells, with only rat α1β1. Using these lines, the nature of integrin binding sites was studied in order to delineate the bioactivity of different collagen substrates. Integrin ligation was studied on collagen coatings alongside synthetic (GFOGER/GLOGEN) and Toolkit (Col II-28/Col III-7) triple-helical peptides to evaluate (1) their affinity towards different integrins and (2) to confirm the activity of the inserted integrin in the transfected cells. Thin films of dermal and tendon Col I were used to evaluate the influence of the carbodiimide (EDC)-based treatment on the cellular response on Col of different origin. The results showed that the binding properties of transfected C2C12 cells to collagens depend on the identity of inserted integrin. Similar ligation characteristics were observed using α1+ and α10+ cells, but these were distinct from the similar binding features of α2+ and α11+ cells. Recombinant human and rat-α1 I domain binding to collagens and peptides correlated with the cell adhesion results, showing receptor class- and species-specificities. The understanding of the physiologically relevant cell anchorage characteristics of bio-constructs may assist in the selection of (1) the optimum collagen source for cellular supports and (2) the correct cellular model for their biological assessment. This, in turn, may allow reliable prediction of the biological performance of bio-scaffolds in vivo for specific TE applications. Integrins play a vital role in cellular responses to environmental cues during early-stage cell-substrate interaction. We describe physiologically relevant cell anchorage to collagen substrates that present different affinity cell-recognition motifs, to provide experimental tools to assist in understanding integrin binding. Using different cell types and recombinant integrin α1-I-domains, we found that cellular response was highly dependent on collagen type, origin and EDC-crosslinking status, as well as on the integrin class and species of origin. This comprehensive study establishes selectivity amongst the four collagen-binding integrins and species-specific properties that together may influence choice of cell type and receptor in different experimental settings. This work offers key guidance in selecting of the correct cellular model for the biological testing of collagen-based biomaterials. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lymphoid hyperplasia in transgenic mice over-expressing a secreted form of the human interleukin-1β gene product

PubMed Central

Björkdahl, O; Åkerblad, P; Gjörloff-wingren, A; Leanderson, T; Dohlsten, M

1999-01-01

To evaluate the biological effects of over-expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on the immune system we have generated transgenic mice, expressing the IL-1β gene fused to a heterologous signal sequence under the control of the mouse immunoglobulin enhancer (Eμ). A prominent hyperplasia and a disturbed microarchitecture of lymphoid tissues were observed in the transgenic mice. The CD4+ T cells in the hyperplastic lymphoid organs seemed to invade the majority of the lymphoid organs including B-cell restricted areas. Analysis of lymph node cells revealed an increased frequency of CD4+ CD44high CD62L− T cells and local secretion of IL-2 and IL-4, compatible with an elevated number of activated T cells. Furthermore, significant levels of human IL-1β in sera and high concentrations of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) were observed in the transgenic mice. The data suggest a role for IL-1β in controlling lymphoid microarchitecture and, when over-expressed, breaking the threshold in T-helper–B-cell interaction. PMID:10233687

Dynamic Seeding of Perfusing Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) onto Dual-Function Cell Adhesion Ligands: Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-Streptavidin and Biotinylated Fibronectin

PubMed Central

Anamelechi, Charles C.; Clermont, Edward C.; Novak, Matthew T.; Reichert, William M.

2014-01-01

Surfaces decorated with high affinity ligands can be used to facilitate rapid attachment of endothelial cells; however, standard equilibrium cell detachment studies are poorly suited for assessing these initial adhesion events. Here, a dynamic seeding and cell retention method was used to examine the initial attachment of perfusing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to bare Teflon-AF substrates, substrates pre-adsorbed with fibronectin alone, or substrates co-pre-adsorbed with two dual-function cell-adhesion ligands: biotinylated fibronectin (bFN) and RGD-streptavidin mutant (RGD-SA). Cell attachment was evaluated as a function of cell trypsinization (integrin digestion), surface protein formulation, and cell perfusion rate. Surfaces co-pre-adsorbed with bFN and RGD-SA showed the highest density of attached cells after 8 min of perfusion and the highest percent retention when subjected to shear flow at 60 dynes/cm2 for 2 min. Surfaces with no ligand treatment showed the lowest cell attachment and retention under flow in all cases. HUVECs trypsinized with mild 0.025% trypsin/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) showed greater cell adhesion after perfusion and higher percent retention after shear flow than those trypsinized using harsher 0.05% trypsin/EDTA. The preferential affinities of the two dual-function ligands for α5β1 and αvβ3 integrins were also examined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. The dynamic cell seeding studies confirmed that the dual-function ligand system promotes HUVEC adhesion and retention at short time points when tested using a perfusion assay. SPR studies showed that the two ligands exhibited equal affinity for both α5β1 and αvβ3 integrins but that the combined ligands bound more total integrins than the two ligands tested separately. PMID:19348476

No adverse effects of transgenic maize on population dynamics of endophytic Bacillus subtilis strain B916-gfp.

PubMed

Sun, Chongsi; Geng, Lili; Wang, Meiling; Shao, Gaoxiang; Liu, Yongfeng; Shu, Changlong; Zhang, Jie

2017-02-01

Endophytic bacterial communities play a key role in promoting plant growth and combating plant diseases. However, little is known about their population dynamics in plant tissues and bulk soil, especially in transgenic crops. This study investigated the colonization of transgenic maize harboring the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cry1Ah gene by Bacillus subtilis strain B916-gfp present in plant tissues and soil. Bt and nontransgenic maize were inoculated with B916-gfp by seed soaking, or root irrigation under both laboratory greenhouse and field conditions. During the growing season, B916-gfp colonized transgenic as well as nontransgenic plants by both inoculation methods. No differences were observed in B916-gfp population size between transgenic and nontransgenic plants, except at one or two time points in the roots and stems that did not persist over the examination period. Furthermore, planting transgenic maize did not affect the number of B916-gfp in bulk soil in either laboratory or field trials. These results indicate that transgenic modification of maize with the cry1Ah gene has no influence on colonization by the endophytic bacteria B916-gfp present in the plant and in bulk soil. © 2016 The Authors. MicrobiologyOpenpublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Genetic Overexpression of NR2B Subunit Enhances Social Recognition Memory for Different Strains and Species

PubMed Central

Jacobs, Stephanie A.; Tsien, Joe Z.

2012-01-01

The ability to learn and remember conspecifics is essential for the establishment and maintenance of social groups. Many animals, including humans, primates and rodents, depend on stable social relationships for survival. Social learning and social recognition have become emerging areas of interest for neuroscientists but are still not well understood. It has been established that several hormones play a role in the modulation of social recognition including estrogen, oxytocin and arginine vasopression. Relatively few studies have investigated how social recognition might be improved or enhanced. In this study, we investigate the role of the NMDA receptor in social recognition memory, specifically the consequences of altering the ratio of the NR2B∶NR2A subunits in the forebrain regions in social behavior. We produced transgenic mice in which the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor was overexpressed postnatally in the excitatory neurons of the forebrain areas including the cortex, amygdala and hippocampus. We investigated the ability of both our transgenic animals and their wild-type littermate to learn and remember juvenile conspecifics using both 1-hr and 24-hr memory tests. Our experiments show that the wild-type animals and NR2B transgenic mice preformed similarly in the 1-hr test. However, transgenic mice showed better performances in 24-hr tests of recognizing animals of a different strain or animals of a different species. We conclude that NR2B overexpression in the forebrain enhances social recognition memory for different strains and animal species. PMID:22558458

Sucrose-induced anthocyanin accumulation in vegetative tissue of Petunia plants requires anthocyanin regulatory transcription factors.

PubMed

Ai, Trinh Ngoc; Naing, Aung Htay; Arun, Muthukrishnan; Lim, Sun-Hyung; Kim, Chang Kil

2016-11-01

The effects of three different sucrose concentrations on plant growth and anthocyanin accumulation were examined in non-transgenic (NT) and transgenic (T 2 ) specimens of the Petunia hybrida cultivar 'Mirage rose' that carried the anthocyanin regulatory transcription factors B-Peru+mPAP1 or RsMYB1. Anthocyanin accumulation was not observed in NT plants in any treatments, whereas a range of anthocyanin accumulation was observed in transgenic plants. The anthocyanin content detected in transgenic plants expressing the anthocyanin regulatory transcription factors (B-Peru+mPAP1 or RsMYB1) was higher than that in NT plants. In addition, increasing sucrose concentration strongly enhanced anthocyanin content as shown by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, wherein increased concentrations of sucrose enhanced transcript levels of the transcription factors that are responsible for the induction of biosynthetic genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis; this pattern was not observed in NT plants. In addition, sucrose affected plant growth, although the effects were different between NT and transgenic plants. Taken together, the application of sucrose could enhance anthocyanin production in vegetative tissue of transgenic Petunia carrying anthocyanin regulatory transcription factors, and this study provides insights about interactive effects of sucrose and transcription factors in anthocyanin biosynthesis in the transgenic plant. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Naive T-cell receptor transgenic T cells help memory B cells produce antibody

PubMed Central

Duffy, Darragh; Yang, Chun-Ping; Heath, Andrew; Garside, Paul; Bell, Eric B

2006-01-01

Injection of the same antigen following primary immunization induces a classic secondary response characterized by a large quantity of high-affinity antibody of an immunoglobulin G class produced more rapidly than in the initial response – the products of memory B cells are qualitatively distinct from that of the original naive B lymphocytes. Very little is known of the help provided by the CD4 T cells that stimulate memory B cells. Using antigen-specific T-cell receptor transgenic CD4 T cells (DO11.10) as a source of help, we found that naive transgenic T cells stimulated memory B cells almost as well (in terms of quantity and speed) as transgenic T cells that had been recently primed. There was a direct correlation between serum antibody levels and the number of naive transgenic T cells transferred. Using T cells from transgenic interleukin-2-deficient mice we showed that interleukin-2 was not required for a secondary response, although it was necessary for a primary response. The results suggested that the signals delivered by CD4 T cells and required by memory B cells for their activation were common to both antigen-primed and naive CD4 T cells. PMID:17067314

Development of a single-antigen magnetic bead assay (SAMBA) for the sensitive detection of HPA-1a alloantibodies using tag-engineered recombinant soluble β3 integrin.

PubMed

Skaik, Younis; Battermann, Anja; Hiller, Oliver; Meyer, Oliver; Figueiredo, Constanca; Salama, Abdulgabar; Blasczyk, Rainer

2013-05-31

Timely and accurate testing for human platelet antigen 1a (HPA-1a) alloantibodies is vital for clinical diagnosis of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT). Current antigen-specific assays used for the detection of HPA-1 alloantibodies are technically very complex and cumbersome for most diagnostic laboratories. Hence, we designed and applied recombinant soluble (rs) β3 integrins displaying HPA-1a or HPA-1b epitopes for the development of a single-antigen magnetic bead assay (SAMBA). Soluble HPA-1a and HPA-1b were produced recombinantly in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells and differentially tagged. The recombinant soluble proteins were then immobilized onto paramagnetic beads and used for analysis of HPA-1 alloantibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HPA-1a serum samples (n=7) from NAIT patients, inert sera and sera containing non-HPA-1a antibodies were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the SAMBA. Fusion of V5-His or GS-SBP-His tags to the rsβ3 integrins resulted in high-yield expression. SAMBA was able to detect all HPA-1a and -1b alloantibodies recognized by monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of platelet antigens assay (MAIPA). No cross-reactions between the sera were observed. Two out of seven of the HPA-1a alloantibody-containing sera demonstrated weak to moderate reactivity in MAIPA but strong signals in SAMBA. SAMBA provides a very reliable method for the detection of HPA-1 antibodies with high specificity and sensitivity. This simple and rapid assay can be adapted for use in any routine laboratory and can be potentially adapted for use on automated systems. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sulfur mustard disrupts human α3β1-integrin receptors in concert with α6β4-integrin receptors and collapse of the keratin K5/K14 cytoskeleton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werrlein, Robert J.; Braue, Catherine R.

2004-06-01

Sulfur mustard (SM; bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide) is a chemical warfare agent that produces persistent, incapacitating blisters of the skin. The lesions inducing vesication remain elusive, and there is no completely effective treatment. Using mulitphoton microscopy and immunofluorescent staining, we found that exposing human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK) and intact epidermis to SM (400 μm for 5 min) caused progressive collapse of the keratin (K5/K14) cytoskeleton and depletion of α6β integrins. We now report that SM causes concomitant disruption nad collapse of the basal cell's α3β1-integrin receptors. At 1 h postexposure, images of Alexa488-conjugated HEK/α3β1 integrins showed almost complete withdrawal and disappearance of retraction fibers and a progressive loss of polarized mobility. With stero imaging, in vitro expression of this SM effect was characterized by collapse and abutment of adjacent cell membranes. At 2 h postexposure, there was an average 13% dorso-ventral collapse of HEK membranes that paralleled progressive collapse of the K5/K14 cytoskeleton. α3β1 integrin, like α6β4 integrin, is a regulator of cytoskeletal assembly, a receptor for laminin 5 and a mediator of HEK attachment to the basement membrane. Our images indicate that SM disrupts these receptors. We suggest that the progressive disruption destabilizes and potentiates blistering of the epidermal-dermal junction.

Enhancing Flower Color through Simultaneous Expression of the B-peru and mPAP1 Transcription Factors under Control of a Flower-Specific Promoter

PubMed Central

Kim, Da-Hye; Park, Sangkyu; Lee, Jong-Yeol; Ha, Sun-Hwa; Lim, Sun-Hyung

2018-01-01

Flower color is a main target for flower breeding. A transgenic approach for flower color modification requires a transgene and a flower-specific promoter. Here, we expressed the B-peru gene encoding a basic helix loop helix (bHLH) transcription factor (TF) together with the mPAP1 gene encoding an R2R3 MYB TF to enhance flower color in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), using the tobacco anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) promoter (PANS) to drive flower-specific expression. The transgenic tobacco plants grew normally and produced either dark pink (PANSBP_DP) or dark red (PANSBP_DR) flowers. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed that the expression of five structural genes in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway increased significantly in both PANSBP_DP and PANSBP_DR lines, compared with the non-transformed (NT) control. Interestingly, the expression of two regulatory genes constituting the active MYB-bHLH-WD40 repeat (WDR) (MBW) complex decreased significantly in the PANSBP_DR plants but not in the PANSBP_DP plants. Total flavonol and anthocyanin abundance correlated with flower color, with an increase of 1.6–43.2 fold in the PANSBP_DP plants and 2.0–124.2 fold in the PANSBP_DR plants. Our results indicate that combinatorial expression of B-peru and mPAP1 genes under control of the ANS promoter can be a useful strategy for intensifying flower color without growth retardation. PMID:29361688

Cell Attachment to the Extracellular Matrix Induces Proteasomal Degradation of p21CIP1 via Cdc42/Rac1 Signaling

PubMed Central

Bao, Wenjie; Thullberg, Minna; Zhang, Hongquan; Onischenko, Anatoli; Strömblad, Staffan

2002-01-01

The cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) inhibitors p21CIP1 and p27KIP1 are negatively regulated by anchorage during cell proliferation, but it is unclear how integrin signaling may affect these Cdk2 inhibitors. Here, we demonstrate that integrin ligation led to rapid reduction of p21CIP1 and p27KIP1 protein levels in three distinct cell types upon attachment to various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including fibronectin (FN), or to immobilized agonistic anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies. Cell attachment to FN did not rapidly influence p21CIP1 mRNA levels, while the protein stability of p21CIP1 was decreased. Importantly, the down-regulation of p21CIP1 and p27KIP1 was completely blocked by three distinct proteasome inhibitors, demonstrating that integrin ligation induced proteasomal degradation of these Cdk2 inhibitors. Interestingly, ECM-induced proteasomal proteolysis of a ubiquitination-deficient p21CIP1 mutant (p21K6R) also occurred, showing that the proteasomal degradation of p21CIP1 was ubiquitin independent. Concomitant with our finding that the small GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1 were activated by attachment to FN, constitutively active (ca) Cdc42 and ca Rac1 promoted down-regulation of p21CIP1. However, dominant negative (dn) Cdc42 and dn Rac1 mutants blocked the anchorage-induced degradation of p21CIP1, suggesting that an integrin-induced Cdc42/Rac1 signaling pathway activates proteasomal degradation of p21CIP1. Our results indicate that integrin-regulated proteasomal proteolysis might contribute to anchorage-dependent cell cycle control. PMID:12052868

PSMA redirects cell survival signaling from the MAPK to the PI3K-AKT pathways to promote the progression of prostate cancer

PubMed Central

Caromile, Leslie Ann; Dortche, Kristina; Rahman, M. Mamunur; Grant, Christina L.; Stoddard, Christopher; Ferrer, Fernando A.; Shapiro, Linda H.

2017-01-01

Increased abundance of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on prostate epithelium is a hallmark of advanced metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) and correlates negatively with prognosis. However, direct evidence that PSMA functionally contributes to PCa progression remains elusive. We generated mice bearing PSMA-positive or PSMA-negative PCa by crossing PSMA-deficient mice with transgenic PCa (TRAMP) models, enabling direct assessment of PCa incidence and progression in the presence or absence of PSMA. Compared with PSMA-positive tumors, PSMA-negative tumors were smaller, lower-grade, and more apoptotic with fewer blood vessels, consistent with the recognized proangiogenic function of PSMA. Relative to PSMA-positive tumors, tumors lacking PSMA had less than half the abundance of type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R), less activity in the survival pathway mediated by PI3K-AKT signaling, and more activity in the proliferative pathway mediated by MAPK-ERK1/2 signaling. Biochemically, PSMA interacted with the scaffolding protein RACK1, disrupting signaling between the β1 integrin and IGF-1R complex to the MAPK pathway, enabling activation of the AKT pathway instead. Manipulation of PSMA abundance in PCa cell lines recapitulated this signaling pathway switch. Analysis of published databases indicated that IGF-1R abundance, cell proliferation, and expression of transcripts for antiapoptotic markers positively correlated with PSMA abundance in patients, suggesting that this switch may be relevant to human PCa. Our findings suggest that increase in PSMA in prostate tumors contributes to progression by altering normal signal transduction pathways to drive PCa progression and that enhanced signaling through the IGF-1R/β1 integrin axis may occur in other tumors. PMID:28292957

Epitopes in α8β1 and other RGD-binding integrins delineate classes of integrin-blocking antibodies and major binding loops in α subunits

PubMed Central

Nishimichi, Norihisa; Kawashima, Nagako; Yokosaki, Yasuyuki

2015-01-01

Identification of epitopes for integrin-blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has aided our understanding of structure-function relationship of integrins. We mapped epitopes of chicken anti-integrin-α8-subunit-blocking mAbs by mutational analyses, examining regions that harboured all mapped epitopes recognized by mAbs against other α-subunits in the RGD-binding-integrin subfamily. Six mAbs exhibited blocking function, and these mAbs recognized residues on the same W2:41-loop on the top-face of the β-propeller. Loop-tips sufficiently close to W2:41 (<25 Å) contained within a footprint of the mAbs were mutated, and the loop W3:34 on the bottom face was identified as an additional component of the epitope of one antibody, clone YZ5. Binding sequences on the two loops were conserved in virtually all mammals, and that on W3:34 was also conserved in chickens. These indicate 1) YZ5 binds both top and bottom loops, and the binding to W3:34 is by interactions to conserved residues between immunogen and host species, 2) five other blocking mAbs solely bind to W2:41 and 3) the α8 mAbs would cross-react with most mammals. Comparing with the mAbs against the other α-subunits of RGD-integrins, two classes were delineated; those binding to “W3:34 and an top-loop”, and “solely W2:41”, accounting for 82% of published RGD-integrin-mAbs. PMID:26349930

Epitopes in α8β1 and other RGD-binding integrins delineate classes of integrin-blocking antibodies and major binding loops in α subunits.

PubMed

Nishimichi, Norihisa; Kawashima, Nagako; Yokosaki, Yasuyuki

2015-09-09

Identification of epitopes for integrin-blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has aided our understanding of structure-function relationship of integrins. We mapped epitopes of chicken anti-integrin-α8-subunit-blocking mAbs by mutational analyses, examining regions that harboured all mapped epitopes recognized by mAbs against other α-subunits in the RGD-binding-integrin subfamily. Six mAbs exhibited blocking function, and these mAbs recognized residues on the same W2:41-loop on the top-face of the β-propeller. Loop-tips sufficiently close to W2:41 (<25 Å) contained within a footprint of the mAbs were mutated, and the loop W3:34 on the bottom face was identified as an additional component of the epitope of one antibody, clone YZ5. Binding sequences on the two loops were conserved in virtually all mammals, and that on W3:34 was also conserved in chickens. These indicate 1) YZ5 binds both top and bottom loops, and the binding to W3:34 is by interactions to conserved residues between immunogen and host species, 2) five other blocking mAbs solely bind to W2:41 and 3) the α8 mAbs would cross-react with most mammals. Comparing with the mAbs against the other α-subunits of RGD-integrins, two classes were delineated; those binding to "W3:34 and an top-loop", and "solely W2:41", accounting for 82% of published RGD-integrin-mAbs.

Infertility in transgenic mice overexpressing the bovine growth hormone gene: luteal failure secondary to prolactin deficiency.

PubMed

Cecim, M; Kerr, J; Bartke, A

1995-05-01

Overexpression of growth hormone (GH) in transgenic mice is associated with various degrees of impairment of female reproductive functions. Transgenic PEPCK.bGH mice express high GH levels, and only around 20% of the females will carry gestation to Day 7. The objective of the present study was to investigate luteal function in PEPCK.bGH mice during early pregnancy, when CL are fully dependent on the pituitary. Plasma progesterone levels measured on Days 2 or 7 postcoitum (p.c.) were lower in transgenic than in normal females. In transgenic females with a previous history of infertility, daily injections of 1 mg progesterone starting on Day 2 p.c. significantly increased the proportion of animals pregnant on Day 7. When ovaries from transgenic mice were transplanted into ovariectomized normal littermates, the recipients exhibited normal vaginal cycles and responded to mating by vaginal cytology changes consistent with pseudopregnancy. In contrast, ovariectomized transgenic females bearing transplants of ovaries from normal mice had slightly prolonged estrous cycles and failed to become pseudopregnant after mating. Plasma progesterone levels on Days 2 and 7 p.c. in normal females with transgenic ovaries were not different from plasma progesterone levels measured in normal females into which normal ovaries had been transplanted. Twice-daily injections of 100 micrograms of prolactin (PRL) in saline or in polyvinylpyrrolidone starting on the evening of Day 2 p.c. were able to rescue luteal function. The proportion of PRL-injected transgenic animals that were pregnant on Day 7 was significantly higher than that of saline-injected transgenic controls and resembled the pregnancy rate of normal animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Multi-inhibitory effects of A2A adenosine receptor signaling on neutrophil adhesion under flow**

PubMed Central

Yago, Tadayuki; Tsukamoto, Hiroki; Liu, Zhenghui; Wang, Ying; Thompson, Linda F.; McEver, Rodger P.

2015-01-01

A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) signaling negatively regulates inflammatory responses in many disease models, but the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. We used the selective A2AAR agonist, ATL313, to examine how A2AAR signaling affects human and murine neutrophil adhesion under flow. Treating neutrophils with ATL313 inhibited selectin-induced, β2 integrin-dependent slow rolling and chemokine-induced, β2 integrin-dependent arrest on ICAM-1. ATL313 inhibited selectin-induced β2 integrin extension, which supports slow rolling, and chemokine-induced hybrid domain “swing-out”, which supports arrest. Furthermore, ATL313 inhibited integrin outside-in signaling as revealed by reduced neutrophil superoxide production and spreading on immobilized anti-β2 integrin antibody. ATL313 suppressed selectin-triggered activation of Src family kinases (SFKs) and p38 MAPK, chemokine-triggered activation of Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1), and β2 integrin-triggered activation of SFKs and Vav cytoskeletal regulatory proteins. ATL313 activated protein kinase A (PKA) and its substrate C-terminal Src kinase (Csk), an inhibitor of SFKs. Treating neutrophils with a PKA inhibitor blocked the actions of ATL313. In vivo, ATL313-treated neutrophils rolled faster and arrested much less frequently in postcapillary venules of the murine cremaster muscle after TNF-α challenge. Furthermore, ATL313 markedly suppressed neutrophil migration into the peritoneum challenged with thioglycollate. ATL313 did not affect A2AAR-deficient neutrophils, confirming its specificity. Our findings provide new insights into the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of A2AAR signaling and the potential utility of A2AAR agonists in inflammatory diseases. PMID:26355151

An Rgd Sequence in the P2y2 Receptor Interacts with αVβ3 Integrins and Is Required for Go-Mediated Signal Transduction

PubMed Central

Erb, Laurie; Liu, Jun; Ockerhausen, Jonathan; Kong, Qiongman; Garrad, Richard C.; Griffin, Korey; Neal, Chris; Krugh, Brent; Santiago-Pérez, Laura I.; González, Fernando A.; Gresham, Hattie D.; Turner, John T.; Weisman, Gary A.

2001-01-01

The P2Y2 nucleotide receptor (P2Y2R) contains the integrin-binding domain arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) in its first extracellular loop, raising the possibility that this G protein–coupled receptor interacts directly with an integrin. Binding of a peptide corresponding to the first extracellular loop of the P2Y2R to K562 erythroleukemia cells was inhibited by antibodies against αVβ3/β5 integrins and the integrin-associated thrombospondin receptor, CD47. Immunofluorescence of cells transfected with epitope-tagged P2Y2Rs indicated that αV integrins colocalized 10-fold better with the wild-type P2Y2R than with a mutant P2Y2R in which the RGD sequence was replaced with RGE. Compared with the wild-type P2Y2R, the RGE mutant required 1,000-fold higher agonist concentrations to phosphorylate focal adhesion kinase, activate extracellular signal–regulated kinases, and initiate the PLC-dependent mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, an anti-αV integrin antibody partially inhibited these signaling events mediated by the wild-type P2Y2R. Pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of Gi/o proteins, partially inhibited Ca2+ mobilization mediated by the wild-type P2Y2R, but not by the RGE mutant, suggesting that the RGD sequence is required for P2Y2R-mediated activation of Go, but not Gq. Since CD47 has been shown to associate directly with Gi/o family proteins, these results suggest that interactions between P2Y2Rs, integrins, and CD47 may be important for coupling the P2Y2R to Go. PMID:11331301

Molecular mechanisms of the angiogenic effects of low-energy shock wave therapy: roles of mechanotransduction.

PubMed

Hatanaka, Kazuaki; Ito, Kenta; Shindo, Tomohiko; Kagaya, Yuta; Ogata, Tsuyoshi; Eguchi, Kumiko; Kurosawa, Ryo; Shimokawa, Hiroaki

2016-09-01

We have previously demonstrated that low-energy extracorporeal cardiac shock wave (SW) therapy improves myocardial ischemia through enhanced myocardial angiogenesis in a porcine model of chronic myocardial ischemia and in patients with refractory angina pectoris. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms for the SW-induced angiogenesis remain unclear. In this study, we thus examined the effects of SW irradiation on intracellular signaling pathways in vitro. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with 800 shots of low-energy SW (1 Hz at an energy level of 0.03 mJ/mm(2)). The SW therapy significantly upregulated mRNA expression and protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The SW therapy also enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) and Akt. Furthermore, the SW therapy enhanced phosphorylation of caveolin-1 and the expression of HUTS-4 that represents β1-integrin activity. These results suggest that caveolin-1 and β1-integrin are involved in the SW-induced activation of angiogenic signaling pathways. To further examine the signaling pathways involved in the SW-induced angiogenesis, HUVECs were transfected with siRNA of either β1-integrin or caveolin-1. Knockdown of either caveolin-1 or β1-integrin suppressed the SW-induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and Akt and upregulation of VEGF and eNOS. Knockdown of either caveolin-1 or β1-integrin also suppressed SW-induced enhancement of HUVEC migration in scratch assay. These results suggest that activation of mechanosensors on cell membranes, such as caveolin-1 and β1-integrin, and subsequent phosphorylation of Erk and Akt may play pivotal roles in the SW-induced angiogenesis. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

BAC-mediated transgenic expression of fluorescent autophagic protein Beclin 1 reveals a role for Beclin 1 in lymphocyte development.

PubMed

Arsov, I; Li, X; Matthews, G; Coradin, J; Hartmann, B; Simon, A K; Sealfon, S C; Yue, Z

2008-09-01

Beclin 1/Atg6 is an essential component of the evolutionary conserved PtdIns(3)-kinase (Vps34) protein complex that regulates macroautophagy (autophagy) in eukaryotic cells and also interacts with antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, Bcl-2, and Bcl-x(L). To elucidate the physiological function of Beclin 1, we generated transgenic mice producing a green fluorescent Beclin 1 protein (Beclin 1-GFP) under Beclin 1 endogenous regulation. The beclin 1-GFP transgene is functional because it completely rescues early embryonic lethality in beclin 1-deficient mice. The transgenic mice appear normal, with undetected change in basal autophagy levels in different tissues, despite the additional expression of functional Beclin 1-GFP. Staining of Beclin 1-GFP shows mostly diffuse cytoplasmic distribution in various tissues. Detailed analysis of the transgene expression by flow cytometry reveals a Bcl-2-like biphasic expression pattern in developing T and B cells, as well as differential regulation of expression in mature versus immature thymocytes following in vitro stimulation. Moreover, thymocytes expressing high Beclin 1-GFP levels appear increasingly sensitive to glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in vitro. Our results, therefore, support a role for Beclin 1 in lymphocyte development involving cross talk between autophagy and apoptosis.

Enhanced phytoremediation of mixed heavy metal (mercury)-organic pollutants (trichloroethylene) with transgenic alfalfa co-expressing glutathione S-transferase and human P450 2E1.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuanyuan; Liu, Junhong; Zhou, Yuanming; Gong, Tingyun; Wang, Jing; Ge, Yinlin

2013-09-15

Soil contamination is a global environmental problem and many efforts have been made to find efficient remediation methods over the last decade. Moreover, remediation of mixed contaminated soils are more difficult. In the present study, transgenic alfalfa plants pKHCG co-expressing glutathione S-transferase (GST) and human P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) genes were used for phytoremediation of mixed mercury (Hg)-trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminants. Simultaneous expression of GST and CYP2E1 may produce a significant synergistic effect, and leads to improved resistance and accumulation to heavy metal-organic complex contaminants. Based on the tolerance and accumulation assays, pKHCG transgenic plants were more resistant to Hg/TCE complex pollutants and many folds higher in Hg/TCE-accumulation than the non-transgenic control plants in mixed contaminated soil. It is confirmed that GST and CYP2E1 co-expression may be a useful strategy to help achieve mixed heavy metal-organic pollutants phytoremediation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Human FGF1 promoter is active in ependymal cells and dopaminergic neurons in the brains of F1B-GFP transgenic mice.

PubMed

Chen, Mei-Shu; Lin, Hua-Kuo; Chiu, Hsun; Lee, Don-Ching; Chung, Yu-Fen; Chiu, Ing-Ming

2015-03-01

FGF1 is involved in multiple biological functions and exhibits the importance in neuroprotective effects. Our previous studies indicated that, in human brain and retina, the FGF1B promoter controlled the expression of FGF1. However, the exact function and regulation of FGF1 in brain is still unclear. Here, we generated F1B-GFP transgenic mice that expressed the GFP reporter gene under the control of human FGF1B promoter (-540 to +31). Using the fresh brain sections of F1B-GFP transgenic mice, we found that the F1B-GFP cells expressed strong fluorescent signals in the ventricular system throughout the brain. The results of immunohistochemistry further showed that two distinct populations of F1B-GFP(+) cells existed in the brains of F1B-GFP transgenic mice. We demonstrated that one population of F1B-GFP(+) cells was ependymal cells, which distributed along the entire ventricles, and the second population of F1B-GFP(+) cells was neuronal cells that projected their long processes into multiple directions in specific areas of the brain. The double labeling of F1B-GFP(+) cells and tyrosine hydroxylase indicated that a subpopulation of F1B-GFP(+) -neuronal cells was dopaminergic neurons. Importantly, these F1B-GFP(+) /TH(+) cells were distributed in the main dopaminergic neuronal groups including hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area, and raphe nuclei. These results suggested that human FGF1B promoter was active in ependymal cells, neurons, and a portion of dopaminergic neurons. Thus, the F1B-GFP transgenic mice provide an animal model not only for studying FGF1 gene expression in vivo but also for understanding the role of FGF1 contribution in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. © 2014 The Authors Developmental Neurobiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Assessing activation of hepatic stellate cells by (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 scintigraphy targeting integrin αvβ3: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Zhang, Xin; Xin, Jun; Shi, Yu; Xu, Weina; Yu, Shupeng; Yang, Zhiguang; Liu, Changping; Cao, Li; Guo, Qiyong

2015-03-01

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, which is accompanied by increased expression of integrin αvβ3, is an important factor in liver fibrogenesis. Molecular imaging targeting the integrin αvβ3 could provide a non-invasive method for evaluating the expression and the function of the integrin αvβ3 on the activated HSCs (aHSCs) in the injured liver, and then provide important prognostic information. (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 is such a radiotracer specific for integrin αvβ3. In this study, we aimed to compare the differences in liver uptake and retention of the (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 between normal liver and injured liver to evaluate the feasibility of (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 scintigraphy for this purpose. We used planar scintigraphy to assess changes in integrin αvβ3 binding of intravenously-administered (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 in the livers of rats with thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis compared with the controls. We co-injected cold c(RGDyK) with (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 to assess the specific binding of the radiotracer. We performed Sirius red staining to assess liver fibrosis, immunofluorescent colocalization to identify the location of integrin αvβ3 expressed in the fibrotic liver, and we measured protein and messenger RNA expression of integrin αvβ3 and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the control and fibrotic livers. The fibrotic livers showed enhanced (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 uptake and retention. The radiotracer was demonstrated to bind specifically with the integrin αvβ3 mainly expressed on the aHSCs. The liver-to-heart ratio at 30 min post-injection was higher in the fibrotic livers than in the control livers (TAA, 1.98±0.08 vs. control, 1.50±0.12, p<0.01). The liver t1/2 was longer than in the controls (TAA, 27.07±10.69 min vs. control, 12.67±4.10 min, p<0.01). The difference of heart t1/2 between the two groups was not statistically significant (TAA, 3.13±0.63 min vs. control, 3.41±0.77 min, p=0.94). (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 molecular imaging can provide a non-invasive method for assessing activation of HSCs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intravital Imaging of Vascular Transmigration by the Lyme Spirochete: Requirement for the Integrin Binding Residues of the B. burgdorferi P66 Protein.

PubMed

Kumar, Devender; Ristow, Laura C; Shi, Meiqing; Mukherjee, Priyanka; Caine, Jennifer A; Lee, Woo-Yong; Kubes, Paul; Coburn, Jenifer; Chaconas, George

2015-12-01

Vascular extravasation, a key step in systemic infection by hematogenous microbial pathogens, is poorly understood, but has been postulated to encompass features similar to vascular transmigration by leukocytes. The Lyme disease spirochete can cause a variety of clinical manifestations, including arthritis, upon hematogenous dissemination. This pathogen encodes numerous surface adhesive proteins (adhesins) that may promote extravasation, but none have yet been implicated in this process. In this work we report the novel use of intravital microscopy of the peripheral knee vasculature to study transmigration of the Lyme spirochete in living Cd1d-/-mice. In the absence of iNKT cells, major immune modulators in the mouse joint, spirochetes that have extravasated into joint-proximal tissue remain in the local milieu and can be enumerated accurately. We show that BBK32, a fibronectin and glycosaminoglycan adhesin of B. burgdorferi involved in early steps of endothelial adhesion, is not required for extravasation from the peripheral knee vasculature. In contrast, almost no transmigration occurs in the absence of P66, an outer membrane protein that has porin and integrin adhesin functions. Importantly, P66 mutants specifically defective in integrin binding were incapable of promoting extravasation. P66 itself does not promote detectable microvascular interactions, suggesting that vascular adhesion of B. burgdorferi mediated by other adhesins, sets the stage for P66-integrin interactions leading to transmigration. Although integrin-binding proteins with diverse functions are encoded by a variety of bacterial pathogens, P66 is the first to have a documented and direct role in vascular transmigration. The emerging picture of vascular escape by the Lyme spirochete shows similarities, but distinct differences from leukocyte transmigration.

Intravital Imaging of Vascular Transmigration by the Lyme Spirochete: Requirement for the Integrin Binding Residues of the B. burgdorferi P66 Protein

PubMed Central

Kumar, Devender; Ristow, Laura C.; Shi, Meiqing; Mukherjee, Priyanka; Caine, Jennifer A.; Lee, Woo-Yong; Kubes, Paul; Coburn, Jenifer; Chaconas, George

2015-01-01

Vascular extravasation, a key step in systemic infection by hematogenous microbial pathogens, is poorly understood, but has been postulated to encompass features similar to vascular transmigration by leukocytes. The Lyme disease spirochete can cause a variety of clinical manifestations, including arthritis, upon hematogenous dissemination. This pathogen encodes numerous surface adhesive proteins (adhesins) that may promote extravasation, but none have yet been implicated in this process. In this work we report the novel use of intravital microscopy of the peripheral knee vasculature to study transmigration of the Lyme spirochete in living Cd1d -/-mice. In the absence of iNKT cells, major immune modulators in the mouse joint, spirochetes that have extravasated into joint-proximal tissue remain in the local milieu and can be enumerated accurately. We show that BBK32, a fibronectin and glycosaminoglycan adhesin of B. burgdorferi involved in early steps of endothelial adhesion, is not required for extravasation from the peripheral knee vasculature. In contrast, almost no transmigration occurs in the absence of P66, an outer membrane protein that has porin and integrin adhesin functions. Importantly, P66 mutants specifically defective in integrin binding were incapable of promoting extravasation. P66 itself does not promote detectable microvascular interactions, suggesting that vascular adhesion of B. burgdorferi mediated by other adhesins, sets the stage for P66-integrin interactions leading to transmigration. Although integrin-binding proteins with diverse functions are encoded by a variety of bacterial pathogens, P66 is the first to have a documented and direct role in vascular transmigration. The emerging picture of vascular escape by the Lyme spirochete shows similarities, but distinct differences from leukocyte transmigration. PMID:26684456

Dwarfism in mice lacking collagen-binding integrins α2β1 and α11β1 is caused by severely diminished IGF-1 levels.

PubMed

Blumbach, Katrin; Niehoff, Anja; Belgardt, Bengt F; Ehlen, Harald W A; Schmitz, Markus; Hallinger, Ralf; Schulz, Jan-Niklas; Brüning, Jens C; Krieg, Thomas; Schubert, Markus; Gullberg, Donald; Eckes, Beate

2012-02-24

Mice with a combined deficiency in the α2β1 and α11β1 integrins lack the major receptors for collagen I. These mutants are born with inconspicuous differences in size but develop dwarfism within the first 4 weeks of life. Dwarfism correlates with shorter, less mineralized and functionally weaker bones that do not result from growth plate abnormalities or osteoblast dysfunction. Besides skeletal dwarfism, internal organs are correspondingly smaller, indicating proportional dwarfism and suggesting a systemic cause for the overall size reduction. In accordance with a critical role of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in growth control and bone mineralization, circulating IGF-1 levels in the sera of mice lacking either α2β1 or α11β1 or both integrins were sharply reduced by 39%, 64%, or 81% of normal levels, respectively. Low hepatic IGF-1 production resulted from diminished growth hormone-releasing hormone expression in the hypothalamus and, subsequently, reduced growth hormone expression in the pituitary glands of these mice. These findings point out a novel role of collagen-binding integrin receptors in the control of growth hormone/IGF-1-dependent biological activities. Thus, coupling hormone secretion to extracellular matrix signaling via integrins represents a novel concept in the control of endocrine homeostasis.

Dwarfism in Mice Lacking Collagen-binding Integrins α2β1 and α11β1 Is Caused by Severely Diminished IGF-1 Levels*

PubMed Central

Blumbach, Katrin; Niehoff, Anja; Belgardt, Bengt F.; Ehlen, Harald W. A.; Schmitz, Markus; Hallinger, Ralf; Schulz, Jan-Niklas; Brüning, Jens C.; Krieg, Thomas; Schubert, Markus; Gullberg, Donald; Eckes, Beate

2012-01-01

Mice with a combined deficiency in the α2β1 and α11β1 integrins lack the major receptors for collagen I. These mutants are born with inconspicuous differences in size but develop dwarfism within the first 4 weeks of life. Dwarfism correlates with shorter, less mineralized and functionally weaker bones that do not result from growth plate abnormalities or osteoblast dysfunction. Besides skeletal dwarfism, internal organs are correspondingly smaller, indicating proportional dwarfism and suggesting a systemic cause for the overall size reduction. In accordance with a critical role of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in growth control and bone mineralization, circulating IGF-1 levels in the sera of mice lacking either α2β1 or α11β1 or both integrins were sharply reduced by 39%, 64%, or 81% of normal levels, respectively. Low hepatic IGF-1 production resulted from diminished growth hormone-releasing hormone expression in the hypothalamus and, subsequently, reduced growth hormone expression in the pituitary glands of these mice. These findings point out a novel role of collagen-binding integrin receptors in the control of growth hormone/IGF-1-dependent biological activities. Thus, coupling hormone secretion to extracellular matrix signaling via integrins represents a novel concept in the control of endocrine homeostasis. PMID:22210772

A Secretory Protein of Necrotrophic Fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum That Suppresses Host Resistance

PubMed Central

Zhu, Wenjun; Wei, Wei; Fu, Yanping; Cheng, Jiasen; Xie, Jiatao; Li, Guoqing; Yi, Xianhong; Kang, Zhensheng; Dickman, Martin B.; Jiang, Daohong

2013-01-01

SSITL (SS1G_14133) of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum encodes a protein with 302 amino acid residues including a signal peptide, its secretion property was confirmed with immunolocalization and immunofluorescence techniques. SSITL was classified in the integrin alpha N-terminal domain superfamily, and its 3D structure is similar to those of human integrin α4-subunit and a fungal integrin-like protein. When S. sclerotiorum was inoculated to its host, high expression of SSITL was detected during the initial stages of infection (1.5–3.0 hpi). Targeted silencing of SSITL resulted in a significant reduction in virulence; on the other hand, inoculation of SSITL silenced transformant A10 initiated strong and rapid defense response in Arabidopsis, the highest expressions of defense genes PDF1.2 and PR-1 appeared at 3 hpi which was 9 hr earlier than that time when plants were inoculated with the wild-type strain of S. sclerotiorum. Systemic resistance induced by A10 was detected by analysis of the expression of PDF1.2 and PR-1, and confirmed following inoculation with Botrytis cinerea. A10 induced much larger lesions on Arabidopsis mutant ein2 and jar1, and slightly larger lesions on mutant pad4 and NahG in comparison with the wild-type plants. Furthermore, both transient and constitutive expression of SSITL in Arabidopsis suppressed the expression of PDF1.2 and led to be more susceptible to A10 and the wild-type strain of S. sclerotiorum and B. cinerea. Our results suggested that SSITL is an effector possibly and plays significant role in the suppression of jasmonic/ethylene (JA/ET) signal pathway mediated resistance at the early stage of infection. PMID:23342034

Biomimetic design of platelet adhesion inhibitors to block integrin α2β1-collagen interactions: I. Construction of an affinity binding model.

PubMed

Zhang, Lin; Sun, Yan

2014-04-29

Platelet adhesion on a collagen surface through integrin α2β1 has been proven to be significant for the formation of arterial thrombus. However, the molecular determinants mediating the integrin-collagen complex remain unclear. In the present study, the dynamics of integrin-collagen binding and molecular interactions were investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and molecular mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) analysis. Hydrophobic interaction is identified as the major driving force for the formation of the integrin-collagen complex. On the basis of the MD simulation and MM-PBSA results, an affinity binding model (ABM) of integrin for collagen is constructed; it is composed of five residues, including Y157, N154, S155, R288, and L220. The ABM has been proven to capture the major binding motif contributing 84.8% of the total binding free energy. On the basis of the ABM, we expect to establish a biomimetic design strategy of platelet adhesion inhibitors, which would be beneficial for the development of potent peptide-based drugs for thrombotic diseases.

Ectopic expression of TaOEP16-2-5B, a wheat plastid outer envelope protein gene, enhances heat and drought stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis plants.

PubMed

Zang, Xinshan; Geng, Xiaoli; Liu, Kelu; Wang, Fei; Liu, Zhenshan; Zhang, Liyuan; Zhao, Yue; Tian, Xuejun; Hu, Zhaorong; Yao, Yingyin; Ni, Zhongfu; Xin, Mingming; Sun, Qixin; Peng, Huiru

2017-05-01

Abiotic stresses, such as heat and drought, are major environmental factors restricting crop productivity and quality worldwide. A plastid outer envelope protein gene, TaOEP16-2, was identified from our previous transcriptome analysis [1,2]. In this study, the isolation and functional characterization of the TaOEP16-2 gene was reported. Three homoeologous sequences of TaOEP16-2 were isolated from hexaploid wheat, which were localized on the chromosomes 5A, 5B and 5D, respectively. These three homoeologues exhibited different expression patterns under heat stress conditions, TaOEP16-2-5B was the dominant one, and TaOEP16-2-5B was selected for further analysis. Compared with wild type (WT) plants, transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing the TaOEP16-2-5B gene exhibited enhanced tolerance to heat stress, which was supported by improved survival rate, strengthened cell membrane stability and increased sucrose content. It was also found that TaOEP16-2 was induced by drought stress and involved in drought stress tolerance. TaOEP16-2-5B has the same function in ABA-controlled seed germination as AtOEP16-2. Our results suggest that TaOEP16-2-5B plays an important role in heat and drought stress tolerance, and could be utilized in transgenic breeding of wheat and other crop plants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

β5 Integrin Up-Regulation in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Promotes Cell Motility in Human Chondrosarcoma

PubMed Central

Li, Te-Mao; Fong, Yi-Chin; Liu, Shan-Chi; Chen, Po-Chun; Tang, Chih-Hsin

2013-01-01

Chondrosarcoma is a primary malignant bone cancer, with a potent capacity to invade locally and cause distant metastasis; it has a poor prognosis and shows a predilection for metastasis to the lungs. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a small-molecule protein from the neurotrophin family of growth factors that is associated with the disease status and outcomes of cancers. However, the effect of BDNF on migration activity in human chondrosarcoma cells is mostly unknown. Here, we found that human chondrosarcoma tissues showed significant expression of BDNF, which was higher than that in normal cartilage and primary chondrocytes. We also found that BDNF increased the migration and expression of β5 integrin in human chondrosarcoma cells. In addition, knockdown of BDNF expression markedly inhibited migratory activity. BDNF-mediated migration and β5 integrin up-regulation were attenuated by antibody, inhibitor, or siRNA against the TrkB receptor. Pretreatment of chondrosarcoma cells with PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB inhibitors or mutants also abolished BDNF-promoted migration and integrin expression. The PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB signaling pathway was activated after BDNF treatment. Taken together, our results indicate that BDNF enhances the migration of chondrosarcoma by increasing β5 integrin expression through a signal transduction pathway that involves the TrkB receptor, PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB. BDNF thus represents a promising new target for treating chondrosarcoma metastasis. PMID:23874483

The Role of Amplified Wild-Type Neu in the Etiology of Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-07-01

mutations that were found, only one (a C - T change of chromosome 5 (data not shown). DAPI banding patterns of nucleotide 2137) was present in clones...activation. Proc. NatI. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 8878-8883. Koelsch, B.U. (1998). Assignment of erbB2 to rat chromosome band 1Oq32.1 by in situ...was used to map the integration site of the neu transgene in lines 6500 and 2477. Line 6500 contained -3-6 copies of the transgene in chromosome 10

Integrin beta1-mediated matrix assembly and signaling are critical for the normal development and function of the kidney glomerulus.

PubMed

Kanasaki, Keizo; Kanda, Yoshiko; Palmsten, Kristin; Tanjore, Harikrishna; Lee, Soo Bong; Lebleu, Valerie S; Gattone, Vincent H; Kalluri, Raghu

2008-01-15

The human kidneys filter 180 l of blood every day via about 2.5 million glomeruli. The three layers of the glomerular filtration apparatus consist of fenestrated endothelium, specialized extracellular matrix known as the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and the podocyte foot processes with their modified adherens junctions known as the slit diaphragm (SD). In this study we explored the contribution of podocyte beta1 integrin signaling for normal glomerular function. Mice with podocyte specific deletion of integrin beta1 (podocin-Cre beta1-fl/fl mice) are born normal but cannot complete postnatal renal development. They exhibit detectable proteinuria on day 1 and die within a week. The kidneys of podocin-Cre beta1-fl/fl mice exhibit normal glomerular endothelium but show severe GBM defects with multilaminations and splitting including podocyte foot process effacement. The integrin linked kinase (ILK) is a downstream mediator of integrin beta1 activity in epithelial cells. To further explore whether integrin beta1-mediated signaling facilitates proper glomerular filtration, we generated mice deficient of ILK in the podocytes (podocin-Cre ILK-fl/fl mice). These mice develop normally but exhibit postnatal proteinuria at birth and die within 15 weeks of age due to renal failure. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that podocyte beta1 integrin and ILK signaling is critical for postnatal development and function of the glomerular filtration apparatus.

Using the Model Perennial Grass Brachypodium sylvaticum to Engineer Resistance to Multiple Abiotic Stresses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gordon, Sean; Reguera, Maria; Sade, Nir

2015-03-20

We are using the perennial model grass Brachypodium sylvaticum to identify combinations of transgenes that enhance tolerance to multiple, simultaneous abiotic stresses. The most successful transgene combinations will ultimately be used to create improved switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars. To further develop B. sylvaticum as a perennial model grass, and facilitate our planned transcriptional profiling, we are sequencing and annotating the genome. We have generated ~40x genome coverage using PacBio sequencing of the largest possible size selected libraries (18, 22, 25 kb). Our initial assembly using only long-read sequence contained 320 Mb of sequence with an N50 contig length ofmore » 315 kb and an N95 contig length of 40 kb. This assembly consists of 2,430 contigs, the largest of which was 1.6 Mb. The estimated genome size based on c-values is 340 Mb indicating that about 20 Mb of presumably repetitive DNA remains yet unassembled. Significantly, this assembly is far superior to an assembly created from paired-end short-read sequence, ~100x genome coverage. The short-read-only assembly contained only 226 Mb of sequence in 19k contigs. To aid the assembly of the scaffolds into chromosome-scale assemblies we produced an F2 mapping population and have genotyped 480 individuals using a genotype by sequence approach. One of the reasons for using B. sylvaticum as a model system is to determine if the transgenes adversely affect perenniality and winter hardiness. Toward this goal, we examined the freezing tolerance of wild type B. sylvaticum lines to determine the optimal conditions for testing the freezing tolerance of the transgenics. A survey of seven accessions noted significant natural variation in freezing tolerance. Seedling or adult Ain-1 plants, the line used for transformation, survived an 8 hour challenge down to -6 oC and 50% survived a challenge down to -9 oC. Thus, we will be able to easily determine if the transgenes compromise freezing tolerance. In the effort to develop biotechnological tools for perennial grass improvement, we have completed the transformation of B. sylvaticum with constructs containing 20 genes shown to be associated with enhanced abiotic stress tolerance in monocots. In addition, we have transformed plants with constructs containing a combination of genes (i.e. SARK::IPT- Ubi::HSR1::Ubi::NHX1) in order to simultaneously overexpress genes associated with drought + heat tolerance + salt tolerance. We generated single copy insert T1 lines for all constructs and the generation and bulking of homozygous T2 lines is well underway. In addition to our B. sylvaticum transgenics, we transformed B. distachyon with many of the same genes. Some of the transgenic B. distachyon plants subjected to a combined stress of both drought and salinity were able to produced higher yields than wild type plants. Our results indicate a great potential for the development of grasses with improved performance and yield in water-limited areas.« less

An ELMO2-RhoG-ILK network modulates microtubule dynamics.

PubMed

Jackson, Bradley C; Ivanova, Iordanka A; Dagnino, Lina

2015-07-15

ELMO2 belongs to a family of scaffold proteins involved in phagocytosis and cell motility. ELMO2 can simultaneously bind integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and RhoG, forming tripartite ERI complexes. These complexes are involved in promoting β1 integrin-dependent directional migration in undifferentiated epidermal keratinocytes. ELMO2 and ILK have also separately been implicated in microtubule regulation at integrin-containing focal adhesions. During differentiation, epidermal keratinocytes cease to express integrins, but ERI complexes persist. Here we show an integrin-independent role of ERI complexes in modulation of microtubule dynamics in differentiated keratinocytes. Depletion of ERI complexes by inactivating the Ilk gene in these cells reduces microtubule growth and increases the frequency of catastrophe. Reciprocally, exogenous expression of ELMO2 or RhoG stabilizes microtubules, but only if ILK is also present. Mechanistically, activation of Rac1 downstream from ERI complexes mediates their effects on microtubule stability. In this pathway, Rac1 serves as a hub to modulate microtubule dynamics through two different routes: 1) phosphorylation and inactivation of the microtubule-destabilizing protein stathmin and 2) phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK-3β, which leads to the activation of CRMP2, promoting microtubule growth. At the cellular level, the absence of ERI species impairs Ca(2+)-mediated formation of adherens junctions, critical to maintaining mechanical integrity in the epidermis. Our findings support a key role for ERI species in integrin-independent stabilization of the microtubule network in differentiated keratinocytes. © 2015 Jackson et al. This article is distributed by The American Society for Cell Biology under license from the author(s). Two months after publication it is available to the public under an Attribution–Noncommercial–Share Alike 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0).

Identification of Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 (IRS-1) and IRS-2 as Signaling Intermediates in the α6β4 Integrin-Dependent Activation of Phosphoinositide 3-OH Kinase and Promotion of Invasion

PubMed Central

Shaw, Leslie M.

2001-01-01

Expression of the α6β4 integrin increases the invasive potential of carcinoma cells by a mechanism that involves activation of phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase (PI3K). In the present study, we investigated the signaling pathway by which the α6β4 integrin activates PI3K. Neither the α6 nor the β4 cytoplasmic domain contains the consensus binding motif for PI3K, pYMXM, indicating that additional proteins are likely to be involved in the activation of this lipid kinase by the α6β4 integrin. We identified insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and IRS-2 as signaling intermediates in the activation of PI3K by the α6β4 integrin. IRS-1 and IRS-2 are cytoplasmic adapter proteins that do not contain intrinsic kinase activity but rather function by recruiting proteins to surface receptors, where they organize signaling complexes. Ligation of the α6β4 receptor promotes tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and IRS-2 and increases their association with PI3K, as determined by coimmunoprecipitation. Moreover, we identified a tyrosine residue in the cytoplasmic domain of the β4 subunit, Y1494, that is required for α6β4-dependent phosphorylation of IRS-2 and activation of PI3K in response to receptor ligation. Most importantly, Y1494 is essential for the ability of the α6β4 integrin to promote carcinoma invasion. Taken together, these results imply a key role for the IRS proteins in the α6β4-dependent promotion of carcinoma invasion. PMID:11438664

Developmental control of integrin expression regulates Th2 effector homing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Integrin CD18, a component of the LFA-1 complex that also includes CD11a, is essential for Th2, but not Th1, cell homing, but the explanation for this phenomenon remains obscure. In this study, we investigate the mechanism by which Th2 effector responses require the LFA-1 complex. CD11a-deficient T ...

Multifunctional effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in downregulation of gelatinase-A (MMP-2) in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7.

PubMed

Sen, Triparna; Moulik, Shuvojit; Dutta, Anindita; Choudhury, Paromita Roy; Banerji, Aniruddha; Das, Shamik; Roy, Madhumita; Chatterjee, Amitava

2009-02-13

The tumor inhibiting property of green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is well documented. Studies reveal that matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) play pivotal roles in tumor invasion through degradation of basement membranes and extracellular matrix (ECM). We studied the effect of EGCG on matrixmetalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), the factors involved in activation, secretion and signaling molecules that might be involved in the regulation of MMP-2 in human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. MCF-7 was treated with EGCG (20 muM, 24 h), the effect of EGCG on MMP-2 expression, activity and its regulatory molecules were studied by gelatin zymography, Western blot, quantitative and semi-quantitative real time RT-PCR, immunoflourescence and cell adhesion assay. EGCG treatment reduced the activity, protein expression and mRNA expression level of MMP-2. EGCG treatment reduced the expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), membrane type-1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and reduced the adhesion of MCF-7 cells to ECM, fibronectin and vitronectin. Real time RT-PCR revealed a reduced expression of integrin receptors alpha5, beta1, alphav and beta3 due to EGCG treatment. Down regulation of expression of MT1-MMP, NF-kB, VEGF and disruption of functional status of integrin receptors may indicate decreased MMP-2 activation; low levels of FAK expression might indicate disruption in FAK-induced MMP-2 secretion and decrease in activation of phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase (PI-3K), extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) indicates probable hindrance in MMP-2 regulation and induction. We propose EGCG as potential inhibitor of expression and activity of pro-MMP-2 by a process involving multiple regulatory molecules in MCF-7.

Synthesis and assembly of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit in transgenic lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

PubMed

Kim, Tae-Geum; Kim, Mi-Young; Kim, Bang-Geul; Kang, Tae-Jin; Kim, Young-Sook; Jang, Yong-Suk; Arntzen, Charles J; Yang, Moon-Sik

2007-01-01

Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LTB) strongly induces immune responses and can be used as an adjuvant for co-administered antigens. Synthetic LTB (sLTB) based on optimal codon usage by plants was introduced into lettuce cells (Lactuca sativa) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation methods. The sLTB gene was detected in the genomic DNA of transgenic lettuce leaf cells by PCR DNA amplification. Synthesis and assembly of the sLTB protein into oligomeric structures of pentameric size was observed in transgenic plant extracts using Western blot analysis. The binding of sLTB pentamers to intestinal epithelial cell membrane glycolipid receptors was confirmed by G(M1)-ganglioside enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (G(M1)-ELISA). Based on the results of ELISA, sLTB protein comprised approximately 1.0-2.0% of total soluble protein in transgenic lettuce leaf tissues. The synthesis and assembly of sLTB monomers into biologically active oligomers in transgenic lettuce leaf tissues demonstrates the feasibility of the use of edible plant-based vaccines consumed in the form of raw plant materials to induce mucosal immunity.

D{sub H} element reading frame selection is influenced by an Ig heavy chain transgene, but not by bcl-2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tarlinton, D.; Strasser, A.; McLean, M.

1995-04-01

Mouse B cell precursors containing Ig D{sub H}J{sub H} junctions in one particular reading frame are selectively lost during B cell development. In this register, arbitrarily referred to as reading frame 2, D{sub H}J{sub H} junctions give rise to an open reading frame starting upstream of the D{sub H} element and including the D{sub H}J{sub H}-peptide fused to the constant region of IgM. Expression of this protein, called D{mu}, has been strongly implicated in the loss of B cell precursors containing reading frame 2 D{sub H}J{sub H} junctions. In an attempt to elucidate the means of D{mu} counterselection, we havemore » examined the reading frame distribution of D{sub H}J{sub H} junctions in peripheral B cells from mice transgenic for either the human bcl-2 oncogene or for a functionally rearranged Ig {mu} heavy chain. In bcl-2 transgenic mice, reading frame 2 accounted for < 5% of the D{sub H}J{sub H} junctions in peripheral B cells, a value not significantly different from controls. Reading frames 1 and 3 were equally represented among the remaining junctions. By contrast, the reading frame distribution of endogenous D{sub H}J{sub H} junctions in splenic B cells from Ig {mu} heavy chain transgenic mice showed no evidence of bias against D{mu} encoding D{sub H}J{sub H} junctions. Reading frames 2 and 3 accounted for 27% and 30% of the sequenced D{sub H}J{sub H} junctions, respectively, and the remaining 43% were reading frame 1. Thus although the presence of BCL-2 cannot prevent the selective loss of reading frame 2 D{sub H}J{sub H} B cells, a functional {mu} heavy chain can. These results suggest that D{mu}-expressing B cell precursors may be selectively lost because of the premature and inappropriate cessation of heavy chain gene rearrangement rather than because of the induction of an apoptotic process which can be blocked by BCL-2. 42 refs., 4 figs., 4 tabs.« less

The role of alpha3beta1 integrin in determining the supramolecular organization of laminin-5 in the extracellular matrix of keratinocytes.

PubMed

deHart, Gregory W; Healy, Kevin E; Jones, Jonathan C R

2003-02-01

Analyses of mice with targeted deletions in the genes for alpha3 and beta1 integrin suggest that the alpha3beta1 integrin heterodimer likely determines the organization of the extracellular matrix within the basement membrane of skin. Here we tested this hypothesis using keratinocytes derived from alpha3 integrin-null mice. We have compared the organizational state of laminin-5, a ligand of alpha3beta1 integrin, in the matrix of wild-type keratinocytes with that of laminin-5 in the matrix of alpha3 integrin-null cells. Laminin-5 distributes diffusely in arc structures in the matrix of wild-type mouse keratinocytes, whereas laminin-5 is organized into linear, spike-like arrays by the alpha3 integrin-null cells. The fact that alpha3 integrin-null cells are deficient in their ability to assemble a proper laminin-5 matrix is also shown by their failure to remodel laminin-5 when plated onto surfaces coated with purified laminin-5 protein. In sharp contrast, wild-type keratinocytes organize exogenously added laminin-5 into discrete ring-like organizations. These findings led us next to assess whether differences in laminin-5 organization in the matrix of the wild-type and alpha3 integrin-null cells impact cell behavior. Our results indicate that alpha3 integrin-null cells are more motile than their wild-type counterparts and leave extensive trails of laminin-5 over the surface on which they move. Moreover, HEK 293 cells migrate significantly more on the laminin-5-rich matrix derived from the alpha3 integrin-null cells than on the wild-type keratinocyte laminin-5 matrix. In addition, alpha3 integrin-null cells show low strength of adhesion to surfaces coated with purified laminin-5 compared to wild-type cells although both the wild type and the alpha3 integrin-null keratinocytes adhere equally strongly to laminin-5 that has been organized into arrays by other epithelial cells. These data suggest: (1) that alpha3beta1 integrin plays an important role in determining the incorporation of laminin-5 into its proper higher-order structure within the extracellular matrix of keratinocytes and (2) that the organizational state of laminin-5 has an influence on laminin-5 matrix function. Copyright 2003 Elsevier Science (USA)

FOXF1 transcription factor is required for formation of embryonic vasculature by regulating VEGF signaling in endothelial cells.

PubMed

Ren, Xiaomeng; Ustiyan, Vladimir; Pradhan, Arun; Cai, Yuqi; Havrilak, Jamie A; Bolte, Craig S; Shannon, John M; Kalin, Tanya V; Kalinichenko, Vladimir V

2014-09-26

Inactivating mutations in the Forkhead Box transcription factor F1 (FOXF1) gene locus are frequently found in patients with alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins, a lethal congenital disorder, which is characterized by severe abnormalities in the respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems. In mice, haploinsufficiency of the Foxf1 gene causes alveolar capillary dysplasia and developmental defects in lung, intestinal, and gall bladder morphogenesis. Although FOXF1 is expressed in multiple mesenchyme-derived cell types, cellular origins and molecular mechanisms of developmental abnormalities in FOXF1-deficient mice and patients with alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins remain uncharacterized because of lack of mouse models with cell-restricted inactivation of the Foxf1 gene. In the present study, the role of FOXF1 in endothelial cells was examined using a conditional knockout approach. A novel mouse line harboring Foxf1-floxed alleles was generated by homologous recombination. Tie2-Cre and Pdgfb-CreER transgenes were used to delete Foxf1 from endothelial cells. FOXF1-deficient embryos exhibited embryonic lethality, growth retardation, polyhydramnios, cardiac ventricular hypoplasia, and vascular abnormalities in the lung, placenta, yolk sac, and retina. Deletion of FOXF1 from endothelial cells reduced endothelial proliferation, increased apoptosis, inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor signaling, and decreased expression of endothelial genes critical for vascular development, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors Flt1 and Flk1, Pdgfb, Pecam1, CD34, integrin β3, ephrin B2, Tie2, and the noncoding RNA Fendrr. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that Flt1, Flk1, Pdgfb, Pecam1, and Tie2 genes are direct transcriptional targets of FOXF1. FOXF1 is required for the formation of embryonic vasculature by regulating endothelial genes critical for vascular development and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Estrogen and progesterone receptors have distinct roles in the establishment of the hyperplastic phenotype in PR-A transgenic mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simian, Marina; Bissell, Mina J.; Barcellos-Hoff, Mary Helen

2009-05-11

Expression of the A and B forms of progesterone receptor (PR) in an appropriate ratio is critical for mammary development. Mammary glands of PR-A transgenic mice, carrying an additional A form of PR as a transgene, exhibit morphological features associated with the development of mammary tumors. Our objective was to determine the roles of estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) in the genesis of mammary hyperplasias/preneoplasias in PR-A transgenics. We subjected PR-A mice to hormonal treatments and analyzed mammary glands for the presence of hyperplasias and used BrdU incorporation to measure proliferation. Quantitative image analysis was carried out to compare levelsmore » of latency-associated peptide and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF{beta}1) between PR-A and PR-B transgenics. Basement membrane disruption was examined by immunofluorescence and proteolytic activity by zymography. The hyperplastic phenotype of PR-A transgenics is inhibited by ovariectomy, and is reversed by treatment with E + P. Studies using the antiestrogen ICI 182,780 or antiprogestins RU486 or ZK 98,299 show that the increase in proliferation requires signaling through E/estrogen receptor alpha but is not sufficient to give rise to hyperplasias, whereas signaling through P/PR has little impact on proliferation but is essential for the manifestation of hyperplasias. Increased proliferation is correlated with decreased TGF{beta}1 activation in the PR-A transgenics. Analysis of basement membrane integrity showed loss of laminin-5, collagen III and collagen IV in mammary glands of PR-A mice, which is restored by ovariectomy. Examination of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) showed that total levels of MMP-2 correlate with the steady-state levels of PR, and that areas of laminin-5 loss coincide with those of activation of MMP-2 in PR-A transgenics. Activation of MMP-2 is dependent on treatment with E and P in ovariectomized wild-type mice, but is achieved only by treatment with P in PR-A mice. These data establish a link between hormonal response, proliferation, modulation of MMP activity and maintenance of basement membrane integrity that depend on a balance in the expression levels of PR-A and PR-B isoforms. Notably, concomitant increased proliferation, due to inhibition of TGF{beta}1 activation, and loss of basement membrane integrity, via increased MMP-2 activity, appear to be prerequisites for the PR-A hyperplastic phenotype.« less

Two distinct roles of mitogen-activated protein kinases in platelets and a novel Rac1-MAPK–dependent integrin outside-in retractile signaling pathway

PubMed Central

Flevaris, Panagiotis; Li, Zhenyu; Zhang, Guoying; Zheng, Yi; Liu, Junling

2009-01-01

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), p38, and extracellular stimuli-responsive kinase (ERK), are acutely but transiently activated in platelets by platelet agonists, and the agonist-induced platelet MAPK activation is inhibited by ligand binding to the integrin αIIbβ3. Here we show that, although the activation of MAPK, as indicated by MAPK phosphorylation, is initially inhibited after ligand binding to integrin αIIbβ3, integrin outside-insignaling results in a late but sustained activation of MAPKs in platelets. Furthermore, we show that the early agonist-induced MAPK activation and the late integrin-mediated MAPK activation play distinct roles in different stages of platelet activation. Agonist-induced MAPK activation primarily plays an important role in stimulating secretion of platelet granules, while integrin-mediated MAPK activation is important in facilitating clot retraction. The stimulatory role of MAPK in clot retraction is mediated by stimulating myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. Importantly, integrin-dependent MAPK activation, MAPK-dependent MLC phosphorylation, and clot retraction are inhibited by a Rac1 inhibitor and in Rac1 knockout platelets, indicating that integrin-induced activation of MAPK and MLC and subsequent clot retraction is Rac1-dependent. Thus, our results reveal 2 different activation mechanisms of MAPKs that are involved in distinct aspects of platelet function and a novel Rac1-MAPK–dependent cell retractile signaling pathway. PMID:18957688

Generation of marker-free Bt transgenic indica rice and evaluation of its yellow stem borer resistance.

PubMed

Kumar, S; Arul, L; Talwar, D

2010-01-01

We report on generation of marker-free (‘clean DNA’) transgenic rice (Oryza sativa), carrying minimal gene-expression-cassettes of the genes of interest, and evaluation of its resistance to yellow stem borer Scirpophaga incertulas (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The transgenic indica rice harbours a translational fusion of 2 different Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes, namely cry1B-1Aa, driven by the green-tissue-specific phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) promoter. Mature seed-derived calli of an elite indica rice cultivar Pusa Basmati-1 were co-bombarded with gene-expression-cassettes (clean DNA fragments) of the Bt gene and the marker hpt gene, to generate marker-free transgenic rice plants. The clean DNA fragments for bombardment were obtained by restriction digestion and gel extraction. Through biolistic transformation, 67 independent transformants were generated. Transformation frequency reached 3.3%, and 81% of the transgenic plants were co-transformants. Stable integration of the Bt gene was confirmed, and the insert copy number was determined by Southern analysis. Western analysis and ELISA revealed a high level of Bt protein expression in transgenic plants. Progeny analysis confirmed stable inheritance of the Bt gene according to the Mendelian (3:1) ratio. Insect bioassays revealed complete protection of transgenic plants from yellow stem borer infestation. PCR analysis of T2 progeny plants resulted in the recovery of up to 4% marker-free transgenic rice plants.

A screen to identify Drosophila genes required for integrin-mediated adhesion.

PubMed Central

Walsh, E P; Brown, N H

1998-01-01

Drosophila integrins have essential adhesive roles during development, including adhesion between the two wing surfaces. Most position-specific integrin mutations cause lethality, and clones of homozygous mutant cells in the wing do not adhere to the apposing surface, causing blisters. We have used FLP-FRT induced mitotic recombination to generate clones of randomly induced mutations in the F1 generation and screened for mutations that cause wing blisters. This phenotype is highly selective, since only 14 lethal complementation groups were identified in screens of the five major chromosome arms. Of the loci identified, 3 are PS integrin genes, 2 are blistered and bloated, and the remaining 9 appear to be newly characterized loci. All 11 nonintegrin loci are required on both sides of the wing, in contrast to integrin alpha subunit genes. Mutations in 8 loci only disrupt adhesion in the wing, similar to integrin mutations, while mutations in the 3 other loci cause additional wing defects. Mutations in 4 loci, like the strongest integrin mutations, cause a "tail-up" embryonic lethal phenotype, and mutant alleles of 1 of these loci strongly enhance an integrin mutation. Thus several of these loci are good candidates for genes encoding cytoplasmic proteins required for integrin function. PMID:9755209

Targeted adenovirus mediated inhibition of NF-κB-dependent inflammatory gene expression in endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Kułdo, J M; Ásgeirsdóttir, S A; Zwiers, P J; Bellu, A R; Rots, M G; Schalk, J A C; Ogawara, K I; Trautwein, C; Banas, B; Haisma, H J; Molema, G; Kamps, J A A M

2013-02-28

In chronic inflammatory diseases the endothelium expresses mediators responsible for harmful leukocyte infiltration. We investigated whether targeted delivery of a therapeutic transgene that inhibits nuclear factor κB signal transduction could silence the proinflammatory activation status of endothelial cells. For this, an adenovirus encoding dominant-negative IκB (dnIκB) as a therapeutic transgene was employed. Selectivity for the endothelial cells was achieved by introduction of antibodies specific for inflammatory endothelial adhesion molecules E-selectin or VCAM-1 chemically linked to the virus via polyethylene glycol. In vitro, the retargeted adenoviruses selectively infected cytokine-activated endothelial cells to express functional transgene. The comparison of transductional capacity of both retargeted viruses revealed that E-selectin based transgene delivery exerted superior pharmacological effects. Targeted delivery mediated dnIκB transgene expression in endothelial cells inhibited the induced expression of several inflammatory genes, including adhesion molecules, cytokines, and chemokines. In vivo, in mice suffering from glomerulonephritis, E-selectin-retargeted adenovirus selectively homed in the kidney to microvascular glomerular endothelium. Subsequent downregulation of endothelial adhesion molecule expression 2 days after induction of inflammation demonstrated the pharmacological potential of this gene therapy approach. The data justify further studies towards therapeutic virus design and optimization of treatment schedules to investigate their capacity to interfere with inflammatory disease progression. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

α4-Integrin Mediates Neutrophil-Induced Free Radical Injury to Cardiac Myocytes

PubMed Central

Poon, Betty Y.; Ward, Christopher A.; Cooper, Conan B.; Giles, Wayne R.; Burns, Alan R.; Kubes, Paul

2001-01-01

Previous work has demonstrated that circulating neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]) adhere to cardiac myocytes via β2-integrins and cause cellular injury via the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase enzyme system. Since PMNs induced to leave the vasculature (emigrated PMNs) express the α4-integrin, we asked whether (a) these PMNs also induce myocyte injury via NADPH oxidase; (b) β2-integrins (CD18) still signal oxidant production, or if this process is now coupled to the α4-integrin; and (c) dysfunction is superoxide dependent within the myocyte or at the myocyte–PMN interface. Emigrated PMNs exposed to cardiac myocytes quickly induced significant changes in myocyte function. Myocyte shortening was decreased by 30–50% and rates of contraction and relaxation were reduced by 30% within the first 10 min. Both α4-integrin antibody (Ab)-treated PMNs and NADPH oxidase–deficient PMNs were unable to reduce myocyte shortening. An increased level of oxidative stress was detected in myocytes within 5 min of PMN adhesion. Addition of an anti–α4-integrin Ab, but not an anti-CD18 Ab, prevented oxidant production, suggesting that in emigrated PMNs the NADPH oxidase system is uncoupled from CD18 and can be activated via the α4-integrin. Addition of exogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibited all parameters of dysfunction measured, whereas overexpression of intracellular SOD within the myocytes did not inhibit the oxidative stress or the myocyte dysfunction caused by the emigrated PMNs. These findings demonstrate that profound molecular changes occur within PMNs as they emigrate, such that CD18 and associated intracellular signaling pathways leading to oxidant production are uncoupled and newly expressed α4-integrin functions as the ligand that signals oxidant production. The results also provide pathological relevance as the emigrated PMNs have the capacity to injure cardiac myocytes through the α4-integrin–coupled NADPH oxidase pathway that can be inhibited by extracellular, but not intracellular SOD. PMID:11238444

Selective integrin endocytosis is driven by interactions between the integrin α-chain and AP2

PubMed Central

De Franceschi, Nicola; Arjonen, Antti; Elkhatib, Nadia; Denessiouk, Konstantin; Wrobel, Antoni G; Wilson, Thomas A; Pouwels, Jeroen; Montagnac, Guillaume; Owen, David J; Ivaska, Johanna

2016-01-01

Integrins are heterodimeric cell-surface adhesion molecules comprising one of possible 18 α-chains and one of possible 8 β-chains. They control a range of cell functions in a matrix- and ligand-specific manner. Integrins can be internalised by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) through β subunit-based motifs found in all integrin heterodimers. However, whether specific integrin heterodimers can be selectively endocytosed was unknown. Here, we found that a subset of α subunits contain an evolutionarily conserved and functional YxxΦ motif directing integrins to selective internalisation by the most abundant endocytic clathrin adaptor, AP2. We determined the structure of the human integrin α4-tail motif in complex with AP2 C-µ2 subunit and confirmed the interaction by isothermal titration calorimetry. Mutagenesis of the motif impaired selective heterodimer endocytosis and attenuated integrin-mediated cell migration. We propose that integrins evolved to enable selective integrin-receptor turnover in response to changing matrix conditions. PMID:26779610

Selective integrin endocytosis is driven by interactions between the integrin α-chain and AP2.

PubMed

De Franceschi, Nicola; Arjonen, Antti; Elkhatib, Nadia; Denessiouk, Konstantin; Wrobel, Antoni G; Wilson, Thomas A; Pouwels, Jeroen; Montagnac, Guillaume; Owen, David J; Ivaska, Johanna

2016-02-01

Integrins are heterodimeric cell-surface adhesion molecules comprising one of 18 possible α-chains and one of eight possible β-chains. They control a range of cell functions in a matrix- and ligand-specific manner. Integrins can be internalized by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) through β subunit-based motifs found in all integrin heterodimers. However, whether specific integrin heterodimers can be selectively endocytosed was unknown. Here, we found that a subset of α subunits contain an evolutionarily conserved and functional YxxΦ motif directing integrins to selective internalization by the most abundant endocytic clathrin adaptor, AP2. We determined the structure of the human integrin α4-tail motif in complex with the AP2 C-μ2 subunit and confirmed the interaction by isothermal titration calorimetry. Mutagenesis of the motif impaired selective heterodimer endocytosis and attenuated integrin-mediated cell migration. We propose that integrins evolved to enable selective integrin-receptor turnover in response to changing matrix conditions.

High lung-metastatic variant of human osteosarcoma cells, selected by passage of lung metastasis in nude mice, is associated with increased expression of α(v)β(3) integrin.

PubMed

Tome, Yasunori; Kimura, Hiroaki; Maehara, Hiroki; Sugimoto, Naotoshi; Bouvet, Michael; Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki; Kanaya, Fuminori; Hoffman, Robert M

2013-09-01

Altered expression of αvβ3 integrin is associated with tumor progression and metastasis in several types of cancer, including metastatic osteosarcoma. In this study, we demonstrate that in vivo passaging of lung metastasis in nude mice can generate an aggressive variant of human osteosarcoma cells. Experimental metastases were established by injecting 143B human osteosarcoma cells, expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the nucleus and red fluorescent protein (RFP) in the cytoplasm, in the tail vein of nude mice. Lung metastases were harvested under fluorescence microscopy from nude mice to establish cell lines which were then injected via the tail vein of additional nude mice. This procedure was repeated for four passages in order to isolate highly metastatic variant sublines. When the parental and metastatic variants were transplanted orthotopically into the tibia of nude mice, the 143B-LM4 variant had the highest metastatic rate, approximately 18-fold higher than the parent (p<0.01). αvβ3 integrin expression was increased approximately 5.6-fold in 143B-LM4 compared to parental cells (p<0.05). Thus, serial passage of lung metastases created a highly metastatic variant of human osteosarcoma cells which had increased expression of αvβ3 integrin, suggesting that αvβ3 integrin plays an essential role in osteosarcoma metastasis. With this highly metastatic variant overexpressing αvβ3 integrin, it will now be possible to further investigate the mechanism by which αvβ3 integrin facilitates metastasis.

PET imaging of tumor neovascularization in a transgenic mouse model with a novel 64Cu-DOTA-knottin peptide.

PubMed

Nielsen, Carsten H; Kimura, Richard H; Withofs, Nadia; Tran, Phuoc T; Miao, Zheng; Cochran, Jennifer R; Cheng, Zhen; Felsher, Dean; Kjær, Andreas; Willmann, Juergen K; Gambhir, Sanjiv S

2010-11-15

Due to the high mortality of lung cancer, there is a critical need to develop diagnostic procedures enabling early detection of the disease while at a curable stage. Targeted molecular imaging builds on the positive attributes of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to allow for a noninvasive detection and characterization of smaller lung nodules, thus increasing the chances of positive treatment outcome. In this study, we investigate the ability to characterize lung tumors that spontaneously arise in a transgenic mouse model. The tumors are first identified with small animal CT followed by characterization with the use of small animal PET with a novel 64Cu-1,4,7,10-tetra-azacylododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid (DOTA)-knottin peptide that targets integrins upregulated during angiogenesis on the tumor associated neovasculature. The imaging results obtained with the knottin peptide are compared with standard 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET small animal imaging. Lung nodules as small as 3 mm in diameter were successfully identified in the transgenic mice by small animal CT, and both 64Cu-DOTA-knottin 2.5F and FDG were able to differentiate lung nodules from the surrounding tissues. Uptake and retention of the 64Cu-DOTA-knottin 2.5F tracer in the lung tumors combined with a low background in the thorax resulted in a statistically higher tumor to background (normal lung) ratio compared with FDG (6.01±0.61 versus 4.36±0.68; P<0.05). Ex vivo biodistribution showed 64Cu-DOTA-knottin 2.5F to have a fast renal clearance combined with low nonspecific accumulation in the thorax. Collectively, these results show 64Cu-DOTA-knottin 2.5F to be a promising candidate for clinical translation for earlier detection and improved characterization of lung cancer. Copyright © 2010 AACR.

Dynein light chain regulates adaptive and innate B cell development by distinctive genetic mechanisms

PubMed Central

King, Ashleigh; Li, Lingli; Wong, David M.; Liu, Rui; Bamford, Rebecca; Strasser, Andreas

2017-01-01

Mechanistic differences in the development and function of adaptive, high-affinity antibody-producing B-2 cells and innate-like, “natural” antibody-producing B-1a cells remain poorly understood. Here we show that the multi-functional dynein light chain (DYNLL1/LC8) plays important roles in the establishment of B-1a cells in the peritoneal cavity and in the ongoing development of B-2 lymphoid cells in the bone marrow of mice. Epistasis analyses indicate that Dynll1 regulates B-1a and early B-2 cell development in a single, linear pathway with its direct transcriptional activator ASCIZ (ATMIN/ZNF822), and that the two genes also have complementary functions during late B-2 cell development. The B-2 cell defects caused by loss of DYNLL1 were associated with lower levels of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2, and could be supressed by deletion of pro-apoptotic BIM which is negatively regulated by both DYNLL1 and BCL-2. Defects in B cell development caused by loss of DYNLL1 could also be partially suppressed by a pre-arranged SWHEL Igm-B cell receptor transgene. In contrast to the rescue of B-2 cell numbers, the B-1a cell deficiency in Dynll1-deleted mice could not be suppressed by the loss of Bim, and was further compounded by the SWHEL transgene. Conversely, oncogenic MYC expression, which is synthetic lethal with Dynll1 deletion in B-2 cells, did not further reduce B-1a cell numbers in Dynll1-defcient mice. Finally, we found that the ASCIZ-DYNLL1 axis was also required for the early-juvenile development of aggressive MYC-driven and p53-deficient B cell lymphomas. These results identify ASCIZ and DYNLL1 as the core of a transcriptional circuit that differentially regulates the development of the B-1a and B-2 B lymphoid cell lineages and plays a critical role in lymphomagenesis. PMID:28922373

Transglutaminase 2 is needed for the formation of an efficient phagocyte portal in macrophages engulfing apoptotic cells.

PubMed

Tóth, Beáta; Garabuczi, Eva; Sarang, Zsolt; Vereb, György; Vámosi, György; Aeschlimann, Daniel; Blaskó, Bernadett; Bécsi, Bálint; Erdõdi, Ferenc; Lacy-Hulbert, Adam; Zhang, Ailiang; Falasca, Laura; Birge, Raymond B; Balajthy, Zoltán; Melino, Gerry; Fésüs, László; Szondy, Zsuzsa

2009-02-15

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a protein cross-linking enzyme with many additional biological functions, acts as coreceptor for integrin beta(3). We have previously shown that TG2(-/-) mice develop an age-dependent autoimmunity due to defective in vivo clearance of apoptotic cells. Here we report that TG2 on the cell surface and in guanine nucleotide-bound form promotes phagocytosis. Besides being a binding partner for integrin beta(3), a receptor known to mediate the uptake of apoptotic cells via activating Rac1, we also show that TG2 binds MFG-E8 (milk fat globulin EGF factor 8), a protein known to bridge integrin beta(3) to apoptotic cells. Finally, we report that in wild-type macrophages one or two engulfing portals are formed during phagocytosis of apoptotic cells that are characterized by accumulation of integrin beta(3) and Rac1. In the absence of TG2, integrin beta(3) cannot properly recognize the apoptotic cells, is not accumulated in the phagocytic cup, and its signaling is impaired. As a result, the formation of the engulfing portals, as well as the portals formed, is much less efficient. We propose that TG2 has a novel function to stabilize efficient phagocytic portals.

A Signaling Network Induced by β2 Integrin Controls the Polarization of Lytic Granulesin Cytotoxic Cells

PubMed Central

Zhang, Minggang; March, Michael E.; Lane, William S.; Long, Eric O.

2014-01-01

Cytotoxic lymphocyte skill target cells by polarized release of the content of perforin-containing granules. In natural killer cells, the binding of β2 integrin to its ligand ICAM-1 is sufficient to promote not only adhesion but also lytic granule polarization. This provided a unique opportunity to study polarization in the absence of degranulation, and β2 integrin signaling independently of inside-out signals from other receptors. Using an unbiased proteomics approach we identified a signaling network centered on an integrin-linked kinase (ILK)–Pyk2–Paxillin core that was required for granule polarization. Downstream of ILK, the highly conserved Cdc42–Par6 signaling pathway that controls cell polarity was activated and required for granule polarization. These results delineate two connected signaling networks induced upon β2 integrin engagement alone, which are integrated to control polarization of the microtubule organizing center and associated lytic granules toward the site of contact with target cells during cellular cytotoxicity. PMID:25292215

Effect of P to A Mutation of the N-Terminal Residue Adjacent to the Rgd Motif on Rhodostomin: Importance of Dynamics in Integrin Recognition

PubMed Central

Chen, Yi-Chun; Chang, Yao-Tsung; Chang, Yung-Sheng; Huang, Chun-Hao; Chuang, Woei-Jer

2012-01-01

Rhodostomin (Rho) is an RGD protein that specifically inhibits integrins. We found that Rho mutants with the P48A mutation 4.4–11.5 times more actively inhibited integrin α5β1. Structural analysis showed that they have a similar 3D conformation for the RGD loop. Docking analysis also showed no difference between their interactions with integrin α5β1. However, the backbone dynamics of RGD residues were different. The values of the R2 relaxation parameter for Rho residues R49 and D51 were 39% and 54% higher than those of the P48A mutant, which caused differences in S2, Rex, and τe. The S2 values of the P48A mutant residues R49, G50, and D51 were 29%, 14%, and 28% lower than those of Rho. The Rex values of Rho residues R49 and D51 were 0.91 s−1 and 1.42 s−1; however, no Rex was found for those of the P48A mutant. The τe values of Rho residues R49 and D51 were 9.5 and 5.1 times lower than those of P48A mutant. Mutational study showed that integrin α5β1 prefers its ligands to contain (G/A)RGD but not PRGD sequences for binding. These results demonstrate that the N-terminal proline residue adjacent to the RGD motif affect its function and dynamics, which suggests that the dynamic properties of the RGD motif may be important in Rho's interaction with integrin α5β1. PMID:22238583

ABP9, a maize bZIP transcription factor, enhances tolerance to salt and drought in transgenic cotton.

PubMed

Wang, Chunling; Lu, Guoqing; Hao, Yuqiong; Guo, Huiming; Guo, Yan; Zhao, Jun; Cheng, Hongmei

2017-09-01

ABP9 , encoding a bZIP transcription factor from maize, enhances tolerance to multiple stresses and may participate in the ABA signaling pathway in transgenic cotton by altering physiological and biochemical processes and stress-related gene expression. Abiotic stresses, such as soil salinity and drought, negatively affect growth, development, and yield in cotton. Gene ABP9, which encodes a bZIP transcription factor, binds to the abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive-element (ABRE2) motif of the maize catalase1 gene. Its expression significantly improves tolerance in Arabidopsis to multiple abiotic stresses, but little is known about its role in cotton. In the present study, the ABP9 gene was introduced into upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivar R15 by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and 12 independent transgenic cotton lines were obtained. Cotton plants over-expressing ABP9 have enhanced tolerance to salt and osmotic stress. Under stress, they developed better root systems in a greenhouse and higher germination, reduced stomatal aperture, and stomatal density in a growth chamber. Under drought conditions, survival rate and relative water content (RWC) of transgenic cotton were higher than those of R15 plants. Under salt and osmotic stresses, chlorophyll, proline, and soluble sugar contents significantly increased in transgenic cotton leaves and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was lower than in R15. Overexpression of ABP9 also enhanced oxidative stress tolerance, reduced cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through increased activities of antioxidative enzymes, and alleviated oxidative damage to cell. Interestingly, ABP9 over-expressing cotton was more sensitive to exogenous ABA than R15 at seed germination, root growth, stomatal aperture, and stomatal density. Moreover, ABP9 overexpression upregulated significantly the transcription levels of stress-related genes such as GhDBP2, GhNCED2, GhZFP1, GhERF1, GhHB1, and GhSAP1 under salt treatment. Conjointly, these results showed that overexpression of ABP9 conferred enhanced tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses in cotton. The stress-tolerant transgenic lines provide valuable resources for cotton breeding.

The effect of ligand affinity on integrins' lateral diffusion in cultured cells.

PubMed

Mainali, Dipak; Smith, Emily A

2013-04-01

The role of ligand affinity in altering αPS2CβPS integrins' lateral mobility was studied using single particle tracking (SPT) with ligand-functionalized quantum dots (QDs) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) with fluorescent protein tagged integrins. Integrins are ubiquitous transmembrane proteins that are vital for numerous cellular functions, including bidirectional signaling and cell anchorage. Wild-type and high ligand affinity mutant (αPS2CβPS-V409D) integrins were studied in S2 cells. As measured by SPT, the integrin mobile fraction decreased by 22% and had a 4× slower diffusion coefficient for αPS2CβPS-V409D compared to wild-type integrins. These differences are partially the result of αPS2CβPS-V409D integrins' increased clustering. For the wild-type integrins, the average of all diffusion coefficients measured by SPT was statistically similar to the ensemble FRAP results. A 75% slower average diffusion coefficient was measured by SPT compared to FRAP for αPS2CβPS-V409D integrins, and this may be the result of SPT measuring only ligand-bound integrins, in contrast all ligand-bound and ligand-unbound integrins are averaged in FRAP measurements. Specific binding of the ligand-functionalized QDs was 99% for integrin expressing cells. The results prove that the ligand binding affinity affects the lateral dynamics of a subset of integrins based on the complementary SPT and FRAP data.

Enhanced Boron Tolerance in Plants Mediated by Bidirectional Transport Through Plasma Membrane Intrinsic Proteins.

PubMed

Mosa, Kareem A; Kumar, Kundan; Chhikara, Sudesh; Musante, Craig; White, Jason C; Dhankher, Om Parkash

2016-02-23

High boron (B) concentration is toxic to plants that limit plant productivity. Recent studies have shown the involvement of the members of major intrinsic protein (MIP) family in controlling B transport. Here, we have provided experimental evidences showing the bidirectional transport activity of rice OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6. Boron transport ability of OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 were displayed in yeast HD9 mutant strain (∆fps1∆acr3∆ycf1) as a result of increased B sensitivity, influx and accumulation by OsPIP1;3, and rapid efflux activity by OsPIP2;6. RT-PCR analysis showed strong upregulation of OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 transcripts in roots by B toxicity. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 exhibited enhanced tolerance to B toxicity. Furthermore, B concentration was significantly increased after 2 and 3 hours of tracer boron ((10)B) treatment. Interestingly, a rapid efflux of (10)B from the roots of the transgenic plants was observed within 1 h of (10)B treatment. Boron tolerance in OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 lines was inhibited by aquaporin inhibitors, silver nitrate and sodium azide. Our data proved that OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 are indeed involved in both influx and efflux of boron transport. Manipulation of these PIPs could be highly useful in improving B tolerance in crops grown in high B containing soils.

Enhanced Boron Tolerance in Plants Mediated by Bidirectional Transport Through Plasma Membrane Intrinsic Proteins

PubMed Central

Mosa, Kareem A.; Kumar, Kundan; Chhikara, Sudesh; Musante, Craig; White, Jason C.; Dhankher, Om Parkash

2016-01-01

High boron (B) concentration is toxic to plants that limit plant productivity. Recent studies have shown the involvement of the members of major intrinsic protein (MIP) family in controlling B transport. Here, we have provided experimental evidences showing the bidirectional transport activity of rice OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6. Boron transport ability of OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 were displayed in yeast HD9 mutant strain (∆fps1∆acr3∆ycf1) as a result of increased B sensitivity, influx and accumulation by OsPIP1;3, and rapid efflux activity by OsPIP2;6. RT-PCR analysis showed strong upregulation of OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 transcripts in roots by B toxicity. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 exhibited enhanced tolerance to B toxicity. Furthermore, B concentration was significantly increased after 2 and 3 hours of tracer boron (10B) treatment. Interestingly, a rapid efflux of 10B from the roots of the transgenic plants was observed within 1 h of 10B treatment. Boron tolerance in OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 lines was inhibited by aquaporin inhibitors, silver nitrate and sodium azide. Our data proved that OsPIP1;3 and OsPIP2;6 are indeed involved in both influx and efflux of boron transport. Manipulation of these PIPs could be highly useful in improving B tolerance in crops grown in high B containing soils. PMID:26902738

Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 and β1 integrin signaling regulate APC-mediated processes.

PubMed

Lesko, Alyssa C; Prosperi, Jenifer R

2017-01-01

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) plays a critical role in cell motility, maintenance of apical-basal polarity, and epithelial morphogenesis. We previously demonstrated that APC loss in Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells increases cyst size and inverts polarity independent of Wnt signaling, and upregulates the tetraspan protein, Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 (EMP2). Herein, we show that APC loss increases β1 integrin expression and migration of MDCK cells. Through 3D in vitro model systems and 2D migration analysis, we have depicted the molecular mechanism(s) by which APC influences polarity and cell motility. EMP2 knockdown in APC shRNA cells revealed that APC regulates apical-basal polarity and cyst size through EMP2. Chemical inhibition of β1 integrin and its signaling components, FAK and Src, indicated that APC controls cyst size and migration, but not polarity, through β1 integrin and its downstream targets. Combined, the current studies have identified two distinct and novel mechanisms required for APC to regulate polarity, cyst size, and cell migration independent of Wnt signaling. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

WAVE2 Regulates High-Affinity Integrin Binding by Recruiting Vinculin and Talin to the Immunological Synapse▿

PubMed Central

Nolz, Jeffrey C.; Medeiros, Ricardo B.; Mitchell, Jason S.; Zhu, Peimin; Freedman, Bruce D.; Shimizu, Yoji; Billadeau, Daniel D.

2007-01-01

T-cell-receptor (TCR)-mediated integrin activation is required for T-cell-antigen-presenting cell conjugation and adhesion to extracellular matrix components. While it has been demonstrated that the actin cytoskeleton and its regulators play an essential role in this process, no mechanism has been established which directly links TCR-induced actin polymerization to the activation of integrins. Here, we demonstrate that TCR stimulation results in WAVE2-ARP2/3-dependent F-actin nucleation and the formation of a complex containing WAVE2, ARP2/3, vinculin, and talin. The verprolin-connecting-acidic (VCA) domain of WAVE2 mediates the formation of the ARP2/3-vinculin-talin signaling complex and talin recruitment to the immunological synapse (IS). Interestingly, although vinculin is not required for F-actin or integrin accumulation at the IS, it is required for the recruitment of talin. In addition, RNA interference of either WAVE2 or vinculin inhibits activation-dependent induction of high-affinity integrin binding to VCAM-1. Overall, these findings demonstrate a mechanism in which signals from the TCR produce WAVE2-ARP2/3-mediated de novo actin polymerization, leading to integrin clustering and high-affinity binding through the recruitment of vinculin and talin. PMID:17591693

WAVE2 regulates high-affinity integrin binding by recruiting vinculin and talin to the immunological synapse.

PubMed

Nolz, Jeffrey C; Medeiros, Ricardo B; Mitchell, Jason S; Zhu, Peimin; Freedman, Bruce D; Shimizu, Yoji; Billadeau, Daniel D

2007-09-01

T-cell-receptor (TCR)-mediated integrin activation is required for T-cell-antigen-presenting cell conjugation and adhesion to extracellular matrix components. While it has been demonstrated that the actin cytoskeleton and its regulators play an essential role in this process, no mechanism has been established which directly links TCR-induced actin polymerization to the activation of integrins. Here, we demonstrate that TCR stimulation results in WAVE2-ARP2/3-dependent F-actin nucleation and the formation of a complex containing WAVE2, ARP2/3, vinculin, and talin. The verprolin-connecting-acidic (VCA) domain of WAVE2 mediates the formation of the ARP2/3-vinculin-talin signaling complex and talin recruitment to the immunological synapse (IS). Interestingly, although vinculin is not required for F-actin or integrin accumulation at the IS, it is required for the recruitment of talin. In addition, RNA interference of either WAVE2 or vinculin inhibits activation-dependent induction of high-affinity integrin binding to VCAM-1. Overall, these findings demonstrate a mechanism in which signals from the TCR produce WAVE2-ARP2/3-mediated de novo actin polymerization, leading to integrin clustering and high-affinity binding through the recruitment of vinculin and talin.

Galectin-3 Mediates Tumor Cell-Stroma Interactions by Activating Pancreatic Stellate Cells to Produce Cytokines via Integrin Signaling.

PubMed

Zhao, Wei; Ajani, Jaffer A; Sushovan, Guha; Ochi, Nobuo; Hwang, Rosa; Hafley, Margarete; Johnson, Randy L; Bresalier, Robert S; Logsdon, Craig D; Zhang, Zhiqian; Song, Shumei

2018-04-01

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), abundance of extracellular matrix (ECM), and production of cytokines and chemokines. Galectin 3 (GAL3), a β-galactoside-specific lectin, contributes to PDAC development but its effects on the stroma and cytokine production are unclear. The effect of recombinant human GAL3 (rGAL3) on activation of PSCs, production of cytokines, and ECM proteins was determined by proliferation, invasion, cytokine array, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We assessed co-cultures of PDAC cells with GAL3 genetic alterations with PSCs. Production of interleukin 8 (IL8) and activities of nuclear factor (NF)-κB were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and luciferase reporter analyses. We studied the effects of inhibitors of NF-κB and integrin-linked kinase (ILK) on pathways activated by rGAL3. In analyses of the Gene Expression Omnibus database and our dataset, we observed higher levels of GAL3, IL8, and other cytokines in PDAC than in nontumor tissues. Production of IL8, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, chemokine ligand 1, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 increased in PSCs exposed to rGAL3 compared with controls. Culture of PSCs with PDAC cells that express different levels of GAL3 resulted in proliferation and invasion of PSCs that increased with level of GAL3. GAL3 stimulated transcription of IL8 through integrin subunit beta 1 (ITGB1) on PSCs, which activates NF-κB through ILK. Inhibitors of ILK or NF-κB or a neutralizing antibody against ITGB1 blocked transcription and production of IL8 from PSCs induced by rGAL3. The GAL3 inhibitor significantly reduced growth and metastases of orthotopic tumors that formed from PDAC and PSC cells co-implanted in mice. GAL3 activates PSC cells to produce inflammatory cytokines via ITGB1signaling to ILK and activation of NF-κB. Inhibition of this pathway reduced growth and metastases of pancreatic orthotopic tumors in mice. Copyright © 2018 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An ELMO2-RhoG-ILK network modulates microtubule dynamics

PubMed Central

Jackson, Bradley C.; Ivanova, Iordanka A.; Dagnino, Lina

2015-01-01

ELMO2 belongs to a family of scaffold proteins involved in phagocytosis and cell motility. ELMO2 can simultaneously bind integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and RhoG, forming tripartite ERI complexes. These complexes are involved in promoting β1 integrin–dependent directional migration in undifferentiated epidermal keratinocytes. ELMO2 and ILK have also separately been implicated in microtubule regulation at integrin-containing focal adhesions. During differentiation, epidermal keratinocytes cease to express integrins, but ERI complexes persist. Here we show an integrin-independent role of ERI complexes in modulation of microtubule dynamics in differentiated keratinocytes. Depletion of ERI complexes by inactivating the Ilk gene in these cells reduces microtubule growth and increases the frequency of catastrophe. Reciprocally, exogenous expression of ELMO2 or RhoG stabilizes microtubules, but only if ILK is also present. Mechanistically, activation of Rac1 downstream from ERI complexes mediates their effects on microtubule stability. In this pathway, Rac1 serves as a hub to modulate microtubule dynamics through two different routes: 1) phosphorylation and inactivation of the microtubule-destabilizing protein stathmin and 2) phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK-3β, which leads to the activation of CRMP2, promoting microtubule growth. At the cellular level, the absence of ERI species impairs Ca2+-mediated formation of adherens junctions, critical to maintaining mechanical integrity in the epidermis. Our findings support a key role for ERI species in integrin-independent stabilization of the microtubule network in differentiated keratinocytes. PMID:25995380

ADAM disintegrin-like domain recognition by the lymphocyte integrins α4β1 and α4β7

PubMed Central

Bridges, Lance C.; Sheppard, Dean; Bowditch, Ron D.

2004-01-01

The ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family of proteins possess both proteolytic and adhesive domains. We have established previously that the disintegrin domain of ADAM28, an ADAM expressed by human lymphocytes, is recognized by the integrin α4β1. The present study characterizes the integrin binding properties of the disintegrin-like domains of human ADAM7, ADAM28 and ADAM33 with the integrins α4β1, α4β7 and α9β1. Cell-adhesion assays demonstrated that, similar to ADAM28, the ADAM7 disintegrin domain supported α4β1-dependent Jurkat cell adhesion, whereas the ADAM33 disintegrin domain did not. The lymphocyte integrin α4β7 was also found to recognize both disintegrin domains of ADAM7 and ADAM28, but not of ADAM33. This is the first demonstration that mammalian disintegrins are capable of interacting with α4β7. All three disintegrin domains supported α9β1-dependent cell adhesion. Recognition by both α4β1 and α4β7 of ADAM7 and ADAM28 was activation-dependent, requiring either the presence of Mn2+ or an activating monoclonal antibody for cell attachment. Charge-to-alanine mutagenesis experiments revealed that the same residues within an individual ADAM disintegrin domain function in recognizing multiple integrins. However, the residues within a specific region of each ADAM disintegrin-like domain required for integrin binding were distinct. These results establish that ADAM7 and ADAM28 are recognized by the leucocyte integrins α4β1, α4β7 and α9β1. ADAM33 exclusively supported only α9β1-dependent adhesion. PMID:15504110

Mycophenolate mofetil modulates adhesion receptors of the beta1 integrin family on tumor cells: impact on tumor recurrence and malignancy

PubMed Central

Engl, Tobias; Makarević, Jasmina; Relja, Borna; Natsheh, Iyad; Müller, Iris; Beecken, Wolf-Dietrich; Jonas, Dietger; Blaheta, Roman A

2005-01-01

Background Tumor development remains one of the major obstacles following organ transplantation. Immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus directly contribute to enhanced malignancy, whereas the influence of the novel compound mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on tumor cell dissemination has not been explored. We therefore investigated the adhesion capacity of colon, pancreas, prostate and kidney carcinoma cell lines to endothelium, as well as their beta1 integrin expression profile before and after MMF treatment. Methods Tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cell monolayers was evaluated in the presence of 0.1 and 1 μM MMF and compared to unstimulated controls. beta1 integrin analysis included alpha1beta1 (CD49a), alpha2beta1 (CD49b), alpha3beta1 (CD49c), alpha4beta1 (CD49d), alpha5beta1 (CD49e), and alpha6beta1 (CD49f) receptors, and was carried out by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Results Adhesion of the colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 was strongly reduced in the presence of 0.1 μM MMF. This effect was accompanied by down-regulation of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 surface expression and of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 coding mRNA. Adhesion of the prostate tumor cell line DU-145 was blocked dose-dependently by MMF. In contrast to MMF's effects on HT-29 cells, MMF dose-dependently up-regulated alpha1beta1, alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, and alpha5beta1 on DU-145 tumor cell membranes. Conclusion We conclude that MMF possesses distinct anti-tumoral properties, particularly in colon and prostate carcinoma cells. Adhesion blockage of HT-29 cells was due to the loss of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 surface expression, which might contribute to a reduced invasive behaviour of this tumor entity. The enhancement of integrin beta1 subtypes observed in DU-145 cells possibly causes re-differentiation towards a low-invasive phenotype. PMID:15644133

Epigenetic Regulation of Galectin-3 Expression by β1 Integrins Promotes Cell Adhesion and Migration*

PubMed Central

Margadant, Coert; van den Bout, Iman; van Boxtel, Antonius L.; Thijssen, Victor L.; Sonnenberg, Arnoud

2012-01-01

Introduction of the integrin β1- but not the β3-subunit in GE11 cells induces an epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)-like phenomenon that is characterized by the loss of cell-cell contacts, cell scattering, increased cell migration and RhoA activity, and fibronectin fibrillogenesis. Because galactose-binding lectins (galectins) have been implicated in these phenomena, we investigated whether galectins are involved in the β1-induced phenotype. We examined 9 galectins and, intriguingly, found that the expression of galectin-3 (Gal-3) is specifically induced by β1 but not by β3. Using β1-β3 chimeric integrins, we show that the induction of Gal-3 expression requires the hypervariable region in the extracellular domain of β1, but not its cytoplasmic tail. Furthermore, Gal-3 expression does not depend on RhoA signaling, serum factors, or any of the major signal transduction pathways involving protein kinase C (PKC), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/-2 (ERK-1/2), phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI3-K), or Src kinases. Instead, Gal-3 expression is controlled in an epigenetic manner. Whereas DNA methylation of the Lgals3 promoter maintains Gal-3 silencing in GE11 cells, expression of β1 causes its demethylation, leading to transcriptional activation of the Lgals3 gene. In turn, Gal-3 expression enhances β1 integrin-mediated cell adhesion to fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LN), as well as cell migration. Gal-3 also promotes β1-mediated cell adhesion to LN and Collagen-1 (Col)-1 in cells that endogenously express Gal-3 and β1 integrins. In conclusion, we identify a functional feedback-loop between β1 integrins and Gal-3 that involves the epigenetic induction of Gal-3 expression during integrin-induced EMT and cell scattering. PMID:23118221

Maize histone H2B-mCherry: a new fluorescent chromatin marker for somatic and meiotic chromosome research.

PubMed

Howe, Elizabeth S; Clemente, Thomas E; Bass, Hank W

2012-06-01

Cytological studies of fluorescent proteins are rapidly yielding insights into chromatin structure and dynamics. Here we describe the production and cytological characterization of new transgenic maize lines expressing a fluorescent histone fusion protein, H2B-mCherry. The transgene is expressed under the control of the maize ubiquitin1 promoter, including its first exon and intron. Polymerase chain reaction-based genotyping and root-tip microscopy showed that most of the lines carrying the transgene also expressed it, producing bright uniform staining of nuclei. Further, plants showing expression in root tips at the seedling stage also showed expression during meiosis, late in the life cycle. Detailed high-resolution three-dimensional imaging of cells and nuclei from various somatic and meiotic cell types showed that H2B-mCherry produced remarkably clear images of chromatin and chromosome fiber morphology, as seen in somatic, male meiotic prophase, and early microgametophyte cells. H2B-mCherry also yielded distinct nucleolus staining and was shown to be compatible with fluorescence in situ hybridization. We found several instances where H2B-mCherry was superior to DAPI as a generalized chromatin stain. Our study establishes these histone H2B-mCherry lines as new biological reagents for visualizing chromatin structure, chromosome morphology, and nuclear dynamics in fixed and living cells in a model plant genetic system.

Multi-Inhibitory Effects of A2A Adenosine Receptor Signaling on Neutrophil Adhesion Under Flow.

PubMed

Yago, Tadayuki; Tsukamoto, Hiroki; Liu, Zhenghui; Wang, Ying; Thompson, Linda F; McEver, Rodger P

2015-10-15

A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) signaling negatively regulates inflammatory responses in many disease models, but the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. We used the selective A2AAR agonist, ATL313, to examine how A2AAR signaling affects human and murine neutrophil adhesion under flow. Treating neutrophils with ATL313 inhibited selectin-induced, β2 integrin-dependent slow rolling and chemokine-induced, β2 integrin-dependent arrest on ICAM-1. ATL313 inhibited selectin-induced β2 integrin extension, which supports slow rolling, and chemokine-induced hybrid domain "swing-out," which supports arrest. Furthermore, ATL313 inhibited integrin outside-in signaling as revealed by reduced neutrophil superoxide production and spreading on immobilized anti-β2 integrin Ab. ATL313 suppressed selectin-triggered activation of Src family kinases (SFKs) and p38 MAPK, chemokine-triggered activation of Ras-related protein 1, and β2 integrin-triggered activation of SFKs and Vav cytoskeletal regulatory proteins. ATL313 activated protein kinase A and its substrate C-terminal Src kinase, an inhibitor of SFKs. Treating neutrophils with a protein kinase A inhibitor blocked the actions of ATL313. In vivo, ATL313-treated neutrophils rolled faster and arrested much less frequently in postcapillary venules of the murine cremaster muscle after TNF-α challenge. Furthermore, ATL313 markedly suppressed neutrophil migration into the peritoneum challenged with thioglycollate. ATL313 did not affect A2AAR-deficient neutrophils, confirming its specificity. Our findings provide new insights into the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of A2AAR signaling and the potential utility of A2AAR agonists in inflammatory diseases. Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Estradiol, tamoxifen and ICI 182,780 alter alpha3 and beta1 integrin expression and laminin-1 adhesion in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell cultures.

PubMed

Nelson, Katja; Helmstaedter, Victor; Moreau, Cynthia; Lage, Hermann

2008-01-01

Adhesion molecules such as integrins and extracellular matrix proteins like laminins have been identified to play an important role in cell proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating cell-extracellular matrix interaction in various cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this study, the effect of estradiol (E2), and the E2 antagonists tamoxifen (TAM) and ICI 182,780 (ICI) on the expression of integrins and adhesion to laminin-1 in different OSCC in vitro models was analyzed. TAM and ICI inhibited growth in all OSCC cell lines. Dependent on estrogen receptor (ER) status E2 displayed a significant influence on growth after long-term administration. ICI reduced laminin-1 adhesion in all cell lines. beta1 Integrin transcription is reduced with TAM and E2 and alpha3 cell surface expression with TAM. This study shows that OSCC is estrogen and SERM sensitive and that these compounds can modulate cell-matrix interaction in part by modulating integrin expression and translation. The investigation also confirms that growth is significantly influenced by these adjuvant therapeutics. These data suggest that a greater understanding of basic biology and mechanisms of the ER and its ligands in oral squamous cells is needed to elucidate the use of specific pharmacological agents as therapeutics of anti-tumorigenic pathways.

Correlated expression of gfp and Bt cry1Ac gene facilitates quantification of transgenic hybridization between Brassicas.

PubMed

Shen, B-C; Stewart, C N; Zhang, M-Q; Le, Y-T; Tang, Z-X; Mi, X-C; Wei, W; Ma, K-P

2006-09-01

Gene flow from transgenic oilseed rape (BRASSICA NAPUS) might not be avoidable, thus, it is important to detect and quantify hybridization events with its relatives in real time. Data are presented showing the correlation between genetically linked green fluorescent protein (GFP) with BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS (Bt) CRY1AC gene expression in hybrids formed between transgenic B. NAPUS "Westar" and a wild Chinese accession of wild mustard (B. JUNCEA) and hybridization between transgenic B. NAPUS and a conspecific Chinese landrace oilseed rape. Hybrids were obtained either by spontaneous hybridization in the field or by hand-crossing in a greenhouse. In all cases, transgenic hybrids were selected by GFP fluorescence among seedlings originating from seeds harvested from B. JUNCEA and the Chinese oilseed rape plants. Transgenicity was confirmed by PCR detection of transgenes. GFP fluorescence was easily and rapidly detected in the hybrids under greenhouse and field conditions. Results showed that both GFP fluorescence and Bt protein synthesis decreased as either plant or leaf aged, and GFP fluorescence intensity was closely correlated with Bt protein concentration during the entire vegetative lifetime in hybrids. These findings allow the use of GFP fluorescence as an accurate tool to detect gene-flow in time in the field and to conveniently estimate BT CRY1AC expression in hybrids on-the-plant.

Active and inactive β1 integrins segregate into distinct nanoclusters in focal adhesions.

PubMed

Spiess, Matthias; Hernandez-Varas, Pablo; Oddone, Anna; Olofsson, Helene; Blom, Hans; Waithe, Dominic; Lock, John G; Lakadamyali, Melike; Strömblad, Staffan

2018-06-04

Integrins are the core constituents of cell-matrix adhesion complexes such as focal adhesions (FAs) and play key roles in physiology and disease. Integrins fluctuate between active and inactive conformations, yet whether the activity state influences the spatial organization of integrins within FAs has remained unclear. In this study, we address this question and also ask whether integrin activity may be regulated either independently for each integrin molecule or through locally coordinated mechanisms. We used two distinct superresolution microscopy techniques, stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED), to visualize active versus inactive β1 integrins. We first reveal a spatial hierarchy of integrin organization with integrin molecules arranged in nanoclusters, which align to form linear substructures that in turn build FAs. Remarkably, within FAs, active and inactive β1 integrins segregate into distinct nanoclusters, with active integrin nanoclusters being more organized. This unexpected segregation indicates synchronization of integrin activities within nanoclusters, implying the existence of a coordinate mechanism of integrin activity regulation. © 2018 Spiess et al.

Generation and CRISPR/Cas9 editing of transformed progenitor B cells as a pseudo-physiological system to study DNA repair gene function in V(D)J recombination.

PubMed

Lenden Hasse, Hélène; Lescale, Chloé; Bianchi, Joy J; Yu, Wei; Bedora-Faure, Marie; Deriano, Ludovic

2017-12-01

Antigen receptor gene assembly is accomplished in developing lymphocytes by the V(D)J recombination reaction, which can be separated into two steps: DNA cleavage by the recombination-activating gene (RAG) nuclease and joining of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) by components of the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. Deficiencies for NHEJ factors can result in immunodeficiency and a propensity to accumulate genomic instability, thus highlighting the importance of identifying all players in this process and deciphering their functions. Bcl2 transgenic v-Abl kinase-transformed pro-B cells provide a pseudo-physiological cellular system to study V(D)J recombination. Treatment of v-Abl/Bcl2 pro-B cells with the Abl kinase inhibitor Imatinib leads to G1 cell cycle arrest, the rapid induction of Rag1/2 gene expression and V(D)J recombination. In this system, the Bcl2 transgene alleviates Imatinib-induced apoptosis enabling the analysis of induced V(D)J recombination. Although powerful, the use of mouse models carrying the Bcl2 transgene for the generation of v-Abl pro-B cell lines is time and money consuming. Here, we describe a method for generating v-Abl/Bcl2 pro-B cell lines from wild type mice and for performing gene knock-out using episomal CRISPR/Cas9 targeting vectors. Using this approach, we generated distinct NHEJ-deficient pro-B cell lines and quantified V(D)J recombination levels in these cells. Furthermore, this methodology can be adapted to generate pro-B cell lines deficient for any gene suspected to play a role in V(D)J recombination, and more generally DSB repair. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sarcospan: a small protein with large potential for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Purification of the proteins associated with dystrophin, the gene product responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, led to the discovery of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. Sarcospan, a 25-kDa transmembrane protein, was the last component to be identified and its function in skeletal muscle has been elusive. This review will focus on progress over the last decade revealing that sarcospan is an important regulator of muscle cell adhesion, strength, and regeneration. Investigations using several transgenic mouse models demonstrate that overexpression of sarcospan in the mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy ameliorates pathology and restores muscle cell binding to laminin. Sarcospan improves cell surface expression of the dystrophin- and utrophin-glycoprotein complexes as well as α7β1 integrin, which are the three major laminin-binding complexes in muscle. Utrophin and α7β1 integrin compensate for the loss of dystrophin and the finding that sarcospan increases their abundance at the extra-synaptic sarcolemma supports the use of sarcospan as a therapeutic target. Newly discovered phenotypes in sarcospan-deficient mice, including a reduction in specific force output and increased drop in force in the diaphragm muscle, result from decreased utrophin and dystrophin expression and further reveal sarcospan’s role in determining abundance of these complexes. Dystrophin protein levels and the specific force output of the diaphragm muscle are further reduced upon genetic removal of α7 integrin (Itga7) in SSPN-deficient mice, demonstrating that interactions between integrin and sarcospan are critical for maintenance of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex and force production of the diaphragm muscle. Sarcospan is a major regulator of Akt signaling pathways and sarcospan-deficiency significantly impairs muscle regeneration, a process that is dependent on Akt activation. Intriguingly, sarcospan regulates glycosylation of a specific subpopulation of α-dystroglycan, the laminin-binding receptor associated with dystrophin and utrophin, localized to the neuromuscular junction. Understanding the basic mechanisms responsible for assembly and trafficking of the dystrophin- and utrophin-glycoprotein complexes to the cell surface is lacking and recent studies suggest that sarcospan plays a role in these essential processes. PMID:23282144

Protein expression and purification of integrin I domains and IgSF ligands for crystallography.

PubMed

Zhang, Hongmin; Wang, Jia-Huai

2012-01-01

Cell adhesion depends on combinational expression and interactions of a large number of adhesion molecules at cell-to-cell or cell-to-matrix contact sites. Integrins and their immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) ligands represent foremost classes of cell adhesion molecules in immune system. Structural study is critical for a better understanding of the interactions between integrins and their IgSF ligands. Here we describe protocols for protein expression of integrin αL I domain and its IgSF ligand ICAM-5 D1D2 fragment for crystallography.

Rat MHC-linked peptide transporter alleles strongly influence peptide binding by HLA-B27 but not B27-associated inflammatory disease

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simmons, W.A.; Satumtira, Nimman; Taurog, J.D.

1996-02-15

Rats transgenic for the human MHC molecule HLA-B27 were used to study the effect of two alleles, cim{sup a} and cim{sup b}, which are associated with peptide transport by the MHC-encoded Tap2 transporter, on the function of HLA-B27 as a restriction element for CTL recognition of the male H-Y minor H Ag and on the multisystem inflammatory disease characteristic of B27 transgenic rats. Anti-H-Y CTL generated in cim{sup a} B27 transgenic rats lysed male B27 cim{sup b/b} targets significantly less well than cim{sup a/a} or cim{sup a/b} targets. Addition of exogenous H-Y peptides to male B27 cim{sup b/b} targets increasedmore » susceptibility to lysis to the level of cim{sup a/a} targets sensitized with exogenous H-Y peptides. {sup 3}H-labeled peptides eluted from B27 molecules of lymphoblasts from rats of two cim{sup b} and three cim{sup a} RT1 haplotypes showed that the cim{sup b} peptide pool favors comparatively longer and/or more hydrophobic peptides. These results indicate that RT1-linked Tap2 polymorphism in the rat strongly influences peptide loading of HLA-B27. Nonetheless, the prevalence and severity of multisystem inflammatory lesions were comparable in backcross rats bearing either cim{sup a/b} or cim{sup b/b}. It thus appears either that binding of specific peptides to B27 is unimportant in the pathogenesis of B27-associated disease or that the critical peptides, unlike H-Y and many others, are not influenced by Tap transporter polymorphism. 42 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Modeled Microgravity Disrupts Collagen I/Integrin Signaling During Osteoblastic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyers, Valerie E.; Zayzafoon, Majd; Gonda, Steven R.; Gathings, William E.; McDonald, Jay M.

2004-01-01

Spaceflight leads to reduced bone mineral density in weight bearing bones that is primarily attributed to a reduction in bone formation. We have previously demonstrated severely reduced osteoblastogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) following seven days culture in modeled microgravity. One potential mechanism for reduced osteoblastic differentiation is disruption of type I collagen-integrin interactions and reduced integrin signaling. Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that bind extracellular matrix proteins and produce signals essential for proper cellular function, survival, and differentiation. Therefore, we investigated the effects of modeled microgravity on integrin expression and function in hMSC. We demonstrate that seven days of culture in modeled microgravity leads to reduced expression of the extracellular matrix protein, type I collagen (Col I). Conversely, modeled microgravity consistently increases Col I-specific alpha2 and beta1 integrin protein expression. Despite this increase in integrin sub-unit expression, autophosphorylation of adhesion-dependent kinases, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2), is significantly reduced. Activation of Akt is unaffected by the reduction in FAK activation. However, reduced downstream signaling via the Ras-MAPK pathway is evidenced by a reduction in Ras and ERK activation. Taken together, our findings indicate that modeled microgravity decreases integrin/MAPK signaling, which likely contributes to the observed reduction in osteoblastogenesis.

Exosomes derived from human macrophages suppress endothelial cell migration by controlling integrin trafficking.

PubMed

Lee, Hee Doo; Kim, Yeon Hyang; Kim, Doo-Sik

2014-04-01

Integrin trafficking, including internalization, recycling, and lysosomal degradation, is crucial for the regulation of cellular functions. Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles, are believed to play important roles in intercellular communications. This study demonstrates that exosomes released from human macrophages negatively regulate endothelial cell migration through control of integrin trafficking. Macrophage-derived exosomes promote internalization of integrin β1 in primary HUVECs. The internalized integrin β1 persistently accumulates in the perinuclear region and is not recycled back to the plasma membrane. Experimental results indicate that macrophage-derived exosomes stimulate trafficking of internalized integrin β1 to lysosomal compartments with a corresponding decrease in the integrin destined for recycling endosomes, resulting in proteolytic degradation of the integrin. Moreover, ubiquitination of HUVEC integrin β1 is enhanced by the exosomes, and exosome-mediated integrin degradation is blocked by bafilomycin A, a lysosomal degradation inhibitor. Macrophage-derived exosomes were also shown to effectively suppress collagen-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway and HUVEC migration, which are both dependent on integrin β1. These observations provide new insight into the functional significance of exosomes in the regulation of integrin trafficking. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Clearance of apoptotic photoreceptors: elimination of apoptotic debris into the subretinal space and macrophage-mediated phagocytosis via phosphatidylserine receptor and integrin alphavbeta3.

PubMed

Hisatomi, Toshio; Sakamoto, Taiji; Sonoda, Koh-Hei; Tsutsumi, Chikako; Qiao, Hong; Enaida, Hiroshi; Yamanaka, Ichiro; Kubota, Toshiaki; Ishibashi, Tatsuro; Kura, Shinobu; Susin, Santos A; Kroemer, Guido

2003-06-01

The effective phagocytotic clearance of apoptotic debris is fundamental to the maintenance of neural tissues during apoptosis. Retinal photoreceptors undergo apoptosis after retinal detachment. Although their induction phase of apoptosis has been well discussed, their phagocytotic process remains quite unclear. We herein demonstrate that apoptotic photoreceptors are selectively eliminated from their physiological localization, the outer nuclear layer, to the subretinal space, and then phagocytosed by monocyte-derived macrophages. This could be shown by an ultrastructural and immunophenotypic analysis. Moreover, in chimera mice expressing transgenic green fluorescent protein in bone marrow-derived cells, the local infiltration of macrophages could be detected after retinal detachment-induced photoreceptor apoptosis. The local injection of an antibody blocking the phosphatidylserine receptor (PSR) or a peptide (GRGDSP)-blocking integrin alphavbeta3 revealed that phagocytotic clearance involves the PSR as well as integrin alphavbeta3 in vivo. Importantly, the level of blockade obtained with these reagents was different. Although anti-PSR increased the frequency of apoptotic cells that fail to bind to macrophages, GRGDSP prevented the engulfment (but not the recognition) of apoptotic photoreceptor cells by macrophages. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the mechanisms through which apoptotic photoreceptors are selectively eliminated via a directional process in the subretinal space.

Targeting Paclitaxel-Loaded Nanoparticles to Ovarian Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

nanoparticle of »20 nm in aqueous solutions as determined by dynamic light scattering (2) Figure 1. Figure 1 In our studies, this new nanoparticle...Selective Integrin avb3 Antagonists. J Am Chem Soc. 1996;118:7461-72. 11. Jolimaitre P , Poirier C, Richard A, Blanpain A, Delord B, Roux D, et al...Tissue-penetrating delivery of compounds and nanoparticles into tumors. Cancer Cell. 2009;16:510-20. 15. Laakkonen P , Porkka K, Hoffman JA, Ruoslahti

Intestinal Metabolites Are Profoundly Altered in the Context of HLA-B27 Expression and Functionally Modulate Disease in a Rat Model of Spondyloarthritis.

PubMed

Asquith, Mark; Davin, Sean; Stauffer, Patrick; Michell, Claire; Janowitz, Cathleen; Lin, Phoebe; Ensign-Lewis, Joe; Kinchen, Jason M; Koop, Dennis R; Rosenbaum, James T

2017-10-01

HLA-B27-associated spondyloarthritides are associated with an altered intestinal microbiota and bowel inflammation. We undertook this study to identify HLA-B27-dependent changes in both host and microbial metabolites in the HLA-B27/β 2 -microglobulin (β 2 m)-transgenic rat and to determine whether microbiota-derived metabolites could impact disease in this major model of spondyloarthritis. Cecal contents were collected from Fischer 344 33-3 HLA-B27/β 2 m-transgenic rats and wild-type controls at 6 weeks (before disease) and 16 weeks (with active bowel inflammation). Metabolomic profiling was performed by high-throughput gas and liquid chromatography-based mass spectrometry. HLA-B27/β 2 m-transgenic rats were treated with the microbial metabolites propionate or butyrate in drinking water for 10 weeks, and disease activity was subsequently assessed. Our screen identified 582 metabolites, of which more than half were significantly altered by HLA-B27 expression at 16 weeks. Both microbial and host metabolites were altered, with multiple pathways affected, including those for amino acid, carbohydrate, xenobiotic, and medium-chain fatty acid metabolism. Differences were even observed at 6 weeks, with up-regulation of histidine, tyrosine, spermidine, N-acetylmuramate, and glycerate in HLA-B27/β 2 m-transgenic rats. Administration of the short-chain fatty acid propionate significantly attenuated HLA-B27-associated inflammatory disease, although this was not associated with increased FoxP3+ T cell induction or with altered expression of the immunomodulatory cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) or IL-33 or of the tight junction protein zonula occludens 1. HLA-B27 expression was also associated with altered host expression of messenger RNA for the microbial metabolite receptors free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), FFAR3, and niacin receptor 1. HLA-B27 expression profoundly impacts the intestinal metabolome, with changes evident in rats even at age 6 weeks. Critically, we demonstrate that a microbial metabolite, propionate, attenuates development of HLA-B27-associated inflammatory disease. These and other microbiota-derived bioactive mediators may provide novel treatment modalities in HLA-B27-associated spondyloarthritides. © 2017, American College of Rheumatology.

PDGF-A suppresses contact inhibition during directional collective cell migration.

PubMed

Nagel, Martina; Winklbauer, Rudolf

2018-06-08

The leading edge mesendoderm (LEM) of the Xenopus gastrula moves as an aggregate by collective migration. However, LEM cells on fibronectin in vitro show contact inhibition of locomotion by quickly retracting lamellipodia upon mutual contact. We found that a fibronectin-integrin-syndecan module acts between p21-activated kinase-1 upstream and ephrinB1 downstream to promote the contact-induced collapse of lamellipodia. To function in this module, fibronectin has to be present as puncta on the surface of LEM cells. To overcome contact inhibition in LEM cell aggregates, PDGF-A deposited in the endogenous substratum of LEM migration blocks the fibronectin-integrin-syndecan module at the integrin level. This stabilizes lamellipodia preferentially in the direction of normal LEM movement and supports cell orientation and the directional migration of the coherent LEM cell mass. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

A nu-space for image correlation spectroscopy: characterization and application to measure protein transport in live cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potvin-Trottier, Laurent; Chen, Lingfeng; Horwitz, Alan Rick; Wiseman, Paul W.

2013-08-01

We introduce a new generalized theoretical framework for image correlation spectroscopy (ICS). Using this framework, we extend the ICS method in time-frequency (ν, nu) space to map molecular flow of fluorescently tagged proteins in individual living cells. Even in the presence of a dominant immobile population of fluorescent molecules, nu-space ICS (nICS) provides an unbiased velocity measurement, as well as the diffusion coefficient of the flow, without requiring filtering. We also develop and characterize a tunable frequency-filter for spatio-temporal ICS (STICS) that allows quantification of the density, the diffusion coefficient and the velocity of biased diffusion. We show that the techniques are accurate over a wide range of parameter space in computer simulation. We then characterize the retrograde flow of adhesion proteins (α6- and αLβ2-GFP integrins and mCherry-paxillin) in CHO.B2 cells plated on laminin and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) ligands respectively. STICS with a tunable frequency filter, in conjunction with nICS, measures two new transport parameters, the density and transport bias coefficient (a measure of the diffusive character of a flow/biased diffusion), showing that molecular flow in this cell system has a significant diffusive component. Our results suggest that the integrin-ligand interaction, along with the internal myosin-motor generated force, varies for different integrin-ligand pairs, consistent with previous results.

The synthesis and coupling of photoreactive collagen-based peptides to restore integrin reactivity to an inert substrate, chemically-crosslinked collagen

PubMed Central

Malcor, Jean-Daniel; Bax, Daniel; Hamaia, Samir W.; Davidenko, Natalia; Best, Serena M.; Cameron, Ruth E.; Farndale, Richard W.; Bihan, Dominique

2016-01-01

Collagen is frequently advocated as a scaffold for use in regenerative medicine. Increasing the mechanical stability of a collagen scaffold is widely achieved by cross-linking using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). However, this treatment consumes the carboxylate-containing amino acid sidechains that are crucial for recognition by the cell-surface integrins, abolishing cell adhesion. Here, we restore cell reactivity to a cross-linked type I collagen film by covalently linking synthetic triple-helical peptides (THPs), mimicking the structure of collagen. These THPs are ligands containing an active cell-recognition motif, GFOGER, a high-affinity binding site for the collagen-binding integrins. We end-stapled peptide strands containing GFOGER by coupling a short diglutamate-containing peptide to their N-terminus, improving the thermal stability of the resulting THP. A photoreactive Diazirine group was grafted onto the end-stapled THP to allow covalent linkage to the collagen film upon UV activation. Such GFOGER-derivatized collagen films showed restored affinity for the ligand-binding I domain of integrin α2β1, and increased integrin-dependent cell attachment and spreading of HT1080 and Rugli cell lines, expressing integrins α2β1 and α1β1, respectively. The method we describe has wide application, beyond collagen films or scaffolds, since the photoreactive diazirine will react with many organic carbon skeletons. PMID:26854392

Contribution of B2 receptors for bradykinin in Arthus reaction-induced plasma extravasation in wild-type or B2 transgenic knockout mice

PubMed Central

Samadfam, R; Teixeira, C; Bkaily, G; Sirois, P; de Brum-Fernandes, A; D'Orleans-Juste, P

2000-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the contribution of bradykinin (BK) B1 and B2 receptors in a model of type III hypersensitivity, the reverse passive Arthus reaction (RPA), in wild-type mice and transgenic B2 knockout littermates.BK (10 μg mouse−1) or bovine serum albumin (0.5 mg mouse−1) induced a sustained Evans blue extravasation for more than 80 min in naive or rabbit anti-bovine serum albumin-treated mice (RPA model), respectively. The response to the two stimuli was prevented by the B2 receptor antagonist, HOE-140, but not by [Leu8]desArg9-BK (B1 receptor antagonist).In contrast to the wild-type littermates, RPA and bradykinin were unable to trigger an increase in plasma extravasation in B2 knockout mice.Furthermore, endothelin-1 (5 μg mouse−1) and a selective NK-1 receptor agonist [Sar9,Met (O2)11]-SP (20 μg mouse−1), triggered a significant increase in peritoneal plasma extravasation in both wild-type and B2 knockout animals.A pretreatment with indomethacin (200 μg mouse−1) significantly reduced the RPA-induced but not the BK-induced increase in Evans blue extravasation. Furthermore, RPA, but not BK, triggered a significant indomethacin-sensitive increase in peritoneal prostaglandin E2 content.Our results suggest a pivotal role for B2 receptors in the mechanism of plasma extravasation which occurs during the reverse passive Arthus reaction in the mouse. Moreover, our results suggest an important contribution of prostanoids in the plasma leakage mechanisms triggered by RPA but not by bradykinin. PMID:10780980

Overexpression of NAC gene from Lepidium latifolium L. enhances biomass, shortens life cycle and induces cold stress tolerance in tobacco: potential for engineering fourth generation biofuel crops.

PubMed

Grover, Atul; Singh, Sadhana; Pandey, Pankaj; Patade, Vikas Yadav; Gupta, Sanjay Mohan; Nasim, M

2014-11-01

We report elevated biomass and altered growth characteristics of tobacco plants up on transformation with a NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2,CUC2) gene (GenBank Accession FJ754254) isolated from Lepidium latifolium L. (LlaNAC). Transgenic plants showed significant differences in fresh weight, midrib length of longest leaf, leaf area, height of the plant, root and shoot weights, etc. during vegetative phase. On 100th day after sowing (DAS), plants of transgenic lines were 2-3 times taller than the wild type plants, though no significant difference was recorded in moisture contents of any of the plant tissues. Over-expression of NAC gene up to 2,000 fold was recorded in leaves of transgenic plants on 100th DAS. Interestingly, transgenic plants showed significantly shortened (P(t) = 0.02-0.04) life cycle, as they showed a completely altered growth behaviour. Transgenic plants entered reproductive phase earlier by 60 days, with lines NC2 and NC7b entering first, followed by line NC10. However, the time period spent in the reproductive phase by the plant was nearly twice in case of transgenic lines NC2, NC7b and NC10, as compared to the wild type plants. Despite that, these lines completed their life cycle in 45-60 days lesser than the time taken by wild-type tobacco plants. No difference was recorded in fruit and seed yield of transgenic or wild type plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on over-expression of NAC gene causing altered growth and biomass patterns. We expect this study to become an important reference towards future engineering of plants for fuel and fodder purposes.

α1β1 Integrin/Rac1-Dependent Mesangial Invasion of Glomerular Capillaries in Alport Syndrome

PubMed Central

Zallocchi, Marisa; Johnson, Brianna M.; Meehan, Daniel T.; Delimont, Duane; Cosgrove, Dominic

2014-01-01

Alport syndrome, hereditary glomerulonephritis with hearing loss, results from mutations in type IV collagen COL4A3, COL4A4, or COL4A5 genes. The mechanism for delayed glomerular disease onset is unknown. Comparative analysis of Alport mice and CD151 knockout mice revealed progressive accumulation of laminin 211 in the glomerular basement membrane. We show mesangial processes invading the capillary loops of both models as well as in human Alport glomeruli, as the likely source of this laminin. l-NAME salt–induced hypertension accelerated mesangial cell process invasion. Cultured mesangial cells showed reduced migratory potential when treated with either integrin-linked kinase inhibitor or Rac1 inhibitor, or by deletion of integrin α1. Treatment of Alport mice with Rac1 inhibitor or deletion of integrin α1 reduced mesangial cell process invasion of the glomerular capillary tuft. Laminin α2–deficient Alport mice show reduced mesangial process invasion, and cultured laminin α2–null cells showed reduced migratory potential, indicating a functional role for mesangial laminins in progression of Alport glomerular pathogenesis. Collectively, these findings predict a role for biomechanical insult in the induction of integrin α1β1–dependent Rac1-mediated mesangial cell process invasion of the glomerular capillary tuft as an initiation mechanism of Alport glomerular pathology. PMID:23911822

Functional blockade of α5β1 integrin induces scattering and genomic landscape remodeling of hepatic progenitor cells

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Cell scattering is a physiological process executed by stem and progenitor cells during embryonic liver development and postnatal organ regeneration. Here, we investigated the genomic events occurring during this process induced by functional blockade of α5β1 integrin in liver progenitor cells. Results Cells treated with a specific antibody against α5β1 integrin exhibited cell spreading and scattering, over-expression of liver stem/progenitor cell markers and activation of the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPKs signaling cascades, in a similar manner to the process triggered by HGF/SF1 stimulation. Gene expression profiling revealed marked transcriptional changes of genes involved in cell adhesion and migration, as well as genes encoding chromatin remodeling factors. These responses were accompanied by conspicuous spatial reorganization of centromeres, while integrin genes conserved their spatial positioning in the interphase nucleus. Conclusion Collectively, our results demonstrate that α5β1 integrin functional blockade induces cell migration of hepatic progenitor cells, and that this involves a dramatic remodeling of the nuclear landscape. PMID:20958983

Hepatic SILAC proteomic data from PANDER transgenic model.

PubMed

Athanason, Mark G; Stevens, Stanley M; Burkhardt, Brant R

2016-12-01

This article contains raw and processed data related to research published in "Quantitative Proteomic Profiling Reveals Hepatic Lipogenesis and Liver X Receptor Activation in the PANDER Transgenic Model" (M.G. Athanason, W.A. Ratliff, D. Chaput, C.B. MarElia, M.N. Kuehl, S.M., Jr. Stevens, B.R. Burkhardt (2016)) [1], and was generated by "spike-in" SILAC-based proteomic analysis of livers obtained from the PANcreatic-Derived factor (PANDER) transgenic mouse (PANTG) under various metabolic conditions [1]. The mass spectrometry output of the PANTG and wild-type B6SJLF mice liver tissue and resulting proteome search from MaxQuant 1.2.2.5 employing the Andromeda search algorithm against the UniprotKB reference database for Mus musculus has been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium (http://www.proteomexchange.org) via the PRIDE partner repository with dataset identifiers PRIDE: PXD004171 and doi:10.6019/PXD004171. Protein ratio values representing PANTG/wild-type obtained by MaxQuant analysis were input into the Perseus processing suite to determine statistical significance using the Significance A outlier test (p<0.05). Differentially expressed proteins using this approach were input into Ingenuity Pathway Analysis to determined altered pathways and upstream regulators that were altered in PANTG mice.

Acquisition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype in the tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cell: a new role for G protein-coupled estrogen receptor in mediating tamoxifen resistance through cancer-associated fibroblast-derived fibronectin and β1-integrin signaling pathway in tumor cells.

PubMed

Yuan, Jie; Liu, Manran; Yang, Li; Tu, Gang; Zhu, Qing; Chen, Maoshan; Cheng, Hong; Luo, Haojun; Fu, Weijie; Li, Zhenhua; Yang, Guanglun

2015-05-21

Acquired tamoxifen resistance remains the major obstacle to breast cancer endocrine therapy. β1-integrin was identified as one of the target genes of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), a novel estrogen receptor recognized as an initiator of tamoxifen resistance. Here, we investigated the role of β1-integrin in GPER-mediated tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer. The expression of β1-integrin and biomarkers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition were evaluated immunohistochemically in 53 specimens of metastases and paired primary tumors. The function of β1-integrin was investigated in tamoxifen-resistant (MCF-7R) subclones, derived from parental MCF-7 cells, and MCF-7R β1-integrin-silenced subclones in MTT and Transwell assays. Involved signaling pathways were identified using specific inhibitors and Western blotting analysis. GPER, β1-integrin and mesenchymal biomarkers (vimentin and fibronectin) expression in metastases increased compared to the corresponding primary tumors; a close expression pattern of β1-integrin and GPER were in metastases. Increased β1-integrin expression was also confirmed in MCF-7R cells compared with MCF-7 cells. This upregulation of β1-integrin was induced by agonists of GPER and blocked by both antagonist and knockdown of it in MCF-7R cells. Moreover, the epidermal growth factor receptor/extracellular regulated protein kinase (EGFR/ERK) signaling pathway was involved in this transcriptional regulation since specific inhibitors of these kinases also reduced the GPER-induced upregulation of β1-integrin. Interestingly, silencing of β1-integrin partially rescued the sensitivity of MCF-7R cells to tamoxifen and the α5β1-integrin subunit is probably responsible for this phenomenon. Importantly, the cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by cancer-associated fibroblasts, or the product of cancer-associated fibroblasts, fibronectin, were reduced by knockdown of β1-integrin in MCF-7R cells. In addition, the downstream kinases of β1-integrin including focal adhesion kinase, Src and AKT were activated in MCF-7R cells and may be involved in the interaction between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. GPER/EGFR/ERK signaling upregulates β1-integrin expression and activates downstream kinases, which contributes to cancer-associated fibroblast-induced cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in MCF-7R cells. GPER probably contributes to tamoxifen resistance via interaction with the tumor microenvironment in a β1-integrin-dependent pattern. Thus, β1-integrin may be a potential target to improve anti-hormone therapy responses in breast cancer patients.

Multiple alpha subunits of integrin are involved in cell-mediated responses of the Manduca immune system.

PubMed

Zhuang, Shufei; Kelo, Lisha; Nardi, James B; Kanost, Michael R

2008-01-01

The cell-mediated responses of the insect innate immune system-phagocytosis, nodulation, encapsulation-involve multiple cell adhesion molecules of hemocyte surfaces. A hemocyte-specific (HS) integrin and a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily (neuroglian) are involved in the encapsulation response of hemocytes in Manduca sexta. In addition, two new integrin alpha (alpha) subunits have been found on these hemocytes. The alpha2 subunit is mainly expressed in epidermis and Malphigian tubules, whereas the alpha3 subunit is primarily expressed on hemocytes and fat body cells. Of the three known alpha subunits, the alpha1 subunit found in HS integrin is the predominant subunit of hemocytes. Cell adhesion assays indicate that alpha2 belongs to the integrin family with RGD-binding motifs, confirming the phylogenetic analysis of alpha subunits based on the amino-acid sequence alignment of different alpha subunits. Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeting each of these three integrin alpha subunits not only specifically decreased transcript expression of each alpha subunit in hemocytes, but also abolished the cell-mediated encapsulation response of hemocytes to foreign surfaces. The individual alpha subunits of M. sexta integrins, like their integrin counterparts in mammalian immune systems, have critical, individual roles in cell-substrate and cell-cell interactions during immune responses.

Optimization of Formaldehyde Cross-Linking for Protein Interaction Analysis of Non-Tagged Integrin β1

PubMed Central

Klockenbusch, Cordula; Kast, Juergen

2010-01-01

Formaldehyde cross-linking of protein complexes combined with immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis is a promising technique for analysing protein-protein interactions, including those of transient nature. Here we used integrin β1 as a model to describe the application of formaldehyde cross-linking in detail, particularly focusing on the optimal parameters for cross-linking, the detection of formaldehyde cross-linked complexes, the utility of antibodies, and the identification of binding partners. Integrin β1 was found in a high molecular weight complex after formaldehyde cross-linking. Eight different anti-integrin β1 antibodies were used for pull-down experiments and no loss in precipitation efficiency after cross-linking was observed. However, two of the antibodies could not precipitate the complex, probably due to hidden epitopes. Formaldehyde cross-linked complexes, precipitated from Jurkat cells or human platelets and analyzed by mass spectrometry, were found to be composed of integrin β1, α4 and α6 or β1, α6, α2, and α5, respectively. PMID:20634879

Dual mechanism of integrin αIIbβ3 closure in procoagulant platelets.

PubMed

Mattheij, Nadine J A; Gilio, Karen; van Kruchten, Roger; Jobe, Shawn M; Wieschhaus, Adam J; Chishti, Athar H; Collins, Peter; Heemskerk, Johan W M; Cosemans, Judith M E M

2013-05-10

Inactivation of integrin αIIbβ3 reverses platelet aggregate formation upon coagulation. Platelets from patient (Scott) and mouse (Capn1(-/-) and Ppif(-/-)) blood reveal a dual mechanism of αIIbβ3 inactivation: by calpain-2 cleavage of integrin-associated proteins and by cyclophilin D/TMEM16F-dependent phospholipid scrambling. These data provide novel insight into the switch mechanisms from aggregating to procoagulant platelets. Aggregation of platelets via activated integrin αIIbβ3 is a prerequisite for thrombus formation. Phosphatidylserine-exposing platelets with a key role in the coagulation process disconnect from a thrombus by integrin inactivation via an unknown mechanism. Here we show that αIIbβ3 inactivation in procoagulant platelets relies on a sustained high intracellular Ca(2+), stimulating intracellular cleavage of the β3 chain, talin, and Src kinase. Inhibition of calpain activity abolished protein cleavage, but only partly suppressed αIIbβ3 inactivation. Integrin αIIbβ3 inactivation was unchanged in platelets from Capn1(-/-) mice, suggesting a role of the calpain-2 isoform. Scott syndrome platelets, lacking the transmembrane protein TMEM16F and having low phosphatidylserine exposure, displayed reduced αIIbβ3 inactivation with the remaining activity fully dependent on calpain. In platelets from Ppif(-/-) mice, lacking mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) formation, agonist-induced phosphatidylserine exposure and αIIbβ3 inactivation were reduced. Treatment of human platelets with cyclosporin A gave a similar phenotype. Together, these data point to a dual mechanism of αIIbβ3 inactivation via calpain(-2) cleavage of integrin-associated proteins and via TMEM16F-dependent phospholipid scrambling with an assistant role of mPTP formation.

Polyamines Attenuate Ethylene-Mediated Defense Responses to Abrogate Resistance to Botrytis cinerea in Tomato1[C][W][OA

PubMed Central

Nambeesan, Savithri; AbuQamar, Synan; Laluk, Kristin; Mattoo, Autar K.; Mickelbart, Michael V.; Ferruzzi, Mario G.; Mengiste, Tesfaye; Handa, Avtar K.

2012-01-01

Transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) lines overexpressing yeast spermidine synthase (ySpdSyn), an enzyme involved in polyamine (PA) biosynthesis, were developed. These transgenic lines accumulate higher levels of spermidine (Spd) than the wild-type plants and were examined for responses to the fungal necrotrophs Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria solani, bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000, and larvae of the chewing insect tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). The Spd-accumulating transgenic tomato lines were more susceptible to B. cinerea than the wild-type plants; however, responses to A. solani, P. syringae, or M. sexta were similar to the wild-type plants. Exogenous application of ethylene precursors, S-adenosyl-Met and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, or PA biosynthesis inhibitors reversed the response of the transgenic plants to B. cinerea. The increased susceptibility of the ySpdSyn transgenic tomato to B. cinerea was associated with down-regulation of gene transcripts involved in ethylene biosynthesis and signaling. These data suggest that PA-mediated susceptibility to B. cinerea is linked to interference with the functions of ethylene in plant defense. PMID:22128140

The RING finger/B-box factor TAM-1 and a retinoblastoma-like protein LIN-35 modulate context-dependent gene silencing in Caenorhabditis elegans.

PubMed

Hsieh, J; Liu, J; Kostas, S A; Chang, C; Sternberg, P W; Fire, A

1999-11-15

Context-dependent gene silencing is used by many organisms to stably modulate gene activity for large chromosomal regions. We have used tandem array transgenes as a model substrate in a screen for Caenorhabditis elegans mutants that affect context-dependent gene silencing in somatic tissues. This screen yielded multiple alleles of a previously uncharacterized gene, designated tam-1 (for tandem-array-modifier). Loss-of-function mutations in tam-1 led to a dramatic reduction in the activity of numerous highly repeated transgenes. These effects were apparently context dependent, as nonrepetitive transgenes retained activity in a tam-1 mutant background. In addition to the dramatic alterations in transgene activity, tam-1 mutants showed modest alterations in expression of a subset of endogenous cellular genes. These effects include genetic interactions that place tam-1 into a group called the class B synMuv genes (for a Synthetic Multivulva phenotype); this family plays a negative role in the regulation of RAS pathway activity in C. elegans. Loss-of-function mutants in other members of the class-B synMuv family, including lin-35, which encodes a protein similar to the tumor suppressor Rb, exhibit a hypersilencing in somatic transgenes similar to that of tam-1 mutants. Molecular analysis reveals that tam-1 encodes a broadly expressed nuclear protein with RING finger and B-box motifs.

Novel Animal Model of Crumbs-Dependent Progressive Retinal Degeneration That Targets Specific Cone Subtypes.

PubMed

Fu, Jinling; Nagashima, Mikiko; Guo, Chuanyu; Raymond, Pamela A; Wei, Xiangyun

2018-01-01

Human Crb1 is implicated in some forms of retinal degeneration, suggesting a role in photoreceptor maintenance. Multiple Crumbs (Crb) polarity genes are expressed in vertebrate retina, although their functional roles are not well understood. To gain further insight into Crb and photoreceptor maintenance, we compared retinal cell densities between wild-type and Tg(RH2-2:Crb2b-sfEX/RH2-2:GFP)pt108b transgenic zebrafish, in which the extracellular domain of Crb2b-short form (Crb2b-sfEX) is expressed in the retina as a secreted protein, which disrupts the planar organization of RGB cones (red, green, and blue) by interfering with Crb2a/2b-based cone-cone adhesion. We used standard morphometric techniques to assess age-related changes in retinal cell densities in adult zebrafish (3 to 27 months old), and to assess effects of the Crb2b-sfEX transgene on retinal structure and photoreceptor densities. Linear cell densities were measured in all retinal layers in radial sections with JB4-Feulgen histology. Planar (surface) densities of cones were determined in retinal flat-mounts. Cell counts from wild-type and pt108b transgenic fish were compared with both a "photoreceptor maintenance index" and statistical analysis of cell counts. Age-related changes in retinal cell linear densities and cone photoreceptor planar densities in wild-type adult zebrafish provided a baseline for analysis. Expression of Crb2b-sfEX caused progressive and selective degeneration of RGB cones, but had no effect on ultraviolet-sensitive (UV) cones, and increased numbers of rod photoreceptors. These differential responses of RGB cones, UV cones, and rods to sustained exposure to Crb2b-sfEX suggest that Crb-based photoreceptor maintenance mechanisms are highly selective.

Skeletal Muscle-Specific Overexpression of PGC-1α Induces Fiber-Type Conversion through Enhanced Mitochondrial Respiration and Fatty Acid Oxidation in Mice and Pigs.

PubMed

Zhang, Lin; Zhou, Ying; Wu, Wangjun; Hou, Liming; Chen, Hongxing; Zuo, Bo; Xiong, Yuanzhu; Yang, Jinzeng

2017-01-01

Individual skeletal muscles in the animal body are heterogeneous, as each is comprised of different fiber types. Type I muscle fibers are rich with mitochondria, and have high oxidative metabolisms while type IIB fibers have few mitochondria and high glycolytic metabolic capacity. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), a transcriptional co-activator that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and respiratory function, is implicated in muscle fiber-type switching. Over-expression of PGC-1α in transgenic mice increased the proportion of red/oxidative type I fiber. During pig muscle growth, an increased number of type I fibers can give meat more red color. To explore the roles of PGC-1α in regulation of muscle fiber type conversion, we generated skeletal muscle-specific PGC-1α transgenic mice and pig. Ectopic over-expression of PGC-1α was detected in both fast and slow muscle fibers. The transgenic animals displayed a remarkable amount of red/oxidative muscle fibers in major skeletal muscle tissues. Skeletal muscles from transgenic mice and pigs have increased expression levels of oxidative fiber markers such as MHC1, MHC2x, myoglobin and Tnni1, and decreased expressions of glycolytic fiber genes (MHC2a, MHC2b, CASQ-1 and Tnni2). The genes responsible for the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, cytochrome coxidase 2 and 4, and citrate synthase were also increased in the transgenic mice and pigs. These results suggested that transgenic over-expressed PGC-1α significantly increased muscle mitochondrial biogenesis, resulting in qualitative changes from glycolytic to oxidative energy generation. The transgenic animals also had elevated levels of PDK4 and PPARγ proteins in muscle tissue, which can lead to increased glycogen deposition and fatty acid oxidation. Therefore, the results support a significant role of PGC-1α in conversion of fast glycolytic fibers to slow and oxidative fiber through enhanced mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid oxidation, and transgenic over-expression of PGC-1α in skeletal muscle leads to more red meat production in pigs.

Identification of conserved and HLA-A*2402-restricted epitopes in Dengue virus serotype 2.

PubMed

Duan, Zhi-Liang; Liu, Hui-Fang; Huang, Xi; Wang, Si-Na; Yang, Jin-Lin; Chen, Xin-Yu; Li, De-Zhou; Zhong, Xiao-Zhi; Chen, Bo-Kun; Wen, Jin-Sheng

2015-01-22

In this study, we set out to identify dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2)-specific HLA-A*2402-restricted epitopes and determine the characteristics of T cells generated to these epitopes. We screened the full-length amino-acid sequence of DENV-2 to find potential epitopes using the SYFPEITHI algorithm. Twelve putative HLA-A*2402-binding peptides conserved in hundreds of DENV-2 strains were synthesized, and the HLA restriction of peptides was tested in HLA-A*2402 transgenic mice. Nine peptides (NS4b(228-237), NS2a(73-81), E(298-306), M(141-149), NS4a(96-105), NS4b(159-168), NS5(475-484), NS1(162-171), and NS5(611-620)) induced high levels of peptide-specific IFN-γ-secreting cells in HLA-A*2402 transgenic mice. Apart from IFN-γ, NS4b(228-237-), NS2a(73-81-) and E(298-306)-specific CD8(+) cells produced TNF-α and IL-6 simultaneously, whereas M(141-149-) and NS5(475-484-) CD8(+) cells produced only IL-6. Moreover, splenic mononuclear cells (SMCs) efficiently recognized and killed peptide-pulsed splenocytes. Furthermore, each of nine peptides could be recognized by splenocytes from DENV-2-infected HLA-A*2402 transgenic mice. The SMCs from HLA-A*2402 transgenic mice immunized with nine immunogenic peptides efficiently killed DENV-2-infected splenic monocytes. The present identified epitopes have the potential to be new diagnostic tools for characterization of T-cell immunity in DENV infection and may serve as part of a universal epitope-based vaccine. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SETDB1 HISTONE METHYLTRANSFERASE REGULATES MOOD-RELATED BEHAVIORS AND EXPRESSION OF THE NMDA RECEPTOR SUBUNIT NR2B

PubMed Central

Jiang, Yan; Jakovcevski, Mira; Bharadwaj, Rahul; Connor, Caroline; Schroeder, Frederick A.; Lin, Cong L.; Straubhaar, Juerg; Martin, Gilles; Akbarian, Schahram

2010-01-01

Histone methyltransferases specific for the histone H3-lysine 9 (H3K9) residue, including Setdb1 (Set domain, bifurcated 1)/Eset/Kmt1e are associated with repressive chromatin remodeling and expressed in adult brain, but potential effects on neuronal function and behavior remain unexplored. Here, we report that transgenic mice with increased Setdb1 expression in adult forebrain neurons show antidepressant-like phenotypes in behavioral paradigms for anhedonia, despair and learned helplessness. Chromatin immunoprecipitation in conjunction with DNA tiling arrays (ChIP-chip) revealed that genomic occupancies of neuronal Setdb1 are limited to less than 1% of annotated genes, which include the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B/Grin2B and other ionotropic glutamate receptor genes. Chromatin conformation capture (“3C”) and Setdb1-ChIP revealed a loop formation tethering the NR2B/Grin2b promoter to the Setdb1 target site positioned 30Kb downstream of the transcription start site. In hippocampus and ventral striatum, two key structures in the neuronal circuitry regulating mood-related behaviors, Setdb1-mediated repressive histone methylation at NR2B/Grin2b was associated with decreased NR2B expression and EPSP insensitivity to pharmacological blockade of NR2B, and accelerated NMDA receptor desensitization consistent with a shift in NR2A/B subunit ratios. In wildtype mice, systemic treatment with the NR2B antagonist, Ro-256981, and hippocampal siRNA-mediated NR2B/Grin2b knockdown, resulted in behavioral changes similar to those elicited by the Setdb1 transgene. Together, these findings point to a role for neuronal Setdb1 in the regulation of affective and motivational behaviors through repressive chromatin remodeling at a select set of target genes, resulting in altered NMDA receptor subunit composition and other molecular adaptations. PMID:20505083

Nanoparticle Imaging of Integrins on Tumor Cells1

PubMed Central

Montet, Xavier; Montet-Abou, Karin; Reynolds, Fred; Weissleder, Ralph; Josephson, Lee

2006-01-01

Abstract Nanoparticles 10 to 100 nm in size can deliver large payloads to molecular targets, but undergo slow diffusion and/or slow transport through delivery barriers. To examine the feasibility of nanoparticles targeting a marker expressed in tumor cells, we used the binding of cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) nanoparticle targeting integrins on BT-20 tumor as a model system. The goals of this study were: 1) to use nanoparticles to image αvβ3 integrins expressed in BT-20 tumor cells by fluorescence-based imaging and magnetic resonance imaging, and, 2) to identify factors associated with the ability of nanoparticles to target tumor cell integrins. Three factors were identified: 1) tumor cell integrin expression (the αvβ3 integrin was expressed in BT-20 cells, but not in 9L cells); 2) nanoparticle pharmacokinetics (the cyclic RGD peptide cross-linked iron oxide had a blood half-life of 180 minutes and was able to escape from the vasculature over its long circulation time); and 3) tumor vascularization (the tumor had a dense capillary bed, with distances of <100 µm between capillaries). These results suggest that nanoparticles could be targeted to the cell surface markers expressed in tumor cells, at least in the case wherein the nanoparticles and the tumor model have characteristics similar to those of the BT-20 tumor employed here. PMID:16611415

β1 integrin signaling promotes neuronal migration along vascular scaffolds in the post-stroke brain.

PubMed

Fujioka, Teppei; Kaneko, Naoko; Ajioka, Itsuki; Nakaguchi, Kanako; Omata, Taichi; Ohba, Honoka; Fässler, Reinhard; García-Verdugo, José Manuel; Sekiguchi, Kiyotoshi; Matsukawa, Noriyuki; Sawamoto, Kazunobu

2017-02-01

Cerebral ischemic stroke is a main cause of chronic disability. However, there is currently no effective treatment to promote recovery from stroke-induced neurological symptoms. Recent studies suggest that after stroke, immature neurons, referred to as neuroblasts, generated in a neurogenic niche, the ventricular-subventricular zone, migrate toward the injured area, where they differentiate into mature neurons. Interventions that increase the number of neuroblasts distributed at and around the lesion facilitate neuronal repair in rodent models for ischemic stroke, suggesting that promoting neuroblast migration in the post-stroke brain could improve efficient neuronal regeneration. To move toward the lesion, neuroblasts form chain-like aggregates and migrate along blood vessels, which are thought to increase their migration efficiency. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating these migration processes are largely unknown. Here we studied the role of β1-class integrins, transmembrane receptors for extracellular matrix proteins, in these migrating neuroblasts. We found that the neuroblast chain formation and blood vessel-guided migration critically depend on β1 integrin signaling. β1 integrin facilitated the adhesion of neuroblasts to laminin and the efficient translocation of their soma during migration. Moreover, artificial laminin-containing scaffolds promoted neuroblast chain formation and migration toward the injured area. These data suggest that laminin signaling via β1 integrin supports vasculature-guided neuronal migration to efficiently supply neuroblasts to injured areas. This study also highlights the importance of vascular scaffolds for cell migration in development and regeneration. Copyright © 2017 3-V Biosciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Citrus psorosis virus coat protein-derived hairpin construct confers stable transgenic resistance in citrus against psorosis A and B syndromes.

PubMed

De Francesco, A; Costa, N; García, M L

2017-04-01

Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV) is the causal agent of psorosis, a serious and widespread citrus disease. Two syndromes of psorosis, PsA and PsB, have been described. PsB is the most aggressive and rampant form. Previously, we obtained Pineapple sweet orange plants transformed with a hairpin construct derived from the CPsV coat protein gene (ihpCP). Some of these plants were resistant to CPsV 90-1-1, a PsA isolate homologous to the transgene. In this study, we found that expression of the ihpCP transgene and siRNA production in lines ihpCP-10 and -15 were stable with time and propagation. In particular, line ihpCP-15 has been resistant for more than 2 years, even after re-inoculation. The ihpCP plants were also resistant against a heterologous CPsV isolate that causes severe PsB syndrome. Line ihpCP-15 manifested complete resistance while line ihpCP-10 was tolerant to the virus, although with variable behaviour, showing delay and attenuation in PsB symptoms. These lines are promising for a biotech product aimed at eradicating psorosis.

Galectin-3 Induces Clustering of CD147 and Integrin-β1 Transmembrane Glycoprotein Receptors on the RPE Cell Surface

PubMed Central

Priglinger, Claudia S.; Szober, Christoph M.; Priglinger, Siegfried G.; Merl, Juliane; Euler, Kerstin N.; Kernt, Marcus; Gondi, Gabor; Behler, Jennifer; Geerlof, Arie; Kampik, Anselm; Ueffing, Marius; Hauck, Stefanie M.

2013-01-01

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a blinding disease frequently occurring after retinal detachment surgery. Adhesion, migration and matrix remodeling of dedifferentiated retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells characterize the onset of the disease. Treatment options are still restrained and identification of factors responsible for the abnormal behavior of the RPE cells will facilitate the development of novel therapeutics. Galectin-3, a carbohydrate-binding protein, was previously found to inhibit attachment and spreading of retinal pigment epithelial cells, and thus bares the potential to counteract PVR-associated cellular events. However, the identities of the corresponding cell surface glycoprotein receptor proteins on RPE cells are not known. Here we characterize RPE-specific Gal-3 containing glycoprotein complexes using a proteomic approach. Integrin-β1, integrin-α3 and CD147/EMMPRIN, a transmembrane glycoprotein implicated in regulating matrix metalloproteinase induction, were identified as potential Gal-3 interactors on RPE cell surfaces. In reciprocal immunoprecipitation experiments we confirmed that Gal-3 associated with CD147 and integrin-β1, but not with integrin-α3. Additionally, association of Gal-3 with CD147 and integrin-β1 was observed in co-localization analyses, while integrin-α3 only partially co-localized with Gal-3. Blocking of CD147 and integrin-β1 on RPE cell surfaces inhibited binding of Gal-3, whereas blocking of integrin-α3 failed to do so, suggesting that integrin-α3 is rather an indirect interactor. Importantly, Gal-3 binding promoted pronounced clustering and co-localization of CD147 and integrin-β1, with only partial association of integrin-α3. Finally, we show that RPE derived CD147 and integrin-β1, but not integrin-α3, carry predominantly β-1,6-N-actyl-D-glucosamine-branched glycans, which are high-affinity ligands for Gal-3. We conclude from these data that extracellular Gal-3 triggers clustering of CD147 and integrin-β1 via interaction with β1,6-branched N-glycans on RPE cells and hypothesize that Gal-3 acts as a positive regulator for CD147/integrin-β1 clustering and therefore modifies RPE cell behavior contributing to the pathogenesis of PVR. Further investigations at this pathway may aid in the development of specific therapies for PVR. PMID:23922889

Crystal structure of the complete integrin αVβ3 ectodomain plus an α/β transmembrane fragment

PubMed Central

Xiong, Jian-Ping; Mahalingham, Bhuvaneshwari; Alonso, Jose Luis; Borrelli, Laura Ann; Rui, Xianliang; Anand, Saurabh; Hyman, Bradley T.; Rysiok, Thomas; Müller-Pompalla, Dirk; Goodman, Simon L.

2009-01-01

We determined the crystal structure of 1TM-αVβ3, which represents the complete unconstrained ectodomain plus short C-terminal transmembrane stretches of the αV and β3 subunits. 1TM-αVβ3 is more compact and less active in solution when compared with ΔTM-αVβ3, which lacks the short C-terminal stretches. The structure reveals a bent conformation and defines the α–β interface between IE2 (EGF-like 2) and the thigh domains. Modifying this interface by site-directed mutagenesis leads to robust integrin activation. Fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy of inactive full-length αVβ3 on live cells yields a donor–membrane acceptor distance, which is consistent with the bent conformation and does not change in the activated integrin. These data are the first direct demonstration of conformational coupling of the integrin leg and head domains, identify the IE2–thigh interface as a critical steric barrier in integrin activation, and suggest that inside-out activation in intact cells may involve conformational changes other than the postulated switch to a genu-linear state. PMID:19704023

Pleiotrophin, a multifunctional cytokine and growth factor, induces leukocyte responses through the integrin Mac-1.

PubMed

Shen, Di; Podolnikova, Nataly P; Yakubenko, Valentin P; Ardell, Christopher L; Balabiyev, Arnat; Ugarova, Tatiana P; Wang, Xu

2017-11-17

Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a multifunctional, cationic, glycosaminoglycan-binding cytokine and growth factor involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including tissue repair and inflammation-related diseases. PTN has been shown to promote leukocyte responses by inducing their migration and expression of inflammatory cytokines. However, the mechanisms through which PTN mediates these responses remain unclear. Here, we identified the integrin Mac-1 (αMβ2, CD11b/CD18) as the receptor mediating macrophage adhesion and migration to PTN. We also found that expression of Mac-1 on the surface of human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells induced their adhesion and migration to PTN. Accordingly, PTN promoted Mac-1-dependent cell spreading and initiated intracellular signaling manifested in phosphorylation of Erk1/2. While binding to PTN, Mac-1 on Mac-1-expressing HEK293 cells appears to cooperate with cell-surface proteoglycans because both anti-Mac-1 function-blocking mAb and heparin were required to block adhesion. Moreover, biolayer interferometry and NMR indicated a direct interaction between the α M I domain, the major ligand-binding region of Mac-1, and PTN. Using peptide libraries, we found that in PTN the α M I domain bound sequences enriched in basic and hydrophobic residues, indicating that PTN conforms to the general principle of ligand-recognition specificity of the α M I domain toward cationic proteins/peptides. Finally, using recombinant PTN-derived fragments, we show that PTN contains two distinct Mac-1-binding sites in each of its constitutive domains. Collectively, these results identify PTN as a ligand for the integrin Mac-1 on the surface of leukocytes and suggest that this interaction may play a role in inflammatory responses. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Depressed expression of FAE1 and FAD2 genes modifies fatty acid profiles and storage compounds accumulation in Brassica napus seeds.

PubMed

Shi, Jianghua; Lang, Chunxiu; Wang, Fulin; Wu, Xuelong; Liu, Renhu; Zheng, Tao; Zhang, Dongqing; Chen, Jinqing; Wu, Guanting

2017-10-01

In plants, the enzymes fatty acid dehydrogenase 2 (FAD2) and fatty acid elongase 1 (FAE1) have been shown in previous studies to play important roles in the de novo biosynthesis of fatty acids. However, the effects of depressed expression of FAD2 and FAE1 on seed storage compounds accumulation remains to be elucidated. In this study, we produced RNA interfering transgenic rapeseeds lines, BnFAD2-Ri, BnFAE1-Ri and BnFAD2/BnFAE1-Ri, which exhibited depressed expression of the BnFAD2 and BnFAE1 genes under the control of seed-specific napin A promoter. These transgenic rapeseeds showed normal growth and development as compared with the wild type (CY2). Depressed expression of BnFAD2 and BnFAE1 genes modified fatty acid profiles, leading to increased oleic acid and decreased erucic acid contents in transgenic seeds. Consistent with these results, the ratios of C18:1/C18:2 and C18:1/C18:3 in C18 unsaturated fatty acids were greatly increased due to increased oleic acid content in transgenic seeds. Moreover, depressed expression of BnFAD2 and BnFAE1 genes resulted in slightly decreased oil contents and increased protein contents in transgenic seeds. Our results demonstrated that depressed expression of BnFAD2 and BnFAE1 greatly improves seed nutritional quality by modulating the fatty acid metabolism and storage products accumulation and that BnFAD2 and BnFAE1 are reliable targets for genetic improvement of rapeseed in seed nutritional quality. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ARF6 directs axon transport and traffic of integrins and regulates axon growth in adult DRG neurons.

PubMed

Eva, Richard; Crisp, Sarah; Marland, Jamie R K; Norman, Jim C; Kanamarlapudi, Venkateswarlu; ffrench-Constant, Charles; Fawcett, James W

2012-07-25

Integrins are involved in axon growth and regeneration. Manipulation of integrins is a route to promoting axon regeneration and understanding regeneration failure in the CNS. Expression of α9 integrin promotes axon regeneration, so we have investigated α9β1 trafficking and transport in axons and at the growth cone. We have previously found that α9 and β1 integrins traffic via Rab11-positive recycling endosomes in peripheral axons and growth cones. However, transport via Rab11 is slow, while rapid transport occurs in vesicles lacking Rab11. We have further studied α9 and β1 integrin transport and traffic in adult rat dorsal root ganglion axons and PC12 cells. Integrins are in ARF6 vesicles during rapid axonal transport and during trafficking in the growth cone. We report that rapid axonal transport of these integrins and their trafficking at the cell surface is regulated by ARF6. ARF6 inactivation by expression of ACAP1 leads to increased recycling of β1 integrins to the neuronal surface and to increased anterograde axonal transport. ARF6 activation by expression of the neuronal guanine nucleotide exchange factors, ARNO or EFA6, increases retrograde integrin transport in axons and increases integrin internalization. ARF6 inactivation increases integrin-mediated outgrowth, while activation decreases it. The coordinated changes in integrin transport and recycling resulting from ARF6 activation or inactivation are the probable mechanism behind this regulation of axon growth. Our data suggest a novel mechanism of integrin traffic and transport in peripheral axons, regulated by the activation state of ARF6, and suggest that ARF6 might be targeted to enhance integrin-dependent axon regeneration after injury.

Integrin Expression Regulates Neuroblastoma Attachment and Migration1

PubMed Central

Meyer, Amy; van Golen, Cynthia M.; Kim, Bhumsoo; van Golen, Kenneth L.; Feldman, Eva L.

2004-01-01

Abstract Neuroblastoma (NBL) is the most common malignant disease of infancy, and children with bone metastasis have a mortality rate greater than 90%. Two major classes of proteins, integrins and growth factors, regulate the metastatic process. We have previously shown that tumorigenic NBL cells express higher levels of the type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) and that β1 integrin expression is inversely proportional to tumorigenic potential in NBL. In the current study, we analyze the effect of β1 integrin and IGF-IR on NBL cell attachment and migration. Nontumorigenic S-cells express high levels of β1 integrin, whereas tumorigenic N-cells express little β1 integrin. Alterations in β1 integrin are due to regulation at the protein level, as translation is decreased in N-type cells. Moreover, inhibition of protein synthesis shows that β1 integrin is degraded more slowly in S-type cells (SHEP) than in N-type cells (SH-SY5Y and IMR32). Inhibition of α5β1 integrin prevents SHEP (but not SH-SY5Y or IMR32) cell attachment to fibronectin and increases SHEP cell migration. Increases in IGF-IR decrease β1 integrin expression, and enhance SHEP cell migration, potentially through increased expression of αvβ3. These data suggest that specific classes of integrins in concert with IGF-IR regulate NBL attachment and migration. PMID:15256055

Biology of Schwann cells.

PubMed

Kidd, Grahame J; Ohno, Nobuhiko; Trapp, Bruce D

2013-01-01

The fundamental roles of Schwann cells during peripheral nerve formation and regeneration have been recognized for more than 100 years, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms that integrate Schwann cell and axonal functions continue to be elucidated. Derived from the embryonic neural crest, Schwann cells differentiate into myelinating cells or bundle multiple unmyelinated axons into Remak fibers. Axons dictate which differentiation path Schwann cells follow, and recent studies have established that axonal neuregulin1 signaling via ErbB2/B3 receptors on Schwann cells is essential for Schwann cell myelination. Extracellular matrix production and interactions mediated by specific integrin and dystroglycan complexes are also critical requisites for Schwann cell-axon interactions. Myelination entails expansion and specialization of the Schwann cell plasma membrane over millimeter distances. Many of the myelin-specific proteins have been identified, and transgenic manipulation of myelin genes have provided novel insights into myelin protein function, including maintenance of axonal integrity and survival. Cellular events that facilitate myelination, including microtubule-based protein and mRNA targeting, and actin based locomotion, have also begun to be understood. Arguably, the most remarkable facet of Schwann cell biology, however, is their vigorous response to axonal damage. Degradation of myelin, dedifferentiation, division, production of axonotrophic factors, and remyelination all underpin the substantial regenerative capacity of the Schwann cells and peripheral nerves. Many of these properties are not shared by CNS fibers, which are myelinated by oligodendrocytes. Dissecting the molecular mechanisms responsible for the complex biology of Schwann cells continues to have practical benefits in identifying novel therapeutic targets not only for Schwann cell-specific diseases but other disorders in which axons degenerate. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Insect resistance to Nilaparvata lugens and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis in transgenic indica rice and the inheritance of gna+sbti transgenes.

PubMed

Li, Guiying; Xu, Xinping; Xing, Hengtai; Zhu, Huachen; Fan, Qin

2005-04-01

Molecular genetic analysis and insect bioassay of transgenic indica rice 'Zhuxian B' plants carrying snowdrop lectin gene (gna) and soybean trypsin inhibitor gene (sbti) were investigated in detail. PCR, 'dot' blot and PCR-Southern blot analysis showed that both transgenes had been incorporated into the rice genome and transmitted up to R3 progeny in most lines tested. Some transgenic lines exhibited Mendelian segregation, but the other showed either 1:1 (positive: negative for the transgenes) or other aberrant segregation patterns. The segregation patterns of gna gene crossed between R2 and R3 progeny. In half of transgenic R3 lines, gna and sbti transgenes co-segregated. Two independent homozygous lines expressing double transgenes were identified in R3 progeny. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that the copy numbers of integrated gna and sbti transgenes varied from one to ten in different lines. Insect bioassay data showed that most transgenic plants had better resistance to both Nilaparvata lugens (Stahl) and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) than wild-type plants. The insect resistance of transgenic lines increased with the increase in transgene positive ratio in most of the transgenic lines. In all, we obtained nine lines of R3 transgenic plants, including one pure line, which had better resistance to both N lugens and C medinalis than wild-type plants. Copyright 2005 Society of Chemical Industry.

microPET Imaging of Glioma Integrin (alpha-v, beta-3) Expression Using Cu-64-Labeled Tetrameric RGD Peptide

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Yun; Zhang, , Xianzhong; Xiong, , Zhengming

2005-10-01

Integrins ?v?3 and ?v?5 play a critical role in tumor-induced angiogenesis and metastasis, and have become promising diagnostic indicators and therapeutic targets of tumors. Radiolabeled RGD peptides that are integrin-specific may be used for non-invasive imaging of integrin expression level as well as for integrin-targeted radionuclide therapy. We previously conjugated a series of mono- and dimeric RGD peptides with 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N, N?,N??,N???-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and labeled these with copper-64 for microPET imaging in various mouse xenograft models. The copper-64 tracers showed ?v?3-selective tumor uptake, but the magnitude of tumor uptake was relatively low, the tumor washout was rapid, and non-target organ/tissuemore » retention was high. In this study we developed a tetrameric RGD peptide tracer 64Cu-DOTA-E{l_brace}E[c(RGDfK)]2{r_brace}2 for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of integrin ?v?3 expression in a subcutaneous U87MG glioma xenograft model in female athymic nude mice. The RGD tetramer showed significantly higher integrin binding affinity than the corresponding mono- and dimeric RGD analogs, most likely due to polyvalency effect. The radiolabeled peptide showed rapid blood clearance (0.61 ? 0.01%ID/g at 30 min and 0.21 ? 0.01 %ID/g at 4 h postinjection (p.i.), respectively) and predominantly renal excretion. Tumor uptake was rapid and high and the tumor washout was slow (9.93 ? 1.05 %ID/g at 30 min p.i. and 4.56 ? 0.51 %ID/g at 24 h post-injection). The metabolic stability of 64Cu-DOTA-E{l_brace}E[c(RGDfK)]2{r_brace}2 was determined in mouse blood, urine, and liver and kidney homogenates at different times after tracer injection. The average fractions of intact tracer in these organs at 1 h were approximately 70, 58, 51 and 26 percent, respectively. Non-invasive microPET imaging studies showed significant tumor uptake and good contrast in the subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice, which agreed well with the biodistribution results. Integrin ?v?3 specificity was demonstrated by successful blocking of tumor uptake of 64Cu-DOTA-E{l_brace}E[c(RGDfK)]2{r_brace}2 in the presence of excess amount of c(RGDyK) at 1 h postinjection. The highest absorbed radiation doses determined for the human reference adult were received by the urinary bladder wall (0.263 mGy/MBq), kidneys (0.0298 mGy/MBq), and liver (0.0244 mGy/MBq). Assuming 0.5-g U87MG glioma tumors in man, we calculated an absorbed dose of 65.3 mGy/MBq (242 rad/mCi) following a single injection of 64Cu-DOTA-E{l_brace}E[c(RGDfK)]2{r_brace}2. In conclusion, the high integrin avidity and favorable biokinetics make 64Cu-DOTA-E{l_brace}E[c(RGDfK)]2{r_brace}2 a promising agent for peptide receptor radionuclide imaging therapy of integrin-positive tumors.« less

Cross-activating c-Met/β1 integrin complex drives metastasis and invasive resistance in cancer

PubMed Central

Jahangiri, Arman; Nguyen, Alan; Sidorov, Maxim K.; Yagnik, Garima; Rick, Jonathan; Han, Sung Won; Chen, William; Flanigan, Patrick M.; Schneidman-Duhovny, Dina; Mascharak, Smita; De Lay, Michael; Imber, Brandon; Park, Catherine C.; Matsumoto, Kunio; Lu, Kan; Bergers, Gabriele; Sali, Andrej; Weiss, William A.

2017-01-01

The molecular underpinnings of invasion, a hallmark of cancer, have been defined in terms of individual mediators but crucial interactions between these mediators remain undefined. In xenograft models and patient specimens, we identified a c-Met/β1 integrin complex that formed during significant invasive oncologic processes: breast cancer metastases and glioblastoma invasive resistance to antiangiogenic VEGF neutralizing antibody, bevacizumab. Inducing c-Met/β1 complex formation through an engineered inducible heterodimerization system promoted features crucial to overcoming stressors during metastases or antiangiogenic therapy: migration in the primary site, survival under hypoxia, and extravasation out of circulation. c-Met/β1 complex formation was up-regulated by hypoxia, while VEGF binding VEGFR2 sequestered c-Met and β1 integrin, preventing their binding. Complex formation promoted ligand-independent receptor activation, with integrin-linked kinase phosphorylating c-Met and crystallography revealing the c-Met/β1 complex to maintain the high-affinity β1 integrin conformation. Site-directed mutagenesis verified the necessity for c-Met/β1 binding of amino acids predicted by crystallography to mediate their extracellular interaction. Far-Western blotting and sequential immunoprecipitation revealed that c-Met displaced α5 integrin from β1 integrin, creating a complex with much greater affinity for fibronectin (FN) than α5β1. Thus, tumor cells adapt to microenvironmental stressors induced by metastases or bevacizumab by coopting receptors, which normally promote both cell migration modes: chemotaxis, movement toward concentrations of environmental chemoattractants, and haptotaxis, movement controlled by the relative strengths of peripheral adhesions. Tumor cells then redirect these receptors away from their conventional binding partners, forming a powerful structural c-Met/β1 complex whose ligand-independent cross-activation and robust affinity for FN drive invasive oncologic processes. PMID:28973887

Integrin activation by a cold atmospheric plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volotskova, Olga; Stepp, Mary Ann; Keidar, Michael

2012-05-01

Current breakthrough research on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) demonstrates that CAP has great potential in various areas, including medicine and biology, thus providing a new tool for living tissue treatment. In this paper, we explore potential mechanisms by which CAP alters cell migration and influences cell adhesion. We focus on the study of CAP interaction with fibroblasts and corneal epithelial cells. The data show that fibroblasts and corneal epithelial cells have different thresholds (treatment times) required to achieve maximum inhibition of cell migration. Both cell types reduced their migration rates by ˜30-40% after CAP compared to control cells. Also, the impact of CAP treatment on cell migration and persistence of fibroblasts after integrin activation by MnCl2, serum starvation or replating cells onto surfaces coated with integrin ligands is assessed; the results show that activation by MnCl2 or starvation attenuates cells’ responses to plasma. Studies carried out to assess the impact of CAP treatment on the activation state of β1 integrin and focal adhesion size by using immunofluorescence show that fibroblasts have more active β1 integrin on their surface and large focal adhesions after CAP treatment. Based on these data, a thermodynamic model is presented to explain how CAP leads to integrin activation and focal adhesion assembly.

Association of high microvessel αvβ3 and low PTEN with poor outcome in stage 3 neuroblastoma: rationale for using first in class dual PI3K/BRD4 inhibitor, SF1126

PubMed Central

Singh, Alok R.; Joshi, Shweta; Vega, Francisco M.; Guo, Pinzheng; Xu, Jingying; Groshen, Susan; Ye, Wei; Millard, Melissa; Campan, Mihaela; Morales, Guillermo; Garlich, Joseph R.; Laird, Peter W.; Seeger, Robert C.; Shimada, Hiroyuki

2017-01-01

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Our previous studies showed that the angiogenic integrin αvβ3 was increased in high-risk metastatic (stage 4) NB compared with localized neuroblastomas. Herein, we show that integrin αvβ3 was expressed on 68% of microvessels in MYCN-amplified stage 3 neuroblastomas, but only on 34% (means) in MYCN-non-amplified tumors (p < 0.001; n = 54). PTEN, a tumor suppressor involved in αvβ3 signaling, was expressed in neuroblastomas either diffusely, focally or not at all (immunohistochemistry). Integrin αvβ3 was expressed on 60% of tumor microvessels when PTEN was negative or focal, as compared to 32% of microvessels in tumors with diffuse PTEN expression (p < 0.001). In a MYCN transgenic mouse model, loss of one allele of PTEN promoted tumor growth, illustrating the potential role of PTEN in neuroblastoma pathogenesis. Interestingly, we report the novel dual PI-3K/BRD4 activity of SF1126 (originally developed as an RGD-conjugated pan PI3K inhibitor). SF1126 inhibits BRD4 bromodomain binding to acetylated lysine residues with histone H3 as well as PI3K activity in the MYCN amplified neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32. Moreover, SF1126 suppressed MYCN expression and MYCN associated transcriptional activity in IMR-32 and CHLA136, resulting in overall decrease in neuroblastoma cell viability. Finally, treatment of neuroblastoma tumors with SF1126 inhibited neuroblastoma growth in vivo. These data suggest integrin αvβ3, MYCN/BRD4 and PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling as biomarkers and hence therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma and support testing of the RGD integrin αvβ3-targeted PI-3K/BRD4 inhibitor, SF1126 as a therapeutic strategy in this specific subgroup of high risk neuroblastoma. PMID:28881723

Selective Detoxification of Phenols by Pichia pastoris and Arabidopsis thaliana Heterologously Expressing the PtUGT72B1 from Populus trichocarpa

PubMed Central

Xu, Zhi-Sheng; Lin, Ya-Qiu; Xu, Jing; Zhu, Bo; Zhao, Wei; Peng, Ri-He; Yao, Quan-Hong

2013-01-01

Phenols are present in the environment and commonly in contact with humans and animals because of their wide applications in many industries. In a previous study, we reported that uridine diphosphate-glucose-dependent glucosyltransferase PtUGT72B1 from Populus trichocarpa has high activity in detoxifying trichlorophenol by conjugating glucose. In this study, more experiments were performed to determine the substrate specificity of PtUGT72B1 towards phenolic compounds. Among seven phenols tested, three were glucosylated by PtUGT72B1 including phenol, hydroquinone, and catechol. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing the enzyme PtUGT72B1 showed higher resistance to hydroquinone and catechol but more sensitivity to phenol than wild type plants. Transgenic Pichia pastoris expressing PtUGT72B1 showed enhanced resistance to all three phenols. Compared with wild type Arabidopsis plants, transgenic Arabidopsis plants showed higher removal efficiencies and exported more glucosides of phenol, phenyl β-D-glucopyranoside, to the medium after cultured with the three phenols. Protein extracts from transgenic Arabidopsis plants showed enhanced conjugating activity towards phenol, hydroquinone and catechol. PtUGT72B1 showed much higher expression level in Pichia pastoris than in Arabidopsis plants. Kinetic analysis of the PtUGT72B1 was also performed. PMID:23840543

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and core antigen (HBcAg) combine CpG oligodeoxynucletides as a novel therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B infection.

PubMed

Li, Jianqiang; Ge, Jun; Ren, Sulin; Zhou, Tong; Sun, Ying; Sun, Honglin; Gu, Yue; Huang, Hongying; Xu, Zhenxing; Chen, Xiaoxiao; Xu, Xiaowei; Zhuang, Xiaoqian; Song, Cuiling; Jia, Fangmiao; Xu, Aiguo; Yin, Xiaojin; Du, Sean X

2015-08-20

Hepatitis B virus infection is a non-cytopathic hepatotropic virus which can lead to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Traditional therapies fail to provide sustained control of viral replication and liver damage in most patients. As an alternative strategy, immunotherapeutic approaches have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients. Here, we investigated the efficacy of a novel therapeutic vaccine formulation consisting of two HBV antigens, HBsAg and HBcAg, and CpG adjuvant. This vaccine formulation elicits forceful humoral responses directed against HBsAg/HBcAg, and promotes a Th1/Th2 balance response against HBsAg and a Th1-biased response against HBcAg in both C57BL/6 and HBV transgenic mice. Vigorous cellular immune response was also detected in HBV transgenic mice, for a significantly higher number of HBs/HBc-specific IFN-γ secreting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was generated. Moreover, vaccinated mice elicited significantly intense in vivo CTL attack, reduced serum HBsAg level without causing liver damage in HBV transgenic mice. In summary, this study demonstrates a novel therapeutic vaccine with the potential to elicit vigorous humoral and cellular response, overcoming tolerance in HBV transgenic mice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Chromosomal localization of foreign genes in transgenic mice using dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization].

PubMed

Lin, Dan; Gong, Xiu-li; Li, Wei; Guo, Xin-bing; Zhu, Yi-wen; Huang, Ying

2008-02-01

To establish a highly sensitive and specific dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (D-FISH) method used for chromosomal localization of foreign genes in double transgenic mice. Two strains of double transgenic mice were used in this experiment, one was integrated with the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) and the enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP), the other was with the short hairpin RNA interference(RNAi) and beta(654). Splenic cells cultured in vitro were arrested in metaphase by colchicine and hybridized with digoxigenin-labeled and biotinylated DNA probes, then detected by rhodamine-conjugated avidin and FITC-conjugated anti-digoxigenin. Dual-color fluorescence signals were detected on the same metaphase in both transgenic mice strains. In HSV-tk/eGFP double transgenic mice, strong green fluorescence for HSV-tk and red for eGFP were observed and localized at 2E5-G3 and 8A2-A4 respectively. In beta(654)/RNAi mice, beta(654) was detected as red fluorescence on chromosome 7D3-E2, and RNAi showed random integration on chromosomes. It was detected as green fluorescence on chromosome 12B1 in one mouse, while on 1E2.3-1F and 3A3 in the other. Highly sensitive and specific D-FISH method was established using the self-prepared DNA probes, and chromosomal localization of the foreign genes was also performed in combination with G-banding in double transgenic mice. This technology will facilitate the researches in transgenic animals and gene therapy models.

Talin-dependent integrin activation is required for fibrin clot retraction by platelets

PubMed Central

Haling, Jacob R.; Monkley, Susan J.; Critchley, David R.

2011-01-01

Talin functions both as a regulator of integrin affinity and as an important mechanical link between integrins and the cytoskeleton. Using genetic deletion of talin, we show for the first time that the capacity of talin to activate integrins is required for fibrin clot retraction by platelets. To further dissect which talin functions are required for this process, we tested clot retraction in platelets expressing a talin1(L325R) mutant that binds to integrins, but exhibits impaired integrin activation ascribable to disruption of the interaction between talin and the membrane-proximal region (MPR) in the β-integrin cytoplasmic domain. Talin-deficient and talin1(L325R) platelets were defective in retracting fibrin clots. However, the defect in clot retraction in talin1(L325R) platelets, but not talin-deficient platelets, was rescued by extrinsically activating integrins with manganese, thereby proving that integrin activation is required and showing that talin1(L325R) can form functional links to the actin cytoskeleton. PMID:20971947

Prometastatic NEDD9 Regulates Individual Cell Migration via Caveolin-1-Dependent Trafficking of Integrins.

PubMed

Kozyulina, Polina Y; Loskutov, Yuriy V; Kozyreva, Varvara K; Rajulapati, Anuradha; Ice, Ryan J; Jones, Brandon C; Pugacheva, Elena N

2015-03-01

The dissemination of tumor cells relies on efficient cell adhesion and migration, which in turn depends upon endocytic trafficking of integrins. In the current work, it was found that depletion of the prometastatic protein, NEDD9, in breast cancer cells results in a significant decrease in individual cell migration due to impaired trafficking of ligand-bound integrins. NEDD9 deficiency does not affect the expression or internalization of integrins but heightens caveolae-dependent trafficking of ligand-bound integrins to early endosomes. Increase in mobility of ligand-bound integrins is concomitant with an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-1 (CAV1) and volume of CAV1-vesicles. NEDD9 directly binds to CAV1 and colocalizes within CAV1 vesicles. In the absence of NEDD9, the trafficking of ligand-bound integrins from early to late endosomes is impaired, resulting in a significant decrease in degradation of ligand-integrin complexes and an increase in recycling of ligand-bound integrins from early endosomes back to the plasma membrane without ligand disengagement, thus leading to low adhesion and migration. Reexpression of NEDD9 or decrease in the amount of active, tyrosine 14 phosphorylated (Tyr14) CAV1 in NEDD9-depleted cells rescues the integrin trafficking deficiency and restores cellular adhesion and migration capacity. Collectively, these findings indicate that NEDD9 orchestrates trafficking of ligand-bound integrins through the attenuation of CAV1 activity. This study provides valuable new insight into the potential therapeutic benefit of NEDD9 depletion to reduce dissemination of tumor cells and discovers a new regulatory role of NEDD9 in promoting migration through modulation of CAV1-dependent trafficking of integrins. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.

α2β1 integrin affects metastatic potential of ovarian carcinoma spheroids by supporting disaggregation and proteolysis

PubMed Central

Shield, Kristy; Riley, Clyde; Quinn, Michael A; Rice, Gregory E; Ackland, Margaret L; Ahmed, Nuzhat

2007-01-01

Background Ovarian cancer is characterized by a wide-spread intra-abdominal metastases which represents a major clinical hurdle in the prognosis and management of the disease. A significant proportion of ovarian cancer cells in peritoneal ascites exist as multicellular aggregates or spheroids. We hypothesize that these cellular aggregates or spheroids are invasive with the capacity to survive and implant on the peritoneal surface. This study was designed to elucidate early inherent mechanism(s) of spheroid survival, growth and disaggregation required for peritoneal metastases Methods In this study, we determined the growth pattern and adhesive capacity of ovarian cancer cell lines (HEY and OVHS1) grown as spheroids, using the well established liquid overlay technique, and compared them to a normal ovarian cell line (IOSE29) and cancer cells grown as a monolayer. The proteolytic capacity of these spheroids was compared with cells grown as a monolayer using a gelatin zymography assay to analyze secreted MMP-2/9 in conditioned serum-free medium. The disaggregation of cancer cell line spheroids was determined on extracellular matrices (ECM) such as laminin (LM), fibronectin (FN) and collagen (CI) and the expression of α2, α3, αv, α6 and β1 interin was determined by flow cytometric analysis. Neutralizing antibodies against α2, β1 subunits and α2β1 integrin was used to inhibit disaggregation as well as activation of MMPs in spheroids. Results We demonstrate that ovarian cancer cell lines grown as spheroids can sustain growth for 10 days while the normal ovarian cell line failed to grow beyond 2 days. Compared to cells grown as a monolayer, cancer cells grown as spheroids demonstrated no change in adhesion for up to 4 days, while IOSE29 cells had a 2–4-fold loss of adhesion within 2 days. Cancer cell spheroids disaggregated on extracellular matrices (ECM) and demonstrated enhanced expression of secreted pro-MMP2 as well as activated MMP2/MMP9 with no such activation of MMP's observed in monolayer cells. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated enhanced expression of α2 and diminution of α6 integrin subunits in spheroids versus monolayer cells. No change in the expression of α3, αv and β1 subunits was evident. Conversely, except for αv integrin, a 1.5–7.5-fold decrease in α2, α3, α6 and β1 integrin subunit expression was observed in IOSE29 cells within 2 days. Neutralizing antibodies against α2, β1 subunits and α2β1 integrin inhibited disaggregation as well as activation of MMPs in spheroids. Conclusion Our results suggest that enhanced expression of α2β1 integrin may influence spheroid disaggregation and proteolysis responsible for the peritoneal dissemination of ovarian carcinoma. This may indicate a new therapeutic target for the suppression of the peritoneal metastasis associated with advanced ovarian carcinomas. PMID:17567918

Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase p110β Regulates Integrin αIIbβ3 Avidity and the Cellular Transmission of Contractile Forces*

PubMed Central

Schoenwaelder, Simone M.; Ono, Akiko; Nesbitt, Warwick S.; Lim, Joanna; Jarman, Kate; Jackson, Shaun P.

2010-01-01

Phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling processes play an important role in regulating the adhesive function of integrin αIIbβ3, necessary for platelet spreading and sustained platelet aggregation. PI3K inhibitors are effective at reducing platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in vivo and as a consequence are currently being evaluated as novel antithrombotic agents. PI3K regulation of integrin αIIbβ3 activation (affinity modulation) primarily occurs downstream of Gi-coupled and tyrosine kinase-linked receptors linked to the activation of Rap1b, AKT, and phospholipase C. In the present study, we demonstrate an important role for PI3Ks in regulating the avidity (strength of adhesion) of high affinity integrin αIIbβ3 bonds, necessary for the cellular transmission of contractile forces. Using knock-out mouse models and isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors, we demonstrate that the Type Ia p110β isoform plays a major role in regulating thrombin-stimulated fibrin clot retraction in vitro. Reduced clot retraction induced by PI3K inhibitors was not associated with defects in integrin αIIbβ3 activation, actin polymerization, or actomyosin contractility but was associated with a defect in integrin αIIbβ3 association with the contractile cytoskeleton. Analysis of integrin αIIbβ3 adhesion contacts using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy revealed an important role for PI3Ks in regulating the stability of high affinity integrin αIIbβ3 bonds. These studies demonstrate an important role for PI3K p110β in regulating the avidity of high affinity integrin αIIbβ3 receptors, necessary for the cellular transmission of contractile forces. These findings may provide new insight into the potential antithrombotic properties of PI3K p110β inhibitors. PMID:19940148

Salt bridge interactions within the β2 integrin α7 helix mediate force-induced binding and shear resistance ability.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiao; Li, Linda; Li, Ning; Shu, Xinyu; Zhou, Lüwen; Lü, Shouqin; Chen, Shenbao; Mao, Debin; Long, Mian

2018-01-01

The functional performance of the αI domain α 7 helix in β 2 integrin activation depends on the allostery of the α 7 helix, which axially slides down; therefore, it is critical to elucidate what factors regulate the allostery. In this study, we determined that there were two conservative salt bridge interaction pairs that constrain both the upper and bottom ends of the α 7 helix. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for three β 2 integrin members, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1; α L β 2 ), macrophage-1 antigen (Mac-1; α M β 2 ) and α x β 2 , indicated that the magnitude of the salt bridge interaction is related to the stability of the αI domain and the strength of the corresponding force-induced allostery. The disruption of the salt bridge interaction, especially with double mutations in both salt bridges, significantly reduced the force-induced allostery time for all three members. The effects of salt bridge interactions of the αI domain α 7 helix on β 2 integrin conformational stability and allostery were experimentally validated using Mac-1 constructs. The results demonstrated that salt bridge mutations did not alter the conformational state of Mac-1, but they did increase the force-induced ligand binding and shear resistance ability, which was consistent with MD simulations. This study offers new insight into the importance of salt bridge interaction constraints of the αI domain α 7 helix and external force for β 2 integrin function. © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Transgenic expression of BRCA1 disturbs hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells quiescence and function

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bai, Lin; Shi, Guiying; Zhang, Xu

The balance between quiescence and proliferation of HSCs is an important regulator of hematopoiesis. Loss of quiescence frequently results in HSCs exhaustion, which underscores the importance of tight regulation of proliferation in these cells. Studies have indicated that cyclin-dependent kinases are involved in the regulation of quiescence in HSCs. BRCA1 plays an important role in the repair of DNA double-stranded breaks, cell cycle, apoptosis and transcription. BRCA1 is expressed in the bone marrow. However, the function of BRCA1 in HSCs is unknown. In our study, we generated BRCA1 transgenic mice to investigate the effects of BRCA1 on the mechanisms ofmore » quiescence and differentiation in HSCs. The results demonstrate that over-expression of BRCA1 in the bone marrow impairs the development of B lymphocytes. Furthermore, BRCA1 induced an increase in the number of LSKs, LT-HSCs, ST-HSCs and MPPs. A competitive transplantation assay found that BRCA1 transgenic mice failed to reconstitute hematopoiesis. Moreover, BRCA1 regulates the expression of p21{sup waf1}/cip1 and p57{sup kip2}, which results in a loss of quiescence in LSKs. Together, over-expression of BRCA1 in bone marrow disrupted the quiescent of LSKs, induced excessive accumulation of LSKs, and disrupted differentiation of the HSCs, which acts through the down-regulated of p21{sup waf1}/cip1 and p57{sup kip2}. - Highlights: • Over-expression of BRCA1 results in impaired B lymphocyte development. • BRCA1 transgenic mice disrupted the quiescent of LSKs, induced excessive accumulation of LSKs. • BRCA1 impairs the function of HSCs through the down-regulated of p21{sup waf1/cip1} and p57{sup kip2}.« less

Peptide selection and antibody generation for the prospective immunorecognition of Cry1Ab16 protein of transgenic maize.

PubMed

Costa, Joana; Marani, Mariela M; Grazina, Liliana; Villa, Caterina; Meira, Liliana; Oliveira, M Beatriz P P; Leite, José R S A; Mafra, Isabel

2017-09-15

The introduction of genes isolated from different Bacillus thuringiensis strains to express Cry-type toxins in transgenic crops is a common strategy to confer insect resistance traits. This work intended to extensively in silico analyse Cry1A(b)16 protein for the identification of peptide markers for the biorecognition of transgenic crops. By combining two different strategies based on several bioinformatic tools for linear epitope prediction, a set of seven peptides was successfully selected as potential Cry1A(b)16 immunogens. For the prediction of conformational epitopes, Cry1A(b)16 models were built on the basis of three independent templates of homologue proteins of Cry1A(a) and Cry1A(c) using an integrated approach. PcH_736-746 and PcH_876-886 peptides were selected as the best candidates, being synthesised and used for the production of polyclonal antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt of selecting and defining linear peptides as immunogenic markers of Cry1A(b)-type toxins in transgenic maize. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PKD1/PKCmu promotes alphavbeta3 integrin recycling and delivery to nascent focal adhesions.

PubMed

Woods, Alison J; White, Dominic P; Caswell, Patrick T; Norman, Jim C

2004-07-07

To identify kinases that regulate integrin recycling, we have immunoprecipitated alphavbeta3 integrin from NIH 3T3 fibroblasts in the presence and absence of primaquine (a drug that inhibits receptor recycling and leads to accumulation of integrins in endosomes) and screened for co-precipitating kinases. Primaquine strongly promoted association of alphavbeta3 integrin with PKD1, and fluorescence microscopy indicated that integrin and PKD1 associate at a vesicular compartment that is downstream of a Rab4-dependent transport step. PKD1 association was mediated by the C-terminal region of the beta3 integrin cytodomain, and mutants of beta3 that were unable to recruit PKD1 did not recycle in a PDGF-dependent fashion. Furthermore, suppression of endogenous PKD1 levels by RNAi, or overexpression of catalytically inactive PKD1 inhibited PDGF-dependent recycling of alphavbeta3 from early endosomes to the plasma membrane and blocked recruitment of alphavbeta3 to newly formed focal adhesions during cell spreading. These data indicate that PKD1 influences cell migration by directing vesicular transport of the alphavbeta3 integrin heterodimer.

Selective Modulation of Integrin-mediated Cell Migration by Distinct ADAM Family MembersV⃞

PubMed Central

Huang, Jing; Bridges, Lance C.; White, Judith M.

2005-01-01

A disintegrin and a metalloprotease (ADAM) family members have been implicated in many biological processes. Although it is recognized that recombinant ADAM disintegrin domains can interact with integrins, little is known about ADAM-integrin interactions in cellular context. Here, we tested whether ADAMs can selectively regulate integrin-mediated cell migration. ADAMs were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells that express defined integrins (α4β1, α5β1, or both), and cell migration on full-length fibronectin or on its α4β1 or α5β1 binding fragments was studied. We found that ADAMs inhibit integrin-mediated cell migration in patterns dictated by the integrin binding profiles of their isolated disintegrin domains. ADAM12 inhibited cell migration mediated by the α4β1 but not the α5β1 integrin. ADAM17 had the reciprocal effect; it inhibited α5β1- but not α4β1-mediated cell migration. ADAM19 and ADAM33 inhibited migration mediated by both α4β1 and α5β1 integrins. A point mutation in the ADAM12 disintegrin loop partially reduced the inhibitory effect of ADAM12 on cell migration on the α4β1 binding fragment of fibronectin, whereas mutations that block metalloprotease activity had no effect. Our results indicate that distinct ADAMs can modulate cell migration mediated by specific integrins in a pattern dictated, at least in part, by their disintegrin domains. PMID:16079176

Pro-metastatic NEDD9 regulates individual cell migration via caveolin-1-dependent trafficking of integrins

PubMed Central

Kozyulina, Polina Y.; Loskutov, Yuriy V.; Kozyreva, Varvara K.; Rajulapati, Anuradha; Ice, Ryan J.; Jones, Brandon. C.; Pugacheva, Elena N.

2014-01-01

The dissemination of tumor cells relies on efficient cell adhesion and migration, which in turn depends upon endocytic trafficking of integrins. In the current work, it was found that depletion of pro-metastatic protein, NEDD9, in breast cancer (BC) cells results in a significant decrease in individual cell migration due to impaired trafficking of ligand-bound integrins. NEDD9 deficiency does not affect the expression or internalization of integrins but heightens caveolae-dependent trafficking of ligand-bound integrins to early endosomes. Increase in mobility of ligand-bound integrins is concomitant with an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-1 (CAV1) and volume of CAV1-vesicles. NEDD9 directly binds to CAV1 and co-localizes within CAV1 vesicles. In the absence of NEDD9, the trafficking of ligand-bound integrins from early to late endosomes is impaired, resulting in a significant decrease in degradation of ligand/integrin complexes and an increase in recycling of ligand-bound integrins from early endosomes back to the plasma membrane without ligand disengagement, thus leading to low adhesion and migration. Re-expression of NEDD9 or decrease in the amount of active, tyrosine 14 phosphorylated (Tyr14) CAV1 in NEDD9 depleted cells rescues the integrin trafficking deficiency and restores cellular adhesion and migration capacity. Collectively, these findings indicate that NEDD9 orchestrates trafficking of ligand-bound integrins through the attenuation of CAV1 activity. PMID:25319010

Engineering a Single Chain Fv Antibody to αvβ6 Integrin using the Specificity-Determining Loop of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus

PubMed Central

Kogelberg, Heide; Tolner, Berend; Thomas, Gareth J.; Di Cara, Danielle; Minogue, Shane; Ramesh, Bala; Sodha, Serena; Marsh, Dan; Lowdell, Mark W.; Meyer, Tim; Begent, Richard H.J.; Hart, Ian; Marshall, John F; Chester, Kerry

2010-01-01

Summary The αvβ6 integrin is a promising target for cancer therapy. Its expression is up-regulated de novo on many types of carcinoma where it may activate transforming growth factor-β1 and transforming growth factor-β3, interact with the specific extracellular matrix proteins and promote migration and invasion of tumour cells. The viral protein 1 (VP1) coat protein of the O1 British field strain serotype of foot-and-mouth disease virus is a high-affinity ligand for αvβ6, and we recently reported that a peptide derived from VP1 exhibited αvβ6-specific binding in vitro and in vivo. We hypothesized that this peptide could confer binding specificity of an antibody to αvβ6. A 17-mer peptide of VP1 was inserted into the complementary-determining region H3 loop of MFE-23, a murine single-chain Fv (scFv) antibody reactive with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The resultant scFv (B6-1) bound to αvβ6 but retained residual reactivity with CEA. This was eliminated by point mutation (Y100bP) in the variable heavy-chain domain to create an scFv (B6-2) that was as structurally stable as MFE-23 and reacted specifically with αvβ6 but not α5β1, αvβ3, αvβ5, αvβ8 or CEA. B6-2 was internalized into αvβ6-expressing cells and inhibited αvβ6-dependent migration of carcinoma cells. B6-2 was subsequently humanized. The humanized form (B6-3) was obtained as a non-covalent dimer from secretion in Pichia pastoris (115 mg/l) and was a potent inhibitor of αvβ6-mediated cell adhesion. Thus, we have used a rational stepwise approach to create a humanized scFv with therapeutic potential to block αvβ6-mediated cancer cell invasion or to deliver and internalize toxins specifically to αvβ6-expressing tumours. PMID:18656482

The Changing Integrin Expression and a Role for Integrin β8 in the Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

PubMed Central

LaPointe, Vanessa L. S.; Verpoorte, Amanda; Stevens, Molly M.

2013-01-01

Many cartilage tissue engineering approaches aim to differentiate human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into chondrocytes and develop cartilage in vitro by targeting cell-matrix interactions. We sought to better inform the design of cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds by understanding how integrin expression changes during chondrogenic differentiation. In three models of in vitro chondrogenesis, we studied the temporal change of cartilage phenotype markers and integrin subunits during the differentiation of hMSCs. We found that transcript expression of most subunits was conserved across the chondrogenesis models, but was significantly affected by the time-course of differentiation. In particular, ITGB8 was up-regulated and its importance in chondrogenesis was further established by a knockdown of integrin β8, which resulted in a non-hyaline cartilage phenotype, with no COL2A1 expression detected. In conclusion, we performed a systematic study of the temporal changes of integrin expression during chondrogenic differentiation in multiple chondrogenesis models, and revealed a role for integrin β8 in chondrogenesis. This work enhances our understanding of the changing adhesion requirements of hMSCs during chondrogenic differentiation and underlines the importance of integrins in establishing a cartilage phenotype. PMID:24312400

Physical association and functional interaction between beta1 integrin and CD98 on human T lymphocytes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyamoto, Yuko J.; Mitchell, Jason S.; McIntyre, Bradley W.

2003-01-01

CD98 is a cell surface protein previously characterized as a cell activation marker, an amino acid transporter, and has recently been implicated in integrin-related functions. Integrins are cell surface proteins, important for homotypic cell aggregation, cell adhesion, and coactivation of T lymphocytes. We have previously shown that the anti-CD98 mAb 80A10, when coimmobilized with anti-CD3 mAb OKT3, is able to mediate human T cell coactivation that is inhibited by anti-beta1 integrin specific mAb 18D3. These results indicated a functional association of CD98 and beta1 integrin signaling but left open the question of a physical association. We now show the induction of homotypic aggregation through CD98 among human T cells and this aggregation was inhibited by anti-beta1 integrin mAb. Therefore, CD98-dependent lymphocyte proliferation and adhesion may involve integrins. Competitive binding assays and fluorescence colocalization analysis suggested that CD98 and beta1 integrin were physically associated. Differential extraction techniques and immunoprecipitations provided the first evidence that the alpha4beta1 integrin and CD98 are specifically associated on human T lymphocytes.

Selectin catch-bonds mechanotransduce integrin activation and neutrophil arrest on inflamed endothelium under shear flow.

PubMed

Morikis, Vasilios A; Chase, Shannon; Wun, Ted; Chaikof, Elliot L; Magnani, John L; Simon, Scott I

2017-11-09

E-selectin extends from the plasma membrane of inflamed endothelium and serves to capture leukocytes from flowing blood via long-lived catch-bonds that support slow leukocyte rolling under shear stress. Its ligands are glycosylated with the tetrasaccharide sialyl Lewis x (sLe x ), which contributes to bond affinity and specificity. E-selectin-mediated rolling transmits signals into neutrophils that trigger activation of high-affinity β 2 -integrins necessary for transition to shear-resistant adhesion and transendothelial migration. Rivipansel is a glycomimetic drug that inhibits E-selectin-mediated vaso-occlusion induced by integrin-dependent sickle-red blood cell-leukocyte adhesion. How Rivipansel antagonizes ligand recognition by E-selectin and blocks outside-in signaling of integrin-mediated neutrophil arrest while maintaining rolling immune-surveillance is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that sLe x expressed on human L-selectin is preferentially bound by E-selectin and, on ligation, initiates secretion of MRP8/14 that binds TLR4 to elicit the extension of β 2 -integrin to an intermediate affinity state. Neutrophil rolling over E-selectin at precise shear stress transmits tension and catch-bond formation with L-selectin via sLe x , resulting in focal clusters that deliver a distinct signal to upshift β 2 -integrins to a high-affinity state. Rivipansel effectively blocked formation of selectin catch-bonds, revealing a novel mechanotransduction circuit that rapidly converts extended β 2 -integrins to high-affinity shear-resistant bond clusters with intracellular adhesion molecule 1 on inflamed endothelium.

A Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster Model To Study Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Oncoprotein Tax-1-Driven Transformation In Vivo

PubMed Central

Shirinian, Margret; Kambris, Zakaria; Hamadeh, Lama; Grabbe, Caroline; Journo, Chloé; Mahieux, Renaud

2015-01-01

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-induced adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma is an aggressive malignancy. HTLV-2 is genetically related to HTLV-1 but does not cause any malignant disease. HTLV-1 Tax transactivator (Tax-1) contributes to leukemogenesis via NF-κB. We describe transgenic Drosophila models expressing Tax in the compound eye and plasmatocytes. We demonstrate that Tax-1 but not Tax-2 induces ommatidial perturbation and increased plasmatocyte proliferation and that the eye phenotype is dependent on Kenny (IKKγ/NEMO), thus validating this new in vivo model. PMID:25995252

Detection of feral transgenic oilseed rape with multiple-herbicide resistance in Japan.

PubMed

Aono, Mitsuko; Wakiyama, Seiji; Nagatsu, Masato; Nakajima, Nobuyoshi; Tamaoki, Masanori; Kubo, Akihiro; Saji, Hikaru

2006-01-01

Repeated monitoring for escaped transgenic crop plants is sometimes necessary, especially in cases when the crop has not been approved for release into the environment. Transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) was detected along roadsides in central Japan in a previous study. The goal of the current study was to monitor the distribution of transgenic oilseed rape and occurrence of hybridization of transgenic B. napus with feral populations of its closely related species (B. rapa and B. juncea) in the west of Japan in 2005. The progenies of 50 B. napus, 82 B. rapa and 283 B. juncea maternal plants from 95 sampling sites in seven port areas were screened for herbicide-resistance. Transgenic herbicide-resistant seeds were detected from 12 B. napus maternal plants growing at seven sampling sites in two port areas. A portion of the progeny from two transgenic B. napus plants had both glyphosate-resistance and glufosinate-resistance transgenes. Therefore, two types of transgenic B. napus plants are likely to have outcrossed with each other, since the double-herbicide-resistant transgenic strain of oilseed rape has not been developed intentionally for commercial purposes. As found in the previous study, no transgenic seeds were detected from B. rapa or B. juncea, and more extensive sampling is needed to determine whether introgression into these wild species has occurred.

α1β1 integrin/Rac1-dependent mesangial invasion of glomerular capillaries in Alport syndrome.

PubMed

Zallocchi, Marisa; Johnson, Brianna M; Meehan, Daniel T; Delimont, Duane; Cosgrove, Dominic

2013-10-01

Alport syndrome, hereditary glomerulonephritis with hearing loss, results from mutations in type IV collagen COL4A3, COL4A4, or COL4A5 genes. The mechanism for delayed glomerular disease onset is unknown. Comparative analysis of Alport mice and CD151 knockout mice revealed progressive accumulation of laminin 211 in the glomerular basement membrane. We show mesangial processes invading the capillary loops of both models as well as in human Alport glomeruli, as the likely source of this laminin. L-NAME salt-induced hypertension accelerated mesangial cell process invasion. Cultured mesangial cells showed reduced migratory potential when treated with either integrin-linked kinase inhibitor or Rac1 inhibitor, or by deletion of integrin α1. Treatment of Alport mice with Rac1 inhibitor or deletion of integrin α1 reduced mesangial cell process invasion of the glomerular capillary tuft. Laminin α2-deficient Alport mice show reduced mesangial process invasion, and cultured laminin α2-null cells showed reduced migratory potential, indicating a functional role for mesangial laminins in progression of Alport glomerular pathogenesis. Collectively, these findings predict a role for biomechanical insult in the induction of integrin α1β1-dependent Rac1-mediated mesangial cell process invasion of the glomerular capillary tuft as an initiation mechanism of Alport glomerular pathology. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reduced beta 2-microglobulin mRNA levels in transgenic mice expressing a designed hammerhead ribozyme.

PubMed Central

Larsson, S; Hotchkiss, G; Andäng, M; Nyholm, T; Inzunza, J; Jansson, I; Ahrlund-Richter, L

1994-01-01

We have generated three artificial hammerhead ribozymes, denoted 'Rz-b', 'Rz-c' and 'Rz-d', with different specificities for exon II of the mouse beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2M) mRNA. In this study we tested for ribozyme mediated reduction of beta 2M mRNA in a cell line and in transgenic mice. Transfections of either of the Rz-b, Rz-c or Rz-d plasmids into a mouse cell-line (NIH/3T3) revealed reductions of beta 2M mRNA substrate in each case. Ribozyme expression in individual transfected clones was accompanied with an up to 80% reduction of beta 2M mRNA levels. Rz-c was selected for a transgenic study. Seven Rz-c transgenic founder animals were identified from which three ribozyme expressing families were established and analysed. Expression of the ribozyme transgene was tested for and detected in lung, kidney and spleen. Expression was accompanied with reduction of the beta 2M mRNA levels of heterozygous (Rz+/-) animals compared to non-transgenic litter mates. The effect was most pronounced in lung with more than 90% beta 2M mRNA reduction in individual mice. In summary, expression of our ribozymes in a cell free system, in a cell-line and in transgenic mice were all accompanied with reductions of beta 2M mRNA levels. Images PMID:8036151

Spider dragline silk proteins in transgenic tobacco leaves: accumulation and field production.

PubMed

Menassa, Rima; Zhu, Hong; Karatzas, Costas N; Lazaris, Anthoula; Richman, Alex; Brandle, Jim

2004-09-01

Spider dragline silk is a unique biomaterial and represents nature's strongest known fibre. As it is almost as strong as many commercial synthetic fibres, it is suitable for use in many industrial and medical applications. The prerequisite for such a widespread use is the cost-effective production in sufficient quantities for commercial fibre manufacturing. Agricultural biotechnology and the production of recombinant dragline silk proteins in transgenic plants offer the potential for low-cost, large-scale production. The purpose of this work was to examine the feasibility of producing the two protein components of dragline silk (MaSp1 and MaSp2) from Nephila clavipes in transgenic tobacco. Two different promoters, the enhanced CaMV 35S promoter (Kay et al., 1987) and a new tobacco cryptic constitutive promoter, tCUP (Foster et al., 1999) were used, in conjunction with a plant secretory signal (PR1b), a translational enhancer (alfalfa mosaic virus, AMV) and an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal (KDEL), to express the MaSp1 and MaSp2 genes in the leaves of transgenic plants. Both genes expressed successfully and recombinant protein accumulated in transgenic plants grown in both greenhouse and field trials.

Impact of industrial dry-milling on fumonisin redistribution in non-transgenic corn in Brazil.

PubMed

Bordini, Jaqueline Gozzi; Ono, Mario Augusto; Garcia, Glauco Tironi; Fazani, Victor Hugo Meconi; Vizoni, Édio; Rodrigues, Karem Caroline Bonacin; Hirooka, Elisa Yoko; Ono, Elisabete Yurie Sataque

2017-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fate of fumonisins B 1 (FB 1 ) and B 2 (FB 2 ) during industrial dry-milling in two lots from 2014 (n=120) and 2015 (n=120) of non-transgenic corn and their fractions (germ, pericarp, endosperm, cornmeal and grits), collected from one of the major Brazilian milling industries. Fumonisins were concentrated in the germ and pericarp at a rate of 322% and 188% (lot 1) and 311% and 263% (lot 2), respectively. In the endosperm, cornmeal and grits fumonisin levels decreased from 60 to 95%. Fumonisin levels in cornmeal and grits were below the maximum limit tolerated by the European Commission. Therefore, corn industrial dry-milling can contribute to reducing fumonisin levels in corn products intended for human consumption. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epstein-Barr virus glycoprotein gB and gHgL can mediate fusion and entry in trans, and heat can act as a partial surrogate for gHgL and trigger a conformational change in gB.

PubMed

Chesnokova, Liudmila S; Ahuja, Munish K; Hutt-Fletcher, Lindsey M

2014-11-01

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) fusion with an epithelial cell requires virus glycoproteins gHgL and gB and is triggered by an interaction between gHgL and integrin αvβ5, αvβ6, or αvβ8. Fusion with a B cell requires gHgL, gp42, and gB and is triggered by an interaction between gp42 and human leukocyte antigen class II. We report here that, like alpha- and betaherpesviruses, EBV, a gammaherpesvirus, can mediate cell fusion if gB and gHgL are expressed in trans. Entry of a gH-null virus into an epithelial cell is possible if the epithelial cell expresses gHgL, and entry of the same virus, which phenotypically lacks gHgL and gp42, into a B cell expressing gHgL is possible in the presence of a soluble integrin. Heat is capable of inducing the fusion of cells expressing only gB, and the proteolytic digestion pattern of gB in virions changes in the same way following the exposure of virus to heat or to soluble integrins. It is suggested that the Gibbs free energy released as a result of the high-affinity interaction of gHgL with an integrin contributes to the activation energy required to cause the refolding of gB from a prefusion to a postfusion conformation. The core fusion machinery of herpesviruses consists of glycoproteins gB and gHgL. We demonstrate that as in alpha- and betaherpesvirus, gB and gHgL of the gammaherpesvirus EBV can mediate fusion and entry when expressed in trans in opposing membranes, implicating interactions between the ectodomains of the proteins in the activation of fusion. We further show that heat and exposure to a soluble integrin, both of which activate fusion, result in the same changes in the proteolytic digestion pattern of gB, possibly representing the refolding of gB from its prefusion to its postfusion conformation. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Epstein-Barr Virus Glycoprotein gB and gHgL Can Mediate Fusion and Entry in trans, and Heat Can Act as a Partial Surrogate for gHgL and Trigger a Conformational Change in gB

PubMed Central

Chesnokova, Liudmila S.; Ahuja, Munish K.

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) fusion with an epithelial cell requires virus glycoproteins gHgL and gB and is triggered by an interaction between gHgL and integrin αvβ5, αvβ6, or αvβ8. Fusion with a B cell requires gHgL, gp42, and gB and is triggered by an interaction between gp42 and human leukocyte antigen class II. We report here that, like alpha- and betaherpesviruses, EBV, a gammaherpesvirus, can mediate cell fusion if gB and gHgL are expressed in trans. Entry of a gH-null virus into an epithelial cell is possible if the epithelial cell expresses gHgL, and entry of the same virus, which phenotypically lacks gHgL and gp42, into a B cell expressing gHgL is possible in the presence of a soluble integrin. Heat is capable of inducing the fusion of cells expressing only gB, and the proteolytic digestion pattern of gB in virions changes in the same way following the exposure of virus to heat or to soluble integrins. It is suggested that the Gibbs free energy released as a result of the high-affinity interaction of gHgL with an integrin contributes to the activation energy required to cause the refolding of gB from a prefusion to a postfusion conformation. IMPORTANCE The core fusion machinery of herpesviruses consists of glycoproteins gB and gHgL. We demonstrate that as in alpha- and betaherpesvirus, gB and gHgL of the gammaherpesvirus EBV can mediate fusion and entry when expressed in trans in opposing membranes, implicating interactions between the ectodomains of the proteins in the activation of fusion. We further show that heat and exposure to a soluble integrin, both of which activate fusion, result in the same changes in the proteolytic digestion pattern of gB, possibly representing the refolding of gB from its prefusion to its postfusion conformation. PMID:25142593

Connection between integrins and cell activation in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells: a role for Arg-Gly-Asp peptide in the activation of the p42/p44(mapk) pathway and intracellular calcium.

PubMed

Campbell, Shirley; Otis, Melissa; Côté, Mylène; Gallo-Payet, Nicole; Payet, Marcel Daniel

2003-04-01

Integrins are responsible for adhesion and activation of several intracellular cascades. The present study was aimed at determining whether the interaction between fibronectin and integrins could generate pathways involved in physiological functions of rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. Immunofluorescence studies and adhesion assays showed that fibronectin was the best matrix in promoting the formation of focal adhesion. Binding of glomerulosa cells to fibronectin, but not to collagen I or poly-L-lysine, involved the integrin-binding sequence Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD). Activation of glomerulosa cells with Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) induced an increase in [Ca(2+)](i), whereas fibronectin triggered a release of Ca(2+) from InsP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) stores. Aldosterone secretion induced by ACTH, angiotensin II, and RGDS and proliferation were improved on fibronectin, compared with poly-L-lysine. The RGDS peptide induced a transient increase in the activity of the p42/p44(mapk), independent of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase and protein kinase C. Integrins alpha(5) and alpha(V) as well as their fibronectin receptor partners beta(1) and beta(3), were identified. These results suggest that in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells, binding of the alpha(5)beta(1), alpha(v)beta(1), or alpha(v)beta(3) integrins to fibronectin is involved in the generation of two important signaling events, increase in intracellular calcium, and activation of the p42/p44(mapk) cascade, leading to cell proliferation and aldosterone secretion.

Differential expression of extracellular matrix molecules and the alpha 6-integrins in the normal and neoplastic prostate.

PubMed Central

Knox, J. D.; Cress, A. E.; Clark, V.; Manriquez, L.; Affinito, K. S.; Dalkin, B. L.; Nagle, R. B.

1994-01-01

The epithelial basal lamina composition and integrin expression profile of normal and neoplastic human prostate was characterized using immunohistochemical analysis of frozen samples. The major components of the basal lamina surrounding normal acini were laminin, type IV collagen, entactin, and type VII collagen with variable amounts of tenascin. The basal lamina of neoplastic acini had a similar composition, except for the loss of type VII collagen, which was observed in all grades of carcinoma. The basal cells of the normal prostate express the alpha 6-, beta 1-, and beta 4-integrin subunits, suggesting that both the alpha 6 beta 1- and alpha 6 beta 4-integrin complexes are formed. In prostate carcinoma there is a complete loss of beta 4 expression and the alpha 6- and beta 1-integrin subunits, which are restricted to the basal and basal lateral surfaces of basal cells, are distributed diffusely throughout the cytoplasmic membrane. The differential expression of type VII collagen and beta 4 are discussed in relationship to their possible role in tumor progression. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 PMID:8030747

Top surface blade residues and the central channel water molecules are conserved in every repeat of the integrin-like β-propeller structures.

PubMed

Denesyuk, Alexander; Denessiouk, Konstantin; Johnson, Mark S

2018-02-01

An integrin-like β-propeller domain contains seven repeats of a four-stranded antiparallel β-sheet motif (blades). Previously we described a 3D structural motif within each blade of the integrin-type β-propeller. Here, we show unique structural links that join different blades of the β-propeller structure, which together with the structural motif for a single blade are repeated in a β-propeller to provide the functional top face of the barrel, found to be involved in protein-protein interactions and substrate recognition. We compare functional top face diagrams of the integrin-type β-propeller domain and two non-integrin type β-propeller domains of virginiamycin B lyase and WD Repeat-Containing Protein 5. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Human Adenovirus Type 37 Uses αVβ1 and α3β1 Integrins for Infection of Human Corneal Cells

PubMed Central

Storm, Rickard J.; Persson, B. David; Skalman, Lars Nygård; Frängsmyr, Lars; Lindström, Mona; Rankin, Greg; Lundmark, Richard; Domellöf, Fatima Pedrosa

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a severe, contagious ocular disease that affects 20 to 40 million individuals worldwide every year. EKC is mainly caused by six types of human adenovirus (HAdV): HAdV-8, -19, -37, -53, -54, and -56. Of these, HAdV-8, -19, and -37 use sialic acid-containing glycans as cellular receptors. αVβ3, αVβ5, and a few additional integrins facilitate entry and endosomal release of other HAdVs. With the exception of a few biochemical analyses indicating that HAdV-37 can interact physically with αVβ5, little is known about the integrins used by EKC-causing HAdVs. Here, we investigated the overall integrin expression on human corneal cells and found expression of α2, α3, α6, αV, β1, and β4 subunits in human corneal in situ epithelium and/or in a human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell line but no or less accessible expression of α4, α5, β3, or β5. We also identified the integrins used by HAdV-37 through a series of binding and infection competition experiments and different biochemical approaches. Together, our data suggest that HAdV-37 uses αVβ1 and α3β1 integrins for infection of human corneal epithelial cells. Furthermore, to confirm the relevance of these integrins in the HAdV-37 life cycle, we developed a corneal multilayer tissue system and found that HAdV-37 infection correlated well with the patterns of αV, α3, and β1 integrin expression. These results provide further insight into the tropism and pathogenesis of EKC-causing HAdVs and may be of importance for future development of new antiviral drugs. IMPORTANCE Keratitis is a hallmark of EKC, which is caused by six HAdV types (HAdV-8, -19, -37, -53, -54, and -56). HAdV-37 and some other HAdV types interact with integrin αVβ5 in order to enter nonocular human cells. In this study, we found that αVβ5 is not expressed on human corneal epithelial cells, thus proposing other host factors mediate corneal infection. Here, we first characterized integrin expression patterns on corneal tissue and corneal cells. Among the integrins identified, competition binding and infection experiments and biochemical assays pointed out αVβ1 and α3β1 to be of importance for HAdV-37 infection of corneal tissue. In the absence of a good animal model for EKC-causing HAdVs, we also developed an in vitro system with multilayer HCE cells and confirmed the relevance of the suggested integrins during HAdV-37 infection. PMID:27974569

Genetic Transformation of Artemisia carvifolia Buch with rol Genes Enhances Artemisinin Accumulation.

PubMed

Dilshad, Erum; Cusido, Rosa Maria; Ramirez Estrada, Karla; Bonfill, Mercedes; Mirza, Bushra

2015-01-01

The potent antimalarial drug artemisinin has a high cost, since its only viable source to date is Artemisia annua (0.01-0.8% DW). There is therefore an urgent need to design new strategies to increase its production or to find alternative sources. In the current study, Artemisia carvifolia Buch was selected with the aim of detecting artemisinin and then enhancing the production of the target compound and its derivatives. These metabolites were determined by LC-MS in the shoots of A. carvifolia wild type plants at the following concentrations: artemisinin (8μg/g), artesunate (2.24μg/g), dihydroartemisinin (13.6μg/g) and artemether (12.8μg/g). Genetic transformation of A. carvifolia was carried out with Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 harboring the rol B and rol C genes. Artemisinin content increased 3-7-fold in transgenics bearing the rol B gene, and 2.3-6-fold in those with the rol C gene. A similar pattern was observed for artemisinin analogues. The dynamics of artemisinin content in transgenics and wild type A.carvifolia was also correlated with the expression of genes involved in its biosynthesis. Real time qPCR analysis revealed the differential expression of genes involved in artemisinin biosynthesis, i.e. those encoding amorpha-4, 11 diene synthase (ADS), cytochrome P450 (CYP71AV1), and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), with a relatively higher transcript level found in transgenics than in the wild type plant. Also, the gene related to trichome development and sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis (TFAR1) showed an altered expression in the transgenics compared to wild type A.carvifolia, which was in accordance with the trichome density of the respective plants. The trichome index was significantly higher in the rol B and rol C gene-expressing transgenics with an increased production of artemisinin, thereby demonstrating that the rol genes are effective inducers of plant secondary metabolism.

RGD-containing peptides activate S6K1 through beta3 integrin in adult cardiac muscle cells.

PubMed

Balasubramanian, Sundaravadivel; Kuppuswamy, Dhandapani

2003-10-24

The enzyme p70S6 kinase (S6K1) is critical for cell growth, and we have reported its activation during cardiac hypertrophy. Because cardiac hypertrophy also involves integrin activation, we analyzed whether integrins could contribute to S6K1 activation. Using adult feline cardiomyocytes, here we report that integrin-interacting Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides activate S6K1 as observed by band shifting, kinase activity and phosphorylation at Thr-389 and Thr-421/Ser-424 of S6K1, and S6 protein phosphorylation. Perturbation of specific integrin function with blocking antibodies and by overexpressing the beta1A cytoplasmic tail revealed that beta3 but not beta1 integrin mediates the RGD-induced S6K1 activation. This activation is focal adhesion complex-independent and is accompanied by the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Studies using specific inhibitors and dominant negative c-Raf expression in cardiomyocytes indicate that the S6K1 activation involves mTOR, MEK/ERK, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways and is independent of protein kinase C and c-Raf. Finally, addition of fluorescent-labeled RGD peptide to cardiomyocytes exhibits its internalization and localization to the endocytic vesicles, and pretreatment of cardiomyocytes with endocytic inhibitors reduced the S6K1 activation. These data suggest that RGD interaction with beta3 integrin and its subsequent endocytosis trigger specific signaling pathway(s) for S6K1 activation in cardiomyocytes and that this process may contribute to hypertrophic growth and remodeling of myocardium.

Tissue Specific Activation and Inactivation of the Neu Proto-Oncogene in Transgenic Mice Using Cre Recombinase

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-01

for use by our laboratory and by our collaborators. One of these strains, MMTV- MUC4 , has the MUC4 transgene expressed tightly in the mammary gland...Interestingly, MUC4 has been described as a putative ligand for ErbB2 and the similarities in mammary phenotypes lends credence to that argument that... MUC4 is indeed a ligand for ErbB2. When compared to the MMTV-ErbB2 tumors, tumors arising from the conditional activation of ErbB2 have also exhibited

EFFECT OF METHYL MERCURY CHLORIDE EXPOSURE ON PC12 CELL INTEGRIN EXPRESSION AND FUNCTION.

EPA Science Inventory

Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane cell adhesion proteins composed of a and b protein subunits. They are important during brain development in a number of critical functions, including cell migration (Georges-Labouesse, et al., 1998), axonal elongation (Murase and Hayashi...

Upregulated Expression of Integrin α1 in Mesangial Cells and Integrin α3 and Vimentin in Podocytes of Col4a3-Null (Alport) Mice

PubMed Central

Steenhard, Brooke M.; Vanacore, Roberto; Friedman, David; Zelenchuk, Adrian; Stroganova, Larysa; Isom, Kathryn; St. John, Patricia L.; Hudson, Billy G.; Abrahamson, Dale R.

2012-01-01

Alport disease in humans, which usually results in proteinuria and kidney failure, is caused by mutations to the COL4A3, COL4A4, or COL4A5 genes, and absence of collagen α3α4α5(IV) networks found in mature kidney glomerular basement membrane (GBM). The Alport mouse harbors a deletion of the Col4a3 gene, which also results in the lack of GBM collagen α3α4α5(IV). This animal model shares many features with human Alport patients, including the retention of collagen α1α2α1(IV) in GBMs, effacement of podocyte foot processes, gradual loss of glomerular barrier properties, and progression to renal failure. To learn more about the pathogenesis of Alport disease, we undertook a discovery proteomics approach to identify proteins that were differentially expressed in glomeruli purified from Alport and wild-type mouse kidneys. Pairs of cy3- and cy5-labeled extracts from 5-week old Alport and wild-type glomeruli, respectively, underwent 2-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis. Differentially expressed proteins were digested with trypsin and prepared for mass spectrometry, peptide ion mapping/fingerprinting, and protein identification through database searching. The intermediate filament protein, vimentin, was upregulated ∼2.5 fold in Alport glomeruli compared to wild-type. Upregulation was confirmed by quantitative real time RT-PCR of isolated Alport glomeruli (5.4 fold over wild-type), and quantitative confocal immunofluorescence microscopy localized over-expressed vimentin specifically to Alport podocytes. We next hypothesized that increases in vimentin abundance might affect the basement membrane protein receptors, integrins, and screened Alport and wild-type glomeruli for expression of integrins likely to be the main receptors for GBM type IV collagen and laminin. Quantitative immunofluorescence showed an increase in integrin α1 expression in Alport mesangial cells and an increase in integrin α3 in Alport podocytes. We conclude that overexpression of mesangial integrin α1 and podocyte vimentin and integrin α3 may be important features of glomerular Alport disease, possibly affecting cell-signaling, cell shape and cellular adhesion to the GBM. PMID:23236390

Genetic modification of potato against microbial diseases: in vitro and in planta activity of a dermaseptin B1 derivative, MsrA2.

PubMed

Osusky, Milan; Osuska, Lubica; Kay, William; Misra, Santosh

2005-08-01

Dermaseptin B1 is a potent cationic antimicrobial peptide found in skin secretions of the arboreal frog Phyllomedusa bicolor. A synthetic derivative of dermaseptin B1, MsrA2 (N-Met-dermaseptin B1), elicited strong antimicrobial activities against various phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria in vitro. To assess its potential for plant protection, MsrA2 was expressed at low levels (1-5 microg/g of fresh tissue) in the transgenic potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. Desiree. Stringent challenges of these transgenic potato plants with a variety of highly virulent fungal phytopathogens--Alternaria, Cercospora, Fusarium, Phytophthora, Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Verticillium species--and with the bacterial pathogen Erwinia carotovora demonstrated that the plants had an unusually broad-spectrum and powerful resistance to infection. MsrA2 profoundly protected both plants and tubers from diseases such as late blight, dry rot and pink rot and markedly extended the storage life of tubers. Due to these properties in planta, MsrA2 is proposed as an ideal antimicrobial peptide candidate to significantly increase resistance to phytopathogens and improve quality in a variety of crops worldwide with the potential to obviate fungicides and facilitate storage under difficult conditions.

Changes in oxidative stress in transgenic RNAi ACO1 tomato fruit during ripening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eglous, Najat Mohamed; Ali, Zainon Mohd; Hassan, Maizom; Zainal, Zamri

2013-11-01

Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) is the second most cultivated vegetable in the world and widely used as a system for studying the role of ethylene during fruit ripening. Our objective was to study the oxidative stress and antioxidative metabolism during ripening of non transgenic tomato and transgenic line-21 tomato which reduced ethylene. The line-21 of transgenic tomato plants (RNAi ACO1) had lower ethylene production and longer shelf-life more than 32 days as compared to the wild-type fruits which have very short shelf-life. In this study, tomato fruit were divided into five different stages (MG: mature green 5%, B: breaker 25%, T: turning 50%, O: orange75%, RR: red ripe100%). The activity of lipoxygenase (LOX) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were measured to assess changes in oxidative stress. The LOX activity and MDA content decreased significantly obtaining 2.6-fold and 1.2-fold, respectively, as compared to the wild type fruit. However, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were increased to 1.9 and 1.2 folds from the mature green to the fully ripe stage in transgenic tomatoes. Furthermore, the wild type tomato increases 1.3 in SOD and 1.6 in CAT activities. The overall results indicate that the wild type tomato fruit showed a faster rate of ripening, parallel to decline in the rate of enzymatic antioxidative systems as compared to the transgenic line-21 tomato fruit. In addition, the results show that the antioxidant capacity is improved during the ripening process and is accompanied by an increase in the oxidative stress.

Phosphoinositide Signaling Regulates the Exocyst Complex and Polarized Integrin Trafficking in Directionally Migrating Cells

PubMed Central

Thapa, Narendra; Sun, Yue; Schramp, Mark; Choi, Suyoung; Ling, Kun; Anderson, Richard A

2011-01-01

Summary Polarized delivery of signaling and adhesion molecules to the leading edge is required for directional migration of cells. Here, we describe a role for the PIP2 synthesizing enzyme, PIPKIγi2, in regulation of exocyst complex control of cell polarity and polarized integrin trafficking during migration. Loss of PIPKIγi2 impaired directional migration, formation of cell polarity, and integrin trafficking to the leading edge. Upon initiation of directional migration PIPKIγi2 via PIP2 generation controls the integration of the exocyst complex into an integrin-containing trafficking compartment(s) that requires the talin-binding ability of PIPKIγi2, and talin for integrin recruitment to the leading edge. A PIP2 requirement is further emphasized by inhibition of PIPKIγi2-regulated directional migration by an Exo70 mutant deficient in PIP2 binding. These results reveal how phosphoinositide generation orchestrates polarized trafficking of integrin in coordination with talin that links integrins to the actin cytoskeleton, processes that are required for directional migration. PMID:22264730

Expression, purification and renaturation of truncated human integrin β1 from inclusion bodies of Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Shi, Tonglin; Zhang, Lichao; Li, Zhuoyu; Newton, Ian P; Zhang, Quanbin

2015-03-01

Integrins are a family of transmembrane receptors and among their members, integrin β1 is one of the best known. It plays a very important role in cell adhesion/migration and in cancer metastasis. Preparation of integrin β1 has a great potential value especially in studies focused on its function. To this end, recombinant plasmids were constructed containing DNA segments representing 454 amino acids of the N-terminal of integrin β1. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into Escherichiacoli BL21 (DE3) cells and after induction by isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), the recombinant protein (molecular weight: 53 kD) was expressed, mainly in the form of inclusion bodies. The inclusion bodies were solubilized by 8M urea solution then purified by nickel affinity chromatography. The recombinant protein was renatured by a stepwise dialysis and finally dissolved in phosphate buffered saline. The final yield was approximately 5.4 mg/L of culture and the purity of the renatured recombinant protein was greater than 98% as assessed by SDS-PAGE. The integrity of the protein was shown by Western blot using monoclonal antibodies against his-tag and integrin β1. Its secondary structure was verified as native by circular dichroism spectra and the bioactivity of the recombinant protein was displayed through the conformation switch under Mn(2+) stimulation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Antihyperalgesic activity of a novel nonpeptide bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist in transgenic mice expressing the human B1 receptor

PubMed Central

Fox, Alyson; Kaur, Satbir; Li, Bifang; Panesar, Moh; Saha, Uma; Davis, Clare; Dragoni, Ilaria; Colley, Sian; Ritchie, Tim; Bevan, Stuart; Burgess, Gillian; McIntyre, Peter

2005-01-01

We describe the properties of a novel nonpeptide kinin B1 receptor antagonist, NVP-SAA164, and demonstrate its in vivo activity in models of inflammatory pain in transgenic mice expressing the human B1 receptor. NVP-SAA164 showed high affinity for the human B1 receptor expressed in HEK293 cells (Ki 8 nM), and inhibited increases in intracellular calcium induced by desArg10kallidin (desArg10KD) (IC50 33 nM). While a similar high affinity was observed in monkey fibroblasts (Ki 7.7 nM), NVP-SAA164 showed no affinity for the rat B1 receptor expressed in Cos-7 cells. In transgenic mice in which the native B1 receptor was deleted and the gene encoding the human B1 receptor was inserted (hB1 knockin, hB1-KI), hB1 receptor mRNA was induced in tissues following LPS treatment. No mRNA encoding the mouse or human B1 receptor was detected in mouse B1 receptor knockout (mB1-KO) mice following LPS treatment. Freund's complete adjuvant-induced mechanical hyperalgesia was similar in wild-type and hB1-KI mice, but was significantly reduced in mB1-KO animals. Mechanical hyperalgesia induced by injection of the B1 agonist desArg10KD into the contralateral paw 24 h following FCA injection was similar in wild-type and hB1-KI mice, but was absent in mB1-KO animals. Oral administration of NVP-SAA164 produced a dose-related reversal of FCA-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and desArg10KD-induced hyperalgesia in hB1-KI mice, but was inactive against inflammatory pain in wild-type mice. These data demonstrate the use of transgenic technology to investigate the in vivo efficacy of species selective agents and show that NVP-SAA164 is a novel orally active B1 receptor antagonist, providing further support for the utility of B1 receptor antagonists in inflammatory pain conditions in man. PMID:15685199

The possible mechanism of enhanced carcinogenesis induced by genotoxic carcinogens in rasH2 mice.

PubMed

Okamura, Miwa; Unami, Akira; Moto, Mitsuyoshi; Muguruma, Masako; Ito, Tadashi; Jin, Meilan; Oishi, Yuji; Kashida, Yoko; Mitsumori, Kunitoshi

2007-01-08

Microarray and RT-PCR analyses were performed for the transgene and Ras-related genes in forestomach squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in rasH2 mice; these results were compared with our previous molecular data of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced forestomach SCCs and urethane-induced lung adenomas in rasH2 mice. Overexpression of the transgene was detected in the DMBA-induced SCCs, suggesting that the transgene plays an important role in enhanced carcinogenesis in rasH2 mice. In addition, the mouse endogenous ras genes were up-regulated in the DMBA-induced SCCs, and are probably involved in the tumorigenesis of forestomach SCCs. Genes such as osteopontin, Cks1b, Tpm1, Reck, gelsolin, and amphiregulin that were commonly altered in these three different carcinogen-induced tumors may contribute to the development of tumors in rasH2 mice.

Increased susceptibility to structural acute kidney injury in a mouse model of presymptomatic cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

Pleasant, LaTawnya; Ma, Qing; Devarajan, Mahima; Parameswaran, Priyanka; Drake, Keri; Siroky, Brian; Shay-Winkler, Kritton; Robbins, Jeffrey; Devarajan, Prasad

2017-09-01

The early events that signal renal dysfunction in presymptomatic heart failure are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that functional and mechanistic changes occur in the kidney that precede the development of symptomatic heart failure. We employed a transgenic mouse model with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of mutant α-B-crystallin that develops slowly progressive cardiomyopathy. Presymptomatic transgenic mice displayed an increase in serum creatinine (1.17 ± 0.34 vs. wild type 0.65 ± 0.16 mg/dl, P < 0.05) and in urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL; 278.92 ± 176.24 vs. wild type 49.11 ± 22.79 ng/ml, P < 0.05) but no renal fibrosis. Presymptomatic transgenic mouse kidneys exhibited a twofold upregulation of the Ren1 gene, marked overexpression of renin protein in the tubules, and a worsened response to ischemia-reperfusion injury based on serum creatinine (2.77 ± 0.66 in transgenic mice vs. 2.01 ± 0.58 mg/dl in wild type, P < 0.05), urine NGAL (9,198.79 ± 3,799.52 in transgenic mice vs. 3,252.94 ± 2,420.36 ng/ml in wild type, P < 0.05), tubule dilation score (3.4 ± 0.5 in transgenic mice vs. 2.6 ± 0.5 in wild type, P < 0.05), tubule cast score (3.2 ± 0.4 in transgenic mice vs. 2.5 ± 0.5 in wild type, P < 0.05), and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive nuclei (10.1 ± 2.1 in the transgenic group vs. 5.7 ± 1.6 per 100 cells counted in wild type, P < 0.01). Our findings indicate functional renal impairment, urinary biomarker elevations, and induction of renin gene and protein expression in the kidney that occur in early presymptomatic heart failure, which increase the susceptibility to subsequent acute kidney injury. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Production of double repeated B subunit of Shiga toxin 2e at high levels in transgenic lettuce plants as vaccine material for porcine edema disease.

PubMed

Matsui, Takeshi; Takita, Eiji; Sato, Toshio; Aizawa, Michie; Ki, Misa; Kadoyama, Yumiko; Hirano, Kenji; Kinjo, Satoko; Asao, Hiroshi; Kawamoto, Keiko; Kariya, Haruko; Makino, Sou-Ichi; Hamabata, Takashi; Sawada, Kazutoshi; Kato, Ko

2011-08-01

Pig edema disease is a bacterial disease caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. E. coli produces Shiga toxin 2e (Stx2e), which is composed of one A subunit (Stx2eA) and five B subunits (Stx2eB). We previously reported production of Stx2eB in lettuce plants as a potential edible vaccine (Matsui et al. in Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 73:1628-1634, 2009). However, the accumulation level was very low, and it was necessary to improve expression of Stx2eB for potential use of this plant-based vaccine. Therefore, in this study, we optimized the Stx2eB expression cassette and found that a double repeated Stx2eB (2× Stx2eB) accumulates to higher levels than a single Stx2eB in cultured tobacco cells. Furthermore, a linker peptide between the two Stx2eB moieties played an important role in maximizing the effects of the double repeat. Finally, we generated transgenic lettuce plants expressing 2× Stx2eB with a suitable linker peptide that accumulate as much as 80 mg per 100 g fresh weight, a level that will allow us to use these transgenic lettuce plants practically to generate vaccine material.

Beta1-integrin and IL-1alpha expression as bystander effect of medium from irradiated cells: the pilot study.

PubMed

Osterreicher, Jan; Skopek, Jirí; Jahns, Juta; Hildebrandt, Guido; Psutka, Jan; Vilasová, Zdenka; Tanner, Judith Maria; Vogt, Jürgen; Butz, Tilman

2003-01-01

Bystander effects have been proposed as a third action pathway of ionising radiation besides direct and indirect effects. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether expression of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and beta1-integrin is elevated in bystander cells as a marker for bystander effects in comparison with classical markers such as the clonogenic assay, apoptosis and the presence of micronuclei. The hybrid cell line E.A. hy.926 obtained by fusion of HUVEC cells with the epithelial cell line A 459 was irradiated with 0-5 Gy. Bystander effects were established via medium transfer at 45 min and 4 h after irradiation from irradiated to nonirradiated cell populations. In order to exclude effects of the irradiated medium itself, irradiated medium only was also used for transfer to nonirradiated cells. Then, cells were fixed at 1, 2, 6, and 24 h after irradiation or medium transport and IL-1alpha and beta1-integrin were detected and evaluated. A higher number of beta1-integrin-positive cells was observed in both irradiated and bystander cell populations than in the control group at 1 and 24 h after irradiation with 1 Gy or medium transfer. Significantly higher numbers of IL-1alpha-positive cells were found at 1, 2, and 6 h after irradiation with 1 Gy or medium transfer as well as at 2 and 6 h after irradiation with 5 Gy or medium transfer. Clonogenic survival decreased dependently on the dose in irradiated cells but did not show any significant difference between the bystander cell populations and sham-irradiated cells. The irradiated medium itself did not have any effect. It is concluded that beta1-integrin and IL-1alpha expression may serve as more sensitive markers of post-irradiation responses in bystander cell populations than the classical radiobiological markers. Moreover, overexpression of beta1-integrin and IL-1alpha may induce increased susceptibility to inflammation of bystander cells.

CYP714B1 and CYP714B2 encode gibberellin 13-oxidases that reduce gibberellin activity in rice.

PubMed

Magome, Hiroshi; Nomura, Takahito; Hanada, Atsushi; Takeda-Kamiya, Noriko; Ohnishi, Toshiyuki; Shinma, Yuko; Katsumata, Takumi; Kawaide, Hiroshi; Kamiya, Yuji; Yamaguchi, Shinjiro

2013-01-29

Bioactive gibberellins (GAs) control many aspects of growth and development in plants. GA(1) has been the most frequently found bioactive GA in various tissues of flowering plants, but the enzymes responsible for GA(1) biosynthesis have not been fully elucidated due to the enzymes catalyzing the 13-hydroxylation step not being identified. Because of the lack of mutants defective in this enzyme, biological significance of GA 13-hydroxylation has been unknown. Here, we report that two cytochrome P450 genes, CYP714B1 and CYP714B2, encode GA 13-oxidase in rice. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants that overexpress CYP714B1 or CYP714B2 show semidwarfism. There was a trend that the levels of 13-OH GAs including GA(1) were increased in these transgenic plants. Functional analysis using yeast or insect cells shows that recombinant CYP714B1 and CYP714B2 proteins can convert GA(12) into GA(53) (13-OH GA(12)) in vitro. Moreover, the levels of 13-OH GAs including GA(1) were decreased, whereas those of 13-H GAs including GA(4) (which is more active than GA(1)) were increased, in the rice cyp714b1 cyp714b2 double mutant. These results indicate that CYP714B1 and CYP714B2 play a predominant role in GA 13-hydroxylation in rice. The double mutant plants appear phenotypically normal until heading, but show elongated uppermost internode at the heading stage. Moreover, CYP714B1 and CYP714B2 expression was up-regulated by exogenous application of bioactive GAs. Our results suggest that GA 13-oxidases play a role in fine-tuning plant growth by decreasing GA bioactivity in rice and that they also participate in GA homeostasis.

Expression of Bacillus thuringiensis cytolytic toxin (Cyt2Ca1) in citrus roots to control Diaprepes abbreviatus larvae.

PubMed

Mahmoud, Sulley Ben; Ramos, John E; Shatters, Robert G; Hall, David G; Lapointe, Stephen L; Niedz, Randall P; Rougé, Pierre; Cave, Ronald D; Borovsky, Dov

2017-03-01

Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) is an important pest of citrus in the USA. Currently, no effective management strategies of D. abbreviatus exist in citriculture, and new methods of control are desperately sought. To protect citrus against D. abbreviatus a transgenic citrus rootstock expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Cyt2Ca1, an insect toxin protein, was developed using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of 'Carrizo' citrange [Citrus sinensis (L) Osbeck Poncirus trifoliate (L) Raf]. The transgenic citrus root stock expressed the cytolytic toxin Cyt2Ca1 constitutively under the control of a 35S promoter in the transgenic Carrizo citrange trifoliate hybrid including the roots that are the food source of larval D. abbreviatus. The engineered citrus was screened by Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses for cyt2Ca1 and positive citrus identified. Citrus trees expressing different levels of cyt2Ca1 transcripts were identified (Groups A-C). High expression of the toxin in the leaves (10 9 transcripts/ng RNA), however, retarded plant growth. The transgenic plants were grown in pots and the roots exposed to 3week old D. abbreviatus larvae using no-choice plant bioassays. Three cyt2Ca1 transgenic plants were identified that sustained less root damage belonging to Group B and C. One plant caused death to 43% of the larvae that fed on its roots expressed 8×10 6 cyt2Ca1 transcripts/ng RNA. These results show, for the first time, that Cyt2Ca1 expressed in moderate amounts by the roots of citrus does not retard citrus growth and can protect it from larval D. abbreviatus. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The Upregulation of Integrin αDβ2 (CD11d/CD18) on Inflammatory Macrophages Promotes Macrophage Retention in Vascular Lesions and Development of Atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Aziz, Moammir H; Cui, Kui; Das, Mitali; Brown, Kathleen E; Ardell, Christopher L; Febbraio, Maria; Pluskota, Elzbieta; Han, Juying; Wu, Huaizhu; Ballantyne, Christie M; Smith, Jonathan D; Cathcart, Martha K; Yakubenko, Valentin P

2017-06-15

Macrophage accumulation is a critical step during development of chronic inflammation, initiating progression of many devastating diseases. Leukocyte-specific integrin α D β 2 (CD11d/CD18) is dramatically upregulated on macrophages at inflammatory sites. Previously we found that CD11d overexpression on cell surfaces inhibits in vitro cell migration due to excessive adhesion. In this study, we have investigated how inflammation-mediated CD11d upregulation contributes to macrophage retention at inflammatory sites during atherogenesis. Atherosclerosis was evaluated in CD11d -/- /ApoE -/- mice after 16 wk on a Western diet. CD11d deficiency led to a marked reduction in lipid deposition in aortas and isolated macrophages. Macrophage numbers in aortic sinuses of CD11d -/- mice were reduced without affecting their apoptosis and proliferation. Adoptive transfer of fluorescently labeled wild-type and CD11d -/- monocytes into ApoE -/- mice demonstrated similar recruitment from circulation, but reduced accumulation of CD11d -/- macrophages within the aortas. Furthermore, CD11d expression was significantly upregulated on macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions and M1 macrophages in vitro. Interestingly, expression of the related ligand-sharing integrin CD11b was not altered. This difference defines their distinct roles in the regulation of macrophage migration. CD11d-deficient M1 macrophages demonstrated improved migration in a three-dimensional fibrin matrix and during resolution of peritoneal inflammation, whereas migration of CD11b -/- M1 macrophages was not affected. These results prove the contribution of high densities of CD11d to macrophage arrest during atherogenesis. Because high expression of CD11d was detected in several inflammation-dependent diseases, we suggest that CD11d/CD18 upregulation on proinflammatory macrophages may represent a common mechanism for macrophage retention at inflammatory sites, thereby promoting chronic inflammation and disease development. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Ofloxacin induces apoptosis via β1 integrin-EGFR-Rac1-Nox2 pathway in microencapsulated chondrocytes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sheng, Zhi-Guo; Huang, Wei; Liu, Yu-Xiang

2013-02-15

Quinolones (QNs)-induced arthropathy is an important toxic side-effect in immature animals leading to the restriction of their therapeutic use in pediatrics. Ofloxacin, a typical QN, was found to induce the chondrocytes apoptosis in the early phase (12–48 h) of arthropathy in our previous study. However, the exact mechanism(s) is unclear. Microencapsulated juvenile rabbit joint chondrocytes, a three-dimensional culture system, is utilized to perform the present study. Ofloxacin, at a therapeutically relevant concentration (10 μg/ml), disturbs the interaction between β1 integrin and activated intracellular signaling proteins at 12 h, which is inhibited when supplementing Mg{sup 2+}. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)more » significantly increases in a time-dependent manner after exposure to ofloxacin for 12–48 h. Furthermore, ofloxacin markedly enhances the level of activated Rac1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation, and its inhibition in turn reduces the ROS production, apoptosis and Rac1 activation. Silencing Nox2, Rac1 or supplementing Mg{sup 2+} inhibits ROS accumulation, apoptosis occurrence and EGFR phosphorylation induced by ofloxacin. However, depletion of Nox2, Rac1 and inhibition of EGFR do not affect ofloxacin-mediated loss of interaction between β1 integrin and activated intracellular signaling proteins. In addition, ofloxacin also induces Vav2 phosphorylation, which is markedly suppressed after inactivating EGFR or supplementing Mg{sup 2+}. These results suggest that ofloxacin causes Nox2-mediated intracellular ROS production by disrupting the β1 integrin function and then activating the EGFR-Vav2-Rac1 pathway, finally resulting in apoptosis within 12–48 h exposure. The present study provides a novel insight regarding the potential role of Nox-driven ROS in QNs-induced arthropathy. - Highlights: ► Ofloxacin induces Nox2-driven ROS in encapsulated chondrocyte at 12–48 h. ► Ofloxacin stimulates ROS production via the β1 integrin-EGFR-Vav2-Rac1 pathway. ► Ofloxacin induces ROS-dependent apoptosis in encapsulated chondrocyte at 12–48 h.« less

Ubiquitous LEA29Y Expression Blocks T Cell Co-Stimulation but Permits Sexual Reproduction in Genetically Modified Pigs.

PubMed

Bähr, Andrea; Käser, Tobias; Kemter, Elisabeth; Gerner, Wilhelm; Kurome, Mayuko; Baars, Wiebke; Herbach, Nadja; Witter, Kirsti; Wünsch, Annegret; Talker, Stephanie C; Kessler, Barbara; Nagashima, Hiroshi; Saalmüller, Armin; Schwinzer, Reinhard; Wolf, Eckhard; Klymiuk, Nikolai

2016-01-01

We have successfully established and characterized a genetically modified pig line with ubiquitous expression of LEA29Y, a human CTLA4-Ig derivate. LEA29Y binds human B7.1/CD80 and B7.2/CD86 with high affinity and is thus a potent inhibitor of T cell co-stimulation via this pathway. We have characterized the expression pattern and the biological function of the transgene as well as its impact on the porcine immune system and have evaluated the potential of these transgenic pigs to propagate via assisted breeding methods. The analysis of LEA29Y expression in serum and multiple organs of CAG-LEA transgenic pigs revealed that these animals produce a biologically active transgenic product at a considerable level. They present with an immune system affected by transgene expression, but can be maintained until sexual maturity and propagated by assisted reproduction techniques. Based on previous experience with pancreatic islets expressing LEA29Y, tissues from CAG-LEA29Y transgenic pigs should be protected against rejection by human T cells. Furthermore, their immune-compromised phenotype makes CAG-LEA29Y transgenic pigs an interesting large animal model for testing human cell therapies and will provide an important tool for further clarifying the LEA29Y mode of action.

Evidence that Distinct States of the Integrin α6β1 Interact with Laminin and an ADAM

PubMed Central

Chen, M.S.; Almeida, E.A.C.; Huovila, A.-P.J.; Takahashi, Y.; Shaw, L.M.; Mercurio, A.M.; White, J.M.

1999-01-01

Integrins can exist in different functional states with low or high binding capacity for particular ligands. We previously provided evidence that the integrin α6β1, on mouse eggs and on α6-transfected cells, interacted with the disintegrin domain of the sperm surface protein ADAM 2 (fertilin β). In the present study we tested the hypothesis that different states of α6β1 interact with fertilin and laminin, an extracellular matrix ligand for α6β1. Using α6-transfected cells we found that treatments (e.g., with phorbol myristate acetate or MnCl2) that increased adhesion to laminin inhibited sperm binding. Conversely, treatments that inhibited laminin adhesion increased sperm binding. Next, we compared the ability of fluorescent beads coated with either fertilin β or with the laminin E8 fragment to bind to eggs. In Ca2+-containing media, fertilin β beads bound to eggs via an interaction mediated by the disintegrin loop of fertilin β and by the α6 integrin subunit. In Ca2+-containing media, laminin E8 beads did not bind to eggs. Treatment of eggs with phorbol myristate acetate or with the actin disrupting agent, latrunculin A, inhibited fertilin bead binding, but did not induce laminin E8 bead binding. Treatment of eggs with Mn2+ dramatically increased laminin E8 bead binding, and inhibited fertilin bead binding. Our results provide the first evidence that different states of an integrin (α6β1) can interact with an extracellular matrix ligand (laminin) or a membrane-anchored cell surface ligand (ADAM 2). PMID:9971748

EMMPRIN regulates β1 integrin-mediated adhesion through Kindlin-3 in human melanoma cells.

PubMed

Delyon, Julie; Khayati, Farah; Djaafri, Ibtissem; Podgorniak, Marie-Pierre; Sadoux, Aurélie; Setterblad, Niclas; Boutalbi, Zineb; Maouche, Kamel; Maskos, Uwe; Menashi, Suzanne; Lebbé, Céleste; Mourah, Samia

2015-06-01

EMMPRIN is known to promote tumor invasion through extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Here we report that EMMPRIN can regulate melanoma cell adhesion to the ECM through an interaction with β1 integrin involving kindlin-3. In this study, EMMPRIN knockdown in the human melanoma cell line M10 using siRNA decreased cell invasion and significantly increased cell adhesion and spreading. A morphological change from a round to a spread shape was observed associated with enhanced phalloidin-labelled actin staining. In situ proximity ligation assay and co-immunoprecipitation revealed that EMMPRIN silencing increased the interaction of β1 integrin with kindlin-3, a focal adhesion protein. This was associated with an increase in β1 integrin activation and a decrease in the phosphorylation of the downstream integrin kinase FAK. Moreover, the expression at both the transcript and protein level of kindlin-3 and of β1 integrin was inversely regulated by EMMPRIN. EMMPRIN did not regulate either talin expression or its interaction with β1 integrin. These results are consistent with our in vivo demonstration that EMMPRIN inhibition increased β1 integrin activation and its interaction with kindlin-3. To conclude, these findings reveal a new role of EMMPRIN in tumor cell migration through ß1 integrin/kindlin-3-mediated adhesion pathway. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Constant Applied Force Stimulates Osteoblast Proliferation Via Matrix-Integrin-Signaling Pathways

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vercoutere, W.; Parra, M.; Roden, C.; DaCosta, M.; Wing, A.; Damsky, C.; Holton, E.; Searby, N.; Globus, R.; Almeida, E. A. C.

2003-01-01

Reduced weight-bearing caused by immobilization, bed-rest or microgravity leads to atrophy in mechanosensitive tissue such as muscle and bone. We hypothesize that bone tissue requires earth s gravity (1-g) for the maintenance of extracellular matrix, integrin, and kinase-mediated cell growth and survival pathways. We investigate the role of matrix-integrin signaling in bone cells using cell culture centrifugation to provide different levels of hypergravity mechanostimulation. The 10-50-g range we use also mimics physiological intermedullary pressure (1.2 - 5 kPa). 24 hours at 50-g increased primary rat osteoblast proliferation on collagen Type I and fibronectin, but not laminin or uncoated plastic. BrdU incorporation in primary osteoblasts over 24 h showed hypergravity increased the number of cells actively synthesizing DNA from about 60% at 1-g to over 90% at 25-g. Primary rat fibroblasts grown at 50-g (24 h) showed no proliferation increase, suggesting this is a tissue-specific phenomenon. These results suggest that the betal and alpha4 integrins may be involved. To further test this, we used osteocytic-like MLO-Y4 cells that showed increased proliferation at 1-g with stable expression of a betal integrin cytoplasmic tail and transmembrane domain construct. At 50-g, MLO-Y4/betal cells showed greater MAPK activation than MLO-Y4 vector controls, suggesting that betal integrin is involved in transducing mitogenic signals in response to hypergravity. Preliminary results also show that interfering with the alpha4 integrin in primary osteoblasts grown on fibronectin blocked the proliferation response. These results indicate that cells from mechanosensitive bone tissue can respond to gravity-generated forces, and this response involves specific matrix and integrin-dependent signaling pathways.

Small subunit of a cold-resistant plant, Timothy, does not significantly alter the catalytic properties of Rubisco in transgenic rice.

PubMed

Fukayama, Hiroshi; Koga, Atsushi; Hatanaka, Tomoko; Misoo, Shuji

2015-04-01

Effects of overexpression of high activity-type Rubisco small subunit (RbcS) from a cold-resistant plant, timothy (Phleum pratense), on kinetic properties of Rubisco were studied in rice (Oryza sativa). The full-length mRNA sequence of timothy RbcS (PpRbcS1) was determined by 5'RACE and 3'RACE. The coding sequence of PpRbcS1 was fused to the chlorophyll a/b-binding protein promoter and introduced into rice. PpRbcS was highly expressed in leaf blade and accounted for approximately 30 % of total RbcS in homozygous transgenic lines. However, the catalytic turnover rate and K m for CO2 of Rubisco did not significantly change in these transgenic lines compared to non-transgenic rice, suggesting that PpRbcS1 is not effective for improvement of catalytic efficiency of rice Rubisco. The photosynthetic rate and growth were essentially unchanged, whereas the photosynthetic rate at low CO2 condition was marginally increased in transgenic lines. Rubisco content was significantly increased, whereas soluble protein, nitrogen, and chlorophyll contents were unchanged in transgenic lines compared to non-transgenic rice. Because the kinetic properties were similar, observed slight increase in photosynthetic rate at low CO2 is considered to be large due to increase in Rubisco content in transgenic lines. Introduction of foreign RbcS is an effective approach for the improvement of Rubisco kinetics and photosynthesis. However, in this study, it was suggested that RbcS of high activity-type Rubisco, even showing higher amino acid identity with rice RbcS, did not always enhance the catalytic turnover rate of Rubisco in rice. Thus, we should carefully select RbcS to be overexpressed before introduction.

B-Bolivia, an Allele of the Maize b1 Gene with Variable Expression, Contains a High Copy Retrotransposon-Related Sequence Immediately Upstream1

PubMed Central

Selinger, David A.; Chandler, Vicki L.

2001-01-01

The maize (Zea mays) b1 gene encodes a transcription factor that regulates the anthocyanin pigment pathway. Of the b1 alleles with distinct tissue-specific expression, B-Peru and B-Bolivia are the only alleles that confer seed pigmentation. B-Bolivia produces variable and weaker seed expression but darker, more regular plant expression relative to B-Peru. Our experiments demonstrated that B-Bolivia is not expressed in the seed when transmitted through the male. When transmitted through the female the proportion of kernels pigmented and the intensity of pigment varied. Molecular characterization of B-Bolivia demonstrated that it shares the first 530 bp of the upstream region with B-Peru, a region sufficient for seed expression. Immediately upstream of 530 bp, B-Bolivia is completely divergent from B-Peru. These sequences share sequence similarity to retrotransposons. Transient expression assays of various promoter constructs identified a 33-bp region in B-Bolivia that can account for the reduced aleurone pigment amounts (40%) observed with B-Bolivia relative to B-Peru. Transgenic plants carrying the B-Bolivia promoter proximal region produced pigmented seeds. Similar to native B-Bolivia, some transgene loci are variably expressed in seeds. In contrast to native B-Bolivia, the transgene loci are expressed in seeds when transmitted through both the male and female. Some transgenic lines produced pigment in vegetative tissues, but the tissue-specificity was different from B-Bolivia, suggesting the introduced sequences do not contain the B-Bolivia plant-specific regulatory sequences. We hypothesize that the chromatin context of the B-Bolivia allele controls its epigenetic seed expression properties, which could be influenced by the adjacent highly repeated retrotransposon sequence. PMID:11244116

Physical and functional interaction between integrins and hERG potassium channels.

PubMed

Arcangeli, A; Becchetti, A; Cherubini, A; Crociani, O; Defilippi, P; Guasti, L; Hofmann, G; Pillozzi, S; Olivotto, M; Wanke, E

2004-11-01

Integrins are adhesion receptors capable of transmitting intracellular signals that regulate many different cellular functions. Among integrin-mediated signals, the activation of ion channels can be included. We demonstrated that a long-lasting activation of hERG (human ether-a-go-go-related gene) potassium channels occurs in both human neuroblastoma and leukaemia cells after the activation of the beta1 integrin subunit. This activation is apparently a determining factor inducing neurite extension and osteoclastic differentiation in both the cell types. More recently, we provided evidences that beta1 integrins and hERG channels co-precipitate in both the cell types. Preliminary results suggest that a macromolecular signalling complex indeed occurs between integrins and the hERG1 protein and that hERG channel activity can modulate integrin downstream signalling.

A functional antigen in a practical crop: LT-B producing maize protects mice against Escherichia coli heat labile enterotoxin (LT) and cholera toxin (CT).

PubMed

Chikwamba, Rachel; Cunnick, Joan; Hathaway, Diane; McMurray, Jennifer; Mason, Hugh; Wang, Kan

2002-10-01

We have produced a functional heat labile enterotoxin (LT-) B subunit of Escherichia coli in maize. LT-B is a multimeric protein that presents an ideal model for an edible vaccine, displaying stability in the gut and inducing mucosal and systemic immune responses. Transgenic maize was engineered to synthesize the LT-B polypeptides, which assembled into oligomeric structures with affinity for G(M1) gangliosides. We orally immunized BALB/c mice by feeding transgenic maize meal expressing LT-B or non-transgenic maize meal spiked with bacterial LT-B. Both treatments stimulated elevated IgA and IgG antibodies against LT-B and the closely related cholera toxin B subunit (CT-B) in serum, and elevated IgA in fecal pellets. The transgenic maize induced a higher anti-LT-B and anti-CT-B mucosal and serum IgA response compared to the equivalent amount of bacterial LT-B spiked into maize. Following challenge by oral administration of the diarrhea inducing toxins LT and CT, transgenic maize-fed mice displayed reduced fluid accumulation in the gut compared to non-immunized mice. Moreover, the gut to carcass ratio of immunized mice was not significantly different from the PBS (non-toxin) challenged control group. We concluded that maize-synthesized LT-B had features of the native bacterial LT-B such as molecular weight, G(M1) binding ability, and induction of serum and mucosal immunity. We have demonstrated that maize, a major food and feed ingredient, can be efficiently transformed to produce, accumulate, and store a fully assembled and functional candidate vaccine antigen.

Integrin Targeted MR Imaging

PubMed Central

Tan, Mingqian; Lu, Zheng-Rong

2011-01-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful medical diagnostic imaging modality for integrin targeted imaging, which uses the magnetic resonance of tissue water protons to display tissue anatomic structures with high spatial resolution. Contrast agents are often used in MRI to highlight specific regions of the body and make them easier to visualize. There are four main classes of MRI contrast agents based on their different contrast mechanisms, including T1, T2, chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) agents, and heteronuclear contrast agents. Integrins are an important family of heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that function as mediators of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. The overexpressed integrins can be used as the molecular targets for designing suitable integrin targeted contrast agents for MR molecular imaging. Integrin targeted contrast agent includes a targeting agent specific to a target integrin, a paramagnetic agent and a linker connecting the targeting agent with the paramagnetic agent. Proper selection of targeting agents is critical for targeted MRI contrast agents to effectively bind to integrins for in vivo imaging. An ideal integrin targeted MR contrast agent should be non-toxic, provide strong contrast enhancement at the target sites and can be completely excreted from the body after MR imaging. An overview of integrin targeted MR contrast agents based on small molecular and macromolecular Gd(III) complexes, lipid nanoparticles and superparamagnetic nanoparticles is provided for MR molecular imaging. By using proper delivery systems for loading sufficient Gd(III) chelates or superparamagnetic nanoparticles, effective molecular imaging of integrins with MRI has been demonstrated in animal models. PMID:21547154

The role of a conserved membrane proximal cysteine in altering αPS2CβPS integrin diffusion.

PubMed

Syed, Aleem; Arora, Neha; Bunch, Thomas A; Smith, Emily A

2016-11-15

Cysteine residues (Cys) in the membrane proximal region are common post-translational modification (PTM) sites in transmembrane proteins. Herein, the effects of a highly conserved membrane proximal α-subunit Cys 1368 on the diffusion properties of αPS2CβPS integrins are reported. Sequence alignment shows that this cysteine is palmitoylated in human α3 and α6 integrin subunits. Replacing Cys 1368 in wild-type integrins with valine (Val 1368 ) putatively blocks a PTM site and alters integrins' ligand binding and diffusion characteristics. Both fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and single particle tracking (SPT) diffusion measurements show Val 1368 integrins are more mobile compared to wild-type integrins. Approximately 33% and 8% more Val 1368 integrins are mobile as measured by FRAP and SPT, respectively. The mobile Val 1368 integrins also exhibit less time-dependent diffusion, as measured by FRAP. Tandem mass spectrometry data suggest that Cys 1368 contains a redox or palmitoylation PTM in αPS2CβPS integrins. This membrane proximal Cys may play an important role in the diffusion of other alpha subunits that contain this conserved residue.

BRMS1 Suppresses Breast Cancer Metastasis to Bone via Its Regulation of microRNA-125b and Downstream Attenuation of TNF-Alpha and HER2 Signaling Pathways

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

cytoskeleton genes and genes regulating focal adhesion assembly, such as a5 integrin, Tenascin C, Talin-1, Profilin 1, and Actinin [35]. Intravital ...and allowed to adhere for time indicated, at which point cells were fixed and stainedwith crystal violet. Representative images for times 5, 10, 15...matrix milieu and imaged by time-lapse microscopy for 1 h or fixed and stained with crystal violet at times indicated. As shown in Figure 1C and

ß3 integrin modulates transforming growth factor beta induced (TGFBI) function and paclitaxel response in ovarian cancer cells.

PubMed

Tumbarello, David A; Temple, Jillian; Brenton, James D

2012-05-28

The extracellular matrix (ECM) has a key role in facilitating the progression of ovarian cancer and we have shown recently that the secreted ECM protein TGFBI modulates the response of ovarian cancer to paclitaxel-induced cell death. We have determined TGFBI signaling from the extracellular environment is preferential for the cell surface αvß3 integrin heterodimer, in contrast to periostin, a TGFBI paralogue, which signals primarily via a ß1 integrin-mediated pathway. We demonstrate that suppression of ß1 integrin expression, in ß3 integrin-expressing ovarian cancer cells, increases adhesion to rTGFBI. In addition, Syndecan-1 and -4 expression is dispensable for adhesion to rTGFBI and loss of Syndecan-1 cooperates with the loss of ß1 integrin to further enhance adhesion to rTGFBI. The RGD motif present in the carboxy-terminus of TGFBI is necessary, but not sufficient, for SKOV3 cell adhesion and is dispensable for adhesion of ovarian cancer cells lacking ß3 integrin expression. In contrast to TGFBI, the carboxy-terminus of periostin, lacking a RGD motif, is unable to support adhesion of ovarian cancer cells. Suppression of ß3 integrin in SKOV3 cells increases resistance to paclitaxel-induced cell death while suppression of ß1 integrin has no effect. Furthermore, suppression of TGFBI expression stimulates a paclitaxel resistant phenotype while suppression of fibronectin expression, which primarily signals through a ß1 integrin-mediated pathway, increases paclitaxel sensitivity. Therefore, different ECM components use distinct signaling mechanisms in ovarian cancer cells and in particular, TGFBI preferentially interacts through a ß3 integrin receptor mediated mechanism to regulate the response of cells to paclitaxel-induced cell death.

Mechanisms of integrin-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor cross-activation in angiogenesis.

PubMed

Mahabeleshwar, Ganapati H; Feng, Weiyi; Reddy, Kumar; Plow, Edward F; Byzova, Tatiana V

2007-09-14

The functional responses of endothelial cells are dependent on signaling from peptide growth factors and the cellular adhesion receptors, integrins. These include cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, which, in turn, are essential for more complex processes such as formation of the endothelial tube network during angiogenesis. This study identifies the molecular requirements for the cross-activation between beta3 integrin and tyrosine kinase receptor 2 for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor (VEGFR-2) on endothelium. The relationship between VEGFR-2 and beta3 integrin appears to be synergistic, because VEGFR-2 activation induces beta3 integrin tyrosine phosphorylation, which, in turn, is crucial for VEGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR-2. We demonstrate here that adhesion- and growth factor-induced beta3 integrin tyrosine phosphorylation are directly mediated by c-Src. VEGF-stimulated recruitment and activation of c-Src and subsequent beta3 integrin tyrosine phosphorylation are critical for interaction between VEGFR-2 and beta3 integrin. Moreover, c-Src mediates growth factor-induced beta3 integrin activation, ligand binding, beta3 integrin-dependent cell adhesion, directional migration of endothelial cells, and initiation of angiogenic programming in endothelial cells. Thus, the present study determines the molecular mechanisms and consequences of the synergism between 2 cell surface receptor systems, growth factor receptor and integrins, and opens new avenues for the development of pro- and antiangiogenic strategies.

Transformation of Arabidopsis with a Brassica SLG/SRK region and ARC1 gene is not sufficient to transfer the self-incompatibility phenotype.

PubMed

Bi, Y M; Brugière, N; Cui, Y; Goring, D R; Rothstein, S J

2000-05-01

Self-incompatibility (SI) promotes outbreeding in flowering plants, and in Brassica SI is genetically controlled by the S locus. Self-incompatible Brassica and self-fertile Arabidopsis belong to the same crucifer family. In addition, a comparative analysis reveals a high degree of microsynteny between the B. campestris S locus and its homologous region in Arabidopsis--with the notable exception that the Brassica SI genes, SLG and SRK, are missing. Brassica ARC1 encodes a component of the SRK signal transduction pathway leading to self-pollen rejection, and no closely related ARC1 homolog has been identified in Arabidopsis. The purpose of the research reported here was to introduce Brassica SI components into Arabidopsis in an attempt to compensate for the missing genes and to investigate whether the SI phenotype can be transferred. Inserts of approximately 40 kb from the fosmid clones F20 and F22, which span the B. napus W1 SLG-SRK region, were cloned into the plant transformation vector pBIBAC2. Transgenic plants were generated that expressed the Brassica SI genes in the flower buds. In addition, the endogenous, SLG-like, gene AtS1 was not co-suppressed by the Brassica SLG transgene. No SI phenotype was observed among the T1 BIBAC2-F20 and BIBAC2-F22 transgenic plants. When the ARC1 gene was transformed into BIBAC2-F20 or BIBAC2-F22 plants, the resulting BIBAC2-F20-ARC1 and BIBAC2-F22-ARC1 plants still set seeds normally, and no rejection response was observed when self-incompatible B. napus W1 pollen was placed on BIBAC2-F20-ARC1 or BIBAC2-F22-ARC1 Arabidopsis stigmas. Taken together, our results suggest that complementing Arabidopsis genome with Brassica SLG, SRK and ARC1 genes is unlikely to be sufficient to transfer the SI phenotype.

The fate of the recombinant DNA in corn during composting.

PubMed

Guan, Jiewen; Spencer, J Lloyd; Ma, Bao-Luo

2005-01-01

In order to make regulations that safeguard food and the environment, an understanding of the fate oftransgenes from genetically modified (GM) plants is of crucial importance. A compost experiment including mature transgenic corn plants and seeds of event Bt 176 (Zea mays L.) was conducted to trace the fate of the transgene cryIA(b) during the period of composting. In bin 1, shredded corn plants including seeds were composted above a layer of cow manure and samples from the corn layer were collected at intervals during a 12-month period. The samples were tested for the transgene persistence and microbial counts and also the compost was monitored for temperature. In bin 2, piles of corn seeds, surrounded by sheep manure and straw, were composted for 12 months. A method combining nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and southern hybridization was developed for detection of the transgene in compost. The detection sensitivity was 200 copies of the transgene per gram of dry composted corn material. Composting commenced on day 0, and the transgene was detected in specimens from bin 1 on days 0 and 7 but not on day 14 or thereafter. The transgene in corn seeds was not detectable after 12 months of composting in bin 2. Temperatures in both bins rose to about 50 degrees C within 2 weeks and remained above that temperature for about 3 months, even when the ambient temperature dropped below -20 degrees C. Extracts from compost were inoculated onto culture plates and then were incubated at 23 to 55 degrees C. Within the first 2 weeks of composting in bin 1, the counts of bacteria incubated at 55 degrees C increased from 3.5 to 7.5 log10, whereas those incubated at 23 degrees C remained at about 7.5 log10. The counts of fungi incubated at 45 degrees C increased slightly from 2.5 to 3.1 log10, but those incubated at 23 degrees C decreased from 6.3 to 3.0 log10. The rapid degradation of the transgene during composting of Bt corn plants suggested that the composting process could be used for safe disposal of transgenic plant wastes.

Role of Altered Sialylation of the I-Like Domain of β1 Integrin in the Binding of Fibronectin to β1 Integrin: Thermodynamics and Conformational Analyses

PubMed Central

Pan, Di; Song, Yuhua

2010-01-01

Abstract N-glycosylation of the I-like domain of β1 integrin plays an essential role in integrin structure and function, and the altered sialylation of β1 integrin regulates β1 integrin binding to fibronectin. However, the structural basis underlying the effect of altered sialylation of the β1 I-like domain on β1 integrin binding to fibronectin remains largely unknown. In this study, we used a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy analyses to investigate changes in binding thermodynamics and in conformation of the glycosylated β1 I-like domain-FN-III9-10 complex caused by altered sialylation of the β1 I-like domain. Binding free energy analyses showed that desialylation of β1 I-like domain increased β1 integrin binding to fibronectin, consistent with experimental results. Interaction analyses showed that altered sialylation of the β1 I-like domain resulted in significant changes in the interaction of the N-glycans of the I-like domain with both the I-like domain and fibronectin, and these changes could directly affect the allosteric regulation of the interaction between the I-like domain and fibronectin. Altered sialylation of the β1 I-like domain caused significant conformational changes in key functional sites of both the β1 I-like domain and fibronectin. In addition, altered sialylation of the β1 I-like domain resulted in changes in the degree of correlated motions between residues in the I-like domain and residues in fibronectin, and in the degree of motion changes in fibronectin, which could affect β1 integrin binding to fibronectin. We believe results from this study provide thermodynamic and structural evidence for a role of altered sialylation of β1 integrin in regulating β1 integrin binding to fibronectin and it's induced cellular activities. PMID:20655849

ABI-like transcription factor gene TaABL1 from wheat improves multiple abiotic stress tolerances in transgenic plants.

PubMed

Xu, Dong-Bei; Gao, Shi-Qing; Ma, You-Zhi; Xu, Zhao-Shi; Zhao, Chang-Ping; Tang, Yi-Miao; Li, Xue-Yin; Li, Lian-Cheng; Chen, Yao-Feng; Chen, Ming

2014-12-01

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays crucial roles in adaptive responses of plants to abiotic stresses. ABA-responsive element binding proteins (AREBs) are basic leucine zipper transcription factors that regulate the expression of downstream genes containing ABA-responsive elements (ABREs) in promoter regions. A novel ABI-like (ABA-insensitive) transcription factor gene, named TaABL1, containing a conserved basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain was cloned from wheat. Southern blotting showed that three copies were present in the wheat genome. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that TaABL1 belonged to the AREB subfamily of the bZIP transcription factor family and was most closely related to ZmABI5 in maize and OsAREB2 in rice. Expression of TaABL1 was highly induced in wheat roots, stems, and leaves by ABA, drought, high salt, and low temperature stresses. TaABL1 was localized inside the nuclei of transformed wheat mesophyll protoplast. Overexpression of TaABL1 enhanced responses of transgenic plants to ABA and hastened stomatal closure under stress, thereby improving tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. Furthermore, overexpression of TaABL1 upregulated or downregulated the expression of some stress-related genes controlling stomatal closure in transgenic plants under ABA and drought stress conditions, suggesting that TaABL1 might be a valuable genetic resource for transgenic molecular breeding.

[Screening of full human anthrax lethal factor neutralizing antibody in transgenic mice].

PubMed

Wang, Xiaolin; Chi, Xiangyang; Liu, Ju; Liu, Weicen; Liu, Shuling; Qiu, Shunfang; Wen, Zhonghua; Fan, Pengfei; Liu, Kun; Song, Xiaohong; Fu, Ling; Zhang, Jun; Yu, Changming

2016-11-25

Anthrax is a highly lethal infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The major virulence factor of B. anthracis consists of protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF). PA binds with LF to form lethal toxin (LT), and PA binds with EF to form edema toxin (ET). Antibiotics is hard to work in advanced anthrax infections, because injuries and deaths of the infected are mainly caused by lethal toxin (LT). Thus, the therapeutic neutralizing antibody is the most effective treatment of anthrax. Currently most of the anthrax toxin antibodies are monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for PA and US FDA has approved ABTHRAX humanized PA monoclonal antibody for the treatment of inhalational anthrax. Once B. anthracis was artificially reconstructed or PA had mutations within recognized neutralization epitopes, anti-PA MAbs would no longer be effective. Therefore, anti-LF MAbs is an important supplement for anthrax treatment. Most of the anti-LF antibodies are murine or chimeric antibodies. By contrast, fully human MAbs can avoid the high immunogenicity of murine antibodies. First, we used LF to immunize the transgenic mice and used fluorescent cell sorting to get antigen-specific memory B cells from transgenic mice spleen lymphocytes. By single cell PCR method, we quickly found two strains of anti-LF MAbs with binding activity, 1D7 and 2B9. Transiently transfected Expi 293F cells to obtain MAbs protein after purification. Both 1D7 and 2B9 efficiently neutralized LT in vitro, and had good synergistic effect when mixed with anti-PA MAbs. In summary, combining the advantages of transgenic mice, fluorescent cell sorting and single-cell PCR methods, this study shows new ideas and methods for the rapid screening of fully human monoclonal antibodies.

Agrobacterium-transformed rice plants expressing synthetic cryIA(b) and cryIA(c) genes are highly toxic to striped stem borer and yellow stem borer.

PubMed

Cheng, X; Sardana, R; Kaplan, H; Altosaar, I

1998-03-17

Over 2,600 transgenic rice plants in nine strains were regenerated from >500 independently selected hygromycin-resistant calli after Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The plants were transformed with fully modified (plant codon optimized) versions of two synthetic cryIA(b) and cryIA(c) coding sequences from Bacillus thuringiensis as well as the hph and gus genes, coding for hygromycin phosphotransferase and beta-glucuronidase, respectively. These sequences were placed under control of the maize ubiquitin promoter, the CaMV35S promoter, and the Brassica Bp10 gene promoter to achieve high and tissue-specific expression of the lepidopteran-specific delta-endotoxins. The integration, expression, and inheritance of these genes were demonstrated in R0 and R1 generations by Southern, Northern, and Western analyses and by other techniques. Accumulation of high levels (up to 3% of soluble proteins) of CryIA(b) and CryIA(c) proteins was detected in R0 plants. Bioassays with R1 transgenic plants indicated that the transgenic plants were highly toxic to two major rice insect pests, striped stem borer (Chilo suppressalis) and yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), with mortalities of 97-100% within 5 days after infestation, thus offering a potential for effective insect resistance in transgenic rice plants.

The responses of crop - wild Brassica hybrids to simulated herbivory and interspecific competition: implications for transgene introgression.

PubMed

Sutherland, Jamie P; Justinova, Lenka; Poppy, Guy M

2006-01-01

Brassica rapa grows as a wild and weedy species throughout the world and is the most likely recipient of transgenes from GM oilseed rape. For transgene introgression to occur, the critical step which must be realized, is the formation of an F1 hybrid. Concerns exist that hybrid populations could be more vigorous and competitive compared to the parental species. This study examines the effect of simulated herbivory and interspecific competition on the vegetative and reproductive performance of non-transgenic F1 hybrids and their parental lines. Several vegetative and reproductive performance measures were used to determine the effect of simulated herbivory and competition on the Brassica lines, including leaf length and biomass for herbivory and seedling height and biomass for competition. For defoliation experiments, B. rapa showed little response in terms of leaf length but B. napus and the F1 hybrid responded negatively. Brassica rapa showed elevated biomass responses, but B. napus and the hybrid demonstrated negative responses to defoliation. Defoliation at the cotyledon stage had a slight effect upon final biomass with the F1 hybrid performing significantly worse than B. napus, although seed counts were not significantly different. For the series of competition experiments, hybrids seemed to be more similar to B. rapa in terms of early seedling growth and reproductive measures. The underperformance of hybrid plants when challenged by herbivory and competition, could potentially decrease survivorship and explain the rarity of hybrids in field surveys. However, should transgene introgression occur, the dynamics of hybrids could change radically thus increasing the risk of gene flow from a transgenic oilseed rape crop to the wild recipient.

Expression of laminin-5 and integrins in actinic cheilitis and superficially invasive squamous cell carcinomas of the lip.

PubMed

Peixoto da-Silva, Janaína; Lourenço, Silvia; Nico, Marcello; Silva, Filomena H; Martins, Marília Trierveiler; Costa-Neves, Adriana

2012-10-15

The progression of carcinogenesis entails the detachment of cells, invasion and migration of neoplastic cells. Alterations in epithelial adhesion and basement membrane proteins might mediate the early stages of carcinogenesis. This study investigated the expression of adhesion molecules and the basement membrane protein laminin-5 in actinic cheilitis (AC) and incipient squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip to understand early photocarcinogenesis. Ln-5γ2 chain as well as α3, β1 subunits of α3β1 heterodimer and β4 subunit of integrin α6β4 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 16 cases of AC and 16 cases of superficially invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SISCC). Most AC cases showed reduced expression of β1, β4 and α3 integrins, and SISCCs lacked β1, β4 and α3 integrins in the invasive front. AC cases were negative for the Ln-5γ2 chain. Five cases of SISCC (31%) showed heterogeneous Ln-5γ2 chain expression in the invasive front of the tumor. Integrin β1, β4 and α3 expression is lost during the early stages of lip carcinogenesis. Expression of Ln-5γ2 in the invasive front in cases and its correlation with tumor progression suggest that it mediates the acquisition of the migrating and invading epithelial cell phenotype. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The Integrin Receptor in Biologically Relevant Bilayers: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

PubMed

Kalli, Antreas C; Rog, Tomasz; Vattulainen, Ilpo; Campbell, Iain D; Sansom, Mark S P

2017-08-01

Integrins are heterodimeric (αβ) cell surface receptors that are potential therapeutic targets for a number of diseases. Despite the existence of structural data for all parts of integrins, the structure of the complete integrin receptor is still not available. We have used available structural data to construct a model of the complete integrin receptor in complex with talin F2-F3 domain. It has been shown that the interactions of integrins with their lipid environment are crucial for their function but details of the integrin/lipid interactions remain elusive. In this study an integrin/talin complex was inserted in biologically relevant bilayers that resemble the cell plasma membrane containing zwitterionic and charged phospholipids, cholesterol and sphingolipids to study the dynamics of the integrin receptor and its effect on bilayer structure and dynamics. The results of this study demonstrate the dynamic nature of the integrin receptor and suggest that the presence of the integrin receptor alters the lipid organization between the two leaflets of the bilayer. In particular, our results suggest elevated density of cholesterol and of phosphatidylserine lipids around the integrin/talin complex and a slowing down of lipids in an annulus of ~30 Å around the protein due to interactions between the lipids and the integrin/talin F2-F3 complex. This may in part regulate the interactions of integrins with other related proteins or integrin clustering thus facilitating signal transduction across cell membranes.

Tensin stabilizes integrin adhesive contacts in Drosophila.

PubMed

Torgler, Catherine N; Narasimha, Maithreyi; Knox, Andrea L; Zervas, Christos G; Vernon, Matthew C; Brown, Nicholas H

2004-03-01

We report the functional characterization of the Drosophila ortholog of tensin, a protein implicated in linking integrins to the cytoskeleton and signaling pathways. A tensin null was generated and is viable with wing blisters, a phenotype characteristic of loss of integrin adhesion. In tensin mutants, mechanical abrasion is required during wing expansion to cause wing blisters, suggesting that tensin strengthens integrin adhesion. The localization of tensin requires integrins, talin, and integrin-linked kinase. The N-terminal domain and C-terminal PTB domain of tensin provide essential recruitment signals. The intervening SH2 domain is not localized on its own. We suggest a model where tensin is recruited to sites of integrin adhesion via its PTB and N-terminal domains, localizing the SH2 domain so that it can interact with phosphotyrosine-containing proteins, which stabilize the integrin link to the cytoskeleton.

9-cis-Retinoic Acid Promotes Cell Adhesion Through Integrin Dependent and Independent Mechanisms Across Immune Lineages

PubMed Central

Whelan, Jarrett T.; Chen, Jianming; Miller, Jabin; Morrow, Rebekah L.; Lingo, Joshuah D.; Merrell, Kaitlin; Shaikh, Saame Raza; Bridges, Lance C.

2012-01-01

Retinoids are essential in the proper establishment and maintenance of immunity. Although retinoids are implicated in immune related processes, their role in immune cell adhesion has not been well established. In this study, the effect of 9-cis-retinoic acid (9-cis-RA) on human hematopoietic cell adhesion was investigated. 9-cis-RA treatment specifically induced cell adhesion of the human immune cell lines HuT-78, NB4, RPMI 8866, and U937. Due to the prominent role of integrin receptors in mediating immune cell adhesion, we sought to evaluate if cell adhesion was integrin-dependent. By employing a variety of integrin antagonist including function-blocking antibodies and EDTA, we establish that 9-cis-RA prompts immune cell adhesion through established integrin receptors in addition to a novel integrin-independent process. The novel integrin-independent adhesion required the presence of retinoid and was attenuated by treatment with synthetic corticosteroids. Finally, we demonstrate that 9-cis-RA treatment of primary murine B-cells induces ex vivo adhesion that persists in the absence of integrin function. Our study is the first to demonstrate that 9-cis-retinoic acid influences immune cell adhesion through at least two functionally distinct mechanisms. PMID:22925918

Chronic low dose ethanol induces an aggressive metastatic phenotype in TRAMP mice, which is counteracted by parthenolide.

PubMed

Morel, Katherine L; Ormsby, Rebecca J; Solly, Emma L; Tran, Linh N K; Sweeney, Christopher J; Klebe, Sonja; Cordes, Nils; Sykes, Pamela J

2018-06-23

Despite advances in prostate cancer therapy, dissemination and growth of metastases results in shortened survival. Here we examined the potential anti-cancer effect of the NF-κB inhibitor parthenolide (PTL) and its water soluble analogue dimethylaminoparthenolide (DMAPT) on tumour progression and metastasis in the TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) model of prostate cancer. Six-week-old male TRAMP mice received PTL (40 mg/kg in 10% ethanol/saline), DMAPT (100 mg/kg in sterile water), or vehicle controls by oral gavage thrice weekly until palpable tumour formation. DMAPT treatment slowed normal tumour development in TRAMP mice, extending the time-to-palpable prostate tumour by 20%. PTL did not slow overall tumour development, while the ethanol/saline vehicle used to administer PTL unexpectedly induced an aggressive metastatic tumour phenotype. Chronic ethanol/saline vehicle upregulated expression of NF-κB, MMP2, integrin β1, collagen IV, and laminin, and induced vascular basement membrane degradation in primary prostate tumours, as well as increased metastatic spread to the lung and liver. All of these changes were largely prevented by co-administration with PTL. DMAPT (in water) reduced metastasis to below that of water-control. These data suggest that DMAPT has the potential to be used as a cancer preventive and anti-metastatic therapy for prostate cancer. Although low levels of ethanol consumption have not been shown to strongly correlate with prostate cancer epidemiology, these results would support a potential effect of chronic low dose ethanol on metastasis and the TRAMP model provides a useful system in which to further explore the mechanisms involved.

Glycosylation controls cooperative PECAM-VEGFR2-β3 integrin functions at the endothelial surface for tumor angiogenesis.

PubMed

Imamaki, Rie; Ogawa, Kazuko; Kizuka, Yasuhiko; Komi, Yusuke; Kojima, Soichi; Kotani, Norihiro; Honke, Koichi; Honda, Takashi; Taniguchi, Naoyuki; Kitazume, Shinobu

2018-05-02

Most of the angiogenesis inhibitors clinically used in cancer treatment target the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) pathway. However, the current strategies for treating angiogenesis have limited efficacy. The issue of how to treat angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction in cancer remains a matter of substantial debate. Here we demonstrate a glycosylation-dependent regulatory mechanism for tumor angiogenesis. St6gal1 -/- mice, lacking the α2,6-sialylation enzyme, were shown to exhibit impaired tumor angiogenesis through enhanced endothelial apoptosis. In a previous study, St6gal1 -/- endothelial cells exhibited a reduction in the cell surface residency of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM). In this study, we found that cooperative functionality of PECAM-VEGFR2-integrin β3 was disturbed in St6gal1 -/- mice. First, cell surface PECAM-VEGFR2 complexes were lost, and both VEGFR2 internalization and the VEGFR-dependent signaling pathway were enhanced. Second, enhanced anoikis was observed, suggesting that the absence of α2,6-sialic acid leads to dysregulated integrin signaling. Notably, ectopic expression of PECAM increased cell surface integrin-β3, indicating that the reduction of cell surface integrin-β3 involves loss-of-endothelial PECAM. The results suggest that the cell surface stability of these glycoproteins is significantly reduced by the lack of α2,6-sialic acid, leading to abnormal signal transduction. The present findings highlight that α2,6-sialylation is critically involved in endothelial survival by controlling the cell surface stability and signal transduction of angiogenic molecules, and could be a novel target for anti-angiogenesis therapy.

Cardiac integrins the ties that bind.

PubMed

Simpson, D G; Reaves, T A; Shih, D T; Burgess, W; Borg, T K; Terracio, L

1998-01-01

An elaborate series of morphogenetic events must be precisely coordinated during development to promote the formation of the elaborate three-dimensional structure of the normal heart. In this study we focus on discussing how interconnections between the cardiac myocyte and its surrounding environment regulate cardiac form and function. In vitro experiments from our laboratories provide direct evidence that cardiac cell shape is regulated by a dynamic interaction between constituents of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and by specific members of the integrin family of matrix receptors. Our data indicates that phenotypic information is stored in the tertiary structure and chemical identity of the ECM. This information appears to be actively communicated and transduced by the α1β1 integrin molecule into an intracellular signal that regulates cardiac cell shape and myofibrillar organization. In this study we have assessed the phenotypic consequences of suppressing the expression and accumulation of the α1 integrin molecule in aligned cultures of cardiac myocytes. In related experiments we have examined how the overexpression of α2 and α5 integrin, integrins normally not present or present at very low copy number on the cell surface of neonatal cardiac myocytes, affect cardiac protein metabolism. We also consider how biochemical signals and the mechanical signals mediated by the integrins may converge on common intracellular signaling pathways in the heart. Experiments with the whole embryo culture system indicate that angiotensin II, a peptide that carries information concerning cardiac load, plays a role in controling cardiac looping and the proliferation of myofibrils during development.

NFκB-Induced Periostin Activates Integrin-β3 Signaling to Promote Renal Injury in GN

PubMed Central

Prakoura, Niki; Kavvadas, Panagiotis; Kormann, Raphaёl; Dussaule, Jean-Claude; Chadjichristos, Christos E.

2017-01-01

De novo expression in the kidney of periostin, a protein involved in odontogenesis and osteogenesis, has been suggested as a biomarker of renal disease. In this study, we investigated the mechanism(s) of induction and the role of periostin in renal disease. Using a combination of bioinformatics, reporter assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses, we found that NFκB and other proinflammatory transcription factors induce periostin expression in vitro and that binding of these factors on the periostin promoter is enriched in glomeruli during experimental GN. Mice lacking expression of periostin displayed preserved renal function and structure during GN. Furthermore, delayed administration of periostin antisense oligonucleotides in wild-type animals with GN reversed already established proteinuria, diminished tissue inflammation, and improved renal structure. Lack of periostin expression also blunted the de novo renal expression of integrin-β3 and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and AKT, known mediators of integrin-β3 signaling that affect cell motility and survival, observed during GN in wild-type animals. In vitro, recombinant periostin increased the expression of integrin-β3 and the concomitant phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and AKT in podocytes. Notably, periostin and integrin-β3 were highly colocalized in biopsy specimens from patients with inflammatory GN. These results demonstrate that interplay between periostin and renal inflammation orchestrates inflammatory and fibrotic responses, driving podocyte damage through downstream activation of integrin-β3 signaling. Targeting periostin may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating CKD. PMID:27920156

A ligand-specific blockade of the integrin Mac-1 selectively targets pathologic inflammation while maintaining protective host-defense.

PubMed

Wolf, Dennis; Anto-Michel, Nathaly; Blankenbach, Hermann; Wiedemann, Ansgar; Buscher, Konrad; Hohmann, Jan David; Lim, Bock; Bäuml, Marina; Marki, Alex; Mauler, Maximilian; Duerschmied, Daniel; Fan, Zhichao; Winkels, Holger; Sidler, Daniel; Diehl, Philipp; Zajonc, Dirk M; Hilgendorf, Ingo; Stachon, Peter; Marchini, Timoteo; Willecke, Florian; Schell, Maximilian; Sommer, Björn; von Zur Muhlen, Constantin; Reinöhl, Jochen; Gerhardt, Teresa; Plow, Edward F; Yakubenko, Valentin; Libby, Peter; Bode, Christoph; Ley, Klaus; Peter, Karlheinz; Zirlik, Andreas

2018-02-06

Integrin-based therapeutics have garnered considerable interest in the medical treatment of inflammation. Integrins mediate the fast recruitment of monocytes and neutrophils to the site of inflammation, but are also required for host defense, limiting their therapeutic use. Here, we report a novel monoclonal antibody, anti-M7, that specifically blocks the interaction of the integrin Mac-1 with its pro-inflammatory ligand CD40L, while not interfering with alternative ligands. Anti-M7 selectively reduces leukocyte recruitment in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, conventional anti-Mac-1 therapy is not specific and blocks a broad repertoire of integrin functionality, inhibits phagocytosis, promotes apoptosis, and fuels a cytokine storm in vivo. Whereas conventional anti-integrin therapy potentiates bacterial sepsis, bacteremia, and mortality, a ligand-specific intervention with anti-M7 is protective. These findings deepen our understanding of ligand-specific integrin functions and open a path for a new field of ligand-targeted anti-integrin therapy to prevent inflammatory conditions.

Muscle fiber-type conversion in the transgenic pigs with overexpression of PGC1α gene in muscle.

PubMed

Ying, Fei; Zhang, Liang; Bu, Guowei; Xiong, Yuanzhu; Zuo, Bo

2016-11-25

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, co-activator 1 alpha(PGC1α) effectively induced the biosynthesis of the mitochondria and the energy metabolism, and also regulated the muscle fiber-type shift. Overexpression of PGC1α gene in mice led to higher oxidative muscle fiber composition in muscle. However, no researches about the significant differences of muscle fiber phenotype in pigs after PGC1α overexpression had been reported. The composition of muscle fiber-types which were distinguished by four myosin heavy chain(MYHC) isoforms, can significantly affect the muscle functions. In our study, we generated the transgenic pigs to investigate the effect of overexpression of PGC1α gene on muscle fiber-type conversion. The results showed that the number of oxidative muscle fiber(type1 muscle fiber) was increased and the number of glycolytic muscle fiber(type2b muscle fiber) was decreased in the transgenic pigs. Furthermore, we found that PGC1α overexpression up-regulated the expression of MYHC1 and MYHC2a and down-regulated the expression of MYHC2b.The analysis of genes expression demonstrated the main differentially expressed genes were MSTN, Myog and FOXO1. In conclusion, the overexpression of PGC1α gene can promote the glycolytic muscle fiber transform to the oxidative muscle fiber in pigs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.