PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Ambra Pozzi

Publications and source records attributed to Ambra Pozzi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Transforming growth factor beta receptor type II inactivation induces the malignant transformation of intestinal neoplasms initiated by Apc mutation.

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway is a tumor-suppressor pathway that is commonly inactivated in colon cancer. TGF-beta is a secreted ligand that mediates its effects through a transmembrane heteromeric receptor complex, which consists of type I (TGFBR1) and type II subunits (TGFBR2). Approximately 30% of colon cancers carry TGFBR2 mutations, demonstrating that it is a common target for mutational inactivation in this cancer. To assess the functional role of TGFBR2 inactivation in the multistep progression sequence of colon cancer, we generated a mouse model that recapitulates two common genetic events observed in human colon cancer by mating Apc(1638N/wt) mice with mice that are null for Tgfbr2 in the intestinal epithelium, Villin-Cre;Tgfbr2(E2flx/E2flx) mice. In this model, we observed a dramatic increase in the number of intestinal adenocarcinomas in the Apc(1638N/wt);Villin-Cre;Tgfbr2(E2flx/E2flx) mice (called Apc(1638N/wt);Tgfbr2(IEKO)) compared with those mice with intact Tgfbr2 (Apc(1638N/wt);Tgfbr2(E2flx/E2flx)). Additionally, in vitro analyses of epithelial tumor cells derived from the Apc(1638N/wt);Tgfbr2(IEKO) mice showed enhanced expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2 and MMP-9, as well as increased TGF-beta1 secretion in the conditioned medium. Similarly, primary tumor tissues from the Apc(1638N/wt);Tgfbr2(IEKO) mice also showed elevated amounts of TGF-beta1 as well as higher MMP-2 activity in comparison with Apc(1638N/wt);Tgfbr2(E2flx/E2flx)-derived tumors. Thus, loss of TGFBR2 in intestinal epithelial cells promotes the invasion and malignant transformation of tumors initiated by Apc mutation, providing evidence that Wnt signaling deregulation and TGF-beta signaling inactivation cooperate to drive the initiation and progression, respectively, of intestinal cancers in vivo.

Animals↗

Integrin alpha2beta1 is required for regulation of murine wound angiogenesis but is dispensable for reepithelialization.

The alpha2beta1 integrin functions as the major receptor for collagen type I on a large number of different cell types, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and a variety of inflammatory cells. Recently, we demonstrated that adhesion of keratinocytes to collagen critically depends on alpha2beta1, whereas fibroblasts can partly compensate for loss of alpha2beta1 in simple adhesion to collagen. However, in three-dimensional collagen matrices, alpha2beta1-null fibroblasts are hampered in generating mechanical forces. These data suggested a pivotal role for alpha2beta1 during wound healing in vivo. Unexpectedly, reepithelialization of excisional wounds of alpha2beta1-null mice was not impaired, indicating that keratinocytes do not require adhesion to or migration on collagen for wound closure. Whereas wound contraction and myofibroblast differentiation were similar, wound tensile strain was reduced in alpha2beta1-null mice, suggesting subtle changes in organization of the extracellular matrix. In addition, we observed reduced influx of mast cells into the granulation tissue, whereas infiltration of other inflammatory cells was not impaired. Interestingly, ablation of alpha2beta1 resulted in strong enhancement of neovascularization of granulation tissue and sponge implants. Both ultrastructurally and functionally, these new blood vessels appeared intact. In conclusion, our data show unique and overlapping functions of alpha2beta1 integrin during murine cutaneous wound healing.

Animals↗

Analysis of host- and tumor-derived proteinases using a custom dual species microarray reveals a protective role for stromal matrix metalloproteinase-12 in non-small cell lung cancer.

We used a customized Affymetrix protease microarray (Hu/Mu ProtIn chip) designed to distinguish human and mouse genes to analyze the expression of proteases and protease inhibitors in lung cancer. Using an orthotopic lung cancer model, we showed that murine matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12, MMP-13, and cathepsin K were up-regulated in tumor tissue compared with normal mouse lung. To determine the relevance of stromal proteases detected using this model system, we compared the results to an analysis of human lung adenocarcinoma specimens using the U133 Plus 2.0 Affymetrix microarray. MMP-12, MMP-13, and cathepsin K showed an increase in expression in human tumors compared with normal lung similar to that seen in the orthotopic model. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed MMP-12 expression in the stroma of human lung tumor samples. To determine the biological relevance of stromal MMP-12, murine Lewis lung carcinoma cells were injected into the tail vein of syngeneic wild-type (WT) and MMP-12-null mice. MMP-12-null and WT mice developed equivalent numbers of lung tumors; however, there was a 2-fold increase in the number of tumors that reached >2 mm in diameter in MMP-12-null mice compared with WT controls. The increase in tumor size correlated with an increase in CD31-positive blood vessels and a decrease in circulating levels of the K1-K4 species of angiostatin. These results show a protective role for stromal MMP-12 in lung tumor growth. The use of the Hu/Mu ProtIn chip allows us to distinguish tumor- and host-derived proteases and guides the further analysis of the significance of these genes in tumor progression.

Animals↗

Angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker restores podocyte potential to promote glomerular endothelial cell growth.

Both podocytes and glomerular endothelial cells (GEN) are postulated to play important roles in the progression and potential regression of glomerulosclerosis. Inhibition of angiotensin is crucial in treatment of chronic kidney disease, presumably via effects on BP and extracellular matrix. This study aimed to investigate how angiotensin inhibition altered the interactions between podocytes and GEN. The effects of supernatants from primary cultured mouse podocytes, before or after sublethal injury by puromycin aminonucleoside, in the presence or absence of angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker (ARB), on GEN sprouting and growth were assessed. Supernatant from normal podocytes significantly increased GEN sprouting, whereas puromycin aminonucleoside-injured podocyte supernatant decreased these GEN responses. These effects were linked to decreased vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) protein from injured podocytes. This downregulation of VEGF-A and Ang-1 protein was reversed when injured podocytes were treated with ARB. Inhibition of VEGF-A or Ang-1 prevented this restored response by ARB. Activation of intracellular kinases (p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and AKT) was suppressed in GEN that were treated with medium from injured podocytes but restored by medium from ARB-treated injured podocytes. Therefore, injured podocytes are ineffective in promoting GEN sprouting, and this effect is reversed by ARB treatment of the injured podocyte. These data support the idea that ARB effects on podocytes may mediate capillary remodeling in vivo.

Angiopoietin-1↗

Integrin alpha3beta1, a novel receptor for alpha3(IV) noncollagenous domain and a trans-dominant Inhibitor for integrin alphavbeta3.

Exogenous soluble human alpha3 noncollagenous (NC1) domain of collagen IV inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth. These biological functions are attributed to the binding of alpha3NC1 to integrin alphavbeta3. However, in some tumor cells that express integrin alphavbeta3, the alpha3NC1 domain does not inhibit proliferation, suggesting that integrin alphavbeta3 expression is not sufficient to mediate the anti-tumorigenic activity of this domain. Therefore, in the present study, we searched for novel binding receptors for the soluble alpha3NC1 domain in cells lacking alphavbeta3 integrin. In these cells, soluble alpha3NC1 bound integrin alpha3beta1; however, unlike alphavbeta3, alpha3beta1 integrin did not mediate cell adhesion to immobilized alpha3NC1 domain. Interestingly, in cells lacking integrin alpha3beta1, adhesion to the alpha3NC1 domain was enhanced due to activation of integrin alphavbeta3. These findings indicate that integrin alpha3beta1 is a receptor for the alpha3NC1 domain and transdominantly inhibits integrin alphavbeta3 activation. Thus integrin alpha3beta1, in conjunction with integrin alphavbeta3, modulates cellular responses to the alpha3NC1 domain, which may be pivotal in the mechanism underpinning its anti-angiogenic and anti-tumorigenic activities.

Cell Adhesion↗

Salt-sensitive hypertension is associated with dysfunctional Cyp4a10 gene and kidney epithelial sodium channel.

Functional and biochemical data have suggested a role for the cytochrome P450 arachidonate monooxygenases in the pathophysiology of hypertension, a leading cause of cardiovascular, cerebral, and renal morbidity and mortality. We show here that disruption of the murine cytochrome P450, family 4, subfamily a, polypeptide 10 (Cyp4a10) gene causes a type of hypertension that is, like most human hypertension, dietary salt sensitive. Cyp4a10-/- mice fed low-salt diets were normotensive but became hypertensive when fed normal or high-salt diets. Hypertensive Cyp4a10-/- mice had a dysfunctional kidney epithelial sodium channel and became normotensive when administered amiloride, a selective inhibitor of this sodium channel. These studies (a) establish a physiological role for the arachidonate monooxygenases in renal sodium reabsorption and blood pressure regulation, (b) demonstrate that a dysfunctional Cyp4a10 gene causes alterations in the gating activity of the kidney epithelial sodium channel, and (c) identify a conceptually novel approach for studies of the molecular basis of human hypertension. It is expected that these results could lead to new strategies for the early diagnosis and clinical management of this devastating disease.

Amiloride↗

H-Ras, R-Ras, and TC21 differentially regulate ureteric bud cell branching morphogenesis.

The collecting system of the kidney, derived from the ureteric bud (UB), undergoes repetitive bifid branching events during early development followed by a phase of tubular growth and elongation. Although members of the Ras GTPase family control cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and migration, their role in development of the collecting system of the kidney is unexplored. In this study, we demonstrate that members of the R-Ras family of proteins, R-Ras and TC21, are expressed in the murine collecting system at E13.5, whereas H-Ras is only detected at day E17.5. Using murine UB cells expressing activated H-Ras, R-Ras, and TC21, we demonstrate that R-Ras-expressing cells show increased branching morphogenesis and cell growth, TC21-expressing cells branch excessively but lose their ability to migrate, whereas H-Ras-expressing cells migrated the most and formed long unbranched tubules. These differences in branching morphogenesis are mediated by differential regulation/activation of the Rho family of GTPases and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Because most branching of the UB occurs early in development, it is conceivable that R-Ras and TC-21 play a role in facilitating branching and growth in early UB development, whereas H-Ras might favor cell migration and elongation of tubules, events that occur later in development.

Animals↗

Production and characterization of mouse ureteric bud cell-specific rat hybridoma antibodies utilizing subtractive immunization and high-throughput screening.

The highly branched collecting system of the kidney arises developmentally from the ureteric bud (UB) by a process of branching morphogenesis. This process is critical for the normal development of the collecting ducts and pelvis of the kidney, and is tightly controlled by the spatial and temporal expression of numerous proteins. To identify cell proteins that are differentially expressed by the UB relative to those expressed by the highly differentiated collecting ducts of the adult kidney, two mouse cell populations derived from either the early UB or the adult inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) were used. A subtractive immunization strategy was performed in rats to generate monoclonal antibodies that preferentially reacted with antigens on UB, but not IMCD cells. In addition, the technique of antibody printing, a novel high-throughput antibody screening method for determining the specificities of a large number of monoclonal antibodies, is described. The methodologies outlined in this manuscript have broad applicability as they demonstrate that subtractive immunization can be performed in rats with cells derived from mice. Additionally, the high-throughput screening methods should facilitate the use of subtractive immunization for identifying antibodies that can distinguish differences in proteins expressed in closely related cell types.

Animals↗

Role of integrin alpha1beta1 in the regulation of renal medullary osmolyte concentration.

The mechanism by which cells sense extracellular tonicity and trigger the accumulation of protective organic osmolytes is poorly understood. It has been proposed that changes in cell volume following alteration of extracellular toncity are important initiators of signaling events that lead to osmolyte accumulation. Because the extracellular matrix receptors integrins are linked to the cytoskeleton and can transduce signals that alter cell behavior, we investigated the role of these receptors in the modulation of osmolyte accumulation in the kidney medulla under different osmotic conditions. We show that integrin alpha1-null mice have impaired ability to accumulate organic osmolytes in the inner medulla due to altered signaling and decreased induction of osmolyte transporters or aldose reductase gene transcription. Utilizing inner medullary collecting duct cells, we demonstrate that the lack of integrin alpha1beta1 results in an impaired ability to induce the tonicity enhancer-binding protein TonEBP under hypertonic conditions. Furthermore, under the same conditions, integrin alpha1-null cells show prolonged ERK1/2 phosphorylation and decreased inositol uptake compared with control cells. The reduction of inositol uptake is significantly reversed by treatment with the MEK inhibitor PD-98059. Finally, integrin alpha1-null mice develop morphological changes of early tubular necrosis and increased apoptosis of renal medullary cells following dehydration. Together, these results show that integrin alpha1beta1 is an important mediator of the compatible osmolyte response in the medulla of the mammalian kidney.

Aldehyde Reductase↗

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 promotes pulmonary vascular remodeling in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.

We show that 1 of the type II bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor ligands, BMP4, is widely expressed in the adult mouse lung and is upregulated in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH). Furthermore, heterozygous null Bmp4(lacZ/+) mice are protected from the development of hypoxia-induced PH, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and vascular remodeling. This is associated with a reduction in hypoxia-induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and Id1 expression in the pulmonary vasculature. In addition, pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells secrete BMP4 in response to hypoxia and promote proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in a BMP4-dependent fashion. These findings indicate that BMP4 plays a dominant role in regulating BMP signaling in the hypoxic pulmonary vasculature and suggest that endothelium-derived BMP4 plays a direct, paracrine role in promoting smooth muscle proliferation and remodeling in hypoxic PH.

Animals↗

Increased plasma MMP9 in integrin alpha1-null mice enhances lung metastasis of colon carcinoma cells.

Inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were developed as anticancer agents based on the observation that MMPs facilitate local tumor spread and metastasis by promoting matrix degradation and cell migration. Unfortunately, these inhibitors were unsuccessful in the clinical treatment of several cancers, including lung cancer. A possible reason contributing to their failure is that MMP activity is critical for the generation of inhibitors of tumor angiogenesis, including angiostatin. Thus, MMPs might play opposing roles in tumor vascularization and invasion. To determine which effect of elevated MMP levels dominates in the progression of metastatic cancer, experimental lung metastasis assays were performed in integrin alpha1-null mice, a genetic model for increased plasma levels of MMP9 and MMP9-generated angiostatin (Pozzi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2000;97:2202-7). We show that while the number of lung colonies in integrin alpha1-null mice was significantly increased compared to their wild-type counterparts, tumor volume was markedly reduced. In vivo treatment with the MMP inhibitor doxycycline resulted in a significant decrease in the number of lung colonies in both genotypes, but the tumors that formed were bigger and more vascularized. Increased tumor vascularization paralleled decreased plasma levels of MMP9 and consequent decreased angiostatin synthesis. These results demonstrate that while inhibition of MMPs prevents and/or reduces tumor invasion and lung metastasis, it has the paradoxical effect of increasing the size and vascularization of metastatic tumors due to decreased generation of inhibitors of endothelial cell proliferation. The continued growth of these large well-vascularized tumors may explain the poor efficacy of MMP inhibitors in lung cancer clinical trials.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

Characterization of 5,6- and 8,9-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (5,6- and 8,9-EET) as potent in vivo angiogenic lipids.

The cytochrome P450 arachidonic acid epoxygenase metabolites, the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are powerful, nonregioselective, stimulators of cell proliferation. In this study we compared the ability of the four EETs (5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-EETs) to regulate endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo and determined the molecular mechanism by which EETs control these events. Inhibition of the epoxygenase blocked serum-induced endothelial cell proliferation, and exogenously added EETs rescued cell proliferation from epoxygenase inhibition. Studies with selective ERK, p38 MAPK, or PI3K inhibitors revealed that whereas activation of p38 MAPK is required for the proliferative responses to 8,9- and 11,12-EET, activation of PI3K is necessary for the cell proliferation induced by 5,6- and 14,15-EET. Among the four EETs, only 5,6- and 8,9-EET are capable of promoting endothelial cell migration and the formation of capillary-like structures, events that are dependent on EET-mediated activation of ERK and PI3K. Using subcutaneous sponge models, we showed that 5,6- and 8,9-EET are pro-angiogenic in mice and that their neo-vascularization effects are enhanced by the co-administration of an inhibitor of EET enzymatic hydration, presumably because of reduced EET metabolism and inactivation. These studies identify 5,6- and 8,9-EET as powerful and selective angiogenic lipids, provide a functional link between the EET proliferative chemotactic properties and their angiogenic activity, and suggest a physiological role for them in angiogenesis and de novo vascularization.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

Endo180 binds to the C-terminal region of type I collagen.

Type I collagen is a fibril-forming heterotrimer composed of two alpha1 and one alpha2 chains and plays a crucial role in cell-matrix adhesion and cell differentiation. Through a comprehensive differential display screening of oncogenic ras target genes, we have shown that the alpha1 chain of type I collagen (col1a1) is markedly down-regulated by the ras oncogene through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Although ras-transformed cells are no longer able to produce and secrete endogenous collagen, they can still adhere to exogenous collagen, suggesting that the cells express a collagen binding factor(s) on the cell surface. When the region of col1a1 encompassing the C-terminal glycine repeat and C-prodomain (amino acids 1000-1453) was affinity-labeled with human placental alkaline phosphatase, the secreted trimeric fusion protein could bind to the surface of Ras-transformed cells. Using biochemical purification followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry analysis, we identified this collagen binding factor as Endo180 (uPARAP, CD280), a member of the mannose receptor family. Ectopic expression of Endo180 in CosE5 cells followed by in situ staining and quantitative binding assays confirmed that Endo180 indeed recognizes and binds to placental alkaline phosphatase. The interaction between Endo180 and the C-terminal region of type I collagen appears to play an important role in cell-matrix adhesion.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

CD98 modulates integrin beta1 function in polarized epithelial cells.

The type II transmembrane protein CD98, best known as the heavy chain of the heterodimeric amino acid transporters (HAT), is required for the surface expression and basolateral localization of this transporter complex in polarized epithelial cells. CD98 also interacts with beta1 integrins resulting in an increase in their affinity for ligand. In this study we explored the role of the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of CD98 on integrin-dependent cell adhesion and migration in polarized renal epithelial cells. We demonstrate that the transmembrane domain of CD98 was sufficient, whereas the five N-terminal amino acids of this domain were required for CD98 interactions with beta1 integrins. Overexpression of either full-length CD98 or CD98 lacking its cytoplasmic tail increased cell adhesion and migration, whereas deletion of the five N-terminal amino acids of the transmembrane domain of CD98 abrogated this effect. CD98 and mutants that interacted with beta1 integrins increased both focal adhesion formation and FAK and AKT phosphorylation. CD98-induced cell adhesion and migration was inhibited by addition of phosphoinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3-K) inhibitors suggesting these cell functions are PI3-K-dependent. Finally, CD98 and mutants that interacted with beta1, induced marked changes in polarized renal epithelial cell branching morphogenesis in collagen gels. Thus, in polarized renal epithelial cells, CD98 might be viewed as a scaffolding protein that interacts with basolaterally expressed amino acid transporters and beta1 integrins and can alter diverse cellular functions such as amino acid transport as well as cell adhesion, migration and branching morphogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An orthotopic model of lung cancer to analyze primary and metastatic NSCLC growth in integrin alpha1-null mice.

The role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9 in lung cancer progression is controversial. MMP9 promotes local tumor progression and distant metastasis in mouse models by enhancing extracellular matrix degradation, releasing VEGF from extracellular matrix and promoting vascular pericyte recruitment. Furthermore, increased plasma MMP9 expression levels in human subjects with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) inversely correlates with survival. In contrast, MMP9 can benefit the host by generating inhibitors of endothelial cell proliferation such as angiostatin and NC1 domains of collagen IV. To better understand the role of host MMP9 on the primary growth and metastatic potential of NSCLC, we performed an orthotopic model of NSLC in integrin alpha1-null mice (a genetic model for increased MMP9). In these mice we observed decreased number, size and vascularization of primary NSCLC tumors when compared to wild type controls. In addition, decreased number and size of NSCLC-derived metastases were evident in the alpha1-null mice. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of MMPs in the alpha1-null mice at the time of tumor cell injection resulted in an increase in the number of both primary and metastatic lung cancer as compared to untreated mice, suggesting that primary growth and metastases of NSCLC are worsened by the early inhibition of MMPs. In conclusion, although MMP9 may potentially promote tumor growth and metastasis, production of MMP-dependent anti-angiogenic factors seems to override these effects and protects the host from NSCL growth and progression.

Animals↗

Crk-associated substrate tyrosine phosphorylation sites are critical for invasion and metastasis of SRC-transformed cells.

Crk-associated substrate (CAS, p130Cas) is a major tyrosine phosphorylated protein in cells transformed by v-crk and v-src oncogenes. We recently reported that reexpression of CAS in CAS-deficient mouse embryo fibroblasts transformed by oncogenic Src promoted an invasive phenotype associated with enhanced cell migration through Matrigel, organization of actin into large podosome ring and belt structures, activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2, and elevated tyrosine phosphorylation of the focal adhesion proteins FAK and paxillin. We have now extended these studies to examine the mechanism by which CAS achieves these changes and to evaluate the potential role for CAS in promoting in vivo tumor growth and metastasis. Whereas the presence or absence of CAS did not alter the primary growth of subcutaneous-injected Src-transformed mouse embryo fibroblasts, CAS expression was required to promote lung metastasis following removal of the primary tumor. The substrate domain YxxP tyrosines, the major sites of CAS phosphorylation by Src that mediate interactions with Crk, were found to be critical for promoting both invasive and metastatic properties of the cells. The ability of CAS to promote Matrigel invasion, formation of large podosome structures, and tyrosine phosphorylation of Src substrates, including FAK, paxillin, and cortactin, was also strictly dependent on the YxxP tyrosines. In contrast, matrix metalloproteinase-2 activation was most dependent on the CAS SH3 domain, whereas the substrate domain YxxP sites also contributed to this property. Thus multiple CAS-mediated signaling events are implicated in promoting invasive and metastatic properties of Src-transformed cells.

Animals↗

CAS promotes invasiveness of Src-transformed cells.

CAS ('Crk-associated substrate') is an Src substrate found at sites of integrin-mediated cell adhesion and linked to cell motility and survival. In this study, the involvement of CAS in oncogenic transformation was evaluated through analysis of mouse embryo fibroblast populations expressing an activated Src mutant, either in the presence or absence of CAS expression. CAS was not found to be a critical determinant of either Src-mediated morphologic transformation or anchorage-independent growth. However, CAS had a profound effect on other aspects of oncogenic Src function. CAS expression led to a substantial increase in the phosphotyrosine content of FAK and paxillin, supporting a role for CAS as a positive regulator of Src activity at integrin adhesion sites. Importantly, CAS expression resulted in a striking enhancement of the capacity of Src-transformed cells to invade through Matrigel. The increased invasiveness was associated with increased activation of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2 and formation of large actin-rich podosomal aggregates appearing as ring and belt structures. Thus, elevated CAS-associated tyrosine phosphorylation signaling events occurring at sites of integrin-mediated cell adhesion can have a major role in the development of an invasive cell phenotype.

Animals↗