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Biomedical subjects

J B McCarthy

Publications and source records attributed to J B McCarthy.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Adhesion of committed human hematopoietic progenitors to synthetic peptides from the C-terminal heparin-binding domain of fibronectin: cooperation between the integrin alpha 4 beta 1 and the CD44 adhesion receptor.

Close interaction of human hematopoietic progenitors with the bone marrow microenvironment is important for the ordered progression of human hematopoiesis. Progenitor cell adhesion to stroma has a complex molecular basis, involving various cell-extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions. We have previously shown that adhesion of colony-forming cells (CFC) to fibronectin, present in stromal extracellular matrix, involves multiple sites, including two heparin-binding synthetic peptides (FN-C/H I and FN-C/H II) and the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin-binding peptide CS1. These synthetic peptides are located in close proximity in the type III repeat 14 and the immediately adjacent type IIIcs region of fibronectin. In the current study, we evaluate receptors expressed by CFC responsible for their adhesion to fibronectin. We show that the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin mediates adhesion to CFC to the peptides FN-C/H I and CS1. Adhesion of CFC to fibronectin is also mediated by proteoglycans, because removal of cell surface chondroitin-sulfate proteoglycans resulted in decreased adhesion of CFC to FN-C/ I and FN-C/H II. The core protein of this proteoglycan was identified by immunoprecipitation as a 90-kD member of the CD44 group of adhesion molecules. Interestingly, although the proteoglycan core protein failed to adhere to FN-C/H II affinity columns, anti-CD44 monoclonal antibodies blocked CFC adhesion to FN-C/H II, indicating that these monoclonal antibodies may interfere with core protein-mediated intracellular signalling. Finally, we show that CD44 and alpha 4 beta 1 may cooperate in establishing progenitor adhesion, because anti-CD44 antibodies potentiated the adhesion-inhibitory effects of suboptimal concentrations of anti-alpha 4 or anti-beta 1 monoclonal antibodies. These results provide a working model for progenitor cell recognition of fibronectin (and possibly the marrow micro-environment) in which the coordinated action of integrins and cell surface proteoglycans is necessary for cell adhesion. This model can now be used to study the complex relationship between progenitor cell adhesion and the regulation of their proliferation and differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Synthetic fibronectin peptides interrupt inflammatory cell infiltration in transforming growth factor beta 1 knockout mice.

Pronounced mononuclear leukocyte (MNL) infiltration occurs in multiple organs of mice homozygous for a transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) loss-of-function gene mutation [TGF-beta 1 (-/-)], followed by cachexia and eventually death. Consistent with the increased leukocyte adhesion and tissue infiltration, MNLs isolated from spleen, thymus, and peripheral blood of symptomatic TGF-beta 1 (-/-) mice, as compared to littermate controls, exhibited increased adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins and to endothelial cells in vitro. Incubation of TGF-beta 1 (-/-) MNLs with selected synthetic peptides corresponding to cell- and heparin-binding sequences of fibronectin (FN) significantly attenuated adhesion of these cells not only to FN but also to endothelial cells in vitro. Based on these observations, mice were treated with the FN peptides in an attempt to rescue them from tissue inflammation and cardiopulmonary failure. Daily injections of a combination of four synthetic FN peptides that interact with beta 1-integrins and/or cell surface proteoglycans blocked the massive infiltration of MNLs into the heart and lungs of TGF-beta 1 (-/-) mice. Peptide treatment initiated on day 8, coincident with the first evidence of increased leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions, not only blocked tissue infiltration but also moderated the lethal wasting syndrome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation and partial characterization of a cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan from embryonic rat spinal cord.

Cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are potential mediators of neuronal cell adhesion, spreading, and neurite outgrowth on various extra-cellular matrix molecules. One possible site of HSPG attachment is a heparin binding domain of fibronectin, which is present in the synthetic peptide FN-C/H II. In this study, HSPGs extracted from embryonic rat spinal cord by detergent were purified by ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and affinity chromatography on an agarose column coupled with FN-C/H II conjugated to ovalbumin (OA). Heparitinase treatment of the iodinated HSPG fraction led to the appearance of a major protein core with a molecular size of 72 kDa, as determined by reducing SDS-PAGE. The intact proteoglycan has a molecular size of approximately 150-165 kDa, containing heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains of about 10-15 kDa. Anti-HSPG antibodies recognized the 72 kDa core protein by immunoblotting, and stained the surface of spinal cord neurons, oligodendrocytes, and a subset of astrocytes. These results identify a cell-surface HSPG that may mediate neuron-substratum or neuron-glia interactions in embryonic central nervous system.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Migratory interaction of amphibian epidermal cells with components of the basement membrane.

In adult newts, basal epidermal cells adjacent to a fresh wound move toward the damaged area by migrating over the epidermal basement membrane. In an attempt to determine which basement membrane components mediate this migration, small pieces of glass coated with various natural matrices, purified proteins, or fragments of proteins were implanted into skin wounds such that epidermal cells attempting to form a wound epithelium would encounter the implants. Laminin derived from a cell line (M1536-B3) that produces no type IV collagen was inactive as a migration substrate. Migration on recombinant entactin was somewhat better than on laminin but was still only approximately 14% of that on type I collagen. M15 matrix, a laminin and entactin-containing product of M1536-B3 cells, was no better than entactin alone. Type IV collagen was an excellent substrate, producing slightly more migration than corresponding concentrations of type I collagen at nearly all concentrations tested. Migration on type IV lacking the NC1 domain was at least as good as on intact type IV. All the activity in type IV was present in a 95 kD fragment (alpha 1(IV)95) from the carboxy terminal two-thirds of the alpha 1 chain. Approximately 60% of the activity on alpha 1(IV)95 was obtained on implants coated with a 110 amino acid fragment of the alpha 1 chain derived from the carboxy terminal half of alpha 1(IV)95. Adding the synthetic peptide, arg-gly-asp-ser (RGDS) to the medium, blocked migration on fibronectin-coated implants but had no effect on implants coated with type IV, suggesting that migration on type IV involves different cell surface receptors than those mediating migration over fibronectin. Matrigel, a commercial product containing most basement membrane components, was a poor migration substrate. Thus if type IV mediates basal cell migration toward a wound in vivo, there may have to be some alterations in basement membrane structure to allow epidermal receptors to access type IV active site(s).

Animals↗

Synthetic fibronectin peptides suppress arthritis in rats by interrupting leukocyte adhesion and recruitment.

In an experimental model of arthritis, increased leukocyte adhesion is associated with the evolution of acute and chronic synovial inflammation. Whereas peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from control animals bind minimally to fibronectin matrices, PBMC from animals receiving arthropathic doses of bacterial cell walls demonstrate increased integrin mRNA expression and enhanced adhesion. To determine whether this augmented adhesion was causal in the development of synovial pathology, peptides synthesized from several fibronectin domains which inhibited leukocyte adhesion in vitro were administered to arthritic animals either as free peptides or coupled to a carrier molecule. Not only were peptides containing either the RGD or CS-1 cell-binding domains inhibitory to chronic synovial pathology (articular index = 10.5 +/- 0.3 for untreated animals compared to 1.25 +/- 0.25 for RGD and 2.5 +/- 0.7 for CS-1), but three peptides synthesized from the carboxy-terminal 33-kD heparin-binding domain of fibronectin were also found to significantly inhibit leukocyte recruitment and the evolution of arthritis. Based on these data, which are the first to explore the therapeutic potential of heparin-binding fibronectin peptides in chronic inflammation, it appears that antagonism of cellular adhesion and recruitment by fibronectin peptides may provide an important mechanism for modulating the multi-step adhesion process and attenuating aberrant inflammatory responses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Tenascin-R (J1 160/180 inhibits fibronectin-mediated cell adhesion--functional relatedness to tenascin-C.

Cell adhesion and neurite outgrowth on fibronectin is a multistep process modulated by different extra- and intracellular signals. Fibronectin-mediated cell attachment and spreading can be affected in a negative way by tenascin-C, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein expressed in a temporally and spacially restricted manner during early morphogenesis. Tenascin-R (J1-160/180), consisting of two major isoforms of 160 kDa (tenascin-R 160) and 180 kDa (tenascin-R 180) in mammals, is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein of the central nervous system that shares high structural homologies with tenascin-C. Here we show that in relation to fibronectin-mediated adhesion, the two extracellular matrix molecules are also functionally closely related. When offered as mixed substrata with other extracellular matrix molecules, the two tenascin-R isoforms and tenascin-C derived from mouse brain selectively inhibit fibronectin-dependent cell adhesion and neurite outgrowth, and affect cell morphology of different mesenchymal and neural cells. This effect is partially due to interactions at the substrate level that result in a steric hindrance and/or conformational change of the cell binding sites of the fibronectin molecule. In addition, tenascin-R 180 and tenascin-C interact with cells by an RGD- and beta 1 integrin-independent mechanism, leading to cell rounding and detachment from such substrata. The expression of tenascin-R and tenascin-C in the nervous system at times and locations where fibronectin-mediated cellular processes take place may be related to the role of inhibitory signals in the extracellular matrix in the regulation of cell migration and differentiation in general.

Animals↗

The decreased adhesion of Y79 retinoblastoma cells to extracellular matrix proteins is due to a deficit of integrin receptors.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine whether the Y79 retinoblastoma cell line, a prototype for retinoblastoma cells, exhibits differential adhesive properties toward extracellular matrix (ECM)/basement membrane (BM) proteins compared to normal human retinal (NHR) cells. A second goal was to determine whether differences in adhesion are related to differences in the expression of integrin subunits. METHODS: Y79 cells and NHR cells were tested for their ability to adhere and spread in microtiter wells adsorbed with the ECM/BM proteins laminin, fibronectin, and type IV collagen, as well as fragments of these proteins. The presence of cell surface integrins was determined by flow cytometry, using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against integrin subunits. For inhibition assays, cells were preincubated with mAbs against integrin subunits before the adhesion assays. RESULTS: NHR cells adhered to and spread on laminin, fibronectin, and type IV collagen, whereas Y79 cells only adhered moderately to fibronectin. NHR cells expressed high levels of beta 1, alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 4, alpha 5, alpha 6, and alpha v integrin subunits, and they used these integrin subunits to adhere to all three ECM proteins. In contrast, Y79 cells expressed high levels of only the alpha 4 and beta 1 integrin subunits, used to adhere to fibronectin. CONCLUSIONS: Y79 cells have decreased adhesive capabilities toward ECM/BM proteins, compared to NHR cells. These differences can be attributed, in part, to their significantly lower levels of alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, and alpha 5 integrin subunits, which serve as receptors for type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Structural features of fibronectin synthetic peptide FN-C/H II, responsible for cell adhesion, neurite extension, and heparan sulfate binding.

FN-C/H II (KNNQKSEPLIGRKKT), a heparin-binding peptide derived from the COOH-terminal heparin-binding domain of fibronectin, mediates cell adhesion for a variety of cell types and promotes neurite outgrowth. By systematic amino acid substitution of synthetic peptide analogues of FN-C/H II, the basic structural features necessary for activity have been identified in the COOH-terminal residues LIGRKK. This biologically "active" sequence has been located in several other heparin/heparan sulfate-binding proteins and may represent a potential binding motif for sulfated polyanions. NMR structural studies indicate that the COOH-terminal segment of FN-C/H II displays significant multiple-turn or helix-like character suggesting that the RKK sequence may lie on the same surface of the protein, as opposed to alternating in an extended chain motif.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Melanoma cell adhesion and spreading activities of a synthetic 124-residue triple-helical "mini-collagen".

A great variety of cells, such as melanoma cells, fibroblasts, platelets, keratinocytes, and epithelial cells, adhere to and migrate on specific regions within the triple-helical domains of types I, III, and IV collagen. The relative importance of collagen primary, secondary, and tertiary structures on these cellular activities has not been ascertained, as no general synthetic methodology exists to allow for the study of peptides incorporating biologically active sequences in triple-helical conformation. We have thus developed a novel, generally applicable solid-phase branching methodology for the synthesis of aligned, triple-helical collagen-model polypeptides (i.e. "mini-collagens"). Three nascent peptide chains are carboxyl-terminally linked through one N alpha-amino and two N epsilon-amino groups of Lys, while repeating Gly-Pro-Hyp triplets induce triple helicity. A homotrimeric triple-helical polypeptide (THP) of 124 amino acids, incorporating residues 1263-1277 of alpha 1 (IV) collagen, was synthesized. Highly metastatic mouse melanoma cells showed a profound preference for adhesion to this THP as compared with a single-stranded peptide (SSP) incorporating the same type IV collagen sequence or a branched peptide containing eight repeats of Gly-Pro-Hyp (designated GPP*). Specifically, 50% cell adhesion occurred at a THP concentration of 1.12 microM, while comparable levels of adhesion required [SSP] = 170 microM or [GPP*] > 100 microM. Melanoma cells also spread on the THP to a greater extent than on the SSP or GPP*. These results are the first direct demonstrations of the significance of triple helicity for cell adhesion to and spreading on a specific collagen sequence and support earlier conclusions of conformational dependency for cell adhesion to and migration on types I and IV collagen. In addition, the melanoma cell THP activities support the concept that tumor cell adhesion and spreading on type IV collagen involves multiple, distinct domains in triple-helical conformation. The triple-helical peptide synthetic protocol developed here will allow eventually for the study of both structure and biological activity of specific, glycosylated collagen sequences in homotrimeric and heterotrimeric forms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Regulation of human B-cell precursor adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells by cytokines that exert opposing effects on the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1).

Self-renewal and differentiation of B-cell precursors is dependent on interactions with bone marrow (BM) stromal cells and associated extracellular matrix. We have recently developed an interleukin (IL)-7-dependent, BM-derived stromal cell culture that supports the growth of normal human B-cell precursors. In the current study, we have characterized the constitutive expression, cytokine-regulated expression, and function of adhesion molecules on BM stromal cells that are critical for adhesion of B-cell precursors. Flow cytometric analysis showed that cultured adult BM stromal cells expressed higher constitutive levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 than intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 (CD54). IL-1 beta upregulated VCAM-1 and CD54 in a dose-dependent manner, whereas IL-4 upregulated VCAM-1, but had no effect on CD54. In contrast, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta decreased the level of BM stromal cell VCAM-1. Using an assay to measure the adhesion of 51Cr-labeled B-cell precursors to BM stromal cells, we observed a direct correlation between cytokine-regulated levels of VCAM-1 and the capacity of stromal cells to support the adhesion of B-cell precursors. Blocking studies using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) showed that adhesion of B-cell precursors to untreated and cytokine-treated (IL-1 beta, IL-4) BM stromal cells was mediated by very late antigen (VLA)-4 (CD49d/CD29) and VCAM-1. Adhesion of B-cell precursors could also be enhanced by direct stimulation with MoAb to the CD29 subunit. Our collective results indicate that B-cell precursor/BM stromal cell adhesion is mediated by a VLA-4-VCAM-1 interaction, which in turn can be regulated at the level of the BM stromal cell by cytokines that specifically increase or decrease cell surface VCAM-1.

Adult↗

Adriamycin-induced inhibition of melanoma cell invasion is correlated with decreases in tumor cell motility and increases in focal contact formation.

Tumor cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is closely linked with tumor cell invasion and metastasis. In this study, we demonstrate that low levels of adriamycin, a widely used anticancer drug, can inhibit the invasion of highly metastatic K1735-M2 mouse melanoma cells in vitro through a reconstituted basement membrane extract. Adriamycin-induced inhibition of melanoma cell invasion occurred at levels of the drug (i.e. 1 ng/ml) that did not inhibit tumor cell growth, suggesting that the observed inhibition in tumor cell invasion was not due to the well-documented ability of adriamycin to interfere with DNA and/or RNA synthesis. Rather, these studies indicated that adriamycin-induced inhibition of melanoma cell invasion was accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the ability of adriamycin-treated tumor cells to migrate in response to several isolated ECM components including fibronectin, laminin and basement membrane (type IV) collagen. The decreased migration of adriamycin-treated tumor cells was not accompanied by a decrease in the adhesion or spreading of the adriamycin-treated cells on substrata coated with these ECM components. Instead, adriamycin-treated cells actually exhibited a slightly increased propensity (compared to untreated control cells) to adhere on fibronectin-, laminin-, and type IV collagen-coated substrata. Additionally, adriamycin treatment caused a dramatic increase in focal contact formation by these melanoma cells, as assessed by fluorescent microscopy of actin and vinculin. In addition to providing a useful model for which to study the molecular and cellular basis for focal contact formation, these results further emphasize the results of several other investigators that have suggested an important role for focal contacts in modulating tumor cell motility, invasion and metastasis.

Actins↗

A synthetic peptide from the COOH-terminal heparin-binding domain of fibronectin promotes focal adhesion formation.

Cell adhesion to extracellular matrix molecules such as fibronectin involves complex transmembrane signaling processes. Attachment and spreading of primary fibroblasts can be promoted by interactions of cell surface integrins with RGD-containing fragments of fibronectin, but the further process of focal adhesion and stress fiber formation requires additional interactions. Heparin-binding fragments of fibronectin can provide this signal. The COOH-terminal heparin-binding domain of fibronectin contains five separate heparin-binding amino acid sequences. We show here that all five sequences, as synthetic peptides coupled to ovalbumin, can support cell attachment. Only three of these sequences can promote focal adhesion formation when presented as multicopy complexes, and only one of these (WQPPRARI) retains this activity as free peptide. The major activity of this peptide resides in the sequence PRARI. The biological response to this peptide and to the COOH-terminal fragment may be mediated through cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans because treatment of cells with heparinase II and III, or competition with heparin, reduces the response. Treatment with chondroitinase ABC or competition with chondroitin sulfate does not.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Human keratinocytes adhere to and spread on synthetic peptide FN-C/H-V derived from fibronectin.

In a previous study, we reported that two synthetic peptides derived from the 33-kD carboxyl terminal cell/heparin-binding fragment of fibronectin A chain promoted keratinocyte adhesion but not spreading. Because keratinocytes are capable of spreading on the 33/66-kD fragments, we focused on identifying additional chemically synthesized peptides from the cell/heparin-binding fragments of fibronectin that might promote cell spreading. When plastic substrata were coated with peptide FN-C/H-V (WQPPRARI), which is derived from the carboxyl-terminal heparin-binding domain of all plasma fibronectin isoforms, keratinocytes adhered and displayed a spread morphology. In solution, soluble peptide FN-C/H-V inhibited cell spreading on intact fibronectin and on the 33/66-kD fragments. Furthermore, polyclonal antibodies raised against peptide FN-C/H-V also inhibited keratinocyte spreading on fibronectin and the 33/66-kD fragments. These data support the hypothesis that keratinocyte cell adhesion and cell spreading on fibronectin are mediated by multiple distinct domains and different regulatory processes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cell surface CD44-related chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan is required for transforming growth factor-beta-stimulated mouse melanoma cell motility and invasive behavior on type I collagen.

Tumor cell metastasis involves a complex series of events, including the adhesion, migration and invasive behavior of tumor cells on components of the extracellular matrix. Multiple cell surface receptors mediate interactions with the surrounding extracellular matrix and thereby influence cell adhesion, motility and invasion. We have previously described a cell surface CD44-related chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan on highly metastatic melanoma cells. CD44-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan was shown to be important in melanoma cell motility and invasive behavior on type I collagen matrices. In our current studies, the role of cell surface CD44-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in collagen-mediated mouse melanoma cell migration and invasive behavior is further evaluated using transforming growth factor-beta 1. We report that transforming growth factor-beta 1 stimulates the migratory and invasive behavior of mouse melanoma cells on type I collagen. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 stimulated cell surface CD44-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan synthesis in mouse melanoma cells, specifically through an upregulation of chondroitin sulfate production, while the expression of CD44-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan core protein was not affected. Furthermore, transforming growth factor-beta 1-mediated enhancement of cell polarity, migration and invasive behavior on type I collagen gels was markedly inhibited in the presence of beta-D-xyloside, an agent that blocks chondroitin sulfate addition to the core protein. Collectively, our findings indicate that mouse melanoma cell surface CD44-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan is required for transforming growth factor-beta 1-enhanced cell motility and invasion, and that CD44-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan may play a role in forming and/or maintaining a dominant leading lamella, which is required for efficient locomotion.

Aggrecans↗

Characterization of FN-C/H-V, a novel synthetic peptide from fibronectin that promotes rabbit corneal epithelial cell adhesion, spreading, and motility.

PURPOSE: Fibronectin promotes corneal epithelial cell adhesion and motility in vitro and plays an important role in corneal re-epithelialization during corneal wound healing. Multiple domains contribute to the adhesion- and motility-promoting activity of fibronectin. The aim of this study was to identify amino acid sequences that contribute to the rabbit corneal epithelial (RCE) cell adhesion- and motility-promoting activity of the 33 and 66 kD carboxy-terminal heparin-binding fragments of fibronectin. METHODS: Synthetic peptides derived from the 33/66 kD fragments of fibronectin were tested for their ability to directly promote RCE cell adhesion, spreading, and motility. To assess the contribution of these peptides to the activity of fibronectin and the 33/66 kD fragments of fibronectin, synthetic peptides, and antibodies against these peptides were tested for their ability to block RCE cell adhesion, spreading, and motility. RESULTS: In this study, we identified a novel peptide sequence derived from the 33/66 kD fragments of fibronectin, FN-C/H-V (WQPPRARI), that directly promotes the adhesion, spreading, and migration of RCE cells in a concentration-dependent manner. A second peptide from the 33/66 kD fragments of fibronectin, FN-C/H-IV (SPPRRARVT), promoted RCE cell adhesion and spreading, but did not promote RCE cell migration. In contrast, two synthetic peptides from the 33/66 kD fragments of fibronectin that were previously shown to promote RCE cell adhesion (FN-C/H-I and FN-C/H-III) did not promote RCE cell spreading or migration. Soluble FN-C/H-V inhibited RCE cell adhesion to surfaces coated with FN-C/H-V, the 33/66 kD fragments of fibronectin, and to fibronectin. In addition, polyclonal anti-FN-C/H-V IgG inhibited RCE cell adhesion to FN-C/H-V, the 33/66 kD fragments of fibronectin, and to fibronectin. Finally, polyclonal anti-FN-C/H-V IgG also inhibited RCE cell haptotactic migration on the 33/66 kD fragments. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the amino acid sequence defined by peptide FN-C/H-V contributes to the adhesion-, spreading-, and motility-promoting activity of the 33/66 kD carboxy-terminal heparin-binding fragments of fibronectin. Given the important role of fibronectin in corneal wound healing, these findings provide additional insight into the complex molecular basis of corneal epithelial cell interactions with fibronectin and may be important in the context of corneal wound healing.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effects of transforming growth factor-beta 1 on human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell adhesion, motility, and invasion in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), a potent growth modulator produced by a variety of tumor cells, as well as by platelets, has pleiotropic effects on cell-extracellular matrix interactions and may influence tumor cell invasion and metastasis. PURPOSE: Our purpose was to characterize the effects of TGF-beta 1 on the adhesion, motility, and invasiveness of a metastatic human pulmonary carcinoma (A549 cell line) in vitro. METHODS: A549 cells were seeded onto type I collagen gels, and invasion over a 9-day period was measured in the presence or absence of TGF-beta 1 (0.1-10 ng/mL). In addition, cell adhesion to substrata coated with type I collagen (1-100 nM) as well as haptotactic migration through filters coated with type I collagen (100 micrograms/mL) were measured following a 24-hour treatment with TGF-beta 1 (1-10 ng/mL). RESULTS: TGF-beta 1 stimulated the invasion of A549 cells into type I collagen gels in a dose-dependent manner. Both the number of cells entering the gel and the depth of invasion into the gel were increased. In addition, the effects of TGF-beta 1 were blocked in a dose-dependent manner by a purified polyclonal IgG against TGF-beta 1 but not by normal rabbit IgG. A549 cell invasion was accompanied by dramatic changes in A549 cell morphology that included the appearance of numerous long pseudopodia, consistent with a change in the motile behavior of these cells. TGF-beta 1 stimulated by approximately fourfold the haptotactic migration of A549 cells on polycarbonate filters coated with type I collagen. The TGF-beta 1-mediated increase in invasion and motility was accompanied by a fourfold increase in A549 cell adhesion to type I collagen. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that TGF-beta 1 can influence cellular recognition of extracellular matrix components and can modulate cellular adhesion and migration on these components, leading to increased invasive potential. IMPLICATIONS: Given the wide-spread tissue distribution of TGF-beta 1 and its secretion by a variety of tumor cells as well as by platelets, TGF-beta 1 may be an important autocrineparacrine regulator of the invasive phenotype in vivo.

Adenocarcinoma↗