PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Aumailley

Publications and source records attributed to M Aumailley.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Interactions of human skin fibroblasts with monomeric or fibrillar collagens induce different organization of the cytoskeleton.

Fibrillar collagens represent the most abundant extracellular matrix components surrounding fibroblasts. Although there is a large heterogeneity in the collagen composition and in the physiological functions of different tissues, interactions between cells and native collagens monomers are mediated by only two integrins, the alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1 integrins. In tissue, fibroblasts are exposed to collagen polymers, supramolecular assemblies which might play a role on the availability of the cell-binding sites at the surface of the fibrils. We have addressed this issue by investigating the patterns of adhesion structures in normal human skin fibroblasts exposed to collagen monomers or polymers. Our results showed that cell morphology, cell adhesion pattern, actin organization, and distribution of integrin subunits, talin, vinculin, and phosphotyrosine-containing proteins are dependent on the supramolecular organization of the collagens. In particular, compared to monomers, collagen polymers induced a looser organization of the actin network and a linear clustering of integrins, talin, vinculin, and phosphotyrosine-containing proteins. These results emphasize the role of the physical state of collagen on cellular interactions and underline the role of the extracellular matrix in the phenotypic modulation of fibroblasts. Furthermore, our studies suggest the existence of a local heterogeneity in the biological activity of collagen fibrils.

Actins↗

Laminins: a family of diverse multifunctional molecules of basement membranes.

Laminins represent a growing family of disulfide-linked heterotrimers constituted by the association of three genetically different polypeptides, the alpha, beta, and gamma chains. Laminins are endowed with structural and biological functions. They play a direct critical role in the control of cellular behavior by providing cells with specific information through interactions with cell surface receptors. Because of their structural properties, they represent crucial building blocks for tissue assembly, architecture, and stability. The expression of laminin chain variants is spatio-temporally regulated, which suggests that laminin isoforms might have different functions responsible for the biological and morphological polymorphism of basement membranes. The different cells present in the skin express several laminin chains, which lead to the deposition of various laminin isoforms, whose mechanical and biological functions are likely to be adapted to the properties of the dermo-epidermal junction. Recently, defective laminin isoforms have been shown to be associated with several inborn and acquired diseases, illustrating a major structural function for laminins in skin integrity.

Animals↗

Adhesion complexes formed by OVCAR-4 cells on laminin 1 differ from those observed on fibronectin.

Cell adhesion to laminin 1 or to fibronectin is mediated by distinct sets of integrins and is differentially regulated by protein kinase C (PKC). It suggests that upon integrin ligation to laminin 1 or to fibronectin different intracellular signaling pathways could be activated. we have therefore investigated the formation of signaling complexes induced during cell adhesion to laminin 1 or to fibronectin. Following cell adhesion to laminin 1 the re-arrangement of the cytoskeleton was slower than that observed on fibronectin and it was activated by treating the cells with H-7, an inhibitor of PKC. Conversely, treatment of laminin-adhering cells with a PKC activator resulted in a rapid disorganization of the actin cyto skeleton while a similar treatment had no effect on fibronectin-adhering cells. These results suggested that the structural organization of the adhesion complexes might be substrate-specific and might correspond to a different arrangement of cytoskeletal and/or cytoplasmic proteins. Reflection interference contrast microscopy (RICM) images revealed that cell-substratum contacts formed on laminin 1 were not well differentiated in contrast to those developed on fibronectin. However, immunofluorescence staining revealed a similar organisation of actin microfilaments, talin and phosphotyrosyl-containing proteins on both substrates. In contrast, differences were observed for vinculin distribution within cells spread on fibronectin or on laminin 1. Following cell adhesion to fibronectin most of the vinculin appeared as thick patches at the tips of the actin stress fibers while in laminin-adhering cells vinculin was recruited into thin streaks localized at the end of only some actin stress fibers.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Structural requirement for cell adhesion to kalinin (laminin-5).

Laminin-5 (kalinin) was purified from spent cell culture media (SCC25 cells) by affinity chromatography on monoclonal antibody BM165. The protein was recovered as a mixture of the typical polypeptides of 165-155, 140, and 105 kDa as judged b SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis under reducing conditions. The amino acid composition of purified laminin-5 was in agreement with that compiled from the recently published cDNA sequences of the alpha 3-, beta 3-, and gamma 2-laminin chains. Moreover, the content of half-cystine residues in laminin-5 was about two-thirds that in laminin-1, which confirms the prediction of a smaller number of epidermal growth factor-like repeats in the amino-terminal portion of the three chains. The content of coiled-coil alpha-helices (27%) determined by CD spectroscopy was comparable to that reported for laminin-1, which indicates that the long arm portion of laminin-5 is equivalent to that of other laminin isoforms. The melting temperature was recorded at 72 degrees C by CD monitoring of unfolding and refolding of the coiled-coil structures during thermal denaturation and renaturation, respectively. The thermal stability of laminin-5 is therefore significantly higher than that of laminin-1 or alpha 2-chain-containing laminins, which suggests higher ionic interactions between the three polypeptide chains of laminin-5. Cell adhesion-promoting activity of laminin-5 was found to be strictly and entirely dependent on the presence of coiled-coil structures. It decreased gradually after heat denaturation of the protein above 65 degrees C and was totally abrogated at 75 degrees C. This is in contrast to laminin-1, which contains both conformation-dependent and -independent cell-binding sites on the long and short arm domains, respectively.

Binding Sites↗

The cytoplasmic domain of alpha 6A integrin subunit is an in vitro substrate for protein kinase C.

We have investigated whether the cytoplasmic domain of alpha 6A integrin subunit can be phosphorylated by Ser/Thr kinases using synthetic peptides as in vitro substrates. This domain was phosphorylated by protein kinase C (PKC) and cyclic AMP-dependent kinase (protein kinase A, PKA) but not by mitogen-activated protein kinase. While Ser1041 has been shown to be phosphorylated in PMA-stimulated cells in vitro, Ser1048 was phosphorylated by PKA. Furthermore pharmacological agents which induce a rise in cyclic AMP concentration failed to stimulate the phosphorylation of the alpha 6A cytoplasmic domain in intact cells. These results suggest that PKC, but not PKA, is involved in the physiological phosphorylation of the alpha 6A integrin subunit.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Interactions between cells and collagen V molecules or single chains involve distinct mechanisms.

Acid-soluble and pepsin-treated collagen V were prepared from fetal human bones or human placenta, respectively, to be tested for potential cell adhesion promoting activity. Out of 14 different collagen I-adhering cell lines, 10 showed distinct adhesion to collagen V. In all cases adhesion was followed by spreading. The activities of intact and pepsin-solubilized collagen V were similar, suggesting that the cell binding sites are restricted to the triple-helical domain of the molecules. Cell adhesion was also induced by the unfolded form of collagen V and after separation of the alpha chains by heparin affinity chromatography. Isolated alpha 2(V) chains, rich in RGD sequences, were more efficient than isolated alpha 1(V) chains. However, cell adhesion to native or denatured collagen V did not proceed by the same molecular mechanisms as shown by cell adhesion inhibition experiments. Cell adhesion to native collagen V was insensitive to the presence of RGD-containing synthetic peptides while adhesion to denatured collagen V was inhibited by the peptides. Furthermore, the results strongly suggested a major role for alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1 integrins in the RGD-independent cell adhesion to native collagen V. These data indicate that collagen V is a specific adhesive substrate for different cell types. It also suggests that distinct sets of RGD-dependent and RGD-independent receptors mediate cell attachment to unfolded and native collagen V, respectively. This mechanism is shared by at least the interstitial collagens I and VI, which supports the hypothesis that when included in the triple-helical conformation of collagens, RGD sequences are either not accessible to cells or exhibit specific conformations recognized by different integrins.

Actins↗

Kalinin is more efficient than laminin in promoting adhesion of primary keratinocytes and some other epithelial cells and has a different requirement for integrin receptors.

Kalinin was purified from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC25) spent culture media using an immunoaffinity column prepared from the mAb BM165. The affinity-purified material was separated by SDS-PAGE into three bands of 165-155, 140, and 105 kD identical to those obtained from normal human keratinocyte cultures and previously identified as kalinin. Kalinin promoted adhesion of a large number of normal cells and established cell lines with an activity similar to other adhesion molecules such as the laminin-nidogen complex, fibronectin, or collagen IV. However, kalinin was a much better substrate than laminin-nidogen complex for adhesion of cells of epithelial origin including primary human keratinocytes. Adhesion to kalinin was followed by cell shape changes ranging from rounded to fully spread cells depending on the cell types. The adhesion-promoting activity of kalinin was conformation dependent and was abolished by heat denaturation. mAb BM165 prevented cell adhesion to kalinin but not to other extracellular matrix substrates. However, either complete or partial inhibition was observed with different cells suggesting the existence of at least two cell-binding sites on the kalinin molecule. Experiments inhibiting cell adhesion with function-blocking anti-integrin subunit antibodies indicated that both alpha 3 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 1 integrins are involved in the cellular interactions with kalinin, while for cell adhesion to classical mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm laminin only alpha 6 beta 1 integrins, and not alpha 3 beta 1, appeared to be functional. Altogether, these results suggest that kalinin may fulfill additional functions than laminin, particularly for epithelial cells.

Animals↗

Modifications in the binding domain of avian retrovirus envelope protein to redirect the host range of retroviral vectors.

On the basis of theoretical structural and comparative studies of various avian leukosis virus SU (surface) envelope proteins, we have identified four small regions (I, II, III, and IV) in their receptor-binding domains that could potentially be involved in binding to receptors. From the envelope gene of an avian leukosis virus of subgroup A, we have constructed a set of SU mutants in which these regions were replaced by the coding sequence of FLA16, a 16-amino-acid RGD-containing peptide known to be the target for several cellular integrin receptors. Helper-free retroviral particles carrying a neo-lacZ retroviral vector were produced with the mutant envelopes. SU mutants in which regions III and IV were substituted yielded normal levels of envelope precursors but were not detectably processed or incorporated in viral particles. In contrast, substitutions in regions I and II did not affect the processing and the viral incorporation of SU mutants. When FLA16 was inserted in region II, it could be detected with antibodies against FLA16 synthetic peptide, but only when viral particles were deglycosylated. Viral particles with envelopes mutated in region I or II were able to infect avian cells through the subgroup A receptor at levels similar to those of the wild type. When viruses with envelopes containing FLA16 peptide in region II were applied to plastic dishes, they were found to promote binding of mammalian cells resistant to infection by subgroup A avian leukosis viruses but expressing the integrins recognized by FLA16. Deglycosylated helper-free viruses obtained by mild treatment with N-glycosidase F have been used to infect these mammalian cells, and infections have been monitored by neomycin selection. No neomycin-resistant clones could be obtained after infection by viruses with wild-type envelopes. Conversely, colonies were obtained after infection by viruses with envelopes bearing FLA16 in region II, and the genome of the retroviral vector was found correctly integrated in cell DNA of these colonies. By using a blocking peptide containing the minimal adhesive RGD sequence contained in FLA16, we have shown that preincubation of target cells could specifically inhibit infection by viruses with FLA16.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Integrin and Arg-Gly-Asp dependence of cell adhesion to the native and unfolded triple helix of collagen type VI.

Pepsin-solubilized collagen VI in triple-helical and heat-denatured, unfolded form was shown to promote Mg(2+)- and Mn(2+)-dependent attachment and spreading of various cell lines. On the triple-helical substrate no inhibition of cell adhesion was observed with several synthetic RGD peptides except in the case of A375 melanoma cells. In contrast, adhesion to the unfolded substrate was highly sensitive to RGD inhibition. Nine synthetic peptides were designed according to 10 RGD sequences present in the triple-helical sequence of human collagen alpha 1(VI), alpha 2(VI), and alpha 3(VI) chains. Only one peptide, corresponding to the C-terminal end of alpha 3(VI) chain, showed substantial inhibitory activity, whereas several peptides were active in direct adhesion assays when used as albumin conjugates. Inhibition tests with antibodies to integrin subunits, affinity chromatography, and ligand binding with purified integrins (alpha 1 beta 1, alpha 2 beta 1, alpha V beta 3, and alpha IIb beta 3) were used to identify collagen VI receptors. Binding to the triple-helical substrate is mediated by alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1 integrins. Binding of both integrins to collagen VI was weaker than that to collagens I and/or IV. Recognition of the denatured substrate is mediated by beta 1 and beta 3 integrins. Activity was shown for alpha 5 beta 1 and alpha V beta 3 and weakly for alpha IIb beta 3 but not all alpha subunits possibly involved were identified. Distinct sets of receptors were also involved in A375 cell binding to triple-helical (beta 1-mediated) and denatured (beta 3-mediated) collagen VI, even though in this case both interactions could be efficiently inhibited by RGD peptides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Nidogen mediates the formation of ternary complexes of basement membrane components.

Using a recombinant nidogen we have probed the calcium binding potential of various nidogen domains, examined the binding of nidogen to various basement membrane proteins and assessed the ability of nidogen to mediate the formation of ternary complexes between laminin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan and collagen IV and laminin. The results of these experiments indicate that the Ca+2 binding is on the rod-like domain with additional binding observed on the N-terminal G1 domain. With regard to the role of nidogen in mediating complex formation among basement membrane components it was demonstrated that nidogen effectively promotes the formation of a ternary complex between laminin and collagen IV, with both of these components interacting independently with nidogen. Similarly, nidogen mediates a ternary complex formation between laminin and proteoglycan. Interestingly, the interaction between proteoglycan and nidogen is through the protein core of the proteoglycan. We have localized the major interaction sites on nidogen with the proteoglycan core and collagen IV to a region on the globular G2 domain while the C-terminal globe G3 binds to laminin. Ca+2 binding does not appear to be important in either of the binary or ternary complex formations. The data reported allow us to hypothesize that, via the multiple interactions of nidogen with other basement membrane components, nidogen plays a crucial structural role in basement membrane organization and stabilization.

Animals↗

Structural basis of beta 1 integrin-mediated cell adhesion to a large heparan sulfate proteoglycan from basement membranes.

In a cell attachment assay, several cell lines were found to adhere and spread on heparan sulfate proteoglycan purified from a basement membrane-producing tumor. This adhesion was clearly distinct from that on laminin. Cell adhesion to the proteoglycan was completely inhibited by three different antibodies against integrin beta 1 subunit, while inhibitory antibodies against beta 3 and alpha 2 to alpha 6 subunits were without strong effects. Removal of heparan sulfate from the proteoglycan diminished cell attachment, but addition of heparin to the cells did not affect adhesion to the proteoglycan. This suggests that both the heparan sulfate side chains and core protein structures are required for efficient cell adhesion. Studies with proteolytic fragments and synthetic RGD peptides showed that the single RGD sequence of mouse proteoglycan is not involved in cellular recognition. Characterization of fragments also allowed to localize cell adhesion and heparan sulfate attachment sites to the same 160 kDa core protein structure but not to fragments derived from the N-terminal portion of the proteoglycan.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Conformation/activity studies of rationally designed potent anti-adhesive RGD peptides.

The Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence is a universal cell-recognition site of various extracellular proteins that interact with integrin cell-surface receptors. In order to design low-molecular-mass RGD protein antagonists, the determination of the biologically active conformation is a prerequisite. We present a method that yields detailed insight into the steric factors which govern the binding of the ligands to their receptors by systematically scanning the conformational space accessible for the tripeptide sequence RGD. The investigation is based on the conformationally controlled design of homodetic cyclic oligopeptides and their structural determination, coupled with biological assays. For this purpose, a whole set of cyclic pentapeptides and hexapeptides has been synthesized and their three-dimensional structures in solution analyzed by modern two-dimensional NMR techniques in combination with restrained and free molecular dynamics simulations. Their biological activity was compared with that of linear GRGDS in inhibition assays of tumor cell adhesion to laminin P1 and vitronectin substrates. An up to 100-fold, and in part selective, increase in activity was observed for two cyclic pentapeptides. Most other peptides showed a decreased activity which, however, was useful to correlate activity with rather small variations in conformation. Detailed comparative studies of the systematically designed conformations and the corresponding anti-adhesive activities offer an access to lead structures for a rational indirect drug design of peptide and peptidomimetic pharmaceuticals with strong interfering activity for integrin-mediated cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of transforming growth factor-beta on collagen type VI expression in human dermal fibroblasts.

Steady-state mRNA levels and protein synthesis of collagen type VI were determined after stimulation of human dermal fibroblasts with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta). While there was a 227% increase in the alpha 3(VI) subunit mRNA at maximal TGF-beta concentration, alpha 1(VI) and alpha 2(VI) subunit mRNA levels remained unchanged. Concomitantly collagen type VI immuno-reactive material increased up to 172% of controls in cell culture medium and cell layer extracts. Regulation of alpha 3(VI) gene expression is therefore critical for the control of collagen type VI synthesis and determines the deposition of collagen type VI heterotrimeric molecules.

Blotting, Northern↗

Basement-membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan binds to laminin by its heparan sulfate chains and to nidogen by sites in the protein core.

A large, low-density form of heparan sulfate proteoglycan was isolated from the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumor and demonstrated to bind in immobilized-ligand assays to laminin fragment E3, collagen type IV, fibronectin and nidogen. The first three ligands mainly recognize the heparan sulfate chains, as shown by inhibition with heparin and heparan sulfate and by the failure to bind to the proteoglycan protein core. Nidogen, obtained from the EHS tumor or in recombinant form, binds exclusively to the protein core in a heparin-insensitive manner. Studies with other laminin fragments indicate that the fragment E3 possesses a unique binding site of laminin for the proteoglycan. A major binding site of nidogen was localized to its central globular domain G2 by using overlapping fragments. This allows for the formation of ternary complexes between laminin, nidogen and proteoglycan, suggesting a key role for nidogen in basement-membrane assembly. Evidence is provided for a second proteoglycan-binding site in the C-terminal globule G3 of nidogen, but this interaction prevents the formation of such ternary complexes. Therefore, the G3-mediated nidogen binding to laminin and proteoglycan are mutually exclusive.

Basement Membrane↗

Urokinase binding to laminin-nidogen. Structural requirements and interactions with heparin.

Recently we have shown that heparin and related sulfated polyanions are low-affinity ligands of the kringle domain in the amino-terminal region (ATF) of human urokinase (u-PA), and proposed that this may facilitate loading of u-PA onto its receptor at the focal contacts between adherent cells and their matrix. We have now tested other components of the cell matrix (fibronectin, vitronectin, thrombospondin and laminin-nidogen) for u-PA binding, and found that laminin-nidogen is also a ligand of the u-PA ATF. Direct binding assays and competition binding assays with defined fragments of laminin-nidogen showed that there are u-PA binding sites in fragment E4 of laminin as well as in nidogen. The long-arm terminal domain of laminin (fragment E3), which contains a heparin-binding site, competed for binding of u-PA to immobilised heparin. However nidogen, which does not bind to heparin, also inhibited binding of u-PA to heparin, and this effect was also observed with recombinant nidogen and with a fragment of nidogen lacking the carboxy-terminal domain. Direct binding assays confirmed that u-PA binds to nidogen through a site in the u-PA ATF. We conclude that u-PA binds to laminin-nidogen by interactions involving the ATF region of u-PA, the E4 domain of laminin and the rod or amino-terminal regions of nidogen. Since nidogen is suggested to be an important bridging molecule in the maintenance of the supramolecular organization in basement membranes, the presence of a binding site for u-PA in nidogen indicates a role for plasminogen activation in basement membrane remodelling.

Binding, Competitive↗

Cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix are coupled to diverse transmembrane signaling pathways.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins such as laminin, fibronectin, or collagen IV play a major role in cell behavior regulation. The molecular mechanisms taking place at the interface between the ECM and the cell surface are now rather well defined; however, very little is known about intracellular signals induced by these interactions. In order to get insights into the transduction pathways involved in cell-ECM interactions we have investigated the effects of several intracellular kinase inhibitors. Calmodulin-dependent kinase inhibitors, W-7 and sphingosine, have negative effects on cell-matrix interactions. They inhibit adhesion of several cell lines to laminin (IC50 = 4-10 microM), fibronectin and collagen IV (IC50 = 7-25 microM). The effects are immediate, reversible, and also cell specific, certain combinations of cell line-substrate being irresponsive to these inhibitors. In contrast, two inhibitors, H-7 and staurosporine, for which protein kinase C is a common target, increase two- to fourfold the attachment of HT1080, OVCAR-4, and B16F10 cells to laminin but not to fibronectin. Another inhibitor, HA-1004, known to inhibit protein kinase A at low concentrations, has an activating effect only at high concentration (> 200 microM) when it becomes an inhibitor of protein kinase C. These inhibitors are without effect on RuGli and Saos-2 cell adhesion on the three substrates. Altogether these results suggest that calmodulin-dependent kinases and protein kinase C could be separately involved in ECM-induced cellular responses. However, the effects of kinase inhibitors are substrate-specific and cell type-specific, suggesting that the intracellular signals induced by the extracellular matrix vary with the nature of integrin involved in signal transmission.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Monoclonal antibodies against laminin A chain fragment E3 and their effects on binding to cells and proteoglycan and on kidney development.

Rat monoclonal antibodies were raised against fragment E3 of the mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumor laminin and selected according to their exclusive reaction with laminin A chain by immunoblotting and staining pattern in embryonic kidneys by immunofluorescence. Immunochemical studies of nine purified antibodies showed a comparable reaction with unfragmented laminin and fragment E3 but no cross-reaction with several other, unrelated laminin fragments including the major cell-binding fragment E8. Reduction or pepsin digestion of fragment E3 reduced or abolished antibody binding indicating that most of the epitopes involved are conformation dependent and do not include carbohydrates. They are, however, not identical as shown by different reactivities after proteolytic or chemical cleavage of E3. Four of the antibodies were highly active in inhibiting cell adhesion of the teratocarcinoma cell line F9 and the Schwannoma cell line RN22 on fragment E3 (IC50 approximately 1 microgram/ml), while the others were distinctly less active. No inhibition was observed for cell adhesion on unfragmented laminin, consistent with previous findings that this is largely mediated by binding of fragment E8 to alpha 6 beta 1 integrin. A distinct correlation was observed between cell adhesion inhibition and the inhibition of heparansulfate proteoglycan and heparin binding to fragment E3. Since heparin is not very efficient in inhibiting cell adhesion, it indicates that heparin- and cell-binding sites on fragment E3 are in close proximity but not identical. Two of the antibodies also showed partial inhibition of kidney tubule formation in organ culture of embryonic kidney mesenchyme while the other antibodies were inactive. It suggests some but probably minor involvement of the fragment E3 structure of laminin in this developmental process.

Animals↗