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Bone morphogenetic protein-2 is a regulator of cell adhesion.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of peptide growth factors closely related to transforming growth factors-beta. The BMPs are suggested to play an essential role in bone development and they are strong candidate molecules to be used clinically to improve fracture healing. BMPs are also involved in the differentiation of several other tissues during embryogenesis. Here, we show that human recombinant BMP-2 regulates cell-matrix interactions by modifying the expression of integrin-type receptors. The synthesis of alpha3 integrin was down-regulated by BMP-2 in two osteogenic sarcoma-derived cell lines, Saos-2 and HOS, and also in human fetal chondrocytes. BMP-2 had no effect on the expression of alpha1, alpha2, alpha5, alpha6, and alphaV integrins. BMP-2 reduced the expression of alpha3 integrin subunit at mRNA level. Laminin-5 was shown to be the ligand for alpha3beta1 integrin on Saos cells and BMP-2 decreased the ability of Saos cells to attach to it. These results suggest that BMP-2 has a specific effect on the alpha3beta1 integrin-mediated cell adhesion to laminin-5. Given the fact that BMP-2 is expressed in osteosarcomas, in addition to in bone, this mechanism is putatively important especially in bone development and tumors. We also studied the effect of BMP-2 on a human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. In HaCaT cells, the expression of alpha2 integrin was strongly down-regulated by BMP-2, whereas its effect on the expression of alpha3 integrin was smaller. We suggest that the effects of BMP-2 may be partially mediated by specifically altered cell adhesion.

Antigens, CD↗

Jararhagin, a snake venom metalloproteinase-disintegrin, stimulates epithelial cell migration in an in vitro restitution model.

The snake venom metalloproteinase-disintegrin jararhagin (JG) has no chemotactic activity but stimulates the migration of neutrophils in vivo through a mechanism still unclear. In this study we investigated the effects of jararhagin on epithelial cell adhesion and migration in vitro. F-actin arrangement and the distribution of laminin, fibronectin, several integrins and phosphorylated Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) were studied using rhodamine-phalloidin and immunofluorescence. Maximum stimulation of migration (about 100%) was obtained with 5 microg/ml JG, with about 38% inhibition of cellular adhesion. In migratory cells the toxin stimulated the formation of filopodia, lamellipodia and stress fibers. The pericellular fibronectin matrix was lost in migrating cells, while laminin was less affected. The toxin stimulated FAK phosphorylation and the recruitment of alphav-containing integrins to focal contacts, whereas integrins containing the alpha2 subunit were reduced in these junctions. Inactivation of the toxin with 1,10 phenanthroline showed that the catalytic activity is important for the effect of jararhagin on cell migration, FAK phosphorylation and for the recruitment of alphav, but not as much for the anti-adhesive effect. In conclusion, jararhagin stimulates the migration of epithelial cells in vitro through a mechanism that involves its proteolytic activity, qualitative changes in cellular adhesion and the formation of actin-rich cellular processes.

Actins↗

Network of cytokines, integrins and hormones in human trophoblast cells.

Trophoblast cells of the developing embryo are unique not only for transporting oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus but also for their array of other functions throughout the pregnancy beginning from the attachment of the blastocyst to the endometrium during the process of implantation, its well regulated invasion in the uterine tissue, proliferation, differentiation and immuno-endocrine functions which subsequently maintain the pregnancy. Using human trophoblast cells in culture, we have tried to understand the molecular mechanisms which regulate such a variety of functions for trophoblast cells. Our RT-PCR studies show that trophoblast cells express the laminin and collagen receptors: integrins alpha1 and alpha2, which are both stimulated by IL-1 and IL-6. These two cytokines, also synthesised by the trophoblast cells themselves, act in an autocrine/paracrine manner to induce their own expression. In addition, IL-1 expression seems to be modulated by a large variety of cytokines and growth factors usually present in the uterine milieu whereas IL-6 expression appears to be significantly stimulated by growth factors like EGF and bFGF only. Hormones like estrogen, progesterone and hCG exhibit a general negative modulation in the expression of IL-1 and IL-6. Since, both IL-1 and IL-6 are known to be involved in the proliferation, invasion and differentiation of trophoblast cells, they might be the key factors involved in trophoblast functions.

Antigens, CD↗

Abnormal phenotype of in vitro dermal fibroblasts from patients with Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE).

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a genetic connective tissue disease, whose gene and pathogenesis are still unknown. Dermal fibroblasts from patients affected by PXE have been compared in vitro with fibroblasts taken from sex and age-matched normal individuals. Cells were grown and investigated in monolayer, into three-dimensional collagen gels and in suspension. Compared with normal cells, PXE fibroblasts cultured in monolayer entered more rapidly within the S phase and exhibited an increased proliferation index; on the contrary, similarly to normal fibroblasts, PXE cells did not grow in suspension. Furthermore, compared with normal fibroblasts, PXE cells exhibited lower efficiency in retracting collagen type I lattices and lower adhesion properties to collagen type I and to plasma fibronectin. This behavior was associated with higher expression of integrin subunits alpha2, alpha5, alphav, whereas beta1 subunit as well as alpha2beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrin expression was lower than in controls. Compared to controls, PXE fibroblasts had higher CAM protein expression in accordance with their high tendency to form cellular aggregates, when kept in suspension. The demonstration that PXE fibroblasts have altered cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, associated with modified proliferation capabilities, is consistent with the hypothesis that the gene responsible for PXE might have a broad regulatory role on the cellular machinery.

Adult↗

Beta1 integrin/focal adhesion kinase-mediated signaling induces intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand on osteoblasts and osteoclast maturation.

We have assessed characteristics of primary human osteoblasts, shedding light on signaling mediated by beta1 integrin. beta1 integrins are major receptors for these matrix glycoproteins. 1) Integrins beta1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, alpha6, and alphav were highly expressed on primary osteoblasts. 2) Engagement of beta1 integrins on osteoblasts by cross-linking with specific antibody or ligand matrices, such as fibronectin or collagen, augmented expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) on the surface. 3) Up-regulation of ICAM-1 and RANKL on osteoblasts by beta1 stimulation was completely abrogated by pretreatment with herbimycin A and genistein, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or transfection of dominant negative truncations of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). 4) Engagement of beta1 integrins on osteoblasts induced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinuclear cell formation in the coculture system of osteoblasts and peripheral monocytes. 5) Up-regulation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinuclear cell formation by beta1 stimulation was completely abrogated by transfection of dominant negative truncations of FAK. Our results indicate that beta1 integrin-dependent adhesion of osteoblasts to bone matrices induces ICAM-1 and RANKL expression and osteoclast formation via tyrosine kinase, especially FAK. We here propose that beta1 integrin/FAK-mediated signaling on osteoblasts could be involved in ICAM-1- and RANKL-dependent osteoclast maturation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

[Phenotyping of chondrocytes from human osteoarthritic cartilage: chondrocyte expression of beta integrins and correlation with anatomic injury]

Chondrocyte-ECM (extracellular matrix) interactions are believed to play a pivotal role in the development and metabolic homeostasis of articular cartilage. Cell surface adhesion molecules have been reported to modulate chondrocyte binding to ECM (collagen, fibronectin, laminin) and they also act as transducers of critical signals in many biological processes such as growth, differentiation, migration and matrix synthesis. Recently, it has been shown that normal human articular chondrocytes strongly express beta1 integrins, which are constituted by a common chain (beta1) and a variable alphachain, but the behaviour of these molecules in human osteoarthritic cartilage has not been extensively investigated. We studied the expression of beta integrins (beta1-5, alpha1-6, av chains), LFA-1, ICAM-1 and CD44, on freshly isolated chondrocytes obtained from 10 osteoarthritic patients undergoing surgical knee replacement. Chondrocytes were isolated by enzymatic digestion from three zones of each articular cartilage with a differing degree of macroscopic and microscopic damage. Integrin expression and cell cycle analysis were carried out by flowcytometry. Chondrocytes from costal cartilages of 5 human foetuses were also studied. Chondrocytes from osteoarthritic cartilage expressed high levels of beta1 integrin and, at different percentages, all the alphachains. The alphachain most frequently expressed was alpha1, foilowed by alpha3, alpha5, alpha2, alphav. Integrin expression decreased from the least to the most damaged zone of articular cartilage and cell cycle analysis showed that proliferating chondrocytes (S phase) were prevalent on the latter zone. beta2, beta3, beta2, beta5, CD44, LFA-1/ICAM-1 complex were very low expressed. Fetal chondrocytes strongly expressed beta1 and beta5 chains. These data provide evidence to show that integrin expression on human chondrocytes changes in osteoarthritis and suggest that perturbations of chondrocyte-ECM signalling occur in the development of the disease. The different pattern of expression of beta1 and beta5 chains on adult and fetal chondrocytes leads to speculate that integrins play a key role in control of cartilage morphogenesis and differentiation.

Journal Article↗

The role of the integrin family of adhesion molecules in the development of tumors metastatic to the orbit.

Tumors metastatic to the orbit frequently originate from certain primary tumors such as breast, lung, prostate, and melanoma. The site-specific nature of orbital metastases, as well as that of other metastatic lesions, cannot be the result of random seeding. We present evidence from a review of the literature demonstrating that tumor cells express adhesion molecules of the integrin family, and that these receptors play a pivotal role in the development of a metastatic colony. We investigated orbital metastatic lesions from prostate carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and lobular breast carcinoma to determine the level of integrin expression by immunohistochemistry. Several integrin subunits (alpha2, alpha4, beta3) were found to have increased expression in the metastasis when compared to normal prostate tissue and normal melanocytes. The increased expression of these integrins may be responsible for the tendency of these tumors to metastasize to the orbit, as well as for the tendency of prostate tumors to metastasize to bone. The results from the staining of the breast metastasis were inconclusive.

Aged↗

Integrin ligands mobilize Ca2+ from ryanodine receptor-gated stores and lysosome-related acidic organelles in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) protein receptors, or integrins, participate in vascular remodeling and the systemic myogenic response. Synthetic ligands and ECM fragments regulate the vascular smooth muscle cell contractile state by altering intracellular Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i). Information on the Ca2+ effect of integrins in vascular smooth muscle cells is limited, but nonexistent in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). We therefore characterized integrin expression in endothelium-denuded pulmonary arteries, and explored [Ca2+]i mobilization pathways induced by soluble ligands in rat PASMCs. Reverse transcriptase-PCR showed mRNA expression of integrins alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, alpha7, alpha8, alpha(v), beta1, beta3, and beta4, and immunoblots of alpha5, alpha(v), beta1, and beta3 confirmed protein expression. Exposure of PASMCs to integrin-binding peptides (0.5 mM) containing the arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) motif elicited [Ca2+]i responses with an order of potency of GRGDNP > GRGDSP > GRGDTP = cyclo-RGD. Pharmacological analysis revealed that the GRGDSP-induced Ca2+ response was unrelated to Ca2+ influx and the inositol triphosphate receptor-gated Ca2+ store, but partially blocked by ryanodine or inhibition of lysosome-related acidic organelles with bafilomycin A1. Simultaneous inhibition of both pathways was necessary to abolish the response. GRGDSP treatment increased cyclic ADP-ribose, the endogenous activator of ryanodine receptors, by 70%. GRGDSP also rapidly reduced Lysotracker Red accumulation, confirming direct modulation of acidic organelles. These data are the first demonstration of integrin-mediated Ca2+ regulation in PASMCs. The presence of an array of integrins, and activation of ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores and lysosome-like organelles by GRGDSP suggest important roles for integrin-dependent Ca2+ signaling in regulating PASMC function.

Animals↗

An all-D amino acid peptide model of alpha1(IV)531-543 from type IV collagen binds the alpha3beta1 integrin and mediates tumor cell adhesion, spreading, and motility.

Type IV collagen promotes integrin-mediated cell adhesion, spreading, and motility. Several regions within the triple-helical domain of type IV collagen have been identified as tumor cellular recognition sites. Among these regions, the alpha1(IV)531-543 sequence, designated L-Hep-III, promotes integrin-mediated tumor cell adhesion and directly binds to the alpha3beta1 integrin [Miles, A. J., et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 30939-30945; Miles, A. J., et al. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 29047-29050]. We have presently compared the activities of the all-d enantiomeric peptide model of alpha1(IV)531-543, designated D-Hep-III, with L-Hep-III, for promoting the adhesion, spreading, and motility of metastatic melanoma and breast carcinoma cells. D-Hep-III was found to support melanoma and breast carcinoma cell adhesion, spreading, and motility in a dose-dependent fashion similar to that of L-Hep-III. The adhesions of melanoma and breast carcinoma cells to both type IV collagen and fibronectin were effectively inhibited by L-Hep-III and D-Hep-III. Melanoma cell invasion of the basement membrane was also inhibited by D-Hep-III. Characterization of the cell surface receptor for D-Hep-III was acheived via cell adhesion assays and affinity chromatography using monoclonal antibodies against integrin subunits. Immunoprecipitation analysis following EDTA elution from a D-Hep-III affinity column indicated that D-Hep-III binds to the alpha3beta1 integrin but not to the alpha2 or alpha6 integrin subunits. In summary, these studies demonstrate that an all-D model of the alpha1(IV)531-543 sequence mimics the biological activities of the all-L peptide. D-Hep-III is the first all-D peptide that has been shown to promote tumor cell adhesion, spreading, and migration, inhibit tumor cell adhesion and migration on type IV collagen and invasion of the basement membrane, and bind directly to an integrin. Due to the resistance to proteolysis, all-D receptor-binding peptides such as D-Hep-III have great potential for in vivo studies and as therapeutic agents.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Integrin alpha2beta1 is a receptor for the cartilage matrix protein chondroadherin.

Chondroadherin (the 36-kD protein) is a leucine-rich, cartilage matrix protein known to mediate adhesion of isolated chondrocytes. In the present study we investigated cell surface proteins involved in the interaction of cells with chondroadherin in cell adhesion and by affinity purification. Adhesion of bovine articular chondrocytes to chondroadherin-coated dishes was dependent on Mg2+ or Mn2+ but not Ca2+. Adhesion was partially inhibited by an antibody recognizing beta1 integrin subunit. Chondroadherin-binding proteins from chondrocyte lysates were affinity purified on chondroadherin-Sepharose. The beta1 integrin antibody immunoprecipitated two proteins with molecular mass approximately 110 and 140 kD (nonreduced) from the EDTA-eluted material. These results indicate that a beta1 integrin on chondrocytes interacts with chondroadherin. To identify the alpha integrin subunit(s) involved in interaction of cells with the protein, we affinity purified chondroadherin-binding membrane proteins from human fibroblasts. Immunoprecipitation of the EDTA-eluted material from the affinity column identified alpha2beta1 as a chondroadherin-binding integrin. These results are in agreement with cell adhesion experiments where antibodies against the integrin subunit alpha2 partially inhibited adhesion of human fibroblast and human chondrocytes to chondroadherin. Since alpha2beta1 also is a receptor for collagen type II, we tested the ability of different antibodies against the alpha2 subunit to inhibit adhesion of T47D cells to collagen type II and chondroadherin. The results suggested that adhesion to collagen type II and chondroadherin involves similar or nearby sites on the alpha2beta1 integrin. Although alpha2beta1 is a receptor for both collagen type II and chondroadherin, only adhesion of cells to collagen type II was found to mediate spreading.

Animals↗

Localization of extracellular matrix receptors in ICGN mice, a strain of mice with hereditary nephrotic syndrome.

Fibrotic degeneration was examined in the kidneys of ICR-derived glomerulonephritis (ICGN) mice, a novel inbred mouse line with a hereditary nephrotic syndrome of unknown etiology considered to be a good model of human idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. In the present study, we histochemically revealed changes in accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and in localization of integrins, cellular receptors for ECM, in the kidneys of ICGN mice with the progression of renal failure. Excessive accumulation of basement membrane (laminin and collagen IV) and interstitial (type III collagen) ECM components were demonstrated in the glomeruli and tubulointerstitum of ICGN mice. Marked deposition of type I collagen and tenascin was seen only in the glomeruli of ICGN mice but not in those of ICR mice as normal controls. Increased expression of integrin alpha1-, alpha2-, alpha5- and beta1-subunits in glomeruli with fibrotic degeneration and abnormal distribution of alpha6-subunit were noted in the kidneys of ICGN mice. Excessive laminin, a ligand of alpha6beta1-integrin, was demonstrated on the tubular basement membrane, but alpha6-subunit diffusely disappeared on the basal side of the tubular epithelial cells. We presumed that abnormal integrin expression in renal tubules causes epithelial cell detachment, and consequently tubular nephropathy, and results in disorder of ECM metabolism causing excessive accumulation of ECM components in the kidneys of ICGN mice.

Albumins↗

The platelet glycoprotein Ib-von Willebrand factor interaction activates the collagen receptor alpha2beta1 to bind collagen: activation-dependent conformational change of the alpha2-I domain.

Integrin alpha2beta1 (glycoprotein [GP] Ia/IIa) is a major platelet receptor for collagen, containing its collagen-binding site within the alpha2 I domain. alpha2beta1 changes conformation upon platelet activation, increasing its affinity for collagen. We observed that 2 antibodies known to bind within the alpha2I domain, 12F1 and 6F1, bound preferentially to adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-activated platelets. Interestingly, when whole blood was perfused over a surface coated with either 12F1 or 6F1, only 6F1 supported the adhesion of unstimulated platelets. To test whether the interaction of GP Ib with von Willebrand factor (VWF) directly activates alpha2beta1, we used 12F1 as a probe of integrin activation. We perfused blood over a surface coated with a mixture of VWF-A1 domain (a GP Ib ligand) and 12F1 or VWF-A1 and mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG). Platelets rolled and did not attach stably on the A1/IgG surface, but they firmly bound and covered the A1/12F1 surface. We corroborated that 12F1 binds an active conformation of the I domain by showing that it binds with higher affinity to a gain-of-function mutant than to either wild-type I domain or a loss-of-function mutant. These results strongly suggest that the interaction of platelet GP Ib with VWF mediates the activation of alpha2beta1, increasing its affinity for collagen.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Integrins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma invasion.

OBJECTIVE: To relate the invasive properties of different squamous cell cancer cell lines to the function and expression of the integrins. STUDY DESIGN: A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were designed to assess and compare integrin expression and function in two different head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. METHODS: Invasive properties of two squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (UM-SCC-1 and JHU-022-SCC) were assessed using an in vitro artificial matrix assay as well as an in vivo system with orthotopically implanted tumor cells in mice. Whole cell and surface expression levels of integrin subunits (alpha2, alpha3, alpha5, alpha6, beta1, and beta4) were determined for each cell line using Western blot analysis and flow cytometry. We compared the ability of JHU-022-SCC and UM-SCC-1 cells to bind the extracellular matrix elements collagen IV, fibronectin, laminin 5, and laminin10 using an in vitro adhesion assay. Contributions of the different integrins to the adhesive properties were determined by selective antibody blocking of different subunits. RESULTS: The UM-SCC-1 cell line is 50% more invasive in vitro and displays a greater propensity for perineural and lymphatic invasion in vivo. The UM-SCC-1 cells exhibited greater adherence to fibronectin than JHU-022-SCC cells. Alpha6 and beta4 expression is approximately twofold greater in the JHU-022-SCC cells. Alpha2, alpha3, and beta1 expression appears to be upregulated in UM-SCC-1 cells. CONCLUSION: The UM-SCC-1 carcinoma cells are more invasive than JHU-022-SCC cells and may be related to differential expression of the integrins alpha6beta4, alpha3beta1, and alpha2beta1.

Animals↗

Determination of the border between the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of human integrin subunits.

In this study we have determined the position of the C-terminal end of the transmembrane domains of human integrin subunits (alpha2, alpha5, beta1, beta2) in microsomal membranes using the glycosylation mapping technique. In contrast to the common view, the transmembrane helices were found to extend roughly to Phe(1129) in alpha2, to Phe(1026) in alpha5, to Ile(757) in beta1, and to His(728) in beta2. The alpha-carbon of the conserved lysine present near the C-terminal end of the transmembrane helix (Lys(1125) in alpha2, Lys(1022) in alpha5, Lys(752) in beta1, and Lys(724) in beta2) is buried in the plasma membrane, and the charged amino group most likely reaches into the polar head-group region of the lipid bilayer. A possible role for the conserved lysine in integrin function is discussed.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Amniotic membrane as an in vitro model for endometrium-extracellular matrix interactions.

The aim of the study was to develop an in vitro model to study the interaction between endometrial cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) and to evaluate the expression of cell adhesion molecules in endometrial cells and tissue fragments under in vitro conditions. Endometrial biopsies were collected from 32 patients. Samples were either digested using collagenase type I, or dissected mechanically. Adhesion of isolated cells and tissue fragments to stripped amniotic membranes and to coverslips coated with ECM components was studied. The expression of beta1 integrins and cadherins was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Collagenase digestion of endometrial biopsies yielded viable single cells. These cells did not adhere to either side of stripped amniotic membranes, and did not show expression of the cell adhesion molecules. In contrast, mechanically fragmented endometrium samples adhered to both sides of stripped amniotic membranes and showed immunohistochemical expression of E- and P-cadherin and integrin subunits alpha2, alpha3, alpha4, alpha5 and alpha6. Amniotic membranes, after stripping of epithelial lining, are suitable to study interactions between endometrial tissue and ECM in functional and structural studies. Endometrial cells after collagenase type I digestion do not adhere to stripped amniotic membrane and have lost expression of beta1 integrins and E- and P-cadherin.

Amnion↗

The microanatomy of the distal arrector pili: possible role for alpha1beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins in mediating cell-cell adhesion and anchorage to the extracellular matrix.

The arrector pili (AP) muscle is a small band of smooth muscle that attaches proximally to the bulge area of the pilosebaceous apparatus in the reticular dermis and extends up toward the epidermis. The distal anatomy of the AP and the anchorage mechanism allowing hair erection have not been previously described. Integrins are likely candidates mediating this attachment. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to determine the distribution of the following integrins: alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, alpha6 and beta1 as well as fibronectin. Frozen human scalp tissue was sectioned in traditional planes, obliquely and horizontally to visualize microanatomy in three dimensions. Histological examination revealed that the distal portions of smooth muscle fibers splay extensively between collagen bundles of the upper dermis. Integrin subunits alpha1, alpha5 and beta1 were expressed by the AP muscle. Analysis of the relative density of immunoreactivity in digitized sections revealed increased alpha5 subunit expression at the extracellular matrix (ECM)-muscle interface. These data suggest that anchorage of the AP muscle to the ECM is via alpha5beta1 integrin and alpha1beta1 integrin functions in muscle cell-cell adhesion. Extensive splaying of smooth muscle fibers may allow increased surface area contact between the ECM and smooth muscle cells expressing peripherally situated alpha5 integrin.

Aged↗

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors alter adhesivity of prostatic cancer cells to extracellular matrix components.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are thought to have potential as a new generation of anti-cancer drugs. Since invasiveness, the main characteristic of malignant behaviour, is believed to depend on altered cell-matrix interactions, we investigated the effect of two potent TKIs, genistein and tyrphostin AG-1478, on the interaction of prostate cancer cells with extracellular matrix components. PC-3 and DU-145 cells were treated with various concentrations of genistein and tyrphostin AG-1478. Adhesion to extracellular matrix was assayed using fluorescence-labelled cells seeded on collagen type I, collagen type IV, fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin. The expression levels of integrin beta1, alpha2, alpha3 and alpha5 subunits were measured using flow cytometry of cells labelled with monoclonal murine antibodies. Genistein treatment reduced the ability of both cell lines to adhere to the matrix proteins tested. This effect was more pronounced for PC-3 cells than for DU-145 cells. Genistein treatment decreased the expression of beta1 integrins by 40% in PC-3 cells and 22% in DU-145. AG-1478 treatment slightly reduced the ability of DU-145 cells to adhere, but did not decrease PC-3 cell adhesion. Nevertheless, expression levels were reduced for most integrins tested, except the expression of alpha-5, for which no significant effect was measured. Our results point to a possible role of TKIs as suppressors of prostate carcinoma cell adhesion to extracellular matrix components, by acting as inhibitors of integrin expression.

Cell Adhesion↗

Differential expression and topography of adhesion molecules in laryngeal and oropharyngeal carcinomas.

This work describes the different patterns of expression of integrins and extracellular matrix proteins in normal and transformed mucosa in laryngeal and oropharyngeal carcinomas. Samples from each tumor group were sectioned and examined by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies raised against integrin chains (alpha2, alpha3, alpha6, beta1 and beta4) and their ligands (laminins 1 and 5, collagen type IV and two fibronectin isoforms: ED-A and ED-B). Controls were provided by samples of tumor-free laryngeal and oropharyngeal mucosa that had been removed during the surgical procedure. We found that the known distinct topographical pattern of integrins and the continuity of basement membrane components was altered in both groups but that the extent of changes was significantly more marked in oropharyngeal tumors, which are known to be more infiltrating and diffusive and to have a bad prognosis. These molecular patterns of expression can be used as an additional prognostic factor as they suggest a greater biological tumor aggressiveness of oropharyngeal tumors. We suggest that performing immunohistochemical analysis on biopsy samples may help in selecting the correct therapeutic strategy for these tumors and enable more accurate follow-up. The above-mentioned molecules may become part of the diagnostic toolbox of head and neck surgical pathologists.

Biomarkers↗