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[Integrins: a family of cell adhesion receptors].

Integrins are a family of cell adhesion molecules (CAM's) that mediate the communication between the intracellular and the extracellular compartments. The growing interest in CAM's is due to the essential role they play in cell-cell and cell-matrix recognition processes. These receptors are formed by a non-covalently associated glycoprotein complex of two distinct polypeptide chains, called, alpha and beta. The association of different subunits results in the formation of, at least, 16 different integrins that provide cells with a great versatility in their adhesion properties. An integrin molecule comprises a cytoplasmic domain that interacts with the cytoskeleton, a transmembranous domain and an extracellular domain that binds to one or more ligands. beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3, are the best characterized integrin subfamilies; they are expressed, in different amounts, in epithelial and endothelial cells, leukocytes, fibroblasts and platelets. b1 integrins are essentially involved in cell-extracellular matrix interactions and beta 2 subfamily in leukocyte-leukocyte and leukocyte-endothelial cell communications. The integrin subfamily beta 3 mediates the adhesion of platelets with fibrinogen and other ligands. During embryonic development, integrins in association with other CAM's, play an essential role in cell migration and morphogenesis. Moreover, in processes like inflammation, wound healing and thrombosis, integrins and other CAM's mediate the interactions among the injured tissue and circulating cells. In two genetic diseases like the leukocyte adhesion deficiency and the Glanzmann's thrombasthenia an impairment in leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions and platelet aggregation is detected, due to deficiencies or abnormalities in beta 2 or beta 3 integrin subfamilies, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cell Adhesion↗

Antigen-independent processes in antigen-specific immunity. A role for alpha 4 integrin.

It has been proposed that the migration of immune T cells out of blood vessels through connective tissue to the site of antigenic challenge is facilitated by the interaction of VLA integrins on lymphocytes with endothelial cell adhesion molecules and matrix proteins. Indeed, we have recently demonstrated that peptides derived from sequences in fibronectin abrogate the T cell-mediated contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reactions in vivo. These peptides blocked the interaction of the integrins VLA-4 and VLA-5 with fibronectin (FN), and our results suggested that by preventing the interaction of T cell integrins with FN, we successfully prevented the migration of T cells to sites of antigenic challenge. To further explore the role of integrins in T cell migration, we have used an antibody (R1-2) specific for the alpha-chain of alpha 4 integrins. Our data show that this antibody stains more than 90% of CD3+ T cells, and this percentage does not change after the mice have been immunized with a contact sensitizer. We also show that this antibody blocks the interaction of cells with immobilized FN and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 on activated endothelial cells. Although R1-2 identifies alpha 4 integrin on a large number of T cells, it does not discriminate between activated and resting forms of this integrin, because very few T cells from immune or nonimmune mice actually bind FN or activated endothelium. In vivo, antibody R1-2 effectively blocks Ag-specific CHS, but has little effect on the non-Ag-specific cells that localize to the site of antigenic challenge. The population of cells that adoptively transfer CHS exits with the population of cells that bind to FN or to activated endothelial cells. Our data demonstrate that a small number of Ag-specific T cells use alpha 4 integrin to enter sites of inflammation and mediate effector immune responses. Ag-independent accumulation of T cells near sites of inflammation does not appear to be mediated by alpha 4 integrin.

Animals↗

Altered expression of integrins in adriamycin-resistant human breast cancer cells.

We investigated alterations in the expression of integrin on adriamycin-resistant MCF-7 (MCF-7/ADR) cells, which had been selected from MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, in order to examine the mechanisms behind the acquisition of malignancy in breast cancer progression. Expression of the alpha 6 integrin subunit of MCF-7/ADR cells was stronger than that of MCF-7 cells, whereas expression of alpha 2 integrin subunit of MCF-7/ADR cells was weaker than that of MCF-7 cells. MCF-7/ADR showed increased binding activity to laminin, but not to collagen or fibronectin, compared to those of parental MCF-7 cells. Adhesion of MCF-7 cells to collagen and laminin was inhibited by the addition of antibody to alpha 2 and alpha 6 integrin subunit, respectively. On the other hand, adhesion of MCF-7/ADR cells to collagen was not inhibited by the addition of antibody to alpha 2, alpha 3 or alpha 6 integrin subunit. Adhesion of MCF-7/ADR cells to laminin was inhibited by not only the antibody to alpha 6 subunit but also the antibody to the alpha 3 subunit. The transmigratory activity of MCF-7/ADR cells was higher than that of MCF-7 cells. A significant inhibitory effect on the transmigration of MCF-7/ADR cells was observed by the addition of antibody to alpha 6 and beta 1 integrin subunit. MCF-7/ADR cells appeared smaller and flatter than MCF-7 cells, and spread to a greater extent on the culture dish. MCF-7 cells cultured on Matrigel for 24 hours formed clusters. In contrast to this, MCF-7/ADR cells expanded with a tubular-like pattern on Matrigel. The spread of MCF-7/ADR cells was incompletely inhibited by addition of the antibody to alpha 3 integrin subunit, and completely inhibited by addition of the antibody to alpha 6 and beta 1 integrin subunit. These findings suggest that integrins on MCF-7/ADR cells are altered from those on parental MCF-7 cells in not only expression but also function, and that interaction between cancer cells and extracellular matrix protein is involved in augmentation of the invasiveness of MCF-7/ADR cells.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Invasive behaviour of human gliomas is mediated by interindividually different integrin patterns.

BACKGROUND: Glioma invasion is still a major obstacle for successful therapy. In the past we could demonstrate that glioma invasion is mediated by different adhesion molecules of the integrin family. Here we investigated whether a common pattern of integrin profiles might be involved, potentially providing a therapeutical avenue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicellular spheroids were generated out of three human cell lines (GaMG, U373, U251) and from tumor biopsies of 9 human glioblastomas. After confrontation with rat brain aggregates, functional blocking antibodies against different integrin subunits (alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha v, alpha 1, alpha v beta 3, alpha v beta 5) or four different disintegrines (kistrin, echistatin, eristostatin, flavoridin) were added. Integrin patterns of the human cell lines/specimens were determined by FACScan or immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In cell lines, antibodies against alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha v and alpha v beta 5 effectively reduced invasion into rat brain aggregates. Little effect could be observed with the anti-beta 1- or with anti-alpha v beta 3- antibodies. In primary tumor specimens, however, a different invasion pattern in regard to its integrin dependency emerged with antibodies against the alpha 3-chain or the alpha v beta 3 integrin being the most effective. Invasion of primary tumor tissue into the brain aggregates was by far more aggressive compared to that of the cell lines. Accordingly, it was less influenced by integrin antibodies. The disintegrines affected migration of glioma cells on purified ECM substrates in a heterogeneous matter, but had no impact on tumor invasion into brain aggregates. CONCLUSION: Although invasion of human gliomas is mediated by integrins, due to the heterogeneity of its dependency on different integrins this approach seems not to be appropriate to sufficiently alter glioma invasion in a therapeutical neuro-oncological setting.

Aged↗

Integrin-mediated adhesion of human articular chondrocytes to cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: To determine 1) the kinetics and strength of adhesion of human articular chondrocytes to a cut cartilage surface, and 2) the role of specific integrins in mediating such adhesion, using an in vitro model. METHODS: Human articular chondrocytes isolated from cadaveric donors (mean +/- SD age 38 +/- 13 years) were cultured in high-density or low-density monolayer. Following release from culture with trypsin and a 2-2.5-hour recovery period, chondrocytes were analyzed either for adhesion to cartilage or for integrin expression by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Following culture in monolayer, adhesion of chondrocytes to cartilage increased with time, from 6-16% at 10 minutes to a maximum of 59-82% at 80-320 minutes. After 80 minutes of adhesion, the resistance of cells to flow-induced shear stress (50% detachment) was approximately 21 Pa. Chondrocyte adhesion to cartilage decreased with pretreatment of cells with monoclonal antibodies that bound to and blocked certain integrins. After an 80-minute incubation time, adhesion of chondrocytes cultured in high-density monolayer decreased from the value of IgG1-treated controls (55%) with blocking of the beta1 integrin subunit (to 23%) or with blocking of alpha 5 beta 1 (to 36%). Following expansion of chondrocytes in low-density monolayer, the mechanisms of adhesion to cartilage were generally similar. After an 80-minute incubation time, adhesion of chondrocytes cultured in low-density monolayer decreased from the value of IgG1-treated controls (62%) with blocking of the beta1 integrin subunit (to 30%) or with blocking of alpha 5 beta 1 (to 44%). Additionally, adhesion of these cells decreased to 46% by blocking of alpha v beta 5, with a similar trend in effect for chondrocytes cultured in high-density monolayer. Blocking of the alpha 1 or alpha 3 integrin subunits or alpha v beta 3 had no detectable effect on adhesion, even though these receptors were detected by flow cytometry. CONCLUSION: Under the culture and seeding conditions studied, beta1, alpha 5 beta 1, and alpha v beta 5 integrins mediate human chondrocyte adhesion to cartilage. These chondrocyte integrins have a potential role in the initial adhesion and retention of chondrocytes at a cartilage defect site following clinical procedures of chondrocyte transplantation.

Adult↗

Integrin clipping: a novel adhesion switch?

During human prostate cancer progression, the majority of normally expressed integrins are suppressed with the exception of the alpha6, alpha3, and beta1 integrins. We have shown that in prostate cancer, the alpha6 integrin is found paired with the beta1 integrin and that a novel form of the alpha6 integrin that lacks a large portion of the extracellular domain (alpha6p) exists. The alpha6pbeta1 integrin is found in human prostate cancer tissue specimens as well as tissue culture cell lines and is formed on the cell surface. This review discusses the mechanism of alpha6pbeta1 production and the potential functions of this integrin variant. Our current working model predicts that the alpha6pbeta1 integrin maintains the intracellular cytoskeletal connections associated with the heterodimer while allowing for an alteration in cell adhesion. The mechanism provides a selective advantage for cancer cell metastasis.

Cell Adhesion↗

Expression of a novel beta 1 integrin in the dysplastic progression of the cervical epithelium.

Epithelial cell interactions with matrices and basal membranes are central for tissue organization, and integrins are a family of adhesion molecules that play a major role in these interactions. We have analyzed the expression of a novel integrin alpha chain, alpha 10.1.2, in the squamous epithelium of the portio vaginalis uteri from patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and from control samples without apparent cervical abnormalities. The localization of beta 1 and alpha 6 chains was also investigated, together with the distribution of intraepithelial HLA-DR and CD1c-positive Langerhans cells. In the normal cervical epithelium, all of the integrin chains were detected in the basal cell layer, albeit with a different localization in the apical, lateral, and basal cell surfaces. Langerhans cells were evenly distributed in the deep 2/3 of the squamous epithelium. Expression of alpha 10.1.2 was reduced or absent in all of the CIN 1 specimens in which the other integrin chains were either normal or slightly reduced. CIN 2 was characterized by overexpression of integrins, namely of beta 1 and of alpha 10.1.2 chains which were consistently detected also in suprabasal cell layers. None of the integrin chains was found in CIN3 samples in which Langerhans cells were also absent. Thus, modulation and redistribution of integrins occur in the progression of cervical dysplasia, and lack of integrin expression characterizes high-grade lesions. As in other dysplasias and cancers of squamous epithelia, the localization of alpha 10.1.2 chains provides reliable diagnostic and possibly prognostic criteria.

Adult↗

The alpha 6-integrin receptor in pancreatic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The alpha 6-containing integrin was suggested to be involved in the process of tumor invasion and metastasis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the expression and function of this adhesion receptor in pancreatic carcinoma. METHODS: Integrin expression was investigated in pancreatic tissue and tumor cell lines using immunohistochemistry. Radioimmunoprecipitation was used to determine the complex composition of alpha 6. To analyze the function of the alpha 6-containing integrin in pancreatic cancer, in vitro adhesion, migration, and invasion experiments were performed. RESULTS: The alpha 6-containing integrin was differentially expressed in normal pancreas and pancreatic carcinoma. Immunoprecipitation of different pancreatic carcinoma cell lines showed that alpha 6 was expressed together with the beta 4 subunit as alpha 6 beta 4 complex. However, adhesion of pancreatic cancer cells to laminin could be inhibited with anti-alpha 6 and anti-beta 1 integrin antibodies but not by anti-beta 4 integrin antibody. Migration of the cells through laminin was almost completely inhibited by anti-beta 1 antibody but not by other anti-integrin antibodies. Tumor cell invasion through a reconstituted basement membrane was only slightly inhibited by anti-alpha 6 antibody. In contrast, a marked inhibition was observed using anti-beta 1 antibodies, anti-alpha 2-anti-alpha 5 antibodies, and RGDS. CONCLUSIONS: The alpha 6-containing integrin is a laminin adhesion receptor in pancreatic carcinoma cells, possibly involved in tumor invasion through the basement membrane.

Antigens, Surface↗

Involvement of beta(1) integrin in betaAP-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells.

Integrin-mediated cell adhesion is required for cell survival and differentiation. Recently, integrins have been proposed as a target for beta-amyloid peptide (betaAP) neurotoxicity. We report here that treatment with betaAP (1-42) or with the active betaAP fragment (25-35) induced a great deal of apoptosis in SK-N-BE and SH-SY5Y cell lines. In the presence of either collagen I degrees, fibronectin, or laminin, betaAP toxicity was severely reduced. This protective effect seems to be mediated by integrins, because preincubation of neuroblastoma cells with antibodies directed against beta(1) and alpha(1) integrin subunits greatly enhanced betaAP-induced apoptosis. In addition, treatment with betaAP induced a strong reduction of beta(1) and alpha(1) integrin subunits expressed in plasma membrane, which occurred 3 h after treatment, before the appearance of the apoptotic morphology. The rapid downregulation of the alpha(1)beta(1) integrin was almost completely recovered 15-24 h after betaAP treatment and was not prevented by cycloheximide. In conclusion, our data indicate a relationship between betaAP neurotoxicity and modulation of alpha(1)beta(1) integrin expression, and support the hypothesis that aberrant integrin function may play a significant role in betaAP-mediated neurotoxicity.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Syndecan-1-mediated cell spreading requires signaling by alphavbeta3 integrins in human breast carcinoma cells.

Syndecans are cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans with regulatory roles in cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation [Annu. Rev. Biochem. 68 (1999) 729]. While the syndecan heparan sulfate chains are essential for matrix binding, less is known about the signaling role of their core proteins. To mimic syndecan-specific adhesion, MDA-MB-231 mammary carcinoma cells were plated on antibodies against syndecan-4 or syndecan-1. While cells adherent via syndecan-4 spread, cells adherent via syndecan-1 do not. However, cells adherent via syndecan-1 can be induced to spread by Mn(2+), suggesting that activation of a beta(1) or beta(3) integrin partner is required. Surprisingly, pretreatment of cells with a function-activating beta(1) antibody does not induce spreading, whereas function-blocking beta(1) integrin antibodies do, suggesting involvement of a beta(1)-to-beta(3) integrin cross-talk. Indeed, blockade of beta(1) integrin activation induces alpha(v)beta(3) integrin activation detectable by soluble fibrinogen binding. Spreading in response to syndecan-1 is independent of integrin-ligand binding. Furthermore, competition with soluble murine syndecan-1 ectodomain, which does not disrupt cell adhesion, nonetheless blocks the spreading mechanism. These data suggest that the ectodomain of the syndecan-1 core protein directly participates in the formation of a signaling complex that signals in cooperation with alpha(v)beta(3) integrins; signaling via this complex is negatively regulated by beta(1) integrins.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Focal complex formation in adult cardiomyocytes is accompanied by the activation of beta3 integrin and c-Src.

In pressure-overloaded myocardium, our recent study demonstrated cytoskeletal assembly of c-Src and other signaling proteins which was partially mimicked in vitro using adult feline cardiomyocytes embedded in three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrix and stimulated with an integrin-binding Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide. In the present study, we improved this model further to activate c-Src and obtain a full assembly of the focal adhesion complex (FAC), and characterized c-Src localization and integrin subtype(s) involved. RGD dose response experiments revealed that c-Src activation occurs subsequent to its cytoskeletal recruitment and is accompanied by p130Cas cytoskeletal binding and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) Tyr925 phosphorylation. When cardiomyocytes expressing hexahistidine-tagged c-Src via adenoviral gene delivery were used for RGD stimulation, the expressed c-Src exhibited relocation: (i) biochemical analysis revealed c-Src movement from the detergent-soluble to the -insoluble cytoskeletal fraction and (ii) confocal microscopic analysis showed c-Src movement from a nuclear/perinuclear to a sarcolemmal region. RGD treatment also caused sarcolemmal co-localization of FAK and vinculin. Characterization of integrin subtypes revealed that beta3, but not beta1, integrin plays a predominant role: (i) expression of cytoplasmic domain of beta1A integrin did not affect the RGD-stimulated FAC formation and (ii) both pressure-overloaded myocardium and RGD-stimulated cardiomyocytes exhibited phosphorylation of beta3 integrin at Tyr773/785 sites but not beta1 integrin at Thr788/789 sites. Together these data indicate that RGD treatment in cardiomyocytes causes beta3 integrin activation and c-Src sarcolemmal localization, that subsequent c-Src activation is accompanied by p130Cas binding and FAK Tyr925 phosphorylation, and that these events might be crucial for growth and remodeling of hypertrophying adult cardiomyocytes.

Adenoviridae↗

Serum levels of integrins in chronic liver diseases.

The serum levels of beta 1 integrin (microgram/ml) were significantly higher in the patients with chronic persistent hepatitis (2.59 +/- 0.04), chronic active hepatitis (3.45 +/- 0.13), cirrhosis (4.77 +/- 0.30) and hepatocellular carcinoma (4.71 +/- 0.49) than in normal subjects (2.11 +/- 0.08). Serum levels of beta 3 integrin (microgram/ml) were significantly higher in the patients with chronic active hepatitis (10.48 +/- 1.22), liver cirrhosis (13.55 +/- 1.54) and hepatocellular carcinoma (14.1 +/- 1.77) when compared with normal subjects (5.51 +/- 0.52). A positive correlation was found between serum levels of beta 1 and beta 3 integrins (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between serum levels of beta 1 integrin and histologic features, particularly in the degree of hepatic fibrosis, while no correlation was found between serum levels of beta 3 integrin and hepatic fibrosis. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the beta 1 integrin was present on the plasma membranes of hepatocytes and sinusoidal lining cells in the normal liver, and was increased in fibrotic areas, and on the plasma membranes of hepatocytes and sinusoidal lining cells of the chronic liver disease. However, no positive staining for beta 3 integrin was observed in fibrotic area. The serum level of beta 1 integrin in patients with chronic liver diseases may therefore be a useful marker of hepatic fibrosis.

Chronic Disease↗

Role of integrins in mouse eyelid development: studies in normal embryos and embryos in which there is a failure of eyelid fusion.

Eyelid fusion normally occurs between E15.5 and E16.5 of mouse embryonic development and results from the migration of a population of periderm-derived epithelial cells over the corneal surface. Cell migration is known to depend on extracellular matrix receptors of the integrin family and to be regulated by growth factors. We were therefore interested that a failure of eyelid fusion has been reported in mice that are homozygous null for the transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) gene and in mice (invalpha5beta1) in which a transgenic alpha5beta1 integrin under the control of the involucrin promoter is misexpressed in differentiating keratinocytes. We examined expression of the alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, alpha5beta1 and alpha6beta4 integrins during eyelid fusion in wild-type embryos and found selective upregulation of the alpha5beta1 integrin and its ligand, fibronectin, in the migrating eyelid tip cells. In TGF-alpha null embryos, the failure of eyelid fusion was correlated with a failure to upregulate the alpha5beta1 integrin and fibronectin in the tip cells. Using beta-galactosidase as a reporter gene in transgenic mice, we observed specific activity of the involucrin promoter in the eyelid tip cells. In invalpha5beta1 mice the transgenic human integrin was overexpressed not only in the tip cells but throughout the eyelid epidermis. In contrast, the endogenous, murine, alpha5beta1 integrin was only weakly expressed in the tip cells. We speculate that selective and coordinated expression of the alpha5beta1 integrin and fibronectin in eyelid tip cells is required for eyelid fusion and may be under the control of growth factors that include TGF-alpha.

Animals↗

The effect of anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies on antigen-induced pulmonary inflammation in allergic rabbits.

The integrin adhesion molecules are involved in the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells at sites of inflammation in a variety of diseases. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against CD49d (alpha(4) integrin), CD18 (beta(2) integrin) and the alpha sub-units of beta(2) integrin CD11a (LFA-1 integrin) and CD11b (Mac-1 integrin), on antigen (Ag)-induced acute bronchoconstriction and cellular recruitment in allergic rabbits in vivo. Inhaled Ag (Alternaria tenuis) challenge of neonatally sensitised rabbits caused an acute bronchoconstriction demonstrated by an increase in lung resistance (R(L)) and decrease in dynamic compliance (C(dyn)) and pulmonary inflammation characterised by an increase in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) inflammatory cells, particularly eosinophils, 24 h after challenge. Pre-treatment with the anti-CD49d mAb (Max-68P), significantly inhibited the Ag-induced acute bronchoconstriction in terms of R(L) and (C(dyn)). Treatment with the other anti-integrin mAbs had no effect on the acute bronchoconstriction after inhaled Ag challenge.Pre-treatment with the anti-integrin mAbs had differential effects in blocking the recruitment of inflammatory cells 24 h after inhaled Ag in the allergic rabbits. The data show that in the allergic rabbit model of asthma, VLA-4 (CD49d/CD29) only, is involved in the acute bronchoconstriction, suggesting an involvement of mast cell degranulation. Furthermore, eosinophil recruitment and activation appears to be mediated by a combination of VLA-4 (CD49d/CD29) and LFA-1 (CD18/CD11a). However in contrast, lymphocyte recruitment appears to be mediated by a combination of LFA-1 (CD18/CD11a) and Mac-1 (CD18/CD11b).

Airway Obstruction↗

Role of alpha(3)beta(1) integrin in tubulogenesis of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

BACKGROUND: We isolated several Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) subclones that exhibit different degrees of branching tubulogenesis in lower concentrations of collagen gel. The M634 clone formed cell aggregates in 0.3% collagen gel, but developed branching tubules vigorously in 0.1% collagen gel. In contrast, the Y224 clone formed cysts in 0.3% collagen gel and displayed fewer branching structures in 0.1% collagen gel. Morphologically, M634 cells exhibited higher levels of cell scattering as well as collagen-induced cell migration than Y224. We conducted this study to delineate the underlying mechanism of branching tubulogenesis in M634 cells. METHODS: Components of the focal contact machinery were analyzed in both cell lines, including the extracellular matrix glycoproteins fibronectin, laminin, and vitronectin; cytoskeleton-associated elements alpha-actinin, talin, and vinculin; and receptors for extracellular matrix and alpha(2), alpha(3), alpha(5), alpha(v), beta(1), and beta(3) integrins. Furthermore, we established several stable transfectants of alpha(3) integrin antisense RNA in M634 cells to examine the role of alpha(3)beta(1) integrin in branching morphogenesis directly. RESULTS: There were no obvious differences in levels of the focal adhesion complex proteins between M634 and Y224 cells, except that the content of the alpha(3) and beta1 integrins were 1.2- and 0.6-fold higher in M634 cells, respectively. The expression of alpha(3) integrin antisense RNA significantly lowered the levels of alpha(3) integrin mRNA and protein. The potential of cell scattering, migration, and branching tubulogenesis in M634 cells was inhibited according to the decrease in alpha(3) integrin expression. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that expression of alpha(3)beta(1) integrin regulates cell scattering, migration, and branching tubulogenesis of MDCK cells, possibly via adhesion to or serving as a signaling molecule for type I collagen.

Animals↗

The alpha2 and alpha3 integrins are required for morphologic differentiation of an intestinal epithelial cell line.

BACKGROUND: The molecular mechanisms controlling intestinal epithelial cell differentiation are poorly defined because of the difficulty of growing normal intestinal cells. We have taken advantage of the ability of the Caco-2 cell line to acquire a glandular phenotype in 3-dimensional (3-D) culture systems to investigate the role of alpha2 and alpha3 integrins in morphologic differentiation. METHODS: Caco-2 cells transfected with sense or antisense DNA constructs of alpha2 or alpha3 integrins were grown in 3-D Matrigel or collagen I in the presence or absence of integrin function-blocking antibodies. We used light and confocal microscopy, BrDU incorporation, TUNEL assay, a fluorometric adhesion assay, FACS analysis, and Western blot analysis to study the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) and integrins on morphology, polarization, proliferation, apoptosis, cell adhesion, and integrin expression. RESULTS: Compared to collagen I, Caco-2 cells cultured in 3-D Matrigel display cytoskeletal and adherens junction rearrangements and decreased proliferation consistent with cellular differentiation. These changes, which are inhibited by alpha2 and alpha3 blocking monoclonal antibodies and alpha2 and alpha3 antisense DNA transfection, were associated with an increase in alpha3 integrin expression. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that signaling through both constitutively expressed alpha2 integrin and Matrigel-induced alpha3 integrin expression is required to acquire a differentiated phenotype in Caco-2 cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Decreased expression of alpha3 and beta1 integrin subunits is responsible for differentiation-associated changes in cells behavior in terminally differentiated human oral keratinocytes.

Primary normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOKs) terminally differentiate in serial subculture. To investigate whether this subculture-induced differentiation of NHOKs affects integrin expression and cell-matrix interaction, we studied the expression levels of integrin subunits and cellular response to the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in NHOKs at different population doublings. The phosphorylation statuses of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) were also determined in NHOK cells cultured on ECM proteins, to evaluate the functions of integrins with respect to cellular responses to ECM proteins. The expression levels of alpha3 and beta1 integrin subunits progressively decreased in NHOKs undergoing terminal differentiation. The ability of NHOKs to spread upon laminin and type I collagen significantly decreased in terminally differentiated oral keratinocytes. Keratinocyte migration was significantly increased on type I collagen for terminally differentiated NHOKs. Similar results were seen following preincubation of rapidly proliferating NHOKs with function-blocking antibodies to alpha3 or beta1 integrin subunit. In contrast, fibronectin had no effect on cellular responses in NHOKs, which were almost negligible in the expression levels of alpha5 integrin subunits. The extent of FAK phosphorylation in terminally differentiated NHOKs was notably lower than that of rapidly proliferating cells, but was enhanced in terminally differentiated cells that were cultured on type I collagen. Our results indicate that decreased expression of alpha3 and beta1 integrin subunits is responsible for differentiation-associated changes in cells behavior in terminally differentiated oral keratinocytes. Our data also show that the abrogation of the alpha5beta1 integrin function caused by omitting alpha5 subunit is linked to the loss of a cell-fibronectin interaction in human oral keratinocytes.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Transforming growth factor-beta1 stimulates contraction of human glioblastoma cell-mediated collagen lattice through enhanced alpha2 integrin expression.

Rapid invasiveness is a feature of the highly malignant glioblastoma tumor and is closely related to patient prognosis. The interaction between extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell surface receptors such as integrin heterodimers play a key role in the process of tumor invasion. We investigated the effects of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), which is a mitogenic factor for glial cells, on integrin expression in T98G human glioblastoma cells using an in vitro model 3-dimensional collagen lattice. Exogenously applied TGF-beta1 dose-dependently enhanced collagen lattice contraction. Among the inhibitory antibodies tested against alpha integrin subunits, the anti-alpha2 antibody, P1-E6, alone prevented the enhanced contractile response by TGF-beta1, whereas any alpha integrin antibody (including P1-E6) had little effect on lattice contraction when cultured without TGF-beta1. RT-PCR analysis revealed that TGF-beta1 strongly increased alpha2 integrin transcript level. Furthermore, pretreatment with antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides against human alpha2 integrin using hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) liposome-mediated transfer prevented the effects of TGF-beta1 and also reduced the lattice contraction even in the absence of TGF-beta1. This data indicates that increased expression of alpha2 integrin is responsive to enhanced collagen lattice contraction by TGF-beta1. We suggest that TGF-beta1 exerts its effects on the invasive property of glioblastoma cells via upregulation of the alpha2 integrin subunit expression.

Antigens, CD↗