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Avian neural crest cell migration on laminin: interaction of the alpha1beta1 integrin with distinct laminin-1 domains mediates different adhesive responses.

In the present study, to further elucidate the molecular events that control neural crest cell migration, we have analyzed in vitro the adhesive and locomotory response of avian trunk neural crest cells to laminin-1 and searched for the integrin receptors involved in this process. Adhesion of crest cells on laminin-1 was comparable to that found on fibronectin or vitronectin. By contrast, migration was significantly greater on laminin-1 than on the other substrate molecules. Interaction of crest cells with laminin-1 involved two major cell-binding domains situated in different portions of the molecule, namely the E1' and E8 fragments, which elicited different cellular responses. Cells were poorly spread on the E1' fragment whereas, on E8, they were extremely flattened and cohesive. Either fragment supported cell locomotion, albeit not as efficiently as laminin-1. Immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry analyses revealed that crest cells expressed the alpha1beta1, alpha3beta1, alpha6beta1 and alpha vbeta3 integrins, as well as beta8 integrins, as presumptive laminin-1 receptors, but not alpha6beta4 and alpha2beta1. Immunofluorescence labeling of cultured cells showed that the alpha1, alpha v, beta1 and beta3 subunits were diffuse on the cell surface and in focal contacts. In contrast, alpha3 and beta8 were diffuse, while alpha6 was mostly intracytoplasmic and, secondarily, in focal contacts. Inhibition assays of cell adhesion and migration with function-perturbing antibodies demonstrated that alpha1beta1 played a predominant role in both adhesion and migration on laminin-1 and interacted with either binding sites in the E1' and E8 fragments. Alpha vbeta3 was also implicated in neural crest cell migration. In contrast, alpha3beta1, alpha6beta1 and the beta8 integrins appeared to play only subsidiary roles in cell adhesion and migration. Finally, the ability of neural crest cells to interact with laminin-1 was found to increase with time in culture, possibly in correlation with changes in alpha3 distribution on the cell surface. In conclusion, our study indicates that (1) the preferential migration of neural crest cells along basal laminae can be accounted for by the ability of laminin-1 to promote migration with great efficiency; (2) interaction with laminin-1 involves two major cell binding domains that are both recognized by the alpha1beta1 integrin; (3) alpha1beta1 integrin can elicit different cellular responses depending on the laminin-1 domains with which it interacts; and (4) changes in the repertoire of integrins expressed by neural crest cells are consistent with the modulations of cell-substratum adhesion occurring throughout migration.

Animals↗

Osteopontin is a ligand for the alpha4beta1 integrin.

Recent work has shown that osteopontin expression is upregulated at sites of cardiovascular injury. It has been hypothesized that osteopontin provides an adhesive matrix for endothelial and smooth muscle cells during remodeling of the vascular wall following injury. Osteopontin has also been found to be synthesized by monocytes and macrophages within injury sites. Here, we present data showing that osteopontin can promote leukocyte adhesion through the alpha4beta1 integrin. In the presence of physiologic concentrations of Mg2+ and Ca2+, osteopontin purified from bovine milk promoted cell-substrate adhesion of HL-60 and Ramos cells, two model leukocyte cell lines. As with other adhesive ligands, adhesion to osteopontin required leukocyte activation. Under these conditions, no adhesion to control substrates such as bovine serum albumin was observed. Leukocyte adhesion was inhibited by anti-integrin antibodies directed at either the alpha4 or beta1 integrin subunits but not by control antibodies directed to other integrins. Further adhesion experiments revealed that leukocyte binding to osteopontin was completely inhibited by an alpha4beta1-binding peptide containing the leucine-aspartate-valine (LDV) sequence, while a control, non-binding peptide containing leucine-glutamate-valine (LEV) had minimal effects. Affinity chromatography using either surface labeled HL-60 or Ramos cell extracts revealed that the alpha4beta1 integrin specifically bound to osteopontin. Immunoprecipitation of eluted fractions from these columns positively identified the alpha4beta1 integrin. In order to localize potential alpha4beta1-binding sites within osteopontin, the protein was proteolytically cleaved with thrombin. A 30 kDa N-terminal osteopontin fragment purified using fast protein liquid chromatography promoted alpha4beta1 dependent leukocyte adhesion in a manner similar to that of the intact protein. These data collectively demonstrate that the alpha4beta1 integrin is a new adhesion receptor for osteopontin and that an alpha4beta1 binding site exists in the NH2-terminal thrombin fragment of osteopontin.

Animals↗

Expression pattern of alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrin mRNA in mouse fetal gonads.

The alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins are known as transmembrane receptors capable of binding to the RGD amino acid peptide sequence. In mouse early gonadogenesis, some proteins containing the RGD sequence are deposited into extracellular space and participate in morphogenesis. We analyzed the expression patterns of the alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins in mouse developing gonads (10.5-13.5 days post coitum) using whole-mount in situ hybridization. The alphav integrin mRNA was homogenously expressed in developing gonadal regions. On the other hand, the beta3 integrin mRNA was found only in large and round cells (presumptive germ cells), whereas beta5 integrin was localized in gonadal somatic cells, with the exception of coelomic epithelial cells. The beta3 integrin-expressed cells were determined to be primordial germ cells because the number of these cells was drastically reduced in busulfan-treated gonads. In this study, we demonstrated that the alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins are widely localized in the mouse developing gonads and discussed their presumptive functions on mouse gonadogenesis.

Animals↗

Collagen integrin receptors regulate early osteoblast differentiation induced by BMP-2.

Studies in several cell types indicate that the actions of integrin receptors for extracellular matrix and receptors for growth factors are synergistic in regulating cellular differentiation and function. We studied the roles of the alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1 integrin collagen receptors in regulating the differentiation of 2T3 osteoblastic cells in response to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2. The immortalized 2T3 cell line was established from the calvaria of mice transgenic for a BMP-2 promoter driving SV40 T-antigen. These cells require exogenous BMP-2, as well as ascorbic acid and beta-glycerolphosphate, for expression of a mature osteoblast phenotype and formation of a mineralized matrix. To determine how integrin receptors for collagen-I affect BMP-2 signaling, function-perturbing anti-rat alpha1 and/or alpha2 integrin subunit, or anti-type I collagen (Col-I), antibodies were added to human recombinant (hr)BMP-2-treated 2T3 cultures at confluence (C0) or at 4 or 8 days postconfluence (C4, C8). After 4 days of exposure to the antibodies, cultures were assayed for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) mRNA levels and enzyme activity and for cAMP production in response to parathyroid hormone. Addition of anti-collagen-I or both anti-integrin-alpha1 and -alpha2 antibodies to C0 cultures blocked expression of these early osteoblast markers by more than 90%, and also blocked mineralization (0.5-1.8% control) of these cells. In all cases, adding anti-alpha1 or anti-alpha2 antibodies separately produced partial effects, while their combined effect approached that of anti-collagen-I. When antibodies were added to more differentiated 2T3 cells, the inhibitory effects decreased. 2T3 cells carrying constitutively active BMP receptor (caBMPR-IB) showed elevated ALP activity without hrBMP-2; this constitutive activity was also suppressed by alpha1 and alpha2 integrin antibodies and by anti-Col-I antibody. Together, our data suggest that a signal(s) from collagen integrin receptors regulates the response to BMP downstream of BMPR-IB and upstream of the regulation of ALP mRNA and other early markers of osteoblast differentiation.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Expression of beta 1-integrins on activated mesangial cells in human glomerulonephritis.

beta 1-integrins, a family of cell-surface receptors, mediate cell-matrix interactions that play a critical role in tissue development and tissue remodeling after injury. In this study, to clarify the importance of beta 1-integrins in human glomerulonephritis (GN), the relationship among the glomerular expression of beta 1-integrins, their ligand matrix components, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SM actin) as a marker of activated mesangial cells (MC), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and glomerular cellularity in two normal kidneys, ten minimal change nephrotic syndrome, 23 immunoglobulin A (IgA) GN, 13 lupus GN, and four membranous GN kidneys were studied. Immunostaining was performed on frozen sections, using monoclonal anti-alpha-SM actin antibody and polyclonal antibodies against fibronectin, collagen type IV, laminin, each subunit of alpha 1 beta 1 (collagen/laminin receptor), alpha 5 beta 1 (fibronectin receptor) and TGF-beta. Quantitation of staining indicated that the glomerular expression of alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins correlated with the mesangial amounts of their ligands, collagen type IV, laminin and fibronectin (P < 0.01), alpha-SM actin (P < 0.01), and TGF-beta (P < 0.01). In addition, a correlation was observed between an increased expression of alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins and the degree of glomerular cell proliferation (P < 0.01). Double immunostaining showed that activated MC expressing alpha-SM actin strongly expressed alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins, and these MC phenotypic alterations paralleled the level of glomerular TGF-beta staining (P < 0.01). In conclusion, enhanced expression of beta 1-integrins by activated MC may contribute to the pathological mesangial remodeling characterized by MC proliferation and matrix deposition in human GN. Increased glomerular TGF-beta appears to be involved in these MC phenotypic changes.

Actins↗

Integrin-mediated signaling in the regulation of osteoclast adhesion and activation.

Integrins are heterodimeric membrane receptors that mediate cell-extracellular matrix (ECM), and cell-cell interactions. Integrins provide a physical link between the ECM and the cell cytoskeleton, and transduce signals which lead to elevation of cytosolic pH and calcium levels, changes in phospholipid metabolism and ultimately regulate gene expression. Osteoclast bone resorption is a complicated multistep process, that starts with matrix recognition, osteoclast attachment, polarization and formation of the sealing zone on the bone, followed by the directional secretion of acids and lysosomal enzymes to the resorbing surface. Osteoclasts exhibit high expression of the alpha v beta 3 integrin, which binds to a variety of RGD-containing proteins including vitronectin, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein. RGD-containing peptides, RGD-mimetics and blocking antibodies to alpha v beta 3 integrins were shown to inhibit bone resorption in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that this integrin plays an important role in regulating osteoclast activity. Furthermore, RGD-containing peptides and proteins modulate osteoclastic cytosolic calcium levels. Phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase and c-Src were co-immunoprecipitated with alpha v beta 3 integrins in these cells. In addition, c-Cbl was found to be a substrate of c-Src in osteoclasts. More recently, ligand-engagement or clustering of alpha v beta 3 integrins in osteoclasts induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PYK2, a member of the focal adhesion kinase family, and of p130cas, a substrate of v-Src and v-Crk. Both PYK2 and p130cas were also found in the sealing zone of actively resorbing osteoclasts. How these signaling molecules interact with each other in mediating the alpha v beta 3 rate limiting effect on bone resorption is not well understood. They emerged however as key players in linking the adhesion of osteoclasts to the bone matrix, to cytoskeletal organization, and to the polarization and activation of these cells for bone resorption.

Animals↗

Alpha 4 beta 1 integrin/VCAM-1 interaction activates alpha L beta 2 integrin-mediated adhesion to ICAM-1 in human T cells.

Modulation of integrin affinity and/or avidity provides a regulatory mechanism by which leukocyte adhesion to endothelium is strengthened or weakened at different stages of emigration. In this study, we demonstrate that binding of high-affinity alpha 4 beta 1 integrins to VCAM-1 strengthens alpha L beta 2 integrin-mediated adhesion. The strength of adhesion of Jurkat cells, a human leukemia T cell line, or MnCl2-treated peripheral blood T cells to immobilized chimeric human VCAM-1/Fc, ICAM-1/Fc, or both was quantified using parallel plate flow chamber leukocyte detachment assays in which shear stress was increased incrementally (0.5-30 dynes/cm2). The strength of adhesion to VCAM-1 plus ICAM-1, or to a 40-kDa fragment of fibronectin containing the CS-1 exon plus ICAM-1, was greater than the sum of adhesion to each molecule alone. Treatment of Jurkat or blood T cells with soluble cross-linked VCAM-1/Fc or HP2/1, a mAb to alpha 4, significantly increased adhesion to ICAM-1. These treatments induced clustering of alpha L beta 2 integrins, but not the high-affinity beta 2 integrin epitope recognized by mAb 24. Up-regulated adhesion to ICAM-1 was abolished by cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of cytoskeletal rearrangement. Taken together, our data suggest that the binding of VCAM-1 or fibronectin to alpha 4 beta 1 integrins initiates a signaling pathway that increases beta 2 integrin avidity but not affinity. A role for the cytoskeleton is implicated in this process.

Cell Adhesion↗

Role of alpha v integrins during angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis depends on specific molecular interactions between vascular cells and components of the extracellular matrix. This review focuses on the recent advances in the understanding of the mechanism of action of integrins and integrin antagonists during angiogenesis. For example, angiogenesis induced with vascular endothelial growth/permeability factor but not with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) depends on integrin avb5 and Src kinase activity. In contrast, bFGF-induced angiogenesis requires integrin avb3 and functions independently of Src. Recent studies document a role for integrins and growth factor regulation of Src family kinases during angiogenesis. We also discuss the effect of av integrin antagonists on angiogenesis during tumor growth, inflammatory disease, and retinopathy and summarize recent clinical progress in using av integrin antagonists.

Animals↗

Correlation of cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction with expression of human beta 5 integrin on hematopoietic cells.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the function of the alpha v beta 5 integrin in hematopoietic cells. METHODS: Tissue culture, integrin expression vectors, gene transfer, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), apoptosis analyses and cytometic analysis were made on hematopoietic cells. RESULTS: The beta 5 integrin cDNA was not expressed in hematopoietic cells following exposure to the beta 5 integrin retrovirus vector pG beta 5CHT. Unbalanced expression of the alpha v beta 3 and alpha v beta 5 integrins occurred during apoptosis induced by serum depletion and upon differentiation. The treatment of hematopoietic cells with anti-alpha v beta 5 monoclonal antibody inhibited apoptosis induced by serum depletion. Inducible expression of the beta 5 integrin cDNA in the hematopoietic cell line K562 caused cellular proliferation inhibition. CONCLUSION: The alpha v beta 5 integrin cDNA in hematopoietic cells can inhibit the proliferation of the hematopoietic cell, cause the differentiation of the hematopoietic cells and induce the apoptosis of the hematopoietic cells.

Apoptosis↗

All-trans-retinoic acid increased the expression of integrin alpha5beta1 and induced "anoikis" in SMMC-7721 hepatocarcinoma cell.

It is extensively shown that integrin can regulate various cellular functions, including apoptosis, probably by contributing to signal transduction processes through interaction with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In the present study, DNA flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that SMMC-7721 hepatocarcinoma cells treated with 80 microM all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) showed an increased expression of the integrin alpha5beta1, which was associated with the growth inhibition of the cells. We found that atRA treated cells showed obvious apoptosis. Then, it was postulated that the enhanced content of integrin alpha5beta1 in the absence of ligation with fibronectin (Fn) would stop transducing survival signals, and lead to decreased cell growth and apoptosis. To elucidate this hypothesis, we cultured the atRA treated cell in L-poly-lysine-coated and Fn-coated flask, respectively. The results indicated that Fn binding prevented the cells from apoptosis induced by atRA, in contrast to L-poly-lysine binding. When the transfectant with enhanced expression of integrin alpha5beta1 at the same level of atRA treated cell was cultured in L-poly-lysine-coated flask, apoptosis was triggered. However, apoptotic cell was not detected when those cells were cultured in Fn-coated flask. Meanwhile, culturing the transfectant in the antibody (against integrin alpha5 subunit)-coated flask induced 18.33% of the cells into apoptosis, which is far more than the control group. Our study suggests that increased expression of integrin alpha5beta1 on the surface of SMMC 7721 hepatocarcinoma cell treated by atRA, when unbound to Fn, would stop transducing survival signals to lead to "anoikis", and can be reverted by the interaction of integrin alpha5beta1 with Fn.

Anoikis↗

Expression of alpha(v)beta3 and alpha4beta1 integrins throughout the putative window of implantation in a cohort of healthy fertile women.

BACKGROUND: Blastocyst implantation is a dynamic process requiring a specific cascade of cellular interactions and endometrial changes. The aim of this prospective observational study was to investigate the endometrial expression of alpha(v)beta3 and alpha4beta1 integrins throughout the window of implantation in healthy fertile women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty fertile women (mean age 29.7 +/- 6.2 years) were recruited for this study. All underwent two endometrial biopsies in a single menstrual cycle. The first biopsy was performed on postovulatory day 6, while the second was taken on postovulatory day 8. Histological dating and immunohistochemical assessments of alpha(v)beta3 and alpha4beta1 integrins were analyzed. Oestradiol and progesterone serum concentrations were also measured at the time of biopsy. RESULTS: Second endometrial biopsy could not be performed in two of the 40 women (5%) because their menses had started in advance. No inflammatory or reactive phenomena were observed after biopsy. All the samples showed an in-phase endometrium. alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression was found in 21 out of the 38 first biopsies and in all 38 second biopsies (55.2% vs. 100%, p < 0.001). alpha4beta1 integrin expression was not significantly different between first and second biopsies (68.4% and 76.3%, NS). Oestradiol and progesterone serum concentrations were similar throughout the implantation window. Twelve of the 38 women (31.6%) conceived within 12 months of completing the study. All these had significantly higher alpha(v)beta3 integrin expressions in mid-luteal phase biopsies compared with those who did not conceive. CONCLUSIONS: These immunohistochemical findings demonstrate that both alpha(v)beta3 and alpha4beta1 integrins have a spatial and temporal expression throughout the implantation window in the endometrium of fertile women. Moreover, the shortage of alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression during the mid-luteal phase results in a detrimental effect for blastocyst implantation.

Adult↗

Expression and regulation of integrin receptors in human trophoblast cells: role of estradiol and cytokines.

Embryo implantation and placentation are dynamic cellular events that require not only synchrony between the maternal environment and the embryo, but also complex cell-cell communication amongst the implanting blastocyst and the receptive endometrium through integrins, a large family of proteins involved in the attachment, migration, invasion and control of cellular functions. Integrins display dynamic temporal and spatial patterns of expression by the trophoblast cells during early pregnancy in humans. However, the precise mechanism of embryo implantation and the modulation of the integrin receptors during blastocyst attachment and further implantation remain elusive in the humans. The present study elucidates the expression and hormonal modulation of fibronectin, vitronectin and laminin integrin receptors by estradiol and IL-1alpha in human trophoblast cells. Human first trimester trophoblast cells showed the induction of the classical estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha by its own ligand, estradiol. Treatment with either estradiol or IL-1alpha induced the expressions of alpha4, alpha5, alpha6 and alpha(v) integrin receptor subunits at both the mRNA and protein levels, while expression of beta1 remained unaltered. Furthermore, estradiol upregulated the expression of IL-1alpha, thereby suggesting the possibility that estrogen may either directly or via the proinflammatory cytokine induces the expression of the cell surface integrin receptors. The findings delineate the role of hormones and the cytokines in modulating the adhesiveness and attachment of the trophoblast cells. This may reflect the in vivo scenario where the implanting embryo is surrounded by a hormone-cytokine rich uterine microenvironment that may precisely regulate the expression of integrins and thereby facilitate implantation.

Cytokines↗

[Immunohistochemical expression of integrin alphav, beta5 and beta3 in ovarian epithelial carcinoma: correlation with drug resistance of chemotherapy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible correlation between the expression of integrin alphav, beta5 and beta3 in tumor tissues and the response to chemotherapy and survival of patients with ovarian epithelial carcinoma. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients with ovarian epithelial carcinoma from January 1996 to December 2002 were entered into the study. All subjects were matched up with the inclusion criteria and followed up till December 2003. Each patient received cytoreductive surgery and systematic chemotherapy. Patients were divided into drug resistant group (n = 26) and drug sensitive group (n = 51). The antigens of integrin alphav, beta5 and beta3 in ovarian tumour tissues were tested by immunohistochemistry. Logistic regression was employed to analyze the correlation between drug resistance and factors including patients' age, clinical stage, pathological degree and type of tumors, chemotherapy methods, operative results and the expression of integrin alphav, beta5 and beta3 in tumors. The disease prognosis was analyzed by multivariate COX regression. RESULTS: In the drug resistance group, the expressions of integrin alphav and beta5 were significantly higher than that in the drug sensitive group (P = 0.004 and 0.001). The expression of integrin beta3 was not statistically different in the two groups (P = 0.668). According to multivariate analysis, the expression of integrin alphav and beta5 and clinical stage were three independent factors correlated with drug resistance and disease prognosis for the patients with ovarian epithelial carcinoma (P = 0.014, 0.030, 0.042 for drug resistance; and P = 0.045, 0.031, 0.001 for prognosis respectively). CONCLUSION: The high expressions of integrin alphav and beta5 in ovarian epithelial carcinoma are risk factors for drug resistance and poor disease prognosis.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Expression of a novel integrin beta 1 chain epitope and anti-beta 1 antibody-mediated enhancement of fibronectin binding are dependent on the stage of T cell differentiation.

Beta 1 integrins are a family of alpha beta heterodimers that serve as cell surface receptors for extracellular matrix proteins. We demonstrate that the anti-mouse integrin beta 1 chain mAb KMI6 selectively recognizes a beta 1 epitope that is constitutively expressed by certain immature thymocytes and is induced only slightly on mature thymocytes and peripheral T cells by activation with Con A. Because virtually all cells examined expressed beta 1 integrins on their surface, expression of the KMI6 epitope is T cell differentiation stage specific. Most CD3-4-8- thymocytes were KMI6+, with the lowest level of staining observed on the earliest CD44+IL-2R- cells within this subset. Expression was down-regulated during the CD3-4-8- to CD3-4-8+ transition, and lost by the CD4+8+ stage. Mature single positive thymocytes and resting peripheral T cells were also KMI6-. In contrast with the loss of the epitope before TCR expression by other thymocytes, most CD3+4-8- and certain CD8+ gamma delta TCR+ thymocytes were KMI6+ Addition of KMI6 to cell adhesion assays enhanced CD4-8- thymocyte, but not activated mature thymocyte or peripheral T cell, binding to fibronectin (via alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1), whereas laminin binding (via alpha 6 beta 1) was unaffected. These properties distinguish the KMI6 epitope from other epitopes involved in beta 1 integrin activation in mice and other species. The unique selectivity of KMI6 recognition of beta 1 integrins, and its selective enhancement of ligand binding suggest that beta 1 integrin structure and factors that regulate beta 1 integrin binding are correlated with the stage of T cell differentiation.

Animals↗

Local increase of beta 1-integrin expression in cocultures of immortalized hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelial cells.

The expression and spatial arrangement of beta 1-integrins was determined on two immortalized liver cell lines held in coculture, namely the epithelial cell line mHepR1 and a sinusoidal endothelial cell line. On mHepR1 cells the distribution of beta 1-integrins was restricted to the basolateral plasma membrane domains, a staining pattern that is typical of polarized epithelial cells. On the endothelial cell line the beta 1-integrins were distributed all over the cell surface. In coculture the endothelial cells tended to cover over the epithelial cells. Epithelial cells located in their vicinity exhibited an increased staining of beta 1-integrins at basolateral plasma membrane domains, which was most prominent with regard to the alpha 2-subunit. When mHepR1 cells were cultivated on various types of extracellular matrix also synthesized by the endothelial cells only collagen IV was found to increase the intensity of beta 1-integrin expression at the cell surface. The results indicate that beta 1-integrin expression in epithelial cell colonies can locally be modulated by interactions with non-parenchymal cells. In addition, the data suggest that mHepR1 cells may be a favorable system for analyzing basic functions of beta 1-integrins in polarized epithelial cells.

Aldehydes↗

Role of beta-1 integrins in organ specific adhesion of melanoma cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggest that the extracellular matrix of organs and heterogeneous integrin expression of tumor cells may influence metastasis distribution. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Three human melanoma cell lines were characterized for integrin expression, in vitro binding to cryostat sections of different organs, and ability to generate experimental metastases in triple immunodeficient mice. RESULTS: The three cell lines exhibited heterogeneous expression of integrins, binding to cryostat sections, and organ colonization. A primary melanoma cell line (PM-WK) did not give rise to experimental metastases, showed scant or mild attachment to only a few organ tissue sections, and showed absent or minimal expression of alpha-integrin subunits tested (VLA 1-6) and alpha v beta 3. In contrast, two lymph node derived lines exhibited distinct patterns of organ colonization: MM-RU colonized only the lungs and expressed predominantly alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha v beta 3 integrin, whereas MM-AN colonized lung and extrapulmonary sites including pancreas and subcutaneous brown fat and expressed predominantly alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 1 integrin. In vitro, MM-RU exhibited marked attachment to lung, brown fat, kidney, and adrenal with no binding to liver, pancreas, brain, or muscle tissue sections, whereas MM-AN had a similar binding profile but with additional attachment to liver and pancreas. Function blocking anti-beta 1 monoclonal antibody inhibited the attachment of MM-RU and MM-AN cells to these tissues (p < 0.001), whereas function blocking anti-alpha 5 and an unrelated monoclonal antibody (HLA class I) did not. Function blocking anti-alpha 2 monoclonal antibody inhibited MM-RU cell adhesion (p < 0.001) but not MM-AN adhesion. However, the function blocking monoclonal antibody alpha 6 beta 1 significantly inhibited the binding of MM-AN to these tissues. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 1 mediate differential melanoma cell attachment to organ tissue sections in vitro and that differences in integrin expression of these melanoma cells may be involved in differential organ colonization in vivo.

Animals↗

Expression of beta 1 integrins in sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion and their functions in neurite outgrowth on two laminin isoforms.

Integrins are heterodimeric receptors that mediate responses of neurons and many other cell types to components of the extracellular matrix. In the present article, we examine the roles of individual integrin receptors expressed by spinal sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in mediating interactions with laminin, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that promotes neurite outgrowth. DRG neurons were shown to express three beta 1 integrins that have been shown in other cell types to function as laminin receptors--high levels of alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 and low levels of alpha 6 beta 1. In addition, DRG neurons were shown to express a known fibronectin receptor, alpha 5 beta 1, and an integrin with undefined ligands, alpha 6 beta 4. Function-inhibitory monoclonal antibodies specific for the alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, and alpha 6 integrin subunits were used to determine the roles of individual integrins in mediating neurite outgrowth by DRG neurons on laminin. The results demonstrate that alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 function as laminin receptors on these neurons. As many as 18 distinct isoforms of laminin may exist, assembled as heterotrimers containing one each of the different A, B1, or B2 subunit homologs. In the present study, we characterize neurite outgrowth in response to two of these isoforms, the AeB1eB2e isoform and the AmB1eB2e isoform. Results utilizing DRG neurons and a pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12) indicate that these two isoforms exhibit differential selectivities for the alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 integrins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

High expression level of alpha 6 integrin in human breast carcinoma is correlated with reduced survival.

We recently reported that alpha 6 integrin mediates experimental metastasis in mice by functioning in the adhesion of tumor cells to the vascular endothelium. In the current study, we investigated the expression of human alpha 6 integrin in invasive breast carcinomas of 119 women. In 50% of the tumors alpha 6 integrin was expressed in the majority of the cells, and this expression was correlated with reduced survival time. By contrast, the 24% of patients with breast tumors devoid of alpha 6 integrin expression all survived. The tumors were also evaluated for clinical risk factors including histological grading and steroid receptor level. The combination of these factors with alpha 6 integrin expression was superior in predicting overall survival than considering the other factors alone. The correlation with decreased survival time was consistent, regardless of whether the tumors expressed the alpha 6 integrin A or B forms, which differ in their cytoplasmic domain. On the basis of this pilot study we consider alpha 6 integrin expression to be a novel prognostic marker for human breast cancer.

Animals↗