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Evidence for the location of a binding sequence for the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin of endothelial cells, in the beta 1 subunit of laminin.

To date no specific location on laminin 1 for the binding of alpha 2 beta 1 integrin has been described, although recent evidence supports a location in the E1XNd fragment of the cross region. We have identified a peptide sequence from this region, in the beta 1 chain of laminin 1, YGYYGDALR, which inhibits the adhesion of endothelial cells to laminin 1 and type-IV collagen. A structurally related sequence from the CNBr-cleaved fragment CB3 of the alpha 1 chain of collagen type IV, FYFDLR, inhibits endothelial cell adhesion to both collagen types I and IV and laminin 1. The CB3 fragment containing the FYFDLR sequence has been shown to contain binding sites for both alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1 integrins. Present experiments with anti-integrin antibodies indicate that the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin on endothelial cells can account for all the cell binding to collagen types I and IV, and that this integrin makes a major contribution towards the adhesion of these cells to laminin 1. We therefore propose that the peptide FYFDLR participates in alpha 2 beta 1 binding to collagen type IV and that the putatively structurally similar peptide, YGYYGDALR, participates in alpha 2 beta 1 binding to laminin 1. This is the first account of structurally related peptide sequences from laminin 1 and type-IV collagen which show reciprocal inhibition of cell adhesion to either ligand and which might form part of a common integrin-binding site, as well as the first suggestion of a precise location contributing to the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin binding site on laminin 1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Integrin regulation of cell signalling and motility.

Integrins clearly play a key role in regulating both mitogenic signalling and cell migration. Thus integrins modulate the efficiency of the Erk (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase)/MAP kinase (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway, acting at several distinct levels. We have shown that both cAMP-dependent protein kinase and PAKs (p21-activated kinases) play a role in integrin regulation of the Erk pathway, acting primarily at the level of Raf-1. Integrins and PAKs also play a role in the control of cell migration. Thus we have discovered a novel protein that links the alpha5beta1 integrin to migration controlled by Rho-family GTPases. This protein, termed Nischarin, is a large cytosolic macromolecule that is not related to well-known protein families. The N-terminus of Nischarin interacts with a short segment of the cytoplasmic domain of the alpha5 integrin subunit. Overexpression of Nischarin alters actin organization and inhibits Rac-driven cell migration and tumour cell invasion. Use of effector domain mutants of Rac suggest that Nischarin acts downstream of Rac, probably at the level of PAK-family kinases. These studies emphasize the intricate connection between integrins and Rho-family GTPases and their effectors in controlling both mitogenesis and migration.

Animals↗

In vitro modulation of keratinocyte wound healing integrins by zinc, copper and manganese.

Although the trace elements zinc, copper and manganese are used in vivo for their healing properties, their mechanism of action is still only partially known. Some integrins expressed by basal layer keratinocytes play an essential part in healing, notably alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, alpha6beta4 and alphaVbeta5, whose expression and distribution in epidermis are modified during the re-epithelialization phase. This study demonstrates how the expression of these integrins are modulated in vitro by trace elements. Integrin expression was studied in proliferating keratinocytes in monolayer cultures and in reconstituted skin that included a differentiation state. After 48 h incubation with zinc gluconate (0.9, 1.8 and 3.6 microg/mL), copper gluconate (1, 2 and 4 microg/mL), manganese gluconate (0.5, 1 and 2 microg/mL) and control medium, integrin expression was evaluated by FACScan and immunohistochemistry. Induction of alpha2, alpha3, alphaV and alpha6 was produced by zinc gluconate 1.8 microg/mL in monolayers, of alpha2, alpha6 and beta1 by copper gluconate 2 and 4 microg/mL and of all the integrins studied except alpha3 by manganese gluconate 1 microg/mL. Thus, alpha6 expression was induced by all three trace elements. The inductive effect of zinc was particularly notable on integrins affecting cellular mobility in the proliferation phase of wound healing (alpha3, alpha6, alphaV) and that of copper on integrins expressed by suprabasally differentiated keratinocytes during the final healing phase (alpha2, beta1 and alpha6), while manganese had a mixed effect.

Cells, Cultured↗

Origin of the integrin-mediated signal transduction. Functional studies with cell cultures from the sponge Suberites domuncula.

Sponges (phylum Porifera) represent the phylogenetically oldest metazoan animals. Recently, from the marine sponge Geodia cydonium a first cDNA encoding a putative integrin receptor molecule was isolated. In the present study basic functional experiments have been conducted to test the hypothesis that in sponges integrin polypeptides also function as adhesion molecules and as outside-in signaling molecules. The sponge Suberites domuncula has been used for the experiments because from this sponge only has a cell culture been established. Here we report that aggregation factor (AF)-mediated cell-cell adhesion is blocked by the RGDS peptide which is known to interact with beta integrin. Both RGDS and AF were found to stimulate DNA synthesis within 24 h. The beta subunit of the integrin receptor was cloned from S. domuncula; the estimated 91-kDa molecule comprises the characteristic signatures. Evolutionary conservation of the beta integrin was assessed by comparison with corresponding beta integrin subunits from evolutionary higher metazoan taxa. Addition of RGDS or of AF to isolated cells of S. domuncula causes a rapid (within 1-2 min) increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration which is further augmented in the presence of Ca2+. Furthermore, incubation of the cells with RGDS or AF causes an activation of the GTP-binding protein Ras. In addition it is shown that after a prolonged incubation of the cells with RGDS and AF the expression of the genes coding for Ras and for calmodulin is upregulated. These results suggest that the integrin receptor functions in the sponge system not only as adhesion molecule but also as a molecule involved in outside-in signaling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) in rat pancreatic stellate cell function: integrin alpha5beta1 as a novel CCN2 receptor.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are proposed to play a key role in the development of pancreatic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production by rat activated PSCs of the fibrogenic protein, connective tissue growth factor (CCN2), and to determine the effects of CCN2 on PSC function. METHODS: CCN2 production was evaluated by immunoprecipitation and promoter activity assays. Expression of integrin alpha5beta1 was examined by immunoprecipitation and Western blot. Binding between CCN2 and integrin alpha5beta1 was determined in cell-free systems. CCN2 was assessed for its stimulation of PSC adhesion, migration, proliferation, DNA synthesis, and collagen I synthesis. RESULTS: CCN2 was produced by activated PSCs, and its levels were enhanced by transforming growth factor beta1 treatment. CCN2 promoter activity was stimulated by transforming growth factor beta1, platelet-derived growth factor, alcohol, or acetaldehyde. CCN2 stimulated integrin alpha5beta1-dependent adhesion, migration, and collagen I synthesis in PSCs. Integrin alpha5beta1 production by PSCs was verified by immunoprecipitation, while direct binding between integrin alpha5beta1 and CCN2 was confirmed in cell-free binding assays. Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans functioned as a partner of integrin alpha5beta1 in regulating adhesion of PSCs to CCN2. PSC proliferation and DNA synthesis were enhanced by CCN2. CONCLUSIONS: PSCs synthesize CCN2 during activation and after stimulation by profibrogenic molecules. CCN2 regulates PSC function via cell surface integrin alpha5beta1 and heparan sulfate proteoglycan receptors. These data support a role for CCN2 in PSC-mediated fibrogenesis and highlight CCN2 and its receptors as potential novel therapeutic targets.

Animals↗

A lethal perinatal cardiac phenotype resulting from altered integrin function in cardiomyocytes.

BACKGROUND: Integrins are heterodimeric receptors that couple the extracellular matrix to intracellular signaling pathways and the cyoskeleton. Integrins are strain transducers and candidates for modulators or effectors of cardiac hypertrophy. METHODS: To begin to probe this function, we have transgenically expressed a chimeric protein that alters integrin function in cardiomyocytes. The transgene (Tac-beta(1D)) consists of the biologically inert extracellular and transmembrane domain of the interleukin-2 receptor alpha subunit (Tac) fused to the cytoplasmic tail of the human beta(1D) integrin driven by the cardiac alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter. Transgene expression results in a severe, usually fatal, perinatal cardiac phenotype, characterized by initial electrocardiographic abnormalities followed by extensive myocyte loss, macrophage infiltration, and replacement fibrosis. RESULTS: Expression of Tac-beta(1D) resulted in displacement of endogenous beta(1D) integrin from Z-lines and T-tubules, decreased expression of endogenous beta(1D), and disrupted the fibronectin pericellular matrix. These results are consistent with an essential role for beta(1) integrins in maintenance of cardiomyocyte viability and interaction with extracellular matrix. CONCLUSION: The appearance of conduction abnormalities before morphologic changes suggests that integrins are important in the development or maintenance of the conducting system of the heart.

Animals↗

The extracellular connections: the role of integrins in myocardial remodeling.

BACKGROUND: Integrins are a large family of heterodimeric cell surface receptors that are present on all cells. These molecules link the extracellular matrix to the intracellular cytoskeleton and are multifunctional, playing roles in cell organization and differentiation, migration, alteration of gene expression, and cell survival. They signal bidirectionally across the cell membrane. Most interestingly from the cardiovascular viewpoint, they have been shown to function as mechanotransducers. METHODS: Although a great deal of studies have been performed that document the biologic function of integrins in a general sense, only recently have data shown their role in the heart. The repertoire of integrins present on cells is modulated in the remodeled myocardium. Further, hemodynamic loading may alter key integrin-mediated signaling events. Perturbation of integrin function in the heart of intact animals has documented the importance of these molecules in the myocardium. CONCLUSION: Future work is required to gain additional information on the role of integrins in the normal and pathologic heart so that we can evaluate if integrins expressed on the cardiac myocyte should be considered as a therapeutic target during cardiac remodeling.

Animals↗

[Integrin expression in eutopic and ectopic endometrium].

The significance of retrograde menstruation as a risk factor for endometriosis has been confirmed by numerous clinical observations. Integrins mediate both cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, and it is therefore suspected that integrins are involved in the development of endometriosis. Using immunohistochemistry, integrin expression in eutopic and ectopic endometrium is examined in endometriosis patients and control individuals. In nearly all cases, the glandular epithelial cells in the endometrium showed expression of alpha (2-), alpha (3)-, alpha (6)- and alpha (v)- integrin and a low percentage of expression of alpha (1)-, alpha (4)-, and alpha (5)-integrin. In comparison with eutopic endometrium, ectopic endometrium shows reduced expression of alpha (2)- and alpha (v)-integrin. Since no differences in alpha (2)- and alpha (v)-integrin expression were observed in eutopic endometrium between endometriosis patients and control individuals, it may be suspected that the reduced expression of these in ectopic endometrium is explained by influences in the altered environment -- e. g., in the peritoneal fluid -- on the ectopic endometrium.

Biopsy↗

Cellular integrins function as entry receptors for human cytomegalovirus via a highly conserved disintegrin-like domain.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is capable of manifesting disease in nearly every organ system in immunocompromised patients. This broad pathogenic tropism correlates with the ability of the virus to infect all tested vertebrate cell types in vitro, a characteristic that has made receptor identification extremely difficult. During virus entry, HCMV induces cellular morphological changes and signaling cascades consistent with engagement of cellular integrins; however, HCMV structural proteins do not possess the widely used RGD integrin-binding motif. We identified an integrin-binding disintegrin-like domain within HCMV envelope glycoprotein B, a protein required for virus entry and fusion throughout the Herpesviridae. Accepted receptor criteria are met through the use of function-blocking integrin Abs, beta1 integrin knockout mouse fibroblasts, and glycoprotein B disintegrin-like peptides, all of which support a critical role for alpha2beta1, alpha6beta1, and alphaVbeta3 integrins as HCMV entry receptors and signaling mediators acting during the penetration stage of the entry pathway. Strikingly, the glycoprotein B disintegrin-like domain is conserved in many human and animal herpesviruses, suggesting that integrins may support entry across this medically important virus family.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Dynamic membrane-cytoskeletal interactions: specific association of integrin and talin arises in vivo after phorbol ester treatment of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Members of the family of transmembrane integral membrane proteins called integrins have been implicated in forming attachments to actin microfilaments of the cytoskeleton. These attachments are thought to involve one or more intervening peripheral membrane proteins linked to integrin. To detect such possible linkages in vivo, the integrin molecules on the surfaces of intact chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes were collected into caps by cross-linking with specific antibodies, and the capped cells were examined by double immunofluorescence to determine whether particular cytoskeletal proteins were co-collected with the integrin. With resting lymphocytes, the capping of integrin did not result in any detectable redistribution of either talin, vinculin, or alpha-actinin inside the cells. However, if the capping was carried out upon the addition of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to the cells, then talin, but not vinculin or alpha-actinin, was found associated with the integrin caps. PMA is known to activate protein kinase C. These results suggest that after, but not before, PMA stimulation of intact cells, talin becomes linked either directly or indirectly with integrin, reflecting the formation of a membrane-cytoskeletal association that is metabolically regulated.

Animals↗

Antibody-induced engagement of beta 2 integrins on adherent human neutrophils triggers activation of p21ras through tyrosine phosphorylation of the protooncogene product Vav.

It is known that beta 2 integrins are crucial for leukocyte cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and accumulating evidence now suggests that integrins serve not only as a structural link but also as a signal-transducing unit that controls adhesion-induced changes in cell functions. In the present study, we plated human neutrophils on surface-bound anti-beta 2 (CD18) antibodies and found that the small GTP-binding protein p21ras is activated by beta 2 integrins. Pretreatment of the cells with genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, led to a complete block of p21ras activation, an effect that was not achieved with either U73122, which abolishes the beta 2 integrin-induced Ca2+ signal, or wortmannin, which totally inhibits the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity. Western blot analysis revealed that antibody-induced engagement of beta 2 integrins causes tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins in the cells. One of these tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins had an apparent molecular mass of 95 kDa and was identified as the protooncogene product Vav, a p21ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is specifically expressed in cells of hematopoietic lineage. A role for Vav in the activation of p21ras is supported by the observations that antibody-induced engagement of beta 2 integrins causes an association of Vav with p21ras and that the effect of genistein on p21ras activation coincided with its ability to inhibit both the tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav and the Vav-p21ras association. Taken together, these results indicate that antibody-induced engagement of beta 2 integrins on neutrophils triggers tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav and, possibly through its association, a downstream activation of p21ras.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions↗

Signaling via beta1 integrins and mitogen-activated protein kinase determines human epidermal stem cell fate in vitro.

Human epidermal stem cells express higher levels of beta1 integrins and are more adhesive than keratinocytes that are destined to differentiate. To investigate whether high beta1 integrin expression and adhesiveness are essential for maintaining keratinocytes in the stem cell compartment, we introduced a dominant-negative beta1 integrin mutant, CD8beta1, into cultured human keratinocytes, thereby interfering with beta1 integrin function. Surface beta1 integrin levels, adhesiveness, and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation on fibronectin were reduced, and exit from the stem cell compartment was stimulated. Adhesiveness and proliferative potential were restored by overexpressing wild-type beta1 integrin or by constitutive MAP kinase activation. Conversely, a dominant-negative MAP kinase kinase 1 mutant decreased adhesiveness and stem cell number in the absence of CD8beta1. MAP kinase activation by alpha6beta4-mediated adhesion and mitogens was normal in CD8beta1 cells, and constitutive MAP kinase activation did not affect adhesion and proliferation of control keratinocytes. We conclude that beta1 integrins and MAP kinase cooperate to maintain the epidermal stem cell compartment in vitro.

Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases↗

Soluble ligands of the alpha v beta 3 integrin mediate enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple proteins in adherent bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

Binding of substrate-bound extracellular matrix proteins to cell surface integrins results in a variety of cellular responses including adhesion, cytoskeletal reorganization, and gene expression. We have previously shown that addition of soluble SC5b-9, the complement-vitronectin complex, resulted in an RGD-dependent increase in lung venular hydraulic conductivity (Ishikawa, S., Tsukada, H., and Bhattacharya, J. (1993) J. Clin. Invest. 91, 103-109). To identify specific integrin(s) and signal transduction pathways that are responsive to soluble vitronectin-containing ligands, we exposed confluent bovine pulmonary artery cells to purified soluble human mono- or multimeric vitronectin, or SC5b-9, and determined the extent of endothelial cell protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Monomeric vitronectin (Vn) did not induce enhanced protein tyrosine phosphorylation. However, multimeric Vn and SC5b-9 elicited time- and concentration-dependent increases in tyrosine phosphorylation of numerous proteins. Antiserum against vitronectin, RGD peptides, and monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against the alpha v beta 3 integrin blocked the vitronectin- or SC5b-9-induced enhanced accumulation of tyrosine phosphoproteins, while antibodies against beta 1 integrins and the alpha v beta 5 integrin did not. Clustering of the alpha v beta 3 integrin using monoclonal antibody LM609 caused a pattern of enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation similar to that caused by multimeric Vn and SC5b-9, suggesting that aggregation of alpha v beta 3 was critical for signaling. Among the proteins that underwent enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation in response to vitronectin were the cytoskeletal proteins paxillin, cortactin, and ezrin, as well as the SH2 domain-containing protein Shc, and p125FAK. We conclude that ligation of the alpha v beta 3 integrin by soluble ligands promotes enhanced phosphorylation of several proteins implicated in tyrosine kinase signaling and suggest that this pathway may be important in inflammatory states which are accompanied by accumulation of SC5b-9.

Animals↗

A biochemical characterization of the binding of osteopontin to integrins alpha v beta 1 and alpha v beta 5.

Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix protein that binds to integrin alpha v beta 3. Here we demonstrate that two other integrins, alpha v beta 1 and alpha v beta 5, are also receptors for OPN. Human embryonic kidney 293 cells adhere to human recombinant osteopontin (glutathione S-transferase-osteopontin; GST-OPN) using integrin alpha v beta 1. When the 293 cells are transfected with the beta 5 subunit, they can also adhere to GST-OPN using integrin alpha v beta 5. Divalent cations regulate the binding of GST-OPN to both alpha v beta 1 and alpha v beta 5. Mg2+ and Mn2+ support the binding of GST-OPN to these integrins but Ca2+ does not. The highest affinity is observed in Mn2+. In the presence of this ion, the affinity of GST-OPN for alpha v beta 1 is 18 nM and the affinity for alpha v beta 5 is 48 nM. The antibody 8A2, which is an agonist for beta 1, promotes the adhesion of 293 cells to GST-OPN even when Ca2+ is present. This observation suggests that cellular events could modulate the affinity of alpha v beta 1 for OPN. Collectively, these findings prove that integrins alpha v beta 1, alpha v beta 3, and alpha v beta 5 have similar affinity for OPN. Therefore, all three integrins must be considered when evaluating the biological affects of OPN.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The binding of type I collagen to lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA) 1 integrin triggers the respiratory burst of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Role of calcium signaling and tyrosine phosphorylation of LFA 1.

Monoclonal antibodies to the alpha L beta 2 integrin inhibit the binding of type I collagen to PMN (polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes) as well as the subsequent stimulation of superoxide production and enzyme secretion-elicited by this collagen. Pepsinized collagen still binds PMN but no longer stimulates them. The I domain of the alpha chain of the integrin is involved in the binding. Two sequences of the alpha 1(I) polypeptide chain of collagen participate in the process. Experiments of competitive inhibition by synthetic peptides showed that the sequence RGD (915-917) is used for binding to the cells and DGGRYY (1034-1039) serves to stimulate PMN. Experiments of radioactive labeling of the cells and affinity chromatography on Sepharose-collagen confirmed the presence in PMN extracts of two proteins, 95 and 185 kDa, respectively, corresponding to the molecular weights of the beta 2 and alpha L chains of the integrin and recognized by their specific monoclonal antibodies. The transduction pathways depending on the alpha L beta 2 integrin do not involve a G protein (ruled out by the use of cholera and pertussis toxins), whereas the cytoskeleton was found to participate in the process, as evidenced by inhibition by cytochalasin B. After collagen stimulation, cytoplasmic inositol trisphosphate and calcium ion increased sharply for less than 2 min. The use of the inhibitors staurosporine and calphostin C demonstrated that protein kinase C was involved. Evaluation of the activity of this enzyme showed that, upon stimulation of PMN with collagen I, it was translocated to plasma membrane. Acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the protein bands corresponding to the integrin alpha L beta 2, followed by immunoblotting using monoclonal antibodies to phosphotyrosine, permitted us to demonstrate that, prior to stimulation by type I collagen, there was no phosphorylation, whereas after stimulation, both alpha L and beta 2 chains were stained by anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. The adhesion of PMN to pepsinized type I collagen triggered tyrosine phosphorylation of the beta 2 chain of the integrin, without stimulating O2-. production by these cells, whereas their stimulation by complete type I collagen induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of both alpha L and beta 2 subunits. The tyrosine phosphorylation of both integrin subunits during transduction of stimuli is a heretofore undescribed phenomenon that may correspond to a new system of transmembrane communication.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Activated conformations of very late activation integrins detected by a group of antibodies (HUTS) specific for a novel regulatory region (355-425) of the common beta 1 chain.

The very late activation antigens (VLA) or beta 1 integrins mediate cell attachment to different extracellular matrix proteins and intercellular adhesions. The ligand binding activity of these adhesion receptors is not constitutive and can be regulated by temperature, presence of extracellular divalent cations, stimulatory monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and cellular activation. We have generated three novel mAbs, HUTS-4, HUTS-7, and HUTS-21, recognizing specific epitopes on the common beta 1 subunit (CD29) of VLA integrins whose expression correlates with the ligand binding activity of these heterodimeric glycoproteins. This correlation has been demonstrated for several integrin heterodimers in different cell systems using a variety of extracellular and intracellular stimuli for integrin activation. Thus, the presence of micromolar concentrations of extracellular Mn2+, preincubation with the activating anti-beta 1 mAb TS2/16, and cell treatment with phorbol esters or calcium ionophores, induced the expression of the HUTS beta 1 epitopes on T lymphoblasts. Using a panel of human-mouse beta 1 chimeric molecules, we have mapped these epitopes to the 355-425 sequence of the beta 1 polypeptide. This segment represents therefore a novel regulatory region of beta 1 that is exposed upon integrin activation. Interestingly, binding of HUTS mAbs to partially activated VLA integrins results in maximal activation of these adhesion receptors and enhancement of cell adhesion to beta 1 integrin ligands collagen, laminin, and fibronectin.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Differential signaling after beta1 integrin ligation is mediated through binding of CRKL to p120(CBL) and p110(HEF1).

CRKL is an SH2-SH3-SH3 adapter protein that is a major substrate of the BCR/ABL oncogene. The function of CRKL in normal cells is unknown. In cells transformed by BCR/ABL we have previously shown that CRKL is associated with two focal adhesion proteins, tensin and paxillin, suggesting that CRKL could be involved in integrin signaling. In two hematopoietic cell lines, MO7e and H9, we found that CRKL rapidly associates with tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins after cross-linking of beta1 integrins with fibronectin or anti-beta1 integrin monoclonal antibodies. The major tyrosine-phosphorylated CRKL-binding protein in the megakaryocytic MO7e cells was identified as p120(CBL), the cellular homolog of the v-Cbl oncoprotein. However, in the lymphoid H9 cell line, the major tyrosine-phosphorylated CRKL-binding protein was p110(HEF1). In both cases, this binding was mediated by the CRKL SH2 domain. Interestingly, although both MO7e and H9 cells express p120(CBL) and p110(HEF1), beta1 integrin cross-linking induces tyrosine phosphorylation of p120(CBL) (but not p110(HEF1)) in MO7e cells and of p110(HEF1) (but not p120(CBL)) in H9 cells. In both cell types, CRKL is constitutively complexed to C3G, SOS, and c-ABL through its SH3 domains, and the stoichiometry of these complexes does not change upon integrin ligation. Thus, in different cell types CRKL and its SH3-associated proteins may form different multimeric complexes depending on whether p120(CBL) or p110(HEF1) is tyrosine-phosphorylated after integrin ligation. The shift in association of CRKL and its SH3-associated proteins from p120(CBL) to p110(HEF1) could contribute to different functional outcomes of "outside-in" integrin signaling in different cells.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Identification of a region in the integrin beta3 subunit that confers ligand binding specificity.

Many integrin adhesion receptors bind ligands containing the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide motif. Most integrins exhibit considerable specificity for particular ligands and can distinguish among the many conformations of RGD. In this study we identify the domain of the integrin beta subunit involved in determining ligand binding specificity. Chimeras of beta3 and beta5, the most homologous integrin beta subunits, were expressed with alphav on the surface of human 293 cells. The ligand binding phenotype of each chimera was assessed using the ligands Fab-9 and fibrinogen, both of which have a binding preference for alphavbeta3. The results of the study show that when exons C and D of the beta3 subunit (residues 95-233) are substituted into beta5, the chimera gained the ability to bind Fab-9 with an affinity close to that of wild-type alphavbeta3. This chimera was able to mediate cell adhesion to fibrinogen. Furthermore, the swap of only a 39-residue segment of this larger domain, beta3 residues 164-202, into the backbone of beta5 enabled the chimeric integrin to bind soluble Fab-9. This small domain is highly divergent among the integrin beta subunits, suggesting that it may play a role in determining ligand selection by all integrins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗