PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Integrin alpha5”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Expression of integrin alpha5 and integrin beta4 and their extracellular ligands fibronectin and laminin in human decidua during early pregnancy and its sex steroid-mediated regulation.

The reorganization of the human endometrium is termed decidualization, which includes endometrial cell proliferation, differentiation, integrin switching and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during early pregnancy. The present study aimed to investigate distribution patterns, staining intensity and sex steroid-mediated regulation of integrin alpha5 (CD49e), integrin beta4 (CD49f) expression and their ligands fibronectin and laminin during decidualization. Human tissue samples were evaluated in two groups, those collected in early days and those collected in advanced days of the first trimester. Correlating immunostaining was found between laminin and integrin beta4, and between fibronectin and integrin alpha5. The expression of fibronectin was higher than that of laminin in the early days (p < 0.05). Temporal and spatial immunostaining of integrin beta4 and alpha5 in the apical pole of luminal and glandular cells was observed as pregnancy progressed (p < 0.05). In vitro results showed that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulated laminin expression, downregulated integrin beta4 expression, whereas estradiol decreased fibronectin expression by Ishikawa cells. hCG suppressed fibronectin expression in endometrial stromal cells in culture. Our results suggest that fibronectin is responsible for induction of decidual cell differentiation, and different temporal and spatial expression of the integrins may play a role in implantation. Our in vitro results suggest that regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling and integrin switching are at least partially regulated by reproductive hormones.

Adult↗

Dystrophic muscle in mice chimeric for expression of alpha5 integrin.

alpha5-deficient mice die early in embryogenesis (). To study the functions of alpha5 integrin later in mouse embryogenesis and during adult life we generated alpha5 -/-;+/+ chimeric mice. These animals contain alpha5-negative and positive cells randomly distributed. Analysis of the chimerism by glucose- 6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) assay revealed that alpha5 -/- cells contributed to all the tissues analyzed. High contributions were observed in the skeletal muscle. The perinatal survival of the mutant chimeras was lower than for the controls, however the subsequent life span of the survivors was only slightly reduced compared with controls (). Histological analysis of alpha5 -/-;+/+ mice from late embryogenesis to adult life revealed an alteration in the skeletal muscle structure resembling a typical muscle dystrophy. Giant fibers, increased numbers of nuclei per fiber with altered position and size, vacuoli and signs of muscle degeneration-regeneration were observed in head, thorax and limb muscles. Electron microscopy showed an increase in the number of mitochondria in some muscle fibers of the mutant mice. Increased apoptosis and immunoreactivity for tenascin-C were observed in mutant muscle fibers. All the alterations were already visible at late stages of embryogenesis. The number of altered muscle fibers varied in different animals and muscles and was often increased in high percentage chimeric animals. Differentiation of alpha5 -/- ES cells or myoblasts showed that in vitro differentiation into myotubes was achieved normally. However proper adhesion and survival of myoblasts on fibronectin was impaired. Our data suggest that a novel form of muscle dystrophy in mice is alpha5-integrin-dependent.

Animals↗

A membrane proximal region of the integrin alpha5 subunit is important for its interaction with nischarin.

In a previous study [Alahari, Lee and Juliano (2000) J. Cell Biol. 151, 1141-1154], we have identified a novel protein, nischarin, that specifically interacts with the cytoplasmic tail of the alpha5 integrin subunit. Overexpression of this protein profoundly affects cell migration. To examine the nischarin-alpha5 interaction in detail, and to find the minimal region required for the interaction, several mutants of nischarin and alpha5 were created. The results obtained for the yeast two-hybrid system indicate that a 99-aminoacid region of nischarin (from residues 464 to 562) is indispensable for the interaction. Also, we demonstrate that the membrane proximal region (from residues 1017 to 1030) of the alpha5 cytoplasmic tail is essential for the interaction. To characterize more directly the properties of the interaction between nischarin and alpha5, we performed surface-plasmon resonance studies in which peptides were immobilized on the surface of a sensor chip, and the recombinant nischarin protein fragments were injected. Consistent with the two-hybrid results, recombinant nischarin binds well to immobilized alpha5 peptides. In addition, mutational analysis revealed that residues Tyr(1018) and Lys(1022) are crucial for alpha5-nischarin interactions. These results provide evidence that nischarin is capable of directly and selectively binding to a portion of the alpha5 cytoplasmic domain. Further studies demonstrated that the minimal alpha5 binding region of nischarin does not affect cell migration.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of a domain on the integrin alpha5 subunit implicated in cell spreading and signaling.

The alpha5 beta1 integrin is a cell surface receptor for fibronectin implicated in several cellular activities including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. The primary site at which the alpha5 beta1 integrin interacts with fibronectin is the RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) amino acid sequence. In general, the sites on the integrin alpha subunits involved in ligand binding are not well characterized. Based on previous cross-linking studies, sequence alignment, predicted conformation, and intron-exon boundaries, we identified a 144-residue region (positions 223-367) on the alpha5 subunit as a putative binding region and divided it into four subdomains named domains I, II, III, and IV. Chimeric receptors were prepared in which sequences on the alpha5 subunit were exchanged with the corresponding sequences on the alpha6 subunit, which is specific for laminin and does not bind via an RGD sequence. The mutated human alpha5 integrin gene was transfected into CHO B2 cells, which are deficient in alpha5 expression. Only chimeras of domain III or IV express on the cell surface. Both of these chimeras decreased the adhesion, spreading, focal adhesion assembly, and migration on fibronectin. The adhesion of the chimeric receptors to fibronectin remained sensitive to the RGD peptide, and antibodies that inhibit interaction with the fibronectin synergy site and RGD loop remain inhibitory for the chimeras, indicating that our chimeras do not inhibit binding to either the RGD or synergy sites. Finally, the affinity of soluble fibronectin to cells via the alpha5 beta1 receptor decreased only about 3-fold. This decrease is substantially less than the observed effects on migration and spreading, which were not altered by changes in substrate concentration. Thus, the alteration in binding sites does not easily account for the changes in cell spreading and focal adhesion assembly. The tyrosine phosphorylation and focal adhesion assembly that are seen when cells expressing the wild type alpha5 receptor adhere to fibronectin were inhibited in cells expressing the chimeric receptors. Therefore, our results suggest that the chimeras of these domains likely interrupt alpha5-mediated conformational signaling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Inhibition of alpha5 integrin decreases PI3K activation and cell adhesion of human colon cancers.

BACKGROUND: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), acting through the downstream kinase AKT, regulates a number of cellular processes such as cell growth and survival. Poorly differentiated colon cancers are characterized by increased integrin-mediated extracellular matrix interactions; disruption of this integrin-mediated adhesion leads to apoptosis and involves reduced PI3K activity. The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) the role of alpha5beta1 integrin expression on PI3K activity, and (2) whether blockade of alpha5beta1 integrin decreases colon cancer cell adhesion and increases apoptosis. METHODS: Human colon cancer cells were treated with anti-alpha5 integrin antibody, anti-beta1 integrin antibody, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (20 micromol/L), or wortmannin (400 nmol/L). Expression and function of alpha5 were quantitated by FACS analysis and cell adhesion assay, respectively. DNA fragmentation was measured to assess apoptosis. Protein was extracted to determine phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) expression as a measure of PI3K activity. RESULTS: Increased pAKT and alpha5 integrin expression were noted in the colon cancer cells; blockade of alpha5 integrin decreased alpha5 integrin and pAKT expression and decreased cell adhesion. Moreover, PI3K inhibition resulted in decreased alpha5 integrin expression. In contrast, treatment with anti-beta1 integrin antibody produced no change in pAKT expression or cell number. CONCLUSION: Our results are the first to show that blockade of cell surface alpha5 integrin expression decreases PI3K activity, inhibits colon cancer cell attachment, and induces apoptosis. These findings suggest that agents which selectively target alpha5 integrin subunit expression may enhance the effects of standard chemotherapeutic agents and provide novel adjuvant treatment for selected colon cancers.

Apoptosis↗

Significance of integrin alpha5 gene expression as a prognostic factor in node-negative non-small cell lung cancer.

The integrin family plays a major role in complex biological events such as differentiation, development, wound healing, and the altered adhesive and invasive properties of tumor cells. Integrin (alpha5beta1 is a classical fibronectin receptor, and it has been known as a tumor suppressor gene because tumor cells overexpressing alpha5beta1 are less tumorigenic than their parent cells. However, this finding conflicts with some recent data that suggests that the emergence of alpha5beta1 expression correlates with the tumor progression. We, therefore, investigated the expression of alpha5beta1 integrin in 20 lung cancer cell lines by flow cytometric analysis and in 88 node-negative non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical assays to determine the significance of this prognostic factor. In the 20 lung cancer cell lines, 8 (40.0%) cell lines strongly expressed integrin alpha5, 3 (15.0%) cell lines had moderate or weak alpha5 expression, and the remaining 9 (45.0%) cell lines expressed no integrin alpha5. In the 88 node-negative NSCLC patients, 44 samples (50.0%) were evaluated as having integrin alpha5 overexpression, and the integrin alpha5 expression was significantly associated with the status of differentiation and the age of the patients (P = 0.0379 and 0.0312, respectively). In the node-negative patients, the overall survival rate for patients with integrin alpha5 overexpressed tumors was significantly worse than for those individuals whose tumors had normal integrin alpha5 expression (P = 0.016).

Aged↗

[Regulatory effect of integrin alpha5 and beta1 on proliferation inhibition of K562 cells induced by interferon alpha-2b].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Integrin beta1 can inhibit the proliferation of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) ph+ cells. The dysfunction of integrin beta1 might accelerate the growth of CML ph+ cells. This study was to explore the effects of integrin alpha5 and beta1 on the proliferation inhibition of K562 cells induced by IFNalpha-2b. METHODS: The expression indexes of integrin alpha5 and beta1 on K562 cells, the binding capability of K562 cells to fibronectin (FN), and K562 cell-FN binding blocking induced by integrin alpha5 and beta1 antibodies were evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM). The viability of K562 cells, treated with IFNalpha-2b (10,000 u/ml), was observed by MTT assay. The mRNA level of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in K562 cells was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) 48 h after treatment of interferon alpha-2b (IFNalpha-2b). RESULTS: The positive rates of integrin alpha5 and beta1 were significantly higher on K562 cells than on bone marrow mononuclear cells from healthy donors [(97.59+/-1.04)% vs. (64.05+/-2.38)%, (99.24+/-0.52)% vs. (72.40+/-3.56)%, P<0.05). IFNalpha-2b could not change the expression of integrin alpha5 and beta1 on K562 cells, but improved the binding capability of K562 cells to FN, which could be blocked by anti-alpha5 and/or anti-beta1 antibodies. IFNalpha-2b enhanced the expression of FAK gene, and inhibited the proliferation of K562 cells. The anti-alpha5 and anti-beta1 antibodies improved the inhibitory effect of IFNalpha-2b on the proliferation of K562 cells, and blocked IFNalpha-2b-induced increase of FAK gene expression. CONCLUSION: IFNalpha-2b could inhibit the proliferation of K562 cells through restoring the function of integrin alpha5 and beta1, enhancing binding capability of integrin alpha5 and beta1 to FN, and up-regulating FAK gene expression.

Antibodies↗

[Relation of ME491/CD63 gene and integrin alpha5 in the invasion and metastases of ovarian cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression and significance of ME491/CD(63) and integrin alpha5 protein and mRNA in ovarian cancer. METHODS: The expression levels of ME491/CD(63) and integrin alpha5 proteins and mRNA were evaluated by using RT-PCR and hybridization in situ (HIS) in normal ovarian tissues (G(1)), ovarian benign tumor tissues (G(2)), ovarian borderline tumor tissues (G(3)) and ovarian cancer tissues (G(4)). The expression levels of ME491/CD(63) genes and proteins were analyzed by multivariant analysis and their effects on the invasion and metastases of ovarian cancer were explored and their correlation with age at surgery, metastatic sites, operation fashions, lymph status, operation pathological staging and pathological typing was studied. RESULTS: The results showed the exact biological effects of ME491/CD(63) and integrin alpha5 in ovarian cancer tissues. The tendency of two methods is coincidence on the whole. There was positive expression of ME491/CD(63) and integrin alpha5, and ME491/CD(63) mRNA expression levels were 1.7 +/- 0.3 and 1.5 +/- 0.3, and integrin alpha5 mRNA expression levels were 1.7 +/- 0.3 and 1.5 +/- 0.3 in G(1) and G(2); ME491/CD(63) is 1.1 +/- 0.5, and integrin alpha5 is 1.1 +/- 0.5 in G(3); ME491/CD(63) is 0.6 +/- 0.4, integrin alpha5 is 0.6 +/- 0.4 in G(4); There was no significant relationship between gene expression and age at surgery or clinical-pathological staging (P > 0.05). There was significant difference between G(1), G(2) and G(3) (P < 0.01), while no difference between G(1) and G(2) (P > 0.05). Low expression levels in G(4) (III, IV) were observed. Significant differences were noted between expression levels in G(4) (III, IV) and in G(2), G(3) or G(4) (I, II; P < 0.01). There was significant difference between expression levels in tissues with lymph metastases and tissues without lymph metastases (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: ME491/CD(63) and integrin alpha5 are lowly expressed and negatively correlated with ovarian cancer. Different expression levels exist in tissues of late ovarian cancer, earlier ovarian cancer, benign ovarian tumor and borderline tumor. The changes of two genes are correlated with tumor differentiation degree, but not pathologic typing.

Adolescent↗

Cbl-mediated ubiquitination of alpha5 integrin subunit mediates fibronectin-dependent osteoblast detachment and apoptosis induced by FGFR2 activation.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling is an important mechanism regulating osteoblast function. To gain an insight into the regulatory role of FGF receptor-2 (FGFR2) signaling in osteoblasts, we investigated integrin-mediated attachment and cell survival in human calvarial osteoblasts expressing activated FGFR2. FGFR2 activation reduced osteoblast attachment on fibronectin. This was associated with reduced expression of the alpha5 integrin subunit normally expressed in human calvarial osteoblasts in vivo. Treatment with lactacystin, a potent inhibitor of proteasome, restored alpha5 integrin levels in FGFR2 mutant osteoblasts. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed that alpha5 integrin interacts with both the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl and ubiquitin. Immunocytochemistry revealed that alpha5 integrin colocalizes with FGFR2 and Cbl at the leading edge in membrane ruffle regions. Transfection with the 70Z-Cbl mutant lacking the RING domain required for Cbl-ubiquitin interaction, or with the G306E Cbl mutant that abolishes the binding ability of Cbl phosphotyrosine-binding domain restored alpha5 integrin levels. This suggests that Cbl-mediated ubiquitination plays an essential role in alpha5 integrin proteasome degradation induced by FGFR2 activation. Reduced alpha5 integrin expression was associated with an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and increased caspase-9 and -3 activities in FGFR2 mutant osteoblasts. Forced expression of alpha5 integrin rescued cell attachment and corrected both the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities in FGFR2 mutant osteoblasts. We show that Cbl recruitment induced by FGFR2 activation triggers alpha5 integrin degradation by the proteasome, which results in reduced osteoblast attachment on fibronectin and caspase-dependent apoptosis. This identifies a functional role of the alpha5 integrin subunit in the induction of apoptosis triggered by FGFR2 activation in osteoblasts, and reveals that a Cbl-dependent mechanism is involved in the coordinated regulation of cell apoptosis induced by alpha5 integrin degradation.

Acetylcysteine↗

Integrin alpha5 is expressed on human luteinizing granulosa cells during corpus luteum formation, and its expression is enhanced by human chorionic gonadotrophin in vitro.

We previously reported that human granulosa cells (GC) express integrin alpha6beta1, in large follicles and early corpus luteum (CL). In this study, we examined the expression of integrin alpha5 and fibronectin (FN) by immunohistochemistry. Integrin alpha5 was undetectable on human GC in preovulatory follicles, but it was intensely expressed on luteinizing GC of CL in the early luteal phase, and it was weakly expressed on large luteal cells (LL) in the midluteal phase. FN was similarly expressed between GC/LL. Thus, integrin alpha5 and FN were stage-specifically expressed on/between luteinizing GC in the early luteal phase. Next we examined the effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on expression of integrin alpha5 on luteinizing GC in vitro. GC obtained from preovulatory follicles were cultured for 3 days without (control) or with HCG (1 IU/ml), and expression of integrin alpha5 was examined by flow cytometry. Although the positivity rate did not differ, the mean relative fluorescence intensity was 3.4-fold higher in the HCG-treated group (n = 8, P < 0.01). These findings indicate that integrin alpha5 is rapidly expressed on GC during luteinization, probably under LH stimulation, and suggest that integrin alpha5 is involved in CL formation via interaction with its ligand FN.

Antigens, CD↗

alpha5 integrin distribution and TGFbeta1 gene expression in supraglottic carcinoma: their role in neoplastic local invasion and metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck carcinomas are characterized by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) producing cytokines. Adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix proteins (ECMPs), and cytokines regulate cell-cell and cell-ECMPs interactions. We investigated the distribution of these proteins to contribute to better understanding of their role in local tumor invasion and metastasis. METHODS: Distribution of integrins, laminin, type IV collagen, tenascin, and fibronectin was immunohistochemically evaluated in 13 supraglottis carcinomas. Cytokines gene expression was assessed by reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Neoplastic cells were alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, alpha4beta1, alpha5beta1 and alpha6beta1 positive. Normal and metaplastic epithelium was alpha5beta1 negative; the stroma of primary and metastatic tumors was tenascin and fibronectin positive. TGFbeta1 and IFNgamma gene expression was observed in the majority of tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Because TGFbeta1 is known to down-modulate immune processes and to increase alpha2beta1, alpha5beta1, and tenascin distribution, we propose that their expression in neoplastic cells of supraglottis carcinoma might represent an immune-related process able to help tumor growth and progression.

Antigens, CD↗

The beta2, alpha4, alpha5 integrins and selectins mediate chemotactic factor and endotoxin-enhanced neutrophil sequestration in the lung.

Intravascular chemotactic factor activation of neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes; PMNLs), associated with actin polymerization resulting in PMNL stiffening, induces rapid and transient sequestration in the pulmonary vasculature and lung dysfunction. Recent studies have proposed that this sequestration is mediated by physical lodging of PMNLs because of loss of deformability. To examine the contribution of cell adhesion molecules in this process, we used blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to rat selectins and integrins in a model of PMNL margination (reflected by acute blood neutropenia) induced by N-formyl-met-leu-phe (FMLP) chemotactic factor infusion in normal or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed rats. Blood PMNL levels dropped by 70% within 1 minute and for the duration of FMLP infusion (20 minutes) in normal or by 90% in LPS-primed rats. Pretreatment with mAbs to beta2(WT.3), VLA-4(TA-2 F(ab)(2)), and VLA-5 (HMalpha5 F(ab)(2)) in combination inhibited the decrease by 50% and to a greater degree than beta2 blockade alone (35% inhibition). F(ab)(2) mAbs to L-(HRL-3), P-(RMP-1), plus E-(RME-1) selectins had no effect but they potentiated inhibition by anti-beta2 + anti-VLA-4 + anti-VLA5 mAb treatment (69% inhibition, P < 0.05). Similar results were observed in the first 6 minutes in LPS-primed rats with complete inhibition of sequestration thereafter by combined selectin and integrin blockade. These results indicate that besides PMNL stiffening because of actin polymerization, both selectins and integrins substantially contribute to activated PMNL sequestration in the lung.

Animals↗

The fibronectin receptor alpha5 integrin subunit is upregulated by cell-cell adhesion via a cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism: implications for human trophoblast migration.

Cell adhesion molecules are implicated in the mechanisms regulating trophoblast migration during human embryo implantation and placentation. We investigated the expression and subcellular organization of the fibronectin receptor alpha5 integrin subunit during the differentiation of human trophoblasts in vitro, and the role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the process. Human trophoblasts isolated from chorionic villi expressed no alpha5 integrin, but the molecule was upregulated as cells aggregated in vitro. Low levels of expression of alpha5 integrin subunit and a diffuse cellular distribution pattern were seen in migrating mononuclear trophoblasts. Formation of cell aggregates was accompanied by increased expression of the alpha5 integrin, which translocated to the cytoskeleton-bound pool of proteins and clustered within focal adhesion plaques on the cell surface. This coincided with increased binding to fibronectin. In the absence of cell-cell adhesion, trophoblasts did not display an increase in alpha5 integrin messenger RNA or protein and there was no alpha5 integrin in focal adhesion plaques, suggesting that cell-cell contacts specifically trigger the upregulation of alpha5 integrin subunit and its subcellular translocation. Cyclic AMP is the second messenger mediating the aggregation-induced increase in alpha5 integrin: cAMP increased the de novo synthesis of alpha5 integrin protein, particularly in mononuclear cells, whereas the aggregation-induced increase in alpha5 integrin was strongly inhibited by the antagonist Rp-cAMP in aggregating cells. Our data provide evidence that the alpha5 integrin mediates binding of human trophoblasts to fibronectin and is implicated in the regulation of trophoblast migration. This integrin's expression is specifically triggered by cell-cell adhesion and regulated via cAMP-mediated pathway(s). It is hypothesized that these mechanisms may play an important role in the molecular events controlling human placentation.

Blotting, Northern↗

An interaction between insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) and integrin alpha5 is essential for IGFBP2-induced cell mobility.

In the study we report here, we tested the hypothesis that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) promotes cell mobility through its interaction with integrin alpha5. Our previous microarray studies showed that IGFBP2 activates the expression of integrin alpha5. In addition, IGFBP2 has an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) domain, which is a known integrin binding motif. We first confirmed our microarray results by showing that the expression of integrin alpha5 is indeed up-regulated at the protein level in IGFBP2-overexpressing SNB19 glioma cells. Using co-immunoprecipitation, we confirmed that IGFBP2 does interact with integrin alpha5. To confirm that IGFBP2 interacts directly with integrin alpha5 through the RGD domain, we created an RGD --> RGE mutant (D306E) IGFBP2 and stably overexpressed the mutant IGFBP2 in the same cell line. Co-immunoprecipitation then showed that D306E-IGFBP2 had no detectable binding with integrin alpha5. We further observed that IGFBP2-overexpressing cells have extensive cell surface lamellipodia, whereas D306E-IGFBP2-overexpressing cells show abundant cell surface focal adhesions. Consistent with this, phenotype analysis then showed that IGFBP2-overexpressing cells have elevated migration rates compared with vector control; in contrast, the migration rates of the D306E-IGFBP2-overexpressing cells were not elevated and were comparable with that of vector control. Decreased expression of integrin alpha5 by small interference RNA in IGFBP2-overexpressing cells also reduced cell mobility. Therefore, we have concluded that one mechanism by which IGFBP2 activates IGFBP2-induced cell mobility is through its interaction with integrin alpha5 and this interaction is specifically mediated through the RGD domain on IGFBP2.

Base Sequence↗

Reduced blood vessel formation and tumor growth in alpha5-integrin-negative teratocarcinomas and embryoid bodies.

Embryonic stem (ES) cells-wild-type, heterozygous, or null for alpha5-integrin-were injected ectopically into syngeneic mice to develop teratocarcinomas. alpha5-null-derived teratocarcinomas were significantly smaller than the wild-type or alpha5 heterozygous tumors. Histological analysis revealed the presence of tissues derived from all three germ layers, in all tumors. However, alpha5-null teratocarcinomas displayed less undifferentiated tissue than did the controls. Decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis were observed in the undifferentiated areas of the alpha5-null teratocarcinomas. The expression of extracellular matrix proteins, fibronectin and tenascin-C, and the basement membrane components, laminin, entactin/nidogen, and collagen IV, was similar in the different tumors, although the deposition of these molecules was more disorganized in alpha5-null teratocarcinomas. The absence of alpha5-integrin in the various tissues of the alpha5-null tumors was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Many vessels, but not all, stained positively for alpha5-integrin, showing that they were host derived. Analysis of the area occupied by vessels revealed, on average, an 8-fold decrease in alpha5-null teratocarcinomas compared with control tumors. Staining for smooth muscle alpha-actin showed that pericytes and smooth muscle cells were recruited around the vessels in all tumors, suggesting similar vessel differentiation. Deposition of EIIIA and EIIIB and fibronectin around the vessels was observed in all tumors. The fact that some, although few, alpha5-integrin-negative vessels existed in alpha5-null tumors indicated that alpha5-/- ES cells could differentiate into endothelial cells. Endothelial cell differentiation and vessel formation were analyzed also in vitro. alpha5-null ES cells were differentiated into embryoid bodies, although they were delayed in growth and attachment. Differentiation into endothelial cells was achieved, but the organization into a complex vasculature was delayed compared with controls. We conclude that alpha5beta1-integrin plays a significant role in vessel formation both in ES cell cultures and in teratocarcinomas. Reduced vascularization likely contributed to the reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis observed in alpha5-null teratocarcinomas.

Animals↗

Nischarin, a novel protein that interacts with the integrin alpha5 subunit and inhibits cell migration.

Integrins have been implicated in key cellular functions, including cytoskeletal organization, motility, growth, survival, and control of gene expression. The plethora of integrin alpha and beta subunits suggests that individual integrins have unique biological roles, implying specific molecular connections between integrins and intracellular signaling or regulatory pathways. Here, we have used a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify a novel protein, termed Nischarin, that binds preferentially to the cytoplasmic domain of the integrin alpha5 subunit, inhibits cell motility, and alters actin filament organization. Nischarin is primarily a cytosolic protein, but clearly associates with alpha5beta1, as demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation. Overexpression of Nischarin markedly reduces alpha5beta1-dependent cell migration in several cell types. Rat embryo fibroblasts transfected with Nischarin constructs have "basket-like" networks of peripheral actin filaments, rather than typical stress fibers. These observations suggest that Nischarin might affect signaling to the cytoskeleton regulated by Rho-family GTPases. In support of this, Nischarin expression reverses the effect of Rac on lamellipodia formation and selectively inhibits Rac-mediated activation of the c-fos promoter. Thus, Nischarin may play a negative role in cell migration by antagonizing the actions of Rac on cytoskeletal organization and cell movement.

3T3 Cells↗

TGF-beta1-stimulated osteoblasts require intracellular calcium signaling for enhanced alpha5 integrin expression.

The osteoactive factor, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), influences osteoblast activity and bone function. We recently characterized a Smad-independent TGF-beta1-induced Ca(2+) signal in human osteoblasts (HOB) and demonstrated its importance in cell adhesion. Here, we further elucidate the role of the TGF-beta1 Ca(2+) signal in the mechanics of HOB adhesion. Osteoblast interaction with fibronectin (FN) through alpha5beta1 integrin is principally responsible for osteoblast-substrate adhesion. Our results show that the TGF-beta1 intracellular Ca(2+) signal is responsible, in part, for stimulation of alpha5 integrin expression, but not beta1 integrin or FN expression. Increased alpha5 integrin protein and mRNA expression was seen as early as 12 h after TGF-beta1 treatment, but was inhibited by cotreatment with nifedipine, a Ca(2+) channel blocker. TGF-beta1 increased both FN and beta1 integrin protein production within 48 h, independent of nifedipine cotreatment. Immunofluorescence observations revealed that TGF-beta1 increased alpha5 integrin staining, clustering, and colocalization with the actin cytoskeleton, effects that were blocked by nifedipine. The TGF-beta1 Ca(2+) signal, a pathway crucial for HOB adhesion, enhances alpha5 integrin expression, focal contact formation, and cytoskeleton reorganization. These early events are necessary for osteoblast adhesion; thus they determine the fate of the cell and ultimately affect bone function.

Actins↗

[Expression of integrin alpha5 and actin in the cells of intervertebral disc under cyclic hydrostatic pressure in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of integrin alpha5 and actin in the cells of intervertebral disc under cyclic hydrostatic pressure in vitro. METHODS: The porcine lumbar intervertebral disc cells were isolated and cultured in vitro, and the cells underwent cyclic hydrostatic loading. After that, the expression of integrin alpha5 and actin in intervertebral disc cells were studied by means of morphology observing, Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: The morphology of intervertebral disc cells were changed into smaller and flatten shape, and the expression of integrin alpha5 and actin were decreased after loading. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of integrin alpha5 decreases under cyclic hydrostatic pressure, and the actin is affected at the same time when signals are transferred into the cells by integrin alpha5. That may be one of the important mechanisms of the mechanotransduction in the cells of intervertebral disc.

Actins↗