Fibronectin receptor exhibits high lateral mobility in embryonic locomoting cells but is immobile in focal contacts and fibrillar streaks in stationary cells

Adhesion and migration of avian neural crest cells on fibronectin require the cooperating activities of multiple integrins of the (beta)1 and (beta)3 families

Based on genetic, functional and histological studies, the extracellular matrix molecule fibronectin has been proposed to play a key role in the migration of neural crest cells in the vertebrate embryo. In the present study, we have analyzed in vitro the repertoire and function of integrin receptors involved in the adhesive and locomotory responses of avian truncal neural crest cells to fibronectin. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that neural crest cells express multiple integrins, namely (alpha)3(beta)1, (alpha)4(beta)1, (alpha)5(beta)1, (alpha)8(beta)1, (alpha)v(beta)1, (alpha)v(beta)3 and a (beta)8 integrin, as potential fibronectin receptors, and flow cytometry analyses revealed no major heterogeneity among the cell population for expression of integrin subunits. In addition, the integrin repertoire expressed by neural crest cells was found not to change dramatically during migration. At the cellular level, only (alpha)v(beta)1 and (alpha)v(beta)3 were concentrated in focal adhesion sites in connection with the actin microfilaments, whereas the other integrins were predominantly diffuse over the cell surface. In inhibition assays with function-perturbing antibodies, it appeared that complete abolition of cell spreading and migration could be achieved only by blocking multiple integrins of the (beta)1 and (beta)3 families, suggesting possible functional compensations between different integrins. In addition, these studies provided evidence for functional partitioning of integrins in cell adhesion and migration. While spreading was essentially mediated by (alpha)v(beta)1 and (alpha)8(beta)1, migration involved primarily (alpha)4(beta)1, (alpha)v(beta)3 and (alpha)8(beta)1 and, more indirectly, (alpha)3(beta)1. (alpha)5(beta)1 and the (beta)8 integrin were not found to play any major role in either adhesion or migration. Finally, consistent with the results of inhibition experiments, recruitment of (alpha)4(beta)1 and (alpha)v(beta)3, individually or in combination using antibodies or recombinant VCAM-1 and PECAM-1 molecules as a substratum, was required for migration but was not sufficient to produce migration of the cell population as efficiently as with fibronectin. In conclusion, our study indicates that neural crest cells express a multiplicity of fibronectin-binding integrins and suggests that dispersion of the cell population requires cooperation between distinct integrins regulating different events of cell adhesion, locomotion and, possibly, proliferation and survival.

Shc and FAK differentially regulate cell motility and directionality modulated by PTEN

Cell migration is modulated by regulatory molecules such as growth factors, oncogenes, and the tumor suppressor PTEN. We previously described inhibition of cell migration by PTEN and restoration of motility by focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and p130 Crk-associated substrate (p130(Cas)). We now report a novel pathway regulating random cell motility involving Shc and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, which is downmodulated by PTEN and additive to a FAK pathway regulating directional migration. Overexpression of Shc or constitutively activated MEK1 in PTEN- reconstituted U87-MG cells stimulated integrin- mediated MAP kinase activation and cell migration. Conversely, overexpression of dominant negative Shc inhibited cell migration; Akt appeared uninvolved. PTEN directly dephosphorylated Shc. The migration induced by FAK or p130(Cas) was directionally persistent and involved extensive organization of actin microfilaments and focal adhesions. In contrast, Shc or MEK1 induced a random type of motility associated with less actin cytoskeletal and focal adhesion organization. These results identify two distinct, additive pathways regulating cell migration that are downregulated by tumor suppressor PTEN: one involves Shc, a MAP kinase pathway, and random migration, whereas the other involves FAK, p130(Cas), more extensive actin cytoskeletal organization, focal contacts, and directionally persistent cell motility. Integration of these pathways provides an intracellular mechanism for regulating the speed and the directionality of cell migration.

Targeting of cytoskeletal linker proteins to focal adhesion complexes is reduced in fibroblasts adhering to laminin-1 when compared to fibronectin

Cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix determine to a large extent cell behavior, including cell migration. These interactions take place at specialized cellular structures, the focal adhesions, which have a substrate-specific morphology. To determine the molecular and functional relevance of this observation, the composition of isolated focal adhesions developed by fibroblasts adhering to fibronectin or laminin-1 was analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblotting with or without stabilization of the structures by cross-linking. In the absence of cross-linking, integrins, talin, vinculin and, to a lower extent, paxillin remained associated with the focal adhesions formed on both substrates, indicating a tight association of these proteins with the extracellular matrix support. By contrast, alpha-actinin, FAK, and actin were apparently loosely maintained within focal adhesions and were found associated to these structures only after stabilization by cross-linking. Interestingly, although both substrates induced clustering and aggregation of all these proteins, their relative concentration, with the exception of alpha-actinin, was lower within the focal adhesions formed on laminin-1 than in those formed on fibronectin. Moreover, as assessed in migration assays, the locomotory speed of fibroblasts was higher on laminin-1 than on fibronectin. Altogether these results indicate that integrins involved in cellular interactions with fibronectin or laminin-1 trigger the formation of focal adhesion structures which differ by molecular organization, concentration in several adhesion plaque components, and function.

Physical and biochemical regulation of integrin release during rear detachment of migrating cells

Cell migration can be considered as a repeated cycle of membrane protrusion and attachment, cytoskeletal contraction and rear detachment. At intermediate and high levels of cell-substratum adhesiveness, cell speed appears to be rate-limited by rear detachment, specifically by the disruption of cytoskeleton-adhesion receptor-extracellular matrix (ECM) linkages. Often, cytoskeletal linkages fracture to release integrin adhesion receptors from the cell. Cell-extracellular matrix bonds may also dissociate, allowing the integrins to remain with the cell. To investigate molecular mechanisms involved in fracturing these linkages and regulating cell speed, we have developed an experimental system to track integrins during the process of rear retraction in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Integrin expression level was varied by transfecting CHO B2 cells, which express very little endogenous alpha5 integrin, with a plasmid containing human alpha5 integrin cDNA and sorting the cells into three populations with different alpha5 expression levels. Receptor/ligand affinity was varied using CHO cells transfected with either alphaIIbbeta3 or alphaIIbbeta3(beta1-2), a high affinity variant. alphaIIbbeta3(beta1-2) is activated to a higher affinity state with an anti-LIBS2 antibody. Fluorescent probes were conjugated to non-adhesion perturbing anti-integrin antibodies, which label integrins in CHO cells migrating on a matrix-coated glass coverslip. The rear retraction area was determined using phase contrast microscopy and integrins initially in this area were tracked by fluorescence microscopy and a cooled CCD camera. We find that rear retraction rate appears to limit cell speed at intermediate and high adhesiveness, but not at low adhesiveness. Upon rear retraction, the amount of integrin released from the cell increases as extracellular matrix concentration, receptor level and receptor-ligand affinity increase. In fact, integrin release is a constant function of cell-substratum adhesiveness and the number of cell-substratum bonds. In the adhesive regime where rear detachment limits the rate of cell migration, cell speed has an inverse relationship to the amount of integrin released at the rear of the cell. At high cell-substratum adhesiveness, calpain, a Ca2+-dependent protease, is also involved in release of cytoskeletal linkages during rear retraction. Inhibition of calpain results in decreased integrin release from the cell membrane, and consequently a decrease in cell speed, during migration. These observations suggest a model for rear retraction in which applied tension and calpain-mediated cytoskeletal linkage cleavage are required at high adhesiveness, but only applied tension is required at low adhesiveness.

Cell migration: regulation of force on extracellular-matrix-integrin complexes

Cell migration relies upon forces generated by the cell. Recent studies have provided new insights into the processes by which cells generate and regulate the forces applied to extracellular matrix (ECM)-bound integrins and have led us to the working model described here. In this model, ECM binding to integrins in the front of lamellipodia causes those integrins to attach to the rearward-moving cytoskeleton. Integrin-cytoskeleton attachments in the front are strengthened as a result of ECM rigidity, enabling the cell to pull itself forward. The reduction in contact area at the rear compared with that at the lamellipodium concentrates the traction forces in the rear on fewer integrin-ECM bonds, facilitating release. In such a model, cell pathfinding and motility can be influenced by ECM rigidity.

Quantitative assessment of leading edge adhesion: reattachment kinetics modulated by injury-derived intracellular calcium predict wound closure rates in endothelial monolayers

Migrating cells continually develop new substrate attachments at the leading edge (LE) in order to maintain traction for movement. This study evaluates the relationship between LE adhesion and wound closure by modulating injury-derived intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) signaling in endothelial cell (EC) monolayers following scrape-wounding. These data show that brief treatment with increased extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e) during wounding accelerated wound area closure rates by 50-65%, while brief treatments with calcium influx inhibitors reduced rates by 30-50%. Fura-2 studies in wounded monolayers indicated supranormal [Ca2+]e during wounding increased (by 52%), while influx-inhibitors decreased (by 36%) the percentage of cells exhibiting elevated plateau [Ca2+]i levels. Quantitative time-lapse interference reflection microscopy (IRM) together with indirect alphavbeta3 integrin immunofluorescence was used to measure the effects of 100 microM Gd3+ and 5 mM [Ca2+]e treatment on fractional LE adhesion after wounding. Influx inhibition blocked development of increased injury-derived LE adhesion. Measurements indicated a linear relationship (r2 = 0.99, 0.98) between LE adhesion, development rates (quantified as an association rate constant) and steady state wound closure rates. Changes in filopodial activity, as indicated by phase contrast microscopy, did not correlate with changes in wound closure rates, but an association existed between the percentile peak [Ca2+]i response and the initiation of filopodial activity, suggesting a role for filopodia in mediating Ca2+-sensitive acceleration. Taken together, our data suggest that injury-derived [Ca2+]i signaling may regulate wound closure rates by an adhesion-mediated mechanism.

Isolation and characterization of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans from embryonic quail that influence neural crest cell behavior

The movement of neural crest cells is controlled in part by extracellular matrix. Aggrecan, the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan from adult cartilage, curtails the ability of neural crest cells to adhere, spread, and move across otherwise favorable matrix substrates in vitro. Our aim was to isolate, characterize, and compare the structure and effect on neural crest cells of aggrecan and proteoglycans purified from the tissues through which neural crest cells migrate. We metabolically radiolabeled proteoglycans in E2.5 quail embryos and isolated and characterized proteoglycans from E3.3 quail trunk and limb bud. The major labeled proteoglycan was highly negatively charged, similar in hydrodynamic size to chick limb bud versican/PG-M, smaller than adult cartilage aggrecan but larger than reported for embryonic sternal cartilage aggrecan. The molecular weight of the iodinated core protein was about 400 kDa, which is more than reported for aggrecan but less than that of chick versican/PG-M. The proteoglycan bore chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains of 45 kDa, which is larger than those of aggrecan. It lacked dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, or keratan sulfate chains. It bound to collagen type I, like aggrecan, but not to fibronectin (unlike versican/PG-M), collagen type IV, or laminin-1 in solid-phase assays and it bound to hyaluronate in gel-shift assays. When added at concentrations between 10 and 30 microg/ml to substrates of fibronectin, trunk proteoglycan inhibited neural crest cell spreading and migration. Attenuation of cell spreading was shown to be the most sensitive and titratable measure of the effect on neural crest cells. This effect was sensitive to digestion with chondroitinase ABC. Similar cell behavior was also produced by aggrecan and the small dermatan sulfate proteoglycan decorin; however, 30-fold more aggrecan was required to produce an effect of similar magnitude. When added in solution to neural crest cells which were already spread and migrating on fibronectin, the embryonic proteoglycan rapidly and reversibly caused complete rounding of the cells, being at least 30-fold more potent than aggrecan in this activity.

In vitro angiogenesis is modulated by the mechanical properties of fibrin gels and is related to alpha(v)beta3 integrin localization

This study deals with the role of the mechanical properties of matrices in in vitro angiogenesis. The ability of rigid fibrinogen matrices with fibrin gels to promote capillarylike structures was compared. The role of the mechanical properties of the fibrin gels was assessed by varying concentration of the fibrin gels. When the concentration of fibrin gels was decreased from 2 mg/ml to 0.5 mg/ml, the capillarylike network increased. On rigid fibrinogen matrices, capillarylike structures were not formed. The extent of the capillarylike network formed on fibrin gels having the lowest concentration depended on the number of cells seeded. The dynamic analysis of capillarylike network formation permitted a direct visualization of a progressive stretching of the 0.5 mg/ml fibrin gels. This stretching was not observed when fibrin concentration increases. This analysis shows that 10 h after seeding, a prearrangement of cells into ringlike structures was observed. These ringlike structures grew in size. Between 16 and 24 h after seeding, the capillarylike structures were formed at the junction of two ringlike structures. Analysis of the alpha(v)beta3 integrin localization demonstrates that cell adhesion to fibrinogen is mediated through the alpha(v)beta3 integrin localized into adhesion plaques. Conversely, cell adhesion to fibrin shows a diffuse and dot-contact distribution. We suggest that the balance of the stresses between the tractions exerted by the cells and the resistance of the fibrin gels triggers an angiogenic signal into the intracellular compartment. This signal could be associated with modification in the alpha(v)beta3 integrin distribution.

Nerve growth factor stimulates the accumulation of beta1 integrin at the tips of filopodia in the growth cones of sympathetic neurons

Addition of nerve growth factor (NGF) to sympathetic neurons that have been starved of it causes a rapid induction of growth cone motility and the resumption of neurite growth. Using immunofluorescence staining, we show that within 10 min, NGF stimulated the accumulation of dense aggregates of beta1 integrin [a receptor for extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins] at most of the tips of either newly extended or preexisting filopodia. This effect occurred in the absence of ECM proteins and in the presence of 1 mg/ml Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser peptide, which blocks ECM binding to integrin, indicating that occupation of the integrin receptor is not necessary for tip localization. In fact, addition of either laminin or fibronectin caused a rapid withdrawal of beta1 integrin aggregates from filopodial tips at a rate comparable to that of the rearward flow of actin filaments in the periphery of the growth cone. Surface labeling of the extracellular domain of beta1 integrin while aggregated at the tips of filopodia or withdrawing in response to ECM proteins showed that the receptor is positioned within the membrane. The drug butanedione monoxime, an inhibitor of myosins, blocked the accumulation of beta1 integrin at the tips of filopodia without inhibiting the formation of filo-podia, suggesting the involvement of a myosin motor in beta1 integrin transport. These results provide the first evidence of NGF-mediated accumulation of ECM receptors to sensory elements of the growth cone and suggest one mechanism whereby soluble and substrate-bound cues coordinate to produce directed neurite growth.

Nerve growth factor stimulates the accumulation of beta1 integrin at the tips of filopodia in the growth cones of sympathetic neurons

Addition of nerve growth factor (NGF) to sympathetic neurons that have been starved of it causes a rapid induction of growth cone motility and the resumption of neurite growth. Using immunofluorescence staining, we show that within 10 min, NGF stimulated the accumulation of dense aggregates of beta1 integrin [a receptor for extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins] at most of the tips of either newly extended or preexisting filopodia. This effect occurred in the absence of ECM proteins and in the presence of 1 mg/ml Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser peptide, which blocks ECM binding to integrin, indicating that occupation of the integrin receptor is not necessary for tip localization. In fact, addition of either laminin or fibronectin caused a rapid withdrawal of beta1 integrin aggregates from filopodial tips at a rate comparable to that of the rearward flow of actin filaments in the periphery of the growth cone. Surface labeling of the extracellular domain of beta1 integrin while aggregated at the tips of filopodia or withdrawing in response to ECM proteins showed that the receptor is positioned within the membrane. The drug butanedione monoxime, an inhibitor of myosins, blocked the accumulation of beta1 integrin at the tips of filopodia without inhibiting the formation of filo-podia, suggesting the involvement of a myosin motor in beta1 integrin transport. These results provide the first evidence of NGF-mediated accumulation of ECM receptors to sensory elements of the growth cone and suggest one mechanism whereby soluble and substrate-bound cues coordinate to produce directed neurite growth.

Cross talk between adhesion molecules: control of N-cadherin activity by intracellular signals elicited by beta1 and beta3 integrins in migrating neural crest cells

During embryonic development, cell migration and cell differentiation are associated with dynamic modulations both in time and space of the repertoire and function of adhesion receptors, but the nature of the mechanisms responsible for their coordinated occurrence remains to be elucidated. Thus, migrating neural crest cells adhere to fibronectin in an integrin-dependent manner while maintaining reduced N-cadherin-mediated intercellular contacts. In the present study we provide evidence that, in these cells, the control of N-cadherin may rely directly on the activity of integrins involved in the process of cell motion. Prevention of neural crest cell migration using RGD peptides or antibodies to fibronectin and to beta1 and beta3 integrins caused rapid N-cadherin-mediated cell clustering. Restoration of stable intercellular contacts resulted essentially from the recruitment of an intracellular pool of N-cadherin molecules that accumulated into adherens junctions in tight association with the cytoskeleton and not from the redistribution of a preexisting pool of surface N-cadherin molecules. In addition, agents that cause elevation of intracellular Ca2+ after entry across the plasma membrane were potent inhibitors of cell aggregation and reduced the N-cadherin- mediated junctions in the cells. Finally, elevated serine/ threonine phosphorylation of catenins associated with N-cadherin accompanied the restoration of intercellular contacts. These results indicate that, in migrating neural crest cells, beta1 and beta3 integrins are at the origin of a cascade of signaling events that involve transmembrane Ca2+ fluxes, followed by activation of phosphatases and kinases, and that ultimately control the surface distribution and activity of N-cadherin. Such a direct coupling between adhesion receptors by means of intracellular signals may be significant for the coordinated interplay between cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesion that occurs during embryonic development, in wound healing, and during tumor invasion and metastasis.

Adhesive bond dynamics in contacts between T lymphocytes and glass-supported planar bilayers reconstituted with the immunoglobulin-related adhesion molecule CD58

The interaction of the T cell glycoprotein CD2 and its ligand CD58 is important for T cell interaction with antigen-presenting and target cells. The binding interaction is of low affinity and has a fast off-rate (>5 s-1) in solution. However, solution measurements may not accurately predict the behavior of molecules in an adhesive contact area. Interaction between T cells that express CD2 and glass-supported planar bilayers containing purified and fluorescently labeled CD58 leads to accumulation of CD58 (fluorescence) in the cell/bilayer contact area. CD58 molecules accumulated within the contact area in excess of the CD58 density in the bilayer outside the contact area can be considered as bound by cell surface CD2. Here, this phenomena and fluorescence photobleaching recovery were utilized to determine whether CD2-CD58 bonds are transient in contact areas. Fluorescent CD58 molecules accumulated in the T cell-bilayer interface were completely bleached. The bleached CD58 molecules accumulated in the contact area were rapidly replaced by fluorescent CD58 that diffused into the contact area from adjacent bilayer regions outside the contact area. Rapid recovery of the accumulated fluorescence directly demonstrates that the CD2-CD58 bonds are dissociating and that the dissociation leads to partner exchange, rather than rebinding of the same CD2-CD58 pairs. This suggests that the solution off-rate provides an accurate description of CD2-CD58 interaction in contact areas. Accumulated fluorescent IgG in contacts between K562 cells expressing low affinity Fc receptors and planar bilayers with fluorescent IgG bound to hapten-derivitized phospholipids displayed slower recovery than CD58 by a factor of 10. This suggests that the Fc receptor-IgG interaction has a longer lifetime than the CD2-CD58 interaction. These findings have implications for the mechanism of signaling by CD2 and the mechanism of cell detachment from large numbers of transient interactions.

Direct role of the carboxy-terminal cell-binding domain of fibronectin in neural crest cell motility

We have analyzed the interaction of neural crest cells with fragments of fibronectin corresponding to the different spliced variants of the COOH-terminal cell-binding domain (COOH-ter CBD). We have shown that this domain can support cell adhesion and migration and that both the IIICS and HepII regions are involved in these events. The rate of locomotion is high, although undirectional, compared to that of whole fibronectin. Interactions with the COOH-ter CBD are controlled by alpha4beta1 and maybe other beta1 integrins and cell-surface proteoglycans. These receptors act cooperatively to mediate attachment, spreading, and migration on fibronectin.

Tenascin supports lymphocyte rolling

Tenascin is a large extracellular matrix molecule expressed at specific sites in the adult, including immune system tissues such as the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and T cell areas of lymph nodes. Tenascin has been reported to have both adhesive and anti-adhesive effects in static assays. We report here that tenascin supports the tethering and rolling of lymphocytes and lymphoblastic cell lines under flow conditions. Binding was calcium dependent and was not inhibited by treatment of lymphocytes with O-glycoprotease or a panel of glycosidases including neuraminidase and heparitinase but was inhibited by treatment of cells with proteinase K. Binding was to the fibrinogen-like terminal domain of tenascin as determined by antibody blocking studies and binding to recombinant tenascin proteins. When compared to rolling of the same cell type on E-selectin, rolling on tenascin was found to be smoother at all shear stresses tested, suggesting that cells formed a larger number of bonds on the tenascin substrate than on the E-selectin substrate. When protein plating densities were adjusted to give similar profiles of cell detachment under increasing shears, the density of tenascin was 8.5-fold greater than that of E-selectin. Binding to tenascin was not dependent on any molecules previously identified as tenascin receptors and is likely to involve a novel tenascin receptor on lymphocytes. We postulate that the ability of tenascin to support lymphocyte rolling may reflect its ability to support cell migration and that this interaction may be used by lymphocytes migrating through secondary lymphoid organs.

Extracellular matrix rigidity causes strengthening of integrin-cytoskeleton linkages

To move forward, migrating cells must generate traction forces through surface receptors bound to extracellular matrix molecules coupled to a rigid structure. We investigated whether cells sample and respond to the rigidity of the anchoring matrix. Movement of beads coated with fibronectin or an anti-integrin antibody was restrained with an optical trap on fibroblasts to mimic extracellular attachment sites of different resistance. Cells precisely sense the restraining force on fibronectin beads and respond by a localized, proportional strengthening of the cytoskeleton linkages, allowing stronger force to be exerted on the integrins. This strengthening was absent or transient with antibody beads, but restored with soluble fibronectin. Hence, ligand binding site occupancy was required. Finally, phenylarsine oxide inhibited strengthening of cytoskeletal linkages, indicating a role for dephosphorylation. Thus, the strength of integrin-cytoskeleton linkages is dependent on matrix rigidity and on its biochemical composition. Matrix rigidity may, therefore, serve as a guidance cue in a process of mechanotaxis.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator regulates cranial neural crest cell migration in vitro

Proper migration and differentiation of neural crest (NC) cells are required for normal development of craniofacial structures, heart and great vessels, sensory and autonomic nervous systems, and other organs with vertebrate embryos. Serine-protease inhibitors reduce NC cell migration in vitro, suggesting the extracellular proteases are important mediators of NC cell migration. While plasminogen activator activity levels are high in NC cells relative to other embryonic tissue, its ability to regulate NC cell migration has not been specifically tested in vivo or in vitro through its ability to convert plasminogen to plasmin. Using a transfilter migration assay, NC cell migration was measured in the presence or absence of plasminogen. Our results showed that plasminogen significantly enhanced NC cell migration. This increase could not be attributed to differences in initial NC cell attachment or cytotoxicity and did not require a chemotactic gradient. The plasminogen-enhanced NC cell migration was blocked by aprotinin (a plasmin inhibitor) and was mimicked by the direct addition of plasmin to the NC cells, indicating that the plasminogen effect was mediated through plasmin generation. Furthermore, anticatalytic-uPA antibody blocked the plasminogen-enhanced NC cell migration showing that NC cell-associated uPA activity was required for this effect. Finally, decreasing NC-uPA activity by treating cells with transforming growth factor-Beta, also blocked the plasminogen-dependent increase in cell migration. These data show that in vitro, NC cell migration is regulated by NC-associated uPA activity suggesting that growth factor-regulation of this activity may play a major role in regulating NC cell migratory capacity in vivo.

Ligand binding regulates the directed movement of beta1 integrins on fibroblasts

To enable cells to crawl, adhesion receptors such as integrins must bind to extracellular molecules and simultaneously interact with force-generating components of the cytoskeleton. We show here that the binding of extracellular ligand in living cells induces the attachment of beta1 integrins to the retrograde-moving cytoskeleton. Unliganded integrins are not associated with the rearward-moving cytoskeleton: gold particles attached to beta1 integrin by a monoclonal antibody diffuse in the membrane. However, addition of soluble RGD peptide (single-letter amino-acid code) or the use of fibronectin-coated gold particles causes the attachment of integrins to the rearward-moving cytoskeleton. Deletion of the beta1 cytoplasmic tail blocks cytoskeletal attachment. The directed movement of integrins in response to ligand indicates that ligand binding is the critical step in regulating organized receptor movement on the cell surface and the migration of adherent cells.

CD44 and hyaluronan-dependent rolling interactions of lymphocytes on tonsillar stroma

Little is known about how lymphocytes migrate within secondary lymphoid organs. Stromal cells and their associated reticular fibers form a network of fibers that radiate from high endothelial venules to all areas of the lymph node and may provide a scaffold for lymphocyte migration. We studied interactions of lymphocytes with cultured human tonsillar stromal cells and their extracellular matrix using shear stress to distinguish transient interactions from firm adhesion. Tonsillar lymphocytes and SKW3 T lymphoma cells tethered and rolled on monolayers of cultured tonsillar stromal cells and their matrix. A significant proportion of these rolling interactions were independent of divalent cations and were mediated by CD44 binding to hyaluronan, as shown by inhibition with mAb to CD44, soluble hyaluronan, as hyaluronidase treatment of the substrate, and O-glycoprotease treatment of the rolling cells. O-glycoprotease treatment of the substrate also blocked binding completely to stromal matrix and partially to stromal monolayers. SKW3 cells tethered and rolled on plastic-immobilized hyaluronan, confirming the specificity of this interaction. By contrast, monolayers of resting or stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells failed to support CD44- and hyaluronan-dependent rolling. SKW3 cells added under flow conditions to frozen sections of human tonsil bound and rolled along reticular fibers in the presence of EDTA. Rolling was blocked by either CD44 mAb or hyaluronan. We propose that lymphocytes migrating through secondary lymphoid organs may use CD44 to bind to hyaluronan immobilized on stromal cells and reticular fibers.

Adhesion-activating phorbol ester increases the mobility of leukocyte integrin LFA-1 in cultured lymphocytes

Lymphocytes activate adhesion to intracellular adhesion mlecule 1 (ICAM-1) via leukocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1), their major beta 2 integrin, in response to PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) without an increase in the number of receptors expressed. The molecular details of the mechanism are unknown. To determine the effect of PMA activation on LFA-1 movement within the plasma membrane, we used the single particle tracking technique to measure the diffusion rate of LFA-1 molecules on EBV-transformed B cells before and after PMA activation. Diffusion of LFA-1 on unactivated cells was restricted compared to CR1 (CD35), another transmembrane protein of equivalent size. PMA caused a 10-fold increase in the diffusion rate of LFA-1 without any effect on CD35. The increased LFA-1 motion induced by PMA was random, not directed, indicating that it was due to a release of constraints rather than the application of forces. The diffusion rates of LFA-1 are consistent with cytoskeletal attachment before and free diffusion after PMA. Cytochalasin D led to an equivalent increase in mobility and, at low doses, stimulated adhesion, implying that the nonadhesive state of LFA-1 is actively maintained by the lymphocyte cytoskeleton.

Integrin dynamics on the tail region of migrating fibroblasts

Cell migration is a complex process that can be considered as a repeated cycle of lamellipod extension and attachment, cytoskeletal contraction, and tail detachment. While lamellipodial and cytoskeletal phenomena are currently the focus of considerable research on cell migration, under many conditions locomotion appears to be rate-limited by events at the cell rear, especially release of cell/substratum adhesions. To study the mechanism of tail detachment, we have developed a novel experimental system that permits observation of integrin dynamics on the ventral surface of migrating fibroblasts. Photoactivatable caged fluorescein is coupled to a non-adhesion-perturbing anti-avian-beta 1 integrin subunit antibody, which labels integrins on chicken fibroblasts migrating on a laminin-coated glass coverslip. Ultraviolet light is focused through a pinhole to photoactivate the caged fluorophore in a 10-micron-diameter spot at the rear of a polarized cell. The fate of integrins initially present in this spot is monitored using a cooled CCD camera to follow the movement of fluorescent intensity as a function of time over a 2 to 3 hour period. We find that a substantial fraction of the integrins is left behind on the substratum as the cell detaches and locomotes, while another fraction collects into vesicles which are transported along the cell body as the cell migrates. As aggregates rip from the cell membrane, the integrin-cytoskeletal bonds are preferentially fractured resulting in 81 +/- 15% of the integrin remaining attached to the substratum. We additionally find that adhesions sometimes disperse into integrins which can form new adhesions at other locations in the cell. Adhesions along the cell edge can release from the substrate and translocate with the cell. They either disperse in the cell membrane, rip from the cell membrane and remain attached to the substratum, or form a new aggregate. These observations indicate that the behavior of integrins at the cell rear is much more dynamic than previously appreciated, suggesting that an important locus for regulation of motility may reside in this region.

Adhesion complexes formed by OVCAR-4 cells on laminin 1 differ from those observed on fibronectin

Cell adhesion to laminin 1 or to fibronectin is mediated by distinct sets of integrins and is differentially regulated by protein kinase C (PKC). It suggests that upon integrin ligation to laminin 1 or to fibronectin different intracellular signaling pathways could be activated. we have therefore investigated the formation of signaling complexes induced during cell adhesion to laminin 1 or to fibronectin. Following cell adhesion to laminin 1 the re-arrangement of the cytoskeleton was slower than that observed on fibronectin and it was activated by treating the cells with H-7, an inhibitor of PKC. Conversely, treatment of laminin-adhering cells with a PKC activator resulted in a rapid disorganization of the actin cyto skeleton while a similar treatment had no effect on fibronectin-adhering cells. These results suggested that the structural organization of the adhesion complexes might be substrate-specific and might correspond to a different arrangement of cytoskeletal and/or cytoplasmic proteins. Reflection interference contrast microscopy (RICM) images revealed that cell-substratum contacts formed on laminin 1 were not well differentiated in contrast to those developed on fibronectin. However, immunofluorescence staining revealed a similar organisation of actin microfilaments, talin and phosphotyrosyl-containing proteins on both substrates. In contrast, differences were observed for vinculin distribution within cells spread on fibronectin or on laminin 1. Following cell adhesion to fibronectin most of the vinculin appeared as thick patches at the tips of the actin stress fibers while in laminin-adhering cells vinculin was recruited into thin streaks localized at the end of only some actin stress fibers.

Graded fibronectin receptor aggregation in migrating cells

We have examined the distribution of the integrin fibronectin receptor in migrating NIH 3T3 fibroblasts to test the hypothesis that cell locomotion involves regional differences of adhesive receptor aggregation. A distinct asymmetry of fibronectin receptor aggregation was observed on the surface of migrating NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Direct current electric fields were used to stimulate directional cell migration and thus allow the quantitative correlation of receptor asymmetries to the direction of cell locomotion. Digital particle analysis of fluorescent confocal micrographs demonstrates that the leading half of cells has a higher proportion of receptors contained in small clusters than does the trailing half. Conversely, larger receptor aggregates are more prevalent in the rear of the cell than in the front. We have also observed a gradient of extracellular fibronectin fibril assembly, similar to that described for the fibronectin receptor. Extracellular fibronectin appears in progressively larger fibrils across the ventral cell surface from front to rear, with dense meshworks often deposited as a trail behind the cell. Large fibronectin receptor clusters toward the rear of the cell generally do not correlate with focal contacts, and are thus most likely aggregated by cell surface-bound fibronectin fibrils and not by adhesion to the substratum. These results suggest that spatial variations in the degree of adhesive receptor aggregation are created in fibroblasts during the processes of migration and matrix synthesis.

Control of N-cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion in migrating neural crest cells in vitro

Dispersion of neural crest cells and their ultimate regroupment into peripheral ganglia are associated with precisely coordinated regulations both in time and space of the expression and function of cell adhesion receptors. In particular, the disappearance of N-cadherin from the cell surface at the onset of migration and its reexpression during cell aggregation suggest that, during migration, N-cadherin expression is repressed in neural crest cells. In the present study, we have analyzed in vitro the mechanism of control of N-cadherin expression and function in migrating neural crest cells. Although these cells moved as a dense population, each individual did not establish extensive and permanent intercellular contacts with its neighbors. However, cells synthesized and expressed mature N-cadherin molecules at levels comparable to those found in cells that exhibit stable intercellular contacts, but in contrast to them, the bulk of N-cadherin molecules was not connected with the cytoskeleton. We next determined which intracellular events are responsible for the instability of the N-cadherin junctions in neural crest cells using various chemical agents known to affect signal transduction processes. Agents that block a broad spectrum of serine-threonine kinases (6-dimethylaminopurine, H7 and staurosporine) or that affect selectively protein kinases C (bisindolylmaleimide and sphingosine), inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases (erbstatin, herbimycin A, and tyrphostins), and inhibitors of phosphatases (vanadate) all restored tight cell-cell associations among neural crest cells, accompanied by a slight increase in the overall cellular content of N-cadherin and its accumulation to the regions of intercellular contacts. The effect of the kinase and phosphatase blockers was inhibitable by agents known to affect protein synthesis (cycloheximide) and exportation (brefeldin A), indicating that the restored cell-cell contacts were mediated chiefly by an intracellular pool of N-cadherin molecules recruited to the membrane. Finally, N-cadherin molecules were constitutively phosphorylated in migrating neural crest cells, but their level and state of phosphorylation were apparently not modified in the presence of kinase and phosphatase inhibitors. These observations therefore suggest that N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interactions are not stable in neural crest cells migrating in vitro, and that they are under the control of a complex cascade of intracellular signals involving kinases and phosphatases and probably elicited by surface receptors.

Distinct sites on tenascin-C mediate repellent or adhesive interactions with different neuronal cell types

In this study we have determined the binding specificities of four different neuronal cell types to tenascin-C (TN-C) and laminin using a cell adhesion assay. TN-C was repulsive for small cerebellar neurons and PC12 phaeochromocytoma cells, since after short-term adhesion to the substrate-bound molecule with a maximum of cell binding at 45 min, the cells detached from the substrate and after 22 h only about 25% of the originally adherent cells were still bound. For N2A neuroblastoma cells and retinal cells TN-C was an adhesive substrate, since the number of adherent cells did not decrease after the initial attachment period. All four cell types adhered well to laminin at all time points studied. For short-term adhesion of small cerebellar neurons and PC12 cells two binding sites were identified on TN-C, one being localized within the epidermal growth factor-like repeats three to five and the second within fibronectin type III-like repeats three and four. One binding site for N2A and retinal cells was localized within fibronectin type III-like repeat seven. Binding of small cerebellar neurons to TN-C was dependent on Ca2+, but not on Mg2+ and was inhibitable by polyclonal antibodies to beta 1 integrin. Short-term adhesion of small cerebellar neurons was also inhibitable with a mixture of recombinant fragments of TN-C encompassing the whole molecule, although the specific inhibitory activity of this mixture was ten-fold lower on a molar basis when compared to the native molecule. Our observations indicate that different neuronal cell types use distinct binding sites on TN-C for repellent or adhesive interactions and that beta 1 integrin is involved in the recognition event leading to repulsion of small cerebellar neurons.

Tyrosine phosphorylation and cytoskeletal tension regulate the release of fibroblast adhesions

We have investigated the mechanisms by which fibroblasts release their adhesions to the extracellular matrix substrata using a permeabilized cell system in which the adhesions remain relatively stable. A large number of different molecules were assayed for their effect on focal adhesion stability using immunofluorescence with antibodies against different focal adhesion constituents. ATP uniquely stimulates a rapid breakdown of focal adhesions, and at high ATP concentrations (> 5 mM), many cells are released from the dish. The remaining cells appear contracted with talin, alpha-actinin, and vinculin localized diffusely throughout the cell. Integrin containing tracks of variable intensity outline the regions where cells had resided before they detached from the substratum. At lower ATP concentrations (0.5-5 mM) the cells remain spread; however the focal adhesion components, including integrin, show an array of phenotypes ranging from diffusely localized throughout the cell to a localization in small, thin focal adhesions. Okadaic acid, a serine, threonine phosphatase inhibitor, enhances the contracted phenotype, even at low concentrations (0.5 mM) of ATP. The localization of focal adhesion components is different in okadaic acid-treated cells. In highly contracted cells, integrin is present in tracks where the cells resided before the contraction; however focal adhesions are no longer apparent. Talin, vinculin, and alpha-actinin localize in trabecular networks toward the periphery of the cell. Interestingly, phosphotyrosine staining as well as nascent, intracellular integrin precedes the recruitment of focal adhesion constituents into the trabecular network. The ATP-stimulated focal adhesion breakdown appears to operate through two mechanisms. First, ATP stimulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of several cytoskeletally associated proteins. These tyrosine phosphorylations correlated well with focal adhesion breakdown. Furthermore, addition of a recombinant, constitutively active tyrosine phosphatase inhibits both the tyrosine phosphorylations and the breakdown of the focal adhesions. None of the major tyrosine phosphoproteins are FAK, integrin, tensin, paxillin, or other phosphoproteins implicated in focal adhesion assembly. The second mechanism is cell contraction. High ATP concentrations, or lower ATP concentrations in the presence of okadaic acid induce cell contraction. Inhibiting the contraction by addition of a heptapeptide IRICRKG, which blocks the actin-myosin interaction, also inhibits focal adhesion breakdown. Neither the peptide nor the phosphatase inhibits focal adhesion breakdown under all conditions suggesting that both tension and tyrosine phosphorylations mediate the release of adhesions.

Detachment of cultured cells from the substratum induced by the neutrophil-derived oxidant NH2Cl: synergistic role of phosphotyrosine and intracellular Ca2+ concentration

The neutrophil-derived, membrane-permeating oxidant, NH2Cl, (but not the non-membrane-permeating chloramine, taurine-NHCl) induced detachment of fetal mouse cardiac myocytes and other cell types (fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells) from the culture dish, concomitant with cell shrinkage ("peeling off"). Stimulated human neutrophils also induced peeling off of cultured mouse cardiac myocytes when the latter were pretreated with inhibitors of .OH and elastase. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the NH2Cl-induced peeling off of WI-38 fibroblasts is accompanied by disorganization of integrin alpha 5 beta 1, vinculin, stress fibers, and phosphotyrosine (p-Tyr)-containing proteins. Decrease in the content of the p-Tyr-containing proteins of the NH2Cl-treated cells was analyzed by immunoblotting techniques. Coating of fibronectin on the culture dish prevented both NH2Cl-induced peeling off and a decrease in p-Tyr content. Preincubation with a protein-tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, sodium orthovanadate (Na3VO4), also prevented NH2Cl-induced peeling off, suggesting that dephosphorylation of p-Tyr is necessary for peeling off. NH2Cl-induced peeling off was accompanied by an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in mouse cardiac myocytes and WI-38 fibroblasts. The absence of extracellular Ca2+ prevented both NH2Cl-induced peeling off and increased [Ca2+]i, both of which did occur on subsequent incubation of the cells in Ca2+-containing medium. These observations suggest that an increase in [Ca2+]i is also necessary for peeling off. Depletion of microsomal and cytosolic Ca2+ by incubation with the microsomal Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor 2',5'-di(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ) plus EGTA prevented both NH2Cl-induced increases in [Ca2+]i and peeling off. Direct inhibition of microsomal Ca2+ pump activity by NH2Cl may participate in the NH2Cl-induced [Ca2+]i increment. A combination of p-Tyr dephosphorylation by genistein (an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase) and an increase in [Ca2+]i by BHQ could also induce peeling off. All these observations suggest a synergism between p-Tyr dephosphorylation and increased [Ca2+]i in NH2Cl-induced peeling off.

Density-dependent regulation of cell growth by contactinhibin and the contactinhibin receptor

BACKGROUND

The number of cells within mammalian tissues is maintained by growth-stimulating and growth-inhibiting mechanisms, with inhibitory signals being superimposed over growth stimuli. This is reflected, in the culture of normal adherent cells, by the phenomenon of density-dependent inhibition of growth: cells cease proliferation after becoming a confluent monolayer. We have shown previously that a plasma membrane glycoprotein, contactinhibin, is a major effector of negative growth regulation. Although transformed cells express contactinhibin in a functionally active form, they are not growth-inhibited, suggesting that the defects that lead to their aberrant growth are located 'downstream' of contactinhibin.

RESULTS

Here, we provide evidence that a 92 kD plasma membrane protein, which we call CiR, binds specifically to contactinhibin and acts as a receptor mediating the contact-dependent inhibition of growth of cultured human fibroblasts. When polyclonal antibodies against CiR were introduced into cells using liposomes, confluent cells were released from density-dependent growth control. By contrast, cross-linking CiR that is localized to the plasma membrane, using anti-CiR antibodies, led to growth inhibition, suggesting that CiR is a signalling molecule and implicating CiR oligomerization in signal generation. This conclusion is supported by the finding that binding of contactinhibin by CiR is strongly dependent on the local concentration of both molecules and has a sharp threshold. When CiR was isolated by immuno-precipitation under conditions favouring phosphorylation, it was hyperphosphorylated on serine and threonine residues and had reduced contactinhibin-binding capacity; the binding capacity of CiR was restored after treatment with potato acid phosphatase. Fibroblasts transformed with simian virus 40 had reduced CiR expression, higher CiR phosphorylation levels, and a strongly reduced capacity of CiR to bind to contactinhibin. Phosphatase treatment of the CiR isolated from transformed cells only partially restored its contactinhibin-binding capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Homeostasis is the net result of a highly balanced network of growth-stimulating and growth-inhibitory signals. We have shown that density-dependent inhibition of growth in vitro is mediated by the interaction of contactinhibin with a 92 kD plasma membrane glycoprotein, CiR, the contactinhibin-binding capacity of which is regulated by phosphorylation.

Synergistic roles for receptor occupancy and aggregation in integrin transmembrane function

Integrin receptors mediate cell adhesion, signal transduction, and cytoskeletal organization. How a single transmembrane receptor can fulfill multiple functions was clarified by comparing roles of receptor occupancy and aggregation. Integrin occupancy by monovalent ligand induced receptor redistribution, but minimal tyrosine phosphorylation signaling or cytoskeletal protein redistribution. Aggregation of integrins by noninhibitory monoclonal antibodies on beads induced intracellular accumulations of pp125FAK and tensin, as well as phosphorylation, but no accumulation of other cytoskeletal proteins such as talin. Combining antibody-mediated clustering with monovalent ligand occupancy induced accumulation of seven cytoskeletal proteins, including alpha-actinin, talin, and F-actin, thereby mimicking multivalent interactions with fibronectin or polyvalent peptides. Integrins therefore mediate a complex repertoire of functions through the distinct effects of receptor aggregation, receptor occupancy, or both together.

Electric field-directed fibroblast locomotion involves cell surface molecular reorganization and is calcium independent

Directional cellular locomotion is thought to involve localized intracellular calcium changes and the lateral transport of cell surface molecules. We have examined the roles of both calcium and cell surface glycoprotein redistribution in the directional migration of two murine fibroblastic cell lines, NIH 3T3 and SV101. These cell types exhibit persistent, cathode directed motility when exposed to direct current electric fields. Using time lapse phase contrast microscopy and image analysis, we have determined that electric field-directed locomotion in each cell type is a calcium independent process. Both exhibit cathode directed motility in the absence of extracellular calcium, and electric fields cause no detectable elevations or gradients of cytosolic free calcium. We find evidence suggesting that galvanotaxis in these cells involves the lateral redistribution of plasma membrane glycoproteins. Electric fields cause the lateral migration of plasma membrane concanavalin A receptors toward the cathode in both NIH 3T3 and SV101 fibroblasts. Exposure of directionally migrating cells to Con A inhibits the normal change of cell direction following a reversal of electric field polarity. Additionally, when cells are plated on Con A-coated substrata so that Con A receptors mediate cell-substratum adhesion, cathode-directed locomotion and a cathodal accumulation of Con A receptors are observed. Immunofluorescent labeling of the fibronectin receptor in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts suggests the recruitment of integrins from large clusters to form a more diffuse distribution toward the cathode in field-treated cells. Our results indicate that the mechanism of electric field directed locomotion in NIH 3T3 and SV101 fibroblasts involves the lateral redistribution of plasma membrane glycoproteins involved in cell-substratum adhesion.

Comparative evaluation of integrin alpha- and beta-chain expression in colorectal carcinoma cell lines and in their tumours of origin

The integrin family consists of broadly expressed cell surface adhesion receptors, each member of which is composed of a non-covalently linked alpha/beta heterodimer. Integrin receptors are involved in the interaction with matrix proteins and may contribute to invasion and metastasis of carcinomas. To examine the biological role integrins play in colorectal carcinoma we compared the expression of integrin alpha- and beta-subunits in situ and in vitro. Eight newly established cell lines derived from immunohistochemically characterized colorectal carcinomas together with two sublines obtained after nude mouse passage and the commonly used colon carcinoma lines HT-29, SW480, SW620, and COLO 205 were investigated by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. The carcinomas in situ expressed alpha 1-, alpha 2-, alpha 3-, alpha 6-, alpha v- and beta 1-subunits in variable amounts while being devoid of alpha 4, alpha 5, and beta 3. The individual integrin profile of the tumour in tissue was essentially maintained in vitro. However, a neo expression of the alpha 5 chain was found, together with an induction or increase in alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha v and beta 1 levels. No decrease in integrin subunit expression was observed. Standard-serum and serum-free medium revealed no striking differences in alpha- and beta-chain expression in the cell lines HT-29 and COLO 205. In serum-free medium, SW480 showed a slight increase of alpha 1 and alpha 5 and a decrease of alpha 3 and alpha v while SW620 expressed more alpha 1. We conclude that the great variability of adhesion receptor expression of the integrin family in colorectal carcinomas in situ is essentially maintained in vitro, although culture conditions which are only marginally influenced by serum factors unpredictably lead to some increase in expression or even induction of several integrin subunits.

Specific roles of the alpha V beta 1, alpha V beta 3 and alpha V beta 5 integrins in avian neural crest cell adhesion and migration on vitronectin

To identify potentially important extracellular matrix adhesive molecules in neural crest cell migration, the possible role of vitronectin and its corresponding integrin receptors was examined in the adhesion and migration of avian neural crest cells in vitro. Adhesion and migration on vitronectin were comparable to those found on fibronectin and could be almost entirely abolished by antibodies against vitronectin and by RGD peptides. Immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry analyses revealed that neural crest cells expressed primarily the alpha V beta 1, alpha V beta 3 and alpha V beta 5 integrins as possible vitronectin receptors. Inhibition assays of cellular adhesion and migration with function-perturbing antibodies demonstrated that adhesion of neural crest cells to vitronectin was mediated essentially by one or more of the different alpha V integrins, with a possible preeminence of alpha V beta 1, whereas cell migration involved mostly the alpha V beta 3 and alpha V beta 5 integrins. Immunofluorescence labeling of cultured motile neural crest cells revealed that the alpha V integrins are differentially distributed on the cell surface. The beta 1 and alpha V subunits were both diffuse on the surface of cells and in focal adhesion sites in association with vinculin, talin and alpha-actinin, whereas the alpha V beta 3 and alpha V beta 5 integrins were essentially diffuse on the cell surface. Finally, vitronectin could be detected by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry in the early embryo during the ontogeny of the neural crest. It was in particular closely associated with the surface of migrating neural crest cells. In conclusion, our study indicates that neural crest cells can adhere to and migrate on vitronectin in vitro by an RGD-dependent mechanism involving at least the alpha V beta 1, alpha V beta 3 and alpha V beta 5 integrins and that these integrins may have specific roles in the control of cell adhesion and migration.

Control of stable lamellipodia formation by expression of cell surface beta 1,4-galactosyltransferase cytoplasmic domains

Mesenchymal cell migration on basal lamina is mediated, in part, by the binding of cell surface beta 1,4-galactosyltransferase (GalTase) to specific N-linked oligosaccharides in the E8 domain of laminin. On migrating cells, surface GalTase is anchored to the cytoskeleton; when GalTase is prevented from associating with the cytoskeleton, lamellipodia formation and subsequent migration are inhibited. To define better the involvement of GalTase-cytoskeleton interactions in cell motility, we examined the lamellipodia formation, polarity and migratory behavior of stably transfected 3T3 fibroblasts expressing increased or decreased levels of GalTase capable of interacting with the cytoskeleton. Initially, the motile behavior of individual cells was quantified in the absence of exogenous stimuli. Cells that overexpress GalTase binding sites for the cytoskeleton changed their polarity more frequently and translocated more erratically than did control cells when assayed on laminin substrata. These differences were not observed, however, when cells were plated on fibronectin, which does not contain binding sites for surface GalTase. GalTase-transfected cells were also assayed for their ability to polarize in response to a specific stimulus. In this case, the ability of a cell to reorient towards a gradient of platelet-derived growth factor was found to be directly proportional to the amount of GalTase associated with the cytoskeleton. Differences in response to platelet-derived growth factor were not due to differences in growth factor binding. Indirect immunofluorescence showed that altering the level of GalTase did not affect the ventrally distributed pool of GalTase stably associated with the cytoskeleton; however, stress fiber formation was inhibited. Thus, increasing surface GalTase binding sites for the cytoskeleton leads to erratic, multipolar behavior in the absence of any vectorial stimulus, but the ability to form a functional lamellipodium in response to a stimulus is dependent upon the amount of surface GalTase associated with the cytoskeleton. Apparently, cells are able to regulate cytoskeletal assembly and lamellipodial stability by altering the expression and/or affinity of appropriate matrix receptors, such as GalTase, and their corresponding binding sites in the cytoskeleton.

Pattern formation in chick feather development: distribution of beta 1-integrin in normal and scaleless embryos

We have examined the immunolocalization of beta 1-integrin during feather development in the spino-lumbar tract of the backskin from normal and scaleless chick embryos. beta 1-integrin appears during early feather development in three distinct phases which correspond to important developmental events. The first phase (5-5 1/2 days of incubation; Hamburger and Hamilton [H.H.] stage 27) represents the period prior to the formation of dermis. During this phase, beta 1-integrin antiserum labels mesenchymal cells located in the central region of the spino-lumbar tract where the initiation site for feather development is located. The second phase (5 1/2-7 1/2 days of incubation; H.H. stages 28-32) corresponds to the period during which dermis is formed. The cells that make up the dermis are readily distinguished by their lack of beta 1-integrin immunostaining. The third phase (7 1/2-10 days of incubation; H.H. stages 33-36) begins with the sudden appearance of beta 1-integrin in the central and lateral regions of the dermis. The pattern of beta 1-integrin immunostaining in scaleless backskin becomes different from that of normal backskin during this phase. In normal backskin the dermal condensations of feather germs are not labeled with the beta 1-integrin antiserum. This produces a heterogeneous immunostaining pattern very similar to the pattern seen for Type I collagen (Mauger et al. [1982] Dev. Biol. 94:93-105). In contrast, homogeneous immunostaining is observed in the dermis of scaleless backskin. The initial time of appearance, manner of appearance, and pattern of integrin expression in the third phase suggest that beta 1-integrin may be involved in the stabilization of the feather pattern. We also observed the appearance of beta 1-integrin on the epidermal basal cells during the time of feather follicle formation. The beta 1-integrin antiserum reacts strongly with the baso-lateral surfaces of normal basal cells, yet the basal surfaces of the scaleless basal cells are unstained. This lack of immunostaining along the basal surfaces of the scaleless basal cells may relate to the abnormal adhesion between the epidermis and dermis in scaleless backskin.

Contrasting roles for integrin beta 1 and beta 5 cytoplasmic domains in subcellular localization, cell proliferation, and cell migration

To carry out a detailed comparison of the roles of integrin beta 1 and beta 5 cytoplasmic domains, we expressed both wild type beta 1 and chimeric beta 1/5 constructs in CHO cells. In the latter, the cytoplasmic domain of beta 1 was replaced with that of beta 5. The human beta 1 and beta 1/5 constructs appeared at similar levels at the cell surface (mostly as alpha 5 beta 1 heterodimers) and contributed equally to CHO cell adhesion to fibronectin. However, beta 1 but not beta 1/5 localized to focal adhesion-like structures when CHO cells were spread on fibronectin. Furthermore, only the beta 1-CHO cells showed increased proliferation in response to fibronectin plus an integrin-activating anti-beta 1 antibody, and showed increased appearance of 32P-labeled protein (p90) that correlated with proliferation. In sharp contrast, the beta 1/5-CHO cells were notably more migratory than beta 1-CHO cells in a transwell haptotactic migration assay. These results indicate that the beta 1 and beta 5 integrin subunit cytoplasmic domains can translate similar adhesive information into highly contrasting subsequent events. Thus, we have established that "inside-out" and "outside-in" integrin signaling pathways are regulated by fundamentally distinct mechanisms. In addition, we suggest that the same properties of the beta 1 cytoplasmic domain that promote recruitment to visible focal adhesion-like structures may also be conductive to cell proliferation. Conversely, the properties of the beta 5 tail that make it less likely to localize into focal adhesion-like structures may contribute to enhanced cell migration.

Ductus arteriosus smooth muscle cell migration on collagen: dependence on laminin and its receptors

During permanent closure of the ductus arteriosus, smooth muscle cells migrate through the extracellular matrix (ECM) to form intimal mounds that occlude the vessel's lumen. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) migrate over surfaces coated with collagen in vitro. During the migration SMC also synthesize fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LN). Antibodies against FN and LN inhibit migration on collagen by 30% and 67%, respectively. Because of the apparent importance of LN in migration, we examined how SMC interact with LN and LN fragments (P1, E8, P1′, E1′, E3, E4, and G). Ductus SMC adhere to high concentrations of LN and two fragments of the molecule: P1 and E8. They use a unique set of integrin receptors to bind to LN (alpha 1 beta 1, alpha 6 beta 1 and alpha v beta 3), to P1 (alpha 1 beta 1, alpha v beta 3), and to E8 (alpha 6 beta 1, alpha v beta 3). The alpha v beta 3 integrin binds to the P1 fragment of LN in an RGD peptide-dependent manner, and to the E8 fragment in an RGD-independent manner; the RGD site on the P1 fragment probably is not available to the cell in intact LN. Antibodies against beta 1 integrins completely inhibit SMC adhesion to LN; antibodies against the alpha v beta 3 integrin do not block SMC adhesion to LN, but do prevent cell spreading. LN is also capable of interfering with SMC adhesion to other ECM components. The antiadhesive effect of LN is located in the E1′ domain. Both exogenous and endogenous LN increase SMC motility on collagen I. The locomotion-promoting activity of LN resides in the E1′ antiadhesive domain, and not in its adhesive (P1, E8) domains. LN causes a decrease in the number of focal contacts on collagen I. This might enable SMC to alter their mobility as they move through the extracellular matrix to occlude the ductus arteriosus lumen.

The Schwann cell precursor and its fate: a study of cell death and differentiation during gliogenesis in rat embryonic nerves

We have characterized a cell, the Schwann cell precursor, that represents a distinct intermediate differentiation stage in the process by which Schwann cells are generated from neural crest cells. The Schwann cell precursor shows radical differences from Schwann cells which include death regulation, antigenic phenotype, pattern of cell-cell interaction, migratory behavior, and morphology. In the nerves of the rat hind limb, Schwann cells are irreversibly generated from these during a brief period, essentially embryonic days 15-17. We also provide evidence that the survival of Schwann cell precursors is regulated by neurons and identify basic fibroblast growth factor as a potential key regulator of apoptosis in Schwann cell precursors and of precursor to Schwann cell conversion. These findings have implications for our understanding of gliogenesis in the peripheral nervous system.

Molecular and cellular concepts in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a complex disease of uncertain cause. Its pathobiology is believed to represent an abnormal expression of the processes of vascular healing. Etiologic models derive from a 'response to injury' paradigm and can be divided into three separate disease stages: endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle proliferation and architectural disruption. The initiating event of endothelial dysfunction is unknown, but is believed to be related to low-density lipoproteins and/or their oxidized derivatives. Endothelial injury is signalled to the smooth muscle cells of the media by three routes: direct cell-cell interaction, secretion of soluble growth factors and monocyte-derived cytokines. Monocytes are recruited by the endothelium and invade the subintimal space by a complex interaction of a variety of adhesion proteins and receptors on both cell types. Smooth muscle cell proliferation is initiated by a change in phenotype expression from 'contractile' to 'synthetic' resulting from the binding of fibronectin to specific integrin receptors. Three functionally distinct activities may represent separate subtypes of the 'synthetic phenotype': migration from the media to the intima, increased proliferation and inappropriate extracellular matrix synthesis. The loss of normal regulatory control and anchorage independence of proliferation suggest a relationship to oncogenic transformation. Both migration and proliferation result from the binding of platelet-derived growth factor-like factors to smooth muscle cell receptors, which initiates a cascade of intracellular molecular events leading either to cytoskeletal locomotory restructuring or cell cycle activation. Both pathways also appear to be coregulated by integrin receptors and both depend upon phosphorylation of cell membrane, cytosolic and nuclear regulatory proteins. Clinical expression of atherosclerosis may follow sudden loss of architectural integrity of the intimal plaque by three different mechanisms: plaque fissuring, intraluminal plaque rupture or intramural hemorrhage related to abnormal vessel wall stress and/or biochemistry.

Adhesion molecules in neural crest development

Peripheral nerve cells, various endocrine and pigment cells and cranial connective tissue cells of vertebrates stem mainly from the embryonic neural crest. This originates with the central nervous system, but the crest cells detach from this tissue, via a decrease of cell-cell adhesion involving, particularly, a reduction of the adherens junction cell adhesive molecule A-CAM. This epithelio-mesenchymal transformation allows crest cells to migrate along pathways that are defined partly by the distribution of substrate adhesion molecules, the archetype being fibronectin, an extracellular matrix molecule recognized by integrin receptors on crest cells. Many other molecules, however, may act in the same way. In contrast, some molecules may define migration pathways by reducing adhesion; chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan is a candidate for this role. Pathway selection is most likely achieved by balanced combinations of molecules that promote and reduce adhesion. Cessation of migration, in the case of the nervous ganglia, correlated with re-expression of cell-cell adhesion molecules like A-CAM and others, consistent with an adhesive basis, although functional tests have not yet been performed. The development of the neural crest system provides a useful model that emphasizes the role of adhesion in morphogenesis.

Evaluation of integrin molecules involved in substrate adhesion

Integrins were cross-linked to their extracellular matrix ligands using non-penetrating chemical cross-linkers. This procedure did not disturb the distribution of integrin in the adhesion structure and adhesion plaque integrin staining remained even when the cultures were extracted with ionic detergents. 80-90% of the beta 1 integrin in the cross-linked culture was extracted with RIPA buffer and the remaining 10-20% was recovered following reversal of the cross-linking. This separated two distinct integrin pools, one which can be cross-linked to substrate bound extracellular matrix and one which is not. The specificity of this procedure for cross-linking of integrins involved in substrate adhesion was demonstrated using NIH 3T3 cells which express both alpha 5 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 1 integrins. alpha 6 was cross-linked only in cells plated on laminin whereas alpha 5 was cross-linked when fibronectin was present. Using antisera directed to the cytoplasmic domains of either alpha 5 or beta 1 integrin, it was demonstrated that these domains can be blocked in the intact cell but the blocking can be removed using ionic detergent extraction after chemical cross-linking. The extracellular matrix associated with the substrate surface but not that associated with the media exposed surface is both cross-linked and retained on the plastic dish following cross-linking.

Integrin-cytoskeletal interactions in migrating fibroblasts are dynamic, asymmetric, and regulated

We have used laser optical trapping and nanometer-level motion analysis to investigate the cytoskeletal associations and surface dynamics of beta 1 integrin, a cell-substrate adhesion molecule, on the dorsal surfaces of migrating fibroblast cells. A single-beam optical gradient trap (laser tweezers) was used to restrain polystyrene beads conjugated with anti-beta 1 integrin mAbs and place them at desired locations on the cell exterior. This technique was used to demonstrate a spatial difference in integrin-cytoskeleton interactions in migrating cells. We found a distinct increase in the stable attachment of beads, and subsequent rearward flow, on the lamellipodia of locomoting cells compared with the retracting portions. Complementary to the enhanced linkage of integrin at the cell lamellipodium, the membrane was more deformable at the rear versus the front of moving cells while nonmotile cells did not exhibit this asymmetry in membrane architecture. Video microscopy and nanometer-precision tracking routines were used to study the surface dynamics of integrin on the lamellipodia of migrating cells by monitoring the displacements of colloidal gold particles coated with anti-beta 1 integrin mAbs. Small gold aggregates were rapidly transported preferentially to the leading edge of the lamellipod where they resumed diffusion restricted along the edge. This fast transport was characterized by brief periods of directed movement ("jumps") having an instantaneous velocity of 37 +/- 15 microns/min (SD), separated by periods of diffusion. In contrast, larger aggregates of gold particles and the large latex beads underwent slow, steady rearward movement (0.85 +/- 0.44 micron/min) (SD) at a rate similar to that reported for other capping events and for migration of these cells. Cell lines containing mutated beta 1 integrins were used to show that the cytoplasmic domain is essential for an asymmetry in attachment of integrin to the underlying cytoskeletal network and is also necessary for rapid, intermittent transport. However, enhanced membrane deformability at the cell rear does not require integrin-cytoskeletal interactions. We also demonstrated that posttranslational modifications of integrin could potentially play a role in these phenomena. These results suggest a scheme for the role of dynamic integrin-mediated adhesive interactions in cell migration. Integrins are transported preferentially to the cell front where they form nascent adhesions. These adhesive structures grow in size and associate with the cytoskeleton that exerts a rearward force on them. Dorsal aggregates more rearward while those on the ventral side remain fixed to the substrate allowing the cell body to move forward. Detachment of the cell rear occurs by at least two modes: (a) weakened integrin-cytoskeleton interactions, potentially mediated by local modifications of linkage proteins, which lead to weakened cell-substratum interactions and (b) ripping of integrins and the highly deformable membrane from the cell body.

Adhesion of CHO cells to fibronectin is mediated by functionally and structurally distinct adhesion plaques

We have investigated the dynamics between free fibronectin receptors and clusters of them organized into adhesion plaques on CHO cells using the ability of these free integrins to be endocytosed and recycled to the plasma membrane. Indirect inhibition of the endocytic cycle by monensin resulted in the subsequent internalization of free receptors, which we followed by indirect immunostaining and confocal microscopy. Consequently, all the adhesive structures that were in equilibrium with free integrins became progressively disorganized. The cellular morphological changes were analyzed and correlated with the distribution of cell-substratum contacts viewed by confocal images obtained after immunostaining with antibodies raised against the fibronectin receptor, talin, vinculin and actin. After cell adhesion to fibronectin, blockage of the endocytic cycle induced disruption of the adhesion plaques that were mainly localized at the cell periphery, and disappearance of the stress fibers. However, the cells remained firmly attached to the substratum through focal contacts localized in the central part of the cell. These central focal contacts, but not the peripheral adhesion plaques, could form when the vesicular traffic was blocked prior to adhesion and they allowed the cells to attach and flatten onto the substratum. Whereas both adhesive structures contained the same receptors linked to talin and vinculin, the central adhesive structures were attached to a short stretch of actin but never permitted the organization of stress fibers.

Protein lateral mobility as a reflection of membrane microstructure

The lateral mobility of membrane lipids and proteins is presumed to play an important functional role in biomembranes. Photobleaching studies have shown that many proteins in the plasma membrane have diffusion coefficients at least an order of magnitude lower than those obtained when the same proteins are reconstituted in artificial bilayer membranes. Depending on the protein, it has been shown that either the cytoplasmic domain or the ectodomain is the key determinant of its lateral mobility. Single particle tracking microscopy, which allows the motions of single or small groups of membrane molecules to be followed, promises not only to reveal new features of membrane dynamics, but also to help explain longstanding puzzles presented by the photobleaching studies, particularly the so-called immobile fraction. The combination of the two complementary technologies should measurably enhance our understanding of membrane microstructure.

Structures linking microfilament bundles to the membrane at focal contacts

We used quick-freeze, deep-etch, rotary replication and immunogold cytochemistry to identify a new structure at focal contacts. In Xenopus fibroblasts, elongated aggregates of particles project from the membrane to contact bundles of actin microfilaments. Before terminating, a single bundle of microfilaments interacts with several aggregates that appear intermittently over a distance of several microns. Aggregates are enriched in proteins believed to mediate actin-membrane interactions at focal contacts, including beta 1-integrin, vinculin, and talin, but they appear to contain less alpha-actinin and filamin. We also identified a second, smaller class of aggregates of membrane particles that contained beta 1-integrin but not vinculin or talin and that were not associated with actin microfilaments. Our results indicate that vinculin, talin, and beta 1-integrin are assembled into distinctive structures that mediate multiple lateral interactions between microfilaments and the membrane at focal contacts.

A stochastic model for adhesion-mediated cell random motility and haptotaxis

The active migration of blood and tissue cells is important in a number of physiological processes including inflammation, wound healing, embryogenesis, and tumor cell metastasis. These cells move by transmitting cytoplasmic force through membrane receptors which are bound specifically to adhesion ligands in the surrounding substratum. Recently, much research has focused on the influence of the composition of extracellular matrix and the distribution of its components on the speed and direction of cell migration. It is commonly believed that the magnitude of the adhesion influences cell speed and/or random turning behavior, whereas a gradient of adhesion may bias the net direction of the cell movement, a phenomenon known as haptotaxis. The mechanisms underlying these responses are presently not understood. A stochastic model is presented to provide a mechanistic understanding of how the magnitude and distribution of adhesion ligands in the substratum influence cell movement. The receptor-mediated cell migration is modeled as an interrelation of random processes on distinct time scales. Adhesion receptors undergo rapid binding and transport, resulting in a stochastic spatial distribution of bound receptors fluctuating about some mean distribution. This results in a fluctuating spatio-temporal pattern of forces on the cell, which in turn affects the speed and turning behavior on a longer time scale. The model equations are a system of nonlinear stochastic differential equations (SDE's) which govern the time evolution of the spatial distribution of bound and free receptors, and the orientation and position of the cell. These SDE's are integrated numerically to simulate the behavior of the model cell on both a uniform substratum, and on a gradient of adhesion ligand concentration. Furthermore, analysis of the governing SDE system and corresponding Fokker-Planck equation (FPE) yields analytical expressions for indices which characterize cell movement on multiple time scales in terms of cell cytomechanical, morphological, and receptor binding and transport parameters. For a uniform adhesion ligand concentration, this analysis provides expressions for traditional cell movement indices such as mean speed, directional persistence time, and random motility coefficient. In a small gradient of adhesion, a perturbation analysis of the FPE yields a constitutive cell flux expression which includes a drift term for haptotactic directional cell migration. The haptotactic drift contains terms identified as contributions from directional orientation bias (taxis), kinesis, and orthotaxis, of which taxis appears to be predominant given estimates of the model parameters.

A theoretical analysis for the effect of focal contact formation on cell-substrate attachment strength

For many cell types, growth, differentiation, and motility are dependent on receptor-mediated adhesion to ligand-coated surfaces. Focal contacts are strong, specialized, adhesive connections between cell and substrate in which receptors aggregate and connect extracellular ligand to intracellular cytoskeletal molecules. In this paper, we present a mathematical model to examine how focal contact formation affects cellular adhesive strength. To calculate adhesive strength with and without focal contacts, we use a one-dimensional tape peeling analysis to determine the critical tension necessary to peel the membrane. Receptor-ligand bonds are modeled as adhesive springs. In the absence of focal contacts, we derive analytic expressions for the critical tension at low and high ligand densities and show how membrane morphology affects adhesion. Then, focal contacts are modeled as cytoplasmic nucleation centers which bind adhesion receptors. The extent of adhesive strengthening upon focal contact formation depends on the elastic rigidity of the cytoskeletal connections, which determines the structural integrity of the focal contact itself. We consider two limits to this elasticity, very weak and rigid. Rigid cytoskeletal connections give much greater attachment strengths. The dependence of attachment strength on measurable model parameters is quite different in these two limits, which suggests focal contact structure might be deduced from properly performed adhesion experiments. Finally, we compare our model to the adhesive strengthening response reported for glioma cell adhesion to fibronectin (Lotz et al., 1989. J. Cell Biol. 109:1795-1805). Our model successfully predicts the observed detachment forces at 4 degrees C and yields values for the number of fibronectin receptors per glioma cell and the density of cytoskeletal connection molecules (talin) involved in receptor clusters which are consistent with measurements for other cell types. Comparison of the model with data at 37 degrees C suggests that while cytoskeletal cross-linking and clustering of fibronectin receptors significantly increases adhesion strength, specific glioma cell-substratum attachment sites possess little mechanical rigidity and detach through a peeling mechanism, consistent with the view that these sites of < or = 15 nm cell-substrate separation are precursors to fully formed, elastically rigid focal contacts.