Mapping in vivo associations of cytoplasmic proteins with integrin beta 1 cytoplasmic domain mutants

Effects of mutations in the cytoplasmic domain of integrin beta(1) to talin binding and cell spreading

Integrins are transmembrane proteins linking the extracellular matrix or certain cell-cell contacts to the cytoskeleton. To study integrin-cytoskeleton interactions we wanted to relate talin-integrin interaction to integrin function in cell spreading and formation of focal adhesions. For talin-binding studies we used fusion proteins of glutathione S-transferase and the cytoplasmic domain of integrin beta(1) (GST-cytobeta(1)) expressed in bacteria. For functional studies chimeric integrins containing the extracellular and transmembrane parts of beta(3) linked to the cytoplasmic domain of beta(1) were expressed in CHO cells as a dimer with the alpha(IIb) subunit. Point mutations in the amino acid sequence N(785)PIY(788) of beta(1) disrupted both the integrin-talin interaction and the ability of the integrin to mediate cell spreading. COOH-terminal truncation of beta(1) at the amino acid position 797 disrupted its ability to mediate cell spreading, whereas the disruption of talin binding required deletion of five more amino acids (truncation at position 792). A synthetic peptide from this region of beta(1) (W(780)DTGENPIYKSAV(792)) bound to purified talin and inhibited talin binding to GST-cytobeta(1). The ability of the mutants to mediate focal adhesion formation or to codistribute to focal adhesions formed by other integrins correlated with their ability to mediate cell spreading. These results confirm the previous finding that a talin-binding site in the integrin beta(1) tail resides at or close to the central NPXY motif and suggest that the integrin-talin interaction is necessary but not sufficient for integrin-mediated cell spreading.

Cellular localization of alpha3beta1 integrin isoforms in association with myofibrillogenesis during cardiac myocyte development in culture

The cellular localization of alpha3beta1 integrin isoforms was examined in cultured neonatal myocytes at selected times during development using double immunofluorescence assays. The distribution of alpha3A subunits began as diffuse and patternless, but as the cells matured, the distribution assumed a sarcomeric banding pattern, and alpha3A appeared to be localized in costameres - sarcolemmal regions adjacent to the Z-disks. Alpha-actinin, a component of the Z-disk, was localized in the same intracellular regions. Temporal analysis of the incorporation of the alpha3A subunit and other myofibrillar proteins into sarcomeres revealed that alpha3A was integrated into sarcomeres following incorporation of alpha-actinin and myosin heavy chain (MHC) but prior to that of desmin. This suggests that alpha3A integrins are incorporated into a pre-existing myofibrillar structure, and it is unlikely that alpha3A integrins participate in the initial assembly of myofibrillar proteins. The alpha3B, beta1A and beta1D subunits were also localized in costameres, where they formed alpha3Abeta1A, alpha3Abeta1D and alpha3Bbeta1A heterodimers. The alpha3Bbeta1D heterodimer, however, was not found in cardiac myocytes. The antisera raised against the cytoplasmic domains of alpha3A, alpha3B, beta1A and beta1D caused disruption of sarcomere structure. Thus, the myofibril-extracellular matrix linkages mediated by isoforms of alpha3beta1 integrin may play a crucial role in the stabilization of myofibril assembly and in the maintenance of sarcomere structure. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that beta1A, but not beta1D, interacts with the Nck signaling protein, suggesting that Nck participates in downstream signaling triggered by beta1A and that the beta1A-mediated signaling pathway is distinct from that of beta1D.

Increased expression of integrin and receptor tyrosine kinase genes during autograft fusion in the sponge Geodia cydonium

Recently cDNAs coding for cell surface molecules have been isolated from sponges. The molecules for alpha-integrin, galectin, and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), obtained from the marine sponge, Geodia cydonium, have been described earlier. In the present study also the cDNA for one putative beta-integrin has been identified from G. cydonium. The deduced aa sequence comprises the characteristic signatures, found in other metazoan beta-integrin molecules; the estimated size is 95,215 Da. To obtain first insights into the molecular events which proceed during autograft fusion, the expressions of these genes were determined on transcriptional and translational level. The cDNAs as well as antibodies raised against the recombinant sponge proteins alpha-integrin, RTK and galectin were used and Northern blot experiments and immunocytochemical analyses have been performed. The results show that transcription of the two subunits of an integrin receptor as well as of the RTK are strongly upregulated after grafting; levels of > 10-fold have been determined in the fusion zone of the grafts after a 10 days incubation. Immunofluorescence studies of sections through the fusion zone support these data. In contrast the transcription of the gene encoding galectin is drastically downregulated after grafting. In a parallel series of experiments the level of the heat-shock protein-70 was determined and it was found that it remained unchanged after grafting. We conclude that integrin subunits and the RTK molecule are involved in self-self recognition of sponge.

Signaling through focal adhesion kinase

Integrin receptor binding to extracellular matrix proteins generates intracellular signals via enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation events that are important for cell growth, survival, and migration. This review will focus on the functions of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) and its role in linking integrin receptors to intracellular signaling pathways. FAK associates with several different signaling proteins such as Src-family PTKs, p130Cas, Shc, Grb2, PI 3-kinase, and paxillin. This enables FAK to function within a network of integrin-stimulated signaling pathways leading to the activation of targets such as the ERK and JNK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Focus will be placed on the structural domains and sites of FAK tyrosine phosphorylation important for FAK-mediated signaling events and how these sites are conserved in the FAK-related PTK, Pyk2. We will review what is known about FAK activation by integrin receptor-mediated events and also non-integrin stimuli. In addition, we discuss the emergence of a consensus FAK substrate phosphorylation sequence. Emphasis will also be placed on the role of FAK in generating cell survival signals and the cleavage of FAK during caspase-mediated apoptosis. An in-depth discussion will be presented of integrin-stimulated signaling events occurring in the FAK knockout fibroblasts (FAK-) and how these cells exhibit deficits in cell migration. FAK re-expression in the FAK- cells confirms the role of this PTK in the regulation of cell morphology and in promoting cell migration events. In addition, these results reinforce the potential role for FAK in promoting an invasive phenotype in human tumors.

Vascular endothelial growth factor induces activation and subcellular translocation of focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK) in cultured rat cardiac myocytes

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been proposed to be among the candidate factors with the most potential to play a role in ischemia-induced collateral vessel formation. Recently, we found that VEGF activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in cultured rat cardiac myocytes. To elucidate how VEGF affects adhesive interaction of cardiac myocytes with the extracellular matrix (ECM), one of the important cell functions, we investigated the molecular mechanism of activation of focal adhesion-related proteins, especially focal adhesion kinase (p125(FAK)), in cultured rat cardiac myocytes. We found that the 2 VEGF receptors, KDR/Flk-1 and Flt-1, were expressed in cardiac myocytes and that KDR/Flk-1 was significantly tyrosine phosphorylated on VEGF stimulation. VEGF induced tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of p125(FAK) as well as tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin; this was accompanied by subcellular translocation of p125(FAK) from perinuclear sites to the focal adhesions. This VEGF-induced activation of p125(FAK) was inhibited partially by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin. Activation of p125(FAK) was accompanied by its increased association with adapter proteins GRB2, Shc, and nonreceptor type tyrosine kinase p60(c-src). Furthermore, we confirmed that VEGF induced a significant increase in adhesive interaction between cardiac myocytes and ECM using an electric cell-substrate impedance sensor. These results strongly suggest that p125(FAK) is one of the most important components in VEGF-induced signaling in cardiac myocytes, playing a critical role in adhesive interaction between cardiac myocytes and ECM.

Mapping regions of the beta1 integrin cytoplasmic domain involved in migration and survival in primary oligodendrocyte precursors using cell-permeable homeopeptides

The mapping of regions within integrin cytoplasmic domains responsible for the different effects on cell behaviour is an important part of an analysis of integrin-mediated signalling. In order to facilitate this analysis in primary cells, we have used cell-permeable homeopeptides to deliver sequences mimicking parts of the integrin beta1 cytoplasmic domain into the cell. In a study using oligodendrocyte precursors, the cells that give rise to myelin-forming oligodendrocytes during CNS development, we show that these peptides can be used to manipulate beta1 integrin signalling and that the regions of the cytoplasmic domain involved in migration and survival are distinct. Peptides mimicking the N-terminal portion of the cytoplasmic domain previously implicated in binding to Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) induce apoptosis, while peptides mimicking more C-terminal sequences do not cause cell death. In contrast they show that the NPIY sequence, the N-terminal one of two NPXY motifs previously implicated in signalling, is involved in migration. Peptides containing this sequence promote migration while alteration of NPIY to NPIA makes the peptide inhibitory to migration. Our results show that these peptides represent a novel approach to integrin signalling that allow rapid definition of critical cytoplasmic sequences in primary cells.

The beta1-integrin cytosolic domain optimizes phospholipase A2-mediated arachidonic acid release required for NIH-3T3 cell spreading

Inhibition of PLA2 activity and rescue by addition of exogenous AA was used to demonstrate that AA production is essential for integrin-mediated NIH-3T3 murine cell spreading. Both AA release and cell spreading after attachment to a FN substrate were inhibited by the PLA2 inhibitor mepacrine. AA release was essential for signaling spreading since the inhibition of spreading induced by mepacrine was overcome by exogenous AA. Cells ectopically expressing full-length chicken beta1-integrins both released AA and spread fully on a substrate of anti-chicken beta1-integrin monoclonal antibody, and inhibition of PLA2 by mepacrine suppressed both spreading and AA release. Exogenous AA also reversed this mepacrine-induced inhibition of spreading. The role of the beta1-integrin cytosolic domain in AA release was examined by comparing responses of cells expressing full-length chicken beta1-integrins versus cells expressing a deletion mutant chicken beta1-integrin with a truncated cytosolic domain. Cells expressing a truncated chicken beta1-integrin released significantly less AA and failed to spread on the anti-chicken beta1-integrin antibody substrate. Furthermore, clustering full-length receptors with soluble antibody stimulated greater AA release than clustering of receptors having truncated cytosolic domains. These data suggest the beta1-integrin cytosolic domain is required for optimal PLA2 activation to produce AA necessary for cell spreading.

Macrophage stimulating protein-induced epithelial cell adhesion is mediated by a PI3-K-dependent, but FAK-independent mechanism

Macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) is a growth and motility factor that mediates its activity via the RON/STK receptor tyrosine kinase. MSP promotes integrin-dependent epithelial cell migration, which suggests that MSP may regulate integrin receptor functions. Integrins are cell surface receptors for extracellular matrix. Epithelial cell adhesion and motility are mediated by integrins. We studied the enhancement by MSP of cell adhesion and the molecular mechanisms mediating this effect. MSP decreased the time required for adhesion of 293 and RE7 epithelial cells to substrates coated with collagen or fibronectin. Prevention of adhesion by an RGD-containing peptide showed that the cell-substrate interaction was mediated by integrins. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), blocked MSP-dependent adhesion, which shows that PI3-K is in the MSP-induced adhesion pathway. MSP also affected focal adhesion kinase (FAK) which is important for some types of cell adhesion and motility. Although MSP caused PI3-K-independent tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of FAK, experiments with dominant-negative FAK constructs showed that FAK does not mediate the effects of MSP on cell adhesion or motility. Thus PI3-K, but not FAK, mediates MSP-induced integrin-dependent adhesion of epithelial cells. Also, we found ligand-independent association between RON and beta1 integrin, which is additional evidence for a relationship between these two receptor systems.

Characterization of beta2 (CD18) integrin phosphorylation in phorbol ester-activated T lymphocytes

Integrins are transmembrane proteins involved in cell-cell and cell-extracellular-matrix interactions. The affinity and avidity of integrins for their ligands change in response to cytoplasmic signals. This 'inside-out' activation has been reported to occur also with beta2 integrins (CD18). The beta2 integrin subunit has previously been shown to become phosphorylated in T lymphocytes on cytoplasmic serine and the functionally important threonine residues after treatment with phorbol esters or on triggering of T-cell receptors. We have now characterized the phosphorylation of beta2 integrins in T-cells in more detail. When T-cells were activated by phorbol esters the phosphorylation was mainly on Ser756. After inhibition of serine/threonine phosphatases, phosphorylation was also found in two of the threonine residues in the threonine triplet 758-760 of the beta2 cytoplasmic domain. Activation of T-cells by phorbol esters resulted in phosphorylation in only approx. 10% of the integrin molecules. Okadaic acid increased this phosphorylation to approx. 30% of the beta2 molecules, assuming three phosphorylation sites. This indicates that a strong dynamic phosphorylation exists in serine and threonine residues of the beta2 integrins.

Cloning of a beta integrin subunit cDNA from an embryonic cell line derived from the freshwater mollusc, Biomphalaria glabrata

A cDNA encoding an integrin subunit was cloned and structurally characterized from an embryonic cell line derived from Biomphalaria glabrata, snail intermediate host of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Cells of the B. glabrata embryonic (Bge) snail cell line were initially tested for their sensitivity to the integrin-specific tetrapeptide inhibitor Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS). Washed Bge cells when exposed to 0.5 to 2.0mM of RGDS were significantly inhibited in their ability to spread on a glass substrate. Spreading inhibition was specific, since a control peptide Arg-Gly-Glu-Ser (RGES) did not have the same effect. RT-PCR was performed using previously reported degenerate oligonucleotide primers to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of known beta integrin subunits and Bge cDNA. A 137 bp fragment was amplified, TA-cloned, sequenced, and the na and deduced aa sequences were compared with other beta integrins. Databank analysis showed that the 137 bp product shared >/=55.6% aa similarity to other beta integrin LBDs. Southern and northern blot analyses using the 137 bp sequence as a probe revealed binding to Bge genomic DNA restriction fragments and to an approximately 8 kb poly-(A)+RNA transcript, respectively. An exact 5' primer synthesized to the 137 bp product and an oligo-d(T) primer then were used to amplify from Bge cDNA, a partial beta integrin sequence of 2285 bp that contained a 1971 bp ORF. The remaining upstream coding region was obtained using 5' RACE methods. The complete ORF, consisting of 2364 bp, encoded a 788 aa sequence with shared similarity to other known beta integrins (44.6-61.5%). Sequence and structural comparisons, which include a characteristic LBD, a series of three homologous cysteine-rich repeats, membrane proximal sequence (LLTFIHD), cytoplasmic NPXY motifs, and predicted domain lengths of the molluscan protein, clearly identifies it as an integrin homologue. This report represents the first cloning of a cDNA putatively encoding an integrin subunit from molluscan cells, and establishes the Bge cell line as a model for studying cellular adhesion in molluscs at the molecular level.

TCR, LFA-1, and CD28 Play Unique and Complementary Roles in Signaling T Cell Cytoskeletal Reorganization

T cells interacting with APCs undergo rearrangement of surface receptors and cytoskeletal elements to face the zone of contact with the APC. This polarization process is thought to affect T cell signaling by organizing a specialized domain on the T cell surface and to direct T cell effector function toward the appropriate APC. We have investigated the contribution of TCR, CD28, and LFA-1 signaling to T cell cytoskeletal polarization by assaying the response of an Ag-specific Th1 clone toward a panel of transfected APCs expressing MHC class II alone or in combination with ICAM-1 or B7-1. We show that polarization of talin, an actin-binding protein, occurs in response to integrin engagement. In contrast, reorientation of the T cell microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) is dependent on and directed toward the site of TCR signaling, regardless of whether integrins or costimulatory molecules are engaged. MTOC reorientation in response to peptide-MHC complexes is sensitive to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. CD28 coengagement overcomes this sensitivity, as does activation via Ab cross-linking of the TCR or via covalent peptide-MHC complexes, suggesting that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is not required per se but rather plays a role in signal amplification. Engagement of TCR in trans with LFA-1 results in separation of MTOC reorientation and cortical cytoskeletal polarization events, indicating that the two processes are not directly mechanistically linked. These studies show that T cells mobilize individual cytoskeletal components in response to distinct and specific cell surface interactions.

New perspectives on mechanisms involved in generating epithelial cell polarity

Polarized epithelial cells form barriers that separate biological compartments and regulate homeostasis by controlling ion and solute transport between those compartments. Receptors, ion transporters and channels, signal transduction proteins, and cytoskeletal proteins are organized into functionally and structurally distinct domains of the cell surface, termed apical and basolateral, that face these different compartments. This review is about mechanisms involved in the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity. Previous reports and reviews have adopted a Golgi-centric view of how epithelial cell polarity is established, in which the sorting of apical and basolateral membrane proteins in the Golgi complex is a specialized process in polarized cells, and the generation of cell surface polarity is a direct consequence of this process. Here, we argue that events at the cell surface are fundamental to the generation of cell polarity. We propose that the establishment of structural asymmetry in the plasma membrane is the first, critical event, and subsequently, this asymmetry is reinforced and maintained by delivery of proteins that were constitutively sorted in the Golgi. We propose a hierarchy of stages for establishing cell polarity.

Interaction of the integrin beta1 cytoplasmic domain with ICAP-1 protein

In a yeast two-hybrid screen, a protein named ICAP-1 (beta1 integrin cytoplasmic domain associated protein) associated with the integrin beta1 cytoplasmic tail but not with tails from three other integrin beta subunits (beta2, beta3, and beta5) or from seven different alpha subunits. Likewise in human cells, ICAP-1 associated specifically with the beta1 but not beta2, beta3, or beta5 tails. The carboxyl-terminal 14 amino acids of beta1 were critical for ICAP-1 interaction. ICAP-1 is a ubiquitously expressed protein of 27 and 31 kDa, with the smaller form being preferentially solubilized by Triton X-100. Phosphorylation of both 27- and 31-kDa forms was constitutive but was increased by 1.5-2-fold upon cell spreading on fibronectin, compared with poly-L-lysine. Also, ICAP-1 contributes to beta1 integrin-dependent migration because (i) ICAP-1 transfection markedly increased chemotactic migration of COS7 cells through fibronectin-coated but not vitronectin-coated porous filters, and (ii) support of beta1-dependent cell migration (in Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with various wild type and mutant beta1 forms) correlated with ICAP-1 association. In summary, ICAP-1 (i) associates specifically with beta1 integrins, (ii) is phosphorylated upon beta1 integrin-mediated adhesion, and (iii) may regulate beta1-dependent cell migration.

Mechanosensitive tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin and focal adhesion kinase in tracheal smooth muscle

We investigated the role of the integrin-associated proteins focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin as mediators of mechanosensitive signal transduction in tracheal smooth muscle. In muscle strips contracted isometrically with ACh, we observed higher levels of tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin at the optimal muscle length (Lo) than at shorter muscle lengths of 0.5 or 0.75 Lo. Paxillin phosphorylation was also length sensitive in muscles activated by K+ depolarization and adjusted rapidly to changes in muscle length imposed after contractile activation by either ACh or K+ depolarization. Ca2+ depletion did not affect the length sensitivity of paxillin and FAK phosphorylation in muscles activated with ACh, indicating that the mechanotransduction process can be mediated by a Ca2+-independent pathway. Since Ca2+-depleted muscles do not generate significant active tension, this suggests that the mechanotransduction mechanism is sensitive to muscle length rather than tension. We conclude that FAK and paxillin participate in an integrin-mediated mechanotransduction process in tracheal smooth muscle. We propose that this pathway may initiate alterations in smooth muscle cell structure and contractility via the remodeling of actin filaments and/or via the mechanosensitive regulation of signaling molecules involved in contractile protein activation.

Identification of an interaction between the m-band protein skelemin and beta-integrin subunits. Colocalization of a skelemin-like protein with beta1- and beta3-integrins in non-muscle cells

Signaling across integrins is regulated by interaction of these receptors with cytoskeletal proteins and signaling molecules. To identify molecules interacting with the cytoplasmic domain of the beta3-integrin subunit (glycoprotein IIIa), a placental cDNA library was screened in the yeast two-hybrid system. Two identical clones coding for a 96-amino acid sequence were identified. This sequence was 100% identical to a sequence in skelemin, a protein identified previously in skeletal muscle. Skelemin is a member of a superfamily of cytoskeletal proteins that contain fibronectin-type III-like motifs and immunoglobulin C2-like motifs and that regulate the organization of myosin filaments in muscle. The amino acid residues in the isolated clones encompassed C2 motifs 4 and 5 of skelemin. A recombinant skelemin protein consisting of C2 motifs 3-7 interacted with beta1- and beta3-integrin cytoplasmic domains expressed as glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins, but not with GST-beta2-integrin cytoplasmic tail or GST alone. The skelemin-binding region was in the membrane proximal cytoplasmic domains of the integrins. Full-length skelemin interacted with integrin in intact cells as demonstrated by the colocalization of hemagglutinin-tagged skelemin in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells containing alphaIIbbeta3-integrin and by the finding that microinjection of C2 motif 4 of skelemin into C2C12 mouse myoblast cells caused spread cells to round up. A skelemin-like protein was detected in CHO cells, endothelial cells, and platelets, and this protein colocalized with beta1- and beta3-integrins in CHO cells. This study suggests the presence of a skelemin-like protein in non-muscle cells and provides evidence that it may be involved in linking integrins to the cytoskeleton.

Integrin signaling: cytoskeletal complexes, MAP kinase activation, and regulation of gene expression

Members of the integrin family of adhesion receptors mediate interactions of cells with the extracellular matrix. Besides their role in tissue morphogenesis by anchorage of cells to basement membranes and migration along extracellular matrix proteins, integrins are thought to play a key role in mediating the control of gene expression by the extracellular matrix. Studies over the past 10 years have shown that integrin-mediated cell adhesion can trigger signal transduction cascades involving translocation of proteins and protein tyrosine phosphorylation events. In this review, we discuss approaches used in our lab to study early events in integrin signalling as well as further downstream changes.

The cytoplasmic domains of a beta1 integrin mediate polarization in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells by selective basolateral stabilization

In Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, newly synthesized apical and basolateral membrane proteins are generally transported directly to their respective cell surface domain due to targeting determinants that mediate sorting in the Golgi complex. In several basolateral membrane proteins, these targeting determinants reside in the cytoplasmic domains. We show here that basolateral expression of the human alpha5beta1 integrin in stably transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney cells is also mediated by the cytoplasmic domains. Distinct regions in both cytoplasmic domains were found to be sufficient to mediate basolateral expression independently from one another. Unexpectedly, newly synthesized wild-type alpha5beta1 and basolaterally expressed chimeras containing the cytoplasmic domain of either alpha5 or beta1 were integrated into both cell surface domains, preferentially apically, during biosynthesis. The apical pools of wild-type integrin and chimeric subunits were found to become quickly degraded, whereas the basolateral pools were stabilized. Thus, the cytoplasmic domains of the alpha5beta1 integrin are independently sufficient to mediate sorting by selective basolateral stabilization.

The betaL integrin subunit is necessary for gastrulation in sea urchin embryos

Integrins are a family of cell adhesion molecules reported to mediate cellular interactions essential for normal embryonic morphogenesis. Here we describe a beta integrin subunit that is expressed during early embryogenesis in the sea urchin embryo and appears to be necessary for normal development. The deduced amino acid sequence of betaL is similar to vertebrate beta integrin subunits, but is most closely related to the sea urchin betaG subunit. Northern blots show that betaL is expressed at all stages with maximum expression beginning during gastrulation. Immunolocalization and in situ RNA hybridization show that in blastulae betaL is expressed in the blastoderm and by the ring of bottle cells in the vegetal plate during the initial phase of gastrulation. Presumptive secondary mesenchyme cells express high levels of betaL throughout elongation of the archenteron and in the pluteus betaL is expressed by blastocoelar cells, skeletal mesenchyme, and pigment cells. Antibodies and Fab fragments against betaL block spreading of dissociated embryonic cells on RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartate)-containing substrates. Treating embryos with anti-betaL antibodies blocks the initial phase of gastrulation and interferes with the organization of actin filaments. Prior to gastrulation, the antibodies cause thickening of the blastoderm and later in development defects in skeletal patterning result. Probing for antibody in treated embryos indicates that it penetrates the ectoderm to cells within the blastocoel and is actively endocytosed. We propose that betaL forms receptors that bind to RGD-containing ligands and anchors actin filaments. These receptors appear to be essential in several aspects of morphogenesis.

The vitronectin receptor associates with clathrin-coated membrane domains via the cytoplasmic domain of its beta5 subunit

Rat myotubes cultured in fetal calf serum adhere to vitronectin-coated substrates through two distinct structures, focal contacts and clathrin-coated membrane domains. We studied the integrins in myotubes to learn how they associate with these two domains. Double label immunofluorescence studies with antibodies specific for clathrin, vinculin and several forms of integrin showed that focal contacts and clathrin-coated membrane domains contain both vitronectin receptors (VnR, containing beta-3 and beta-5integrins) and fibronectin receptors (FnR, containing beta1-integrin). VnR but not FnR associates tightly with the substrate in both domains, as the VnR alone remains attached to the coverslip when the lipid bilayer and other membrane proteins are removed by detergent. Ultrastructural studies confirmed the localization of the beta5 subunit of the VnR at both domains. We used intracellular injection and affinity chromatography to test the possibility that clathrin at coated membrane domains associates with the cytoplasmic sequence of the beta5 subunit of the VnR. Injection of a synthetic peptide containing the NPXY motif from the cytoplasmic domain of the human beta5 subunit, SRARYEMASNPLYRKPIST, depleted clathrin from coated membrane domains without affecting clathrin in perinuclear structures or vinculin at focal contacts. Injection of the homologous beta1 peptide, MNAKWDTGENPIYKSAVITT, also containing an NPXY motif, had no significant effect on any of these structures. Affinity matrices containing the beta5 but not the beta1 peptide selectively retained clathrin from myotube extract, and bound clathrin could be selectively eluted by soluble forms of the beta5 but not the beta1 peptide. Thus, a sequence including the NPXY motif in the integrin beta5 subunit is involved in the specific anchoring of the VnR, but not the FnR, to clathrin-coated membrane.

Filamin binds to the cytoplasmic domain of the beta1-integrin. Identification of amino acids responsible for this interaction

Integrins play an important role in regulating cell adhesion, motility, and activation. In an effort to identify intracellular proteins expressed by activated T cells that interact with the cytoplasmic domain of beta1-integrin (CD29), we used the beta1-integrin cytoplasmic domain as bait in the yeast two-hybrid system. Here we report that the cytoplasmic domain of beta1-integrin specifically interacts with the cytoskeletal protein filamin. This interaction required all but the most carboxyl-terminal three residues of the cytoplasmic domain of beta1, and the carboxyl-terminal 477 residues of filamin containing the terminal 4. 5 approximately 96-residue tandem repeats of filamin. To verify this interaction in vivo, we showed that filamin specifically coprecipitated with beta1 in mammalian cells. We also showed that recombinant filamin chimeric proteins were able to bind to the beta1 cytoplasmic domain in vitro. We observed that a subset of single point mutations in the cytoplasmic domain of beta1, which had been previously reported to impair its function, disrupt the interaction between beta1 and filamin. Taken together, these findings suggest that the interaction between beta1 and filamin, which in turn can bind actin, provides a mechanism for the interaction of this cell surface receptor with cytoskeletal proteins and that this interaction plays a role in normal receptor function.

Expression and function of beta 1 integrins on human eosinophils

Eosinophils preferentially accumulate at sites of chronic allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma. The mechanisms by which selective eosinophil migration occurs are not fully understood. However, interactions of cell-surface adhesion molecules on the eosinophil with molecular counterligands on endothelial and epithelial cells, and on extracellular matrix proteins, are likely to be critical during the recruitment process. One possible mechanism for selective eosinophil recruitment involves the alpha-4-beta-1 (VLA-4) integrin which is not expressed on neutrophils. Correlations have been found between infiltration of eosinophils and endothelial expression of VCAM-1, the ligand for VLA-4, in the lungs of asthmatic individuals as well as in late phase reactions in the lungs, nose and skin. Epithelial and endothelial cells respond to the Th2-type cytokines IL-13 with selective de novo expression of VCAM-1, consistent with the possible role of VCAM-1/VLA-4 interactions in eosinophil influx during allergic inflammation. Both beta-1 and beta-2 integrins on eosinophils exist in a state of partial activation. For example, eosinophils can be maximally activated for adhesion to VCAM-1 or fibronectin after exposure to beta-1 integrin-activating antibodies or divalent cations, conditions that do not necessarily affect the total cell surface expression of beta-1 integrins. In contrast, cytokines like IL-5 prevent beta-1 integrin activation while promoting beta-2 integrin function. Furthermore, ligation of integrins can regulate the effector functions of the cell. For example, eosinophil adhesion via beta-1 and/or beta-2 integrins has been shown to alter a variety of functional responses including degranulation and apoptosis. Thus, integrins appear to be important in mediating eosinophil migration and activation in allergic inflammation. Strategies that interfere with these processes may prove to be useful for treatment of allergic diseases.

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor mediates tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion proteins and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in cultured endothelial cells

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) binds to cells via a specific glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored receptor. Although occupancy of the uPA receptor (uPAR) has been shown to alter cellular function and to induce gene expression, the signaling mechanism has not been characterized. Urokinase induced an increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple proteins in bovine aortic endothelial cells. In contrast, low molecular weight uPA did not induce this response. Analysis by immunoblotting demonstrated tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), the focal adhesion-associated proteins paxillin and p130(cas), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) following the occupancy of the uPAR by uPA. Treatment of cells with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, which cleaves glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked proteins from the cell surface, blocked the uPA-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK, indicating the requirement of an intact uPAR on the cell surface. The uPA-induced activation of MAPK was completely inhibited by genistein, but not by 4-amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidine, a specific inhibitor of Src family kinases. Thus, this study demonstrates a novel role for the uPAR in endothelial cell signal transduction that involves the activation of FAK and MAPK, which are mediated by the receptor-binding domain of uPA. This may have important implications for the mechanism through which uPA influences cell migration and differentiation.

The membrane proximal region of the integrin beta cytoplasmic domain can mediate oligomerization

Integrin-ligand binding generates many intracellular signals, including signals to initiate focal contact formation and to regulate cellular decisions concerning growth and differentiation. Oligomerization of the beta subunit cytoplasmic domain appears to be required for many of these events. In order to study these processes, we have generated a novel chimeric protein, consisting of the chicken integrin beta 1 cytoplasmic domain connected to the central rod domain of a neuronal intermediate filament, alpha-internexin. This chimeric protein, when expressed transiently in 293T cells, oligomerizes in a beta cytoplasmic domain-dependent manner. This oligomerization requires the membrane proximal amino acids LLMII of the beta 1 cytoplasmic domain, as demonstrated by deletion analysis. Therefore, the integrin beta cytoplasmic domain in this system contains an oligomerization function, which may provide some insight as to the function of intact integrins in vivo.

Beta1 integrins participate in the hypertrophic response of rat ventricular myocytes

Multiple signaling pathways have been implicated in the hypertrophic response of ventricular myocytes, yet the importance of cell-matrix interactions has not been extensively examined. Integrins are cell-surface molecules that link the extracellular matrix to the cellular cytoskeleton. They can function as cell signaling molecules and transducers of mechanical information in noncardiac cells. Given these properties and their abundance in cardiac cells, we evaluated the hypothesis that beta1 integrin function is involved in the alpha1-adrenergic mediated hypertrophic response of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. The hypertrophic response of this model required interaction with extracellular matrix proteins. Specificity of these results was confirmed by demonstrating that ventricular myocytes plated onto an anti-beta1 integrin antibody supported the hypertrophic gene response. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of beta1 integrin augmented the myocyte hypertrophic response when assessed by protein synthesis and atrial natriuretic factor production, a marker gene of hypertrophic induction. DNA synthesis was not altered by integrin overexpression. Transfection of cultured cardiac myocytes with either the ubiquitously expressed beta1A integrin or the cardiac/skeletal muscle-specific beta1 isoform (beta1D) activated reporter expression from both the atrial natriuretic factor and myosin light chain-2 ventricular promoters, genetic markers of ventricular cell hypertrophy. Finally, suppression of integrin signaling by overexpression of free beta1 integrin cytoplasmic domains inhibited the adrenergically mediated atrial natriuretic factor response. These findings show that integrin ligation and signaling are involved in the cardiac hypertrophic response pathway.

Phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase activates the beta2 integrin adhesion pathway and induces membrane recruitment of cytohesin-1

Signal transduction through phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase (PI 3-kinase) has been implicated in the regulation of lymphocyte adhesion mediated by integrin receptors. Cellular phosphorylation products of PI 3-kinases interact with a subset of pleckstrin homology (PH) domains, a module that has been shown to recruit proteins to cellular membranes. We have recently identified cytohesin-1, a cytoplasmic regulator of beta2 integrin adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule 1. We describe here that expression of a constitutively active PI 3-kinase is sufficient for the activation of Jurkat cell adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and for enhanced membrane association of cytohesin-1. Up-regulation of cell adhesion by PI 3-kinase and membrane association of endogenous cytohesin-1 is abrogated by overexpression of the isolated cytohesin-1 PH domain, but not by a mutant of the PH domain which fails to associate with the plasma membrane. The PH domain of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), although strongly associated with the plasma membrane, had no effect on either membrane recruitment of cytohesin-1 or on induction of adhesion by PI 3-kinase. Having delineated the critical steps of the beta2 integrin activation pathway by biochemical and functional analyses, we conclude that PI 3-kinase activates inside-out signaling of beta2 integrins at least partially through cytohesin-1.

Force required to break alpha5beta1 integrin-fibronectin bonds in intact adherent cells is sensitive to integrin activation state

Binding of integrin receptors to extracellular ligands is a complex process involving receptor-ligand interactions at the cell-substrate interface, signals activating the receptors, and assembly of cytoskeletal and adhesion plaque proteins at the cytoplasmic face. To analyze the contribution of these elements to overall cell adhesion, we have developed a model system that characterizes the functional binding characteristic for adhesion receptors as the force required to separate the integrin-ligand bond. A spinning disk device was used to apply a range of controlled hydrodynamic forces to adherent cells. The adhesion of K562 erythroleukemia cells, a cell line expressing a single fibronectin receptor, integrin alpha5beta1, which was uniformly activated with the monoclonal antibody TS2/16, to defined fibronectin surface densities was examined. Cell adhesion strength increased linearly with receptor and ligand densities. Based on chemical equilibrium principles, it is shown that adhesion strength is directly proportional to the number of receptor-ligand bonds. This analysis provides for the definition of a new physical parameter, the adhesion constant psi, which is related to the bond strength and binding equilibrium constant and has units of force-length2. This parameter can be measured by the experimental system presented and is governed by the activation state of integrin receptors. This simplified model isolates the integrin receptor-ligand binding parameters and provides a basis for analysis of the functions of signaling and cytoskeletal elements in the adhesion process.

Mutational analysis of the potential phosphorylation sites in the cytoplasmic domain of integrin beta1A. Requirement for threonines 788–789 in receptor activation

To investigate the role of the potential phosphorylation sites in the cytoplasmic domain of integrin beta1A, point mutated variants of the protein were stably expressed in the beta1-deficient cell line GD25. Mutants T777A, Y783F, S785A, and Y795F were fully active in promoting cell adhesion, de novo formation of focal contacts, formation of fibronectin fibrils, and activation of focal adhesion kinase. Thus, phosphorylation of these residues is not required for several basic functions of integrin beta1A. On the other hand, the TT788-9AA mutant, was defective in mediating cell attachment and did not contribute to fibronectin fibril formation. The conformation of the extracellular domain was shifted towards an inactive state as measured by binding of the monoclonal antibody 9EG7. Antibody induced clustering of beta1ATT788-9AA demonstrated that the mutant cytoplasmic part was functional in mediating activation of focal adhesion kinase. Therefore, we conclude that threonines 788–789, which are conserved among most integrin beta subunits, are of critical importance for integrin function due to effects on the extracellular conformation of the receptor.

Muscle beta1D integrin reinforces the cytoskeleton-matrix link: modulation of integrin adhesive function by alternative splicing

Expression of muscle-specific beta1D integrin with an alternatively spliced cytoplasmic domain in CHO and GD25, beta1 integrin-minus cells leads to their phenotypic conversion. beta1D-transfected nonmuscle cells display rounded morphology, lack of pseudopodial activity, retarded spreading, reduced migration, and significantly enhanced contractility compared with their beta1A-expressing counterparts. The transfected beta1D is targeted to focal adhesions and efficiently displaces the endogenous beta1A and alphavbeta3 integrins from the sites of cell-matrix contact. This displacement is observed on several types of extracellular matrix substrata and leads to elevated stability of focal adhesions in beta1D transfectants. Whereas a significant part of cellular beta1A integrin is extractable in digitonin, the majority of the transfected beta1D is digitonin-insoluble and is strongly associated with the detergent-insoluble cytoskeleton. Increased interaction of beta1D integrin with the actin cytoskeleton is consistent with and might be mediated by its enhanced binding to talin. In contrast, beta1A interacts more strongly with alpha-actinin, than beta1D. Inside-out driven activation of the beta1D ectodomain increases ligand binding and fibronectin matrix assembly by beta1D transfectants. Phenotypic effects of beta1D integrin expression in nonmuscle cells are due to its enhanced interactions with both cytoskeletal and extracellular ligands. They parallel the transitions that muscle cells undergo during differentiation. Modulation of beta1 integrin adhesive function by alternative splicing serves as a physiological mechanism reinforcing the cytoskeleton- matrix link in muscle cells. This reflects the major role for beta1D integrin in muscle, where extremely stable association is required for contraction.

Integrin alpha 6A beta 1 induces CD81-dependent cell motility without engaging the extracellular matrix migration substrate

It is well established that integrins and extracellular matrix (ECM) play key roles in cell migration, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. We describe a novel mechanism whereby the integrin alpha 6 beta 1, a laminin receptor, can affect cell motility and induce migration onto ECM substrates with which it is not engaged. By using DNA-mediated gene transfer, we expressed the human integrin subunit alpha 6A in murine embryonic stem (ES) cells. ES cells expressing alpha 6A (ES6A) at the surface dimerized with endogenous beta 1, extended numerous filopodia and lamellipodia, and were intensely migratory in haptotactic assays on laminin (LN)-1. Transfected alpha 6A was responsible for these effects, because cells transfected with control vector or alpha 6B, a cytoplasmic domain alpha 6 isoform, displayed compact morphology and no migration, like wild-type ES cells. The ES6A migratory phenotype persisted on fibronectin (Fn) and Ln-5. Adhesion inhibition assays indicated that alpha 6 beta 1 did not contribute detectably to adhesion to these substrates in ES cells. However, anti-alpha 6 antibodies completely blocked migration of ES6A cells on Fn or Ln-5. Control experiments with monensin and anti-ECM antibodies indicated that this inhibition could not be explained by deposition of an alpha 6 beta 1 ligand (e.g., Ln-1) by ES cells. Cross-linking with secondary antibody overcame the inhibitory effect of anti-alpha 6 antibodies, restoring migration or filopodia extension on Fn and Ln-5. Thus, to induce migration in ES cells, alpha 6A beta 1 did not have to engage with an ECM ligand but likely participated in molecular interactions sensitive to anti-alpha 6 beta 1 antibody and mimicked by cross-linking. Antibodies to the tetraspanin CD81 inhibited alpha 6A beta 1-induced migration but had no effect on ES cell adhesion. It is known that CD81 is physically associated with alpha 6 beta 1, therefore our results suggest a mechanism by which interactions between alpha 6A beta 1 and CD81 may up-regulate cell motility, affecting migration mediated by other integrins.

Integrin signaling: specificity and control of cell survival and cell cycle progression

Integrin-mediated adhesion to the extracellular matrix plays an important role in regulating cell survival and proliferation. There is now increasing evidence that integrins activate shared as well as subgroup-specific signaling pathways. The signals from these adhesion receptors are integrated with those originating from growth factor and cytokine receptors in order to organize the cytoskeleton, stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, and regulate immediate early gene expression. The repertoire of integrins and composition of the extracellular matrix appear to dictate whether a cell will survive, proliferate or exit the cell cycle and differentiate in response to soluble factors.

Integrin cytoplasmic domains as connectors to the cell's signal transduction apparatus

Integrins mediate the bidirectional transfer of signals across the plasma membrane. Integrin cytoplasmic domains provide one pathway linking integrin engagement with the cell's signal transduction apparatus. Recent structure-function studies have defined regions of beta cytoplasmic domains required for integrin function and have identified distinct roles for individual alpha cytoplasmic domains in regulating cell behavior. Newly identified proteins that bind to integrin alpha and beta cytoplasmic domains have provided new insights and new questions into the mechanisms involved in integrin signaling.

Analysis of the tetraspanin CD9-integrin alphaIIbbeta3 (GPIIb-IIIa) complex in platelet membranes and transfected cells

The platelet integrin, alphaIIbbeta3 (GPIIb-IIIa), and the tetraspanin, CD9, are integral membrane proteins that are abundant in platelet membranes. We have identified several proteins, including CD9, which were co-precipitated by anti-alphaIIbbeta3 antibody from untreated, resting platelets that were solubilized with the poly(oxyethylene) non-ionic detergent, Brij-35. Immunoblot and quantitative immunoprecipitation showed that the association of alphaIIbbeta3 with CD9 is specific and stoichiometric. The interaction between CD9 and alphaIIbbeta3 is probably hydrophobic, as Triton X-100 and hydrophobic detergents of the Brij series completely dissociated the CD9-alphaIIbbeta3 complex. Recombinant CD9 and alphaIIbbeta3 can associate after transfection into Chinese hamster ovary cells, as seen by co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization in the periphery of spreading cells and in the lamellipodia of cells plated on fibrinogen. This co-localization is absent from focal adhesions. Furthermore, anti-CD9-coated latex beads clustered alphaIIbbeta3 with CD9. This work indicates that the tetraspanin, CD9, is associated with beta3 integrins in resting platelets and transfected cells.

Integrins and inside-out signal transduction: converging signals from PKC and PIP3

Recent studies have identified molecules that interact with integrins and appear to participate in the signaling pathways that regulate integrin adhesiveness. Clues provided by studies of these molecules point to the integration by integrins of signal transduction pathways implicated in cell division and activation.

Focal adhesion kinase in integrin signaling

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has recently been established as a key component of the signal transduction pathways triggered by integrins. Aggregation of integrins and the cytoskeletal proteins tensin, paxillin and talin is proposed to be responsible for FAK activation and autophosphorylation by integrins in cell adhesion. Activation and autophosphorylation of FAK lead to its binding to a number of intracellular signaling molecules, including Src, Grb2 and PI 3-kinase. FAK/Src association activates both kinases, which act on the potential substrates tensin, paxillin and p130cas. Besides cytoskeletal regulation, FAK phosphorylation of paxillin and p130cas could also lead to MAP kinase pathway by adaptor proteins such as Crk and Nck. Recent studies indicated that integrin signaling through FAK causes increased cell migration and potentially regulates cell proliferation and survival. Future challenges will include clarifying the roles of signaling pathways downstream of FAK in cell migration and cell cycle regulation.

ICAP-1, a novel beta1 integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein, binds to a conserved and functionally important NPXY sequence motif of beta1 integrin

The cytoplasmic domains of integrins are essential for cell adhesion. We report identification of a novel protein, ICAP-1 (integrin cytoplasmic domain- associated protein-1), which binds to the 1 integrin cytoplasmic domain. The interaction between ICAP-1 and beta1 integrins is highly specific, as demonstrated by the lack of interaction between ICAP-1 and the cytoplasmic domains of other beta integrins, and requires a conserved and functionally important NPXY sequence motif found in the COOH-terminal region of the beta1 integrin cytoplasmic domain. Mutational studies reveal that Asn and Tyr of the NPXY motif and a Val residue located NH2-terminal to this motif are critical for the ICAP-1 binding. Two isoforms of ICAP-1, a 200-amino acid protein (ICAP-1alpha) and a shorter 150-amino acid protein (ICAP-1beta), derived from alternatively spliced mRNA, are expressed in most cells. ICAP-1alpha is a phosphoprotein and the extent of its phosphorylation is regulated by the cell-matrix interaction. First, an enhancement of ICAP-1alpha phosphorylation is observed when cells were plated on fibronectin-coated but not on nonspecific poly-L-lysine-coated surface. Second, the expression of a constitutively activated RhoA protein that disrupts the cell-matrix interaction results in dephosphorylation of ICAP-1alpha. The regulation of ICAP-1alpha phosphorylation by the cell-matrix interaction suggests an important role of ICAP-1 during integrin-dependent cell adhesion.

Integrin-mediated activation of focal adhesion kinase is independent of focal adhesion formation or integrin activation. Studies with activated and inhibitory beta3 cytoplasmic domain mutants

Integrin alphaIIbbeta3 functions as the fibrinogen receptor on platelets and mediates platelet aggregation and clot retraction. Among the events that occur during either "inside-out" or "outside-in" signaling through alphaIIbbeta3 is the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (pp125(FAK)) and the association of pp125(FAK) with cytoskeletal components. To examine the role of pp125(FAK) in these integrin-mediated events, pp125(FAK) phosphorylation and association with the cytoskeleton was determined in cells expressing two mutant forms of alphaIIbbeta3: alphaIIbbeta3(D723A/E726A), a constitutively active integrin in which the putative binding site for pp125(FAK) is altered, and alphaIIbbeta3(F727A/K729E/F730A), in which the putative binding site for alpha-actinin is altered. Both mutants were expressed on the cell surface and were able to bind ligand, either spontaneously or upon activation. Whereas cells expressing alphaIIbbeta3(D723A/E726A) were able to form focal adhesions and stress fibers upon adherence to fibrinogen, cells expressing alphaIIbbeta3(F727A/K729E/F730A) adhere to fibrinogen, but had reduced focal adhesions and stress fibers. pp125(FAK) is recruited to focal adhesions in adherent cells expressing alphaIIbbeta3(D723A/E726A) and is phosphorylated in adherent cells or in cells in suspension in the presence of fibrinogen. In adherent cells expressing alphaIIbbeta3(F727A/K729E/F730A), pp125(FAK) was phosphorylated despite reduced formation of focal adhesions and stress fibers. We conclude that activation of pp125(FAK) can be dissociated from two important events in integrin signaling, the assembly of focal adhesions in adherent cells and integrin activation following ligand occupation.

Integrins in morphogenesis and signaling

Integrins are a family of heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that provide a physical and biochemical bridge between components of the extracellular matrix and the intracellular physiological environment. Binding of integrins to their ligands results in the formation of cytoplasmic multi-protein assemblies composed of both cytoskeletal and signaling molecules. The composition and activity of these assemblies is regulated by the nature of integrin-ligand interactions, as well as by intracellular regulators that include tyrosine kinases and phosphatases, PKC, and small GTPases. Integrin-mediated cellular physiological responses include the activation of signal transduction, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and co-regulation of growth factor activities. These responses, combined with integrin-mediated cell adhesion, play a major role in tissue morphogenesis and developmental processes.

Role of focal adhesion kinase in integrin signaling

Integrins are the major cell surface receptors for extracellular matrix molecules, which play critical roles in a variety of biological processes. Focal adhesion kinase has recently been established as a key component of the signal transduction pathways triggered by integrins. Aggregation of FAK with integrins and cytoskeletal proteins in focal contacts has been proposed to be responsible for FAK activation and autophosphorylation by integrins in cell adhesion. This may be achieved by FAK interaction with talin or other cytoskeletal proteins that in turn associate with the cytoplasmic domain of integrin beta subunits. Autophosphorylation of FAK at Y397 leads to its association with Src, resulting in activation of both kinases. The activated FAK/Src complex acts on potential substrates tensin, paxillin and p130cas. Besides cytoskeletal regulation, FAK phosphorylation and/or binding to paxillin and p130cas may trigger downstream activation of MAP kinase by the adoptor protein Crk. Src association with FAK may also lead to its phosphorylation of other sites on FAK, including a binding site for Grb2. Cell adhesion-dependent association of FAK and Grb2 may provide a mechanism by which MAP kinase is activated in cell adhesion. PI 3-kinase has also been shown to bind FAK in a cell adhesion-dependent manner at the major autophosphorylation site Y397. This association could lead to activation of PI 3-kinase and its downstream effectors. Recent results from a number of different approaches have shown that integrin signaling through FAK leads to increased cell migration on fibronectin as well as potentially regulating cell proliferation and survival.

CD9, but not other tetraspans, associates with the beta1 integrin precursor

The molecules of the tetraspan superfamily have two unequal extracellular domains separated by four transmembrane (TM) domains. These molecules are associated on the cell surface with each other and with other partner molecules, in particular beta1 integrins. We now show that CD9 associates with the precursor of the beta1 integrin (pre beta1). This association is detected as early as 15 min after metabolic labeling, and the use of Brefeldin A demonstrates that it does not require Golgi modifications of either CD9 or integrin beta1. The specificity of this interaction is demonstrated by the fact that other tetraspans, CD63, CD81, and CD82, do not associate with pre beta1, and CD9 does not associate with immature human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen class I. In order to localize the region of CD9 responsible for the association with the beta1 integrin, we have generated two reciprocal chimeric CD9/CD82 molecules with the junction localized just after the third TM region. The large extracellular loop of CD9 or the fourth TM domain, or both, appear to be sufficient to mediate an association with the mature integrin with a high efficiency, compared to CD82. By contrast, association with pre beta1 requires at least two regions of the molecule. Mutation of CD9 at the consensus site of the tetraspan superfamily, localized between the second and the third TM domain, did not impair the co-precipitation of pre beta1. Finally, because pre beta1 associates with calnexin, we have investigated a possible association of CD9 with this chaperone molecule. CD9 associates with calnexin independently of its association with the beta1 integrin, suggesting that calnexin could be involved in the processing of CD9.

Talin-null cells of Dictyostelium are strongly defective in adhesion to particle and substrate surfaces and slightly impaired in cytokinesis

Dictyostelium discoideum contains a full-length homologue of talin, a protein implicated in linkage of the actin system to sites of cell-to-substrate adhesion in fibroblasts and neuronal growth cones. Gene replacement eliminated the talin homologue in Dictyostelium and led to defects in phagocytosis and cell-to-substrate interaction of moving cells, two processes dependent on a continuous cross talk between the cell surface and underlying cytoskeleton. The uptake rate of yeast particles was reduced, and only bacteria devoid of the carbohydrate moiety of cell surface lipopolysaccharides were adhesive enough to be recruited by talin-null cells in suspension and phagocytosed. Cell-to-cell adhesion of undeveloped cells was strongly impaired in the absence of talin, in contrast with the cohesion of aggregating cells mediated by the phospholipid-anchored contact site A glycoprotein, which proved to be less talin dependent. The mutant cells were still capable of moving and responding to a chemoattractant, although they attached only loosely to a substrate via small areas of their surface. With their high proportion of binucleated cells, the talin-null mutants revealed interactions of the mitotic apparatus with the cell cortex that were not obvious in mononucleated cells.

NPXY motifs control the recruitment of the alpha5beta1 integrin in focal adhesions independently of the association of talin with the beta1 chain

With the exception of the divergent beta4 and beta8 chains, the integrin beta subunit cytoplasmic domains are short and highly conserved sequences. Consensus motifs are found among the different cytoplasmic beta chains. Experiments using chimeric receptors demonstrated that the 47 amino acids of the beta1 subunit cytoplasmic domain contain sufficient information to target integrins to adhesion plaques. Three clusters of amino acids, named cyto-1, cyto-2 and cyto-3, seem to contribute to this localization. Cyto-2 and cyto-3 exhibit NPXY motifs. At present, the exact function of these motifs remains unknown but it is likely that these sequences are involved in protein-protein interactions. Although NPXY motifs often act as internalization signals at the cytoplasmic tail of membrane receptors, our previous results showed that the two NPXY motifs are not responsible for the alpha5beta1 integrin endocytosis. Herein, we address the question of the role of the two highly conserved NPXY motifs found in the beta1 cytoplasmic domain, and which correspond to the conserved domains cyto-2 and cyto-3. We demonstrate that, within the integrin beta1 cytoplasmic tail, the two NPXY motifs are required for the recruitment of the integrin in focal adhesions. In addition, our results indicate that these two motifs control but do not belong to the talin-binding sites. Finally, the analysis of the phenotypes of NPXY mutants reveals that the interaction of talin with the beta1 cytosolic domain is not sufficient to target the integrins to focal adhesions.

Regulation of Bcl-xL expression in human keratinocytes by cell-substratum adhesion and the epidermal growth factor receptor

Cell-substratum adhesion is an essential requirement for survival of human neonatal keratinocytes in vitro. Similarly, activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) has recently been implicated not only in cell cycle progression but also in survival of normal keratinocytes. The mechanisms by which either cell-substratum adhesion or EGF-R activation protect keratinocytes from programmed cell death are poorly understood. Here we describe that blockade of the EGF-R and inhibition of substratum adhesion share a common downstream event, the down-regulation of the cell death protector Bcl-xL. Expression of Bcl-xL protein was down-regulated during forced suspension culture of keratinocytes, concurrent with large-scale apoptosis. Similarly, EGF-R blockade was accompanied by down-regulation of Bcl-xL steady-state mRNA and protein levels to an extent comparable to that observed in forced suspension culture. However, down-regulation of Bcl-xL expression by EGF-R blockade was not accompanied by apoptosis; in this case, a second signal, generated by passaging, was required to induce rapid and large-scale apoptosis. These findings are consistent with the conclusions that (i) Bcl-xL represents a shared molecular target for signaling through cell-substrate adhesion receptors and the EGF-R, and (ii) reduced levels of Bcl-xL expression through EGF-R blockade lower the tolerance of keratinocytes for cell death signals generated by cellular stress.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of the related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase in megakaryocytes upon stem cell factor and phorbol myristate acetate stimulation and its association with paxillin

We have characterized signaling pathways involving the related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase (RAFTK, also known as PYK2 or CAK-beta) in CMK human megakaryocytic cells. Stem cell factor, which potentiates the growth of megakaryocytes and their progenitors, and phorbol myristate acetate, which causes differentiation of megakaryocytic cell lines, induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK but not of focal adhesion kinase. Stimulation of CMK cells with stem cell factor resulted in an increase in the autophosphorylation and kinase activity of RAFTK. Phosphorylation of RAFTK under these conditions was mediated by a protein kinase C-dependent pathway. Cytochalasin D, which disrupts the cytoskeleton, abolished the phosphorylation of RAFTK upon phorbol myristate acetate and stem cell factor stimulation, indicating that RAFTK association with the actin cytoskeleton appears to be critical for its phosphorylation. In addition, we observed an association of RAFTK with paxillin, a 68-kDa cytoskeleton protein. Using in vitro binding assays, RAFTK and paxillin were shown to bind directly through the C-terminal proline-rich domain. Transient overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant of RAFTK inhibited significantly the tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin upon phorbol myristate acetate stimulation. These observations indicate that RAFTK might play an important role in the phosphorylation of signaling pathways within the focal adhesions and that RAFTK participates in signaling events that link signals from the cell surface to the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, this study suggests that RAFTK might be involved in megakaryocyte proliferation and differentiation.

The role of conserved amino acid motifs within the integrin beta3 cytoplasmic domain in triggering focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation

Integrin-mediated adhesion of cells to extracellular matrix proteins triggers a variety of intracellular signaling pathways including a cascade of tyrosine phosphorylations. In many cell types, the cytoplasmic focal adhesion tyrosine kinase, FAK, appears to be the initial protein that becomes tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to adhesion; however, the molecular mechanisms regulating integrin-triggered FAK phosphorylation are not understood. Previous studies have shown that the integrin beta1, beta3, and beta5 subunit cytoplasmic domains all contain sufficient information to trigger FAK phosphorylation when expressed in single-subunit chimeric receptors connected to an extracellular reporter. In the present study, beta3 cytoplasmic domain deletion and substitution mutants were constructed to identify amino acids within the integrin beta3 cytoplasmic domain that regulate its ability to trigger FAK phosphorylation. Cells transiently expressing chimeric receptors containing these mutant cytoplasmic domains were magnetically sorted and assayed for the tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK. Analysis of these mutants indicated that structural information in both the membrane-proximal and C-terminal segments of the beta3 cytoplasmic domain is important for triggering FAK phosphorylation. In the C-terminal segment of the beta3 cytoplasmic domain, the highly conserved NPXY motif was found to be required for the beta3 cytoplasmic domain to trigger FAK phosphorylation. However, the putative FAK binding domain within the N-terminal segment of the beta3 cytoplasmic domain was found to be neither required nor sufficient for this signaling event. We also demonstrate that the serine 752 to proline mutation, known to cause a variant of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, inhibits the ability of the beta3 cytoplasmic domain to signal FAK phosphorylation, suggesting that a single mutation in the beta3 cytoplasmic domain can inhibit both "inside-out" and "outside-in" integrin signaling.

Insulin-like growth factor receptor cooperates with integrin alpha v beta 5 to promote tumor cell dissemination in vivo

Tumor cell interactions with adhesion proteins and growth factors likely contribute to the metastatic cascade. Evidence is provided that insulin or insulin-like growth factor-mediated signals cooperate with the commonly expressed integrin alpha v beta 5 to promote spontaneous pulmonary metastasis of multiple tumor cell types in both the chick embryo and severe combined immune deficiency mouse/human chimeric models. Expression of alpha v beta 5 in tumor cells promoted their adhesion to vitronectin in vitro. However, cell motility required cytokine stimulation, which caused redistribution of alpha-actinin to membrane-adhesive sites containing alpha v beta 5. Significantly, ligation of alpha v beta 5 and cytokine receptors were both required for spontaneous pulmonary metastasis of multiple tumor types even though it was not necessary for primary tumor growth. Thus, tumor cell metastasis can be regulated by a functional cooperation between cytokine signaling events and the adhesion receptor alpha v beta 5 in a manner independent of tumor cell growth. These findings provide evidence that integrin ligation, in conjunction with cytokine activation, plays an important role in the dissemination of malignant tumor cells.

Paxillin association in vitro with integrin cytoplasmic domain peptides

Short cytoplasmic domains of integrin heterodimers are crucial for transduction of signals generated by adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix. Here, we describe the use of peptides mimicking the intracellular tails of integrin alpha5beta1 to assay in vitro associations with cytoskeletal proteins. Our results suggest that the focal adhesion protein, paxillin, may interact directly with the intracellular region of the integrin beta1 subunit. Paxillin is known to form stable complexes with several signaling molecules, including focal adhesion kinase. Physical interaction between paxillin and the beta1 cytoplasmic domain suggests a model in which paxillin may function as a key intermediary in integrin-mediated signal transduction.

Reduced cell attachment and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase associated with expression of a mutant insulin receptor

Insulin signaling results in rapid changes to the cell cytoskeleton, and it has recently been shown that insulin stimulates the dephosphorylation of the cytoskeletal-associated tyrosine kinase, focal adhesion kinase (pp125(FAK)). We report here that mutation of two tryptic cleavage sites (Lys164 and Lys582 --> Asn; 2N) in the insulin receptor alpha-subunit results in a cell-line (CHO.2N-10) with altered morphology associated with an increase in cell size, a decrease in cell adhesiveness, and a decrease in pp125(FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation in the absence of insulin (45.2 +/- 9.7% compared to nontransfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells). In contrast to pp125(FAK), paxillin phosphorylation was similar in all cell lines despite lower levels (61.0 +/- 10.4% compared to CHO cells) of paxillin protein in CHO.2N-10 cells. We observed comparable protein levels of pp125(FAK) and the structural focal adhesion protein, vinculin, in all cell lines. Despite underphosphorylation of pp125(FAK) in the basal state, insulin stimulation of CHO.2N-10 cells still resulted in dephosphorylation of pp125(FAK). CHO.2N-10 and CHO.T (overexpress wild-type insulin receptor) cells have similar insulin binding characteristics, insulin-stimulated autokinase and peptide phosphorylation, and insulin-stimulated pp185/IRS-1 phosphorylation. Our results suggest that the insulin receptor may play an important role in cell-matrix interactions, such as modulating cell adhesion and inducing cell architecture changes.