Tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK and paxillin in aortic endothelial cells induced by mechanical strain

Cyclooxygenase expression in bovine aortic endothelial cells exposed to cyclic strain

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cyclic strain on cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and 2 expression in bovine aortic endothelial cells (EC). EC, subjected to 10% average strain at 60 cycle/min, were analyzed for induction of COX by Northern blot analysis and confirmed by analysis of promoter activity in transient transfection experiments. Exposure of EC to cyclic strain induced promoter activity and expression of COX-2 but not of COX-1. The extent of induction, however, was lower than that seen with stimulation of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These results demonstrate that, unlike shear stress, cyclic strain does not affect COX-1 expression and is a weak inducer of COX-2 promoter activity in bovine aortic EC with minimal effect on mRNA expression.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 activation in endothelial cells exposed to cyclic strain

The aim of this study was to determine whether extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/ERK2) are activated and might play a role in enhanced proliferation and morphological change induced by strain. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were subjected to an average of 6 or 10% strain at a rate of 60 cycles/min for up to 4 h. Cyclic strain caused strain- and time-dependent phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/ERK2. Peak phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/ERK2 induced by 10% strain were at 10 min. A specific ERK1/ERK2 kinase inhibitor, PD-98059, inhibited phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/ERK2 but did not inhibit the increased cell proliferation and cell alignment induced by strain. Treatment of BAEC with 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1, 4-benzohydroquinone, to deplete inositol trisphosphate-sensitive calcium storage, and gadolinium chloride, a Ca2+ channel blocker, did not inhibit the activation of ERK1/ERK2. Strain-induced ERK1/ERK2 activation was partly inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C and completely inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. These data suggest that 1) ERK1/ERK2 are not critically involved in the strain-induced cell proliferation and orientation, 2) strain-dependent activation of ERK1/ERK2 is independent of intracellular and extracellular calcium mobilization, and 3) protein kinase C activation and tyrosine kinase regulate strain-induced activation of ERK1/ERK2.

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.

Uni-axial cyclic stretch induces c-src activation and translocation in human endothelial cells via SA channel activation

The kinase activity of c-src increased and peaked at 15 min after an application of uni-axial cyclic stretch in HUVECs followed by a translocation of c-src to Triton-insoluble fraction. Suppression of c-src by an antisense S-oligodeoxynucleotide inhibited the stretch-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and morphological changes. The stretch-induced increase in c-src activity was inhibited by FK506, a specific inhibitor for calcineurin, by Gd3+, a blocker for stretch activated channels, and by the extracellular Ca2+ depletion suggesting the involvement of SA channels. These results strongly suggest c-src plays an important role in the downstream of SA channel activation followed by the morphological changes.

Phosphotyrosine phosphatase and tyrosine kinase inhibition modulate airway pressure-induced lung injury

We determined whether drugs which modulate the state of protein tyrosine phosphorylation could alter the threshold for high airway pressure-induced microvascular injury in isolated perfused rat lungs. Lungs were ventilated for successive 30-min periods with peak inflation pressures (PIP) of 7, 20, 30, and 35 cmH2O followed by measurement of the capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc), a sensitive index of hydraulic conductance. In untreated control lungs, Kfc increased by 1.3- and 3.3-fold relative to baseline (7 cmH2O PIP) after ventilation with 30 and 35 cmH2O PIP. However, in lungs treated with 100 microM phenylarsine oxide (a phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitor), Kfc increased by 4.7- and 16.4-fold relative to baseline at these PIP values. In lungs treated with 50 microM genistein (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor), Kfc increased significantly only at 35 cmH2O PIP, and the three groups were significantly different from each other. Thus phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibition increased the susceptibility of rat lungs to high-PIP injury, and tyrosine kinase inhibition attenuated the injury relative to the high-PIP control lungs.

Mechanical strain rapidly redistributes tyrosine phosphorylated proteins in human intestinal Caco-2 cells

Repetitive strain stimulates proliferation and modulates differentiation in human Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells via tyrosine kinase activity. We therefore sought to characterize strain modulation of tyrosine phosphorylation in Caco-2 cells. Immunoblotting for phosphotyrosine demonstrated that repetitive strain (10 cpm, 10% strain) rapidly increased tyrosine phosphorylation of 125-, 70-, 60-, and 50-kDa bands in the soluble fraction by 94+/-31, 145+/-21, 365+/-46, and 1240+/-240%, respectively (p<0.05, n=4). However, strain decreased tyrosine phosphorylated band intensity of the 125-, 70-, 60-, and 50-kDa proteins in the particulate fraction by 81+/-17, 70+/-23, 79+/-7, and 59+/-23%, respectively (p<0.05, n=4). The decreased band intensity in the particulate fraction was not due to decreased tyrosine kinase activity because strain equally increased tyrosine kinase activity in both soluble and particulate fractions. Cyclic strain at a physiologically relevant amplitude and frequency appears to modulate the subcellular distribution of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins in human Caco-2 intestinal cells.

Strain induces Caco-2 intestinal epithelial proliferation and differentiation via PKC and tyrosine kinase signals

Although the intestinal epithelium undergoes complex deformations during normal function, nutrient absorption, fasting, lactation, and disease, the effects of deformation on intestinal mucosal biology are poorly understood. We previously demonstrated that 24 h of cyclic deformation at an average 10% deformation every 6 s stimulates proliferation and modulates brush-border enzyme activity in human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers. In the present study we sought potential mechanisms for these effects. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity increased within 1 min after initiation of cyclic deformation, and the PKC-alpha and -zeta isoforms translocated from the soluble to the particulate fraction. Cyclic deformation also rapidly increased tyrosine kinase activity. Tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins was increased in the soluble fraction but decreased in the particulate fraction by cyclic deformation for 30 min. Inhibition of PKC and tyrosine kinase signals by calphostin C, G-06967, and erbstatin attenuated or blocked cyclic deformation-mediated modulation of Caco-2 DNA synthesis and differentiation. These results suggest that cyclic deformation may modulate intestinal epithelial proliferation and brush-border enzyme activity by regulating PKC and tyrosine kinase signals.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin/pp125FAK and microvascular endothelial barrier function

The transendothelial movement of solutes is a dynamic process controlled by a complex interaction between the cytoskeleton and adhesion proteins. The aim of this study was to examine whether protein tyrosine phosphorylation is involved in the regulation of endothelial barrier function. The apparent permeability coefficient of albumin (Pa) was measured in isolated and perfused coronary venules. Tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors, including phenylarsine oxide and sodium orthovanadate, dose and time dependently increased basal Pa. Western blot analysis of cultured coronary venular endothelial cells revealed that inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase induced an increase in phosphotyrosine content in a number of proteins, including bands at 65-70 and 120-130 kDa, which were identified as paxillin and focal adhesion kinase (pp125FAK), respectively. The time course and dose responsiveness of protein tyrosine phosphorylation were tightly correlated with those of increases in Pa. Furthermore, stimulation of endothelial cells with histamine or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin and pp125FAK, which was blocked by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor damnacanthal. Correspondingly, the increases in venular permeability elicited by histamine and PMA were abolished in damnacanthal-treated venules. Taken together, the data suggest a possible involvement of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the control of endothelial barrier function. Paxillin and its associated focal adhesion proteins may play a specific role in agonist-induced hyperpermeability responses in the endothelium of exchange vessels.

Cyclic stretch upregulates production of interleukin-8 and monocyte chemotactic and activating factor/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in human endothelial cells

In vivo, vascular walls are exposed to mechanical stretch, which may promote atherogenesis. This study was designed to investigate the effect of mechanical stretch on the production and gene expression of cytokines in endothelial cells (ECs) of human umbilical veins. ECs were cultured on flexible silicone membranes and exposed to cyclic mechanical stretch. Although the secretion levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, granulocyte (G) -colony stimulating factor (CSF), G and macrophage (M) -CSF, and M-CSF were not affected by cyclic stretch over 24 hours, the levels of IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF)/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were significantly increased by cyclic stretch. Northern blot analysis indicated that the mRNA levels of IL-8 and MCAF/MCP-1 were upregulated by cyclic stretch as a function of its intensity. Cytochalasin D, which disrupts the actin cytoskeleton, abolished the stretch-induced gene expression of IL-8 and MCAF/MCP-1. In contrast, neither inhibition of stretch-activated ion channels nor disruption of microtubules affected the induction of these chemokines by cyclic stretch. Northern blot analysis using enzyme inhibitors showed that phospholipase C, protein kinase C, and tyrosine kinase were involved in the stretch-induced gene expression of IL-8 and MCAF/MCP-1, whereas cAMP- or cGMP-dependent protein kinase was not. In conclusion, cyclic stretch enhanced the secretion and gene expression of IL-8 and MCAF/MCP-1 in a stretch-dependent fashion, and the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton and activities of phospholipase C, protein kinase C, and tyrosine kinase may be essential in the process of stretch-induced gene induction of IL-8 and MCAF/MCP-1.

Regulation of PDGF-B in endothelial cells exposed to cyclic strain

The present study was designed to examine the regulation by cyclic strain of endothelial cell (EC) platelet-derived growth factor-B chain (PDGF-B) expression. We demonstrate in this study that bovine aortic ECs subjected to 10% (but not 6%) average strain resulted in a 2.6-fold increase in PDGF-B steady state mRNA and immunoreactive protein. Nuclear runoff transcription assays confirmed the induction of PDGF-B transcripts. To address the regulation of PDGF-B gene expression by cyclic strain, we transfected bovine aortic ECs with a construct containing 450 bp of human PDGF-B promoter sequence coupled to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), and found that subjecting these cells to 10% average strain resulted in a twofold increase in CAT activity by 4 hours. Analysis of nested 5' deletions of the promoter transfected into ECs demonstrated a 55% drop-off in activity between position -313 and -153, with no induction of activity with the - 101-bp minimal promoter. Since a shear stress response element (SSRE) is located at position -125, we tested the hypothesis that the SSRE site was necessary and/or sufficient for induction of PDGF-B activity with strain. Electromobility shift assays revealed that nuclear proteins from ECs exposed to strain for short intervals (30 minutes) bound to the PDGF-B SSRE. However, transfection of ECs with hybrid promoter constructs containing the SV40 sequence promoter downstream of the SSRE or the -153 PDGF-B promoter sequence bearing a mutation in the SSRE demonstrated that the SSRE was not necessary for inducible reporter gene expression in ECs exposed to cyclic strain.

Effects of mechanical forces on signal transduction and gene expression in endothelial cells

Fluid shear stress and circumferential stretch play important roles in maintaining the homeostasis of the blood vessel, and they can also be pathophysiological factors in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. The uses of flow channels and stretch devices as in vitro models have helped to elucidate the mechanisms of signal transduction and gene expression in cultured endothelial cells in response to shear stress, which is a function of blood flow and vascular geometry, or mechanical strain, which is a function of transmural pressure and the mechanical properties and geometry of the vessel. Shear stress has been found to increase the activities of a number of kinases to modulate the phosphorylation of many signaling proteins in endothelial cells, eg, the proteins in focal adhesion sites and the proteins in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Downstream to such signaling cascades, multiple transcription factors such as AP-1, NF-kappaB, Sp-1, and Egr-1 are activated. The actions of these transcription factors on the corresponding cis-elements result in the induction of genes encoding for vasoactivators, adhesion molecules, monocyte chemoattractants, and growth factors in endothelial cells, thus modulating vascular structure and function. Some of the effects of mechanical strain on endothelial cells are similar to those by shear stress, eg, the signaling pathways and the genes activated, but there are differences, eg, the time course of the responses. Studies on the effects of mechanical forces on signal transduction and gene expression provide insights into the molecular mechanisms by which hemodynamic factors regulate vascular physiology, and pathophysiology.

Regulation of tPA in endothelial cells exposed to cyclic strain: role of CRE, AP-2, and SSRE binding sites

We have previously reported that exposure of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (EC) to 10% average strain resulted in an increase in tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) mRNA, immunoreactive tPA protein, and tPA activity in the medium. The present study was designed to examine the regulation of tPA gene expression in EC by cyclic strain. We performed a functional analysis of the tPA promoter by transfecting bovine aortic EC with a 1.4-kilobase (kb) construct of the human tPA promoter coupled to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase. We found that subjecting the EC to 10% average strain (and not 6% average strain) resulted in a 2.6-fold increase in activity of the 1.4-kb tPA promoter by 4 h. Analysis of deletion mutants of the promoter transfected into EC demonstrated a 60% drop-off in activity between position -145 and -105. Deoxyribonuclease I protection analysis of the segment downstream of position -196 suggested involvement of activator protein-2 (AP-2) and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-responsive element (CRE)-like binding sites, which was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Site-directed mutants of either the AP-2 or CRE-like regions resulted in a 65% decrease in activity compared with the wild type. Double mutations abolished basal transcription and any strain-induced activity. A shear stress responsive element (SSRE) binding site is present at -945, but site-directed mutants did not show any drop in activity compared with wild type by cyclic strain. These studies demonstrate that cyclic strain regulates tPA gene transcription in bovine aortic EC and that this transcriptional activation is dependent on factors that are similar to those activated with phorbol ester.

Exposure of endothelial cells to cyclic strain induces elevations of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration through mobilization of intracellular and extracellular pools

We have previously reported that exposure of endothelial cells to cyclic strain elicited a rapid but transient generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which reached a peak 10 s after the initiation of cyclic deformation. To address the effect of cyclic strain on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and its temporal relationship to IP3 generation, confluent bovine aortic endothelial cells were grown on flexible membranes, loaded with aequorin and the membranes placed in a custom-designed flow-through chamber. The chamber was housed inside a photomultiplier tube, and vacuum was utilized to deform the membranes. Our results indicate that the initiation of 10% average strain induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i which contained two distinct components: a large initial peak 12 s after the initiation of stretch which closely followed the IP3 peak, and a subsequent lower but sustained phase. Pretreatment with 5 microM GdCl3 for 10 min or nominally Ca2+-free medium (CFM) for 3 min reduced the magnitude of the initial rise and abolished the sustained phase. Repetitive 10% average strain at a frequency of 60 cycles/min also elicited a single IP3 peak at 10 s. However, there was also a large initial [Ca2+]i peak followed by multiple smaller transient [Ca2+]i elevations. Preincubation with 5 microM GdCl3 or CFM diminished the initial [Ca2+]i transient and markedly inhibited the late-phase component. Preincubation with 25 microM 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ) attenuated the initial [Ca2+]i transient. Cyclic-strain-mediated IP3 formation in confluent endothelial cells at 10 s, however, was not modified by pretreatment with 25 microM BHQ, 500 microM NiCl2, 10 nM charybdotoxin, 5 microM GdCl3 or CFM. We conclude that in endothelial cells exposed to cyclic strain, Ca2+ enters the cytosol from intracellular and extracellular pools but IP3 formation is not dependent on Ca2+ entry via the plasma membrane.

Barrier effects of hyperosmolar signaling in microvascular endothelium of rat lung

We determined the effects of hyperosmolarity on lung microvascular barrier properties by means of the split-drop technique in single venular capillaries of the isolated, blood-perfused rat lung. Using isosmolar and hyperosmolar test solutions (colloid osmotic pressure = 21 cm H2O), we quantified transcapillary flux at a fixed absorptive capillary pressure, and the capillary hydraulic conductivity (Lp). Loss of barrier function was indicated in flux reversal from isosmolar absorption to hyperosmolar filtration (P < 0. 01), and by hyperosmolarity-induced Lp increase (P < 0.01). Barrier recovery after a 1-min hyperosmolar exposure was delayed > 25 min. The flux reversal was blocked by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and MDC (P < 0.01). Genistein also inhibited the Lp increase (P < 0.01). Immunoblots of hyperosmolarity-exposed, cultured rat lung microvascular endothelial cells (RLMEC) and of endothelial cells freshly harvested from lungs given hyperosmolar infusions indicated a genistein-inhibitable enhancement of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Immunoprecipitation studies indicated tyrosine phosphorylation of the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) ERK1 and ERK2 and the adaptor protein Shc in lysates of RLMEC exposed to hyperosmolar conditions. We conclude that in lung venular capillaries hyperosmolarity deteriorates barrier properties, possibly by inducing tyrosine phosphorylation of endothelial proteins.

Strain reorganizes focal adhesions and cytoskeleton in cultured airway smooth muscle cells

Abnormal mechanical stress on pulmonary structures is associated with increased airway resistance and impaired gas exchange as a result of increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) deposition. Using an in vitro system with cultured ASM cells, we have demonstrated that cyclic deformational strain increases ASM cellular myosin and myosin light chain kinase. To determine if these contractile protein increases were accompanied by ultrastructural changes in cells indicating phenotypic modulation, cells subjected to strain were compared to cells grown under static conditions by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescent staining. The strained ASM cells oriented perpendicular to the strain direction were more elongated and contained more actin stress fibers than identical cells grown under physically static conditions. The stress fiber bundles were thicker and reorganized parallel to the long axis of the cell. Marked increases in the numbers and lengths of focal adhesions between the cell membrane and the substratum were found by both TEM and immunostaining for talin. Mechanical strain thus increases organization of cytoskeletal elements in cultured ASM cells. Similar effects in vivo may serve to promote the expression of the contractile phenotype of cultured ASM cells independent of other in vivo factors and alter cell contractility. Increased organization of cytoskeletal elements might also increase the efficiency of signal transduction from the extracellular matrix into the cell interior.

Cyclic strain is a weak inducer of prostacyclin synthase expression in bovine aortic endothelial cells

Recent studies indicate that hemodynamic forces such as cyclic strain and shear stress can increase prostacyclin (PGI2) secretion by endothelial cells (EC) but the effect of these forces on prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) gene expression remains unclear and is the focus of this study. Bovine aortic EC were seeded onto type I collagen coated flexible membranes and grown to confluence. The membranes and attached EC were subjected to 10% average strain at 60 cpm (0.5 sec deformation alternating with 0.5 sec relaxation) for up to 5 days. PGIS gene expression was determined by Northern blot analysis and protein level by Western blot analysis. The effect of cyclic strain on the PGIS promoter was determined by the transfection of a 1-kb human PGIS gene promoter construct coupled to a luciferase reporter gene into EC, followed by determination of luciferase activity. PGIS gene expression increased 1.7-fold in EC subjected to cyclic strain for 24 hr. Likewise, EC transfected with a pGL3B-PGIS (-1070/-10) construct showed an approximate 1.3-fold elevation in luciferase activity in EC subjected to cyclic strain for 3, 4, 8, and 12 hr. The weak stimulation of PGIS gene expression by cyclic strain was reflected in an inability to detect alterations in PGIS protein levels in EC subjected to cyclic strain for as long as 5 days. These data suggest that strain-induced stimulation of PGIS gene expression plays only a minor role in the ability of cyclic strain to stimulate PGI2 release in EC. These findings coupled with our earlier demonstration of a requisite addition of exogenous arachidonate in order to observe strain-induced PGI2 release, implicates a mechanism that more likely involves strain-induced stimulation of PGIS activity.

Cyclic strain induces reorganization of integrin alpha 5 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Cyclic strain has been shown to modulate endothelial cell (EC) morphology, proliferation, and function. We have recently reported that the focal adhesion proteins focal adhesion kinase (pp125FAK) and paxillin, are tyrosine phosphorylated in EC exposed to strain and these events regulate the morphological change and migration induced by cyclic strain. Integrins are also localized on focal adhesion sites and have been reported to induce by tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK under a variety of stimuli. To study the involvement of different integrins in signaling induced by cyclic strain, we first observed the redistribution of alpha and beta integrins in EC subjects to 4 h cyclic strain. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) seeded on either fibronectin or collagen surfaces were subjected to 10% average strain at a frequency 60 cycles/min. Confocal microscopy revealed that beta 1 integrin reorganized in a linear pattern parallel with the long axis of the elongated cells creating a fusion of focal adhesion plaques in EC plated on either fibronectin (a ligand for alpha 5 beta 1) or collagen (a ligand for alpha 2 beta 1) coated after 4 h exposure to cyclic strain. beta 3 integrin, which is a vitronectin receptor, did not redistribute in EC exposed to cyclic strain. Cyclic strain also led to a reorganization of alpha 5 and alpha 2 integrins in a linear pattern in HUVEC seeded on fibronectin or collagen, respectively. The expression of integrins alpha 5, alpha 2, and beta 1 did not change even after 24 h exposure to strain when assessed by immunoprecipitation of these integrins. Cyclic strain-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK occurred concomitant with the reorganization of beta 1 integrin. We concluded that alpha 5 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1 integrins play an important role in transducing mechanical stimuli into intracellular signals.