A beta 3 integrin mutation abolishes ligand binding and alters divalent cation-dependent conformation

Dynamic regulation of integrins

Dynamic regulation of receptor function is a distinguishing feature of the integrin family of adhesion molecules and makes a significant contribution to alterations in cellular adhesive properties. The best characterized example is that of the platelet receptor alpha IIb beta 3 (glycoprotein IIb-IIIa), which does not bind soluble fibrinogen on resting platelets. Following platelet activation, the alpha IIb beta 3 binds soluble fibrinogen with moderately high affinity and platelet aggregation ensues. Similar regulation of receptor function has also been directly demonstrated for alpha 5 beta 1 and alpha M beta 2, and it is likely that it is a general property of all members of the family. The altered ligand binding affinity is due to a change in the conformation of the external domain of the receptor, in response to intracellular signals that are transmitted the length of the molecule. The cytoplasmic tails of the integrins are active participants in this regulation, and they also mediate interactions with the cytoskeleton. A number of anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies have been described which induce high affinity ligand binding, and certain of these preferentially bind to the high affinity conformation of the receptor. The alteration in conformation allows better access for macromolecular ligands to the ligand binding pocket, which has been mapped (in alpha IIb beta 3) to the amino terminal globular head of the receptor. The precise mechanism by which the activating signal is transferred from within the cell to the distal external domain remains the subject of active research.

Osteopontin adhesion receptors on gingival fibroblasts

Osteopontin (OPN) promotes attachment and spreading of cells in an RGD dependent fashion, suggesting that OPN interacts with integrins on cell surfaces. Here in, we show that LM-609, a monoclonal antibody to the alpha v beta 3 integrin (a vitronectin receptor), inhibited OPN-mediated attachment of gingival fibroblasts. To characterize the cell surface receptors responsible for this interaction, we performed OPN-sepharose affinity chromatography using detergent extracts of 35S-methionine or 125I-surface labeled gingival fibroblasts. Proteins bound to the OPN-matrix were eluted with EDTA and subjected to SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. EDTA eluates from both 125I-surface labeled and 35S-methionine labeled extracts demonstrated prominent bands in the 90kDa and 50kDa regions, by both autoradiography and fluorography, respectively. These studies suggest that OPN is associated with other cell surface molecules in addition to alpha v beta 3. Furthermore, these as yet to be characterized proteins, may prove to have a stronger affinity for OPN than alpha v beta 3.

Further characterization of the thrombasthenia-related idiotype OG. Antiidiotype defines a novel epitope(s) shared by fibrinogen B beta chain, vitronectin, and von Willebrand factor and required for binding to beta 3

A patient (OG) with Glanzmann thrombasthenia became refractory to platelet transfusion after the production of an immunoglobulin G (IgG) isoantibody (Ab1) specific for the integrin subunit beta 3. To determine the frequency at which the OG idiotype is found in the general population and in immune-mediated disease states, we developed a rabbit polyclonal antibody (Ab2) specific for affinity-purified OG anti-beta 3 Fab. The binding of Ab2 to Ab1 is inhibited by purified alpha IIb beta 3. Ab2 als binds to IgG specific for alpha IIb beta 3 obtained from one nonrelated Glanzmann thrombasthenia patient ES who has developed isoantibodies of similar specificity. On the other hand, Ab2 does not recognize alpha IIb beta 3-specific antibodies produced by two Glanzmann thrombasthenia patients, AF and LUC, who have developed isoantibodies with specificities distinct from that of the OG isoantibody. Moreover, Ab2 does not recognize alpha IIb beta 3-specific antibodies developed by three representative patients with (autoimmune) thrombocytopenic purpura or six representative patients with alloimmune thrombocytopenias, nor does it bind to IgG from any of 13 nonimmunized individuals. We have found that Ab2 also binds to selected protein ligands of alpha IIb beta 3 namely, fibrinogen, vitronectin, and von Willebrand factor, but not to other protein ligands or control proteins, such a fibronectin, type I collagen, and albumin. The epitope(s) recognized by Ab2 on each adhesive protein are either very similar or identical since each protein can inhibit the binding of Ab2 to any of the other proteins. The epitope on fibrinogen recognized by Ab2 resides in the B beta chain, and is likely contained within the first 42 amino acids from the NH2 terminus. Since OG IgG inhibits fibrinogen binding to alpha IIb beta 3, the specificity of the OG idiotype defines a novel binding motif for the integrin alpha IIb beta 3 that is shared by fibrinogen, vitronectin, and von Willebrand factor, but distinct from previously described RGD-containing sites on the fibrinogen, A alpha chain or the fibrinogen gamma chain COOH-terminal decapeptide site. Our findings reported here represent an excellent example of molecular mimicry in which an antigen-selected, IgG inhibitor of alpha IIb beta 3 function shares a novel recognition sequence common to three physiologic protein ligands of that receptor.

Ligand and cation binding are dual functions of a discrete segment of the integrin beta 3 subunit: cation displacement is involved in ligand binding

The alpha IIb beta 3 integrin binds Arg-Gly-Asp-containing (RGD-containing) ligands in a cation-dependent interaction. A fourteen amino acid sequence, beta 3 (118-131), and an antibody to it, inhibited ligand binding functions of alpha IIb beta 3, and a 1:1 stoichiometric beta 3 (118-131)-RGD complex was detected by mass spectroscopy. Cation binding to beta 3 (118-131) was demonstrated by terbium luminescence and mass spectroscopy. Notably, ligand displaced cation from the beta 3(118-131) peptide and also from purified alpha IIb beta 3. Thus, beta 3 (118-131), a highly conserved region in integrin beta subunits, binds both ligand and cation. Formation of a ternary complex between cation, ligand, and receptor, with subsequent displacement of cation from beta 3 (118-131) and a second site within the receptor, may be central to the mechanism of ligand recognition by integrins.

Integrin alpha v beta 3 differentially regulates adhesive and phagocytic functions of the fibronectin receptor alpha 5 beta 1

The plasma protein fibronectin is an important opsonin in wound repair and host defense. To better understand the process of fibronectin-mediated phagocytosis, we have transfected K562 cells, which endogenously express alpha 5 beta 1, with alpha v beta 3. In these transfectants, antibodies to alpha v beta 3 block phagocytosis of fibronectin-opsonized beads completely, even though half the ingestion occurs through endogenous alpha 5 beta 1 receptors. alpha 5 beta 1-mediated adhesion to fibronectin-coated surfaces is unaffected by alpha v beta 3 ligation. Neither alpha v beta 5 nor alpha M beta 2 ligation affects alpha 5 beta 1 phagocytic function in transfectants expressing these receptors. Pharmacologic data suggest that alpha v beta 3 ligation suppresses the phagocytic competence of high affinity alpha 5 beta 1 receptors through a signal transduction pathway, perhaps involving protein kinase C. In addition to its significance for phagocytosis, alpha v beta 3 regulation of alpha 5 beta 1 function may be significant for its roles in cell migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis.

The sticking point: how integrins bind to their ligands

The integrin adhesion receptors are alpha beta heterodimers that exist in different ligand-binding states. Because of their large size and conformational lability, it has been difficult to determine how they interact with their ligands. Ligand-binding sites have been identified in the beta subunit, and now more recently in the 'I' domain and EF-hand-like domains V and VI of the alpha subunit. We speculate here about how these various sites might operate together to bind ligand in a stable manner.

Characterization of cation-binding sequences in the platelet integrin GPIIb-IIIa (alpha IIb beta 3) by terbium luminescence

The binding of cations to purified GPIIb-IIIa (alpha IIb beta 3) and synthetic peptides corresponding to the potential cation-binding sites within this integrin has been assessed by terbium luminescence spectroscopy. Tb3+ supported fibrinogen binding to purified GPIIb-IIIa, at lower concentrations than Ca2+, consistent with its higher affinity for cation-binding motifs. Titration analyses indicated the presence of five Tb(3+)-binding sites of relatively high affinity in the receptor. These sites also could be filled by divalent cations. Six sequences within GPIIb-IIIa have the appropriate spacing of five of the usual six coordination sites for cations in functional Ca(2+)-binding EF-hand motifs. Peptides containing Tyr and/or Trp at selected positions as fluorescence energy donors were synthesized, and their Tb(3+)-binding capacity was assessed. The four potential Ca(2+)-binding sequences in the GPIIb subunit, GPIIb 242-255, 296-309, 364-377, and 425-438, were functional, despite lacking the usual Glu residue at the terminal coordination position. These peptides bound Tb3+ with the same affinity as typical Ca(2+)-binding loop peptides and also bound Ca2+ and other divalent cations without preference. Of the two candidate GPIIIa sequences, 118-131 and 208-221, the former bound Tb3+ and divalent cations with an affinity similar to that of the GPIIb peptides, whereas the latter peptide was not functional. This functional difference, as well as data obtained with substituted peptides, emphasizes the importance of the first coordination position for interaction of synthetic peptide loops with cations. Together, these data identify the five cation-binding sites within intact GPIIb-IIIa.

The alpha v beta 6 integrin promotes proliferation of colon carcinoma cells through a unique region of the beta 6 cytoplasmic domain

Cell-matrix interactions are assumed to be important in regulating differentiation and tumor cell growth; however, the precise roles of individual matrix receptors in producing cellular responses are still unclear. We have previously described the alpha v beta 6 integrin, an epithelial cell fibronectin receptor expressed in many carcinoma cell lines. Here we show that heterologous expression of alpha v beta 6 in a human colon carcinoma cell line (SW480) enhances the proliferative capacity of these cells, both in vitro and in vivo in nude mice. This property of alpha v beta 6 correlates with the presence of an 11-amino acid region at the COOH terminus of the beta 6 cytoplasmic domain. This 11-amino acid sequence is required for the growth stimulatory effect, but not for other functions of the beta 6 cytoplasmic domain, such as promoting cell adhesion and focal contact localization.

Role of integrins in melanocyte attachment and dendricity

Integrins are a family of proteins known to mediate attachment of cells to extracellular matrix materials. The substratum specificity and cation dependence of specific integrin heterodimers have been extensively characterized, and to a lesser degree specialized roles in cell attachment versus dendricity have been defined in some cell types. In the past decade, melanocyte attachment rate and morphology have been found to have strong substratum dependence, suggesting a major role for integrins in these processes. In order to investigate this aspect of pigment cell biology, human newborn melanocytes were subjected to flow cytometry analysis and plated on a variety of substrata under conditions known to promote or block the binding of specific integrin pairs. Melanocyte attachment to laminin and type IV collagen was promoted by Mg2+ and Mn2+ but not by Ca2+, in the range of concentrations examined. However, dendrite outgrowth from melanocytes already attached on laminin or type IV collagen was promoted by Ca2+ to a far greater degree than by Mg2+, and Mn2+ had no effect on dendrite outgrowth. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that melanocytes expressed beta 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, alpha 6 and alpha v integrin subunits as well as the alpha v beta 3 heterodimer. The influence of substratum on the profile of integrin expression was minimal, but alpha 6 and beta 1 integrins were observed by confocal microscopy to be expressed over the entire cell surface, while alpha 2, alpha 5 and alpha v beta 3 integrins localized along dendritic processes or at their tips. In accordance with the implications of these distribution patterns, anti-beta 1 and anti-alpha 6 integrin monoclonal antibodies blocked melanocyte attachment to laminin, while anti-alpha 2, anti-alpha 5 and anti-alpha v beta 3 inhibited dendrite outgrowth but did not block substratum attachment on either laminin or type IV collagen. On the basis of these data and the known characteristics of integrin molecules, we conclude that melanocyte attachment to laminin is mediated primarily by alpha 6 beta 1 integrin in a Ca(2+)-independent, Mg(2+)- and/or Mn(2+)-dependent manner, while dendrite outgrowth on laminin and type IV collagen requires extracellular Ca2+ and is mediated by alpha v beta 3 as well as alpha 2 and alpha 5 integrins.

The I domain is essential for echovirus 1 interaction with VLA-2

VLA-2, the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin, mediates cell adhesion to collagen and laminin, and is the receptor for the human pathogen echovirus 1. Because of its similarity to domains present in other proteins that interact with collagen, a 191 amino acid region within the alpha 2 subunit (the I domain) has been proposed as a potential site for ligand interactions. Although the alpha 2 subunits of human and murine VLA-2 are 84% identical, human alpha 2 promotes virus binding whereas murine alpha 2 does not. We used murine/human chimeric alpha 2 molecules to identify regions of the human molecule essential for virus binding. Virus bound efficiently to a chimeric protein in which the human I domain was inserted into murine alpha 2, indicating that the human I domain is responsible for specific virus interactions. Monoclonal antibodies that inhibited virus attachment all recognized epitopes within the human I domain, further suggesting that virus interacts with this portion of the molecule. Similarly, antibodies that prevented VLA-2-mediated cell adhesion to collagen also mapped to the I domain. These results indicate that the I domain plays a role in VLA-2 interactions both with virus and with extracellular matrix ligands.

Regulation of cellular interactions with laminin by integrin cytoplasmic domains: the A and B structural variants of the alpha 6 beta 1 integrin differentially modulate the adhesive strength, morphology, and migration of macrophages

Several integrin alpha subunits have structural variants that are identical in their extracellular and transmembrane domains but that differ in their cytoplasmic domains. The functional significance of these variants, however, is unknown. In the present study, we examined the possibility that the A and B variants of the alpha 6 beta 1 integrin laminin receptor differ in function. For this purpose, we expressed the alpha 6A and alpha 6B cDNAs, as well as a truncated alpha 6 cDNA (alpha 6-delta CYT) in which the cytoplasmic domain sequence was deleted after the GFFKR pentapeptide, in P388D1 cells, an alpha 6 deficient macrophage cell line. Populations of stable alpha 6A, alpha 6B, and alpha 6-delta CYT transfectants that expressed equivalent levels of cell surface alpha 6 were obtained by fluorescence-activated cell sorter and shown to form heterodimers with endogenous beta 1 subunits. Upon attachment to laminin, the alpha 6A transfectants extended numerous pseudopodia. In contrast, the alpha 6B transfectants remained rounded and extended few processes. The transfectants were also examined for their ability to migrate toward a laminin substratum using Transwell chambers. The alpha 6A transfectants were three- to fourfold more migratory than the alpha 6B transfectants. The alpha 6-delta CYT transfectants did not attach to laminin in normal culture medium, but they did attach in the presence of Mn2+. The alpha 6-delta CYT transfectants migrated to a lesser extent than either the alpha 6A or alpha 6B transfectants in the presence of Mn2+. The alpha 6 transfectants differed significantly in the concentration of substratum bound laminin required for half-maximal adhesion in the presence of Mn2+:alpha 6A (2.1 micrograms/ml), alpha 6B (6.3 micrograms/ml), and alpha 6-delta CYT (8.8 micrograms/ml). Divalent cation titration studies revealed that these transfectants also differed significantly in both the [Ca2+] and [Mn2+] required to obtain half-maximal adhesion to laminin. These data demonstrate that the A and B variants of the alpha 6 cytoplasmic domain can differentially modulate the function of the alpha 6 beta 1 extracellular domain.

The dynamic regulation of integrin adhesiveness

The integrins are a family of transmembrane heterodimeric adhesion molecules that play important roles in wound healing, immune system function and organ development. Recent studies indicate that adhesion of integrins to their ligands is not constitutive but is dynamically regulated by intracellular signal transduction pathways.

Crystal structure of the tenth type III cell adhesion module of human fibronectin

The crystal structure of the cell adhesion module of fibronectin (FNIII10) has been determined at 1.8 A resolution. A recombinant fragment corresponding to the tenth type III module of human fibronectin was crystallized in space group P2(1) with a = 30.7, b = 35.1 and c = 37.7 A and beta = 107 degrees. The structure was determined by molecular replacement and refined by least squares methods. The crystallographic R-factor for the final model of the 91 amino acid module plus 56 solvent atoms is 0.18 for 10 to 1.8 A data. The module consists of two layers of beta-sheet, one with three antiparallel strands and the other with four antiparallel strands. The beta-sheets enclose a hydrophobic core of 24 amino acid side-chains. The module contains the RGD cell recognition sequence in a flexible loop connecting two beta-strands. The tertiary structure of the FNIII10 module has been used to develop a structure-based sequence alignment of 17 type III modules in fibronectin based on the striking conservation of homologous hydrophobic residues. A similar pattern of homologous alternating hydrophobic residues is also evident in a comparison of type III modules in proteins unrelated to fibronectin such as cytokine receptors and muscle proteins.

Extracellular Ca2+ modulates leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 cell surface distribution on T lymphocytes and consequently affects cell adhesion

Transition of leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), from an inactive into an activate state depends on the presence of extracellular Mg2+ and/or Ca2+ ions. Although Mg2+ is directly involved in ligand binding, the role of Ca2+ in LFA-1 mediated adhesion remained obscure. We now demonstrate that binding of Ca2+, but not Mg2+, directly correlates with clustering of LFA-1 molecules at the cell surface of T cells, thereby facilitating LFA-1-ligand interaction. Using a reporter antibody (NKI-L16) that recognizes a Ca(2+)-dependent epitope on LFA-1, we found that Ca2+ can be bound by LFA-1 with different strength. We noticed that weak binding of Ca2+ is associated with a dispersed LFA-1 surface distribution on T cells and with non-responsiveness of these cells to stimuli known to activate LFA-1. In contrast, stable binding of Ca2+ by LFA-1 correlates with a patch-like surface distribution and vivid ligand binding after activation of LFA-1. Mg(2+)-dependent ligand binding does not affect binding of Ca2+ by LFA-1 as measured by NKI-L16 expression, suggesting that Mg2+ binds to a distinct site, and that both cations are important to mediate adhesion. Only Sr2+ ions can replace Ca2+ to express the L16 epitope, and to induce clustering of LFA-1 at the cell surface. We conclude that Ca2+ is involved in avidity regulation of LFA-1 by clustering of LFA-1 molecules at the cell surface, whereas Mg2+ is important in regulation of the affinity of LFA-1 for its ligands.

Integrin cytoplasmic domains mediate inside-out signal transduction

We analyzed the binding of fibronectin to integrin alpha 5 beta 1 in various cells; in some cells fibronectin bound with low affinity (e.g., K562 cells) whereas in others (e.g., CHO), it bound with high affinity (Kd approximately 100 nM) in an energy-dependent manner. We constructed chimeras of the extracellular and transmembrane domains of alpha IIb beta 3 joined to the cytoplasmic domains of alpha 5 beta 1. The affinity state of these chimeras was assessed by binding of fibrinogen or the monoclonal antibody, PAC1. The cytoplasmic domains of alpha 5 beta 1 conferred an energy-dependent high affinity state on alpha IIb beta 3 in CHO but not K562 cells. Three additional alpha cytoplasmic domains (alpha 2, alpha 6A, alpha 6B) conferred PAC1 binding in CHO cells, while three others (alpha M, alpha L, alpha v) did not. In the high affinity alpha chimeras, cotransfection with a truncated (beta 3 delta 724) or mutated (beta 3(S752-->P)) beta 3 subunit abolished high affinity binding. Thus, both cytoplasmic domains are required for energy-dependent, cell type-specific affinity modulation. In addition, mutations that disrupted a highly conserved alpha subunit GFFKR motif, resulted in high affinity binding of ligands to alpha IIb beta 3. In contrast to the chimeras, the high affinity state of these mutants was independent of cellular metabolism, cell type, and the bulk of the beta subunit cytoplasmic domain. Thus, integrin cytoplasmic domains mediate inside-out signaling. Furthermore, the highly conserved GFFKR motif of the alpha subunit cytoplasmic domain maintains the default low affinity state.

Proteolytic degradation of the RGD-binding and non-RGD-binding conformers of human platelet integrin glycoprotein IIb/IIIa: clues for identification of regions involved in the receptor's activation

The human integrin glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa plays a central role in haemostasis as an inducible receptor for fibrinogen and other RGD-containing adhesive proteins at the platelet plasma membrane. Expression of the fibrinogen receptor on platelet activation involves conformational changes in the quaternary structure of GPIIb/IIIa. Little is known, however, about the nature of this conformational transition. Given that isolated GPIIb/IIIa contains a mixture of RGD-binding and non-RGD-binding heterodimers, we used limited proteolysis as a tool for investigating the structural differences between the two conformers. Comparison of their fragmentation patterns shows that, whereas in the non-RGD-binding form of GPIIb/IIIa the N-terminal half of the heavy chain of GPIIb (GPIIbH) and the central region of GPIIIa are cleaved by endoproteinase Arg-C, these domains associate tightly with one another in the RGD-binding GPIIb/IIIa and are thus protected from proteolysis. In addition, the C-terminal half of GPIIb becomes more susceptible to degradation in the non-RGD-binding GPIIb/IIIa conformer. Our interpretation, in the context of available structural and functional data, is that a major relative reorientation of the GPIIbH and GPIIIa extracellular domains takes place along the subunit interface during the conformational transition of the platelet integrin.

Binding and internalization of microorganisms by integrin receptors

Many microbial pathogens bind host-cell integrin receptors. These interactions are promoted either by a host protein binding the microorganism or by a surface-localized ligand encoded by the pathogen. Attachment facilitates extracellular adhesion of the microorganism or internalization by the host cell.

Glanzmann thrombasthenia secondary to a Gly273-->Asp mutation adjacent to the first calcium-binding domain of platelet glycoprotein IIb

We studied the defect responsible for Glanzmann thrombasthenia in a patient whose platelets expressed < 5% of the normal amount of GPIIb-IIIa. Genetic and biochemical evidence indicated that the patient's GPIIIa genes were normal. However, DNA analysis revealed the patient homozygous for a G818-->A substitution in her GPIIb genes, resulting in a Gly273-->Asp substitution adjacent to the first GPIIb calcium-binding domain. To determine how this mutation impaired GPIIb-IIIa expression, recombinant GPIIb containing the mutation was coexpressed with GPIIIa in COS-1 cells. The GPIIb mutant formed stable GPIIb-IIIa heterodimers that were not immunoprecipitated by either of two heterodimer-specific monoclonal antibodies, indicating that the mutation disrupted the epitopes for these antibodies. Moreover, the GPIIb in the heterodimers was not cleaved into heavy and light chains, indicating that the heterodimers were not transported from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi complex where GPIIb cleavage occurs, nor were the mutant heterodimers expressed on the cell surface. These studies demonstrate that a Gly273-->Asp mutation in GPIIb does not prevent the assembly of GPIIb-IIIa heterodimers, but alters the conformation of these heterodimers sufficiently to impair their intracellular transport. The impaired GPIIb-IIIa transport is responsible for the thrombasthenia in this patient.

Modeling the alpha IIb beta 3 integrin solution conformation

The alpha IIb beta 3 platelet integrin is the prototypical member of a widely distributed class of transmembrane receptors formed by the noncovalent association of alpha and beta subunits. Electron microscopic (EM) images of the alpha IIb beta 3 complex show an asymmetric particle with a globular domain from which two extended regions protrude to contact the lipid bilayer. Distance constraints provided by disulfide bond patterns, epitope mapping, and ligand mimetic cross-linking studies rather suggest a somewhat more compact conformation for the alpha IIb beta 3 complex. We have studied the shape of detergent-solubilized alpha IIb beta 3 by employing a low-resolution modeling procedure in which each polypeptide has been represented as an array of interconnected, nonoverlapping spheres (beads) of various sizes. The number, size, and three-dimensional relationships among the beads were defined either solely by dimensions obtained from published EM images of integrin receptors (EM models, 21 beads), or solely by interdomain constraints derived from published biochemical data (biochemical model, 37 beads). Interestingly, although no EM data were employed in its construction, the resulting overall shape of the biochemical model was still compatible with the EM data. Both kinds of models were then evaluated for their calculated solution properties. The more elongated EM models have diffusion and sedimentation coefficients that differ, at best, by +2% and -18% from the experimental values, determined, respectively, in octyl glucoside and Triton X-100. On the other hand, the parameters calculated for the more compact biochemical model showed a more consistent agreement with experimental values, differing by -7% (octyl glucoside) to -6% (Triton X-100). Thus, it appears that using the biochemical constraints as a starting point has resulted in not only a more detailed model of the detergent-solubilized alpha IIb beta 3 complex, where the relative spatial location of specific domains the size of 5-10 kDa can be tentatively mapped, but in a model that can also reconcile the electron microscopy with the biochemical and the solution data.

Functional down-regulation of alpha 5 beta 1 integrin in keratinocytes is reversible but commitment to terminal differentiation is not

Extracellular matrix receptors of the integrin family have a dual role in the epidermis, regulating both adhesion and differentiation. Loss of contact with the extracellular matrix causes keratinocytes to become committed to terminal differentiation, and results in a decrease in the ability of the alpha 5 beta 1 integrin to bind fibronectin. We have investigated whether the decrease in ligand-binding ability is reversible and, if so, whether commitment to terminal differentiation can also be reversed. Keratinocytes that had been placed in suspension for 5 hours to induce commitment were compared with the starting population (0 hour cells) in the presence or absence of 8A2, an activating anti-beta 1 antibody. 8A2 IgG or FAb fragments increased the amount of alpha 5 beta 1 in cell extracts that bound to fibronectin-Sepharose and in the presence of 8A2 the amount of bound alpha 5 beta 1 in 0 hour and 5 hour extracts was equal. 8A2 also restored alpha 5 beta 1 function in adhesion assays of intact 5 hour cells. Ca2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+ alone, at concentrations of up to 1 mM, did not increase the adhesiveness of 5 hour cells relative to 0 hour cells; however, the effect of 8A2 on keratinocytes was dependent on Ca2+. Although 8A2 restored alpha 5 beta 1 ligand-binding ability it did not prevent committed cells from withdrawing from the cell cycle and expressing involucrin, a differentiation marker.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Functional properties of alternatively spliced forms of the Drosophila PS2 integrin alpha subunit

The Drosophila alpha PS2 protein is encoded by two alternatively spliced transcripts. The respective alpha PS2 proteins differ by the presence of 25 amino acids in the alpha PS2(C) protein, not found in the alpha PS2(m8) subunit, in a region thought to be important for ligand binding. We examined the functional properties of Drosophila S2 cells transformed with genes expressing either of these proteins, in association with a beta PS subunit. Both PS2 integrins support cell spreading on vertebrate vitronectin or, to a lesser extent, on fibronectin. Interestingly, the PS2(C) form promotes spreading more efficiently on vitronectin than does the PS2(m8) form, with an opposite relative efficiency seen for fibronectin. Also, the two forms of PS2 show different requirements for divalent cations in order to mediate efficient cell spreading. These divalent cations are not required to maintain the association of alpha and beta subunits. Spreading of both cell types is similarly RGD sensitive, and both PS2 integrins appear to associate with the actin cytoskeleton. To our knowledge, this represents the first demonstration of functional differences in integrin subunits resulting from splicing variation to generate different extracellular, ligand binding domains.

Mutation of putative divalent cation sites in the alpha 4 subunit of the integrin VLA-4: distinct effects on adhesion to CS1/fibronectin, VCAM-1, and invasin

To investigate the functional significance of putative integrin divalent cation binding sites, several mutated alpha 4 subunit cDNAs were constructed. Mutants contained the conservative substitution of Glu for Asp or Asn at the third position in each of three putative divalent cation sites. Transfection of wild-type or mutated alpha 4 into K562 cells yielded comparable expression levels and immunoprecipitation profiles. However, for all three alpha 4 mutants, adhesion to CS1/fibronectin was greatly diminished in either the presence or absence of the stimulatory anti-beta 1 mAb TS2/16. Constitutive adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) 1 was also diminished but, unlike CS1 adhesion, was restored upon TS2/16 stimulation. In contrast, adhesion to the bacterial protein invasin was minimally affected by any of the three mutations. For each of the mutants, the order of preference for divalent cations was unchanged compared to wild-type alpha 4, on CS1/fibronectin (Mn2+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+), on VCAM-1 (Mn2+ > Mg2+ = Ca2+) and on invasin (Mg2+ = Ca2+). However for the three mutants, the efficiency of divalent cation utilization was decreased. On VCAM-1, 68-108 microM Mn2+ was required to support half-maximal adhesion for the mutants compared with 14-18 microM for wild-type alpha 4. These results indicate (a) that three different ligands for VLA-4 show widely differing sensitivities to mutations within putative divalent cation sites, and (b) each of the three putative divalent cation sites in alpha 4 have comparable functional importance with respect to both divalent cation usage and cell adhesion.

Structure/function analysis of the integrin beta 1 subunit by epitope mapping

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been produced against the chicken beta 1 subunit that affect integrin functions, including ligand binding, alpha subunit association, and regulation of ligand specificity. Epitope mapping of these antibodies was used to identify regions of the subunit involved in these functions. To accomplish this, we produced mouse/chicken chimeric beta 1 subunits and expressed them in mouse 3T3 cells. These chimeric subunits were fully functional with respect to heterodimer formation, cell surface expression, and cell adhesion. They differed in their ability to react with a panel anti-chicken beta 1 mAbs. Epitopes were identified by a loss of antibody binding upon substitution of regions of the chicken beta 1 subunit by homologous regions of the mouse beta 1 subunit. The identification of the epitope was confirmed by a reciprocal exchange of chicken and mouse beta 1 domains that resulted in the gain of the ability of the mouse subunit to interact with a particular anti-chicken beta 1 mAb. Using this approach, we found that the epitopes for one set of antibodies that block ligand binding mapped toward the amino terminal region of the beta 1 subunit. This region is homologous to a portion of the ligand-binding domain of the beta 3 subunit. In addition, a second set of antibodies that either block ligand binding, alter ligand specificity, or induce alpha/beta subunit dissociation mapped to the cysteine rich repeats near the transmembrane domain of the molecule. These data are consistent with a model in which a portion of beta 1 ligand binding domain rests within the amino terminal 200 amino acids and a regulatory domain, that affects ligand binding through secondary changes in the structure of the molecule resides in a region of the subunit, possibly including the cysteine-rich repeats, nearer the transmembrane domain. The data also suggest the possibility that the alpha subunit may exert an influence on ligand specificity by interacting with this regulatory domain of the beta 1 subunit.

Localization of an O-glycosylation site in the alpha-subunit of the human platelet integrin GPIIb/IIIa involved in Baka (HPA-3a) alloantigen expression

The human alloantigen system Baka/b is associated with a Ile843-->Ser replacement on platelet glycoprotein IIb, the alpha-subunit of the integrin receptor for fibrinogen (GPIIb/IIIa). Recent immunological studies indicate that sialylated oligosaccharide chain(s) are also implicated in expression of the Baka determinant. Here we show that the GPIIb fragment 704-856 contains the whole Baka epitope, and that chemical cleavage of a single O-linked oligosaccharide chain within this GPIIb domain correlates with the loss of its anti-Baka antibodies binding ability. Ser847 was identified as the O-glycosylation site. Therefore, our results show that the Ser847 modification is responsible for the expression of the GPIIb-specific Baka alloantigen, and provide thus a link between the molecular biology and the immunologic observations.

Adhesion molecules and their role in cancer metastasis

This article describes various adhesion molecules and reviews evidence to support a mechanistic role for adhesion molecules in the process of cancer metastasis. A variety of evidence supports the involvement of specific adhesion molecules in metastasis. 1. For example, some cancer cells metastasize to specific organs, irrespective of the first organ encountered by the circulating cancer cells. This ability to colonize a specific organ has been correlated with the preferential adhesion of the cancer cells to endothelial cells derived from the target organ. This suggests that cancer cell/endothelial cell adhesion is involved in cancer cell metastasis and that adhesion molecules are expressed on the endothelium in an organ-specific manner. 2. Further, inclusion of peptides that inhibit cell adhesion, such as the YIGSR- or RGD-containing peptides, is capable of inhibiting experimental metastasis. 3. Metastasis can be enhanced by acute or chronic inflammation of target vessels, or by treatment of animals with inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1. In vitro, cancer cell/endothelial cell adhesion can be enhanced by pretreating the endothelial cell monolayer with cytokines, such as interleukin-1 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. This suggests that, in addition to organ-specific adhesion molecules, a population of inducible endothelial adhesion molecules is involved and is relevant to metastasis. 4. Further support for this model is found in the comparison to leukocyte/endothelial adhesion during leukocyte trafficking. Convincing evidence exists, both in vivo and in vitro, to demonstrate an absolute requirement for leukocyte/endothelial adhesion before leukocyte extravasation can occur. The relevance of this comparison to metastasis is reinforced by the observation that some of the adhesion molecules involved in leukocyte/endothelial adhesion are also implicated in cancer cell/endothelial adhesion. The involvement of adhesion molecules suggests a potential therapy for metastasis based on interrupting adhesive interactions that would augment other treatments for primary tumors.

Distinct functions of integrin alpha and beta subunit cytoplasmic domains in cell spreading and formation of focal adhesions

Integrin-mediated cell adhesion often results in cell spreading and the formation of focal adhesions. We exploited the capacity of recombinant human alpha IIb beta 3 integrin to endow heterologous cells with the ability to adhere and spread on fibrinogen to study the role of integrin cytoplasmic domains in initiation of cell spreading and focal adhesions. The same constructs were also used to analyze the role of the cytoplasmic domains in maintenance of the fidelity of the integrin repertoire at focal adhesions. Truncation mutants of the cytoplasmic domain of alpha IIb did not interfere with the ability of alpha IIb beta 3 to initiate cell spreading and form focal adhesions. Nevertheless, deletion of the alpha IIb cytoplasmic domain allowed indiscriminate recruitment of alpha IIb beta 3 to focal adhesions formed by other integrins. Truncation of the beta 3 subunit cytoplasmic domain abolished cell spreading mediated by alpha IIb beta 3 and also abrogated recruitment of alpha IIb beta 3 to focal adhesions. This truncation also dramatically impaired the ability of alpha IIb beta 3 to mediate the contraction of fibrin gels. In contrast, the beta 3 subunit cytoplasmic truncation did not reduce the fibrinogen binding affinity of alpha IIb beta 3. Thus, the integrin beta 3 subunit cytoplasmic domain is necessary and sufficient for initiation of cell spreading and focal adhesion formation. Further, the beta 3 cytoplasmic domain is required for the transmission of intracellular contractile forces to fibrin gels. The alpha subunit cytoplasmic domain maintains the fidelity of recruitment of the integrins to focal adhesions and thus regulates their repertoire of integrins.

A novel, tissue-specific integrin subunit, beta nu, expressed in the midgut of Drosophila melanogaster

The integrins are a family of cell surface receptors for extracellular matrix proteins and counter-receptors on other cells. We have used the polymerase chain reaction to identify a novel integrin receptor beta subunit in Drosophila melanogaster. The deduced amino acid sequence of this subunit, which we have termed beta v (beta-neu), indicates that it has several unusual properties. The beta v subunit is roughly 33% identical with each of the previously sequenced vertebrate and Drosophila beta subunits and is lacking four of the 56 cysteine residues characteristic of most members of this protein family. The expression of the beta v gene is strikingly restricted. It is temporally regulated, with maximal expression occurring at 12–15 hours of embryonic development. In situ hybridization analyses and antibody localization on whole-mount embryos reveal that beta v expression is tissue-specific and confined to the developing midgut endoderm and its precursors during embryogenesis. Tissue specificity of expression is maintained through later stages of development as beta v transcripts are found exclusively in the larval midgut. Within this structure, beta v transcripts are especially concentrated in the cells of the midgut imaginal islands which give rise to the adult midgut.

The integrin VLA-2 binds echovirus 1 and extracellular matrix ligands by different mechanisms

The integrin VLA-2 mediates cell adhesion to collagen and laminin and also functions as a virus receptor, mediating cell surface attachment and infection by a human pathogen, echovirus 1. To determine whether extracellular matrix proteins and virus interact with VLA-2 in the same manner, we carried out a detailed comparison of these two functions and found that they differed markedly in six different respects. In contrast to the ECM/VLA-2 interaction, echovirus 1 binding did not discriminate between functional forms of VLA-2, showed a different pattern of inhibition by anti-beta1 and -alpha 2 antibodies, was not stimulated by phorbol esters, was not activated by beta 1 antibodies that stimulate ECM binding, was not inhibited by any particular divalent cation, and most notably was not inhibited by EDTA. These striking differences were found both with intact cells expressing VLA-2 and with solubilized VLA-2, suggesting that VLA-2 interacts with these different ligands by markedly different mechanisms, and probably at different functional sites. In addition, alterations in the alpha 2 cytoplasmic domain that had marked effects on cellular responses to collagen and laminin had no effect on virus internalization and cell killing. Thus VLA-2-mediated events that occur after receptor occupancy by extracellular matrix proteins also appear to be distinct from those that occur after receptor interaction with virus.

Dynamic aspects of adhesion receptor function--integrins both twist and shout

The recognition of extracellular molecules by cell surface receptors is the principal mechanism used by cells to sense their environment. Consequently, signals transduced as a result of these interactions make a major contribution to the regulation of cellular phenotype. Historically, particular emphasis has been placed on elucidating the intracellular consequences of growth factor and cytokine binding to cells. In addition to these interactions, however, cells are usually in intimate contact with a further source of complex structural and functional information, namely immobilised extracellular matrix and/or cell surface adhesion proteins. A key question in recent years has been whether cells use the myriad of adhesion protein-receptor interactions purely for structural and migratory function, or whether these interactions also make a more varied contribution to cell phenotype. Here we review dynamic aspects of the function of one major class of adhesion receptor, the integrins. In particular, we focus on the evidence for shape changes in integrin molecules, the mechanisms responsible for regulating ligand binding, and the signals transduced following integrin occupancy.

Divalent cation-dependent adhesion at the myotendinous junction: ultrastructure and mechanics of failure

Junctional microfibrils, which span the lamina lucida of the vertebrate myotendinous junction, are thought to function in force transmission at the junction. This hypothesis has been tested by disrupting junctional microfibrils through elimination of extracellular divalent cations, and determining the effects of this treatment on the ultrastructure and mechanics of whole frog skeletal muscles passively stretched to failure. Muscles incubated in divalent cation-free solution failed exclusively in the lamina lucida of the myotendinous junction, while control muscles all failed within the muscle fibres, several millimetres away from the junction. Failure sites from divalent cation-free muscles incubated with antibodies against collagen type IV, laminin, and tenascin showed no labelling of the avulsed ends of the muscle fibres, indicating that remnants of junctional microfibrils observed on the cell surface are not composed of any of these extracellular proteins. All three proteins were present on the tendon side of the failure site, confirming that the lamina densa remains attached to the tendon. Breaking stress for control muscles was 3.47 x 10(5) N m-2, and for divalent cation-free muscles, 1.84 x 10(5) N m-2, or approximately half the control value. Breaking strain averaged 1.17 for divalent cation-free muscles and 1.39 for controls, although the difference was not significant. We conclude that junctional microfibrils are components of a divalent cation-dependent adhesion mechanism at the myotendinous junction. In addition, ultrastructural analysis of divalent cation-free fibres stretched just short of failure suggests that a second, divalent cation-independent mechanism persists along the non-junctional cell surface, and can transmit substantial passive tension from myofibrils laterally to the extracellular matrix, bypassing the failed myotendinous junction.

Effects of polystyrene surface chemistry on the biological activity of solid phase fibronectin and vitronectin, analysed with monoclonal antibodies

The conformation and biological activities of fibronectin (FN) and vitronectin (VN) coated on different plastic surfaces were investigated using cell adhesion and a panel of domain-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The adhesion of BHK fibroblasts was markedly better on FN coated on hydrophilic tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) than on hydrophobic, untreated polystyrene (PS). mAbs A17 and 3E3, which inhibit the binding of BHK cells to the RGD-containing sequence within the cell binding region of FN, also bound preferentially to FN on TCPS. In contrast, two anti-FN mAbs, which have no effect on cell adhesion (A35 and A3), bound preferentially to the conformation of FN on the more hydrophobic PS. Mouse melanoma cells utilise an additional cell-binding site in the Hep II domain of FN and their preference for FN coated on TCPS was less marked than that of BHK cells. This reduced preference was again mimicked by the binding of a mAb, A32, which inhibits the binding of B16 cells to the Hep II domain of FN. In contrast, BHK cell adhesion to VN did not display a preference for TCPS over PS. The cell-binding activity of adsorbed VN was matched by the binding of a cell adhesion-inhibitory mAb, A18, which, unlike mAbs A17 and A32, displayed slightly increased binding to VN coated on PS, rather than TCPS. When the denaturating effect of coating FN and VN to PS in the presence of urea was investigated, similar correlations between BHK cell adhesion and the binding of inhibitory mAbs were observed. Urea treatment of FN significantly reduced both BHK cell adhesion and the binding of both cell adhesion-inhibitory mAbs, whereas the binding of A35 and A3 was unaffected. There was no significant effect of urea treatment of VN upon either BHK cell adhesion or mAb binding. A larger panel of anti-FN mAbs was used, together with the anti-VN mAbs, to determine whether there were differences in mAb recognition of FN and VN adsorbed on three different brands of TCPS. The mAbs segregated into four reactivity patterns, of which A17, A32, A35 and A18 respectively were representative. Significant differences were observed in mAb recognition of FN and VN adsorbed to different brands of TCPS. These may reflect differences in the ability of these surfaces to support optimal growth of different cell types. The effect of divalent cations upon adsorbed FN and VN was also investigated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Identification of a nonsense mutation at amino acid 584-arginine of platelet glycoprotein IIb in patients with type I Glanzmann thrombasthenia

Using Southern blot, the restriction digests of genomic DNAs in 11 patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia from 10 unrelated kindreds were probed with a full-length GPIIb cDNA. An additional 2.3 kb Taq I fragment and two 1.65 kb and 0.65 kb fragments with reduced band intensity were found in the genes of two affected siblings from a family originating from the city of Huang Yan in the Zhejiang province. The Taq I digest of the abnormal gene was further probed with three portions of GPIIb cDNA, revealing that the heterozygous mutation was present in the region around exons 15-17 of the GPIIb gene. Two primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were then designed, and a 394 bp PCR product was generated and sequenced, indicating that a stop codon (TGA) was substituted for an Arg codon (CGA) at amino acid position 584 of GPIIb, and resulted in a premature termination of translation and production of a shortened protein. The Western blot analysis showed that GPIIIa at the platelet surface was apparently deficient, it may be ascribed to the rapid turn-over of GPIIIa uncomplexed with the truncated GPIIb. The abnormal 2.3 kb Taq I fragment was used as a specific genetic marker to detect the carrier status of the patient family. The abnormal allele was proved to be derived from the mother, the two affected siblings are double heterozygotes, and one clinically unaffected daughter has also inherited this defective allele, while the father carries another recessive abnormal allele unidentified.

The I domain is a major recognition site on the leukocyte integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) for four distinct adhesion ligands

Despite the identification and characterization of several distinct ligands for the leukocyte integrin (CD11/CD18) family of adhesion receptors, little is known about the structural regions on these molecules that mediate ligand recognition. In this report, we use alpha subunit chimeras of Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) and p150,95 (CD11c/CD18), and an extended panel of newly generated and previously characterized mAbs specific to the alpha chain of Mac-1 to map the binding sites for four distinct ligands for Mac-1: iC3b, fibrinogen, ICAM-1, and the as-yet uncharacterized counter-receptor responsible for neutrophil homotypic adhesion. Epitopes of mAbs that blocked ligand binding were mapped with the chimeras and used to localize the ligand recognition sites because the data obtained from functional assays with the Mac-1/p150,95 chimeras were not easily interpreted. Results show that the I domain on the alpha chain of Mac-1 is an important recognition site for all four ligands, and that the NH2-terminal and perhaps divalent cation binding regions but not the COOH-terminal segment may contribute. The recognition sites in the I domain appear overlapping but not identical as individual Mac-1-ligand interactions are distinguished by the discrete patterns of inhibitory mAbs. Additionally, we find that the alpha subunit NH2-terminal region and divalent cation binding region, despite being separated by over 200 amino acids of the I domain, appear structurally apposed because three mAbs require the presence of both of these regions for antigenic reactivity, and chimeras that contain the NH2 terminus of p150,95 require the divalent cation binding region of p150,95 to associate firmly with the beta subunit.

A subpopulation of Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) molecules mediates neutrophil adhesion to ICAM-1 and fibrinogen

We report that a subpopulation (10%) of the Mac-1 (CD1 1b/CD18) molecules on activated neutrophils mediates adhesion to ICAM-1 and fibrinogen. We describe a novel mAb (CBRM1/5) that binds to an activation-specific neoepitope on a subset of Mac-1 molecules on neutrophils and monocytes after stimulation with chemoattractants or phorobol esters but does not recognize Mac-1 on resting myeloid cells. CBRM1/5 immunoprecipitates a subpopulation of Mac-1 molecules from detergent lysates of neutrophils, binds to immunoaffinity-purified Mac-1, and localizes to the I domain on the alpha chain of Mac-1. Because CBRM1/5 recognizes a fraction of Mac-1 on activated neutrophils, but still blocks Mac-1-dependent adhesion to fibrinogen and ICAM-1, we suggest that only a small subset of Mac-1 molecules is competent to mediate adhesion.