Variants of the cell recognition site of fibronectin that retain attachment-promoting activity

Opsonic effect of fibronectin on staphylococcal phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: its relative inefficiency in post-phagocytic metabolic activities and in intracellular killing

The binding of 125I-labeled human plasma fibronectin (FN) to two strains of live Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (a coagulase-positive Cowan I and a coagulase-negative Newman D2C) and the opsonic effect of FN on phagocytosis of these bacteria by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) have been studied. 125I-FN bound to a similar extent in both staphylococcal strains. The 125I-FN-binding was significantly inhibited by human fibrinogen as well as unlabeled FN. The FN-binding was also reduced markedly by trypsinization of these bacteria, but the extent of its decrease did not correlate with their tryptic susceptibility of protein A and clumping factor. FN enhanced the uptake of these bacteria by PMN. However, its binding had no effect on superoxide anion (O2-) generation. The FN-binding definitely stimulated staphylococcal ingestion and intracellular killing by PMN, but the extent of such promotion was dissimilar between these two strains of bacteria. These results suggest that post-phagocytic metabolic activities as well as intracellular killing of these Staphylococci may also be greatly influenced by FN-unrelated factors as are other bacteria having no FN-receptors.

The extracellular matrix of the central and peripheral nervous systems: structure and function

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the naturally occurring substrate upon which cells migrate, proliferate, and differentiate. The ECM functions as a biological adhesive that maintains the normal cytoarchitecture of different tissues and defines the key spatial relationships among dissimilar cell types. A loss of coordination and an alteration in the interactions between mesenchymal cells and epithelial cells separated by an ECM are thought to be fundamental steps in the development and progression of cancer. Although a substantial body of knowledge has been accumulated concerning the role of the ECM in most other tissues, much less is known of the structure and function of the ECM in the nervous system. Recent experiments in mammalian systems have shown that an increased knowledge of the ECM in the nervous system can lead to a better understanding of complex neurobiological processes under developmental, normal, and pathological conditions. This review focuses on the structure and function of the ECM in the peripheral and central nervous systems and on the importance of ECM macromolecules in axonal regeneration, cerebral edema, and cerebral neoplasia.

Complement receptor type 3 (CR3) binds to an Arg-Gly-Asp-containing region of the major surface glycoprotein, gp63, of Leishmania promastigotes

The major surface glycoprotein of Leishmania promastigotes, gp63, was isolated and reconstituted into a lipid membrane immobilized on the surface of 5-micron-diameter silica beads. These beads bound to the macrophage (MO), and the extent of binding correlated with the density of gp63 on the bead. The bead thus facilitated analysis of the binding specificity of a single ligand, gp63, without contribution from other molecules present on the surface of intact promastigotes. Plating of MO onto substrates coated with antibodies directed against several cell surface receptors indicated that the complement receptor CR3 was necessary for binding gp63. CR3 recognizes a portion of C3 that contains the sequence R G D. Since gp63 also contains such a sequence, we tested the ability of a synthetic peptide based on the R G D-containing region of gp63 to inhibit the binding of gp63 beads. The R G D-containing peptide from gp63 inhibited the binding of both gp63 beads and EC3bi to MO. Similarly, peptides previously shown to inhibit the binding of C3bi also inhibited the attachment of gp63 beads. The synthetic peptide from the R G D region of gp63 also reduced the binding of intact promastigotes to MO. These results indicate that gp63 binds directly to CR3.

Preferential expression of fibronectin receptors on immature thymocytes

Fibronectin-adherent (FNR+) thymocytes are enriched for immature (CD4-8-) and large (CD4+8+) cells, and depleted of mature (CD4-8+ and CD4+8-) and nonmature small (CD4+8+) cells. Among purified CD4-8- thymocytes, cells with the surface marker J11d and the IL-2 receptor, which can give rise to all other thymocyte subsets, showed selective attachment to fibronectin. Analysis of FNR+ thymocytes showed that such cells are greatly enriched for cells in cycle. Additionally, FNR+ cells expressed low levels of T cell receptor. These results suggest a role for the fibronectin receptor during the early, proliferative phase of thymocyte differentiation. The data suggest that loss of the fibronectin receptor is a hallmark of cells that have become committed either to functional maturation or to programmed cell death.

Differential effects of laminin, intact type IV collagen, and specific domains of type IV collagen on endothelial cell adhesion and migration

Laminin and type IV collagen were compared for the ability to promote aortic endothelial cell adhesion and directed migration in vitro. Substratum-adsorbed IV promoted aortic endothelial cell adhesion in a concentration dependent fashion attaining a maximum level 141-fold greater than controls within 30 min. Aortic endothelial cell adhesion to type IV collagen was not inhibited by high levels (10(-3) M) of arginyl-glycyl-aspartyl-serine. In contrast, adhesion of aortic endothelial cells on laminin was slower, attaining only 53% of the adhesion observed on type IV collagen by 90 min. Type IV collagen when added to the lower well of a Boyden chamber stimulated the directional migration of aortic endothelial cells in a concentration dependent manner with a maximal response 6.9-fold over control levels, whereas aortic endothelial cells did not migrate in response to laminin at any concentration (.01-2.0 X 10(-7) M). Triple helix-rich fragments of type IV collagen were nearly as active as intact type IV collagen in stimulating both adhesion and migration whereas the carboxy terminal globular domain was less active at promoting adhesion (36% of the adhesion promoted by intact type IV collagen) or migration. Importantly, aortic endothelial cells also migrate to substratum adsorbed gradients of type IV collagen suggesting that the mechanism of migration is haptotactic in nature. These results demonstrate that the aortic endothelial cell adhesion and migration is preferentially promoted by type IV collagen compared with laminin, and has a complex molecular basis which may be important in angiogenesis and large vessel repair.

Expression and function of cell surface extracellular matrix receptors in mouse blastocyst attachment and outgrowth

Mouse-hatched blastocysts cultured in vitro will attach and form outgrowths of trophoblast cells on appropriate substrates, providing a model for implantation. Immediately after hatching, the surfaces of blastocysts are quiescent and are not adhesive. Over the period 24-36 h post-hatching, blastocysts cultured in serum-free medium become adhesive and attach and spread on the extracellular matrix components fibronectin, laminin, and collagen type IV in a ligand specific manner. Attachment and trophoblast outgrowth on these substrates can be inhibited by addition to the culture medium of an antibody, anti-ECMr (anti-extracellular matrix receptor), that recognizes a group of 140-kD glycoproteins similar to those of the 140-kD extracellular matrix receptor complex (integrin) recognized in avian cells by CSAT and JG22 monoclonal antibodies. Addition to the culture medium of a synthetic peptide containing the Arg-Gly-Asp tripeptide cell recognition sequence of fibronectin inhibits trophoblast outgrowth on both laminin and fibronectin. However, the presence of the peptide does not affect attachment of the blastocysts to either ligand. Immunoprecipitation of 125I surface-labeled embryos using anti-ECMr reveals that antigens recognized by this antibody are exposed on the surfaces of embryos at a time when they are spreading on the substrate, but are not detectable immediately after hatching. Immunofluorescence experiments show that both the ECMr antigens and the cytoskeletal proteins vinculin and talin are enriched on the cell processes and ventral surfaces of trophectoderm cells in embryo outgrowths, in patterns similar to those seen in fibroblasts, and consistent with their role in adhesion of the trophoblast cells to the substratum.

Receptor- and heparin-binding domains of basic fibroblast growth factor

Two functional domains in the primary structure of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) have been identified on the basis of their ability to interact with the FGF receptor, bind radiolabeled heparin, and modulate the cellular response to FGF. Peptides derived from these two functional domains can act as partial agonists and antagonists in biological assays of FGF activity. Peptides related to the sequences of FGF-(24-68)-NH2 and FGF-(106-115)-NH2 inhibit thymidine incorporation into 3T3 fibroblasts when they are stimulated by FGF but have no effect when the cells are treated with either platelet-derived growth factor or epidermal growth factor. They also possess partial agonist activity and can stimulate DNA synthesis when tested in the absence of exogenous FGF. The active peptides have no effect on the binding of epidermal growth factor to its receptor on A431 cells and they can modulate the effects of FGF, but not fibronectin, on endothelial cell adhesion. The results suggest the possibility of designing specific analogs of FGF that are capable of inhibiting the biological effects of FGF.

Focal adhesions and cell-matrix interactions

Focal adhesions are areas of cell surfaces where specializations of cytoskeletal, membrane and extracellular components combine to produce stable cell-matrix interactions. The morphology of these adhesions and the components identified in them are discussed together with possible mechanisms of their formation.

Investigation of the biological effects of anti-cell adhesive synthetic peptides that inhibit experimental metastasis of B16-F10 murine melanoma cells

The experimental metastasis of B16-F10 murine melanoma cells is blocked by the anti-cell adhesive pentapeptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (GRGDS) derived from the central cell-binding domain of fibronectin. In this report, we show that peptide treatment substantially extends the survival time for mice injected intravenously with B16-F10 cells (8/8 vs. 0/8 mice alive at 150 d), thereby demonstrating the potential efficacy of GRGDS treatment in protection against metastatic colonization. We have also examined the specificity of GRGDS activity by testing a series of related homologues for their effects on experimental metastasis. The overall profile of the relative inhibitory activities of these peptides closely matched their previously established capacity to disrupt adhesion in vitro. Lung retention studies with radiolabeled B16-F10 cells revealed an accelerated rate of cell loss from the lung 0-6 h after coinjection with the active peptide GRGDS. This early effect of GRGDS was consistent with its short circulatory half-life, which was found to be 8 min. Taken together, these results suggest that peptide-mediated inhibition of pulmonary colonization is due to interference with B16-F10 cell adhesion to structures in the target organ. Possible peptide interference in tumor cell-blood cell interactions was examined in order to assess (a) possible biological side-effects of peptide treatment and (b) whether such interactions might be an alternative mechanism for GRGDS-mediated inhibition of pulmonary colonization. GRGDS was found to retain full inhibitory activity when coinjected with B16-F10 cells into mice in which platelet function was impaired by acetylsalicylic acid treatment or into thrombocytopenic mice treated with antiplatelet serum (76-93% inhibition of colony formation). These data suggest that platelet involvement in the effects of the peptide is minimal. Similarly, GRGDS was also found to be a potent inhibitor of experimental metastasis in natural killer (NK) cell-deficient beige mice (86% inhibition), thereby discounting the possibility that GRGDS artifactually enhanced NK cell activity. We conclude as a result of these studies that cell-binding fibronectin peptides are specific inhibitors of experimental metastasis that prolong survival, that they appear to function by blocking the adhesion of B16-F10 cells to structures in the target organ, and that they do not appear to act through side effects on certain metastasis-related blood cell functions. In the future, derivatives of fibronectin peptides may be potentially useful prophylactic agents for interfering with the process of metastasis.

Inhibition of in vitro tumor cell invasion by Arg-Gly-Asp-containing synthetic peptides

The interaction of cells with extracellular matrix components such as fibronectin, vitronectin, and type I collagen has been shown to be mediated through a family of cell-surface receptors that specifically recognize an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) amino acid sequence within each protein. Synthetic peptides containing the RGD sequence can inhibit these receptor-ligand interactions. Here, we use novel RGD-containing synthetic peptides with different inhibition properties to investigate the role of the various RGD receptors in tumor cell invasion. The RGD-containing peptides used include peptides that inhibit the attachment of cells to fibronectin and vitronectin, a peptide that inhibits attachment to fibronectin but not to vitronectin, a cyclic peptide with the opposite specificity, and a peptide, GRGDTP, that inhibits attachment to type I collagen in addition to inhibiting attachment to fibronectin and vitronectin. The penetration of two human melanoma cell lines and a glioblastoma cell line through the human amniotic basement membrane and its underlying stroma was inhibited by all of the RGD-containing peptides except for the one that inhibits only the vitronectin attachment. Various control peptides lacking RGD showed essentially no inhibition. This inhibitory effect on cell invasion was dose-dependent and nontoxic. A hexapeptide, GRGDTP, that inhibits the attachment of cells to type I collagen in addition to inhibiting fibronectin- and vitronectin-mediated attachment was more inhibitory than those RGD peptides that inhibit only fibronectin and vitronectin attachment. Analysis of the location of these cells that were prevented from invading indicated that they attached to the amniotic basement membrane but did not proceed further into the tissue. These results suggest that interactions between RGD-containing extracellular matrix adhesion proteins and cells are necessary for cell invasion through tissues and that fibronectin and type I collagen are important for this process.

Human basement membrane collagen (type IV). The amino acid sequence of the alpha 2(IV) chain and its comparison with the alpha 1(IV) chain reveals deletions in the alpha 1(IV) chain

The cDNA and protein sequences of the N-terminal 60% of the alpha 2(IV) chain of human basement membrane collagen have been determined. By repeated primer extension with synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides and mRNA from either HT1080 cells or human placenta overlapping clones were obtained which cover 3414 bp. The derived protein sequence allows for the first time a comparison and alignment of both alpha chains of type IV collagen from the N terminus. This alignment reveals an additional 43 amino acid residues in the alpha 2(IV) chain as compared to the alpha 1(IV) chain. 21 of these additional residues form a disulfide-bridged loop within the triple helix which is unique among all known collagens.

Primary structure of rat chromogranin A and distribution of its mRNA

The primary structure of rat chromogranin A has been deduced from a rat adrenal cDNA clone. A comparison of rat and bovine chromogranin A reveals similar features: clusters of polyglutamic acid, similar amino acid composition, position of seven of 10 pairs of basic amino acids, identical placement of the only two cysteine residues, a highly conserved N- and C-terminus, and a sequence homologous to porcine pancreastatin 1-49 [(1986) Nature 324, 476-478]. Unique features of rat chromogranin A are an eicosaglutamine sequence and two potential N-linked glycosylation sites. Chromogranin A mRNA is detectable in adrenal medulla, anterior pituitary, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus, as well as tumor cell lines derived from pancreas, pituitary, and adrenal medulla.

Type 1 transforming growth factor beta: amplified expression and secretion of mature and precursor polypeptides in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Recombinant type 1 transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) was expressed to high levels in CHO cells by using dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) gene amplification. The expression plasmid was derived from the pSV2 vectors and contained, in tandem, the simian TGF-beta and mouse dhfr cDNAs. Transcription of both cDNAs was controlled by the simian virus 40 early promoter. Stepwise selection of transfected CHO cells in increasing concentrations of methotrexate yielded cell lines that expressed amplified TGF-beta nucleic acid sequences. The expression plasmid DNA was amplified greater than 35-fold in one of the methotrexate-selected transfectants. The major proteins secreted by these cells consisted of latent TGF-beta and TGF-beta precursor polypeptides, as judged by immunoblots by using site-specific anti-peptide antibodies derived from various regions of the TGF-beta precursor. Levels of recombinant TGF-beta protein secreted by these cells approached 30 micrograms/24 h per 10(7) cells and required prior acidification for optimal activity; nonacidified supernatants were approximately 1% as active as acidified material. Antibodies directed toward sequences present in the mature growth factor readily identified a proteolytically processed recombinant TGF-beta which, on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, comigrated with highly purified natural TGF-beta. In addition to mature recombinant TGF-beta, site-specific antibodies demonstrated the existence of larger TGF-beta precursor polypeptides. The availability of biologically active recombinant type 1 TGF-beta and precursor forms should provide a means to examine the structure, function, and potential in vivo therapeutic use of this growth factor.

Complete primary structure of the alpha 1-chain of human basement membrane (type IV) collagen

We have determined the primary structure of the alpha 1(IV)-chain of human type IV collagen by nucleotide sequencing of overlapping cDNA clones that were isolated from a human placental cDNA library. The present data provide the sequence of 295 amino acids not previously determined. Altogether, the alpha 1(IV)-chain contains 1642 amino acids and has a molecular mass of 157625 Da. There are 1413 residues in the collagenous domain and 229 amino acids in the carboxy-terminal globular domain. The human alpha 1(IV)-chain contains a total of 21 interruptions in the collagenous Gly-X-Y repeat sequence. These interruptions vary in length between two and eleven residues. The alpha 1(IV)-chain contains four cysteine residues in the triple-helical domain, four cysteines in the 15-residue long noncollagenous sequence at the amino-terminus and 12 cysteines in the carboxy-terminal NC-domain.

Blood elements at surfaces: platelets

This brief review is designed to highlight the limitations of our knowledge given the difficulties in simulating the in vivo condition in models established in vitro and ex vivo. Despite this uncertainty, mounting evidence indicates that the GPIIb-IIIa receptor mediates crucial platelet functions and that control over its interactions may offer the potential for altering platelet behavior in vivo. Since this receptor appears to be part of a generalized family of adhesive protein receptors that utilize the tripeptide RGD as a recognition signal, insights derived from platelet function may have broad biological implications.

Interactions of a neuronal cell line (PC12) with laminin, collagen IV, and fibronectin: identification of integrin-related glycoproteins involved in attachment and process outgrowth

Neuronal responses to extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents are likely to play an important role in nervous system development and regeneration. We have studied the interactions of a neuron-like rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12, with ECM protein-coated substrates. Using a quantitative cell attachment assay, PC12 cells were shown to adhere readily to laminin (LN) or collagen IV (Col IV) but poorly to fibronectin (FN). The specificity of attachment to these ECM proteins was demonstrated using ligand-specific antibodies and synthetic peptides. To identify PC12 cell surface proteins that mediate interactions with LN, Col IV, and FN, two different antisera to putative ECM receptors purified from mammalian cells were tested for their effects on PC12 cell adhesion and neuritic process outgrowth. Antibodies to a 140-kD FN receptor heterodimer purified from Chinese hamster ovarian cells (anti-FNR; Brown, P. J., and R. L. Juliano, 1986, J. Cell Biol., 103:1595-1603) inhibited attachment to LN and FN but not to Col IV. Antibodies to an ECM receptor preparation purified from baby hamster kidney fibroblastic cells (anti-ECMR; Knudsen, K. A., P. E. Rao, C. H. Damsky, and C. A. Buck, 1981, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA., 78:6071-6075) inhibited attachment to LN, FN, and Col IV, but did not prevent attachment to other adhesive substrates. In addition to its effects on adhesion, the anti-ECMR serum inhibited both PC12 cell and sympathetic neuronal process outgrowth on LN substrates. Immunoprecipitation of surface-iodinated or [3H]glucosamine-labeled PC12 cells with either the anti-FNR or anti-ECMR serum identified three prominent cell surface glycoproteins of 120, 140, and 180 kD under nonreducing conditions. The 120-kD glycoprotein, which could be labeled with 32P-orthophosphate and appeared to be noncovalently associated with the 140- and 180-kD proteins, cross reacted with antibodies to the beta-subunit (band 3) of the avian integrin complex, itself a receptor or receptors for the ECM constituents LN, FN, and some collagens.

Chemotaxis of 3T3 and SV3T3 cells to fibronectin is mediated through the cell-attachment site in fibronectin and a fibronectin cell surface receptor

Fibronectin (FN) is a multidomain extracellular matrix protein that induces attachment and chemotactic migration of fibroblastic cells. In this study we analyzed the molecular determinants involved in the FN-induced chemotactic migration of normal and SV40-transformed 3T3 cells. Two different monoclonal antibodies to the cell-binding site of FN blocked chemotaxis to a 140-kD FN fragment (Ca 140) containing the cell-binding domain. A monoclonal antibody to a determinant distant from the cell-binding site did not affect chemotaxis. A synthetic tetrapeptide, RGDS, which represents the major cell-attachment sequence, was able to compete with FN and the Ca 140 fragment in chemotaxis assays, but this peptide itself had no significant chemotactic activity. A larger peptide encompassing this sequence, GRGDSP, was chemotactic, while the peptide GRGESP, where a glutamic acid residue was substituted for aspartic acid, was inactive. Chemotactic migration could be prevented in a dose-dependent manner by a rabbit polyclonal antiserum to a 140-kD cell surface FN receptor. This antibody was more effective on normal than on transformed 3T3 cells. Neither the anti-FN receptor antiserum nor a monoclonal antibody to the cell-binding site of FN blocked migration induced by another potent chemoattractant, platelet-derived growth factor. These data indicate that FN-induced chemotaxis of 3T3 and SV3T3 cells is mediated via the RGDS cell-attachment site of FN and the 140-kD cell surface FN receptor. The interaction is specific and can be altered by transformation.

Identification of multiple cell adhesion receptors for collagen and fibronectin in human fibrosarcoma cells possessing unique alpha and common beta subunits

Using monoclonal antibody technology and affinity chromatography we have identified four distinct classes of cell surface receptors for native collagen on a cultured human fibrosarcoma cell line, HT-1080. Two classes of monoclonal antibodies prepared against HT-1080 cells inhibited adhesion to extracellular matrix components. Class I antibodies inhibited cell adhesion to collagen, fibronectin, and laminin. These antibodies immunoprecipitated two noncovalently linked proteins (subunits) with molecular masses of 147 and 125 kD, termed alpha and beta, respectively. Class II antibodies inhibited cell adhesion to native collagen only and not fibronectin or laminin. Class II antibodies immunoprecipitated a single cell surface protein containing two noncovalently linked subunits with molecular masses of 145 and 125 kD, termed alpha and beta, respectively. The two classes of antibodies did not cross-react with the same cell surface protein and recognized epitopes present on the alpha subunits. Pulse-chase labeling studies with [35S]methionine indicated that neither class I nor II antigen was a metabolic precursor of the other. Comparison of the alpha and beta subunits of the class I and II antigens by peptide mapping indicated that the beta subunits were identical while the alpha subunits were distinct. In affinity chromatography experiments HT-1080 cells were extracted with Triton X-100 or octylglucoside detergents and chromatographed on insoluble fibronectin or native type I or VI collagens. A single membrane protein with the biochemical characteristics of the class I antigen was isolated on fibronectin-Sepharose and could be immunoprecipitated with the class I monoclonal antibody. The class I antigen also specifically bound to type I and VI collagens, consistent with the observation that the class I antibodies inhibit cell adhesion to types VI and I collagen and fibronectin. The class II antigen, however, did not bind to collagen (or fibronectin) even though class II monoclonal antibodies completely inhibited adhesion of HT-1080 cells to types I and III-VI collagen. The class I beta and II beta subunits were structurally related to the beta subunit of the fibronectin receptor described by others. However, none of these receptors shared the same alpha subunits. Additional membrane glycoprotein(s) with molecular mass ranges of 80-90 and 35-45 kD, termed the class III and IV receptors, respectively, bound to types I and VI collagen but not to fibronectin. Monoclonal antibodies prepared against the class III receptor had no consistent effect on cell attachment or spreading, suggesting that it is not directly involved in adhesion to collagen-coated substrates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa-like protein in human endothelial cells promotes adhesion but not initial attachment to extracellular matrix

On platelets the membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex (GPIIb/IIIa) functions in adhesive interactions with fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and fibronectin. However, the function of GPIIb/IIIa-like proteins on endothelial cells, as well as the ligand(s) the complex binds, is unknown. Using a highly specific polyclonal antibody we have explored the function of GPIIb/IIIa-like proteins on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVE). Analysis by immunoblotting shows that this antiserum recognizes the endothelial GPIIIa-like protein of the complex. The IgG fraction of the polyclonal antiserum and its Fab' fragments detach confluent and subconfluent HUVE from extracellular substrata. The effect of the anti-GPIIb/IIIa IgG is not toxic as the detached cells maintain their viability after trypsinization and replating. Anti-GPIIb/IIIa IgG does not inhibit HUVE binding to extracellular matrix or purified fibronectin in an attachment assay despite the presence of intact GPIIb/IIIa on HUVE detached from substrate by various methods. Apparently, the GPIIb/IIIa-like protein on HUVE is important in normal HUVE adhesion to the extracellular matrix, but it is not required in the initial attachment of HUVE to extracellular matrix.

Type 1 transforming growth factor beta: amplified expression and secretion of mature and precursor polypeptides in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Recombinant type 1 transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) was expressed to high levels in CHO cells by using dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) gene amplification. The expression plasmid was derived from the pSV2 vectors and contained, in tandem, the simian TGF-beta and mouse dhfr cDNAs. Transcription of both cDNAs was controlled by the simian virus 40 early promoter. Stepwise selection of transfected CHO cells in increasing concentrations of methotrexate yielded cell lines that expressed amplified TGF-beta nucleic acid sequences. The expression plasmid DNA was amplified greater than 35-fold in one of the methotrexate-selected transfectants. The major proteins secreted by these cells consisted of latent TGF-beta and TGF-beta precursor polypeptides, as judged by immunoblots by using site-specific anti-peptide antibodies derived from various regions of the TGF-beta precursor. Levels of recombinant TGF-beta protein secreted by these cells approached 30 micrograms/24 h per 10(7) cells and required prior acidification for optimal activity; nonacidified supernatants were approximately 1% as active as acidified material. Antibodies directed toward sequences present in the mature growth factor readily identified a proteolytically processed recombinant TGF-beta which, on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, comigrated with highly purified natural TGF-beta. In addition to mature recombinant TGF-beta, site-specific antibodies demonstrated the existence of larger TGF-beta precursor polypeptides. The availability of biologically active recombinant type 1 TGF-beta and precursor forms should provide a means to examine the structure, function, and potential in vivo therapeutic use of this growth factor.

Selective interaction of peripheral and central nervous system cells with two distinct cell-binding domains of fibronectin

Mechanisms of cell interaction with fibronectin have been studied with proteolytic fibronectin fragments that have well-defined ligand binding properties. Results of a previous study (Rogers, S. L., J. B. McCarthy, S. L. Palm, L. T. Furcht, and P. C. Letourneau, 1985, J. Neurosci., 5:369-378) demonstrated that (a) central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous system neurons adhere to, and extend neurites on a 33-kD carboxyl terminal fibronectin fragment that also binds heparin, and (b) neurons from the PNS, but not the CNS, have stable interactions with a 75-kD cell-binding fragment and with intact fibronectin. In the present study domain-specific reagents were used in inhibition assays to further differentiate cell surface interactions with the two fibronectin domains, and to define the significance of these domains to cell interactions with the intact fibronectin molecule. These reagents are (a) a soluble synthetic tetrapeptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS; Pierschbacher, M. D., and E. Ruoslahti, 1984, Nature (Lond.), 309:30-33) representing a cell-binding determinant in the 75-kD fragment, and (b) an antibody raised against the 33-kD fragment that binds specifically to that fragment. Initial cell attachment to, and neurite extension upon, fibronectin and the two different fragments was evaluated in the presence and absence of the two reagents. Attachment of both PNS and CNS cells to intact fibronectin was reduced in the presence of RGDS, the former more so than the latter. In contrast, the antibody to the 33-kD fragment did not affect attachment of PNS cells to fibronectin, but significantly decreased attachment of CNS cells to the molecule. RGDS inhibited attachment of CNS cells to the molecule. RGDS inhibited attachment of both cell types to the 75-kD fragment to a greater degree than it did attachment to the intact molecule. Cell interaction with the 33-kD fragment was not affected by RGDS. Reduction of neurite lengths (determined after 24 h of culture) by the domain-specific reagents paralleled the reduction in initial adhesion to each substratum. Therefore, it appears that (a) both PNS and CNS cells have receptors for each cell-binding domain of fibronectin, (b) the receptor(s) for the two domains are distinct, with attachment to the 33-kD fragment being independent of RGDS, and (c) the relative importance of each domain to cell interaction with intact fibronectin is different for CNS and PNS cells.

Human osteosarcoma cells resistant to detachment by an Arg-Gly-Asp-containing peptide overproduce the fibronectin receptor

MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells were selected for attachment and growth in the presence of increasing concentrations of a synthetic peptide containing the cell attachment-promoting Arg-Gly-Asp sequence derived from the cell-binding region of fibronectin. Cells capable of attachment and growth in 5-mM concentrations of a peptide having the sequence Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro overproduce the cell surface receptor for fibronectin. In contrast, these cells show no differences in the numbers of vitronectin receptor they express as compared with the parental MG-63 cells. In agreement with the resistance of the selected cells to detachment by the peptide, 25-fold more Arg-Gly-Asp-containing peptide is required to prevent the attachment of these cells to fibronectin-coated surfaces than is needed to inhibit the attachment of MG-63 cells to the same substrate. However, similar concentrations of this peptide inhibit attachment of both cell lines to vitronectin-coated surfaces. The increase in fibronectin receptor is due to an increase in the levels of mRNA encoding the fibronectin receptor. Because of the nature of the selection process, we reasoned that this increase might be due to amplification of the fibronectin receptor gene, but no increase in gene copy number was detected by Southern blot analysis. The peptide-resistant cells display a very different morphology from that of the MG-63 cells, one that has a greater resemblance to that of osteocytes. The resistant cells also grow much more slowly than the MG-63 cells. The increased fibronectin receptor and altered morphology and growth properties were stable for at least 3 mo in the absence of peptide. The enhanced expression of the fibronectin receptor on the resistant cells indicates that cells are capable of altering the amount of fibronectin receptor on their surface in response to environmental factors and that this may in turn affect the phenotypic properties of the cell.

Identification of fibronectin receptors on T lymphocytes

We report the identification of fibronectin receptors on thymocytes and T lymphoma cells. Affinity chromatography of extracts of the T cell lymphoma, WR16.1, on a fibronectin-Sepharose column combined with specific elution using a synthetic peptide containing the cell attachment-promoting sequence, arginine-glycine-aspartic acid, yielded two polypeptide components having apparent molecular masses of approximately 160 kD reduced and 175 and 150 kD nonreduced. Immunoprecipitations from surface-iodinated WR16.1 cells or fibronectin-adherent thymocytes using a rabbit antiserum raised against the fibronectin receptor that is present on human fibroblasts revealed, in each case, the same two radiolabeled components. In contrast, immunoprecipitation from fibronectin-nonadherent T lymphoma cells, designated WR2.3, revealed the presence of only the smaller subunit. Although the lymphocyte receptor and the fibronectin receptor identified on fibroblasts share immunologic determinants, they differ in that the molecular mass of the lymphocyte protein is larger. Moreover, trypsinization of either thymocytes or the WR16.1 T lymphoma cells resulted in a subsequent loss of their ability to adhere to fibronectin-coated substrates and a reduction in the electrophoretic mobility of each of the polypeptide chains of the fibronectin receptor present on their surfaces. These changes, however, were not observed with normal rat kidney fibroblasts or mouse 3T3 fibroblasts in response to trypsinization. The data establish the existence on normal lymphocytes of fibronectin receptors that are quite similar to those found on fibroblasts. The possible function of this molecule on thymocytes is discussed.

Evidence for the recycling nature of the fibronectin receptor of macrophages

Plasma fibronectin (pFN) has been shown to mediate phagocytosis of several types of artificial particles and tissue debris by macrophages. In the present investigation some of the dynamic aspects of this receptor-mediated cellular process have been studied. Plasma fibronectin did not bind specifically to fibronectin (FN)-receptors of rat peritoneal macrophages at either 4 degrees C or 37 degrees C. On the other hand, pFN aggregated on the surface of gelatin-coated latex beads (gLtx) and 125I-labeled pFN covalently coupled to latex beads (pFN-Ltx) bound strongly to macrophages at both temperatures. Both of these particles were also internalized at 37 degrees C. Treatment of macrophages by chymotrypsin, thermolysin, or trypsin in a protein-free tissue culture medium did not affect either of the above reactions; however, pronase treatment strongly reduced both the binding and internalization of the pFN-coated particles. The pronase-treated macrophage monolayers in time regained their ability to bind and internalize pFN-gLtx when incubated in fresh tissue culture medium. Such recovery, however, did not take place when the medium contained cycloheximide. On the other hand, phagocytosis of pFN-gLtx was not affected directly by cycloheximide with untreated macrophages; this suggests that the FN-receptor recycles during sustained phagocytosis. This assumption was substantiated by the observations that some of the established lysosomotropic amines--i.e., chloroquine, dansylcadaverine, and dimethyldansylcadaverine--caused total inhibition of internalization without affecting the binding of particles to macrophages. Furthermore, chloroquine protected the FN-receptors against destruction by pronase. Together these results suggest that macrophage receptors for FN are protein, present both on the cell surface and intracellularly, and recycle between the plasma membrane and intracellular sites during phagocytosis.

Isolation of the thrombospondin membrane receptor

Thrombospondin (TSP), a 450-kD multifunctional glycoprotein with a broad tissue distribution, is secreted upon platelet stimulation, binds to the activated platelet surface, and supports platelet aggregation. We have identified and isolated an 88-kd membrane glycoprotein present in platelets, endothelial cells, monocytes, and a variety of human tumor cell lines that is the membrane binding site for TSP. Endogenous platelet TSP binding to thrombin- and ionophore-stimulated human platelets was inhibited in the presence of the monoclonal antibody OKM5. TSP binding to C32 melanoma cells and HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells was specific and also inhibitable with OKM5 Mab. Cell labeling followed by specific immunoprecipitation demonstrated biosynthesis of a single 88-kD glycoprotein. Binding of TSP to the isolated membrane protein was specific and saturable. These studies identify an 88-kD membrane glycoprotein that reacts with the monoclonal antibody, OKM5, and may function as the cellular TSP receptor.

The fibronectin cell attachment sequence Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser promotes focal contact formation during early fibroblast attachment and spreading

Cultured fibroblasts form focal contacts (FCs) associated with actin microfilament bundles (MFBs) during attachment and spreading on serum- or fibronectin (FN)-coated substrates. To determine if the minimum cellular adhesion receptor recognition signal Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) is sufficient to promote FC and MFB formation, rat (NRK), hamster (Nil 8), and mouse (Balb/c 3T3) fibroblasts in serum-free media were plated on substrates derivatized with small synthetic peptides containing RGDS. These cultures were studied with interference reflection microscopy to detect FCs, Normarski optics to identify MFBs, and immunofluorescence microscopy to observe endogenous FN fiber formation. By 1 h, 72-78% of the NRK and Nil 8 cells plated on RGDS-containing peptide had focal contacts without accompanying FN fibers, while these fibroblasts lacked FCs on control peptide. This early FC formation was followed by the appearance of coincident MFBs and colinear FN fibers forming fibronexuses at 4 h. NRK and Nil 8 cultures on substrates coated with native FN or 75,000-D FN-cell binding fragment showed similar kinetics of FC and MFB formation. In contrast, the Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblasts plated on Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser peptide-derivatized substrates, or on coverslips coated with 75,000-D FN cell-binding fragment, were defective in FC formation. These results demonstrate that the apparent binding of substrate-linked RGDS sequences to cell surface adhesion receptors is sufficient to promote early focal contact formation followed by the appearance of fibronexuses in some, but not all, fibroblast lines.

A cell surface receptor complex for collagen type I recognizes the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence

To isolate collagen-binding cell surface proteins, detergent extracts of surface-iodinated MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells were chromatographed on affinity matrices of either type I collagen-Sepharose or Sepharose carrying a collagen-like triple-helical peptide. The peptide was designed to be triple helical and to contain the sequence Arg-Gly-Asp, which has been implicated as the cell attachment site of fibronectin, vitronectin, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor, and is also present in type I collagen. Three radioactive polypeptides having apparent molecular masses of 250 kD, 70 kD, and 30 kD were distinguishable in that they showed affinity toward the collagen and collagen-like peptide affinity columns, and could be specifically eluted from these columns with a solution of an Arg-Gly-Asp-containing peptide, Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Thr-Pro. These collagen-binding polypeptides associated with phosphatidylcholine liposomes, and the resulting liposomes bound specifically to type I collagen or the collagen-like peptide but not to fibronectin or vitronectin or heat-denatured collagen. The binding of these liposomes to type I collagen could be inhibited with the peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Thr-Pro and with EDTA, but not with a variant peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Glu-Ser-Pro. We conclude from these data that these three polypeptides are membrane molecules that behave as a cell surface receptor (or receptor complex) for type I collagen by interacting with it through the Arg-Gly-Asp tripeptide adhesion signal. The lack of binding to denatured collagen suggests that the conformation of the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence is important in the recognition of collagen by the receptor complex.

Formation and regulation of platelet and fibrin hemostatic plug

Formation of a hemostatic plug represents one of the earliest responses to vessel wall injury. Platelets react to any discontinuity in the vascular endothelium through initial contact, spreading, and formation of a thrombus (or aggregate). This development of a primary hemostatic plug requires platelet membrane receptors through which the adhesive macromolecules, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and fibrinogen, anchor platelets to the vessel wall and link them to each other. There are two receptor pathways--classic and alternative--for the binding of vWF to platelets; the latter induced by thrombin, and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) is shared with fibrinogen. Synthetic peptides, patterned after known binding domains of adhesive molecules, have been designed to inhibit their interactions with platelet receptors. A secondary hemostatic plug, composed of platelets enmeshed in fibrin, results from the action of thrombin, which is not only essential for formation of fibrin but also for exposure of platelet receptors for adhesive molecules and for "activation" of factors V and VIII. Thrombin generation is greatly enhanced through the activity of the prothrombinase complex formed on the surface of platelets, perturbed endothelial cells, and leukocytes. A pivotal event is activation of factor X through the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways. Binding of factors IXa and VIIa to the vascular endothelium represents a localized mechanism for factor Xa generation. Formation of a platelet and fibrin thrombus is controlled by regulatory mechanism: prostacyclin, endogenous heparin-antithrombin III complex, thrombomodulin-protein C-protein S system, and the fibrinolytic system. The balance of all components--vessel wall, platelets, adhesive and coagulation proteins, regulatory mechanisms--determines the effectiveness of the hemostatic plug in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the circulatory system. An approach to detection of hemostatic derangements in patients at risk evolves from a full understanding of inherited and acquired deficiencies affecting each step of hemostatic plug formation and from selective use of laboratory tests.

Peptide inhibitors of fibronectin, laminin, and other adhesion molecules: unique and shared features

Synthetic peptides can specifically inhibit the function of certain adhesive glycoproteins in vitro and in vivo. We have compared the relative activities of a set of six variant synthetic peptides based on the sequence of fibronectin in terms of their ability to inhibit the interactions of fibroblasts with fibronectin, spreading factor/vitronectin, laminin, and native collagen gels. BHK (baby hamster kidney) and chick embryo fibroblasts spreading on these adhesive molecules displayed distinctive patterns of sensitivity to inhibition by this panel of peptides, which depended on the adhesive molecule rather than the cell type. For fibronectin, Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser was considerably more active than Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser, whereas these two peptides displayed little difference in activity in inhibiting cell adhesion to spreading factor. For both proteins, the inverted peptide sequence Ser-Asp-Gly-Arg was also moderately active, whereas closely related peptides containing a transposition, a deletion, or a single, conserved amino acid substitution were much less active. For inhibiting interactions with laminin or native type I collagen gels, Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser was only weakly active, but the inverted peptide Ser-Asp-Gly-Arg unexpectedly continued to display inhibitory activity for both attachment proteins in both cell types. Our results indicate that different adhesive processes depend on distinct peptide recognition events by a cell. However, there may be a possible common denominator among attachment proteins in a moderate sensitivity to Ser-Asp-Gly-Arg. Our study also underscores the importance of examining a full set of peptide analogs when these novel inhibitors are used to characterize biological processes.

Complete primary structure of bovine plasma fibronectin

The primary structure of the 2265 residues of bovine plasma fibronectin has been completed. The new sequences reported in this paper are residues 600-868 (269 residues), 1138-1217 (80 residues), 1518-1599 (82 residues) and 1868-2061 (194 residues). These sequences constitute six type III homology units and two non-homologous connecting strands. Thus, there are fifteen type III homology units in plasma fibronectin. Evidence for two of the three splice variants found in rat liver cells [Schwarzbauer et al. (1983) Cell 35, 421-431] was obtained. No indication of the 'extra' type III domain present in some human fibroblast fibronectins [Kornblihtt et al. (1984) EMBO J. 3, 221-226] was found. Three carbohydrate groups (two glucosamine-based and one galactosamine-based) were identified, giving a total of eight carbohydrate groups in the longest splice variant of bovine plasma fibronectin. A second free sulfhydryl group (cysteine) was identified. This cysteine, like the first, is in a type III homology unit. HPLC patterns of peptides obtained from the C-terminal 6-kDa fragment suggested that the interchain bridge pattern of fibronectin is antiparallel. The bovine plasma fibronectin sequence is highly homologous to the human cellular fibronectin sequence deduced from the cDNA sequence [Kornblihtt et al. (1985) EMBO J. 4, 1755-1759].

Identification of an alternatively spliced site in human plasma fibronectin that mediates cell type-specific adhesion

We have compared the molecular specificities of the adhesive interactions of melanoma and fibroblastic cells with fibronectin. Several striking differences were found in the sensitivity of the two cell types to inhibition by a series of synthetic peptides modeled on the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) tetrapeptide adhesion signal. Further evidence for differences between the melanoma and fibroblastic cell adhesion systems was obtained by examining adhesion to proteolytic fragments of fibronectin. Fibroblastic BHK cells spread readily on fl3, a 75-kD fragment representing the RGDS-containing, "cell-binding" domain of fibronectin, but B16-F10 melanoma cells could not. The melanoma cells were able to spread instead on f9, a 113-kD fragment derived from the large subunit of fibronectin that contains at least part of the type III connecting segment difference region (or "V" region); f7, a fragment from the small fibronectin subunit that lacks this alternatively spliced polypeptide was inactive. Monoclonal antibody and fl3 inhibition experiments confirmed the inability of the melanoma cells to use the RGDS sequence; neither molecule affected melanoma cell spreading, but both completely abrogated fibroblast adhesion. By systematic analysis of a series of six overlapping synthetic peptides spanning the entire type III connecting segment, a novel attachment site was identified in a peptide near the COOH-terminus of this region. The tetrapeptide sequence Arg-Glu-Asp-Val (REDV), which is somewhat related to RGDS, was present in this peptide in a highly hydrophilic region of the type III connecting segment. REDV appeared to be functionally important, since this synthetic tetrapeptide was inhibitory for melanoma cell adhesion to fibronectin but was inactive for fibroblastic cell adhesion. REDV therefore represents a novel adhesive recognition signal in fibronectin that possesses cell type specificity. These results suggest that, for some cell types, regulation of the adhesion-promoting activity of fibronectin may occur by alternative mRNA splicing.

Donor and acceptor splice signals within an exon of the human fibronectin gene: a new type of differential splicing

We have sequenced that area of a human fibronectin gene clone which codes for a connecting strand separating the last two areas of the type III homology. The gene has a complex exon with two 'AG' acceptor sites. One of these can be used (exon subdivision). In addition 93 basepairs inside the exon are sometimes spliced out as an intron. This is the third differential splicing found in the fibronectin gene transcript and it represents a new type of differential splicing.

Expression and function of a putative cell surface receptor for fibronectin in hamster and human cell lines

We have previously reported the use of monoclonal antibodies to identify a 140-kD cell surface glycoprotein in mammalian cells that is specifically involved in fibronectin-mediated cell adhesion. We now report the purification of this molecule using immunoaffinity chromatography and the subsequent generation of polyclonal antibodies that selectively immunoprecipitate 140-kD putative fibronectin receptor glycoprotein (gp140) extracted from rodent or human cells; these antibodies also specifically block fibronectin-mediated cell adhesion but not adhesion mediated by other factors in serum. Expression of gp140-like molecules was detected on the surfaces of several adherent human cell lines (HDF, WISH, and EFC) but not on erythrocytes; however, gp140 was also detected on a nonadherent human lymphoid line (DAUDI). Analysis of gp140 on nonreducing SDS gels revealed two closely migrating bands. Protease digestion and peptide mapping suggests that the two bands are closely related polypeptides.

The effect of hexapeptides on attachment and outgrowth of mouse blastocysts cultured in vitro: evidence for the involvement of the cell recognition tripeptide Arg-Gly-Asp

Differentiation of the nonadherent trophectoderm cells of the mammalian embryo into attachment-competent trophoblast cells appears to be a prerequisite to invasion of the uterine stroma. To investigate the molecular basis of trophoblast differentiation free of maternal environmental constraints, we used a model system in which attachment and outgrowth of trophoblast cells occurs in vitro. Recently, it was found that either fibronectin or laminin, both of which are extracellular matrix glycoproteins of the uterine stroma, will support trophoblast outgrowth in vitro. In this study we report that the outgrowth of blastocysts on fibronectin-coated dishes is inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the presence of a hexapeptide containing the sequence Arg-Gly-Asp, which has been shown previously to be recognized by the fibronectin receptor. This peptide had no effect on laminin-mediated trophoblast outgrowth, suggesting that the trophoblasts contain different cell surface receptors for fibronectin and laminin. Trophoblast attachment and limited outgrowth also could be obtained on dishes to which the hexapeptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro was coupled. Under these conditions, however, outward migration of the trophoblast cells appeared to be reduced. Vitronectin, another adhesion molecule that apparently binds to cells via a cell surface receptor that recognizes Arg-Gly-Asp sequences, also was capable of supporting trophoblast outgrowth. These findings suggest that differentiation of cells of the trophectoderm into trophoblast cells with an invasive phenotype may involve the production of cell surface receptors for fibronectin and possibly for other proteins that contain the Arg-Gly-Asp recognition sequence.

Activation affects access to the platelet receptor for adhesive glycoproteins

Blood platelets have a receptor for macromolecular adhesive glycoproteins, located on a heteroduplex membrane glycoprotein complex (GPIIb/IIIa) that only becomes "exposed" when platelets are activated. Binding of the adhesive glycoproteins, in particular fibrinogen, to the receptor is required for platelet aggregation, which in turn is required to arrest bleeding. A murine monoclonal antibody whose rate of binding to the receptor is affected by platelet activation was both cross-linked and fragmented to assess the effects of changes in molecular size on its rate of binding to unactivated and activated platelets. The results indicate that small molecules can bind more rapidly to the receptors on unactivated platelets than can large molecules and that activation involves a conformational and/or microenvironmental change that permits the large molecules to bind more rapidly.

Immunologic relationship between platelet membrane glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa and cell surface molecules expressed by a variety of cells

A polyclonal antiserum to platelet membrane glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa was used to detect antigenically related molecules on a diverse panel of human cells. Umbilical vein endothelial cells, erythroleukemic HEL cells, and diploid fetal lung GM1380 fibroblasts expressed GPIIb/IIIa-related molecules, as judged by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation of surface-labeled proteins. The GPIIb and GPIIIa subunits were both present and were of similar molecular weight in these cell types. These molecules were synthetic products of the cells, as shown by immunoprecipitation of intrinsically labeled proteins. Promyeloid U937 cells could be induced by 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate to synthesize and express GPIIb/IIIa-related molecules on their cell surface. The GPIIb/IIIa-related molecules were not precisely identical in the various cell types, based on slight differences in electrophoretic mobility and their failure to react with monoclonal antibodies specific for each subunit of platelet GPIIb/IIIa. These results suggest the existence of a widely distributed family of GPIIb/IIIa-related molecules. This family of "cytoadhesins" may share a common function in cellular adhesive reactions.

Fibronectin-plasma membrane interaction in the adhesion of hemopoietic cells

Many hemopoietic cell lines were examined for their ability to adhere to culture dishes coated with extracellular matrix proteins. Adhesion assay was performed with murine and human leukemic cell lines representative of different stages of differentiation along both erythroid and myeloid lineages. All the hemopoietic cell lines tested adhered to fibronectin but not to laminin, types I, III, and IV collagen, serum-spreading factor, and cartilage proteoglycans. In addition to immortalized cell lines, immature erythroid and myeloid mouse bone marrow cells adhered to fibronectin. To define the fibronectin region involved in hemopoietic cell adhesion, proteolytic fragments, monoclonal antibodies, and synthetic peptides were used. Among different fibronectin fragments tested, only a 110-kD polypeptide, corresponding to the fibroblast attachment domain, was active in promoting adhesion. Moreover, a monoclonal antibody to the cell binding site located within this domain prevented hemopoietic cell adhesion. Finally, the tetrapeptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser, which corresponds to the fibronectin sequence recognized by fibroblastic cells, specifically and competitively inhibited attachment of hemopoietic cells to this molecule. The cell surface molecule involved in the interaction of mouse hemopoietic cells with fibronectin was identified as a 145,000-D membrane glycoprotein by adhesion-blocking antibodies. This glycoprotein was found to be antigenically and functionally related to the GP135 membrane glycoprotein involved in the adhesion of fibroblasts to fibronectin (Giancotti, F. G., P. M. Comoglio, and G. Tarone, 1986, Exp. Cell Res., 163:47-62). On the basis of these data, we conclude that interaction of hemopoietic cells with fibronectin involves a specific fibronectin sequence and a 145,000-D cell surface glycoprotein. We speculate that this property might be relevant for the interaction of hemopoietic cells with the bone marrow stroma, which represents the natural site of hemopoiesis.