Characterization of a 140Kd cell surface glycoprotein involved in myoblast adhesion

Recent Innovations in Peptide Based Targeted Drug Delivery to Cancer Cells

Targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics and diagnostic agents conjugated to carrier ligands has made significant progress in recent years, both in regards to the structural design of the conjugates and their biological effectiveness. The goal of targeting specific cell surface receptors through structural compatibility has encouraged the use of peptides as highly specific carriers as short peptides are usually non-antigenic, are structurally simple and synthetically diverse. Recent years have seen many developments in the field of peptide based drug conjugates (PDCs), particularly for cancer therapy, as their use aims to bypass off-target side-effects, reducing the morbidity common to conventional chemotherapy. However, no PDCs have as yet obtained regulatory approval. In this review, we describe the evolution of the peptide-based strategy for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics and discuss recent innovations in the arena that should lead in the near future to their clinical application.

Diabetic BB/Wor rat haptoglobin exhibits a probable structural abnormality in Asn-linked oligosaccharides

In this study we demonstrate that haptoglobin, a serum glycoprotein secreted by the liver, has altered structure in the BB/Wor diabetic rat. SDS-PAGE of haptoglobin (a tetramer composed of two glycosylated beta-chains each containing two sites for Asn-linked oligosaccharides connected by disulfide bonds with two nonglycosylated alpha-chains) clearly shows that the beta-chain of haptoglobin from diabetic rats is smaller than normal, with a molecular mass of 39 instead of 40 kDa. Both acute and chronic diabetic rats exhibit the defect. Defective haptoglobin appears in the serum within 4 days of onset of the disease, but insulin therapy prevents the defect. Removal of Asn-linked oligosaccharides with peptide: N-glycosidase F from Flavobacterium meningosepticum abolished the size difference between the beta-chains from normal and diabetic haptoglobin, with the molecular mass in both cases shifting to 30 kDa. Haptoglobin from both normal and diabetic rats was resistant to digestion by endoglycosidase H from Streptomyces griseus, which cleaves high mannose-type chains. Removal of sialic acid with neuraminidase treatment resulted in a reduction in the molecular mass in both cases, but without eliminating the size difference between the two. These results demonstrate that haptoglobin from diabetic BB/Wor rats contains a structural abnormality which correlates with onset of the disease. The defect is most likely due to an alteration in Asn-linked oligosaccharides, probably involving a change in the neutral sugars of complex-type oligosaccharide chains. This finding represents the first example of an altered Asn-linked oligosaccharides in diabetes.

Maturation of astrocytes in vitro alters the extent and molecular basis of neurite outgrowth

In the developing mammalian central nervous system astrocytes have been proposed as an important substrate for axon growth. In the adult central nervous system following injury, astrocytes are a major component of the gliotic response which has been proposed to block axon growth. Experimental transplantation studies using cultured astrocytes have suggested that immature but not mature cultured astrocytes have the capacity to support axon outgrowth when transplanted into the adult rodent CNS. These observations suggest that astrocyte maturation is accompanied by changes in the functional capacity of these cells to support axon outgrowth. To determine whether this functional change reflects an intrisic astrocyte property, the extent and molecular bases of neurite outgrowth from embryonic rat cortical and chick retinal neurons on cultures of purified immature and mature astrocytes have been compared in vitro. The rate and extent of neurite outgrowth from both neuronal populations are consistently greater over the surface of immature than over the surface of mature astrocytes. Furthermore, antibodies to NCAM and G4/L1 significantly reduce neurite outgrowth on immature but not mature astrocytes, while antibodies to the integrin B1 receptor reduced outgrowth on both immature and, to a lesser extent, mature astrocytes. These results suggest that in vitro mature astrocytes have a reduced capacity and different molecular bases for supporting neurite outgrowth compared to immature astrocytes and are consistent with the proposal that functional changes during astrocyte maturation may partially contribute to regulating axon growth in the mammalian CNS.

Monoclonal antibodies to distinctive epitopes on the alpha and beta subunits of the fibronectin receptor

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) have been developed that can recognize epitopes that are unique to either the alpha or beta subunit of the fibronectin receptor (FnR). MAbs 11B4 and 7A8 immunoblot the alpha subunit of FnR either in purified form from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells or in nonionic detergent extracts of cells of human and rodent origin electrophoresed under reducing or nonreducing conditions. The MAbs seem to be more reactive to the subunit when it has been electrophoresed under reducing conditions, suggesting that the epitope may be partially masked by the conformation conferred by disulfide bonding. A second set of MAbs, 7E2 and 7F9, is directed to an epitope on the beta subunit that is conformationally dependent upon disulfide bonding, as reduction of the subunit leads to loss of reactivity with both MAbs. Further, 7E2/7F9 immunoblots of nonionic detergent extracts of CHO cells, run under nonreducing conditions, reveal the presence of a third band (90-kDa), immunologically related to the beta subunit, which is not surface-labeled with 125I in intact cells and which does not copurify with the alpha and beta subunits isolated by immunoaffinity purification of FnR using the MAb PB1. The 90-kDa component is not found associated with a plasma membrane fraction prepared by crude cell fractionation, but is abundant in a low-speed pellet containing nuclei and intracellular membranes. This finding suggests that the 90-kDa component is a precursor to the beta subunit. Finally, the epitope of 7E2/7F9 is unique to CHO cells, as cross-reactivity to other cell types cannot be demonstrated by either immunoblotting or immunoprecipitation.

Regulation of proteins in the VLA cell substrate adhesion family: influence of cell growth conditions on VLA-1, VLA-2, and VLA-3 expression

Cell quiescence resulting from culture of normal human fibroblasts in low serum (0.5%) was associated with a subsequent gradual increase in the expression of the cell-surface glycoprotein VLA-1, and a corresponding decrease in the expression of extracellular matrix adhesion receptors VLA-2 and VLA-3. Quantitation using either flow cytometry or immunoprecipitation showed that both the VLA-1/VLA-2 and VLA-1/VLA-3 ratios increased 10- to 28-fold and were still rising when cells remained quiescent for 20-30 days. Although induced by cell quiescence, changes in the levels of VLA-1, VLA-2, and VLA-3 continued to occur well after cell proliferation had stopped and thus do not directly correlate with cell cycle transition events. Despite prolonged serum deprivation resulting in elevated VLA-1/VLA-2 and VLA-1/VLA-3 ratios, growth-arrested cells remained viable and were fully capable of proliferating when restimulated. The increases in VLA-1/VLA-2 and VLA-1/VLA-3 ratios observed on quiescent cells were readily reversible, since after restimulation with 10% serum, these ratios quickly returned within 1-2 days to a level near that found on normal exponentially grown cells. Elevation of VLA-1/VLA-2 and VLA-1/VLA-3 ratios is generally associated with quiescence and is not due just to serum deprivation since density arrest of cells at confluence had similar effects on these ratios.

An integral membrane protein antigen associated with the membrane attachment sites of actin microfilaments is identified as an integrin beta-chain

A monoclonal antibody (MAb 30B6) was recently described by Rogalski and Singer (J. Cell Biol. 101:785-801, 1985) which identified an integral membrane glycoprotein of chicken cells that was associated with a wide variety of sites of actin microfilament attachments to membranes. In this report, we present a further characterization of this integral protein. An immunochemical comparison was made of MAb 30B6 binding properties with those of two other MAbs, JG9 and JG22, which identify a component of a membrane protein complex that interacts with extracellular matrix proteins including fibronectin. We showed that the 110-kilodalton protein recognized by MAb 30B6 in extracts of chicken gizzard smooth muscle is identical, or closely related, to the protein that reacts with MAbs JG9 and JG22. These 110-kilodalton proteins are also structurally closely similar, if not identical, to one another as demonstrated by 125I-tryptic peptide maps. However, competition experiments showed that MAb 30B6 recognizes a different epitope from those recognized by MAbs JG9 and JG22. In addition, the 30B6 antigen is part of a complex that can be isolated on fibronectin columns. These results together establish that the 30B6 antigen is the same as, or closely similar to, the beta-chain of the protein complex named integrin, which is the complex on chicken fibroblast membranes that binds fibronectin. Although the 30B6 antigen is present in a wide range of tissues, its apparent molecular weight on gels varies in different tissues. These differences in apparent molecular weight are due, in large part, to differences in glycosylation.

An integral membrane protein antigen associated with the membrane attachment sites of actin microfilaments is identified as an integrin beta-chain

A monoclonal antibody (MAb 30B6) was recently described by Rogalski and Singer (J. Cell Biol. 101:785-801, 1985) which identified an integral membrane glycoprotein of chicken cells that was associated with a wide variety of sites of actin microfilament attachments to membranes. In this report, we present a further characterization of this integral protein. An immunochemical comparison was made of MAb 30B6 binding properties with those of two other MAbs, JG9 and JG22, which identify a component of a membrane protein complex that interacts with extracellular matrix proteins including fibronectin. We showed that the 110-kilodalton protein recognized by MAb 30B6 in extracts of chicken gizzard smooth muscle is identical, or closely related, to the protein that reacts with MAbs JG9 and JG22. These 110-kilodalton proteins are also structurally closely similar, if not identical, to one another as demonstrated by 125I-tryptic peptide maps. However, competition experiments showed that MAb 30B6 recognizes a different epitope from those recognized by MAbs JG9 and JG22. In addition, the 30B6 antigen is part of a complex that can be isolated on fibronectin columns. These results together establish that the 30B6 antigen is the same as, or closely similar to, the beta-chain of the protein complex named integrin, which is the complex on chicken fibroblast membranes that binds fibronectin. Although the 30B6 antigen is present in a wide range of tissues, its apparent molecular weight on gels varies in different tissues. These differences in apparent molecular weight are due, in large part, to differences in glycosylation.

The role of endogenous heparan sulfate proteoglycan in adhesion and neurite outgrowth from dorsal root ganglia

Some phases of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) substratum attachment and growth cone morphology are mediated through endogenous cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan. The adhesive behavior of intact embryonic chicken DRG (spinal sensory ganglia) is examined on substrata coated with fibronectin, fibronectin treated with antibody to the cell-binding site (anti-CBS), and the heparan sulfate-binding protein platelet factor four. DRG attach to fibronectin, anti-CBS-treated fibronectin, and platelet factor four. The ganglia extend an extensive halo of unfasciculated neurites on fibronectin and produce fasciculated neurite outgrowth on platelet factor four and anti-CBS antibody-treated FN. Treatment with heparinase, but not chondroitinase, abolishes adhesion to fibronectin and platelet factor four. Growth cones of DRG on fibronectin have well-spread lamellae and microspikes. On platelet factor four, and anti-CBS-treated FN, growth cones exhibit microspikes only. Isolated Schwann cells adhere equally well to fibronectin and platelet factor four, spreading more rapidly on fibronectin. Isolated DRG neurons adhere equally well on both substrata, but only 10% of the neurons extend long neurites on platelet factor four. The majority of the isolated neurons on platelet factor four exhibit persistent microspike production resembling that of the early stages of normal neurite extension. Endogenous heparan sulfate proteoglycan supports the adhesion of whole DRG, isolated DRG neurons, and Schwann cells, as well as extensive microspike activity by DRG neurons, one important part of growth cone activity.

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.

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)

Fibronectin receptor structures in the VLA family of heterodimers

Multiple cell surface proteins of relative molecular mass 115,000-155,000 (Mr 115K-155K) have been implicated as receptors mediating adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins. But the organization and relatedness of these peptides has remained unclear. In separate studies, the 'very late antigens' VLA-1 (Mr 210K/130K) and VLA-2 (Mr 160K/130K) were initially characterized as surface heterodimers appearing 2-4 weeks after in vitro stimulation of human T cells. Three more VLA heterodimers have since been discovered, which, like VLA-1 and VLA-2, are each composed of unique alpha-subunits in association with a common 130K beta subunit. This paper shows that the common VLA beta-subunit is equivalent to subunits found in structures with known fibronectin and laminin receptor activity, and that VLA-3 and VLA-5 are similar or identical to these previously defined receptors for adhesion molecules. Antibody blocking studies confirmed that at least some of the widely distributed VLA proteins of previously unknown function are involved in cell adhesion to fibronectin and laminin. We suggest that the VLA family of receptors may provide cells with multiple independent substrate adhesion capabilities.

Lack of fibronectin-binding plasma membrane proteins may explain defective pericellular matrix formation in transformed fibroblasts and fibrosarcoma cells

Affinity of iodinated fibronectin (Fn) and its defined proteolytic fragments to electrophoretically separated polypeptides of normal and malignant cells was studied in an overlay assay. Cellular 125I-Fn and a major 125I-Fn fragment (Mr 120,000-140,000), containing the cell-binding site, revealed in fibroblasts Mr 170,000, Mr 140,000, and Mr 47,000 Fn-binding polypeptides of which the first two could also be found in the plasma membrane preparations. Binding of 125I-Fns to Mr 170,000 and Mr 140,000 polypeptides was inhibited by the synthetic peptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser and to all 3 polypeptides by Fns and Mr 120,000-140,000 fibronectin fragment. Both fibrosarcoma cells and SV40-virus-transformed fibroblasts appeared to lack the Mr 140,000 Fn-binding polypeptide. Binding was similar when Fn from normal fibroblasts or fibrosarcoma cells was used in the assay, while plasma 125I-Fn had weaker affinity towards the Mr 140,000 polypeptide. Instead, proteolytic Fn-fragments, lacking the cell binding site, did not bind to any proteins in the assay. Radioactive cell-surface labelling showed differences in the corresponding surface polypeptide profiles of normal and malignant cells. The results suggest that the failure of pericellular matrix deposition in malignant cells could be due to either defective surface exposition or defective binding property of the Fn-receptor-like polypeptides.

Embryonic neural retinal cell response to extracellular matrix proteins: developmental changes and effects of the cell substratum attachment antibody (CSAT)

Cell attachment and neurite outgrowth by embryonic neural retinal cells were measured in separate quantitative assays to define differences in substrate preference and to demonstrate developmentally regulated changes in cellular response to different extracellular matrix glycoproteins. Cells attached to laminin, fibronectin, and collagen IV in a concentration-dependent fashion, though fibronectin was less effective for attachment than the other two substrates. Neurite outgrowth was much more extensive on laminin than on fibronectin or collagen IV. These results suggest that different substrates have distinct effects on neuronal differentiation. Neural retinal cell attachment and neurite outgrowth were inhibited on all three substrates by two antibodies, cell substratum attachment antibody (CSAT) and JG22, which recognize a cell surface glycoprotein complex required for cell interactions with several extracellular matrix constituents. In addition, retinal cells grew neurites on substrates coated with the CSAT antibodies. These results suggest that cell surface molecules recognized by this antibody are directly involved in cell attachment and neurite extension. Neural retinal cells from embryos of different ages varied in their capacity to interact with extracellular matrix substrates. Cells of all ages, embryonic day 6 (E6) to E12, attached to collagen IV and CSAT antibody substrates. In contrast, cell attachment to laminin and fibronectin diminished with increasing embryonic age. Age-dependent differences were found in the profile of proteins precipitated by the CSAT antibody, raising the possibility that modifications of these proteins are responsible for the dramatic changes in substrate preference of retinal cells between E6 and E12.

Distinct molecular interactions mediate neuronal process outgrowth on non-neuronal cell surfaces and extracellular matrices

We have compared neurite outgrowth on extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents to outgrowth on glial and muscle cell surfaces. Embryonic chick ciliary ganglion (CG) neurons regenerate neurites rapidly on surfaces coated with laminin (LN), fibronectin (FN), conditioned media (CM) from several non-neuronal cell types that secrete LN, and on intact extracellular matrices. Neurite outgrowth on all of these substrates is blocked by two monoclonal antibodies, CSAT and JG22, that prevent the adhesion of many cells, including neurons, to the ECM constituents LN, FN, and collagen. Neurite outgrowth is inhibited even on mixed LN/poly-D-lysine substrates where neuronal attachment is independent of LN. Therefore, neuronal process outgrowth on extracellular matrices requires the function of neuronal cell surface molecules recognized by these antibodies. The surfaces of cultured astrocytes, Schwann cells, and skeletal myotubes also promote rapid process outgrowth from CG neurons. Neurite outgrowth on these surfaces, though, is not prevented by CSAT or JG22 antibodies. In addition, antibodies to a LN/proteoglycan complex that block neurite outgrowth on several LN-containing CM factors and on an ECM extract failed to inhibit cell surface-stimulated neurite outgrowth. After extraction with a nonionic detergent, Schwann cells and myotubes continue to support rapid neurite outgrowth. However, the activity associated with the detergent insoluble residue is blocked by CSAT and JG22 antibodies. Detergent extraction of astrocytes, in contrast, removes all neurite-promoting activity. These results provide evidence for at least two types of neuronal interactions with cells that promote neurite outgrowth. One involves adhesive proteins present in the ECM and ECM receptors on neurons. The second is mediated through detergent-extractable macromolecules present on non-neuronal cell surfaces and different, uncharacterized receptor(s) on neurons. Schwann cells and skeletal myotubes appear to promote neurite outgrowth by both mechanisms.

Coupled expression and colocalization of 140K cell adhesion molecules, fibronectin, and laminin during morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation of chick lung cells

We have analyzed the expression and distribution of fibronectin, laminin, and the 140K cell adhesion molecules (140K complex) in embryonic chick lung cells by a combination of biochemical and immunofluorescent approaches. The 140K complex was identified by monoclonal antibody JG22E as a complex of glycoproteins averaging 140,000 Mr and has been implicated in vitro as a receptor for fibronectin and laminin. Our studies provide the first description that the 140K complex is developmentally regulated, and that the 140K complex appears to be involved in adhesion of epithelial and endothelial cells during morphogenesis. We have shown that the 140K complex is expressed in high quantity in embryonic lung cell types, but is markedly reduced in all of the differentiated cell types except smooth muscle. Embryonic lung cells are enriched in 140K complex on portions of cells in close proximity to areas rich in fibronectin. For example, during the formation of airways and alveolar tissues, 140K complex is concentrated at the basal surfaces of epithelial cells adjacent to fibronectin. Likewise, during the angiogenic invasion of capillaries into lung mesenchyme, the 140K complex becomes localized at sites on the basal surfaces of endothelial cells in close contact with fibronectin. Finally, cytodifferentiating lung smooth muscle cells show unusually high levels of 140K complex, fibronectin, and laminin that persist into the adult. In contrast to fibronectin, laminin is found to be uniformly distributed in the basement membranes of differentiating epithelial cells. It becomes prominent in adult alveolar epithelium and airway epithelium concomitant with a reduction or loss of 140K complex and fibronectin at cell-basement membrane attachment sites. Surprisingly, laminin is also present in a punctate pattern in the mesenchyme of early lung buds, however, laminin, fibronectin, and 140K complex are greatly reduced or lost during mesenchymal maturation. Our results are consistent with the active participation of the 140K complex in cell-to-matrix adhesion during morphogenesis of alveolar walls and cytodifferentiation of mesenchymal and smooth muscle cells.

Phosphorylation of the fibronectin receptor complex in cells transformed by oncogenes that encode tyrosine kinases

The fibronectin (FN) receptor in avian cells has been characterized previously as a complex of three membrane glycoproteins of about Mr 160,000, Mr 140,000, and Mr 120,000 (simply termed protein band 1, band 2, and band 3, respectively). Monoclonal antibodies to the band 3 protein of the complex prevent FN and laminin binding both in vivo and in vitro and enable the detection of the receptor proteins in the plasma membrane and in adhesion plaques. Association of the FN receptor proteins with the adhesion-plaque protein talin also has been reported. We now find that the band 2 and band 3 proteins in the complex are phosphorylated in Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chicken cells but not in normal chicken cells. Phosphorylation occurs predominantly on tyrosine and is accompanied by a reorganization of the receptor complex in the membrane of the transformed cells. Whereas normal cells contain the FN receptor in focal contacts and cellular processes between cells, v-src-transformed cells exhibit a more diffuse distribution of this receptor. In addition to the viral v-src oncogene, cells transformed by other avian oncogenes that also encode tyrosine kinases (v-fps, v-erbB, and v-yes) also express the receptor complex proteins in the phosphorylated state regardless of whether the transforming protein is detectable in adhesion plaques. These results suggest that the altered FN and laminin receptor proteins may contribute to the transformed phenotype, but their significance and role in the transformed state remain to be established.

Structure of integrin, a glycoprotein involved in the transmembrane linkage between fibronectin and actin

We describe the isolation, characterization, and sequence of cDNA clones encoding one subunit of the complex of membrane glycoproteins that forms part of the transmembrane connection between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. The cDNA sequence encodes a polypeptide of 89 kd that has features strongly suggesting the presence of a large N-terminal extracellular domain, a single transmembrane segment, and a small C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. The extracellular domain contains a threefold repeat of a novel 40 residue cysteine-rich segment, and the cytoplasmic domain contains a tyrosine residue that is a potential site for phosphorylation by tyrosine kinases. We propose the name integrin for this protein complex to denote its role as an integral membrane complex involved in the transmembrane association between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton.

Disialoganglioside GD2 distributes preferentially into substrate-associated microprocesses on human melanoma cells during their attachment to fibronectin

Human melanoma cells (M21) actively attach and spread on a fibronectin substrate. Indirect immunofluorescence assays with specific monoclonal antibodies directed to the disialoganglioside GD2, the major ganglioside expressed on M21 melanoma cells, indicate that during the cell attachment process this molecule redistributes into microprocesses that make direct contact with the fibronectin substrate. Scanning and transmission immunoelectron microscopic studies with anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies and immuno-gold staining demonstrate that GD2 preferentially localizes into substrate-associated microprocesses that emanate from the plasma membrane of the M21 cells. Staining with monoclonal antibodies directed to other melanoma surface antigens fails to demonstrate a similar distribution pattern on these cells. Direct evidence is provided that GD2 is involved in M21 cell attachment to fibronectin, since treatment of these cells with anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies causes cell rounding and detachment from a fibronectin substrate. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy demonstrates that this loss of attachment of fibronectin is characterized by a perturbation of the cell attachment-promoting microprocesses that in the presence of these antibodies lose contact with the fibronectin substrate.

Disialogangliosides GD2 and GD3 are involved in the attachment of human melanoma and neuroblastoma cells to extracellular matrix proteins

Human melanoma cells express relatively large amounts of the disialogangliosides GD3 and GD2 on their surface whereas neuroblastoma cells express GD2 as a major ganglioside. Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) directed specifically to the carbohydrate moiety of GD3 and GD2 inhibit melanoma and neuroblastoma cell attachment to various substrate adhesive proteins, e.g. collagen, vitronectin, laminin, fibronectin, and a heptapeptide, glycyl-L-arginyl-glycyl-L-aspartyl-L-seryl-L-prolyl-L-cysteine, which constitutes the cell attachment site of fibronectin. Cells that are preattached to a fibronectin substrate can also be induced to detach and round up in the presence of purified anti-ganglioside Mab. Moreover, when melanoma cells that contain both GD2 and GD3 are incubated with Mabs directed to both of these molecules an additive inhibition is observed. The specificity of this inhibition is demonstrated since Mabs of various isotypes directed to either protein or carbohydrate epitopes on a number of other major melanoma or neuroblastoma cell surface antigens have no effect on cell attachment. A study of the kinetics involved in this inhibition indicates that significant effects occur during the first 5 min of cell attachment, suggesting an important role for GD2 and GD3 in the initial events of cell-substrate interactions. The role of gangliosides in cell attachment apparently does not directly involve a strong interaction with fibronectin since we could not observe any binding of radiolabeled fibronectin or fragments of the molecule known to contain the cell attachment site to melanoma gangliosides separated on thin-layer chromatograms. An alternative explanation would be that gangliosides may play a role in the electrostatic requirements for cell-substrate interactions. In this regard, controlled periodate oxidation of terminal, unsubstituted sialic acid residues on the cell surface not only specifically destroys the antigenic epitopes on GD2 and GD3 recognized by specific Mabs but also inhibits melanoma cell and neuroblastoma cell attachment. In fact, the periodate-induced ganglioside oxidation and the inhibition of cell attachment are equally dose dependent. These data suggest that cell-substratum interactions may depend in part on the electrostatic environment provided by terminal sialic acid residues of cell surface gangliosides and possibly other anionic glycoconjugates.

Characterization of a 140-kD avian cell surface antigen as a fibronectin-binding molecule

A 140,000-D protein cell surface antigen (140k) complex has been implicated in fibronectin-mediated cell-substratum attachment. We have used three different experimental systems to evaluate the hypothesis that this 140k complex can function as a fibronectin receptor. A monoclonal antibody that binds to the 140k complex specifically inhibits the direct binding of 3H-labeled 75,000-D fibronectin cell-binding fragment (f75k) to chicken embryo fibroblasts in suspension. The 140k complex is retarded in its passage through an affinity column consisting of immobilized f75k, and this interaction is specifically inhibited by a synthetic peptide that contains the fibronectin cell-recognition signal sequence. Finally, exogenous purified 140k complex inhibits the attachment and spreading of chicken embryo fibroblasts on fibronectin-coated substrates. Thus, our results indicate that the 140k complex can bind directly to fibronectin and is likely to be a fibronectin receptor for chicken cells.

Cell adhesion and migration in the early vertebrate embryo: location and possible role of the putative fibronectin receptor complex

Using a combined in vivo and in vitro approach, we have analyzed the immunofluorescent localization and function of a 140,000-mol-wt glycoprotein complex implicated in cell adhesion to fibronectin (FN), with particular emphasis on neural crest cell adhesion and migration. This putative fibronectin receptor complex (FN-receptor) was detectable in almost all tissues derived from each of the three primary germ layers. It was present in both mesenchymal and epithelial cells, and was particularly enriched at sites close to concentrations of FN, e.g., at the basal surfaces of epithelial cells. It was also present on neural crest cells. The distribution and function of this putative receptor was then analyzed on individual cells in vitro. It was diffusely organized on highly locomotory neural crest cells and somitic fibroblasts. Both motile cell types also displayed relatively low numbers of focal contacts and microfilament bundles and limited amounts of localized vinculin, alpha-actinin, and endogenous FN. In contrast, the FN-receptor in stationary embryonic cells, i.e., somitic cells after long-term culture or ectodermal cells, existed in characteristic linear patterns generally co-distributed with alpha-actinin and fibers of endogenous FN. Anti-FN-receptor antibodies inhibited the adhesion to FN of motile embryonic cells, but not of stationary fibroblasts. However, these same antibodies adsorbed to substrata readily mediated adhesion and spreading of cells, but were much less effective for cell migration. Our results demonstrate a widespread occurrence in vivo of the putative FN-receptor, with high concentrations near FN. Embryonic cell migration was associated with a diffuse organization of this putative receptor on the cell surface in presumably labile adhesions, whereas stationary cells were anchored to the substratum at specific sites linked to the cytoskeleton near local concentrations of FN-receptor.

The cell substrate attachment (CSAT) antigen has properties of a receptor for laminin and fibronectin

The cell substrate attachment (CSAT) antigen is an integral membrane glycoprotein complex that participates in the adhesion of cells to extracellular molecules. The CSAT monoclonal antibody, directed against this complex, inhibited adhesion of cardiac and tendon fibroblasts and skeletal myoblasts to both laminin and fibronectin, thus implicating the CSAT antigen in adhesion to these extracellular molecules. Equilibrium gel filtration was used to explore the hypothesis that the CSAT antigen functions as a cell surface receptor for both laminin and fibronectin. In this technique, designed for rapidly exchanging equilibria, the gel filtration column is pre-equilibrated with extracellular ligand to ensure receptor occupancy during its journey through the column. Both laminin and fibronectin formed complexes with the CSAT antigen. The association with laminin was inhibited by the CSAT monoclonal antibody; the associations with both fibronectin and laminin were inhibited by synthetic peptides containing the fibronectin cell-binding sequence. Estimates of the dissociation constants by equilibrium gel filtration agree well with those available from other measurements. This suggests that these associations are biologically significant. SDS PAGE showed that all three glycoproteins comprising the CSAT antigen were present in the antigen-ligand complexes. Gel filtration and velocity sedimentation were used to show that the three bands comprise and oligomeric complex, which provides an explanation for their functional association. The inhibition of adhesion by the CSAT monoclonal antibody and the association of the purified antigen with extracellular ligands are interpreted as strongly implicating the CSAT antigen as a receptor for both fibronectin and laminin and perhaps for other extracellular molecules as well.

Distribution of the cell substratum attachment (CSAT) antigen on myogenic and fibroblastic cells in culture

Previous studies (Neff et al., 1982, J. Cell. Biol. 95:654-666; Decker et al., 1984. J. Cell. Biol. 99:1388-1404) have described a monoclonal antibody (CSAT Mab) directed against a complex of three integral membrane glycoproteins of 120,000-160,000 mol wt (CSAT antigen [ag]) involved in the cell matrix adhesion of myoblasts and fibroblasts. In localization studies on fibroblasts presented here, CSAT ag has a discrete, well-organized distribution pattern. It co-aligns with portions of stress fibers and is enriched at the periphery of, but not directly beneath vinculin-rich focal contacts. In this last location, it co-distributes with fibronectin, consistent with the suggestion that the CSAT ag participates in the mechanism by which fibroblasts attach to fibronectin. In prefusion myoblasts, which are rapidly detached by CSAT Mab, CSAT ag is distributed diffusely as are vinculin, laminin, and fibronectin. After fusion, myotubes become more difficult to detach with CSAT Mab. The CSAT ag and vinculin are organized in a much more discrete pattern on the myotube surface, becoming enriched at microfilament bundle termini and in lateral lamellae which appear to attach myotubes to the substratum. These results suggest that the organization of CSAT ag-adhesive complexes on the surface of myogenic cells can affect the stability of their adhesive contacts. We conclude from the sum of the studies presented that, in both myogenic and fibroblastic cells, the CSAT ag is localized in sites expected of a surface membrane mediator of cell adhesion to extracelluon of CSAT ag-adhesive complexes on the surface of myogenic cells can affect the stability of their adhesive contacts. We conclude from the sum of the studies presented that, in both myogenic and fibroblastic cells, the CSAT ag is localized in sites expected of a surface membrane mediator of cell adhesion to extracellular matrix. The results from studies that use fibroblasts in particular suggest the involvement of CSAT ag in the adhesion of these cells to fibronectin.

Development of cell surface linkage complexes in cultured fibroblasts

The possible role of a 140K membrane-associated protein complex (140K) in fibronectin-cytoskeleton associations has been examined. The 140K was identified by the monoclonal antibody JG22E. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to the 140K showed identical patterns of binding to the cell membranes of fixed and permeabilized chicken embryonic fibroblasts; localization was diffuse, but with marked concentration in cell-to-extracellular matrix contact sites. Correlative localization with interference reflection microscopy and double-label or triple-label immunofluorescence showed that 140K co-distributed with extracellular fibronectin fibrils and intracellular alpha-actinin in microfilament bundles at extracellular matrix contact sites but tended not to co-localize with tropomyosin present in bundles at sites farther from adhesion sites. In addition, binding of antibodies to 140K, alpha-actinin, and fibronectin was excluded from vinculin-rich focal adhesion sites at the cellular periphery. A progressive development of cell surface alpha-actinin-140K-fibronectin associations was observed in early spreading cells. The anti-140K monoclonal antibody JG22E inhibited the attachment and spreading of both normal and Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chicken embryonic fibroblasts to a fibronectin substratum. However, the anti-140K monoclonal antibody became a positive mediator of cell attachment and spreading if it was adsorbed or cross-linked to the substratum. Our results provide the first description of a membrane-associated protein complex that co-localizes with fibronectin and microfilament bundles, and they suggest that the 140K complex may be part of a cell surface linkage between fibronectin and the cytoskeleton.

Characterization of a membrane-associated glycoprotein complex implicated in cell adhesion to fibronectin

We have characterized a 140-kDa glycoprotein complex purified by a monoclonal antibody and implicated in cell adhesion to the extracellular molecule fibronectin. Three major polypeptide components were purified by monoclonal antibody JG22E, which had apparent molecular weights of 155,000 (band 1), 135,000 (band 2), and 120,000 (band 3). In two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, each subunit migrated as either a broad band or a series of spots at acidic isoelectric points. After treatment with neuraminidase, the spots became focused around pH 6.2 (band 1), pH 5.6 (band 2), and pH 5.3 (band 3). These three major bands were compared by two-dimensional peptide mapping in a series of pairwise combinations and were found to be distinct proteins. In sucrose gradients, these proteins co-migrated as a complex sedimenting at approximately 8.4 S either before or after affinity purification, whereas separated subunits migrated at 4.7 to 5.8 S. Amino acid analysis revealed no detectable hydroxyproline and a composition characterized by a substantial number of cysteine residues compared to the average protein. Our results suggest that a noncovalent complex of structurally distinct glycoproteins is involved in adhesive interactions of fibronectin with cells.