Thrombospondin gene expression is associated with mitogenesis in 3T3 cells: induction by basic fibroblast growth factor

Thrombospondin1 deficiency attenuates obesity-associated microvascular complications in ApoE-/- mice

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and the increased development of vascular complications. Previously, we have demonstrated that thrombospondin1 (TSP1) regulates macrophage function and contributes to obesity associated inflammation and insulin resistance. However, the role of TSP1 in the development of obesity associated vascular complications is not clear. Therefore, in the current study, we investigated whether TSP1 deficiency protects mice from obesity associated micro as well as macro-vascular complications in ApoE-/- mice. In this study, male ApoE-/- mice and ApoE-/-TSP1-/- mice were fed with a low-fat (LF) or a high-fat (HF) diet for 16 weeks. We found that body weight and fat mass increased similarly between the ApoE-/-TSP1-/- mice and ApoE-/- mice under HF feeding conditions. However, as compared to obese ApoE-/- mice, obese ApoE-/-TSP1-/- mice had improved glucose tolerance, increased insulin sensitivity, and reduced systemic inflammation. Aortic atherosclerotic lesion formation was similar in these two groups of mice. In contrast, albuminuria was attenuated and kidney fibrosis was reduced in obese ApoE-/-TSP1-/- mice compared to obese ApoE-/- mice. The improved kidney function in obese ApoE-/-TSP1-/- mice was associated with decreased renal lipid accumulation. Together, these data suggest that TSP1 deficiency did not affect the development of obesity associated macro-vascular complication, but attenuated obesity associated micro-vascular complications.

Thrombospondin-1 is part of a Slug-independent motility and metastatic program in cutaneous melanoma, in association with VEGFR-1 and FGF-2

Differently from most transformed cells, cutaneous melanoma expresses the pleiotropic factor thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). Herein, we show that TSP-1 (RNA and protein), undetectable in four cultures of melanocytes and a RGP melanoma, was variously present in 13 cell lines from advanced melanomas or metastases. Moreover, microarray analysis of 55 human lesions showed higher TSP-1 expression in primary melanomas and metastases than in common and dysplastic nevi. In a functional enrichment analysis, the expression of TSP-1 correlated with motility-related genes. Accordingly, TSP-1 production was associated with melanoma cell motility in vitro and lung colonization potential in vivo. VEGF/VEGFR-1 and FGF-2, involved in melanoma progression, regulated TSP-1 production. These factors were coexpressed with TSP-1 and correlated negatively with Slug (SNAI2), a cell migration master gene implicated in melanoma metastasis. We conclude that TSP-1 cooperates with FGF-2 and VEGF/VEGFR-1 in determining melanoma invasion and metastasis, as part of a Slug-independent motility program.

Thrombospondin 1 mediates renal dysfunction in a mouse model of high-fat diet-induced obesity

Obesity is prevalent worldwide and is a major risk factor for many diseases including renal complications. Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1), a multifunctional extracellular matrix protein, plays an important role in diabetic kidney diseases. However, whether TSP1 plays a role in obesity-related kidney disease is unknown. In the present studies, the role of TSP1 in obesity-induced renal dysfunction was determined by using a diet-induced obese mouse model. The results demonstrated that TSP1 was significantly upregulated in the kidney from obese mice. The increased TSP1 was localized in the glomerular mesangium as well as in the tubular system from obese wild-type mice. Obese wild-type mice developed renal hypertrophy and albuminuria, which was associated with increased kidney macrophage infiltration, augmented kidney inflammation, and activated transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling and renal fibrosis. In contrast, obese TSP1-deficient mice did not develop these kidney damages. Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated that leptin treatment stimulated the expression of TSP1, TGF-β1, fibronectin, and collagen type IV in mesangial cells isolated from wild-type mice. These leptin-stimulated effects were abolished in TSP1-deficient mesangial cells. Taken together, these data suggest that TSP1 is an important mediator for obesity- or hyperleptinemia-induced kidney dysfunction.

Thrombospondin 1 activates the macrophage Toll-like receptor 4 pathway

Previously, we demonstrated that macrophages from thrombospondin 1 (TSP1)-deficient mice have a reduced inflammatory phenotype, suggesting that TSP1 plays a role in macrophage activation. In this study, we determined how TSP1 regulates macrophage function. We found that recombinant or purified platelet human TSP1 treatment stimulated tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression (at the mRNA and protein levels) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activity were also stimulated by TSP1 treatment. The TSP1-mediated increase in TNF-α production was abolished in TLR4-deficient macrophages, suggesting that TSP1 activates macrophages through a TLR4-dependent pathway. TSP1 also stimulated TLR4 activation in macrophages in vivo. Furthermore, TSP1-mediated macrophage activation was attenuated by using a peptide or an antibody to block the association between TSP1 and CD36. Taken together, these data suggest that the stimulation of the macrophage TLR4 pathway by TSP1 is partially mediated by the interaction of TSP1 with its receptor, CD36.

Thrombospondin1 deficiency reduces obesity-associated inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity in a diet-induced obese mouse model

BACKGROUND

Obesity is prevalent worldwide and is associated with insulin resistance. Advanced studies suggest that obesity-associated low-grade chronic inflammation contributes to the development of insulin resistance and other metabolic complications. Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) is a multifunctional extracellular matrix protein that is up-regulated in inflamed adipose tissue. A recent study suggests a positive correlation of TSP1 with obesity, adipose inflammation, and insulin resistance. However, the direct effect of TSP1 on obesity and insulin resistance is not known. Therefore, we investigated the role of TSP1 in mediating obesity-associated inflammation and insulin resistance by using TSP1 knockout mice.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Male TSP1-/- mice and wild type littermate controls were fed a low-fat (LF) or a high-fat (HF) diet for 16 weeks. Throughout the study, body weight and fat mass increased similarly between the TSP1-/- mice and WT mice under HF feeding conditions, suggesting that TSP1 deficiency does not affect the development of obesity. However, obese TSP1-/- mice had improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity compared to the obese wild type mice. Macrophage accumulation and inflammatory cytokine expression in adipose tissue were reduced in obese TSP1-/- mice. Consistent with the local decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, systemic inflammation was also decreased in the obese TSP1-/- mice. Furthermore, in vitro data demonstrated that TSP1 deficient macrophages had decreased mobility and a reduced inflammatory phenotype.

CONCLUSION

TSP1 deficiency did not affect the development of high-fat diet induced obesity. However, TSP1 deficiency reduced macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue and protected against obesity related inflammation and insulin resistance. Our data demonstrate that TSP1 may play an important role in regulating macrophage function and mediating obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. These data suggest that TSP1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target to improve the inflammatory and metabolic complications of obesity.

Glucose downregulation of PKG-I protein mediates increased thrombospondin1-dependent TGF-{beta} activity in vascular smooth muscle cells

Diabetes is a major predictor of in-stent restenosis, which is associated with fibroproliferative remodeling of the vascular wall due to increased transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) action. It is well established that thrombospondin1 (TSP1) is a major regulator of TGF-beta activation in renal and cardiac complications of diabetes. However, the role of the TSP1-TGF-beta pathway in macrovascular diabetic complications, including restenosis, has not been addressed. In mesangial cells, high glucose concentrations depress protein kinase G (PKG) activity, but not PKG-I protein, thereby downregulating transcriptional repression of TSP1. Previously, we showed that high glucose downregulates PKG-I protein expression by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through altered NADPH oxidase signaling. In the present study, we investigated whether high glucose regulation of PKG protein and activity in VSMCs similarly regulates TSP1 expression and downstream TGF-beta activity. These studies showed that high glucose stimulates both TSP1 expression and TGF-beta bioactivity in primary murine aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). TSP1 is responsible for the increased TGF-beta bioactivity under high glucose conditions, because treatment with anti-TSP1 antibody, small interfering RNA-TSP1, or an inhibitory peptide blocked glucose-mediated increases in TGF-beta activity and extracellular matrix protein (fibronectin) expression. Overexpression of constitutively active PKG, but not the PKG-I protein, inhibited glucose-induced TSP1 expression and TGF-beta bioactivity, suggesting that PKG protein expression is insufficient to regulate TSP1 expression. Together, these data establish that glucose-mediated downregulation of PKG levels stimulates TSP1 expression and enhances TGF-beta activity and matrix protein expression, which can contribute to vascular remodeling in diabetes.

LDL receptor-related protein 1: unique tissue-specific functions revealed by selective gene knockout studies

The LDL receptor-related protein (originally called LRP, but now referred to as LRP1) is a large endocytic receptor that is widely expressed in several tissues. LRP1 is a member of the LDL receptor family that plays diverse roles in various biological processes including lipoprotein metabolism, degradation of proteases, activation of lysosomal enzymes, and cellular entry of bacterial toxins and viruses. Deletion of the LRP1 gene leads to lethality in mice, revealing a critical, but as of yet, undefined role in development. Tissue-specific gene deletion studies reveal an important contribution of LRP1 in the vasculature, central nervous system, macrophages, and adipocytes. Three important properties of LRP1 dictate its diverse role in physiology: 1) its ability to recognize more than 30 distinct ligands, 2) its ability to bind a large number of cytoplasmic adaptor proteins via determinants located on its cytoplasmic domain in a phosphorylation-specific manner, and 3) its ability to associate with and modulate the activity of other transmembrane receptors such as integrins and receptor tyrosine kinases.

Purinergic signaling induces thrombospondin-1 expression in astrocytes

Thrombospondin (TSP)-1, a multidomain glycoprotein, is secreted from astrocytes and promotes synaptogenesis. However, little is known about the mechanisms regulating its expression and release. In this article, we report that purinergic signaling participates in the production and secretion of TSP-1. Treatment of primary cultures of rat cortical astrocytes with extracellular ATP caused an increase in TSP-1 expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and was inhibited by antagonists of P2 and P1 purinergic receptors. Agonist studies revealed that UTP, but not 2',3'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl-ATP, 2-methylthio-ADP, adenosine, or 5'-N-ethyl-carboxamidoadenosine, caused a significant increase in TSP-1 expression. In addition, release of TSP-1 was stimulated by ATP and UTP but not by 2-methylthio-ADP or adenosine. Additional studies indicated that P2Y(4) receptors stimulate both TSP-1 expression and release. P2Y receptors are coupled to protein kinase cascades, and signaling studies demonstrated that blockade of mitogen-activated protein kinases or Akt inhibited ATP- and UTP-induced TSP-1 expression. Using an in vitro model of CNS trauma that stimulates release of ATP, we found that TSP-1 expression increased after mechanical strain and was completely blocked by a P2 receptor antagonist and by inhibition of p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt, thereby indicating a major role for P2 receptor/protein kinase signaling in TSP-1 expression induced by trauma. We conclude that TSP-1 expression can be regulated by activation of P2Y receptors, particularly P2Y(4), coupled to protein kinase signaling pathways and suggest that purinergic signaling may be an important factor in TSP-1-mediated cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions such as those occurring during development and repair.

Glucose up-regulates thrombospondin 1 gene transcription and transforming growth factor-beta activity through antagonism of cGMP-dependent protein kinase repression via upstream stimulatory factor 2

Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) transcription is stimulated by glucose, resulting in increased TGF-beta activation and matrix protein synthesis. We previously showed that inducible expression of the catalytic domain of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibits glucose-regulated TSP1 transcription and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta activity in stably transfected rat mesangial cells (RMCs(tr/cd)). However, the molecular mechanisms by which PKG represses glucose-regulated TSP1 transcription are unknown. Using a luciferase-promoter deletion assay, we now identify a single region of the human TSP1 promoter (-1172 to -878, relative to the transcription start site) that is responsive to glucose. Further characterization of this region identified an 18-bp sequence that specifically binds nuclear proteins from mesangial cells. Moreover, binding is significantly enhanced by high glucose treatment and is reduced by increased PKG activity. Gel mobility shift and supershift assays show that the nuclear proteins binding to the 18-bp sequence are USF1 and -2. USF1 and USF2 bound to the endogenous TSP1 promoter using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Glucose stimulates nuclear USF2 protein accumulation through protein kinase C, p38 MAPK, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways. Increased PKG activity down-regulates USF2 protein levels and its DNA binding activity under high glucose conditions, resulting in inhibition of glucose-induced TSP1 transcription and TGF-beta activity. Overexpression of USF2 reversed the inhibitory effect of PKG on glucose-induced TSP1 gene transcription and TGF-beta activity. Taken together these data present the first evidence that USF2 mediates glucose-induced TSP1 expression and TSP1-dependent TGF-beta bioactivity in mesangial cells, suggesting that USF2 is an important transcriptional regulator of diabetic complications.

Expression of constitutively active cGMP-dependent protein kinase prevents glucose stimulation of thrombospondin 1 expression and TGF-beta activity

Hyperglycemia is a crucial factor in the development of diabetic nephropathy. We previously showed that high glucose upregulates thrombospondin 1 (TSP1)-dependent transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta activation by altering cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) activity as a result of decreased nitric oxide signaling. In the present study, we showed that high glucose concentrations significantly reduced endogenous PKG activity. To further examine the mechanisms by which PKG regulates TSP1 expression and TSP1-dependent TGF-beta activation, we generated stably transfected rat mesangial cells (RMCs) with inducible expression tetracycline-induced gene expression of the catalytic domain of PKG. After tetracycline induction, the catalytic domain of PKG is expressed as a cGMP-independent active kinase. Expression of the catalytic domain prevented high glucose-mediated increases in transcription of the TSP1 gene with no alteration in TSP1 mRNA stability. Glucose stimulation of TSP1 protein expression and TGF-beta bioactivity were also downregulated. TGF-beta-dependent fibronectin and type IV collagen expression under high glucose conditions were significantly reduced upon catalytic domain expression in transfected RMCs. These results show that constitutively active PKG inhibits the fibrogenic potential of high glucose through repression of TSP1-dependent TGF-beta bioactivity, suggesting that gene transfer of the catalytic domain of PKG might provide a new strategy for treatment of diabetic renal fibrosis.

Up-regulation of thrombospondin-1 gene by epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor beta in human cancer cells--transcriptional activation and messenger RNA stabilization

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a multifunctional matrix protein, affects tumor growth through modulation of angiogenesis and other stromal biological functions. In several of nine human cancer cell lines derived from liver, brain, pancreas, and bone, expression of TSP-1 was up-regulated in response to the two most representative growth factors, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1). Expression of TSP-1 was markedly enhanced in hepatic HuH-7 cells by EGF but not by TGFbeta1. In contrast, expression of TSP-1 was markedly enhanced by TGFbeta1, but not by EGF, in osteosarcoma MG63 cells. EGF induced activation of TSP-1 promoter-driven luciferase activity in HuH-7 cells, and the elements between -267 and -71 on the 5' region of TSP-1 gene containing two GC boxes to which Sp1 bound, were found to be responsible for the promoter activation by EGF. However, EGF did not alter TSP-1 mRNA stability in hepatic cells. On the other hand, no such enhancement of the TSP-1 promoter activity by TGFbeta1 appeared in MG63 cells. Enhanced expression of TSP-1 by TGFbeta1 in MG63 cells was partially blocked by exogenous addition of SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. TGFbeta was found to induce marked elongation of TSP-1 mRNA longevity in osteosarcoma cells when mRNA degradation was assayed in the presence of alpha-amanitin. The up-regulation of TSP-1 by EGF and TGFbeta might play a critical role in modulation of angiogenesis and formation of matrices in tumor stroma.

Response of bovine endothelial cells to FGF-2 and VEGF is dependent on their site of origin: Relevance to the regulation of angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillary blood vessels, occurs almost exclusively in the microcirculation. This process is controlled by the interaction between factors with positive and negative regulatory activity. In this study, we have compared the effect of two well described positive regulators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) on bovine adrenal cortex-derived microvascular endothelial (BME) and bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells. The parameters we assessed included (a) cellular reorganization and lumen formation following exposure of the apical cell surface to a three-dimensional collagen gel; (b) organization of the actin cytoskeleton; (c) expression of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), an endogenous negative regulator of angiogenesis; and (d) extracellular proteolytic activity mediated by the plasminogen activator (PA)/plasmin system. We found that (a) collagen gel overlay induces rapid reorganization and lumen formation in BME but not BAE cells; (b) FGF-2 but not VEGF induced dramatic reorganization of actin microfilaments in BME cells, with neither cytokine affecting BAE cells; (c) FGF-2 decreased TSP-1 protein and mRNA expression in BME cells, an effect which was specific for FGF-2 and BME cells, since TSP-1 protein levels were unaffected by VEGF in BME cells, or by FGF-2 or VEGF in BAE cells; (d) FGF-2 induced urokinase-type PA (uPA) in BME and BAE cells, while VEGF induced uPA and tissue-type PA in BME cells with no effect on BAE cells. Taken together, these findings reveal endothelial cell-type specific responses to FGF-2 and VEGF, and point to the greater specificity of these cytokines for endothelial cells of the microvasculature than for large vessel (aortic) endothelial cells. Furthermore, when viewed in the context of our previous observation on the synergistic interaction between VEGF and FGF-2, our present findings provide evidence for complementary mechanisms which, when acting in concert, might account for the synergistic effect.

Thrombospondin-1 binds to polyhistidine with high affinity and specificity

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) is a secreted trimeric glycoprotein of 450 kDa with demonstrated effects on cell growth, adhesion and migration. Its complex biological activity is attributed to its ability to bind to cell-surface receptors, growth factors and extracellular-matrix proteins. In this study, we used a (125)I solid-phase binding assay to demonstrate that TSP1 binds specifically to proteins containing polyhistidine stretches. Based on studies with three different six-histidine-containing recombinant proteins, we derived an average dissociation constant of 5 nM. The binding of (125)I-labelled TSP1 to these proteins was inhibited by peptides containing histidine residues, with the degree of competition being a function of the number of histidines within the peptide. Binding was not inhibited by excess histidine or imidazole, indicating that the imidazole ring is not sufficient for recognition by TSP1. Heparin was a potent inhibitor of binding with a K(i) of 50 nM, suggesting that the heparin-binding domain of TSP1 may be involved in this interaction. This was confirmed by the ability of a recombinant heparin-binding domain of TSP1 to directly compete for TSP1 binding to polyhistidine-containing proteins. Affinity chromatography with a polyhistidine-containing peptide immobilized on agarose revealed that TSP1 in platelet releasates is the major polypeptide retained on the six-histidine-peptide column. We conclude that TSP1 contains a high-affinity binding site for polyhistidine and this is likely to be the molecular basis for the observed binding of TSP1 to histidine-rich glycoprotein. The possibility that other polyhistidine-containing proteins also interact with TSP1 warrants further study.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and focal adhesion kinase are early signals in the growth factor-like responses to thrombospondin-1 seen in human vascular smooth muscle

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a matricellular protein that is expressed in negligible amounts in normal blood vessels but is markedly upregulated in vascular injury. Although TSP-1 can act as a pleiotropic regulator for human vascular smooth muscle cells (HVSMCs), the intracellular signaling pathways stimulated by this protein remain obscure. In cultured HVSMCs derived from saphenous vein, TSP-1 induces tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of cellular proteins, with a complex temporal pattern of activation. Immunoprecipitation techniques have identified the early tyrosine-phosphorylated signals as being the p85 regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Tyrosine phosphorylation of the p85 subunit of PI 3-K showed a biphasic response to TSP-1 stimulation, which corresponded to a biphasic activation of the lipid kinase. Treatment with both wortmannin and LY294002 inhibited PI 3-K activity of HVSMCs but did not affect tyrosine phosphorylation of the p85 regulatory subunit. TSP-1-stimulated FAK phosphorylation, however, was substantially reduced by these inhibitors, as was the TSP-1-induced chemotaxis of these cells. These results suggest that activation of PI 3-K is an early signal induced by TSP-1 and is critical for chemotaxis. Activation of this kinase precedes and may occur upstream from FAK phosphorylation, although the nature of the interaction between these 2 enzymes remains obscure.

Regulation of the three-dimensional organization of thyroid epithelial cells into follicle structures by the matricellular protein, thrombospondin-1

Thyroid epithelial cells in primary culture have the capacity to organize into thyroid-specific three-dimensional structures, the follicles, in response to TSH. We studied whether thrombospondin 1 (TSP1), which represents, besides thyroglobulin, the main protein secreted by thyroid cells, could play a role in the process of folliculogenesis. TSH promoted follicle formation and inhibited TSP1 production. On the contrary, the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (1-100 nM) prevented TSH-induced follicle formation and strongly increased the synthesis of TSP1. Activation of TSP1 synthesis was dependent upon messenger RNA synthesis. Transforming growth factor-beta, like 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate, increased TSP1 synthesis and prevented TSH-induced follicle formation. Thus, signaling molecules that depressed or conversely activated TSP1 production, respectively promoted or prevented thyroid folliculogenesis. TSP1, purified from platelets, was devoid of effect on cell substratum attachment, but exerted a concentration-dependent inhibition of the TSH-activated reconstitution of thyroid follicles (half-inhibition at 40 microg/ml). TSP1 exhibited the same effect when added to thyroid cell aggregates representing primitive follicle structures. Our data suggest that the control of thyroid follicle formation may operate at least in part through regulation of the production of the matricellular protein TSP1, which acts as a negative modulator of the cell-cell adhesion process involved in thyroid follicle morphogenesis.

Expression of thrombospondin-1 in ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization

Thrombospondin-1 is an extracellular matrix protein that inhibits endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. This study was performed to investigate the role of thrombospondin-1 in ischemic retinal neovascularization. In a murine model of retinal neovascularization, thrombospondin-1 mRNA was increased from postnatal day 13 (P13), with a threefold peak response observed on P15, corresponding to the time of development of retinal neovascularization. Prominent expression of thrombospondin-1 was observed in neovascular cells, specifically, cells adjacent to the area of nonperfusion. It has been suggested that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization of this model, so we studied the effects of VEGF on thrombospondin-1 expression. In bovine retinal microcapillary endothelial cells, VEGF induced a biphasic response of thrombospondin-1 expression; VEGF decreased thrombospondin-1 mRNA 0.41-fold after 4 hours, whereas it increased, with a threefold peak response, after 24 hours. VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation was completely inhibited by exogenous thrombospondin-1 and increased by 37.5% with anti-thrombospondin-1 antibody. The present findings suggest that, in the ischemic retina, retinal neovascular cells increase thrombospondin-1 expression, and VEGF may stimulate endogenous thrombospondin-1 induction, which inhibits endothelial cell growth. VEGF-mediated thrombospondin-1 induction in ischemia-induced angiogenesis may be a negative feedback mechanism.

Thrombospondin 1 is expressed by mesenchymal cells in mouse post-natal skin and hair follicle development

Thrombospondin 1 is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein with multiple functions. In the skin, it has been immunolocalized to basement membrane, and its expression increases during embryogenesis and wound healing. Its normal cellular source in the skin is not known, except during wound healing, where macrophages and keratinocytes seem to be the primary source. We have analysed the expression of thrombospondin 1 mRNA in normal mouse skin at different ages by in situ hybridization. It was found that the mRNA is expressed by dermal mesenchymal cells and mature fibroblasts and developmentally regulated during post-natal skin growth and morphogenesis. In adult mouse skin, expression of the thrombospondin is restricted to the mesenchymal cells of hair follicle papilla. These results suggest that the regulation of thrombospondin 1 transcription in mesenchymal cells can play an important role in post-natal skin development. Its mRNA expression is a characteristic of adult dermal papilla cells with a potential role in hair development.

Expression and function of thrombospondin-1 in myelinating glial cells of the central nervous system

The thrombospondin (TSP) family of extracellular matrix glycoproteins are widely expressed in the developing and adult central nervous system although their function remains poorly defined. We have used cell culture techniques to analyse the expression and function of TSPs in glial cells derived from myelinated regions of the central nervous system. These experiments show that TSP-1 mRNA, but not TSP-2 or TSP-3 mRNA, is expressed by astrocytes from these regions. TSP-1 mRNA levels in astrocytes are under the regulation of growth factors, being increased by TGFbeta1 and decreased by bFGF. Oligodendrocyte precursors do not express TSP-1, TSP-2, or TSP-3 mRNA. Migration of oligodendrocyte precursor cells is stimulated by TSP-1 substrates as measured either by time-lapse microscopy or using a microchemotaxis chamber assay. Taken together, these results suggest that the extracellular matrix molecule TSP-1 plays a role in normal central nervous system development by contributing to the regulation of oligodendrocyte precursor migration.

Serum- and polypeptide growth factor-inducible gene expression in mouse fibroblasts

Complex cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis are regulated in part by extracellular signaling molecules: for example, polypeptide growth factors, cytokines, and peptide hormones. Many polypeptide growth factors exert their mitogenic effects by binding to specific cell surface receptor protein tyrosine kinases. This interaction triggers numerous biochemical responses, including changes in phospholipid metabolism, the activation of a protein phosphorylation cascade, and the enhanced expression of specific immediate-early, delayed-early, or late response genes. In this review, I summarize the major findings obtained from studies investigating the effects of serum or individual polypeptide growth factors on gene expression in murine fibroblasts. Several experimental approaches, including differential hybridization screening of cDNA libraries and differential display, have been employed to identify mRNA species that are expressed at elevated levels in serum- or polypeptide growth factor-stimulated cells. These studies have demonstrated that serum- and growth factor-inducible genes encode a diverse family of proteins, including DNA-binding transcription factors, cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix proteins, metabolic enzymes, secreted chemokines, and serine-threonine kinases. Some of these gene products act as effectors of specific cell cycle functions (e.g., enzymes involved in nucleotide and DNA synthesis), others are required to successfully convert a metabolically inactive cell to a metabolically active cell that will eventually increase in size and then divide (e.g., glucose-metabolizing enzymes), and some actually function as positive or negative regulators of cell cycle progression. In conclusion, research conducted during the past 15 years on serum- and growth factor-regulated gene expression in murine fibroblasts has provided significant insight into mitogenic signal transduction and cell growth control.

Regulation of thrombospondin-1 production by angiotensin II in rat heart endothelial cells

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is synthesized, secreted, and incorporated into the extracellular matrix by a variety of cells, including the endothelial cells. Addition of angiotensin II (AII) significantly induced TSP-1 mRNA in rat heart-derived endothelial cells. TSP-1 mRNA levels reached a plateau within 2 h after the addition of AII and decreased after 5 h. The induction was superinduced by cycloheximide and blocked by actinomycin D. Losartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, could abolish the induction of TSP-1 mRNA by AII. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) was found to enhance TSP-1 mRNA level whereas a protein kinase C inhibitor, H7, was shown to block the induction. Immunoblot analysis revealed that TSP-1 was detectable in the medium 4 h after AII stimulation. Our results suggest that the upregulation of TSP-1 by AII represents an important mechanism leading to perivascular fibrosis in the heart.

Cellular internalization and degradation of thrombospondin-1 is mediated by the amino-terminal heparin binding domain (HBD). High affinity interaction of dimeric HBD with the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a large modular trimeric protein that has been proposed to play a diverse role in biological processes. Newly synthesized TSP-1 either is incorporated into the matrix or binds to the cell surface where it is rapidly internalized and degraded. TSP-1 catabolism is mediated by the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), a large endocytic receptor that is a member of the low density lipoprotein receptor family. Using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer experiments, we demonstrate that the very low density lipoprotein receptor can also bind and internalize TSP-1. An objective of the current investigation was to identify the portion of TSP-1 that binds to these endocytic receptors. The current studies found that the amino-terminal heparin binding domain (HBD, residues 1-214) of mouse TSP-1, when prepared as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase (GST), bound to purified LRP with an apparent KD ranging from 10 to 25 nM. Recombinant HBD (rHBD) purified following proteolytic cleavage of GST-HBD, also bound to purified LRP, but with an apparent KD of 830 nM. The difference in affinity was attributed to the fact that GST-HBD exists in solution as a dimer, whereas rHBD is a monomer. Like TSP-1, 125I-labeled GST-HBD or 125I-labeled rHBD were internalized and degraded by wild type fibroblasts that express LRP, but not by fibroblasts that are genetically deficient in LRP. The catabolism of both 125I-labeled GST-HBD and rHBD in wild type fibroblast was blocked by the 39-kDa receptor-associated protein, an inhibitor of LRP function. GST-HBD and rHBD both completely blocked catabolism of 125I-labeled TSP-1 in a dose-dependent manner, as did antibodies prepared against the HBD. Taken together, these data provide compelling evidence that the amino-terminal domain of TSP-1 binds to LRP and thus the recognition determinants on TSP-1 for both LRP and for cell surface proteoglycans reside within the same TSP-1 domain. Further, high affinity binding of TSP-1 to LRP likely results from the trimeric structure of TSP-1.

Opposite regulation of thrombospondin-1 and corticotropin-induced secreted protein/thrombospondin-2 expression by adrenocorticotropic hormone in adrenocortical cells

Corticotropin-induced secreted protein (CISP) is a trimeric glycoprotein secreted by primary cultures of bovine adrenortical cells in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This protein was recently purified in our laboratory, and its N-terminal amino-acid sequence revealed a significant similarity with thrombospondin-2 (TSP2). We report here the nucleotide sequence of a 386 bp RT-PCR fragment specific for CISP. The deduced protein sequence shares 84% identity with the N-terminal portion of mature human TSP2, suggesting that CISP is its bovine counterpart. Northern analysis of adrenocortical cell RNA using the above cDNA fragment as a probe revealed a 6.0 kb CISP/TSP2 mRNA whose abundance was increased nearly fivefold following a 24 h cell treatment with 10(-7) M ACTH. Under the same conditions, the expression of TSP1 mRNA was reduced by tenfold. The protein levels of TSP1 and CISP/TSP2 varied accordingly with their respective mRNA levels, as shown by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments. Taken together, these data show that ACTH induces a dramatic shift in the pattern of adrenocortical cell thrombospondin expression from TSP1 to CISP/TSP2. This observation suggests that these two members of the thrombospondin family exert distinct biological functions in the adrenal cortex. This hypothesis is further supported by the observation that anti-CISP antibodies inhibit the maintenance of the morphological changes of bovine adrenocortical cells induced by ACTH, whereas anti-TSP1 antibodies do not.

Thrombospondin 1 is expressed by proliferating mesangial cells and is up-regulated by PDGF and bFGF in vivo

Thrombospondin 1 has been shown to be linked to PDGF-mediated mesangial cell proliferation and migration in vitro, but little is known regarding its expression or regulation in glomerular disease. Experimental mesangial proliferative nephritis was induced in rats by injection of anti-Thy1 antibody. Mesangial cell proliferation was associated with de novo expression of thrombospondin 1 mRNA (detected by Northern blot and in situ hybridization) and protein (by Western blot and immunostaining). Although some thrombospondin 1 was expressed by platelets and macrophages, double labeling showed that most thrombospondin 1 mRNA and protein were expressed by proliferating alpha-actin-positive mesangial cells. Thrombospondin 1 expression in anti-Thy1 nephritis was complement-dependent and could be reduced by treatment with anti-PDGF or anti-bFGF antibodies. Thrombospondin 1 could also be induced in normal rats by infusion of PDGF and in rats which were primed with low dose anti-Thy1 antibody by infusion of PDGF of bFGF. Thus, this study demonstrates that proliferating mesangial cells express thrombospondin 1 de novo in disease and that thrombospondin 1 expression in vivo is regulated by PDGF and bFGF.

IL-3 and ribavirin induce differentiation and growth suppression during long-term treatment of a megakaryocytic leukemia cell line

Differentiation of the megakaryocytic leukemia cells, CMK, was induced by long-term (12 day) treatment with the combination of IL-3 and the nucleoside analogue ribavirin (RV), which reduces cellular GTP levels. In a previous report we demonstrated the induction of early messages and antigens, as well as the formation of giant polyploid cells in the cultures (Majumdar et al., 1994, J. Cell. Physiol., 160:29-39). Here we show high level induction of messages for the late markers, Platelet Factor 4, GMP140 (P-Selectin), thrombospondin, and beta thromboglobulin. The induced cells are also positive for these antigens by immunocytochemical analysis. The high level message induction resulted from synergy between the inducers. Pretreatment of the cells with IL-3 could accelerate the rise in message seen with the inducer combination. The increase in differentiation markers was accompanied by a reduction of the proliferative capacity of the cells. Riboguanosine, which has anti differentiation activity, blocked the induction of early and late antigens by the inducer combination, and also by IL-3 acting alone, but did not block the reduction in proliferative competence. In this model of megakaryocytic differentiation IL-3 treatment yields an initial stimulation of growth followed by growth suppression, and is the principal driver of the differentiation process. RV functions primarily as a stimulator of message and protein expression in synergy with IL-3.

CD36 induction on human monocytes upon adhesion to tumor necrosis factor-activated endothelial cells

Cell adhesion between circulating monocytes and the endothelium is a critical component of vascular thromboregulation and atherogenesis. The biochemical and genetic consequences of adhesion are poorly understood. We have found that monocyte surface expression of CD36, an integral membrane receptor for thrombospondin, collagen, and oxidized low density lipoprotein, increased dramatically upon adhesion to tumor necrosis factor-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Expression was assessed by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting using monoclonal antibodies to CD36. Steady-state CD36 mRNA levels, detected by RNase protection assay, also showed a similar pattern of up-regulation. To verify the adhesion dependence of the observed phenomenon, monocytes were co-cultured with tumor necrosis factor-activated HUVEC in a transwell apparatus that physically separated monocytes from the endothelial cells. Under these conditions, no increase in CD36 expression was detected, demonstrating that the enhanced monocyte CD36 expression observed is not due to soluble factors released by HUVEC. To characterize the specific adhesion molecules involved in the process, co-culture assays were performed on murine L cells transfected with either human E-selectin or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 cDNAs. A dramatic increase in CD36 mRNA was seen upon monocyte adhesion to E-selectin-transfected L cells compared with adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 or control transfectants. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies to E-selectin inhibited the adhesion-dependent up-regulation of CD36 mRNA induced by transfected L cells or cytokine-activated endothelial cells. These findings demonstrate adhesion-dependent gene regulation of monocyte CD36 and suggest the possible involvement of E-selectin in initiating this process.

Thrombospondin co-localises with TGF beta and IGF-I in the extracellular matrix of human osteoblast-like cells and is modulated by 17 beta estradiol

Thrombospondin (TSP) is a multifunctional glycoprotein which is synthesised by several cell types including osteoblasts, and incorporated into the extracellular matrix (ECM) of these cells. The function and regulation of TSP in bone is not clear. In this study, using a long term culture model of human osteoblast-like cells, we examined the distribution of TSP in the ECM and its modulation by added estradiol. In this model the osteoblast-like cells form a regular multilayer which continues to increase in depth up to 50 days post confluence. In the ECM of these cultures and in 19-week fetal bone, the bone markers osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase were diffusely distributed in the matrix. In contrast, labelling for TSP was concentrated, confined to the banded collagen and its immediately adjacent ECM. This pattern of labelling resembled that of the growth factors transforming growth factor beta-I (TGF beta), and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), with which TSP label co-localised. Labelling intensities were comparable between fetal bone and the in vitro material for TSP, TGF beta and IGF-I. TSP label was present by 10 days post confluence, reached a maximum by 20 days, and declined slowly thereafter, a time course which was similar to that of IGF-I. Incubation of osteoblast-like cell cultures with 17 beta estradiol resulted in an increase in multilayer depth and a maximal 3-fold increase in TSP labeling at 30 days as well as approximately 2-fold increases for TGF beta and IGF-I. The dose-response relationship for these responses to estradiol treatment was biphasic with maximal increases at 10(-10) M-10(-11) M of added estradiol. Treatment with 17 alpha estradiol produced labelling intensities that were not significantly different from controls. Studies with other cell types have suggested that TSP may be involved in modulation of growth factor activity. The similarities between TSP, TGF beta and IGF-I, in terms of their distribution and regulation by 17 beta estradiol treatment, may indicate a role for TSP in modulating bone cell proliferation and function through interaction with local growth factors.

Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors have comparable effects on the haemostatic function of vascular endothelium

Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF and bFGF respectively) are closely related mitogens (55% homology) of the heparin binding growth factor family. Reports of the relative potency of these growth factors and the ability of heparin to potentiate the activity of bFGF are conflicting. We have examined the effect of heparin and human recombinant aFGF and bFGF on basal and thrombin challenged release of metabolites from cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Culture supernatant was assayed for thrombospondin, prostacyclin and PAI-1 and cell lysates were analysed for t-PA. aFGF and bFGF were equipotent in regulating ther release of all metabolites studied, except thrombin stimulated release of PGI2 where bFGF was more potent than aFGF in the absence of heparin. Heparin potentiated the mitogenic and metabolic effects of both bFGF and aFGF. However, heparin was not essential for the expression of the biological activity of FGF.

Proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) down regulate synthesis and secretion of thrombospondin by human endothelial cells

We examined the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on the expression of two extracellular matrix proteins, e.g., thrombospondin (TSP) and fibronectin (FN) b cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Treatment of HUVECs with human recombinant interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) or human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) caused a time-and dose-dependent decline in TSP production whereas FN production was not modified. At low concentrations, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in combination ha a greater effect than either agent alone. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was without effect. The decline in TSP synthesis resulted in a decreased secretion of this glycoprotein into the extracellular matrix. Endothelial cell monolayers cultured on porous filters were used to study the polarity of TSP secretion. Approximately two thirds of the synthesized protein was secreted to the apical side medium and one third to the basal side medium and both types of secretion were inhibited to a similar extent by cytokine treatment. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed no apparent degradation of secreted TSP, either in the apical or in the basal compartment. Treatment of HUVECs with lL-1 beta, either alone or in combination with TNF-alpha, had no significant effect on the steady-state TSP mRNA levels, suggesting a posttranscriptional regulation. Our results indicate that IL-1 beta decreasing TSP deposition and suggest different regulatory mechanisms for the expression of various secreted proteins by endothelial cells.

Modulation of thrombospondin expression during differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells

The thrombospondins (TSPs) are a family of extracellular glycoproteins that display distinct patterns of temporal and spatial expression during development. In this study, we investigated the expression of two of the TSPs--TPS1 and TSP2--during the course of differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells in vitro. We report that both TSP1 and TSP2 mRNA and protein synthesis are induced during the differentiation of P19EC cells into neurons, glial cells, and fibroblasts. Immunofluorescence studies indicate that TSP1 displays a fibrillar pattern of staining, characteristic of an extracellular matrix protein, in differentiated P19EC cells. In contrast, TSP2 is cell-associated and is present on differentiated P19EC cells and on primary neurons and glial cells obtained from a 17-day embryonic mouse cerebral cortex. Interestingly, although both TSP1 and TSP2 are more prevalent in areas of differentiated cells, they display distinct patterns of deposition. These observations suggest that TSP1 and TSP2 may function differently during neurogenesis. The response of TSP1 and TSP2 to differentiation of P19EC cells indicates that this cell system will serve as a valuable model for the study of TSP expression and function during neurogenesis.

Comparison of gene expression in bovine aortic endothelium in vivo versus in vitro. Differences in growth regulatory molecules

Many studies of the endothelium have assumed equivalence between cultured confluent cells and an endothelial lining in vivo. We compared gene expression of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) in culture versus freshly isolated cells from bovine aortas. Our technique of harvesting in vivo tissue yielded cells that were endothelial by the criteria of their containing von Willebrand factor (vWF) and lacking smooth muscle alpha-actin, by both immunocytochemistry and mRNA analyses. We found that several genes are overexpressed when BAECs are placed into culture, including basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor B-chain, and thrombospondin. On the other hand, message for vWF is highly expressed in vivo and at lower levels in confluent cultures. The transcripts for transforming growth factor-beta, plakoglobin, and flg (fms-like gene, FGF receptor-1) are comparable in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrate that significant changes in gene expression occur in the transition from in vivo conditions to tissue culture of endothelial cells. Studies of in vitro endothelium may poorly reflect a quiescent endothelial lining in vivo but may be more similar to cells responding to injury or angiogenic stimuli.

Basic fibroblast growth factor in the extracellular matrix suppresses collagen synthesis and type III procollagen mRNA levels in arterial smooth muscle cell cultures

To determine the effects of an intact extracellular matrix on collagen synthesis, arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were plated sparsely on a cell-free, SMC-derived matrix and examined the following day. Collagen synthesis during a 5-hour incubation by cells on the matrix was reduced to 67% of the control values obtained from cultures on plastic. Total protein synthesis was unaffected. Treatment of the matrix with heparitinase to remove basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) before seeding the SMCs abolished the inhibitory effect of the matrix on collagen synthesis. The inhibitory effect was also eliminated by treating the matrix with a neutralizing polyclonal antibody directed against bFGF. Collagen synthesis by SMC cultures grown in wells coated with purified bFGF was only 61% that of control cultures, whereas total protein synthesis remained unchanged. Slot-blot analysis revealed that the relative message level for alpha 1(III) procollagen was reduced in cultures grown on the preexisting matrix or on plastic precoated with bFGF, whereas the alpha 1(I) procollagen message was unaffected. These results demonstrate the ability of the extracellular matrix to modulate the synthesis of collagen by arterial SMCs and indicate that bFGF in the matrix is responsible for these effects.

A second thrombospondin gene in the mouse is similar in organization to thrombospondin 1 but does not respond to serum

A second, expressed thrombospondin (TSP) gene, Thbs2, has been identified in the mouse. The exon/intron organization of Thbs2 is highly conserved in comparison with Thbs1 in that exon size and the pattern of interruption of the reading frame by introns are preserved, but there is a marked divergence in coding sequence, primarily in the first 7 exons. On the other hand, the DNA and translated amino acid sequences of exons coding for the type I, II, and III repeats in the two TSPs are far better conserved. Thbs2 is located on chromosome 17, band A3, whereas Thbs1 was found on chromosome 2, band F. In marked contrast to Thbs1, the Thbs2 gene is not induced by serum in NIH 3T3 cells; promoter sequences in the two genes are also very different. It is therefore likely that the two TSPs perform related but distinct functions.

Thrombospondins

The thrombospondins are a family of proteins generated by alternative splicing and gene duplication, which contain binding sites for many soluble proteins and up to five cellular receptors. This family of modular proteins functions in regulation of cellular migration and proliferation as manifested in development, wound healing, angiogenesis and tumorigenesis.