Pregnancy zone protein-tissue-type plasminogen activator complexes bind to low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)

Novel insights into the multifaceted and tissue-specific roles of the endocytic receptor LRP1

Receptor-mediated endocytosis provides a mechanism for the selective uptake of specific molecules thereby controlling the composition of the extracellular environment and biological processes. The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a widely expressed endocytic receptor that regulates cellular events by modulating the levels of numerous extracellular molecules via rapid endocytic removal. LRP1 also participates in signalling pathways through this modulation as well as in the interaction with membrane receptors and cytoplasmic adaptor proteins. LRP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with several diseases and conditions such as migraines, aortic aneurysms, cardiopulmonary dysfunction, corneal clouding, and bone dysmorphology and mineral density. Studies using Lrp1 knockout mice revealed a critical, non-redundant and tissue-specific role of LRP1 in regulating various physiological events. However, exactly how LRP1 functions to regulate so many distinct and specific processes is still not fully clear. Our recent proteomics studies have identified more than 300 secreted proteins that either directly interact with LRP1 or are modulated by LRP1 in various tissues. This review will highlight the remarkable ability of this receptor to regulate secreted molecules in a tissue-specific manner and discuss potential mechanisms underpinning such specificity. Uncovering the depth of these "hidden" specific interactions modulated by LRP1 will provide novel insights into a dynamic and complex extracellular environment that is involved in diverse biological and pathological processes.

HIF-1α is Required to Differentiate the Neonatal Macrophage Secretome from Adults

The immune response to stress diverges with age, with neonatal macrophages implicated in tissue regeneration versus tissue scarring and maladaptive inflammation in adults. Integral to the macrophage stress response is the recognition of hypoxia and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are often coupled. The age-specific, cell-intrinsic nature of this stress response remains vague. To uncover age-defined divergences in macrophage crosstalk potential after exposure to hypoxia and PAMPs, we interrogated the secreted proteomes of neonatal versus adult macrophages via non-biased mass spectrometry. Through this approach, we newly identified age-specific signatures in the secretomes of neonatal versus adult macrophages in response to hypoxia and the prototypical PAMP, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Neonatal macrophages polarized to an anti-inflammatory, regenerative phenotype protective against apoptosis and oxidative stress, dependent on hypoxia inducible transcription factor-1α ( HIF-1α). In contrast, adult macrophages adopted a pro-inflammatory, glycolytic phenotypic signature consistent with pathogen killing. Taken together, these data uncover fundamental age and HIF-1α dependent macrophage programs that may be targeted to calibrate the innate immune response during stress and inflammation.

Identification, characterization, and engineering of glycosylation in thrombolyticsa

Cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and pulmonary embolism, are the most common causes of disability and death worldwide. Blood clot hydrolysis by thrombolytic enzymes and thrombectomy are key clinical interventions. The most widely used thrombolytic enzyme is alteplase, which has been used in clinical practice since 1986. Another clinically used thrombolytic protein is tenecteplase, which has modified epitopes and engineered glycosylation sites, suggesting that carbohydrate modification in thrombolytic enzymes is a viable strategy for their improvement. This comprehensive review summarizes current knowledge on computational and experimental identification of glycosylation sites and glycan identity, together with methods used for their reengineering. Practical examples from previous studies focus on modification of glycosylations in thrombolytics, e.g., alteplase, tenecteplase, reteplase, urokinase, saruplase, and desmoteplase. Collected clinical data on these glycoproteins demonstrate the great potential of this engineering strategy. Outstanding combinatorics originating from multiple glycosylation sites and the vast variety of covalently attached glycan species can be addressed by directed evolution or rational design. Directed evolution pipelines would benefit from more efficient cell-free expression and high-throughput screening assays, while rational design must employ structure prediction by machine learning and in silico characterization by supercomputing. Perspectives on challenges and opportunities for improvement of thrombolytic enzymes by engineering and evolution of protein glycosylation are provided.

Macromolecules Absorbed from Influenza Infection-Based Sera Modulate the Cellular Uptake of Polymeric Nanoparticles

Optimizing the biological identity of nanoparticles (NPs) for efficient tumor uptake remains challenging. The controlled formation of a protein corona on NPs through protein absorption from biofluids could favor a biological identity that enables tumor accumulation. To increase the diversity of proteins absorbed by NPs, sera derived from Influenza A virus (IAV)-infected mice were used to pre-coat NPs formed using a hyperbranched polyester polymer (HBPE-NPs). HBPE-NPs, encapsulating a tracking dye or cancer drug, were treated with sera from days 3-6 of IAV infection (VS3-6), and uptake of HBPE-NPs by breast cancer cells was examined. Cancer cells demonstrated better uptake of HBPE-NPs pre-treated with VS3-6 over polyethylene glycol (PEG)-HBPE-NPs, a standard NP surface modification. The uptake of VS5 pre-treated HBPE-NPs by monocytic cells (THP-1) was decreased over PEG-HBPE-NPs. VS5-treated HBPE-NPs delivered a cancer drug more efficiently and displayed better in vivo distribution over controls, remaining stable even after interacting with endothelial cells. Using a proteomics approach, proteins absorbed from sera-treated HBPE-NPs were identified, such as thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), that could bind multiple cancer cell receptors. Our findings indicate that serum collected during an immune response to infection is a rich source of macromolecules that are absorbed by NPs and modulate their biological identity, achieving rationally designed uptake by targeted cell types.

The Dual Role of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 1 in Atherosclerosis

Low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein-1 (LRP1) is a large endocytic and signaling receptor belonging to the LDL receptor (LDLR) gene family and that is widely expressed in several tissues. LRP1 comprises a large extracellular domain (ECD; 515 kDa, α chain) and a small intracellular domain (ICD; 85 kDa, β chain). The deletion of LRP1 leads to embryonic lethality in mice, revealing a crucial but yet undefined role in embryogenesis and development. LRP1 has been postulated to participate in numerous diverse physiological and pathological processes ranging from plasma lipoprotein homeostasis, atherosclerosis, tumor evolution, and fibrinolysis to neuronal regeneration and survival. Many studies using cultured cells and in vivo animal models have revealed the important roles of LRP1 in vascular remodeling, foam cell biology, inflammation and atherosclerosis. However, its role in atherosclerosis remains controversial. LRP1 not only participates in the removal of atherogenic lipoproteins and proatherogenic ligands in the liver but also mediates the uptake of aggregated LDL to promote the formation of macrophage- and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-derived foam cells, which causes a prothrombotic transformation of the vascular wall. The dual and opposing roles of LRP1 may also represent an interesting target for atherosclerosis therapeutics. This review highlights the influence of LRP1 during atherosclerosis development, focusing on its dual role in vascular cells and immune cells.

Development and Testing of Thrombolytics in Stroke

Despite recent advances in recanalization therapy, mechanical thrombectomy will never be a treatment for every ischemic stroke because access to mechanical thrombectomy is still limited in many countries. Moreover, many ischemic strokes are caused by occlusion of cerebral arteries that cannot be reached by intra-arterial catheters. Reperfusion using thrombolytic agents will therefore remain an important therapy for hyperacute ischemic stroke. However, thrombolytic drugs have shown limited efficacy and notable hemorrhagic complication rates, leaving room for improvement. A comprehensive understanding of basic and clinical research pipelines as well as the current status of thrombolytic therapy will help facilitate the development of new thrombolytics. Compared with alteplase, an ideal thrombolytic agent is expected to provide faster reperfusion in more patients; prevent re-occlusions; have higher fibrin specificity for selective activation of clot-bound plasminogen to decrease bleeding complications; be retained in the blood for a longer time to minimize dosage and allow administration as a single bolus; be more resistant to inhibitors; and be less antigenic for repetitive usage. Here, we review the currently available thrombolytics, strategies for the development of new clot-dissolving substances, and the assessment of thrombolytic efficacies in vitro and in vivo.

Enhanced Cancer-targeted Drug Delivery Using Precoated Nanoparticles

While protein coronas (PCs) are an important barrier in the clinical application of nanomedicines, the specific effects of PCs on nanoparticles (NPs) in vivo are unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that PCs from clinical sources greatly influenced the active targeting capacities of transferrin-modified NPs (Tf-NPs). Compared to PCs from healthy volunteers, PCs from the plasma of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) decreased the A549 uptake of Tf-NPs to a greater degree. The PC proteome revealed that this difference may be mediated by certain proteins in plasma. To attenuate the negative influence of PCs from patients, precoating Tf-NPs with PCs derived from healthy mice significantly enhanced active targeting capacities. Paclitaxel-loaded Tf-NPs with PCs derived from healthy mice showed the strongest antitumor effects in mice with NSCLC. This work illustrates the influence of PCs of ligand-modified NPs in clinical practice and proposes the use of corona-enabled active targeting for precision nanomedicine.

Low Density Receptor-Related Protein 1 Interactions With the Extracellular Matrix: More Than Meets the Eye

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a biological substrate composed of collagens, proteoglycans and glycoproteins that ensures proper cell migration and adhesion and keeps the cell architecture intact. The regulation of the ECM composition is a vital process strictly controlled by, among others, proteases, growth factors and adhesion receptors. As it appears, ECM remodeling is also essential for proper neuronal and glial development and the establishment of adequate synaptic signaling. Hence, disturbances in ECM functioning are often present in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, mutations in ECM molecules are found in some forms of epilepsy and malfunctioning of ECM-related genes and pathways can be seen in, for example, cancer or ischemic injury. Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (Lrp1) is a member of the low density lipoprotein receptor family. Lrp1 is involved not only in ligand uptake, receptor mediated endocytosis and lipoprotein transport—functions shared by low density lipoprotein receptor family members—but also regulates cell surface protease activity, controls cellular entry and binding of toxins and viruses, protects against atherosclerosis and acts on many cell signaling pathways. Given the plethora of functions, it is not surprising that Lrp1 also impacts the ECM and is involved in its remodeling. This review focuses on the role of Lrp1 and some of its major ligands on ECM function. Specifically, interactions with two Lrp1 ligands, integrins and tissue plasminogen activator are described in more detail.

The fibrinolytic factor tPA drives LRP1-mediated melanoma growth and metastasis

The multifunctional endocytic receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)1 has recently been identified as a hub within a biomarker network for multicancer clinical outcome prediction. The mechanism how LRP1 modulates cancer progression is poorly understood. In this study we found that LRP1 and one of its ligands, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), are expressed in melanoma cells and control melanoma growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistic studies were performed on 2 melanoma cancer cell lines, B16F10 and the B16F1 cells, both of which form primary melanoma tumors, but only B16F10 cells metastasize to the lungs. Tumor-, but not niche cell-derived tPA, enhanced melanoma cell proliferation in tPA^-/- mice. Gain-of-function experiments revealed that melanoma LRP1 is critical for tumor growth, recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells into the tumor bed, and metastasis. Melanoma LRP1 was found to enhance ERK activation, resulting in increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 RNA, protein, and secreted activity, a well-known modulator of melanoma metastasis. Restoration of LRP1 and tPA in the less aggressive, poorly metastatic B16F1 tumor cells enhanced tumor cell proliferation and led to massive lung metastasis in murine tumor models. Antimelanoma drug treatment induced tPA and LRP1 expression. tPA or LRP1 knockdown enhanced chemosensitivity in melanoma cells. Our results identify the tPA-LRP1 pathway as a key switch that drives melanoma progression, in part by modulating the cellular composition and proteolytic makeup of the tumor niche. Targeting this pathway may be a novel treatment strategy in combination treatments for melanoma.-Salama, Y., Lin, S.-Y., Dhahri, D., Hattori, K., Heissig, B. The fibrinolytic factor tPA drives LRP1-mediated melanoma growth and metastasis.

Activated α2 -Macroglobulin Induces Mesenchymal Cellular Migration Of Raw264.7 Cells Through Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 1

Distinct modes of cell migration contribute to diverse types of cell movements. The mesenchymal mode is characterized by a multistep cycle of membrane protrusion, the formation of focal adhesion, and the stabilization at the leading edge associated with the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and with regulated extracellular proteolysis. Both α₂ -Macroglobulin (α₂ M) and its receptor, low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), play important roles in inflammatory processes, by controlling the extracellular activity of several proteases. The binding of the active form of α₂ M (α₂ M*) to LRP1 can also activate different signaling pathways in macrophages, thus inducing extracellular matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activation and cellular proliferation. In the present study, we investigated whether the α₂ M*/LRP1 interaction induces cellular migration of the macrophage-derived cell line, Raw264.7. By using the wound-scratch migration assay and confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that α₂ M* induces LRP1-mediated mesenchymal cellular migration. This migration exhibits the production of enlarged cellular protrusions, MT1-MMP distribution to these leading edge protrusions, actin polymerization, focal adhesion formation, and increased intracellular LRP1/β1-integrin colocalization. Moreover, the presence of calphostin-C blocked the α₂ M*-stimulated cellular protrusions, suggesting that the PKC activation is involved in the cellular motility of Raw264.7 cells. These findings could constitute a therapeutic target for inflammatory processes with deleterious consequences for human health, such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1810-1818, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pregnancy Zone Protein is Increased in the Alzheimer's Disease Brain and Associates with Senile Plaques

Increased levels of pregnancy zone protein (PZP) were found in the serum of persons who later developed Alzheimer's disease (AD) in comparison to controls who remained dementia free. We suggested that this increase is due to brain derived PZP entering the blood stream during the early phase of the disease. Here we investigate the possible involvement of PZP in human AD pathogenesis. We observed increased PZP immunoreactivity in AD postmortem brain cortex compared to non-demented controls. In the AD cortex, PZP immunoreactivity localized to microglial cells that interacted with senile plaques and was occasionally observed in neurons. Our data link the finding of elevated serum PZP levels with the characteristic AD pathology and identify PZP as a novel component in AD.

Decreased Expression of the Low-density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein-1 (LRP-1) in Rats with Prostate Cancer

The aim of this work was to evaluate by immunohistochemistry (IHC) the expression of both LRP-1 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) at different developmental stages of rat prostate disease by using a prostate cancer model previously developed in our laboratory. We found that LRP-1 was weakly expressed in normal prostates and in rats with hyperplastic glands. The expression of this receptor increased and correlated with the degree of premalignant lesions (PIN I, II, and III). The IHC for uPAR in normal prostates and in premalignant lesions showed a score of immunostaining that correlated with the expression of LRP-1. On the other hand, in prostates with adenocarcinomas and undifferentiated carcinomas, LRP-1 was undetectable or weakly detected, whereas uPAR showed a significantly higher level of expression. Based on the IHC results in rat prostates with premalignant and malignant lesions and considering that LRP-1, by mediating the internalization of uPAR, is involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling and cell migration, we conclude that a decreased expression of LRP-1 could be involved with the increasing activation of plasminogen activators shown in cancers.

Elevated cytokines, thrombin and PAI-1 in severe HCPS patients due to Sin Nombre virus

Sin Nombre Hantavirus (SNV, Bunyaviridae Hantavirus) is a Category A pathogen that causes Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS) with case fatality ratios generally ranging from 30% to 50%. HCPS is characterized by vascular leakage due to dysregulation of the endothelial barrier function. The loss of vascular integrity results in non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, shock, multi-organ failure and death. Using Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) measurements, we found that plasma samples drawn from University of New Mexico Hospital patients with serologically-confirmed HCPS, induce loss of cell-cell adhesion in confluent epithelial and endothelial cell monolayers grown in ECIS cultureware. We show that the loss of cell-cell adhesion is sensitive to both thrombin and plasmin inhibitors in mild cases, and to thrombin only inhibition in severe cases, suggesting an increasing prothrombotic state with disease severity. A proteomic profile (2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry) of HCPS plasma samples in our cohort revealed robust antifibrinolytic activity among terminal case patients. The prothrombotic activity is highlighted by acute ≥30 to >100 fold increases in active plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) which, preceded death of the subjects within 48 h. Taken together, this suggests that PAI-1 might be a response to the severe pathology as it is expected to reduce plasmin activity and possibly thrombin activity in the terminal patients.

Activated α2-macroglobulin induces Müller glial cell migration by regulating MT1-MMP activity through LRP1

In retinal proliferative diseases, Müller glial cells (MGCs) acquire migratory abilities. However, the mechanisms that regulate this migration remain poorly understood. In addition, proliferative disorders associated with enhanced activities of matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 also present increased levels of the protease inhibitor α2-macroglobulin (α2M) and its receptor, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). In the present work, we investigated whether the protease activated form of α2M, α2M*, and LRP1 are involved with the MGC migratory process. By performing wound-scratch migration and zymography assays, we demonstrated that α2M* induced cell migration and proMMP-2 activation in the human Müller glial cell line, MIO-M1. This induction was blocked when LRP1 and MT1-MMP were knocked down with siRNA techniques. Using fluorescence microscopy and biochemical procedures, we found that α2M* induced an increase in LRP1 and MT1-MMP accumulation in early endosomes, followed by endocytic recycling and intracellular distribution of MT1-MMP toward cellular protrusions. Moreover, Rab11-dominant negative mutant abrogated MT1-MMP recycling pathway, cell migration, and proMMP-2 activation induced by α2M*. In conclusion, α2M*, through its receptor LRP1, induces cellular migration of Müller glial cells by a mechanism that involves MT1-MMP intracellular traffic to the plasma membrane by a Rab11-dependent recycling pathway.

Exposure of endothelial cells to physiological levels of myeloperoxidase-modified LDL delays pericellular fibrinolysis

BACKGROUND

Blood fluidity is maintained by a delicate balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis. The endothelial cell surface is a key player in this equilibrium and cell surface disruptions can upset the balance. We investigated the role of pericellular myeloperoxidase oxidized LDLs (Mox-LDLs) in this balance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We designed a technical device that enabled us to monitor fibrinolysis in real-time at the surface of an endothelial cell line (EA.hy926), and showed that Mox-LDL decreased pericellular fibrinolysis. There were no changes in fibrinolysis when EA.hy926 endothelial cells were exposed to native LDL (24 hours) at doses of 10, 50, 100 and up to 1250 µg/ml. However, treatment of EA.hy926 endothelial cells with 10 and 50 µg/ml of Mox-LDL (physiological serum concentrations) increased the lysis time by 15 and 13%, respectively (p<0.001), although this effect was not present at higher concentrations of 100 µg/ml. This effect was not correlated with any changes in PAI-1 or t-PA or PA Receptor (PAR) expression. No effect was observed at the surface of smooth muscle cells used as controls.

CONCLUSION

Our data link the current favorite hypothesis that modified LDL has a causal role in atheroma plaque formation with an old suggestion that fibrin may also play a causal role. Our data help complete the paradigm of atherosclerosis: Modified LDL locally enhances fibrin deposition (present work); fibrin deposits enhance endothelial permeability; this effect allows subendothelial accumulation of lipid and foam cells.

Serum levels of pregnancy zone protein are elevated in presymptomatic Alzheimer's disease

We have sought for disease-related proteins that could predict the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a study population derived from the Rotterdam Scan Study, a population-based prospective cohort study designed to investigate the etiology and natural history of age-related brain changes in the elderly. The serum proteome of 43 persons who developed AD, after an average of 4.2 years (±2.6 years SD) after blood sampling, and 43 gender- and age-matched controls who remained dementia-free during follow-up was investigated by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. We identified 61 differentially expressed peptides between presymptomatic AD and controls, 9 of which were derived from pregnancy zone protein (PZP). Quantitative measurements using a multiple reaction monitoring assay showed a significant increase in concentration of PZP in presymptomatic AD (34.3 ± 20.6 mg/L) compared with controls (23.6 ± 13.6 mg/L) (p = 0.006). The difference in PZP was significant in women. Immunohistochemical validation of the findings on brain tissue sections showed strong PZP expression in senile plaques and in microglial and glial cells in AD with only low expression in some scattered glial cells in controls.

Immunohistochemical localization of low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 and alpha(2)-Macroglobulin in retinal and choroidal tissue of proliferative retinopathies

The immunolocalization of the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) and its ligand alpha 2-Macroglobulin (alpha(2)M) was examined in tissues from human donor eyes of normal, diabetic and sickle cell disease subjects. Streptavidin alkaline phosphatase immunohistochemistry was performed with a mouse anti-human LRP1 and rabbit anti-human alpha(2)M antibodies. Retinal and choroidal blood vessels were labeled with mouse anti-human CD34 antibody in adjacent tissue sections. Mean scores for immunostaining from the pathological and control eyes were statistically compared. LRP1 immunoreactivity was very weak to negative in the neural retina of normal subjects except in scattered astrocytes. LRP1 expression in diabetic eyes was detected in the internal limiting membrane (ILM), astrocytes, inner photoreceptor matrix, choriocapillaris and choroidal stroma. The ligand alpha(2)M, however, was limited mainly to blood vessel walls, some areas of the inner nuclear layer (INL), photoreceptors, RPE-Bruch's membrane-choriocapillaris complex, intercapillary septa, and choroidal stroma. In sickle cell eyes, avascular and vascular retina as well as choroidal neovascularization (CNV) were analyzed. In avascular areas, LRP1 immunoreactivity was in innermost retina (presumably ILM, astrocytes, and Muller cells) and INL as well as RPE-Bruch's membrane-choriocapillaris complex and choroidal stroma. alpha(2)M was very weak in avascular peripheral retina compared to vascularized areas and limited to stroma in choroid. In contrast, in areas with CNV, LRP1 immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in overlying retina and in RPE-Bruch's membrane and choroidal stroma compared to the controls, while alpha(2)M was elevated in RPE-Bruch's membrane near CNV compared to normal areas in sickle cell choroid. The mean scores revealed that LRP1 and alpha(2)M in neural retina were significantly elevated in astrocytes and ILM in diabetic eyes (p < or = 0.05), whereas in sickle cell eyes scores were elevated in ILM and INL (p < or = 0.05). In addition, alpha(2)M immunoreactivity was in photoreceptors in both ischemic retinopathies. In choroid, the patterns of LRP1 and alpha(2)M expression were different and not coincident. This is the first demonstration of the presence of LRP1 and alpha(2)M in human proliferative retinopathies. Elevated LRP1 expression in sickle cell neural retina and diabetic inner retina and choroid suggests that LRP1 plays an important role in ischemic neovascular diseases.

Effect of retinal laser photocoagulation on the activity of metalloproteinases and the α2-Macroglobulin proteolytic state in the vitreous of eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) reduces the incidence of severe visual loss in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The aim of the study was to determine the effect of PRP on the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9, and also on the alpha(2)-Macroglobulin (alpha(2)M) proteolytic state in the vitreous of eyes with PDR. Vitreous samples were obtained from patients undergoing vitrectomy for the treatment of retinal diseases: 17 with PDR and eight with idiopathic macular hole (MH). Qualitative evaluation of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 activation status was performed by gelatin zymography and quantitative assay was carried out for vitreous total protein content and alpha(2)M. The proteolytic state of alpha(2)M was evaluated by Western blotting. Although all vitreous samples contained proMMP-2, increased proMMP-9 and active MMP-9 were detected in PDR samples without PRP. In addition, after PRP the proMMP-9 activity was significantly decreased, whereas the proMMP-2 activity was not affected. Enhanced total protein and alpha(2)M concentrations were observed in all vitreous samples from PDR patients with and without previous PRP compared with samples from patients with MH. However, a differential proteolytic state of alpha(2)M, expressed as 180/85-90kDa ratio, was detected among PDR patients with and without PRP treatment. Whereas a low 180/85-90kDa ratio of alpha(2)M in vitreous of PDR patients without PRP was observed, a high proportion of 180kDa subunit was principally detected in PDR with PRP. These results demonstrate that PDR occurs with an enhanced activity of MMP-9 and activation of alpha(2)M by proteinases, which is reversed after PRP. In addition, we suggest that alpha(2)M plays a key role in the control and regulation of the ocular neovascularization involved in the pathogenesis of ischemic retinal diseases such as PDR.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) expression in a rat model of oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) is a high-molecular weight receptor of the LDL receptor gene family. Its ability to bind and internalize both proteinases and proteinase-inhibitor complexes from the extracellular space suggests that it has a major role in modulating uncontrolled retinal cell proliferation. In order to test this assumption, we investigated the expression of LRP-1 and receptor-associated ligands in a rat model of oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization. Wistar albino rats were placed into incubators at birth and exposed to an atmosphere alternating between 50% and 10% of oxygen every 24 h. After 14 days, the animals were allowed to recover in room air and sacrificed at postnatal day 20 (P20). The protein expression of LRP-1 and alpha2-macroglobulin (alpha2M) in the retina from unexposed and hyperoxia-exposed rats was investigated by Western blot. The localization of LRP-1 after neovascularization was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The activity of metalloproteinases (MMPs) was determined by zymography. Histological analysis was done to quantitate the neovascular response in these animals. Western blot analysis showed that LRP-1 was expressed, along with alpha2M, in the retina of rats with oxygen-induced neovascularization at P20. By immunohistochemical analysis, positive staining for LRP-1 appeared in cells extending from the inner limiting membrane (ILM) to the outer limiting membrane (OLM). The cells of the retina that expressed LRP-1 were identified by immunofluorescence as Müller cells. Zymographic analysis demonstrated increased activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 under neovascular conditions. This is the first demonstration of the involvement of LRP-1 in retinal neovascularization. In retinas of rats with oxygen-induced neovascularization, the expression of LRP-1 and alpha2M was increased along with an enhanced activity of MMPs, suggesting that LRP-1 expression may play a role in modulating retinal neovascularization by regulating proteolytic activity.

Secretome of primary cultures of human adipose-derived stem cells: modulation of serpins by adipogenesis

Studies of adipogenic protein induction have led to a new appreciation of the role of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ. Adipocyte-derived "adipokines" such as adiponectin, leptin, and visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) exert hormone-like activities at the systemic level. In this study, we examined the secretome of primary cultures of human subcutaneous adipose-derived stem cells as an in vitro model of adipogenesis. Conditioned media obtained from four individual female donors after culture in uninduced or adipogenic induced conditions were compared by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry. Over 80 individual protein features showing > or =2-fold relative differences were examined. Approximately 50% of the identified proteins have been described previously in the secretome of murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes or in the interstitial fluid derived from human mammary gland adipose tissue. As reported by others, we found that the secretome included proteins such as actin and lactate dehydrogenase that do not display a leader sequence or transmembrane domain and are classified as "cytoplasmic" in origin. Moreover we detected a number of established adipokines such as adiponectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. Of particular interest was the presence of multiple serine protease inhibitors (serpins). In addition to plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, these included pigment epithelium-derived factor (confirmed by Western immunoblot), placental thrombin inhibitor, pregnancy zone protein, and protease C1 inhibitor. These findings, together with the recent identification of vaspin, suggest that the serpin protein family warrants further proteomics investigation with respect to the etiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein mediates in PC12 cell cultures the inhibition of nerve growth factor-promoted neurite outgrowth by pregnancy zone protein and alpha2-macroglobulin

Human pregnancy zone protein (PZP) is a major pregnancy-associated plasma protein closely related to human alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha(2)M). It has been demonstrated that monoamine-activated forms of human and rat alpha(2)M and rat alpha(1)M can bind to TrkA and, respectively, inhibit and stimulate NGF-promoted neurite outgrowth, Trk phosphorylation, and intracellular signal transduction in PC12 cells. However, the effect of PZP on neurons is unknown, and the molecular mechanism of neuroinhibition by monoamine-activated alpha(2)M is still unclear. In this report, we show that methylamine-activated PZP (MA-PZP), like MA-alpha(2)M, inhibits in a dose-dependent way the NGF-promoted neurite extension and TrkA phosphorylation in PC12 cells. On the other hand, normal PZP (N-PZP) had little or no effect. In addition, the inhibitory effect of activated alpha-macroglobulins (alphaMs) was reversible upon its removal from the cell culture. In addition, PZP, as well as alpha(2)M, is neuroinhibitory without being directly cytotoxic. It is known that the activated alphaMs bind to the multiligand receptor termed low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) and that the receptor-associated protein (RAP) specifically blocks uptake of all known LRP ligands. To investigate the potential role of LRP in neuromodulation by activated PZP/alpha(2)M, the effect of RAP on the neuroinhibitory activities of these alphaMs was also studied. Data presented here show that RAP blocked the neurite- and Trk-inhibitory activities of both MA-PZP and MA-alpha(2)M, whereas RAP itself had no neuromodulatory effect. Hence, we conclude that these data suggest that the LRP receptor and its alphaM ligands may play a role in regulating Trk receptors.

Differential binding properties of human pregnancy zone protein- and alpha2-macroglobulin-proteinase complexes to low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein

Human pregnancy zone protein (PZP) is a major pregnancy-associated plasma protein strongly related to alpha2-macroglobulin (alpha2-M). Both alpha-macroglobulins (alpha-Ms) covalently bind proteinases, which is accompanied by the exposure of carboxy terminal receptor recognition domains important for the rapid clearance from the circulation and tissues. It is accepted that the molecule responsible for the clearance of alpha2-M- and PZP-proteinase complexes is the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). Although both alpha-M-proteinase complexes bind to the same receptor, differences in the binding properties have been reported. In addition, although it is known that the binding of alpha2-M-proteinase complexes to LRP can be blocked by Ni2+, the effect on PZP-proteinase has never been examined. In order to investigate differences in the binding properties of both alpha-Ms to the receptor, we purified LRP from human placenta by affinity chromatography and then analyzed the specificity and affinity of binding of alpha2-M- and PZP-proteinase complexes to the receptor by enzyme immunoassay. Our results clearly established that although both alpha-M-proteinase complexes specifically bind to LRP, PZP-chymotrypsin complexes bind to the receptor with lesser apparent affinity (Kd approximately equal 320 nM) than alpha2-M-chymotrypsin complexes (Kd approximately equal 40 nM). We also demonstrated that Ni2+ blocks the binding of alpha2-M-chymotrypsin complexes, but not PZP-chymotrypsin complexes, to LRP. These data suggest that the binding to LRP involves conformational differences between both alpha-Ms in a region immediately upstream of the carboxy terminal receptor recognition domain. The possibility that PZP-proteinase complexes interact with other receptors not available to alpha2-M-proteinase complexes could be considered.