The regulation of tissue plasminogen activator activity by human fibroblasts

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein modulates the expression of tissue-type plasminogen activator in human colon fibroblasts

Human colon fibroblasts (HCF) produce tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) in culture, but after 24-48 h, t-PA ceases to accumulate in the medium. Here, we report negative feedback regulation of t-PA expression, exerted by t-PA or complexes of t-PA with its physiological inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). Inhibition of t-PA expression could be induced by addition of exogenous t-PA or t-PA.PAI-1 complexes and reversed by monoclonal antibody directed against the active site of t-PA. Analysis of metabolically radiolabeled protein and cellular mRNA showed that both t-PA protein and mRNA levels declined considerably after 24 h. When 125I-labeled t-PA or t-PA.PAI-1 complexes were incubated with HCF, monensin-inhibitable endocytosis and catabolism were observed. The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) was found to be expressed by HCF and to mediate these events. Addition of the 39-kDa receptor-associated protein (RAP), an antagonist for ligand interactions with LRP, removed the block to t-PA expression and restored its accumulation in the medium. Moreover, RAP completely prevented the degradation of exogenous 125I-labeled t-PA by HCF, suggesting that LRP is the endocytic receptor for t-PA in these cells. These results demonstrate that cellular modulation of t-PA expression in HCF involves LRP receptor-mediated clearance of t-PA. This LRP receptor-mediated event results in down-regulation of t-PA expression at the mRNA level.

Lead perturbs the regulation of spontaneous release of tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 from vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts in culture

To evaluate the toxicity of lead on the blood fibrinolytic system during hemostasis, human aortic smooth muscle cells and human fetal lung fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of lead chloride. Tissue plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA:Ag) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 antigen (PAI-1:Ag) released were determined by enzyme immunoassay. It was found that lead decreased the release of both t-PA:Ag and PAI-1:Ag from vascular smooth muscle cells. On the other hand, in fibroblasts, the release of t-PA:Ag was markedly decreased whereas that of PAI-1:Ag was markedly increased by the metal. Fibrin zymography showed that lead reduced the plasminogen activator activity in the conditioned medium of both cell types. However, lead did not cause a nonspecific cell damage and an alteration of protein synthesis when evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase leakage and [14C]leucine incorporation, respectively. Lead accumulated within either vascular smooth muscle cells or fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner; intracellular accumulation of calcium could be increased by lead. However, the effects of lead on the release of t-PA:Ag and PAI-1:Ag were different from those of calcium ionophore A23187. It was therefore suggested that regulation of spontaneous release of fibrinolytic proteins from subendothelial cells is disturbed by lead through intracellular calcium-independent pathway.

Effects of cadmium on the release of tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 from cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts

To evaluate the toxicity of cadmium on the blood fibrinolytic system during hemostasis, human vascular smooth muscle cells and human fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of cadmium chloride. It was found that cadmium markedly decreased the release of both tissue plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA:Ag) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 antigen (PAI-1:Ag) from vascular smooth muscle cells. Other heavy metals including lead, manganese, mercury and nickel also decreased the t-PA:Ag and PAI-1:Ag release, however, cadmium was the most potent inhibitor. On the other hand, the release of t-PA:Ag was significantly increased whereas that of PAI-1:Ag was unaffected in fibroblasts after exposure to cadmium. Of the tested heavy metals, only cadmium increased the t-PA:Ag release from the cells. Electrophoretic enzymography revealed that cadmium reduced the activity of plasminogen activators in the conditioned medium of both vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. Cadmium markedly decreased the incorporation of [3H]leucine accompanied with a significant increase in the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase in vascular smooth muscle cells; however, the metal did not change these markers in fibroblasts. These results suggest that the regulation of fibrinolysis mediated by vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts during hemostasis may be disturbed by cadmium.

Binding of tissue-type plasminogen activator to human melanoma cells

We have shown (Bizik et al., Cell Regul 1:895-905, 1990) that tPA can activate plasminogen on the surface of human melanoma cells in the presence of alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) secretion. In the present study, we investigated the binding of tPA on the surface of Bowes melanoma cells, selected since they lacked production of PAI-1 and alpha 2M. Elution of tPA from the cell layers indicated that polylysine (5 micrograms/ml) and tranexamic acid (10 mM), an analog of lysine, were the most efficient agents for disrupting the interaction between tPA and cell surface component(s). Using a panel of monoclonal antibodies against individual domains of tPA revealed that an antibody directed to the kringle-2 domain of tPA interfered most significantly with cell-surface plasmin generation. As tPA is a glycoprotein, interactions between the tPA sugar moieties and cell surface were also tested by the use of a series of monosaccharides. N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (100 mM) was the most potent sugar to release tPA from melanoma cells, but the results indicated that the oligosaccharides of tPA play only a supportive role in the binding of tPA to the cell surface. Quantitative comparison of the cell surface localized tPA, which was eluted by tranexamic acid, with the total cellular tPA showed that cell surface bound tPA could represent up to 10%. We conclude that tPA interacts with the melanoma cell surface in a similar manner as has been described for binding of tPA to fibrin and to the putative endothelial cell surface receptor.

Continuous production of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) by human embryonic lung diploid fibroblast, IMR-90 cells, using a ceramic bed reactor

Ceramic pieces composed of 99.5% Al2O3, 3 to 6 mm long, were found to be a good matrix for growth of the human embryonic lung diploid fibroblast, IMR-90 cells. The tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) was secreted in DME medium containing proteose peptone as a t-PA inducer. In addition, production of t-PA was enhanced by increasing extracellular CaCl2, from 3.6 to 5.4 mM. In order to eliminate negative feed-back control caused by t-PA produced and thus raise productivity, perfusion cultivation was performed using a ceramic-packed bed column, with a recirculating vessel. The recirculating vessel was used to mix fresh medium with spent medium, and to control dissolved oxygen concentrations in the extracellular environment by stirring. In continuous production using the packed bed column with 2 kg of ceramics (phi = H = 150 mm), increasing dilution rate to 0.5 day-1 could reduce product inhibition at 3-4 x 10(5) cells/ml. Cellular productivity of 560 IU/10(6) cells/day was obtained over 40 days and corresponded to the volumetric productivity of 183 IU/ml/day.

Estradiol modulation of plasminogen activator production in organ cultures of human breast carcinomas: correlation with clinical outcome of anti-estrogen therapy

We have studied the estradiol sensitivity of primary human breast carcinomas in organ culture in a prospective pilot series of 109 tumors. The effect on plasminogen activator (PA) production was used as the end-point of estrogen action. We found that: (i) All tumors secreted detectable levels of urokinase-type PA (uPA); the level of basal uPA production was markedly heterogeneous but showed a weak association with the level of estrogen receptor positivity (p = 0.049). (ii) Only 23.5% of the tumors secreted tissue-type PA (tPA) in addition to uPA; a higher proportion of these tumors had histological characteristics indicative of good prognosis (18% vs. 3% of tumors secreting only uPA). (iii) Estradiol modulated uPA production and this effect was receptor-mediated. (iv) Responsiveness to estradiol was limited to a subset (25 of 60 or 41.7%) of estrogen and progesterone-receptor-positive tumors. (v) Of 20 evaluable patients with lymph-node and receptor-positive breast cancer who received adjuvant anti-estrogen therapy, 11 were identified as estradiol-sensitive by the in vitro PA assay; of these, 10 had no evidence of disease after a median follow-up period of 3+ years. In contrast, of 9 patients with tumors identified as estradiol-insensitive, 4 developed metastases within 3+ years of follow-up. (vi) Consistent with the previously reported inhibitory effect of corticosteroids on uPA production in organ cultures of human tumors, the basal culture level of uPA produced by tumors from patients receiving corticosteroids at the time of surgery was significantly lower than the level of uPA in the remaining tumors (p = 0.029). Also, tumors from patients receiving thyroid hormone, known to stimulate uPA in vitro, showed a slight trend toward increased production of uPA. These results show that hormone effects on tumor PA production are qualitatively similar in organ culture and in the host. This and the emerging individual correlation between sensitivity to estradiol in vitro, as determined by PA, and the clinical effectiveness of anti-estrogen therapy, underscore the potential usefulness of the organ culture approach.

Schwann cell plasminogen activator is regulated by neurons

The synthesis and release of plasminogen activators (PAs) in co-cultures of embryonic rat dorsal root ganglion nerve cells (NCs) and Schwann cells (SCs) were examined by metabolic labeling, immunoprecipitation, immunodepletion, SDS-PAGE, zymography, and a two-step esterolytic assay. Metabolic labeling of SC cultures followed by immunoprecipitation of the conditioned medium (CM) demonstrated that cultured SCs synthesized and released tissue type PA (tPA). Failure of amiloride to inhibit PA activity in SCCM indicated that urokinase PA (uPA) was unlikely to contribute significantly to PA activity in SCCM. Experimental manipulation of the NCs and SCs suggested that NCs regulated SC derived PA. Total PA activity increased in SCCM 10-14-fold by 6 days after removal of NCs. Multiple molecular weight forms of PAs were detected by SDS-PAGE followed by zymography. A PA approximately 95 kDa was absent in co-cultures of SCs + NCs but prominent by 4 days postdenervation; PA approximately 50-70 kDa increased through 8 days postdenervation and PA approximately 25 kDa, present in SC + NC cultures, was absent 8 days after removal of NCs. Upon reintroduction of NCs to denervated cultures (SCs), the pattern of PAs detected in culture medium was transitional between innervated and denervated cultures. Immunodepletion experiments using conditioned medium from denervated SC cultures indicated that various molecular weight forms of PA detected in SCCM by zymography were immunologically related to tPA. These studies demonstrate that SCs synthesized and released tPA in a tissue culture model of peripheral nerve and that one mechanism for regulation of PA released by SCs was by association with NCs. This regulation occurred in cultures of both myelinating and nonmyelinating Schwann cells and thus was not dependent on the state of myelination.

Plasminogen activation by t-PA on the surface of human melanoma cells in the presence of alpha 2-macroglobulin secretion

Several human melanoma cell lines produced tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), as detected by zymography and immunocapture assay of culture media and cell lysates. Urokinase (u-PA) was found at only less than or equal to 1% the level of t-PA. Acid eluates of the cell surface indicated that the melanoma cells had t-PA bound on their surface, but no u-PA, and also had a very low capacity to bind exogenous u-PA. After incubation of the melanoma cells with 10% plasminogen-depleted fetal calf serum and human plasminogen, bound plasmin activity could be eluted from the cell surface with tranexamic acid, an analogue of lysine. This indicated that plasminogen was activated on the cell surface. The cell-surface plasmin formation was inhibited by an anti-catalytic monoclonal antibody to human t-PA, and not by an anti-catalytic antibody to u-PA. The melanoma cells also synthesized and secreted alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M), as shown by alpha 2M-specific mRNA in Northern blotting and detection of alpha 2M protein in conditioned cell culture media. The media were found to inhibit u-PA but not t-PA. This inhibition was related to their alpha 2M content, and immunoabsorption of alpha 2M removed the inhibitory activity. These studies suggest that t-PA can bind to the surface of melanoma cells and generate surface-bound plasmin. Because t-PA and cell-bound plasmin are unaffected by alpha 2M, t-PA may, in the case of melanoma cells, serve an analogous function to u-PA in supporting tumor cell invasion.

Characterization of 125I-tissue plasminogen activator binding to cerebellar granule neurons

Mouse cerebellar cells in culture secrete tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) into the culture medium. Fibrin overlays have shown tPA to be associated with granule neurons in these cultures. This cell associated tPA can be displaced by extensive washing of the cells or by a brief lowering of the pH (less than 4), which leads to a loss of fibrinolytic activity by the cells. Incubation of these fibrinolytically inactive cells with exogenously added murine tPA leads to the restoration of the fibrinolytic activity, indicating the presence of tPA binding sites on these granule neurons. Using 125I-tPA, the binding to cerebellar granule neurons is rapid, saturable, specific, high affinity (Kd = 50 pM) and reversible. Both murine and human tPA compete with 125I-tPA for binding, with both murine and human urokinase (uPA) as well as human thrombin and plasminogen fail to compete. Neither the catalytic site nor the carbohydrate moiety of tPA appear to be involved in the binding, since both diisopropyl-fluorophosphate-treated tPA and endoglycosidase-H-treated tPA compete with 12I-tPA for binding. Furthermore, epidermal growth factor does not compete well with tPA for binding even at a 10:1 molar excess, suggesting that the epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) domain of tPA may not be involved in the binding mechanism. Autoradiography and antibody immunofluorescence show the specific tPA binding is to granule neurons in these cultures. Thus, granule neurons possess tPA receptors on their surface, where this protease binds retaining is functional activity and may play a role in cell and axon migration.

Regulation of urokinase receptors in monocytelike U937 cells by phorbol ester phorbol myristate acetate

A specific surface receptor for urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) recognizes the amino-terminal growth factor-like sequence of uPA, a region independent from and not required for the catalytic activity of this enzyme. The properties of the uPA receptor (uPAR) and the localization and distribution of uPA in tumor cells and tissues suggest that the uPA/uPAR interaction may be important in regulating extracellular proteolysis-dependent processes (e.g., invasion, tissue destruction). Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), an inducer of U937 cell differentiation to macrophage-like cells, elicits a time- and concentration-dependent increase in the number of uPAR molecules as shown by binding, cross-linking, and immunoprecipitation studies. The effect of PMA is blocked by cycloheximide. Overall, the data indicate that PMA increases the synthesis of uPA. PMA treatment also causes a decrease in the affinity of the uPAR for uPA, thus uncovering another way of regulating the interaction between uPA and uPAR. In addition, the PMA treatment causes a modification of migration of the cross-linked receptor in mono- and bidimensional gel electrophoresis.

In vitro angiogenesis on the human amniotic membrane: requirement for basic fibroblast growth factor-induced proteinases

The role of basic fibroblast growth factor-(bFGF) induced proteinases in basement membrane (BM) invasion by bovine capillary endothelial (BCE) cells was studied using a quantitative in vitro assay previously described (Mignatti et al., 1986). 125I-iododeoxyuridine-labeled BCE cells were grown for 72 h on the human amnion BM, and cell invasion was determined by measuring the radioactivity associated with the tissue after removal of the noninvasive cell layer. BCE cells were noninvasive under normal conditions. Addition of human bFGF to either the BM or to the stromal aspect of the amnion induced BCE cell invasion with a dose-dependent response. This effect was maximal in the presence of 70 ng/ml bFGF, and was inhibited by anti-FGF antibody. Transforming growth factor beta, as well as plasmin inhibitors and anti-tissue type plasminogen activator antibody inhibited BCE cell invasion. The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, 1-10 phenanthroline, anti-type IV and anti-interstitial collagenase antibodies had the same effect. On the contrary, anti-stromelysin antibody and Eglin, an inhibitor of elastase, were ineffective. The results obtained show that both the plasminogen activator-plasmin system and specific collagenases are involved in the invasive process occurring during angiogenesis.

Tissue plasminogen activator binding to mouse cerebellar granule neurons

Cultures of dissociated neonatal mouse cerebellar cells secrete primarily tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and to a lesser extent urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) into the culture medium. Fibrin overlays have localized plasminogen activator to granule neurons in these cultures; furthermore, this granule cell plasminogen activator activity is blocked by an antibody to tPA. Developmental studies indicate that maximal levels of soluble plasminogen activator in the culture medium preceed the peak of fibrinolytic activity by these cultures, suggesting that secreted PA may bind back to the surface of these granule neurons. Here we show that granule cell-associated tPA can be displaced by a brief pH shock. However, incubation of these fibrinolytically inactive cultures with exogenously added mouse tPA leads to a specific binding of active tPA to granule neurons as visualized by subsequent fibrin overlay. In similar studies mouse uPA, human uPa, and human tPA fail to show fibrinolytic activity associated with the cerebellar culture, whereas mouse tPA fails to bind to cerebellar glial cell cultures. These findings suggest that granule neurons possess binding sites for tPA on their surface, where this protease can retain its functional activity and may play an important role in cell migration or other cell activities.

Role of plasminogen, plasmin, and plasminogen activators in the migration of fibroblasts into plasma clots

Human diploid fibroblasts were seeded onto or into plasma clots and different aspects of cell adhesion and migration were measured. The roles of plasminogen activators and plasmin were studied by either the removal of plasminogen from plasma prior to clotting or by the addition of 10 mM epsilon-aminocaproic acid, which brings about an inhibition of plasmin in this system. When cells were seeded onto the surface of plasma clots, rates of attachment, spreading, and migration were unaffected by plasminogen depletion or plasmin inhibition. In contrast, when cells were seeded into plasma clots, then, although the rates of cells spreading were unaffected, cell migration was abolished by plasminogen depletion or by plasmin inhibition. When cells were seeded onto the surface of plasma clots and the rate of migration into the clots was measured, there was an absolute requirement for plasmin activity; while fibroblasts migrated rapidly into the fibrin lattice of control clots, in the case of plasminogen-depleted clots, cells failed to penetrate the lattice. Focussing through a plasma clot revealed that fibroblasts do not migrate through the fibrin lattice but instead, localized areas of fibrinolysis are generated and cells migrate over the surface of the area of lysis.

Induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator by UV light in human fetal fibroblasts is mediated through a UV-induced secreted protein

Plasminogen activator was previously shown to be induced by UV light in human cells with low capacity to repair UV-induced DNA lesions. We now show that in human fetal fibroblasts UV light enhanced the two mRNA species coding for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and the tissue-type plasminogen activator, but immunological analysis revealed exclusively uPA activity. Several independent and complementary experiments indicated that induction of uPA was mediated, apparently entirely, through a UV-induced, secreted protein (UVIS) in the growth medium of irradiated cells. First, elevation of uPA mRNA after irradiation was severely blocked by cycloheximide. Second, replacement of conditioned medium in irradiated cells while the rate of plasminogen activator induction was maximal rapidly and completely stopped any further increase in uPA activity. Third, addition of the same removed conditioned medium to nonirradiated cells mimicked UV light in enhancing the level of uPA activity as well as that of uPA mRNA. Fourth, UVIS activity was completely lost by treating the conditioned medium with trypsin but not with nucleases. Kinetic measurements indicated that the accumulation of UVIS rather than the induction of uPA by UVIS conferred the rate-limiting step in the overall process of uPA induction. Both UV light and UVIS acted synergistically with inhibitors of DNA repair for uPA induction. Based on these results, a model is proposed implicating relaxation of DNA torsional stress of an as yet undefined DNA sequence(s) in the induction of UVIS, which is then responsible for activation of the uPA gene.

Induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator by UV light in human fetal fibroblasts is mediated through a UV-induced secreted protein

Plasminogen activator was previously shown to be induced by UV light in human cells with low capacity to repair UV-induced DNA lesions. We now show that in human fetal fibroblasts UV light enhanced the two mRNA species coding for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and the tissue-type plasminogen activator, but immunological analysis revealed exclusively uPA activity. Several independent and complementary experiments indicated that induction of uPA was mediated, apparently entirely, through a UV-induced, secreted protein (UVIS) in the growth medium of irradiated cells. First, elevation of uPA mRNA after irradiation was severely blocked by cycloheximide. Second, replacement of conditioned medium in irradiated cells while the rate of plasminogen activator induction was maximal rapidly and completely stopped any further increase in uPA activity. Third, addition of the same removed conditioned medium to nonirradiated cells mimicked UV light in enhancing the level of uPA activity as well as that of uPA mRNA. Fourth, UVIS activity was completely lost by treating the conditioned medium with trypsin but not with nucleases. Kinetic measurements indicated that the accumulation of UVIS rather than the induction of uPA by UVIS conferred the rate-limiting step in the overall process of uPA induction. Both UV light and UVIS acted synergistically with inhibitors of DNA repair for uPA induction. Based on these results, a model is proposed implicating relaxation of DNA torsional stress of an as yet undefined DNA sequence(s) in the induction of UVIS, which is then responsible for activation of the uPA gene.

Binding of urokinase to specific receptor sites on human breast cancer membranes

The high molecular weight form of the plasminogen activator urokinase (54 kD) binds to specific receptor sites on the cell membrane of breast carcinomas by its inactive "A" chain. The binding is of high affinity (range of dissociation constants: 5.6 X 10(-11) to 4 X 10(-10) mol l-1 and there were between 20 to 250 fmol of binding sites per milligram of membrane protein) and equilibrium is reached in 60 min. No competition for binding sites was observed with epidermal growth factor, tissue plasminogen activator or the low molecular weight form of urokinase (33 kD). Cross-linking experiments suggest that the receptor is a monomeric unit of molecular weight of 50 kD. This binding site provides a mechanism for the incorporation of urokinase into the cell membrane.

Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on human carcinoma cells, inhibition of plasminogen activator synthesis, change in cell morphology, and alteration of response to cholera toxin

Human carcinoma HEp-3 lost its tumorigenic and metastatic potential upon prolonged culture in vitro. This change was accompanied by a reduced production of plasminogen activator (PA) of the urokinase type (uPA), which is secreted by HEp-3 cells, a change in response to effectors that modulate uPA production, and an alteration of cell morphology. Similar but more rapid changes occurred when malignant HEp-3 cells were exposed to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). uPA activity in the culture medium dropped below 50% of the control level within 6 h after the addition of DMSO and became undetectable after 24 h of treatment. This drop in uPA activity was not caused by an increased production of PA inhibitors. The cell-associated uPA decreased to 25 to 30% of the control level within 6 h of DMSO treatment and remained at this level for at least 96 h; the reduced uPA production was partially accounted for by a rapid decrease in the functional and chemical concentration of uPA mRNA. In contrast, the concentrations of most of the abundant mRNA species did not appear to be significantly affected, and cell growth was only slightly inhibited in the presence of DMSO. Malignant HEp-3 cells treated with DMSO responded to cholera toxin with an enhanced production of uPA, and their morphology became indistinguishable from that of nonmalignant HEp-3 cells grown in vitro for prolonged periods of time. All of the above changes were fully and rapidly reversible. The inhibitory effect of DMSO on PA production appears to be specific for uPA of human cell lines.

Proteolytic enzymes and arachidonic acid metabolites produced by MRC-5 cells on various microcarrier substrates

Human diploid fibroblasts were cultured on microcarriers made from DEAE-dextran, denatured collagen, DEAE-dextran linked to denatured collagen, and glass. Cells grown on these four substrates were examined for the production of proteolytic enzymes and arachidonic acid metabolites. Culture fluids from cells grown on the DEAE-dextran microcarriers contained the highest amounts of proteolytic enzyme activity. Both plasminogen-independent and plasminogen-dependent fibrinolytic activities were present and the plasminogen-dependent activity seemed to result from the presence of both urokinase and tissue plasminogen activator. Culture fluid from the cells grown on the glass microcarriers contained the least amount of protease activity, and nearly all of the plasminogen-activator activity seemed to be of the urokinase type. Protease activity in the culture fluids of cells grown on the other two substrates were intermediate. With regard to arachidonic acid metabolites, cells grown on the DEAE-dextran microcarriers produced the highest amounts of cyclooxygenase products but very low levels of lipoxygenase metabolites. Cells grown on the other three substrates produced comparable amounts of various cyclooxygenase products (lower than that produced by cells on the DEAE-dextran substrate). Cells grown on the glass microcarriers also produced detectable amounts of two lipoxygenase metabolites--leukotriene B4 and leukotriene C4. Inasmuch as both proteolytic enzymes and arachidonic acid metabolites regulate basic cell properties, the differential amounts of these metabolites observed in the culture fluids on the various substrates may contribute to the biological differences that exist on these substrates.

Cloning and sequence of a cDNA coding for the human beta-migrating endothelial-cell-type plasminogen activator inhibitor

A lambda gt11 expression library containing cDNA inserts prepared from human placental mRNA was screened immunologically using an antibody probe developed against the beta-migrating plasminogen activator inhibitor (beta-PAI) purified from cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. Thirty-four positive clones were isolated after screening 7 X 10(5) phages. Three clones (lambda 1.2, lambda 3, and lambda 9.2) were randomly picked and further characterized. These contained inserts 1.9, 3.0, and 1.9 kilobases (kb) long, respectively. Escherichia coli lysogenic for lambda 9.2, but not for lambda gt11, produced a fusion protein of 180 kDa that was recognized by affinity-purified antibodies against the bovine aortic endothelial cell beta-PAI and had beta-PAI activity when analyzed by reverse fibrin autography. The largest cDNA insert was sequenced and shown to be 2944 base pairs (bp) long. It has a large 3' untranslated region [1788 bp, excluding the poly(A) tail] and contains the entire coding region of the mature protein but lacks the initiation codon and part of the signal peptide coding region at the 5' terminus. The two clones carrying the 1.9-kb cDNA inserts were partially sequenced and shown to be identical to the 3.0-kb cDNA except that they were truncated, lacking much of the 3' untranslated region. Blot hybridization analysis of electrophoretically fractionated RNA from the human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080 was performed using the 3.0-kb cDNA as hybridization probe. Two distinct transcripts, 2.2 and 3.0 kb, were detected, suggesting that the 1.9-kb cDNA may have been copied from the shorter RNA transcript. The amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA was aligned with the NH2-terminal sequence of the human beta-PAI. Based on this alignment, the mature human beta-PAI is 379 amino acids long and contains an NH2-terminal valine. The deduced amino acid sequence has extensive (30%) homology with alpha 1-antitrypsin and antithrombin III, indicating that the beta-PAI is a member of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) superfamily.

Characterization of seven human melanoma cell lines: melanogenesis and secretion of plasminogen activators

Permanent cell lines (UCT-Mel 1 through 7) were established from biopsies of metastatic tissue taken from seven patients with malignant melanoma. Cells from these lines were all aneuploid and all grew as non-contact-inhibited, adherent monolayers. All of the lines, with the remarkable exception of UCT-Mel 6, formed tumours in nude mice, expressed the melanoma M-18 antigen and synthesized plasminogen activators exclusively of the tissue-type. UCT-Mel 6 cells were non tumourigenic, they lacked the M-18 antigen and they synthesized plasminogen activators exclusively of the urokinase type. UCT-Mel 1 and UCT-Mel 2 formed pigment in vitro and both of these lines showed an increase in pigment content and tyrosinase synthesis with increasing cell density. The rate of plasminogen activator released by UCT-Mel 1 and UCT-Mel 3 declined strikingly as the cells became confluent. Assuming that proteolytic activity is required for cell migration in vivo; that tyrosinase synthesis reflects expression of the differentiated phenotype and that melanoma cells retain some of the characteristics of neural crest cells, we suggest that the effects of confluence and close cell-cell contact provide a useful experimental counterpart for the study of normal neural crest all behaviour that is characterized by an inverse relationship between migration and a protease secretion on the one hand and pigmentation on the other.

Characterization of plasminogen activator from two human renal carcinoma cell lines

Plasminogen activator (PA) activity was identified in the conditioned medium of two human renal carcinoma cell lines, Cur and Caki-1. PA activity of medium, following chromatography on Con A-Sepharose, was divided into effluent and eluate fractions, the latter obtained after elution with methyl mannoside. The ratio of PA activity in effluent:eluate was 90:10 for Caki-1 and 60:40 for Cur. The PA of both effluent fractions and the Caki-1 eluate fraction was of the urokinase (UK) type. Identification rested on molecular weight determination by zymography (major component with Mr 52,000 and a less prominent component of 93,000), lack of binding to fibrin, inhibition by anti-UK antibodies, and lack of inhibitory effect of anti-tissue type PA (TPA) antibodies or the Erythrina trypsin inhibitor, which inhibits TPA but not UK. PA of the Cur eluate fraction gave a more complex pattern in that it bound significantly to fibrin (like TPA), was completely inhibited by both anti-UK and anti-TPA antibodies, but was unaffected by Erythrina trypsin inhibitor. These results raise the possibility of an unusual PA-like enzyme that immunologically cross reacts with anti-UK and anti-TPA. Most of the PA of both cell lines was secreted in a latent form that could be activated by trypsin treatment. The latency appears to result largely from secretion of urokinase proenzyme, which is consistent with the Mr 52,000 of the major PA species and the insensitivity to diisopropyl fluorophosphate inhibition prior to trypsin activation. However, in addition, a UK binding component was found in the conditioned medium, which produced an Mr 93,000 component by reaction with UK.

Identification of the calcium-inducible plasminogen activators secreted by a human diploid fibroblast cell line (MRC-5)

Human embryonic lung fibroblast (MRC5) cells secreted small amounts of plasminogen activators into normal, serum-free harvest medium. Stimulation with calcium led to markedly enhanced levels of activator. The major species of plasminogen activator in the harvest medium of the stimulated cultures resembled u-PA when analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by fibrin zymography. This activator was partially-purified using controlled-pore glass and Blue Sepharose CL6B. Characterisation by fibrin zymography in the presence of specific antibody, by 3H-DFP labelling and by fibrin-binding ability indicated that the activator was indistinguishable from high molecular weight u-PA. The possible physiological role of the production of relatively large amounts of u-PA by a lung cell capable of producing both u-PA and t-PA is discussed.

Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on human carcinoma cells, inhibition of plasminogen activator synthesis, change in cell morphology, and alteration of response to cholera toxin

Human carcinoma HEp-3 lost its tumorigenic and metastatic potential upon prolonged culture in vitro. This change was accompanied by a reduced production of plasminogen activator (PA) of the urokinase type (uPA), which is secreted by HEp-3 cells, a change in response to effectors that modulate uPA production, and an alteration of cell morphology. Similar but more rapid changes occurred when malignant HEp-3 cells were exposed to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). uPA activity in the culture medium dropped below 50% of the control level within 6 h after the addition of DMSO and became undetectable after 24 h of treatment. This drop in uPA activity was not caused by an increased production of PA inhibitors. The cell-associated uPA decreased to 25 to 30% of the control level within 6 h of DMSO treatment and remained at this level for at least 96 h; the reduced uPA production was partially accounted for by a rapid decrease in the functional and chemical concentration of uPA mRNA. In contrast, the concentrations of most of the abundant mRNA species did not appear to be significantly affected, and cell growth was only slightly inhibited in the presence of DMSO. Malignant HEp-3 cells treated with DMSO responded to cholera toxin with an enhanced production of uPA, and their morphology became indistinguishable from that of nonmalignant HEp-3 cells grown in vitro for prolonged periods of time. All of the above changes were fully and rapidly reversible. The inhibitory effect of DMSO on PA production appears to be specific for uPA of human cell lines.

A cellular binding site for the Mr 55,000 form of the human plasminogen activator, urokinase

The secretion of plasminogen activators has been implicated in the controlled extracellular proteolysis that accompanies cell migration and tissue remodeling. We found that the human plasminogen activator urokinase (Uk) (Mr 55,000 form) binds rapidly, specifically, and with high affinity to fresh human blood monocytes and to cells of the monocyte line U937. Upon binding Mr 55,000 Uk was observed to confer high plasminogen activator activity to the cells. Binding of the enzyme did not require a functional catalytic site (located on the B chain of the protein) but did require the noncatalytic A chain of Mr 55,000 Uk, since Mr 33,000 Uk did not bind. These results demonstrate the presence of a membrane receptor for Uk on monocytes and show a hitherto unknown function for the A chain of Uk: binding of secreted enzyme to its receptor results in Uk acting as a membrane protease. This localizes plasminogen activation near the cell surface, an optimal site to facilitate cell migration.

Human endothelial cells produce a plasminogen activator inhibitor and a tissue-type plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex

Serum-free conditioned media and cell extracts from cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were analyzed for plasminogen activator by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and enzymography on fibrin-indicator gels. Active bands of free and complexed tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) or urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) were identified by the incorporation of specific antibodies against, respectively, t-PA or u-PA in the indicator gel. The endothelial cells predominantly released a high-molecular-weight t-PA (95 000-135 000). This t-PA form was converted to Mr-72 000 t-PA by 1.5 M NH4OH/39 mM SDS. A component with high affinity for both t-PA and u-PA could be demonstrated in serum-free conditioned medium and endothelial cell extract. The complex between this component and Mr-72 000 t-PA comigrated with high-molecular-weight t-PA. From the increase in Mr of t-PA or u-PA upon complex formation, the Mr of the endothelial cell component was estimated to be 50 000-70 000. The reaction between t-PA or u-PA and the plasminogen activator-binding component was blocked by 5 mM p-aminobenzamidine, while the complexes, once formed, could be cleaved by 1.5 M NH4OH/39 mM SDS. These observations indicated that the active center of plasminogen activator was involved in the complex formation. It was further noted that serum-free conditioned medium or endothelial cell extract inhibited plasminogen activator activity when assayed by the fibrin-plate method. Evidence is provided that the plasminogen activator-binding component was different from a number of the known plasma serine proteinase inhibitors, the placenta inhibitor and the fibroblast surface protein, proteinase-nexin. We conclude that cultured endothelial cells produce a rapid inhibitor of u-PA and t-PA as well as a t-PA-inhibitor complex.

Complex formation of platelet thrombospondin with plasminogen. Modulation of activation by tissue activator

Thrombospondin (TSP), a multifunctional alpha-granule glycoprotein of platelets, binds fibrinogen, fibronectin, heparin, and histidine-rich glycoprotein and thus may play an important role in regulating thrombotic influences at vessel surfaces. In this study we have demonstrated that purified human platelet TSP formed a complex with purified human plasminogen (Plg). Complex formation was detected by rocket immunoelectrophoresis of mixtures of the purified radiolabeled proteins. Significant complex formation of fluid-phase Plg with adsorbed TSP was also demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The complex formation was specific, saturable, and inhibited by excess fluid-phase TSP, with an apparent KD of approximately 35 nM. In both ELISA and rocket immunoelectrophoresis systems, complex formation was inhibited by 10 mM epsilon-amino-n-caproic acid, implying that there is a role for the lysine binding sites of Plg in mediating the interaction. TSP also formed a complex with plasmin as detected by ELISA but did not directly inhibit plasmin activity measured with a synthetic fluorometric substrate or with a 125I-fibrin plate assay. TSP, when incubated with Plg before addition to 125I-fibrin plates significantly inhibited the generation of plasmin activity by tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) in a manner that was calcium dependent. A kinetic study of Plg activation by TPA in the presence of TSP demonstrated that Michaelis-Menten kinetics were followed and that TSP acted as a noncompetitive inhibitor. These studies support the hypothesis that TSP, acting as a multifunctional regulator in focal areas of active hemostasis, could serve as a prothrombotic influence, leading to increased deposition of fibrin.

Tissue type plasminogen activator, but not urokinase, exerts transformation-enhancing activity

Previous studies have established that plasma cryoprecipitates of tumor patients, culture media of transformed cells and defined proteolytic fragments of fibronectin enhance the morphological cell transformation ( TEF activity) in cultures of chicken embryo fibroblasts infected with temperature-sensitive mutants of Rous sarcoma virus. We now report that purified human tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA), but not urokinase (u-PA), has a similar TEF activity, at doses as low as 2 ng/ml (30 pM). Specific antibodies effectively neutralized the activity. No significant contamination (less than or equal to 1%) between the preparations of t-PA and fibronectin (FN) or its fragments ( FNdp ) was detected. The results suggest that t-PA may have a direct role in the process of morphological cell transformation in vitro.