Sphingosine-1-phosphate induces the association of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase with p130Cas in endothelial cells

Vesicle transport of matrix metalloproteinases

Multicellular organisms consist of cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM creates a cellular microenvironment, and cells locally degrade the ECM according to their cellular activity. A major group of enzymes that modify ECM belongs to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and play major roles in various pathophysiological events. ECM degradation by MMPs does not occur in all cellular surroundings but only where it is necessary, and cells achieve this by directionally secreting these proteolytic enzymes. Recent studies have indicated that such enzyme secretion is achieved by targeted vesicle transport along the microtubules, and several kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) have been identified as responsible motor proteins involved in the processes. This chapter discusses recent findings of the vesicle transport of MMPs and their roles.

Assessment of MMP14, CAV2, CLU and SPARCL1 expression profiles in endometriosis

Endometriotic cells exhibit a notable degree of invasiveness and some characteristics of tissue remodeling underlying lesion formation. In this regard, do matrix metalloproteinases 14 (MMP14) and other related genes such as SPARC-like protein 1 (SPARCL1), caveolin 2 (CAV2), and clusterin (CLU) exert any significant influence in the processes of endometriosis development and pathophysiology is not apparent. We aim to assess whether these genes could serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers in endometriosis. Microarray-based gene expression analysis was performed on total RNA extracted from endometriotic tissue samples treated with and without gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). The GnRHa untreated patients were considered the control group. The validation of genes was performed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). qRT-PCR analysis showed significant downregulation in the expression of MMP14 (p = 0.024), CAV2 (p = 0.017), and upregulation of CLU (p = 0.005) in endometriosis patients treated with GnRHa. SPARCL1 did not show any significant (p = 0.30) change in the expression compared to the control group. These data have the potential to contribute to the comprehension of the molecular pathways implicated in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, which is a vital step for the physiology of the endometrium. Based on the result, it is concluded that changes in the expression of MMP14, CAV2, and CLU post-treatment imply their role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker of endometriosis in response to GnRHa treatment in patients with ovarian endometrioma.

Cytoplasmic Tail of MT1-MMP: A Hub of MT1-MMP Regulation and Function

MT1-MMP (MMP-14) is a multifunctional protease that regulates ECM degradation, activation of other proteases, and a variety of cellular processes, including migration and viability in physiological and pathological contexts. Both the localization and signal transduction capabilities of MT1-MMP are dependent on its cytoplasmic domain that constitutes the final 20 C-terminal amino acids, while the rest of the protease is extracellular. In this review, we summarize the ways in which the cytoplasmic tail is involved in regulating and enacting the functions of MT1-MMP. We also provide an overview of known interactors of the MT1-MMP cytoplasmic tail and the functional significance of these interactions, as well as further insight into the mechanisms of cellular adhesion and invasion that are regulated by the cytoplasmic tail.

Novel Roles of MT1-MMP and MMP-2: Beyond the Extracellular Milieu

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are critical enzymes involved in a variety of cellular processes. MMPs are well known for their ability to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and their extracellular role in cell migration. Recently, more research has been conducted on investigating novel subcellular localizations of MMPs and their intracellular roles at their respective locations. In this review article, we focus on the subcellular localization and novel intracellular roles of two closely related MMPs: membrane-type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Although MT1-MMP is commonly known to localize on the cell surface, the protease also localizes to the cytoplasm, caveolae, Golgi, cytoskeleton, centrosome, and nucleus. At these subcellular locations, MT1-MMP functions in cell migration, macrophage metabolism, invadopodia development, spindle formation and gene expression, respectively. Similar to MT1-MMP, MMP-2 localizes to the caveolae, mitochondria, cytoskeleton, nucleus and nucleolus and functions in calcium regulation, contractile dysfunction, gene expression and ribosomal RNA transcription. Our particular interest lies in the roles MMP-2 and MT1-MMP serve within the nucleus, as they may provide critical insights into cancer epigenetics and tumor migration and invasion. We suggest that targeting nuclear MT1-MMP or MMP-2 to reduce or halt cell proliferation and migration may lead to the development of new therapies for cancer and other diseases.

Matrix Metalloproteinases Shape the Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression

Cancer progression with uncontrolled tumor growth, local invasion, and metastasis depends largely on the proteolytic activity of numerous matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which affect tissue integrity, immune cell recruitment, and tissue turnover by degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) components and by releasing matrikines, cell surface-bound cytokines, growth factors, or their receptors. Among the MMPs, MMP-14 is the driving force behind extracellular matrix and tissue destruction during cancer invasion and metastasis. MMP-14 also influences both intercellular as well as cell-matrix communication by regulating the activity of many plasma membrane-anchored and extracellular proteins. Cancer cells and other cells of the tumor stroma, embedded in a common extracellular matrix, interact with their matrix by means of various adhesive structures, of which particularly invadopodia are capable to remodel the matrix through spatially and temporally finely tuned proteolysis. As a deeper understanding of the underlying functional mechanisms is beneficial for the development of new prognostic and predictive markers and for targeted therapies, this review examined the current knowledge of the interplay of the various MMPs in the cancer context on the protein, subcellular, and cellular level with a focus on MMP14.

Interaction Network Provides Clues on the Role of BCAR1 in Cellular Response to Changes in Gravity

When culturing cells in space or under altered gravity conditions on Earth to investigate the impact of gravity, their adhesion and organoid formation capabilities change. In search of a target where the alteration of gravity force could have this impact, we investigated p130cas/BCAR1 and its interactions more thoroughly, particularly as its activity is sensitive to applied forces. This protein is well characterized regarding its role in growth stimulation and adhesion processes. To better understand BCAR1′s force-dependent scaffolding of other proteins, we studied its interactions with proteins we had detected by proteome analyses of MCF-7 breast cancer and FTC-133 thyroid cancer cells, which are both sensitive to exposure to microgravity and express BCAR1. Using linked open data resources and our experiments, we collected comprehensive information to establish a semantic knowledgebase and analyzed identified proteins belonging to signaling pathways and their networks. The results show that the force-dependent phosphorylation and scaffolding of BCAR1 influence the structure, function, and degradation of intracellular proteins as well as the growth, adhesion and apoptosis of cells similarly to exposure of whole cells to altered gravity. As BCAR1 evidently plays a significant role in cell responses to gravity changes, this study reveals a clear path to future research performing phosphorylation experiments on BCAR1.

P130Cas/bcar1 mediates zebrafish caudal vein plexus angiogenesis

P130CAS/BCAR1 belongs to the CAS family of adaptor proteins, with important regulatory roles in cell migration, cell cycle control, and apoptosis. Previously, we and others showed that P130CAS mediates VEGF-A and PDGF signalling in vitro, but its cardiovascular function in vivo remains relatively unexplored. We characterise here a novel deletion model of P130CAS in zebrafish. Using in vivo microscopy and transgenic vascular reporters, we observed that while bcar1−/− zebrafish showed no arterial angiogenic or heart defects during development, they strikingly failed to form the caudal vein plexus (CVP). Endothelial cells (ECs) within the CVP of bcar1−/− embryos produced fewer filopodial structures and did not detach efficiently from neighbouring cells, resulting in a significant reduction in ventral extension and overall CVP area. Mechanistically, we show that P130Cas mediates Bmp2b-induced ectopic angiogenic sprouting of ECs in the developing embryo and provide pharmacological evidence for a role of Src family kinases in CVP development.

Intersection of TKS5 and FGD1/CDC42 signaling cascades directs the formation of invadopodia

Tumor cells exposed to a physiological matrix of type I collagen fibers form elongated collagenolytic invadopodia, which differ from dotty-like invadopodia forming on the gelatin substratum model. The related scaffold proteins, TKS5 and TKS4, are key components of the mechanism of invadopodia assembly. The molecular events through which TKS proteins direct collagenolytic invadopodia formation are poorly defined. Using coimmunoprecipitation experiments, identification of bound proteins by mass spectrometry, and in vitro pull-down experiments, we found an interaction between TKS5 and FGD1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the Rho-GTPase CDC42, which is known for its role in the assembly of invadopodial actin core structure. A novel cell polarity network is uncovered comprising TKS5, FGD1, and CDC42, directing invadopodia formation and the polarization of MT1-MMP recycling compartments, required for invadopodia activity and invasion in a 3D collagen matrix. Additionally, our data unveil distinct signaling pathways involved in collagenolytic invadopodia formation downstream of TKS4 or TKS5 in breast cancer cells.

Establishment of a three-dimensional model to study human uterine angiogenesis

STUDY QUESTION

Can primary human uterine microvascular endothelial cells (UtMVECs) be used as a model to study uterine angiogenic responses in vitro that are relevant in pregnancy?

SUMMARY ANSWER

UtMVECs demonstrated angiogenic responses when stimulated with proangiogenic factors, including sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), physiological levels of wall shear stress (WSS), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and various combinations of estrogen and progesterone.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

During sprouting angiogenesis, signaling from growth factors and cytokines induces a monolayer of quiescent endothelial cells (ECs) lining the vasculature to degrade the extracellular matrix and invade the surrounding tissue to form new capillaries. During pregnancy and the female reproductive cycle, the uterine endothelium becomes activated and undergoes sprouting angiogenesis to increase the size and number of blood vessels in the endometrium.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

The study was designed to examine the angiogenic potential of primary human UtMVECs using the well-characterized human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) line as a control to compare angiogenic potential. ECs were seeded onto three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrices, supplemented with known proangiogenic stimuli relevant to pregnancy and allowed to invade for 24 h. Sprouting responses were analyzed using manual and automated methods for quantification.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

RT-PCR, Western blot analysis and immunostaining were used to characterize UtMVECs. Angiogenic responses were examined using 3D invasion assays. Western blotting was used to confirm signaling responses after proangiogenic lipid, pharmacological inhibitor, and recombinant lentiviral treatments. All experiments were repeated at least three times.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

After ensuring that UtMVECs expressed the proper endothelial markers, we found that UtMVECs invade 3D collagen matrices dose-dependently in response to known proangiogenic stimuli (e.g. S1P, VEGF, bFGF, hCG, estrogen, progesterone and WSS) present during early pregnancy. Invasion responses were positively correlated with phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK). Inhibition of these second messengers significantly impaired sprouting (P < 0.01). Gene silencing of membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase using multiple approaches completely abrogated sprouting (P < 0.001). Finally, UtMVECs displayed a unique ability to undergo sprouting in response to hCG, and combined estrogen and progesterone treatment.

LARGE SCALE DATA

Not applicable.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The study of uterine angiogenesis in vitro has limitations and any findings many not fully represent the in vivo state. However, these experiments do provide evidence for the ability of UtMVECs to be used in functional sprouting assays in a 3D environment, stimulated by physiological factors that are produced locally within the uterus during early pregnancy.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

We show that UtMVECs can be used reliably to investigate how growth factors, hormones, lipids and other factors, such as flow, affect angiogenesis in the uterus.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This work was supported by NIH award HL095786 to K.J.B. The authors have no conflicts of interest.

Molecular Regulation of Sprouting Angiogenesis

The term angiogenesis arose in the 18th century. Several studies over the next 100 years laid the groundwork for initial studies performed by the Folkman laboratory, which were at first met with some opposition. Once overcome, the angiogenesis field has flourished due to studies on tumor angiogenesis and various developmental models that can be genetically manipulated, including mice and zebrafish. In addition, new discoveries have been aided by the ability to isolate primary endothelial cells, which has allowed dissection of various steps within angiogenesis. This review will summarize the molecular events that control angiogenesis downstream of biochemical factors such as growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), and lipids. These and other stimuli have been linked to regulation of junctional molecules and cell surface receptors. In addition, the contribution of cytoskeletal elements and regulatory proteins has revealed an intricate role for mobilization of actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments in response to cues that activate the endothelium. Activating stimuli also affect various focal adhesion proteins, scaffold proteins, intracellular kinases, and second messengers. Finally, metalloproteinases, which facilitate matrix degradation and the formation of new blood vessels, are discussed, along with our knowledge of crosstalk between the various subclasses of these molecules throughout the text. Compr Physiol 8:153-235, 2018.

Expression and Purification of a Matrix Metalloprotease Transmembrane Domain in Escherichia coli

Membrane tethered matrix metalloproteases are bound to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchor or a transmembrane domain. To date, most studies of membrane-bound matrix metalloprotease have focused on the globular catalytic and protein-protein interaction domains of these enzymes. However, the transmembrane domains have been poorly studied even though they are known to mediate intracellular signaling via interaction with various cellular proteins. The expression and purification of the transmembrane domain of these proteins can be challenging due to their hydrophobic nature. In this chapter we describe the purification of a transmembrane domain for a membrane-bound matrix metalloprotease expressed in E. coli and its initial characterization by NMR spectroscopy.

NIK regulates MT1-MMP activity and promotes glioma cell invasion independently of the canonical NF-κB pathway

A growing body of evidence implicates the noncanonical NF-κB pathway as a key driver of glioma invasiveness and a major factor underlying poor patient prognoses. Here, we show that NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK/MAP3K14), a critical upstream regulator of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway, is both necessary and sufficient for cell-intrinsic invasion, as well as invasion induced by the cytokine TWEAK, which is strongly associated with tumor pathogenicity. NIK promotes dramatic alterations in glioma cell morphology that are characterized by extensive membrane branching and elongated pseudopodial protrusions. Correspondingly, NIK increases the phosphorylation, enzymatic activity and pseudopodial localization of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP/MMP14), which is associated with enhanced tumor cell invasion of three-dimensional collagen matrices. Moreover, NIK regulates MT1-MMP activity in cells lacking the canonical NF-κB p65 and cRel proteins. Finally, increased expression of NIK is associated with elevated MT1-MMP phosphorylation in orthotopic xenografts and co-expression of NIK and MT1-MMP in human tumors is associated with poor glioma patient survival. These data reveal a novel role of NIK to enhance pseudopodia formation, MT1-MMP enzymatic activity and tumor cell invasion independently of p65. Collectively, our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of approaches targeting NIK in highly invasive tumors.

Hic-5 mediates the initiation of endothelial sprouting by regulating a key surface metalloproteinase

During angiogenesis, endothelial cells must coordinate matrix proteolysis with migration. Here, we tested whether the focal adhesion scaffold protein Hic-5 (also known as TGFB1I1) regulated endothelial sprouting in three dimensions. Hic-5 silencing reduced endothelial sprouting and lumen formation, and sprouting defects were rescued by the return of Hic-5 expression. Pro-angiogenic factors enhanced colocalization and complex formation between membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, also known as MMP14) and Hic-5, but not between paxillin and MT1-MMP. The LIM2 and LIM3 domains of Hic-5 were necessary and sufficient for Hic-5 to form a complex with MT1-MMP. The degree of interaction between MT1-MMP and Hic-5 and the localization of the complex within detergent-resistant membrane fractions were enhanced during endothelial sprouting, and Hic-5 depletion lowered the surface levels of MT1-MMP. In addition, we observed that loss of Hic-5 partially reduced complex formation between MT1-MMP and focal adhesion kinase (FAK, also known as PTK2), suggesting that Hic-5 bridges MT1-MMP and FAK. Finally, Hic-5 LIM2-LIM3 deletion mutants reduced sprout initiation. Hic-5, MT1-MMP and FAK colocalized in angiogenic vessels during porcine pregnancy, supporting that this complex assembles during angiogenesis in vivo. Collectively, Hic-5 appears to enhance complex formation between MT1-MMP and FAK in activated endothelial cells, which likely coordinates matrix proteolysis and cell motility.

Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases: Their functions and regulations

Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) form a subgroup of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, and there are 6 MT-MMPs in humans. MT-MMPs are further sub-classified into type I transmembrane-type (MT1, -MT2-, MT3- and MT5-MMPs) and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored type (MT4- and MT6-MMPs). In either case MT-MMPs are tethered to the plasma membrane, and this cell surface expression provides those enzymes with unique functionalities affecting various cellular behaviours. Among the 6 MT-MMPs, MT1-MMP is the most investigated enzyme and many of its roles and regulations have been revealed to date, but the potential roles and regulatory mechanisms of other MT-MMPs are gradually getting clearer as well. Further investigations of MT-MMPs are likely to reveal novel pathophysiological mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies for different diseases in the future.

MMP2 and MMP9 participate in S1P-induced invasion of follicular ML-1 thyroid cancer cells

The bioactive lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has emerged as a potent inducer of cancer cell migration and invasion. Previously, we have shown that S1P induces invasion of ML-1 follicular thyroid cancer cells via S1P receptors 1 and 3 (S1P1,3). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes used by cells for degradation of the extracellular matrix during invasion and migration. In the present study, we examined the role of MMP2 and MMP9 for S1P-induced invasion of ML-1 cells, and found that S1P regulates the secretion and activity of MMP2 and MMP9 via S1P1,3. Both pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA knockdown of MMP2 and MMP9 could attenuate S1P-induced invasion. Additionally, we show that calpains and Rac1 mediate S1P-induced secretion of MMP2 and MMP9. In conclusion, MMP2 and MMP9 participate in S1P-evoked follicular ML-1 thyroid cancer cell invasion.

Evidence of MTCBP-1 interaction with the cytoplasmic domain of MT1-MMP: Implications in the autophagy cell index of high-grade glioblastoma

Progression of astrocytic tumors is, in part, related to their dysregulated autophagy capacity. Recent evidence indicates that upstream autophagy signaling events can be triggered by MT1-MMP, a membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase that contributes to the invasive phenotype of brain cancer cells. The signaling functions of MT1-MMP require its intracellular domain, and recent identification of MTCBP-1, a cytoplasmic 19 kDa protein involved in the inhibition of MT1-MMP-mediated cell migration, suggests that modulation of MT1-MMP cytoplasmic domain-mediated signaling may affect other carcinogenic processes. Using qPCR and screening of cDNA generated from brain tumor tissues of grades I, II, III, and IV, MT1-MMP gene expression was found to correlate with increased grade of tumors. Inversely, MTCBP-1 expression decreased with increasing grade of brain tumor. Confocal microscopy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis revealed that overexpressing a cytoplasmic-deleted MT1-MMP recombinant protein mutant prevented MTCBP-1 recruitment to the intracellular leaf of plasma membrane in U87 glioblastoma cells. The interaction between MTCBP-1 and the 20 amino acids peptide representing the MT1-MMP cytoplasmic domain was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance. Overexpression of a full-length Wt-MT1-MMP triggered acidic autophagy vesicle formation and autophagic puncta formation for green fluorescent microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (GFP-LC3). Autophagic vesicles and GFP-LC3 puncta formation were abrogated in the presence of MTCBP-1. Our data elucidate a new role for MTCBP-1 regulating the intracellular function of MT1-MMP-mediated autophagy. The inverse correlation between MTCBP-1 and MT1-MMP expression with brain tumor grades could also contribute to the decreased autophagic index observed in high-grade tumors.

Transcriptional targeting of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor S1P2 by epigallocatechin-3-gallate prevents sphingosine-1-phosphate-mediated signaling in macrophage-differentiated HL-60 promyelomonocytic leukemia cells

Background

Macrophage chemotaxis followed by blood–brain barrier transendothelial migration is believed to be associated with inflammation in the central nervous system. Antineuroinflammatory strategies have identified the dietary-derived epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as an efficient agent to prevent neuroinflammation-associated neurodegenerative diseases by targeting proinflammatory mediator signaling.

Methods

Given that high levels of sphingosine kinase and its product, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), are present in brain tumors, we used quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunoblotting to test whether EGCG may impact on S1P receptor gene expression and prevent S1P response in undifferentiated and in terminally differentiated macrophages.

Results

Promyelomonocytic human leukemia (HL)-60 cells were differentiated into macrophages, and S1P triggered phosphorylation in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) intracellular signaling, as shown by Western blot analysis. Pretreatment of cells with EGCG prior to differentiation inhibited the response to S1P in all three pathways, while EGCG abrogated P38 MAPK phosphorylation when present only during differentiation. Terminally-differentiated macrophages were, however, insensitive to EGCG treatment. Using qRT-PCR, gene expression of the S1P receptors S1P1, S1P2, and S1P5 was predominantly induced in terminally-differentiated macrophages, while the S1P2 was decreased by EGCG treatment.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that diet-derived EGCG achieves efficient effects as a preventive agent, targeting signaling pathways prior to cell terminal differentiation. Such properties could impact on cell chemotaxis through the blood–brain barrier and prevent cancer-related neuroinflammation.

Domain structure and function of matrix metalloprotease 23 (MMP23): role in potassium channel trafficking

MMP23 is a member of the matrix metalloprotease family of zinc- and calcium-dependent endopeptidases, which are involved in a wide variety of cellular functions. Its catalytic domain displays a high degree of structural homology with those of other metalloproteases, but its atypical domain architecture suggests that it may possess unique functional properties. The N-terminal MMP23 pro-domain contains a type-II transmembrane domain that anchors the protein to the plasma membrane and lacks the cysteine-switch motif that is required to maintain other MMPs in a latent state during passage to the cell surface. Instead of the C-terminal hemopexin domain common to other MMPs, MMP23 contains a small toxin-like domain (TxD) and an immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecule (IgCAM) domain. The MMP23 pro-domain can trap Kv1.3 but not closely-related Kv1.2 channels in the endoplasmic reticulum, preventing their passage to the cell surface, while the TxD can bind to the channel pore and block the passage of potassium ions. The MMP23 C-terminal IgCAM domain displays some similarity to Ig-like C2-type domains found in IgCAMs of the immunoglobulin superfamily, which are known to mediate protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions. MMP23 and Kv1.3 are co-expressed in a variety of tissues and together are implicated in diseases including cancer and inflammatory disorders. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of action of this unique member of the MMP family.

Induction of autophagy biomarker BNIP3 requires a JAK2/STAT3 and MT1-MMP signaling interplay in Concanavalin-A-activated U87 glioblastoma cells

Plant lectins have been considered as possible anti-tumor drugs because of their property to induce autophagic cell death. Given that expression of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) has been found to regulate expression of the autophagy biomarker Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), we sought to investigate possible signaling interplay mechanisms between MT1-MMP and BNIP3 in Concanavalin-A (ConA) lectin-activated U87 glioblastoma cells. ConA induced acidic vacuole organelle formation as well as BNIP3 and MT1-MMP gene and protein expressions, whereas only BNIP3 expression was dose-dependently inhibited by the JAK2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG490 suggesting a requirement for some STAT-mediated signaling. Gene silencing of MT1-MMP and of STAT3 abrogated ConA-induced STAT3 phosphorylation and BNIP3 expression. Correlative analysis shows that STAT3 signaling events occur downstream from MT1-MMP induction. Overexpression of a full length MT1-MMP recombinant protein led to increased BNIP3 gene and protein expressions. The cytoplasmic domain of MT1-MMP was also found necessary for transducing STAT3 phosphorylation. Among JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2, only JAK2 gene silencing abrogated ConA's effects on MT1-MMP and BNIP3 gene and protein expressions. Our study elucidates how MT1-MMP signals autophagy, a process which could contribute to the chemoresistance phenotype in brain cancer cells.

p130Cas: a key signalling node in health and disease

p130Cas/breast cancer anti-oestrogen resistance 1 (BCAR1) is a member of the Cas (Crk-associated substrate) family of adaptor proteins, which have emerged as key signalling nodes capable of interactions with multiple proteins, with important regulatory roles in normal and pathological cell function. The Cas family of proteins is characterised by the presence of multiple conserved motifs for protein-protein interactions, and by extensive tyrosine and serine phosphorylations. Recent studies show that p130Cas contributes to migration, cell cycle control and apoptosis. p130Cas is essential during early embryogenesis, with a critical role in cardiovascular development. Furthermore, p130Cas has been reported to be involved in the development and progression of several human cancers. p130Cas is able to perform roles in multiple processes due to its capacity to regulate a diverse array of signalling pathways, transducing signals from growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases, non-receptor tyrosine kinases, and integrins. In this review we summarise the current understanding of the structure, function, and regulation of p130Cas, and discuss the importance of p130Cas in both physiological and pathophysiological settings, with a focus on the cardiovascular system and cancer.

Concanavalin-A triggers inflammatory response through JAK/STAT3 signalling and modulates MT1-MMP regulation of COX-2 in mesenchymal stromal cells

Pharmacological targeting of inflammation through STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways is, among other inflammatory biomarkers, associated with cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibition and is believed to play a crucial role in prevention and therapy of cancer. Recently, inflammatory factors were found to impact on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) contribution to tumor angiogenesis. Given MSC chemotaxis and cell survival are regulated, in part, by the membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), an MMP also involved in transducing NF-κB intracellular signaling pathways, we tested whether STAT3 regulation by MT1-MMP may also contribute to the expression balance of COX-2 in MSC. We demonstrate that STAT3 phosphorylation was triggered in MSC treated with the MT1-MMP inducer lectin Concanavalin-A (ConA), and that this phosphorylation was abrogated by the JAK2 inhibitor AG490. MT1-MMP gene silencing significantly inhibited ConA-induced STAT3 phosphorylation and this was correlated with reduced proMMP-2 activation and COX-2 expression. On the other hand, STAT3 gene silencing potentiated ConA-induced COX-2 expression, providing evidence for a new MT1-MMP/JAK/STAT3 signaling axis that may, in part, explain how MT1-MMP contributes to proinflammatory intracellular signaling. Given that MSC are avidly recruited within inflammatory microenvironments and within experimental vascularizing tumors, these mechanistic observations support a possible dual control of cell adaptation to inflammation by MT1-MMP and that may enable MSC to be active participants within inflamed tissues.

Concanavalin-A-induced autophagy biomarkers requires membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase intracellular signaling in glioblastoma cells

Pre-clinical trials for cancer therapeutics support the anti-neoplastic properties of the lectin from Canavalia ensiformis (Concanavalin-A, ConA) in targeting apoptosis and autophagy in a variety of cancer cells. Given that membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), a plasma membrane-anchored matrix metalloproteinase, is a glycoprotein strongly expressed in radioresistant and chemoresistant glioblastoma that mediates pro-apoptotic signalling in brain cancer cells, we investigated whether MT1-MMP could also signal autophagy. Among the four lectins tested, we found that the mannopyranoside/glucopyranoside-binding ConA, which is also well documented to trigger MT1-MMP expression, increases autophagic acidic vacuoles formation as demonstrated by Acridine Orange cell staining. Although siRNA-mediated MT1-MMP gene silencing effectively reversed ConA-induced autophagy, inhibition of the MT1-MMP extracellular catalytic function with Actinonin or Ilomastat did not. Conversely, direct overexpression of the recombinant Wt-MT1-MMP protein triggered proMMP-2 activation and green fluorescent protein-microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 puncta indicative of autophagosomes formation, while deletion of MT1-MMP's cytoplasmic domain disabled such autophagy induction. ConA-treated U87 cells also showed an upregulation of BNIP3 and of autophagy-related gene members autophagy-related protein 3, autophagy-related protein 12 and autophagy-related protein 16-like 1, where respective inductions were reversed when MT1-MMP gene expression was silenced. Altogether, we provide molecular evidence supporting the pro-autophagic mechanism of action of ConA in glioblastoma cells. We also highlight new signal transduction functions of MT1-MMP within apoptotic and autophagic pathways that often characterize cancer cell responses to chemotherapeutic drugs.

Invasive matrix degradation at focal adhesions occurs via protease recruitment by a FAK-p130Cas complex

Tumor cell migration and the concomitant degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) are two essential steps in the metastatic process. It is well established that focal adhesions (FAs) play an important role in regulating migration; however, whether these structures contribute to matrix degradation is not clear. In this study, we report that multiple cancer cell lines display degradation of ECM at FA sites that requires the targeted action of MT1-MMP. Importantly, we have found that this MT1-MMP targeting is dependent on an association with a FAK-p130Cas complex situated at FAs and is regulated by Src-mediated phosphorylation of Tyr 573 at the cytoplasmic tail of MT1. Disrupting the FAK-p130Cas-MT1 complex significantly impairs FA-mediated degradation and tumor cell invasion yet does not appear to affect invadopodia formation or function. These findings demonstrate a novel function for FAs and also provide molecular insights into MT1-MMP targeting and function.

MT1-MMP: A novel component of the macrophage cell fusion machinery

Mice deficient in the matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP display defects in tissue development and angiogenesis, together with a complex bone phenotype characterized by several skeletal abnormalities and osteopenia. OCs and giant cells are multinucleated cells arising from the fusion of myeloid progenitors/macrophages that specialize respectively in bone resorption and engulfment of pathogens and foreign bodies. Our work identifies MT1-MMP as a novel component of the macrophage fusion machinery during OC and giant cell formation in vitro and in vivo. MT1-MMP is required for the proper lamellipodia formation and motility required to achieve proximity between fusioncompetent myeloid cells; and roles of MT1-MMP in subsequent steps of the fusion process cannot be ruled out. For example, MT1-MMP might exert additional functions at fusion sites by forming molecular complexes with CD44 or tetraspanin proteins. Interestingly, the contribution of MT1-MMP to macrophage motility and fusion does not involve its catalytic activity. Instead, the MT1-MMP-cytosolic tail, in particular Tyr(573), is required to bind the adaptor protein p130Cas and regulate localized Rac1 activity in myeloid progenitors. Modulation of this novel MT1-MMPp130Cas- Rac1 signaling pathway in macrophages might have potential in the treatment of disorders involving increased OC activity or uncontrolled giant cell formation.

A concerted HIF-1α/MT1-MMP signalling axis regulates the expression of the 3BP2 adaptor protein in hypoxic mesenchymal stromal cells

Increased plasticity, migratory and immunosuppressive abilities characterize mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) which enable them to be active participants in the development of hypoxic solid tumours. Our understanding of the oncogenic adaptation of MSC to hypoxia however lacks the identification and characterization of specific biomarkers. In this study, we assessed the hypoxic regulation of 3BP2/SH3BP2 (Abl SH3-binding protein 2), an immune response adaptor/scaffold protein which regulates leukocyte differentiation and motility. Gene silencing of 3BP2 abrogated MSC migration in response to hypoxic cues and generation of MSC stably expressing the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1α) resulted in increased endogenous 3BP2 expression as well as cell migration. Analysis of the 3BP2 promoter sequence revealed only one potential HIF-1α binding site within the human but none in the murine sequence. An alternate early signalling cascade that regulated 3BP2 expression was found to involve membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) transcriptional regulation which gene silencing abrogated 3BP2 expression in response to hypoxia. Collectively, we provide evidence for a concerted HIF-1α/MT1-MMP signalling axis that explains the induction of adaptor protein 3BP2 and which may link protein binding partners together and stimulate oncogenic MSC migration. These mechanistic observations support the potential for malignant transformation of MSC within hypoxic tumour stroma and may contribute to evasion of the immune system by a tumour.

MT1-MMP and integrins: Hand-to-hand in cell communication

Integrins are transmembrane adhesion receptors essential for cell communication with the environment and in particular with the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM components can be processed by several enzymes; one of the largest families involved in this task being matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MT1-MMP (membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase) is a membrane-anchored MMP with important roles in processes such as tissue development, tumor invasion, and angiogenesis. In addition to its catalytic-dependent functions, MT1-MMP can interact, via its cytosolic tail, with intracellular components, and trigger signaling pathways that impact cell decisions. These features make MT1-MMP similar to integrins, because both are able to integrate events in the extracellular and intracellular milieus. Accordingly, it is probably no coincidence that MT1-MMP often associates and functionally cooperates with distinct integrins at specific cellular compartments. In this review, we discuss aspects of the molecular and functional interplay between MT1-MMP and integrins in distinct cellular and biological contexts.

CAS proteins in normal and pathological cell growth control

Proteins of the CAS (Crk-associated substrate) family (BCAR1/p130Cas, NEDD9/HEF1/Cas-L, EFS/SIN and CASS4/HEPL) are integral players in normal and pathological cell biology. CAS proteins act as scaffolds to regulate protein complexes controlling migration and chemotaxis, apoptosis, cell cycle, and differentiation, and have more recently been linked to a role in progenitor cell function. Reflecting these complex functions, over-expression of CAS proteins has now been strongly linked to poor prognosis and increased metastasis in cancer, as well as resistance to first-line chemotherapeutics in multiple tumor types including breast and lung cancers, glioblastoma, and melanoma. Further, CAS proteins have also been linked to additional pathological conditions including inflammatory disorders, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as developmental defects. This review will explore the roles of the CAS proteins in normal and pathological states in the context of the many mechanistic insights into CAS protein function that have emerged in the past decade.

MT1-MMP is required for myeloid cell fusion via regulation of Rac1 signaling

Cell fusion is essential for fertilization, myotube formation, and inflammation. Macrophages fuse under various circumstances, but the molecular signals involved in the distinct steps of their fusion are not fully characterized. Using null mice and derived cells, we show that the protease MT1-MMP is necessary for macrophage fusion during osteoclast and giant-cell formation in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, MT1-MMP is required for lamellipodia formation and for proper cell morphology and motility of bone marrow myeloid progenitors prior to membrane fusion. These functions of MT1-MMP do not depend on MT1-MMP catalytic activity or downstream pro-MMP-2 activation. Instead, MT1-MMP null cells show a decreased Rac1 activity and reduced membrane targeting of Rac1 and the adaptor protein p130Cas. Retroviral rescue experiments and protein binding assays delineate a signaling pathway in which MT1-MMP, via its cytosolic tail, contributes to macrophage migration and fusion by regulating Rac1 activity through an association with p130Cas.

Identification of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase tyrosine phosphorylation in association with neuroblastoma progression

Background

Neuroblastoma is a pediatric tumor of neural crest cells that is clinically characterized by its variable evolution, from spontaneous regression to malignancy. Despite many advances in neuroblastoma research, 60% of neuroblastoma, which are essentially metastatic cases, are associated with poor clinical outcome due to the lack of effectiveness of current therapeutic strategies. Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, MMP-14), an enzyme involved in several steps in tumor progression, has previously been shown to be associated with poor clinical outcome for neuroblastoma. Based on our recent demonstration that MT1-MMP phosphorylation is involved in the growth of fibrosarcoma tumors, we examined the potential role of phosphorylated MT1-MMP in neuroblastoma progression.

Methods

Tyrosine phosphorylated MT1-MMP was immunostained on tissue microarray samples from 55 patients with neuroblastoma detected by mass screening (known to be predominantly associated with favourable outcome), and from 234 patients with standard diagnosed neuroblastoma. In addition, the effects of a non phosphorylable version of MT1-MMP on neuroblastoma cell migration and proliferation were investigated within three-dimensional collagen matrices.

Results

Although there is no correlation between the extent of tyrosine phosphorylation of MT1-MMP (pMT1-MMP) and MYCN amplification or clinical stage, we observed greater phosphorylation of pMT1-MMP in standard neuroblastoma, while it is less evident in neuroblastoma from mass screening samples (P = 0.0006) or in neuroblastoma samples from patients younger than one year (P = 0.0002). In vitro experiments showed that overexpression of a non-phosphorylable version of MT1-MMP reduced MT1-MMP-mediated neuroblastoma cell migration and proliferation within a three-dimensional type I collagen matrix, suggesting a role for the phosphorylated enzyme in the invasive properties of neuroblastoma cells.

Conclusion

Overall, these results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylated MT1-MMP plays an important role in neuroblastoma progression and that its expression is preferentially observed in tumor specimens from neuroblastoma patients showing poor clinical outcome.

Epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase endocytosis regulates the transition between invasive versus expansive growth of ovarian carcinoma cells in three-dimensional collagen

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in ovarian carcinomas and promotes cellular responses that contribute to ovarian cancer pathobiology. In addition to modulation of mitogenic and motogenic behavior, emerging data identify EGFR activation as a novel mechanism for rapid modification of the cell surface proteome. The transmembrane collagenase membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, MMP-14) is a major contributor to pericelluar proteolysis in the ovarian carcinoma microenvironment and is subjected to extensive posttranslational regulation. In the present study, the contribution of EGFR activation to control of MT1-MMP cell surface dynamics was investigated. Unstimulated ovarian cancer cells display caveolar colocalization of EGFR and MT1-MMP, whereas EGFR activation prompts internalization via distinct endocytic pathways. EGF treatment results in phosphorylation of the MT1-MMP cytoplasmic tail, and cells expressing a tyrosine mutated form of MT1-MMP (MT1-MMP-Y(573)F) exhibit defective MT1-MMP internalization. As a result of sustained cell surface MT1-MMP activity, a phenotypic epithelial-mesenchymal transition is observed, characterized by enhanced migration and collagen invasion, whereas growth within three-dimensional collagen gels is inhibited. These data support an EGFR-dependent mechanism for regulation of the transition between invasive and expansive growth of ovarian carcinoma cells via modulation of MT1-MMP cell surface dynamics.

Emerging concepts in the regulation of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase activity

Pericellular proteolysis mediated by membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) represents an essential component of the cellular machinery involved in the dissolution and penetration of ECM barriers by tumor cells. Although most studies on the proinvasive properties of MT1-MMP have focused on its unusually broad proteolytic activity towards several ECM components and cell surface receptors, recent evidence indicate that the cytoplasmic domain of the enzyme also actively participates in tumor cell invasion by regulating the cell surface localization of MT1-MMP as well as the activation of signal transduction cascades. The identification of the molecular events by which the intracellular domain of MT1-MMP links proteolysis of the surrounding matrix by the enzyme to modification of cell function may thus provide important new information on the mechanisms by which this enzyme controls the invasive behavior of neoplastic cells in vivo.

Effect of MT1-MMP deficiency and overexpression in corneal keratocytes on vascular endothelial cell migration and proliferation

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of keratocyte-derived MT1-MMP on calf pulmonary artery endothelial cell (CPAE) proliferation and migration.

METHODS

Keratocyte lines were generated from MT1-MMP knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice. WT keratocytes were transfected with WT or mutant MT1-MMP DNAs (DeltaTC or E240A). The effect of keratocyte-conditioned media on CPAE proliferation and migration was assayed.

RESULTS

KO keratocyte conditioned media resulted in the greatest increase of CPAE cell proliferation (190.5+/-6.0%; p<0.01). WT keratocyte conditioned media showed higher CPAE proliferation (155.4+/-3.6%) than WT/MT1-MMP-transfected keratocytes (119.7+/-2.2%; p<0.001). Migration assays confirmed these findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Keratocyte-derived MT1-MMP has anti-angiogenic effects in CPAE cells.

Silencing of the MT1-MMP/ G6PT axis suppresses calcium mobilization by sphingosine-1-phosphate in glioblastoma cells

The contributions of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and of the glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT) in sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization were assessed in glioblastoma cells. We show that gene silencing of MT1-MMP or G6PT decreased the extent of S1P-induced Ca(2+) mobilization, chemotaxis, and extracellular signal-related kinase phosphorylation. Chlorogenic acid and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, two diet-derived inhibitors of G6PT and of MT1-MMP, respectively, reduced S1P-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization. An intact MT1-MMP/G6PT signaling axis is thus required for efficient Ca(2+) mobilization in response to bioactive lipids such as S1P. Targeted inhibition of either MT1-MMP or G6PT may lead to reduced infiltrative and invasive properties of brain tumor cells.