Effects of cellular transformation on expression of plasminogen activator inhibitors 1 and 2

SerpinB2 Deficiency Results in a Stratum Corneum Defect and Increased Sensitivity to Topically Applied Inflammatory Agents

SerpinB2 (plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2) is constitutively expressed at high levels by differentiating keratinocytes in mice and humans; however, the physiological function of keratinocyte SerpinB2 remains unclear. Herein, we show that SerpinB2(-/-) mice are more susceptible to contact dermatitis after topical application of dinitrofluorobenzene, and show enhanced inflammatory lesions after topical applications of phorbol ester. Untreated SerpinB2(-/-) mice showed no overt changes in epithelial structure, and we were unable to find evidence for a role for keratinocyte SerpinB2 in regulating immunity, apoptosis, IL-1β production, proteasomal activity, or wound healing. Instead, the phenotype was associated with impaired skin barrier function and a defective stratum corneum, with SerpinB2(-/-) mice showing increased transepidermal water loss, increased overt loss of stratum corneum in inflammatory lesions, and impaired stratum corneum thickening after phorbol ester treatment. Immunoblotting suggested that SerpinB2 (cross-linked into the cornified envelope) is present in the stratum corneum and retains the ability to form covalent inhibitory complexes with urokinase. Data suggest that the function of keratinocyte SerpinB2 is protection of the stratum corneum from proteolysis via inhibition of urokinase, thereby maintaining the integrity and barrier function of the stratum corneum, particularly during times of skin inflammation. Implications for studies involving genetically modified mice treated with topical agents and human dermatological conditions, such as contact dermatitis, are discussed.

DBC1 re-expression alters the expression of multiple components of the plasminogen pathway

Deleted in bladder cancer 1 (DBC1) is a candidate gene for the bladder tumour suppressor locus at 9q33.1. The function of the gene is currently unknown but a cross-species sequence comparison suggests an important role, as it is highly evolutionarily conserved. Here, we transfected a nonexpressing human bladder cancer cell line with a set of human DBC1 cDNA constructs. The effect on global expression patterns was assessed using cDNA microarrays. The cell clone with the lowest level of DBC1 expression showed induced expression of 26 genes including plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (SERPINB5; 4.6-fold), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor precursor (DTR; 4.2-fold), small proline-rich protein 2B (SPRR2B; 3.6-fold), metallothionein 1 isoforms (MT1B/MT1A/MT-1F; from 2.9- to 3.2-fold), tissue-type plasminogen activator precursor (PLAT; 2.8-fold) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator precursor (PLAU; 2.7-fold). In clustering analysis, both PLAT and PLAU clustered with the functionally related urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor (PLAUR; 1.9-fold). Furthermore, 14 human bladder tumours were analysed by real-time quantitative PCR using gene-specific primers for selected (n=20) genes. The expression levels of SERPINB5, PLAU, PLAUR and MT1 correlated with the DBC1 levels, suggesting previously unknown involvement of DBC1 in the urokinase-plasminogen pathway.

Endo180 binds to the C-terminal region of type I collagen

Type I collagen is a fibril-forming heterotrimer composed of two alpha1 and one alpha2 chains and plays a crucial role in cell-matrix adhesion and cell differentiation. Through a comprehensive differential display screening of oncogenic ras target genes, we have shown that the alpha1 chain of type I collagen (col1a1) is markedly down-regulated by the ras oncogene through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Although ras-transformed cells are no longer able to produce and secrete endogenous collagen, they can still adhere to exogenous collagen, suggesting that the cells express a collagen binding factor(s) on the cell surface. When the region of col1a1 encompassing the C-terminal glycine repeat and C-prodomain (amino acids 1000-1453) was affinity-labeled with human placental alkaline phosphatase, the secreted trimeric fusion protein could bind to the surface of Ras-transformed cells. Using biochemical purification followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry analysis, we identified this collagen binding factor as Endo180 (uPARAP, CD280), a member of the mannose receptor family. Ectopic expression of Endo180 in CosE5 cells followed by in situ staining and quantitative binding assays confirmed that Endo180 indeed recognizes and binds to placental alkaline phosphatase. The interaction between Endo180 and the C-terminal region of type I collagen appears to play an important role in cell-matrix adhesion.

The nuclear factor kappaB subunits RelA/p65 and c-Rel potentiate but are not required for Ras-induced cellular transformation

Extensive data indicate that oncoproteins, such as oncogenic H-Ras, initiate signal transduction cascades that ultimately lead to the activation of specific transcription factors. We and others have previously demonstrated that Ras activates the inherent transcriptional activation function of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). Supportive of the importance of NF-kappaB in transformation, Ras-induced cellular transformation can be suppressed by expression of IkappaBalpha, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB, or by dominant-negative forms of the upstream activator IkappaB kinase (IKK). However, conclusive evidence for a requirement for NF-kappaB subunits in oncogenic transformation has not been reported. Furthermore, there is little understanding of the gene targets controlled by NF-kappaB that might support oncogenic conversion. The data presented here demonstrate that, although both p65 and c-Rel enhance the frequency of Ras-induced cellular transformation, these NF-kappaB subunits are not essential for Ras to transform spontaneously immortalized murine fibroblasts. Microarray analysis identified a set of genes induced by Ras that is dependent on NF-kappaB for their expression and that likely play contributory roles in promoting Ras-induced oncogenic transformation.

Identification of a novel ligand-receptor pair constitutively activated by ras oncogenes

The Ras signaling pathway is thought to control the expression of a subset of yet to be defined genes that are crucial for cell growth and differentiation. Here we have identified by differential display a novel oncogenic Ras target, mob-5, encoding a 23-kDa cytokine-like secreted protein. Mob-5 expression could be induced by oncogenic Ha-ras and Ki-ras, but not by normal ras activation. Inhibitors of both Ha-Ras and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase completely abolished the mob-5 expression in ras transformed cells, with concomitant loss of the transformation phenotype. Using an alkaline phosphatase-tagged Mob-5 as ligand, a putative Mob-5 receptor was identified on the cell surface of oncogenic ras transformed cells. Thus, the Mob-5/Mob-5 receptor may represent a novel putative autocrine loop coordinately activated by ras oncogenes.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced apoptosis. Evidence for an alternate biological function

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2) is a serine proteinase inhibitor or serpin that is a major product of macrophages in response to endotoxin and inflammatory cytokines. We have explored the role of PAI-2 in apoptotic cell death initiated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF). HeLa cells stably transfected with PAI-2 cDNA were protected from TNF-induced apoptosis, whereas cells transfected with antisense PAI-2 cDNA, a control gene, or the plasmid vector alone remained susceptible. The level of PAI-2 expressed by different HeLa cell clones was inversely correlated with their sensitivity to TNF. Loss of TNF sensitivity was not a result of loss of TNF receptor binding. In contrast, PAI-2 expression did not confer protection against apoptosis induced by ultraviolet or ionizing radiation. The serine proteinase urokinase-type plasminogen activator was not demonstrated to be the target of PAI-2 action. The P1-Arg amino acid residue of PAI-2 was determined to be required for protection, because cells expressing PAI-2 with an Ala in this position were not protected from TNF-mediated cell death. The results suggest that intracellular PAI-2 might be an important factor in regulating cell death in TNF-mediated inflammatory processes through inhibition of a proteinase involved in TNF-induced apoptosis.

Simian virus 40 transformation alters the actin cytoskeleton, expression of matrix metalloproteinases and inhibitors of metalloproteinases, and invasive behavior of normal and ataxia-telangiectasia human skin fibroblasts

Alterations in the actin cytoskeleton of normal cells result in changes in cell shape and adhesiveness and induce expression of matrix-degrading matrix metalloproteinases. We examined the effect of simian virus 40 transformation of normal and ataxia-telangiectasia human skin fibroblasts, a process that produces actin reorganization, altered cell morphology, and altered cell behavior, on expression of genes of the matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases gene families. Simian virus 40 transformation induced collagenase-1 gene expression; in contrast, stromelysin-1, 72-kDa gelatinase (gelatinase A), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 genes were repressed. Transformation also altered the response of the fibroblasts to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Collagenase mRNA was induced in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treated transformed cells up to 50-fold more than in untreated transformed cells or in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treated untransformed parent cells. In contrast, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate did not overcome the attenuated expression of stromelysin-1 in the simian virus 40 transformants. In addition, 92-kDa gelatinase (gelatinase B) was induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate only in the simian virus 40 transformants. The responses of gelatinase A and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate were unchanged. The pattern of altered proteinase expression after transformation was accompanied by a phenotypic alteration in cell invasion. The simian virus 40 transformants exhibited enhanced invasiveness through a basement-membrane-like matrix. These data demonstrate that enhanced invasiveness in simian virus 40 transformed cells is accompanied by changes in actin organization and expression of proteinases and inhibitors, as well as in the balance between proteinases and inhibitors in favor of proteinases.

Immunohistochemical localization of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in breast cancer

We used an immunohistochemical assay with an antigen-retrieval technique to study plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) expression in paraffin-embedded breast tissue samples at different stages of malignant transformation. We detected PAI-1 in 15/20 invasive tumors. In several cases staining was localized to the stromal component. PAI-1-positive fibroblasts could be seen surrounding tumor nodules or at tumor margins. In addition, tumor-infiltrating macrophages (13 cases) and endothelial cells (5 cases) were positive. In 11 specimens PAI-1-positive cancer cells were also detected. In 2 strongly positive cases secreted PAI-1 was visible in the extracellular matrix surrounding the cells. Six of 9 samples of carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were weakly positive. No staining of endothelial cells was visible in DCIS. Only a few positive adenomatous epithelial cells could be seen in 3 of 7 papillomas. All biopsies of normal breast tissue were negative, with the exception of one sample, obtained from a patient with a previous segmental mastectomy for DCIS. PAI-1 production by invasive breast cancers could reflect a general upregulation of the plasminogen activation system in proliferating cancer cells, as suggested by the finding that normal mammary epithelium cultures expressed PAI-1 in all cases examined. In addition, production of PAI-1 by the tumor stroma could protect the tumor itself from excessive proteolysis.

A qualitative and quantitative protein database approach identifies individual and groups of functionally related proteins that are differentially regulated in simian virus 40 (SV40) transformed human keratinocytes: an overview of the functional changes associated with the transformed phenotype

A qualitative and quantitative two-dimensional (2-D) gel database approach has been used to identify individual and groups of proteins that are differentially regulated in simian virus 40 (SV40) transformed human keratinocytes (K14). Five hundred and sixty [35S]methionine-labeled proteins (462 isoelectric focusing, IEF; 98 nonequilibrium pH gradient electrophoresis, NEPHGE), out of the 3038 recorded in the master keratinocyte database, were excised from dry, silver-stained gels of normal proliferating primary keratinocytes and K14 cells and the radioactivity was determined by liquid scintillation counting. Two hundred and thirty five proteins were found to be either up- (177) or down-regulated (58) in the transformed cells by 50% or more, and of these, 115 corresponded to known proteins in the keratinocyte database (J.E. Celis et al., Electrophoresis 1993, 14, 1091-1198). The lowest abundance acidic protein quantitated was present in about 60,000 molecules per cell, assuming a value of 10(8) molecules per cell for total actin. The results identified individual, and groups of functionally related proteins that are differentially regulated in K14 keratinocytes and that play a role in a variety of cellular activities that include general metabolism, the cytoskeleton, DNA replication and cell proliferation, transcription and translation, protein folding, assembly, repair and turnover, membrane traffic, signal transduction, and differentiation. In addition, the results revealed several transformation sensitive proteins of unknown identity in the database as well as known proteins of yet undefined functions. Within the latter group, members of the S100 protein family--whose genes are clustered on human chromosome 1q21--were among the highest down-regulated proteins in K14 keratinocytes. Visual inspection of films exposed for different periods of time revealed only one new protein in the transformed K14 keratinocytes and this corresponded to keratin 18, a cytokeratin expressed mainly by simple epithelia. Besides providing with the first global overview of the functional changes associated with the transformed phenotype of human keratinocytes, the data strengthened previous evidence indicating that transformation results in the abnormal expression of normal genes rather than in the expression of new ones.

Activities, localizations, and roles of serine proteases and their inhibitors in human brain tumor progression

The plasminogen activation system consists of plasminogen activators and their inhibitors, serine proteases, and serpins. The proteases and inhibitors regulate a variety of processes in tissue morphogenesis, differentiation, cell migration, and cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis. One of the plasminogen activators, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), binds to a specific surface and provides a localized cell surface proteolytic activity required for the destruction of extracellular matrix, which is a vital step in tumor cell invasion. The proteolytic activity of uPA is modulated by its cell surface receptor, as well as by plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) and, to a lesser degree, by other inhibitors. The role of plasminogen activators and their inhibitors in cancer invasion can be demonstrated in the development and progression of malignant brain tumors. Our findings indicate that uPA and PAI-1 expression are dramatically upregulated in malignant brain tumors in parallel with the histological progression of the tumors. The results suggest that these molecules may contribute to tumor invasion in addition to their significant role in angiogenesis. An evaluation of the plasminogen activation system could add diagnostic and prognostic significance to the evaluation of individual patients.

Type-2 plasminogen-activator inhibitor is a substrate for trophoblast transglutaminase and factor XIIIa. Transglutaminase-catalyzed cross-linking to cellular and extracellular structures

Plasminogen-activator inhibitor type-2 (PAI-2), a serine-proteinase inhibitor, suppresses fibrinolysis by blocking both urokinase and tissue-type plasminogen activators. The 43-kDa PAI-2 molecule is an abundant cytosolic protein in certain cell types, but can upon appropriate stimulation be secreted as an approximately 60-70-kDa glycoprotein. However, in trophoblast membranes PAI-2 activity is associated with large covalent complexes (Jensen, P. H., Nykjaer, P., Andreasen P. A., Lund, L., Astedt, B. Lecander, I & Gliemann, J. (1989) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 986, 135-140). This study shows that PAI-2 can act as a substrate for both tissue transglutaminase and activated plasma factor XIII. In the presence of Ca2+, either of these will catalyze the incorporation of primary amines, such as putrescine, into PAI-2. Moreover, in reactions with tissue transglutaminase, PAI-2 homopolymers and, in conjunction with other biological substrates, heteropolymers were observed. As judged by the test of incorporating 125I-urokinase into SDS-resistant 125I-urokinase/PAI-2 complexes, polymerized PAI-2 retained its inhibitory activity. Furthermore, syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membranes and trophoblast detergent extracts incorporated 125I-PAI-2 into large structures in a reaction inhibited by putrescine and a synthetic inhibitor of transglutaminase. Trophoblast transglutaminase was identified as a tissue transglutaminase by non-denaturing gel electrophoresis and dansylcadaverine activity staining, fibronectin binding and Western blotting with a specific antibody. The transglutaminase-catalyzed and Ca(2+)-dependent anchoring of PAI-2 to extracellular membrane structures might have the purpose of focally regulating fibrinolysis.

Repression of stromelysin metalloprotease expression in rat fibrosarcoma cells by dimethylsulfoxide

Metalloproteases are implicated in conferring invasive properties to tumor cells. We show here that treatment of ras-oncogene-transformed rat fibroblasts with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) results in a reversible decrease in stromelysin mRNA. Furthermore, stromelysin expression was found to be repressed by DMSO, but not by glucocorticoid hormone, in a fibrosarcoma cell line showing low AP-1 (fos/jun) transcription factor activity. In two fibrosarcoma cell lines which express high levels of stromelysin and low levels of 68 kDa type IV collagenase, the DMSO-induced decrease in stromelysin expression was paralleled by a decreased invasive propensity.

Immunohistochemical localization of coagulation, fibrinolytic and antifibrinolytic markers in adenocarcinoma of the lung

Extravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis are intimately involved in and modulate cancer cell growth, invasion and metastasis. Samples from resection specimens of patients with primary lung cancer (adenocarcinomas) were tested with monoclonal (MAb) and polyclonal (PAb) antibodies against various factors of the coagulation or fibrinolysis systems, or against antigens of inflammatory or proliferating cells. MAb Ki-67 specific to nuclear antigens of proliferating cells showed a distinct but variable staining of cell nuclei throughout the tumor tissue. Nests of tumor tissue stained with cytokeratin-specific antibodies (PKK1), whereas other parts were negative. Fibrin(ogen) and fibronectin were found throughout the tumor tissue stroma and in the alveolar lining, and the most densely stained areas were at the transition zone between normal and tumor tissue. Fibrinolytic system components like tissue plasminogen activators (t-PA), and urokinase (u-PA), and their inhibitors PAI-1 and PAI-2 were all studied. All specimens were negative for t-PA (except endothelial linings), whereas urokinase-specific antibodies stained loosely packed tumor cells and macrophages within the tumor stromal tissue and alveolar septa. Both PAI-1 and PAI-2 were most prominently expressed within interstitial and alveolar macrophages. A weaker staining of tumor tissue cells was demonstrated. Inflammatory cells like macrophages and T lymphocytes were located in aggregates or diffusely spread within tumor stromal tissue. The inflammatory reaction was most intense at the border between normal lung and tumor tissue.

Identity between the placental protein PP10 and the specific plasminogen activator inhibitor of placental type PAI-2

The highly specific plasminogen activator inhibitor of placental type, PAI-2, occurs in the placenta in a low molecular mass form of 46.6 kDa, and in pregnancy plasma in a (possibly glycosylated) high molecular mass form of 60 kDa. Extensive knowledge is available about the functional properties of PAI-2 as a plasminogen activator inhibitor and about its molecular biology and regulation. Of the several placenta proteins (PP) isolated, one of them, PP10, has a molecular mass of 48 kDa and its occurrence in malignancy and in complications during pregnancy has been the topic of a number of studies, though its properties and physiological significance are unknown. The present findings constitute evidence of immunological identity between PP10 and PAI-2. The sections of the amino acid sequence of PP10 analysed here were found to have identical counterparts in the sequence of the low molecular mass form of PA1-2, but in several preparations PP10 was found to occur in an inactive two-chain form due to cleavage of an Arg-Thr bond, the two peptide chains being linked to each other by a disulphide bridge. The cleavage site is identical to that observed in the reaction between PAI-2 and urokinase. The results make it possible to coordinate and correlate the findings of many separate studies and our own observations on PP10 and PAI-2.

Cartilage synthesizes the serine protease inhibitor PAI-1: support for the involvement of serine proteases in cartilage remodeling

The work described here demonstrates the synthesis by human articular cartilage of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a potent inhibitor of the serine protease tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). We also present data demonstrating an increase in PAI-1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in chondrocytes exposed to the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1). Interestingly, this elevation of steady-state mRNA levels does not appear to result in an increase in synthesis of PAI-1 protein. Northern blot analysis reveals that of the two mRNA species (3.4 kb, 2.4 kb) previously reported for PAI-1, only the larger species (3.4 kb) appears to be synthesized by chondrocytes. Our data demonstrate the IL-1-stimulated production by cartilage of tissue plasminogen activator. We also show evidence for the presence of plasminogen in cartilage. A scheme is presented indicating the probable importance of the serine proteases (tPA and plasminogen) and PAI-1 in cartilage degradation.

The role of urokinase-type plasminogen activator in aggressive tumor cell behavior

The correlation between urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) expression and tumor cell invasion and metastasis has been well documented. Urokinase converts the zymogen plasminogen to plasmin, a trypsin-like enzyme with broad substrate specificities. Net uPA activity is determined not only by the amount of the enzyme itself, but also by its state of activation and the amount of specific plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAIs) present. Both uPA and its substrate, plasminogen, can bind to cells via specific membrane-associated receptors. Expression of uPA, uPA receptor (uPAR), and PAIs is regulated by growth factors, oncogenes, and other effector molecules. In the present review we discuss the interactions of uPA with its receptor, inhibitors, and substrate and how these interactions influence malignant behavior. We also review recent reports in which investigators have used anti-catalytic antibodies and/or gene transfection to demonstrate that uPA is directly involved in tumor cell invasion and metastasis.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-2 is a major protein induced in human fibroblasts and SK-MEL-109 melanoma cells by tumor necrosis factor

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) induces the synthesis of two proteins of Mr 42 and 36 kDa in human fibroblasts and SK-MEL-109 melanoma cells. To identify these proteins, a lambda gt10 cDNA library was prepared from the mRNA of TNF-treated SK-MEL-109 cells. By screening this library, we found a cDNA that preferentially hybridized to TNF-induced RNA. Hybrid-selected mRNA was translated into a protein of 42 kDa; cDNA sequence analysis followed by a comparison with other known protein sequences identified this protein with plasminogen activator inhibitor, type-2 (PAI-2). After removal of TNF, PAI-2 mRNA turned over rapidly, with an apparent half-life of approximately 2.5 h. Addition of dexamethasone increased the turnover of this mRNA, suggesting that the level of PAI-2 mRNA could be regulated post-transcriptionally by glucocorticoids. PAI-2 was not secreted, but accumulated in fibroblasts continuously treated with TNF.

Molecular oncogenetics of metastasis

Metastasis is a complex non-stochastic process that is most likely the result of genetic and epigenetic interactions of a wide variety of genes. The search for a single gene which can encompass such a pleiotropic response as to account for the observed phenotypic characteristics of metastatic tumour populations has been unsuccessful. Particular studies involving gene transfection, subtractive hybridisation and cell fusion are beginning to identify specific genes which contribute to metastasis in some cell types. However, such analyses are complicated by the inherent genetic instability and phenotypic heterogeneity present in tumour populations. A more detailed understanding of the metastatic process may require an abandoning of current generalised approaches to metastasis in favour of concentrating on key components of the metastatic cascade such as adhesion and invasion.