Intercellular recognition: quantitation of initial binding events

T cells promote metastasis by regulating extracellular matrix remodeling following chemotherapy

Metastasis is the main cause of cancer-related mortality. Despite intense efforts to understand the mechanisms underlying the metastatic process, treatment of metastatic cancer is still challenging. Here we describe a chemotherapy-induced, host-mediated mechanism that promotes remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), ultimately facilitating cancer cell seeding and metastasis. Paclitaxel (PTX) chemotherapy enhanced rapid ECM remodeling and mechano-structural changes in the lungs of tumor-free mice, and the protein expression and activity of the ECM remodeling enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) increased in response to PTX. A chimeric mouse mode harboring genetic LOX depletion revealed chemotherapy-induced ECM remodeling was mediated by CD8+ T cells expressing LOX. Consistently, adoptive transfer of CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ T cells or B cells, from PTX-treated mice to naïve immuno-deprived mice induced pulmonary ECM remodeling. Lastly, in a clinically relevant metastatic breast carcinoma model, LOX inhibition counteracted the metastasis-promoting, ECM-related effects of PTX. This study highlights the role of immune cells in regulating ECM and metastasis following chemotherapy, suggesting that inhibiting chemotherapy-induced ECM remodeling represents a potential therapeutic strategy for metastatic cancer.

Cell contact guidance via sensing anisotropy of network mechanical resistance

Despite the ubiquitous importance of cell contact guidance, the signal-inducing contact guidance of mammalian cells in an aligned fibril network has defied elucidation. This is due to multiple interdependent signals that an aligned fibril network presents to cells, including, at least, anisotropy of adhesion, porosity, and mechanical resistance. By forming aligned fibrin gels with the same alignment strength, but cross-linked to different extents, the anisotropic mechanical resistance hypothesis of contact guidance was tested for human dermal fibroblasts. The cross-linking was shown to increase the mechanical resistance anisotropy, without detectable change in network microstructure and without change in cell adhesion to the cross-linked fibrin gel. This methodology thus isolated anisotropic mechanical resistance as a variable for fixed anisotropy of adhesion and porosity. The mechanical resistance anisotropy |Y*| ^-1 - |X*| ^-1 increased over fourfold in terms of the Fourier magnitudes of microbead displacement |X*| and |Y*| at the drive frequency with respect to alignment direction Y obtained by optical forces in active microrheology. Cells were found to exhibit stronger contact guidance in the cross-linked gels possessing greater mechanical resistance anisotropy: the cell anisotropy index based on the tensor of cell orientation, which has a range 0 to 1, increased by 18% with the fourfold increase in mechanical resistance anisotropy. We also show that modulation of adhesion via function-blocking antibodies can modulate the guidance response, suggesting a concomitant role of cell adhesion. These results indicate that fibroblasts can exhibit contact guidance in aligned fibril networks by sensing anisotropy of network mechanical resistance.

High-Throughput Discovery of Targeted, Minimally Complex Peptide Surfaces for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Culture

Human pluripotent stem cells harbor an unlimited capacity to generate therapeutically relevant cells for applications in regenerative medicine. However, to utilize these cells in the clinic, scalable culture systems that activate defined receptors and signaling pathways to sustain stem cell self-renewal are required; and synthetic materials offer considerable promise to meet these needs. De novo development of materials that target novel pathways has been stymied by a limited understanding of critical receptor interactions maintaining pluripotency. Here, we identify peptide agonists for the human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) laminin receptor and pluripotency regulator, α₆-integrin, through unbiased, library-based panning strategies. Biophysical characterization of adhesion suggests that identified peptides bind hPSCs through α₆-integrin with sub-μM dissociation constants similar to laminin. By harnessing a high-throughput microculture platform, we developed predictive guidelines for presenting these integrin-targeting peptides alongside canonical binding motifs at optimal stoichiometries to generate nascent culture surfaces. Finally, when presented as self-assembled monolayers, predicted peptide combinations supported hPSC expansion, highlighting how unbiased screens can accelerate the discovery of targeted biomaterials.

A practical review on the measurement tools for cellular adhesion force

Cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions are fundamental in all multicellular organisms. They play a key role in cellular growth, differentiation, pattern formation and migration. Cell-cell adhesion is substantial in the immune response, pathogen-host interactions, and tumor development. The success of tissue engineering and stem cell implantations strongly depends on the fine control of live cell adhesion on the surface of natural or biomimetic scaffolds. Therefore, the quantitative and precise measurement of the adhesion strength of living cells is critical, not only in basic research but in modern technologies, too. Several techniques have been developed or are under development to quantify cell adhesion. All of them have their pros and cons, which has to be carefully considered before the experiments and interpretation of the recorded data. Current review provides a guide to choose the appropriate technique to answer a specific biological question or to complete a biomedical test by measuring cell adhesion.

Evaluation of Neurosecretome from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Encapsulated in Silk Fibroin Hydrogels

Physical and cognitive disabilities are hallmarks of a variety of neurological diseases. Stem cell-based therapies are promising solutions to neuroprotect and repair the injured brain and overcome the limited capacity of the central nervous system to recover from damage. It is widely accepted that most benefits of different exogenously transplanted stem cells rely on the secretion of different factors and biomolecules that modulate inflammation, cell death and repair processes in the damaged host tissue. However, few cells survive in cerebral tissue after transplantation, diminishing the therapeutic efficacy. As general rule, cell encapsulation in natural and artificial polymers increases the in vivo engraftment of the transplanted cells. However, we have ignored the consequences of such encapsulation on the secretory activity of these cells. In this study, we investigated the biological compatibility between silk fibroin hydrogels and stem cells of mesenchymal origin, a cell population that has gained increasing attention and popularity in regenerative medicine. Although the survival of mesenchymal stem cells was not affected inside hydrogels, this biomaterial format caused adhesion and proliferation deficits and impaired secretion of several angiogenic, chemoattractant and neurogenic factors while concurrently potentiating the anti-inflammatory capacity of this cell population through a massive release of TGF-Beta-1. Our results set a milestone for the exploration of engineering polymers to modulate the secretory activity of stem cell-based therapies for neurological disorders.

FBXW5 Promotes Tumorigenesis and Metastasis in Gastric Cancer via Activation of the FAK-Src Signaling Pathway

F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 5 (FBXW5) is a member of the FBXW subclass of F-box proteins. Despite its known function as a component of the Skp1-Cullin-F-box (SCF) ubiquitin ligase complex, the role of FBXW5 in gastric cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis has not been investigated. The present study investigates the role of FBXW5 in tumorigenesis and metastasis, as well as the regulation of key signaling pathways in gastric cancer; using in-vitro FBXW5 knockdown/overexpression cell line and in-vivo models. In-vitro knockdown of FBXW5 results in a decrease in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, with a concomitant increase in cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activity. Furthermore, knockdown of FBXW5 also leads to a down regulation in cell migration and adhesion, characterized by a reduction in actin polymerization, focal adhesion turnover and traction forces. This study also delineates the mechanistic role of FBXW5 in oncogenic signaling as its inhibition down regulates RhoA-ROCK 1 (Rho-associated protein kinase 1) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling cascades. Overexpression of FBXW5 promotes in-vivo tumor growth, whereas its inhibition down regulates in-vivo tumor metastasis. When considered together, our study identifies the novel oncogenic role of FBXW5 in gastric cancer and draws further interest regarding its clinical utility as a potential therapeutic target.

The inhibition of 45A ncRNA expression reduces tumor formation, affecting tumor nodules compactness and metastatic potential in neuroblastoma cells

We recently reported the in vitro over-expression of 45A, a RNA polymerase III-transcribed non-coding (nc)RNA, that perturbs the intracellular content of FE65L1 affecting cell proliferation rate, short-term response to genotoxic stress, substrate adhesion capacity and, ultimately, increasing the tumorigenic potential of human neuroblastoma cells. In this work, to deeply explore the mechanism by which 45A ncRNA contributes to cancer development, we targeted in vitro and in vivo 45A levels by the stable overexpression of antisense 45A RNA.45A downregulation leads to deep modifications of cytoskeleton organization, adhesion and migration of neuroblastoma cells. These effects are correlated with alterations in the expression of several genes including GTSE1 (G2 and S phase-expressed-1), a crucial regulator of tumor cell migration and metastatic potential. Interestingly, the downregulation of 45A ncRNA strongly affects the in vivo tumorigenic potential of SKNBE2 neuroblastoma cells, increasing tumor nodule compactness and reducing GTSE1 protein expression in a subcutaneous neuroblastoma mouse model. Moreover, intracardiac injection of neuroblastoma cells showed that downregulation of 45A ncRNA also influences tumor metastatic ability. In conclusion, our data highlight a key role of 45A ncRNA in cancer development and suggest that its modulation might represent a possible novel anticancer therapeutic approach.

Modulating wall shear stress gradient via equilateral triangular channel for in situ cellular adhesion assay

This study introduces an equilateral triangular channel (ETRIC), a novel microfluidic channel with an equilateral triangular cross-section, for cell adhesion assay by modulating the wall shear stress (WSS) gradient. The channel can generate a parabolic WSS gradient perpendicular to the flow direction at a single flow rate, and cell detachment can be in situ screened in response to spatially different levels of WSS. The existence of a simple form of exact solution for the velocity field inside the entire ETRIC region enables the easy design and modulation of the WSS levels at the bottom surface; therefore, the detachment of the cells can be investigated at the pre-defined observation window in real time. The exact solution for the velocity field was validated by comparing the analytical velocity profile with those obtained from both numerical simulation and experimental particle image velocimetry. The parabolic WSS gradient can be generated stably and consistently over time at a steady-state condition and easily modulated by changing the flow rate for the given ETRIC geometry. The WSS gradient in the ETRIC is in a symmetric parabolic form, and this symmetry feature doubles the experimental data, thereby efficiently minimizing the number of experiments. Finally, a WSS gradient ranging from 0 to 160 dyn/cm² was generated through the present ETRIC, which enables not only to measure the adhesion strength but also to investigate the time-dependent detachment of NIH-3T3 cells attached on the glass.

An accelerated buoyancy adhesion assay combined with 3-D morphometric analysis for assessing osteoblast adhesion on microgrooved substrata

An accelerated negative buoyancy method has been developed to assess cell adhesion strength. This method has been used in conjunction with 3-D morphometric analysis to understand the effects of surface topology on cell response. Aligned micro-grooved surface topographies (with a range of groove depths) were produced on stainless steel 316L substrates by laser ablation. An investigation was carried out on the effect of the micro-grooved surface topography on cell adhesion strength, cell and nucleus volumes, cell phenotypic expression and attachment patterns. Increased hydrophobicity and anisotropic wettability was observed on surfaces with deeper grooves. A reduction was noted in cell volume, projected areas and adhesion sites for deeper grooves, linked to lower cell proliferation and differentiation rates and also to reduced adhesion strength. The results suggest that the centrifugation assay combined with three-dimensional cell morphometric analysis has considerable potential for obtaining improved understanding of the cell/substrate interface.

Measurement systems for cell adhesive forces

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) involves integrin receptor-ligand binding and clustering to form focal adhesion (FA) complexes, which mechanically link the cell's cytoskeleton to the ECM and regulate fundamental cell signaling pathways. Although elucidation of the biochemical events in cell-matrix adhesive interactions is rapidly advancing, recent studies show that the forces underlying cell-matrix adhesive interactions are also critical to cell responses. Therefore, multiple measurement systems have been developed to quantify the spatial and temporal dynamics of cell adhesive forces, and these systems have identified how mechanical events influence cell phenotype and FA structure-function relationships under physiological and pathological settings. This review focuses on the development, methodology, and applications of measurement systems for probing (a) cell adhesion strength and (b) 2D and 3D cell traction forces.

Measuring the adhesion strength of a thin film to a substrate by centrifugation

We developed a centrifugation-based method to quantify the adhesion strength of a thin film to a substrate. Hydrogel was synthesized to covalently bind the film to increase the centrifugal force to dislodge the film in a tabletop centrifuge.

Hyperosmolarity attenuates TNF-α-mediated proinflammatory activation of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells

Firm neutrophil (PMN)-endothelial (EC) adhesion is crucial to the PMN-mediated hyperinflammation observed in acute lung injury. Hypertonic saline (HTS) used for resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock has been associated with a decreased incidence of PMN-mediated lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. We hypothesize that physiologically accessible hypertonic incubation (170 vs. 140 mM, osmolarity ranging from 360 to 300 mOsm/L) inhibits proinflammatory activation of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs). Proinflammatory activation of HMVECs was investigated in response to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), including interleukin 8 (IL-8) release, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) surface expression, PMN adhesion, and signaling mechanisms under both isotonic (control) and hypertonic conditions. Hyperosmolarity alone had no effect on either basal IL-8 release or ICAM-1 surface expression but did lead to concentration-dependent decreases in TNF-α-induced IL-8 release, ICAM-1 surface expression, and PMN-HMVEC adhesion. Conversely, HTS activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and enhanced TNF-α activation of p38 MAPK. Despite this basal activation, hyperosmolar incubation attenuated TNF-α-stimulated IL-8 release and ICAM-1 surface expression and subsequent PMN adherence, while p38 MAPK inhibition did not further influence the effects of hyperosmolar conditions on ICAM-1 surface expression. In addition, TNF-α induced nuclear factor-κB DNA binding, but HTS conditions attenuated this by 31% (P < 0.01). In conclusion, HTS reduces PMN-HMVEC adhesion and TNF-α-induced proinflammatory activation of primary HMVECs via attenuation of nuclear factor-κB signaling.

A novel snRNA-like transcript affects amyloidogenesis and cell cycle progression through perturbation of Fe65L1 (APBB2) alternative splicing

FE65 proteins constitute a family of adaptors which modulates the processing of amyloid precursor protein and the consequent amyloid β production. Thus, they have been involved in the complex and partially unknown cascade of reactions at the base of Alzheimer's disease etiology. However, FE65 and FE65-like proteins may be linked to neurodegeneration through the regulation of cell cycle in post-mitotic neurons. In this work we disclose novel molecular mechanisms by which APBB2 can modulate APP processing. We show that APBB2 mRNA splicing, driven by the over-expression of a novel non-coding RNA named 45A, allow the generation of alternative protein forms endowed with differential effects on Aβ production, cell cycle control, and DNA damage response. 45A overexpression also favors cell transformation and tumorigenesis leading to a marked increase of malignancy of neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, our results highlight a novel regulatory pathway of considerable interest linking APP processing with cell cycle regulation and DNA-surveillance systems, that may represent a molecular mechanism to induce neurodegeneration in post-mitotic neurons.

In vitro evaluation of the interactions between human corneal endothelial cells and extracellular matrix proteins

The corneal endothelium is the innermost cell layer of the cornea and rests on Descemet's membrane consisting of various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins which can directly affect the cellular behaviors such as cell adhesion, proliferation, polarity, morphogenesis and function. The objective of this study was to investigate the interactions between the ECM environment and human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs), with the ultimate goal to improve cell proliferation and function in vitro. To evaluate the interaction of HCECs with ECM proteins, cells were seeded on ECM-coated tissue culture dishes, including collagen type I (COL I), collagen type IV (COL IV), fibronectin (FN), FNC coating mix (FNC) and laminin (LM). Cell adhesion and proliferation of HCECs on each substratum and expression of CEC markers were studied. The results showed that HCECs plated on the COL I, COL IV, FN and FNC-coated plates had enhanced cell adhesion initially; the number for COL I, COL IV, FN and FNC was significantly higher than the control (P < 0.05). In addition, cells grown on ECM protein-coated dishes showed more compact cellular morphology and CEC marker expression compared to cells seeded on uncoated dishes. Collectively, our results suggest that an adequate ECM protein combination can provide a long-term culture environment for HCECs for corneal endothelium transplantation.

An assay to screen bacterial adhesion to mucus biomolecules

AIMS

To develop an assay for rapid screening of bacterial adhesion to various groups of biomolecules present in fish mucus.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A novel assay was developed for investigation of bacterial adhesion to various groups of mucus biomolecules from fish. Lipid-, protein-, carbohydrate- and nucleic acid-rich constituents of mucus were separated using isopycnic density gradient centrifugation techniques. Separated mucus fractions were assayed for bacterial adhesion using a blotting apparatus. The assay was validated using Vibrio vulnificus and skin mucus from hybrid tilapia.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel assay was developed for the screening of bacterial adhesion to major groups of mucus biomolecules. Adhesion of V. vulnificus MLT403 positively correlated with lipid- and protein-rich mucus constituents and negatively correlated with carbohydrate-rich mucus constituents.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The assay can be used as an initial approach in a systematic identification of mucus constituent(s) exhibiting the most favourable adhesion properties for bacteria.

Engineered endothelial cell adhesion via VCAM1 and E-selectin antibody-presenting alginate hydrogels

Materials that adhere to the endothelial cell (EC) lining of blood vessels may be useful for treating vascular injury. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), such as endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-selectin) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), modulate EC-leukocyte interactions. In this study, we mimicked cell-cell interactions by seeding cells on alginate hydrogels modified with antibodies against E-selectin and VCAM1, which are upregulated during inflammation. ECs were activated with interleukin-1α to increase CAM expression and subsequently seeded onto hydrogels. The strength of cell adhesion onto gels was assessed via a centrifugation assay. Strong, cooperative EC adhesion was observed on hydrogels presenting a 1:1 ratio of anti-VCAM1:anti-E-selectin. Cell adhesion was stronger on dual functionalized gels than on gels modified with anti-VCAM1, anti-E-selectin or the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide alone. Anti-VCAM1:anti-E-selectin-modified hydrogels may be engineered to adhere the endothelium cooperatively.

Dual functionalized PVA hydrogels that adhere endothelial cells synergistically

Cell adhesion molecules govern leukocyte-endothelial cell (EC) interactions that are essential in regulating leukocyte recruitment, adhesion, and transmigration in areas of inflammation. In this paper, we synthesized hydrogel matrices modified with antibodies against vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1) and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-Selectin) to mimic leukocyte-EC interactions. Adhesion of human umbilical vein ECs to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels was examined as a function of the relative antibody ratio (anti-VCAM1:anti-E-Selectin) and substrate elasticity. Variation of PVA backbone methacrylation was used to affect hydrogel matrix stiffness, ranging from 130 to 720 kPa. Greater EC adhesion was observed on hydrogels presenting 1:1 anti-VCAM1:anti-E-Selectin than on gels presenting either arginine-glycine-asparagine (RGD) peptide, anti-VCAM1, or anti-E-Selectin alone. Engineered cell adhesion - based on complementing the EC surface presentation - may be used to increase the strength of EC-matrix interactions. Hydrogels with tunable and synergistic adhesion may be useful in vascular remodeling.

A biological breadboard platform for cell adhesion and detachment studies

The dynamic nature of cell adhesion and detachment, which plays a critical role in a variety of physiological and pathological phenomena, still remains unclear. This motivates the pursuit of controllable manipulation of cell adhesion and detachment for a better understanding of cellular dynamics. Here we present an addressable, multifunctional, and reusable platform, termed the biological breadboard (BBB), for spatiotemporal manipulation of cell adhesion and detachment at cellular and subcellular levels. The BBB, composed of multiple gold electrodes patterned on a Pyrex substrate, is surface-modified with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid terminated thiol (RTT) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to achieve a cell-adhesive surface on the gold electrodes and a cell-resistive surface on the Pyrex substrate, respectively. Cell adhesion is regulated by the steric repulsion of PEG chains, while cell detachment is controlled by the reductive desorption of a gold-thiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM) at an activation potential of -0.90 to -1.65 V. Experimental characterizations using NIH 3T3 fibroblasts are presented to demonstrate the utility of our device.

Coaction of intercellular adhesion and cortical tension specifies tissue surface tension

In the course of animal morphogenesis, large-scale cell movements occur, which involve the rearrangement, mutual spreading, and compartmentalization of cell populations in specific configurations. Morphogenetic cell rearrangements such as cell sorting and mutual tissue spreading have been compared with the behaviors of immiscible liquids, which they closely resemble. Based on this similarity, it has been proposed that tissues behave as liquids and possess a characteristic surface tension, which arises as a collective, macroscopic property of groups of mobile, cohering cells. But how are tissue surface tensions generated? Different theories have been proposed to explain how mesoscopic cell properties such as cell-cell adhesion and contractility of cell interfaces may underlie tissue surface tensions. Although recent work suggests that both may be contributors, an explicit model for the dependence of tissue surface tension on these mesoscopic parameters has been missing. Here we show explicitly that the ratio of adhesion to cortical tension determines tissue surface tension. Our minimal model successfully explains the available experimental data and makes predictions, based on the feedback between mechanical energy and geometry, about the shapes of aggregate surface cells, which we verify experimentally. This model indicates that there is a crossover from adhesion dominated to cortical-tension dominated behavior as a function of the ratio between these two quantities.

Rolly protein (ROLP)-Epb4.1/3: a potential protein-protein interaction relevant for the maintenance of cell adhesion

We recently described Rolly Protein (ROLP), a small protein synthesized by substrate-adherent cells in a broad range of tissues. In a first set of experiments performed taking advantage of bone forming tibial cartilage as an experimental model we showed that ROLP transcription is associated to cells in an active proliferation state, whereas its downregulation is observed when cell proliferation decreases. Taking advantage of siRNA technology we also documented the expression modulation of some apoptosis-related genes in ROLP-silenced cells. In this work we search for the possible molecular interactors of ROLP by using both the antibody array approach as well as the co-immunoprecipitation approach. Results suggest the occurrence of an interaction of ROLP with Erythrocyte membrane Protein Band 4.1/3 (Epb4.1/3), an oncosuppressor downregulated in tumor development and in metastatic tissues; in addition we report experimental results that keep in line also with a potential interaction of ROLP with other PDZ-containing proteins. We also present experimental evidences supporting a role played by ROLP in cell adhesion thus supporting the existence of a biologically relevant link between ROLP and Epb4.1/3. We here suggest that ROLP might exert its biological role cooperating with Epb4.1/3, a protein that is involved in biological pathways that are often inhibited in tumor metastasis. Given the role of Epb4.1/3 in contrasting cancerogenesis we think that its cooperation with ROLP might be relevant in cancer studies and deserves further investigation.

Fluorescence-based assays for in vitro analysis of cell adhesion and migration

Cell adhesion and cell migration are two primary cellular phenomena for which in vitro approaches may be exploited to effectively dissect the individual events and underlying molecular mechanisms. The use of assays dedicated to the analysis of cell adhesion and migration in vitro also afford an efficient way of conducting larger basic and applied research screenings on the factors affecting these processes and are potentially exploitable in the context of routine diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive tests in the biological and medical fields. Therefore, there is a longstanding continuum in the interest in devising more rationale such assays and major contributions in this direction have been provided by the advent of procedures based on fluorescence cell tagging, the design of instruments capable of detecting fluorescent signals with high sensitivity, and informatic tools allowing sophisticated elaboration of data generated through these instruments. In this report, we describe three representative fluorescence-based model assays for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of cell adhesion and cell locomotion in static and dynamic conditions. The assays are easily performed, accurate and reproducible, and can be automated for high-to-medium throughput screenings of cell behavior in vitro. Performance of the assays involves the use of certain dedicated disposable accessories, which are commercially available, and a few instruments that, due to their versatility, can be regarded as constituents of a more generic laboratory setup.

Quantitative measurement of cell adhesion using centrifugal force

In order to study the biophysical forces involved in cell-substrate (or cell-cell) adhesion, it is necessary to measure the strength of adhesion. Two questions can be addressed using the centrifugal cell adhesion assay provided in this unit: what is the ligand-receptor affinity for cells adhering at 4 degrees C and what is the strength of the ATP-dependent processes that strengthen adhesion at 37 degrees C. In both cases, the strength of adhesion is measured as the resistance to disruption in the presence of a measured centrifugal force.

Protein therapeutics for junctional epidermolysis bullosa: incorporation of recombinant beta3 chain into laminin 332 in beta3-/- keratinocytes in vitro

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is an inherited mechanobullous disease characterized by reduced adherence of the epidermal keratinocytes to the underlying dermis, and is often caused by the absence of functional laminin 332 due to the lack or dysfunction of its beta3 chain. As there are no specific therapies for JEB, we tested whether a protein replacement strategy could be applicable for the restoration of the laminin 332 assembly and reversion of the JEB phenotype in human keratinocytes that lack beta3 subunit. Here, we developed the protocol for production and purification of the biologically active recombinant beta3 chain. Next, we demonstrated that delivery of recombinant beta3 polypeptide into the endoplasmic reticulum of the immortalized beta3-null keratinocytes led to the restoration of the laminin 332 assembly, secretion, and deposition into the basement membrane zone, as confirmed by Western blot analysis, confocal immunofluorescent microscopy in vitro, and on cultured organotypic human JEB skin reconstructs. Although the amount of laminin 332 produced by protein-treated beta3-null keratinocytes is lower than that in normal human keratinocytes, our results demonstrate the applicability of the recombinant proteins for JEB treatment and open new perspectives for the development of novel therapeutics for this inherited, currently intractable, skin disorder.

Co-culturing human prostate carcinoma cells with hepatocytes leads to increased expression of E-cadherin

Metastasis is a multi-step process wherein tumour cells detach from the primary mass, migrate through barrier matrices, gain access to conduits to disseminate, and subsequently survive and proliferate in an ectopic site. During the initial invasion stage, prostate carcinoma cells undergo epithelial–mesenchymal-like transition with gain of autocrine signalling and loss of E-cadherin, hallmarks that appear to enable invasion and dissemination. However, some metastases express E-cadherin, and we found close connections between prostate carcinoma cells and hepatocytes in a liver microtissue bioreactor. We hypothesise that phenotypic plasticity occurs late in prostate cancer progression at the site of ectopic seeding. Immunofluorescence staining for E-cadherin in co-cultures of hepatocytes and DU-145 prostate cancer cells revealed E-cadherin upregulation at peripheral sites of contact by day 2 of co-culture; E-cadherin expression also increased in PC-3 cells in co-culture. These carcinoma cells bound to hepatocytes in an E-cadherin-dependent manner. Although the signals by which the hepatocytes elicited E-cadherin expression remain undetermined, it appeared related to downregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling. Inhibition of autocrine EGFR signalling increased E-cadherin expression and cell–cell heterotypic adhesion; further, expression of a downregulation-resistant EGFR variant prevented E-cadherin upregulation. These findings were supported by finding E-cadherin and catenins but not activated EGFR in human prostate metastases to the liver. We conclude that the term epithelial–mesenchymal transition only summarises the transient downregulation of E-cadherin for invasion with re-expression of E-cadherin being a physiological consequence of metastatic seeding.

Adhesion of hematopoietic progenitor cells to human mesenchymal stem cells as a model for cell−cell interaction

OBJECTIVE

The significant role of direct contact between hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) and the cellular microenvironment for maintaining "stemness" has been demonstrated. Human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) feeder layers represent a surrogate model for this interaction. Specific adhesion molecules are responsible for this cell-cell contact.

METHODS

To define cell-cell contact between HPC and MSC, we have studied adhesive interaction of various fractions of HPC by using a novel assay based on gravitational force upon inversion. Adherent and nonadherent cells were separated and further analyzed with regard to gene expression and long-term hematopoietic culture initiating cell (LTC-IC) frequency.

RESULTS

HPC subsets with higher self-renewing capacity demonstrated significantly higher adherence to human MSC (CD34(+) vs CD34(-), CD34(+)/CD38(-) vs CD34(+)/CD38(+), slow dividing fraction vs fast dividing fraction). LTC-IC frequency was significantly higher in the adherent fraction than in the nonadherent fraction. Furthermore, genes coding for adhesion proteins and extracellular matrix were higher expressed in the adherent subsets of CD34(+) cells (fibronectin 1, cadherin 11, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, connexin 43, integrin beta-like 1, and TGFBI).

CONCLUSION

In this study we have demonstrated that primitive subsets of HPC have higher affinity to human MSC. The essential role of specific junction proteins for stabilization of cell-cell contact is indicated by their significant higher expression.

Cell Adhesion Strengthening: Measurement and Analysis

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix is a dynamic process involving numerous focal adhesion components, which act in coordination to strengthen and optimize the mechanical anchorage of cells over time. A method for systematically analyzing the cell adhesion strengthening process and the components involved in this process is described here. The method combines an adhesion strength assay based on applying fluid shearing to a population of cells and quantitative biochemical analyses.

Endo16 is required for gastrulation in the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus

The Endo16 gene encodes a large extracellular protein with several functional domains that provide some insight into the role of this protein during embryonic development. We isolated the full-length cDNA sequence from Lytechinus variegatus and utilized morpholinos to further investigate the role of Endo16 during embryonic development in this species. Endo16-deficient embryos failed to undergo gastrulation and the blastocoele became filled with dissociated cells after 24 h of incubation. Moreover, there was a delay in endoderm differentiation as assayed by staining with an antibody that recognizes Endo1. The differentiation of other cell types including oral ectoderm, primary mesenchymal cells (PMC) and secondary mesenchymal cells (SMC) appeared to be normal, although the patterns of protein expression did not resemble control embryos due to the gross morphological abnormalities elicited by the LvEndo16 morpholino. Microinjection of full-length EGFP mRNA with the LvEndo16 morpholino-targeted sequence confirmed that this phenotype can be attributed specifically to the loss of Endo16 protein. Taken together, our data suggest that Endo16 may be required for the cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions that are required for endoderm differentiation in the sea urchin embryo.

Specific Cell Behavior of Human Fibroblast onto Carbohydrate Surface Detected by Glycoblotting Films

We synthesized an aminooxyl polymer that is reactive with the reduced end of carbohydrates using our sugar-displaying approach. The carbohydrates were easily immobilized on the polymer film (glycoblotting film) by simple immersion in a in sugar solution through stable oxime bond. The in vitro behaviors of human fibroblasts on the carbohydrate-coated surface were investigated. The adhesion of human fibroblasts on the cellobiose- and cellotriose-coated surfaces was much greater than on the other coated surfaces and the noncoated surface. This result indicated that simple structural differences in carbohydrates induced biological changes in human cells, especially cell adhesion. Our approach provides a high-throughput assay system for carbohydrate-related cell adhesion and proliferation.

The effect of ligand type and density on osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and matrix mineralization

Polystyrene surfaces grafted with a nonfouling interfacial interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of poly(acrylamide-co-ethylene glycol/acrylic acid) [p(AAm-co-EG/AAc)] were modified with several peptide ligands adapted from bone sialoprotein (BSP). IPNs were modified with both single ligands and ligand blends to study the correlation between a simple metric, ligand-receptor adhesion strength, and the extent of matrix mineralization for osteoblast like cells (rat calvarial osteoblasts). The ligands studied included RGD cell-binding [CGGNGEPRGDTYRAY (l-RGD), CGGEPRGDTYRA (s2-RGD), CGPRGDTYG (lc-RGD), cyclic(CGPRGDTYG) (c-RGD), and CGGPRGDT (s-RGD)], heparin binding (CGGFHRRIKA), and collagen binding (CGGDGEAG) peptides, with the appropriate controls. Adhesion strength scaled with ligand density (1-20 pmol/cm(2)) and was dependent on ligand type with the following trend: l-RGD > s2-RGD approximately c-RGD >> s-RGD approximately lc-RGD >>> FHRRIKA approximately DGEA. Independent of ligand density, % matrix mineralization varied with ligand type resulting in the following trend: lc-RGD > s2-RGD > l-RGD approximately c-RGD >> s-RGD >>> FHRRIKA. The Tyr (Y) residue immediately following the RGD cell-binding domain proved to be critical for stable cell proliferation and mineralization, since removal of this residue resulted in erratic cell attachment and mineralization behavior. The minimum BSP sequence necessary for strong adhesion and extensive mineralization was CGGEPRGDTYRA; the minimal sequence suitable for extensive mineralization but lacking strong adhesion was CGPRGDTYG. The cyclic peptide (c-RGD) had much greater adhesion strength compared to its linear counterpart (lc-RGD). The calculated characteristic adhesion strength (F(70)) obtained using a centrifuge adhesion assay proved to be a poor metric for predicting % mineralized area; however, in general, surfaces possessing a F(70) > 100g promoted extensive matrix mineralization. Percent mineralization and number of mineralized nodules scaled with number of cells seeded suggesting a critical dependence on the initial number of osteoprogenitors in culture. This study demonstrates matrix mineralization dependence on ligand type, ligand density, and adhesion strength. The high-throughput character of these surfaces allowed efficient investigation of multiple ligands at multiple densities providing an excellent tool for studying ligand-receptor interactions under normal cell culture conditions with serum present.

Microfluidic shear devices for quantitative analysis of cell adhesion

We describe the design, construction, and characterization of microfluidic devices for studying cell adhesion and cell mechanics. The method offers multiple advantages over previous approaches, including a wide range of distractive forces, high-throughput performance, simplicity in experimental setup and control, and potential for integration with other microanalytic modules. By manipulating the geometry and surface chemistry of the microdevices, we are able to vary the shear force and the biochemistry during an experiment. The dynamics of cell detachment under different conditions can be captured simultaneously using time-lapse videomicroscopy. We demonstrate assessment of cell adhesion to fibronectin-coated substrates as a function of the shear stress or fibronectin concentration in microchannels. Furthermore, a combined perfusion-shear device is designed to maintain cell viability for long-term culture as well as to introduce exogenous reagents for biochemical studies of cell adhesion regulation. In agreement with established literature, we show that fibroblasts cultured in the combined device reduced their adhesion strength to the substrate in response to epidermal growth factor stimulation.

Giardia lamblia attachment force is insensitive to surface treatments

Giardia lamblia cell populations show 90% detachment from glass under normal forces of 2.43+/-0.33 nN applied by centrifugation. Detachment forces were not significantly different for cells attached to positively charged, hydrophobic, or inert surfaces than for cells attached to plain glass. The insensitivity of attachment force to surface treatment is consistent with a suction-based mechanism of attachment.

Neuronal synapse interaction reconstituted between live cells and supported lipid bilayers

In the nervous system, homophilic and heterophilic adhesion molecules participate in the induction and differentiation of presynaptic transmitter release sites. We focus on the heterophilic interaction between postsynaptic neuroligin-1 (Nlg) and presynaptic beta-neurexin (Nrx). Nlg has previously been shown to trigger presynaptic differentiation in a Nrx-expressing axon even when presented on a non-neuronal cell or on beads coated with lipid bilayers. We have now developed a new method to measure single molecule and ensemble distribution of Nrx and Nlg at the contact site between a non-neuronal Nrx-expressing cell and a flat supported glycosylphosphoinositol-neuroligin-1 (GPI-Nlg) lipid bilayer and relate them to adhesion as measured by cell migration and gravity dissociation. We find that within minutes after cell-bilayer contact, Nrx accumulates at the contact site and the contact area is expanded. The strength of cell-bilayer adhesion depends on the morphology of Nrx accumulation, with the focal concentration strengthening adhesion. The results suggest that Nlg-Nrx interaction rapidly establishes a weak, but specific, adhesion between dynamic pre- and postsynaptic processes, which may ultimately require additional molecules for synapse stabilization.

Development and characterization of a high-throughput system for assessing cell-surface receptor-ligand engagement

A nonfouling interfacial interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of poly(acrylamide-co-ethylene glycol/acrylic acid) [p(AAm-co-EG/AAc)] was grafted to polystyrene for use as a novel platform for the development of high-throughput assays for screening of specific bimolecular interactions (i.e., receptor-ligand engagement). For the development of the IPN, a water-soluble hydrogen-abstracting photoinitiator was investigated: (4-benzoylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride. IPN-modified polystyrene surfaces were characterized using XPS, contact angle goniometry, and protein adsorption analysis. These IPN surfaces minimized fibrinogen adsorption compared to tissue culture polystyrene (>96% reduction), prevented mammalian cell adhesion, and served as nonfouling surfaces to graft biological ligands. For bimolecular interaction studies, a model peptide ligand from bone sialoprotein (Ac-CGGNGEPRGDTYRAY-NH(2)) was grafted to p(AAm-co-EG/AAc) via a 3400 M(w) linear pEG spacer. Ligand density measurements, cell culture, and a centrifugal adhesion assay were used to study cell adhesion to peptide-modified IPNs (i.e., receptor-ligand engagement). Ligand density (Gamma) was controllable from approximately 1 to 20 pmol/cm(2) by modulating the peptide input concentration (0.02-20 microM). Cell adhesion was directly dependent on the ligand density. This technology creates a powerful high-throughput system to simultaneously probe a myriad of cell-surface receptor-ligand interactions.

Strategies and results of atomic force microscopy in the study of cellular adhesion

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) provides a range of strategies for investigating living cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, other cells or biomaterials in their native environment. This review surveys the results obtained from major studies using AFM for mechanical force evaluation in the cell, morphological visualization of the cell and studies of the cell's response to chemical or mechanical stress. Recently, the use of AFM has been broadened to obtain experimental information about cell adhesion molecules. Quantitative measurements of binding forces between adhesion proteins and their ligands in the cell or on a surface are presented. These analyses provide data on individual molecules and their resulting collective behaviour at the cell level. They significantly contribute to the characterisation of cellular adhesion with physical principles relating to biochemistry.

Thermodynamic Evidence for Ca2+-Mediated Self-Aggregation of Lewis X Gold Glyconanoparticles. A Model for Cell Adhesion via Carbohydrate−Carbohydrate Interaction

Thermodynamic evidence for the selective Ca(2+)-mediated self-aggregation via carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions of gold glyconanoparticles functionalized with the disaccharides lactose (lacto-Au) and maltose (malto-Au), or the biologically relevant trisaccharide Lewis X (Le(X)-Au), was obtained by isothermal titration calorimetry. The aggregation process was also directly visualized by atomic force microscopy. It was shown in the case of the trisaccharide Lewis X that the Ca(2+)-mediated aggregation is a slow process that takes place with a decrease in enthalpy of 160 +/- 30 kcal mol(-)(1), while the heat evolved in the case of lactose and maltose glyconanoparticles was very low and thermal equilibrium was quickly achieved. Measurements in the presence of Mg(2+) and Na(+) cations confirm the selectivity for Ca(2+) of Le(X)-Au glyconanoparticles. The relevance of this result to cell-cell adhesion process mediated by carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions is discussed.

Understanding carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions by means of glyconanotechnology

Carbohydrate-carbohydrate interaction is a reliable and versatile mechanism for cell adhesion and recognition. Glycosphingolipid (GSL) clusters at the cell membrane are mainly involved in this interaction. To investigate carbohydrate-carbohydrate interaction an integrated strategy (Glyconanotechnology) was developed. This strategy includes polyvalent tools (gold glyconanoparticles) mimicking GSL clustering at the cell membrane as well as analytical techniques such as AFM, TEM, and SPR to evaluate the interactions. The results obtained by means of this strategy and current status are presented.

Hepatocyte behavior on synthetic glycopolymer matrix: inhibitory effect of receptor–ligand binding on hepatocyte spreading

The interaction of carbohydrate-based polymers with asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) on the surface of hepatocytes has been used to design hepatocyte adhesion matrices. Therefore, we have characterized the interaction of ASGPR on the surface of hepatocytes with glycopolymer-coated surfaces. Since ASGPRs bound to glycopolymer surfaces escape from internalization and degradation, they were quantified by western blot analysis. The amount of hepatocyte ASGPRs that initially adhered to the glycopolymer surface was proportional to the concentration of the coated glycopolymer. We found that the initial adhesion of hepatocytes to the glycopolymer surface was enhanced by interactions with ASGPR, whereas interactions with ASGPR inhibited the post-adhesion process, a cell adhesion phenomenon that occurs following the initial adhesion. Furthermore, hepatocytes are much more spread on glycopolymer surfaces with lower coating density. Taken together, we suggest that the post-adhesion process triggered hepatocyte spreading on glycopolymer surfaces, and ASGPR-carbohydrate interactions act negatively on the post-adhesion mechanism as well as on hepatocyte spreading on glycopolymer surfaces depending on the density of coated glycopolymers.

A centrifugation cell adhesion assay for high-throughput screening of biomaterial surfaces

A quantitative analysis of cell adhesion is essential in understanding physiological phenomena and designing biomaterials, implant surfaces, and tissue-engineering scaffolds. The most common cell adhesion assays used to evaluate biomaterial surfaces lack sensitivity and reproducibility and/or require specialized equipment and skill-intensive operation. We describe a modified centrifugation cell adhesion assay that uses simple and convenient techniques with standard laboratory equipment and provides reliable, quantitative measurements of cell adhesion. This centrifugation assay applies controlled and uniform detachment forces to a large population of adherent cells, providing robust statistics for quantifying cell adhesion. The applicability of this system to the design and characterization of biomaterial surfaces is shown by evaluating cell adhesion on substrates using different coating proteins, cell types, seeding times, and relative centrifugal forces (RCF). Results verify that this centrifugation cell adhesion assay represents a simple, convenient, and standard method for high-throughput characterization of a variety of biomaterial surfaces and conditions.

Establishment of an efficient method to quantify embryo attachment to endometrial epithelial cell monolayers

During implantation, complex embryo-endometrium interactions result in blastocyst adhesion. To study the mechanisms of implantation, an effective assay for monitoring adhesiveness between embryos and endometrial epithelium is essential. In this study, we describe a simple and reliable method to quantify embryo-endometrium adhesion in vitro. Murine blastocysts or BeWo trophoblast spheroids were cocultured with monolayers of RL95-2 endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) grown in 96-well plates. At the end of coculture, the wells were filled with medium, and the plate was sealed with an adhesive film, inverted, and centrifuged at 25 x g for 5 min. After centrifugation, the plate was kept inverted and directly examined microscopically to determine whether the blastocysts or spheroids were attached to EEC monolayers. Our assay demonstrated that blastocysts recovered at 1200-1400 h on d 4 were more adherent to EEC than those recovered earlier, consistent with the timing of intrauterine embryo activation. Serum also enhanced blastocyst-EEC adhesion. Spheroid-EEC adhesion was inhibited by blocking Ca(2+) influx with extracellular Ca(2+) chelators (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid) or a Ca(2+) channel blocker (verapamil) but not by interfering with Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores using chelating (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis(acetoxymethyl ester) or depleting (thapsigargin) agents. Using 96-well plates for coculture, centrifugation, and examination to minimize transfer procedures, our assay system is readily applicable to investigate implantation mechanisms.

Quantitative imaging of cis-regulatory reporters in living embryos

A confocal laser scanning microscopy method has been developed for the quantitation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter of gene activity in living three-dimensional structures such as sea urchin and starfish embryos. This method is between 2 and 50 times more accurate than conventional confocal microscopy procedures depending on the localization of GFP within an embryo. By using coinjected Texas red dextran as an internal fluorescent standard, the observed GFP intensity is corrected for variations in laser excitation and fluorescence collection efficiency. To relate the recorded image intensity to the number of GFP molecules, the embryos were lysed gently, and a fluorometric analysis of their contents was performed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy data collection from a single sea urchin blastula required less than 2 min, thereby allowing gene expression in dozens of embryos to be monitored in parallel with high spatial and temporal resolution.