A biochemical characterization of the binding of osteopontin to integrins alpha v beta 1 and alpha v beta 5

The Multifaceted Role of Osteopontin in Prostate Pathologies

The prostate gland, located beneath the bladder and surrounding the proximal urethra in men, plays a vital role in reproductive physiology and sexual health. Despite its importance, the prostate is vulnerable to various pathologies, including prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). Osteopontin (OPN), a versatile protein involved in wound healing, inflammatory responses, and fibrotic diseases, has been implicated in all three prostate conditions. The role of OPN in prostatic pathophysiology, affecting both benign and malignant prostate conditions, is significant. Current evidence strongly suggests that OPN is expressed at a higher level in prostate cancer and promotes tumor progression and aggressiveness. Conversely, OPN is primarily secreted by macrophages and foam cells in benign prostate conditions and provokes inflammation and fibrosis. This review discusses the accumulating evidence on the role of OPN in prostatic diseases, cellular sources, and potential roles while also highlighting areas for future investigations.

PI3K-AKT activation resculpts integrin signaling to drive filamentous tau-induced proinflammatory astrogliosis

BACKGROUND

Microtubule-binding protein tau is a misfolding-prone protein associated with tauopathies. As tau undergoes cell-to-cell transmission, extracellular tau aggregates convert astrocytes into a pro-inflammatory state via integrin activation, causing them to release unknown neurotoxic factors.

RESULTS

Here, we combine transcriptomics with isotope labeling-based quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of mouse primary astrocyte secretome to establish PI3K-AKT as a critical differentiator between pathogenic and physiological integrin activation; simultaneous activation of PI3K-AKT and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in tau fibril-treated astrocytes changes the output of integrin signaling, causing pro-inflammatory gene upregulation, trans-Golgi network restructuring, and altered secretory flow. Furthermore, NCAM1, as a proximal signaling component in tau-stimulated integrin and PI3K-AKT activation, facilitates the secretion of complement C3 as a main neurotoxic factor. Significantly, tau fibrils-associated astrogliosis and C3 secretion can be mitigated by FAK or PI3K inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal an unexpected function for PI3K-AKT in tauopathy-associated reactive astrogliosis, which may be a promising target for anti-inflammation-based Alzheimer's therapy.

PI3K-AKT activation resculpts integrin signaling to drive filamentous tau-induced proinflammatory astrogliosis

Background Microtubule-binding protein tau is a misfolding-prone protein associated with tauopathies. As tau undergoes cell-to-cell transmission, extracellular tau aggregates convert astrocytes into a pro-inflammatory state via integrin activation, causing them to release unknown neurotoxic factors. Results Here, we combine transcriptomics with isotope labeling-based quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of mouse primary astrocyte secretome to establish PI3K-AKT as a critical differentiator between pathogenic and physiological integrin activation; simultaneous activation of PI3K-AKT and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in tau fibril-treated astrocytes changes the output of integrin signaling, causing pro-inflammatory gene upregulation, trans-Golgi network restructuring, and altered secretory flow. Furthermore, NCAM1, as a proximal signaling component in tau-stimulated integrin and PI3K-AKT activation, facilitates the secretion of complement C3 as a main neurotoxic factor. Significantly, tau fibrils-associated astrogliosis and C3 secretion can be mitigated by FAK or PI3K inhibitors. Conclusions These findings reveal an unexpected function for PI3K-AKT in tauopathy-associated reactive astrogliosis, which may be a promising target for anti-inflammation-based Alzheimer's therapy.

Molecules involved in the sperm interaction in the human uterine tube: a histochemical and immunohistochemical approach

In humans, even where millions of spermatozoa are deposited upon ejaculation in the vagina, only a few thousand enter the uterine tube (UT). Sperm transiently adhere to the epithelial cells lining the isthmus reservoir, and this interaction is essential in coordinating the availability of functional spermatozoa for fertilization. The binding of spermatozoa to the UT epithelium (mucosa) occurs due to interactions between cell-adhesion molecules on the cell surfaces of both the sperm and the epithelial cell. However, in humans, there is little information about the molecules involved. The aim of this study was to perform a histological characterization of the UT focused on determining the tissue distribution and deposition of some molecules associated with cell adhesion (F-spondin, galectin-9, osteopontin, integrin αV/β3) and UT's contractile activity (TNFα-R1, TNFα-R2) in the follicular and luteal phases. Our results showed the presence of galectin-9, F-spondin, osteopontin, integrin αV/β3, TNFα-R1, and TNFα-R2 in the epithelial cells in ampullar and isthmic segments during the menstrual cycle. Our results suggest that these molecules could form part of the sperm-UT interactions. Future studies will shed light on the specific role of each of the identified molecules.

Osteopontin: A Bone-Derived Protein Involved in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Immunopathology

Osteopontin (OPN) is a bone-derived phosphoglycoprotein related to physiological and pathological mechanisms that nowadays has gained relevance due to its role in the immune system response to chronic degenerative diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). OPN is an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein that plays a critical role in bone remodeling. Therefore, it is an effector molecule that promotes joint and cartilage destruction observed in clinical studies, in vitro assays, and animal models of RA and OA. Since OPN undergoes multiple modifications, including posttranslational changes, proteolytic cleavage, and binding to a wide range of receptors, the mechanisms by which it produces its effects, in some cases, remain unclear. Although there is strong evidence that OPN contributes significantly to the immunopathology of RA and OA when considering it as a common denominator molecule, some experimental trial results argue for its protective role in rheumatic diseases. Elucidating in detail OPN involvement in bone and cartilage degeneration is of interest to the field of rheumatology. This review aims to provide evidence of the OPN’s multifaceted role in promoting joint and cartilage destruction and propose it as a common denominator of AR and OA immunopathology.

Perivascular cells induce microglial phagocytic states and synaptic engulfment via SPP1 in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by synaptic loss, which can result from dysfunctional microglial phagocytosis and complement activation. However, what signals drive aberrant microglia-mediated engulfment of synapses in AD is unclear. Here we report that secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1/osteopontin) is upregulated predominantly by perivascular macrophages and, to a lesser extent, by perivascular fibroblasts. Perivascular SPP1 is required for microglia to engulf synapses and upregulate phagocytic markers including C1qa, Grn and Ctsb in presence of amyloid-β oligomers. Absence of Spp1 expression in AD mouse models results in prevention of synaptic loss. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing and putative cell-cell interaction analyses reveal that perivascular SPP1 induces microglial phagocytic states in the hippocampus of a mouse model of AD. Altogether, we suggest a functional role for SPP1 in perivascular cells-to-microglia crosstalk, whereby SPP1 modulates microglia-mediated synaptic engulfment in mouse models of AD.

Spatially Resolved Transcriptomes of Mammalian Kidneys Illustrate the Molecular Complexity and Interactions of Functional Nephron Segments

Available transcriptomes of the mammalian kidney provide limited information on the spatial interplay between different functional nephron structures due to the required dissociation of tissue with traditional transcriptome-based methodologies. A deeper understanding of the complexity of functional nephron structures requires a non-dissociative transcriptomics approach, such as spatial transcriptomics sequencing (ST-seq). We hypothesize that the application of ST-seq in normal mammalian kidneys will give transcriptomic insights within and across species of physiology at the functional structure level and cellular communication at the cell level. Here, we applied ST-seq in six mice and four human kidneys that were histologically absent of any overt pathology. We defined the location of specific nephron structures in the captured ST-seq datasets using three lines of evidence: pathologist's annotation, marker gene expression, and integration with public single-cell and/or single-nucleus RNA-sequencing datasets. We compared the mouse and human cortical kidney regions. In the human ST-seq datasets, we further investigated the cellular communication within glomeruli and regions of proximal tubules-peritubular capillaries by screening for co-expression of ligand-receptor gene pairs. Gene expression signatures of distinct nephron structures and microvascular regions were spatially resolved within the mouse and human ST-seq datasets. We identified 7,370 differentially expressed genes (p adj < 0.05) distinguishing species, suggesting changes in energy production and metabolism in mouse cortical regions relative to human kidneys. Hundreds of potential ligand-receptor interactions were identified within glomeruli and regions of proximal tubules-peritubular capillaries, including known and novel interactions relevant to kidney physiology. Our application of ST-seq to normal human and murine kidneys confirms current knowledge and localization of transcripts within the kidney. Furthermore, the generated ST-seq datasets provide a valuable resource for the kidney community that can be used to inform future research into this complex organ.

Macrophages Cytokine Spp1 Increases Growth of Prostate Intraepithelial Neoplasia to Promote Prostate Tumor Progression

Prostate cancer development and progression are associated with increased infiltrating macrophages. Prostate cancer is derived from prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions. However, the effects macrophages have on PIN progression remain unclear. Here, we showed that the recruited macrophages adjacent to PIN expressed M2 macrophage markers. In addition, high levels of Spp1 transcripts, also known as osteopontin, were identified in these macrophages. Extraneously added Spp1 accelerated PIN cell proliferation through activation of Akt and JNK in a 3D culture setting. We also showed that PIN cells expressed CD44, integrin αv, integrin β1, and integrin β3, all of which have been previously reported as receptors for Spp1. Finally, blockade of Akt and JNK activation through their specific inhibitor completely abolished macrophage Spp1-induced cell proliferation of PIN. Hence, our data revealed Spp1 as another macrophage cytokine/growth factor and its mediated mechanism to upregulate PIN cell growth, thus promoting prostate cancer development.

Genetics of osteopontin in patients with chronic kidney disease: The German Chronic Kidney Disease study

Osteopontin (OPN), encoded by SPP1, is a phosphorylated glycoprotein predominantly synthesized in kidney tissue. Increased OPN mRNA and protein expression correlates with proteinuria, reduced creatinine clearance, and kidney fibrosis in animal models of kidney disease. But its genetic underpinnings are incompletely understood. We therefore conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of OPN in a European chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. Using data from participants of the German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) study (N = 4,897), a GWAS (minor allele frequency [MAF]≥1%) and aggregated variant testing (AVT, MAF<1%) of ELISA-quantified serum OPN, adjusted for age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was conducted. In the project, GCKD participants had a mean age of 60 years (SD 12), median eGFR of 46 mL/min/1.73m2 (p25: 37, p75: 57) and median UACR of 50 mg/g (p25: 9, p75: 383). GWAS revealed 3 loci (p<5.0E-08), two of which replicated in the population-based Young Finns Study (YFS) cohort (p<1.67E-03): rs10011284, upstream of SPP1 encoding the OPN protein and related to OPN production, and rs4253311, mapping into KLKB1 encoding prekallikrein (PK), which is processed to kallikrein (KAL) implicated through the kinin-kallikrein system (KKS) in blood pressure control, inflammation, blood coagulation, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The SPP1 gene was also identified by AVT (p = 2.5E-8), comprising 7 splice-site and missense variants. Among others, downstream analyses revealed colocalization of the OPN association signal at SPP1 with expression in pancreas tissue, and at KLKB1 with various plasma proteins in trans, and with phenotypes (bone disorder, deep venous thrombosis) in human tissue. In summary, this GWAS of OPN levels revealed two replicated associations. The KLKB1 locus connects the function of OPN with PK, suggestive of possible further post-translation processing of OPN. Further studies are needed to elucidate the complex role of OPN within human (patho)physiology.

Both Full-Length and Protease-Cleaved Products of Osteopontin Are Elevated in Infectious Diseases

Circulating full-length osteopontin (FL-OPN) is elevated in plasma from patients with various infectious diseases, such as adult T-cell leukemia, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis virus infection, leptospirosis, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), AIDS/TB, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Proteolysis of OPN by thrombin, matrix metalloproteases, caspase 8/3, cathepsin D, plasmin, and enterokinase generates various cleaved OPNs with a variety of bioactivities by binding to different target cells. Moreover, OPN is susceptible to gradual proteolysis. During inflammation, one of the cleaved fragments, N-terminal thrombin-cleaved OPN (trOPN or OPN-Arg¹⁶⁸ [OPN-R]), induces dendritic cell (DC) adhesion. Further cleavage by carboxypeptidase B2 or carboxypeptidase N removes Arg¹⁶⁸ from OPN-R to OPN-Leu¹⁶⁷ (OPN-L). Consequently, OPN-L decreases DC adhesion. In particular, the differences in plasma level over time are observed between FL-OPN and its cleaved OPNs during inflammation. We found that the undefined OPN levels (mixture of FL-OPN and cleaved OPN) were elevated in plasma and reflected the pathology of TB and COVID-19 rather than FL-OPN. These infections are associated with elevated levels of various proteases. Inhibition of the cleavage or the activities of cleaved products may improve the outcome of the therapy. Research on the metabolism of OPN is expected to create new therapies against infectious diseases.

Modeling of the Human Bone Environment: Mechanical Stimuli Guide Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Extracellular Matrix Interactions

In bone tissue engineering, the design of in vitro models able to recreate both the chemical composition, the structural architecture, and the overall mechanical environment of the native tissue is still often neglected. In this study, we apply a bioreactor system where human bone-marrow hMSCs are seeded in human femoral head-derived decellularized bone scaffolds and subjected to dynamic culture, i.e., shear stress induced by continuous cell culture medium perfusion at 1.7 mL/min flow rate and compressive stress by 10% uniaxial load at 1 Hz for 1 h per day. In silico modeling revealed that continuous medium flow generates a mean shear stress of 8.5 mPa sensed by hMSCs seeded on 3D bone scaffolds. Experimentally, both dynamic conditions improved cell repopulation within the scaffold and boosted ECM production compared with static controls. Early response of hMSCs to mechanical stimuli comprises evident cell shape changes and stronger integrin-mediated adhesion to the matrix. Stress-induced Col6 and SPP1 gene expression suggests an early hMSC commitment towards osteogenic lineage independent of Runx2 signaling. This study provides a foundation for exploring the early effects of external mechanical stimuli on hMSC behavior in a biologically meaningful in vitro environment, opening new opportunities to study bone development, remodeling, and pathologies.

A Study on the Serum γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase and Plasma Osteopontin in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Background  Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major source of alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. Heavy drinkers and alcoholics may progress from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis to cirrhosis. The enzyme γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) is a membrane-bound glycoprotein which catalyzes the transfer of the γ-glutamyl group from γ-glutamyl peptides to other peptides, amino acids, and water. Serum GGT activity mainly attributed to hepatobiliary system and thus is an important marker of ALD. Hence the present study is conducted to estimate and correlate the levels of GGT and osteopontin (OPN) in ALD.

Aims and Objectives  The objective of this study is to estimate and correlate the levels of GGT and OPN in ALD.

Materials and Methods  Sixty clinically diagnosed cases of ALD and sixty age- and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected from them and serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum alanine transaminases (ALTs), serum ALP levels, and plasma OPN levels were measured. Estimation of serum aspartate transaminases (AST), ALTs, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was assayed by standard photometric methods in autoanalyzer ERBA-XL (EM-200) using commercially available kits. OPN was estimated by using commercial kit based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results  The parameters of the liver function tests such as AST, ALT, and ALP were significantly increased in patients with ALD ( p  < 0.001) when compared with the healthy control subjects. In the present study, significantly increased levels of γ-glutamyl transferases and OPN were found in patients with ALD ( p  < 0.001) when compared with the control subjects. OPN showed significant positive correlations with AST ( r  = 0.76, p  < 0.001), ALT ( r  = 0.64, p  < 0.001), ALP ( r  = 0.68, p  < 0.001), and GGT ( r  = 0.61, p  < 0.001).

Conclusion  The present study focuses on the role of GGT and OPN that are sensitive indicators of liver cell injury and are most helpful in recognizing hepatocellular diseases such as ALD, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis. Hence, the pattern of the GGT and OPN levels elevation can be helpful diagnostically.

Specific macrophage populations promote both cardiac scar deposition and subsequent resolution in adult zebrafish

Aims

A robust inflammatory response to tissue injury is a necessary part of the repair process but the deposition of scar tissue is a direct downstream consequence of this response in many tissues including the heart. Adult zebrafish not only possess the capacity to regenerate lost cardiomyocytes but also to remodel and resolve an extracellular scar within tissues such as the heart, but this scar resolution process remains poorly understood. This study aims to characterize the scarring and inflammatory responses to cardiac damage in adult zebrafish in full and investigate the role of different inflammatory subsets specifically in scarring and scar removal.

Methods and results

Using stable transgenic lines, whole organ imaging and genetic and pharmacological interventions, we demonstrate that multiple inflammatory cell lineages respond to cardiac injury in adult zebrafish. In particular, macrophage subsets (tnfα+ and tnfα−) play prominent roles with manipulation of different phenotypes suggesting that pro-inflammatory (tnfα+) macrophages promote scar deposition following cardiac injury whereas tnfα− macrophages facilitate scar removal during regeneration. Detailed analysis of these specific macrophage subsets reveals crucial roles for Csf1ra in promoting pro-inflammatory macrophage-mediated scar deposition. Additionally, the multifunctional cytokine Osteopontin (Opn) (spp1) is important for initial scar deposition but also for resolution of the inflammatory response and in late-stage ventricular collagen remodelling.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of a correctly balanced inflammatory response to facilitate scar deposition during repair but also to allow subsequent scar resolution, and full cardiac regeneration, to occur. We have identified Opn as having both pro-fibrotic but also potentially pro-regenerative roles in the adult zebrafish heart, driving Collagen deposition but also controlling inflammatory cell resolution.

Abnormally activated OPN/integrin αVβ3/FAK signalling is responsible for EGFR-TKI resistance in EGFR mutant non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Acquired epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) resistance limits the long-term clinical efficacy of tyrosine kinase-targeting drugs. Although most of the mechanisms of acquired EGFR-TKI resistance have been revealed, the mechanism of ~ 15% of cases has not yet been elucidated.

METHODS

Cell viability was analysed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Proteome profiler array analysis was performed to find proteins contributing to acquired EGFR-TKI resistance. Secreted OPN was detected by ELISA. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to detect expression of integrin αV in NSCLC tissue. The effect of VS-6063 on apoptosis and proliferation of PC9 gefitinib-resistant cells was detected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and clonogenic assays. A mouse xenograft model was used to assess the effect of VS-6063 on the sensitivity of PC9 gefitinib-resistant cells to gefitinib.

RESULTS

OPN was overexpressed in acquired EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLCs. Secreted OPN contributed to acquired EGFR-TKI resistance by activating the integrin αVβ3/FAK pathway. Inhibition of FAK signalling increased sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs in PC9 gefitinib-resistant cells both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

OPN contributes to acquired EGFR-TKI resistance by up-regulating expression of integrin αVβ3, which activates the downstream FAK/AKT and ERK signalling pathways to promote cell proliferation in NSCLC.

Osteopontin acts as a negative regulator of autophagy accelerating lipid accumulation during the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Accumulating evidence links osteopontin (OPN), a pro-fibrogenic extracellular matrix protein, to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, liver tissues isolated from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients expressed higher OPN than those of controls. However, the exact mechanism(s) for this phenomenon is yet to be clarified. Autophagy is the natural, regulated degradation and recycling of a cell's dysfunctional components, in order to maintain homeostasis. Increasing evidence supports that autophagy can constitute an effective Defence mechanism against NAFLD conditions. Herein, we constructed NAFLD mice model by high-fat (HF) and methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet and found that OPN is upregulated in livers of NAFLD mice. Besides, secreted OPN inhibited autophagosome-lysosome fusion via binding with its receptors integrin αVβ3 and αVβ5 in HepG2 cells supplemented with free fatty acids (FFA) and the livers of NAFLD mice. Silencing of OPN attenuated autophagy impairment and reduced lipid accumulation, while supplementation of OPN exhibited the opposite effect. Furthermore, treatment with anti-OPN Ab significantly attenuated steatosis as well as autophagy impairment in the liver. Our findings indicated that OPN plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of the development of NAFLD via autophagy impairment, which might represent a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of NAFLD.

Osteopontin in Bone Metabolism and Bone Diseases

Osteopontin (OPN), a secreted phosphoprotein, is a member of the small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) family of cell matrix proteins and participates in many biological activities. Studies have shown that OPN plays a role in bone metabolism and homeostasis. OPN not only is an important factor in neuron-mediated and endocrine-regulated bone mass, but also is involved in biological activities such as proliferation, migration, and adhesion of several bone-related cells, including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, osteoclasts, and osteoblasts. OPN has been demonstrated to be closely related to the occurrence and development of many bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteosarcoma. As expected, the functions of OPN in the bone have become a research hotspot. In this article, we try to decipher the mechanism of OPN-regulated bone metabolism and bone diseases.

Osteopontin Gene Polymorphism and Urinary OPN Excretion in Patients with Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy

Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycoprotein involved in the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. However, the association of variants of secreted phosphoprotein 1 gene (SPP1), which encodes OPN, with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) has not been examined up to date. Moreover, the role of OPN in disease pathogenesis and clinical manifestations is not fully known. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the frequency of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNiPs) of SPP1 gene, as well as the urinary OPN excretion in IgAN patients and healthy controls. In total, 58 Caucasian patients with biopsy-proven IgAN and 184 gender-, age-, and ethnically-matched healthy controls were genotyped for rs1126616, rs1126772, rs9138, and rs7687316/rs3841116 polymorphisms by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Urinary OPN concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 58 IgAN patients and 19 controls. SPP1 SNiPs, as well as urinary OPN excretion, were analyzed in relation to their possible associations with the clinicopathological parameters. The frequency of the minor TT/CT genotypes of rs1126616 was significantly higher in IgAN patients compared to controls (P = 0.0217). Similarly, the minor (CC/AC) genotypes and the C allele of rs9138 were more frequent in IgAN patients (P = 0.0425 and P = 0.0112, respectively). Moreover, these two SNiPs were associated with the higher urinary OPN excretion (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that rs1126616, as well as rs9138, may be associated with IgAN development, however future studies in this field are required.

Osteopontin mediates murine transfusion-related acute lung injury via stimulation of pulmonary neutrophil accumulation

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is one of the leading causes of transfusion-related fatalities and is characterized by the onset of acute respiratory distress within 6 hours upon blood transfusion. Specific therapies are unavailable. Preexisting inflammation is a risk factor for TRALI and neutrophils (polymorphonuclear neutrophils [PMNs]) are considered to be the major pathogenic cells. Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional protein expressed at sites of inflammation and, for example, is involved in pulmonary disorders, can regulate cellular migration, and can function as a PMN chemoattractant. We investigated whether OPN is involved in TRALI induction by promoting PMN recruitment to the lungs. Using a previously established murine TRALI model, we found that in contrast to wild-type (WT) mice, OPN knockout (KO) mice were resistant to antibody-mediated PMN-dependent TRALI induction. Administration of purified OPN to the OPN KO mice, however, restored the TRALI response and pulmonary PMN accumulation. Alternatively, blockade of OPN in WT mice using an anti-OPN antibody prevented the onset of TRALI induction. Using pulmonary immunohistochemistry, OPN could be specifically detected in the lungs of mice that suffered from TRALI. The OPN-mediated TRALI response seemed dependent on macrophages, likely the cellular source of OPN and OPN polymerization, and independent from the OPN receptor CD44, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and other PMN chemoattractants including macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2). These data indicate that OPN is critically required for induction of antibody-mediated murine TRALI through localization to the lungs and stimulation of pulmonary PMN recruitment. This suggests that anti-OPN antibody therapy may be a potential therapeutic strategy to explore in TRALI patients.

Irisin Mediates Effects on Bone and Fat via αV Integrin Receptors

Irisin is secreted by muscle, increases with exercise, and mediates certain favorable effects of physical activity. In particular, irisin has been shown to have beneficial effects in adipose tissues, brain, and bone. However, the skeletal response to exercise is less clear, and the receptor for irisin has not been identified. Here we show that irisin binds to proteins of the αV class of integrins, and biophysical studies identify interacting surfaces between irisin and αV/β5 integrin. Chemical inhibition of the αV integrins blocks signaling and function by irisin in osteocytes and fat cells. Irisin increases both osteocytic survival and production of sclerostin, a local modulator of bone remodeling. Genetic ablation of FNDC5 (or irisin) completely blocks osteocytic osteolysis induced by ovariectomy, preventing bone loss and supporting an important role of irisin in skeletal remodeling. Identification of the irisin receptor should greatly facilitate our understanding of irisin's function in exercise and human health.

A Review of Integrin-Mediated Endothelial Cell Phenotype in the Design of Cardiovascular Devices

Sustained biomaterial thromboresistance has long been a goal and challenge in blood-contacting device design. Endothelialization is one of the most successful strategies to achieve long-term thromboresistance of blood-contacting devices, with the endothelial cell layer providing dynamic hemostatic regulation. It is well established that endothelial cell behavior is influenced by interactions with the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM). Numerous researchers have sought to exploit these interactions to generate improved blood-contacting devices by investigating the expression of hemostatic regulators in endothelial cells on various ECM coatings. The ability to select substrates that promote endothelial cell-mediated thromboresistance is crucial to advancing material design strategies to improve cardiovascular device outcomes. This review provides an overview of endothelial cell regulation of hemostasis, the major components found within the cardiovascular basal lamina, and the interactions of endothelial cells with prominent ECM components of the basement membrane. A summary of ECM-mimetic strategies used in cardiovascular devices is provided with a focus on the effects of key adhesion modalities on endothelial cell regulators of hemostasis.

The role of osteopontin in kidney diseases

BACKGROUND

Osteopontin (OPN) is a pleiotropic glycoprotein expressed in various cell types in animals and in humans, including bone, immune, smooth muscle, epithelial and endothelial cells. Moreover, OPN is found in kidneys (in the thick ascending limbs of the loop of Henle and in distal nephrons) and urine. The protein plays an important role in mineralization and bone resorption. In addition, OPN is involved in the regulation of immunity and inflammation, angiogenesis and apoptosis. It was demonstrated that OPN and some OPN gene polymorphic variants are associated with the pathogenesis and progression of multiple disorders, such as cancer, autoimmune, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, recent studies suggested that OPN is associated with the pathogenesis of renal failure.

METHODS

In this review, I briefly discussed the role of OPN and its gene polymorphisms in kidney physiology, as well as in various kidney diseases.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

Most studies reported that OPN expression is elevated in urolithiasis, and also in acute and chronic kidney diseases, and in renal allograft dysfunction. Moreover, it was demonstrated that polymorphic variants of the OPN gene may be associated with renal failure. However, some reports suggested that OPN is essential for tubulogenesis, and that it inhibits calcium oxalate crystal formation and retention, nitric oxide synthesis, cell apoptosis and promotes cell regeneration. Thus, further studies are required to fully understand the role of OPN in kidney physiology and pathology. Eventually, these studies may result in the identification of OPN as a valuable marker for renal dysfunction prognosis and treatment.

Elevated extracellular calcium ions promote proliferation and migration of mesenchymal stem cells via increasing osteopontin expression

Supplementation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at sites of bone resorption is required for bone homeostasis because of the non-proliferation and short lifespan properties of the osteoblasts. Calcium ions (Ca2+) are released from the bone surfaces during osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. However, how elevated extracellular Ca2+ concentrations would alter MSCs behavior in the proximal sites of bone resorption is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of extracellular Ca2+ on MSCs phenotype depending on Ca2+ concentrations. We found that the elevated extracellular Ca2+ promoted cell proliferation and matrix mineralization of MSCs. In addition, MSCs induced the expression and secretion of osteopontin (OPN), which enhanced MSCs migration under the elevated extracellular Ca2+ conditions. We developed in vitro osteoclast-mediated bone resorption conditions using mouse calvaria bone slices and demonstrated Ca2+ is released from bone resorption surfaces. We also showed that the MSCs phenotype, including cell proliferation and migration, changed when the cells were treated with a bone resorption-conditioned medium. These findings suggest that the dynamic changes in Ca2+ concentrations in the microenvironments of bone remodeling surfaces modulate MSCs phenotype and thereby contribute to bone regeneration.

Biological role of site-specific O-glycosylation in cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation of osteopontin

Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular glycosylated phosphoprotein that promotes cell adhesion by interacting with several integrin receptors. We previously reported that an OPN mutant lacking five O-glycosylation sites (Thr¹³⁴/Thr¹³⁸/Thr¹⁴³/Thr¹⁴⁷/Thr¹⁵²) in the threonine/proline-rich region increased cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation compared with the wild type. However, the role of O-glycosylation in cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation of OPN remains to be clarified. Here, we show that site-specific O-glycosylation in the threonine/proline-rich region of OPN affects its cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation independently and/or synergistically. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we found that OPN mutants with substitution sets of Thr¹³⁴/Thr¹³⁸ or Thr¹⁴³/Thr¹⁴⁷/Thr¹⁵² had decreased and increased cell adhesion activity, respectively. In contrast, the introduction of a single mutation into the O-glycosylation sites had no effect on OPN cell adhesion activity. An adhesion assay using function-blocking antibodies against αvβ3 and β1 integrins, as well as αvβ3 integrin-overexpressing A549 cells, revealed that site-specific O-glycosylation affected the association of OPN with the two integrins. Phosphorylation analyses using phos-tag and LC-MS/MS indicated that phosphorylation levels and sites were influenced by the O-glycosylation status, although the number of O-glycosylation sites was not correlated with the phosphorylation level in OPN. Furthermore, a correlation analysis between phosphorylation level and cell adhesion activity in OPN mutants with the site-specific O-glycosylation showed that they were not always correlated. These results provide conclusive evidence of a novel regulatory mechanism of cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation of OPN by site-specific O-glycosylation.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Emerging Roles in Bone Metastasis

Bone metastasis is the most advanced stage of many cancers and indicates a poor prognosis for patients due to resistance to anti-tumor therapies. The establishment of metastasis within the bone is a multistep process. To ensure survival within the bone marrow, tumor cells must initially colonize a niche in which they can enter dormancy. Subsequently, reactivation permits the proliferation and growth of the tumor cells, giving rise to a macro-metastasis displayed clinically as a bone metastatic lesion. Here, we review the evidences that suggest mesenchymal stromal cells play an important role in each of these steps throughout the development of bone metastasis. Similarities between the molecular mechanisms implicated in these processes and those involved in the homeostasis of the bone indicate that the metastatic cells may exploit the homeostatic processes to their own advantage. Identifying the molecular interactions between the mesenchymal stromal cells and tumor cells that promote tumor development may offer insight into potential therapeutic targets that could be utilized to treat bone metastasis.

Osteoblast-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Are Biological Tools for the Delivery of Active Molecules to Bone

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are newly appreciated regulators of tissue homeostasis and a means of intercellular communication. Reports have investigated the role of EVs and their cargoes in cellular regulation and have tried to fine-tune their biotechnological use, but to date very little is known on their function in bone biology. To investigate the relevance of EV-mediated communication between bone cells, we isolated EVs from primary mouse osteoblasts and assessed membrane integrity, size, and structure by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). EVs actively shuttled loaded fluorochromes to osteoblasts, monocytes, and endothelial cells. Moreover, osteoblast EVs contained mRNAs shared with donor cells. Osteoblasts are known to regulate osteoclastogenesis, osteoclast survival, and osteoclast function by the pro-osteoclastic cytokine, receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (Rankl). Osteoblast EVs were enriched in Rankl, which increased after PTH treatment. These EVs were biologically active, supporting osteoclast survival. EVs isolated from rankl^-/- osteoblasts lost this pro-osteoclastic function, indicating its Rankl-dependence. They integrated ex vivo into murine calvariae, and EV-shuttled fluorochromes were quickly taken up by the bone upon in vivo EV systemic administration. Rankl^-/- mice lack the osteoclast lineage and are negative for its specific marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP). Treatment of rankl^-/- mice with wild-type osteoblast EVs induced the appearance of TRAcP-positive cells in an EV density-dependent manner. Finally, osteoblast EVs internalized and shuttled anti-osteoclast drugs (zoledronate and dasatinib), inhibiting osteoclast activity in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that osteoblast EVs are involved in intercellular communication between bone cells, contribute to the Rankl pro-osteoclastic effect, and shuttle anti-osteoclast drugs, representing a potential means of targeted therapeutic delivery. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.

Structural Insights into the Osteopontin-Aptamer Complex by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Osteopontin is an intrinsically disordered protein involved in tissue remodeling. As a biomarker for pathological hypertrophy and fibrosis, the protein is targeted by an RNA aptamer. In this work, we model the interactions between osteopontin and its aptamer, including mono- (Na⁺) and divalent (Mg²⁺) cations. The molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the presence of divalent cations forces the N-terminus of osteopontin to bind the shell of divalent cations adsorbed over the surface of its RNA aptamer, the latter exposing a high negative charge density. The osteopontin plasticity as a function of the local concentration of Mg is discussed in the frame of the proposed strategies for osteopontin targeting as biomarker and in theranostic.

The role of α9β1 integrin and its ligands in the development of autoimmune diseases

Adhesion of cells to extracellular matrix proteins through integrins expressed on the cell surface is important for cell adhesion/motility, survival, and differentiation. Recently, α9β1 integrin was reported to be important for the development of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and their murine models. In addition, ligands for α9β1 integrin, such as osteopontin and tenascin-C, are well established as key regulators of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, this review focused on the role of interactions between α9β1 integrin and its ligands in the development of autoimmune diseases.

Early and late gene expression profiles of the ovine mucosa in response to Haemonchus contortus infection employing Illumina RNA-seq technology

We conducted herein transcriptome sequencing of the ovine abomasal tissues using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 platform to segregate early and late H. contortus-infected sheep (7 and 50days post-infected groups, respectively) from the control naive ones. A total of 548, 357 and 7 were substantially induced genes in 7days post-infection versus uninfected-control group, 50days post-infection versus 7days post-infection (7dpi), and 50days post-infection (50dpi) versus uninfected-control group, respectively. However, a total of 301, 355 and 11 were significantly repressed genes between 7dpi versus uninfected-control group, 50dpi versus 7dpi, and 50dpi versus uninfected-control group, correspondingly. This indicates that H. contortus infection induced a more potent activation of abomasal gene expression in the early stage of infection as compared to the late stage. Seven pathways were annotated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes, and Genomes pathway analysis accounted for the significant percentage in early H. contortus infection. This study shows for the first time that both galectin-11 and matricellular protein osteopontin are up-regulated in abomasal tissue after chronic H. contortus infection, while galectin-4 is specifically down-regulated in the early infection. Additionally, our results showed that the induction or repression of these molecules is likely to determine the infection progression.

Osteopontin activates the diabetes-associated potassium channel TALK-1 in pancreatic β-cells

Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) relies on β-cell Ca2+ influx, which is modulated by the two-pore-domain K+ (K2P) channel, TALK-1. A gain-of-function polymorphism in KCNK16, the gene encoding TALK-1, increases risk for developing type-2 diabetes. While TALK-1 serves an important role in modulating GSIS, the regulatory mechanism(s) that control β-cell TALK-1 channels are unknown. Therefore, we employed a membrane-specific yeast two-hybrid (MYTH) assay to identify TALK-1-interacting proteins in human islets, which will assist in determining signaling modalities that modulate TALK-1 function. Twenty-one proteins from a human islet cDNA library interacted with TALK-1. Some of these interactions increased TALK-1 activity, including intracellular osteopontin (iOPN). Intracellular OPN is highly expressed in β-cells and is upregulated under pre-diabetic conditions to help maintain normal β-cell function; however, the functional role of iOPN in β-cells is poorly understood. We found that iOPN colocalized with TALK-1 in pancreatic sections and coimmunoprecipitated with human islet TALK-1 channels. As human β-cells express two K+ channel-forming variants of TALK-1, regulation of these TALK-1 variants by iOPN was assessed. At physiological voltages iOPN activated TALK-1 transcript variant 3 channels but not TALK-1 transcript variant 2 channels. Activation of TALK-1 channels by iOPN also hyperpolarized resting membrane potential (Vm) in HEK293 cells and in primary mouse β-cells. Intracellular OPN was also knocked down in β-cells to test its effect on β-cell TALK-1 channel activity. Reducing β-cell iOPN significantly decreased TALK-1 K+ currents and increased glucose-stimulated Ca2+ influx. Importantly, iOPN did not affect the function of other K2P channels or alter Ca2+ influx into TALK-1 deficient β-cells. These results reveal the first protein interactions with the TALK-1 channel and found that an interaction with iOPN increased β-cell TALK-1 K+ currents. The TALK-1/iOPN complex caused Vm hyperpolarization and reduced β-cell glucose-stimulated Ca2+ influx, which is predicted to inhibit GSIS.

Mesenchymal stem cells: key players in cancer progression

Tumour progression is dependent on the interaction between tumour cells and cells of the surrounding microenvironment. The tumour is a dynamic milieu consisting of various cell types such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, cells of the immune system and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are multipotent stromal cells that are known to reside in various areas such as the bone marrow, fat and dental pulp. MSCs have been found to migrate towards inflammatory sites and studies have shown that they also migrate towards and incorporate into the tumour. The key question is how they interact there. MSCs may interact with tumour cells through paracrine signalling. On the other hand, MSCs have the capacity to differentiate to various cell types such as osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes and it is possible that MSCs differentiate at the site of the tumour. More recently it has been shown that cross-talk between tumour cells and MSCs has been shown to increase metastatic potential and promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This review will focus on the role of MSCs in tumour development at various stages of progression from growth of the primary tumour to the establishment of distant metastasis.

Role of Osteopontin in Liver Diseases

Osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional protein, is involved in numerous pathological conditions including inflammation, immunity, angiogenesis, fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis in various tissues. Extensive studies have elucidated the critical role of OPN in cell signaling such as regulation of cell proliferation, migration, inflammation, fibrosis and tumor progression. In the liver, OPN interacts with integrins, CD44, vimentin and MyD88 signaling, thereby induces infiltration, migration, invasion and metastasis of cells. OPN is highlighted as a chemoattractant for macrophages and neutrophils during injury in inflammatory liver diseases. OPN activates hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to exert an enhancer in fibrogenesis. The role of OPN in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has also generated significant interests, especially with regards to its role as a diagnostic and prognostic factor. Interestingly, OPN acts an opposing role in liver repair under different pathological conditions. This review summarizes the current understanding of OPN in liver diseases. Further understanding of the pathophysiological role of OPN in cellular interactions and molecular mechanisms associated with hepatic inflammation, fibrosis and cancer may contribute to the development of novel strategies for clinical diagnosis, monitoring and therapy of liver diseases.

Possible Underlying Mechanisms of the Renoprotective Effect of Remote Limb Ischemic Preconditioning Against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: A Role of Osteopontin, Transforming Growth Factor-Beta and Survivin

BACKGROUND

It has been documented that remote limb ischemic preconditioning (rIPC) protect kidneys against renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). We hypothesized that osteopontin (OPN), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), apoptotic proteins (survivin and caspase-3) and oxidative stress play role in the renoprotective effects of rIPC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 3 equal groups: sham group, I/R group (left renal 45 min ischemia) and rIPC group (as I/R group with 3 cycles of left hind limb ischemia just before renal ischemia). Each group was subdivided into 24, 48 and 72 h groups according to the time of sacrifice. We measured serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) at the baseline and end points. Also, left kidney was harvested at study end points for assessment of the expression of OPN, TGF-β, apoptotic proteins (survivin and caspase-3) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) in kidney tissues and histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine and BUN levels and histopathological damage score were significantly lower in rIPC group than I/R group (p < 0.005). Also, compared to I/R group, the levels of MDA and the expression of OPN, TGF-β and caspase-3 in kidney tissues were significantly lower in rIPC group, while the levels of SOD and GSH and the expression of survivin in kidney tissues were significantly higher in rIPC group at all time points (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

rIPC exhibited protective effects against renal I/R injury which might be due to inhibition of OPN expression, inflammatory cytokine TGF-β and caspase-3 and activation of anti-apoptotic protein survivin as well as improvement of oxidative stress in kidney tissues.

Myocardial Expression Analysis of Osteopontin and Its Splice Variants in Patients Affected by End-Stage Idiopathic or Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphoglycoprotein of cardiac extracellular matrix and it is still poorly defined whether its expression changes in failing heart of different origin. The full-length OPN-a and its isoforms (OPN-b, OPN-c) transcriptomic profile were evaluated in myocardium of patients with dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy (DCM n = 8; LVEF% = 17.5±3; ICM n = 8; LVEF% = 19.5±5.2) and in auricle of valvular patients (VLP n = 5; LVEF%≥50), by Real-time PCR analysis. OPN-a and thrombin mRNA levels resulted significantly higher in DCM compared to ICM patients (DCM:31.3±7.4, ICM:2.7±1.1, p = 0.0002; DCM:19.1±4.9, ICM:5.4±2.2, p = 0.007, respectively). Although both genes’ mRNA levels increased in patients with LVEF<50% (DCM+ICM) with respect to VLP with LVEF>50%, a significant increase in OPN (p = 0.0004) and thrombin (p = 0.001) expression was observed only in DCM. In addition, a correlation between OPN-a and thrombin was found in patients with LVEF<50% (r = 0.6; p = 0.003). The mRNA pattern was confirmed by OPN-a cardiac protein concentration (VLP:1.127±0.26; DCM:1.29±0.22; ICM:1.00±0.077 ng/ml). The OPN splice variants expression were detectable only in ICM (OPN-b: 0.357±0.273; OPN-c: 0.091±0.033) and not in DCM patients. A significant correlation was observed between collagen type I, evaluated by immunohistochemistry analysis, and both OPN-a mRNA expression (r = 0.87, p = 0.002) and OPN protein concentrations (r = 0.77, p = 0.016). Concluding, OPN-a and thrombin mRNA resulted dependent on the origin of heart failure while OPN-b and OPN-c highlighted a different expression for DCM and ICM patients, suggesting their correlation with different clinical-pathophysiological setting.

The Dentin Sialoprotein (DSP) Domain Regulates Dental Mesenchymal Cell Differentiation through a Novel Surface Receptor

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is a dentin extracellular matrix protein that is processed into dentin sialoprotein (DSP), dentin glycoprotein (DGP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP). DSP is mainly expressed in odontoblasts. We hypothesized that DSP interacts with cell surface receptors and subsequently activates intracellular signaling. Using DSP as bait for screening a protein library, we demonstrate that DSP acts as a ligand and binds to integrin β6. The 36 amino acid residues of DSP are sufficient to bind to integrin β6. This peptide promoted cell attachment, migration, differentiation and mineralization of dental mesenchymal cells. In addition, DSP (aa183-219) stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and P38 kinases. This activation was inhibited by an anti-integrin β6 antibody and siRNA. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this DSP fragment induces SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation via ERK1/2 and P38 signaling. SMAD1/5/8 binds to SMAD binding elements (SBEs) in the DSPP gene promoter. SBE mutations result in a decrease in DSPP transcriptional activity. Endogenous DSPP expression was up-regulated by DSP (aa183-219) in dental mesenchymal cells. The data in the current study demonstrate for the first time that this DSP domain acts as a ligand in a RGD-independent manner and is involved in intracellular signaling via interacting with integrin β6. The DSP domain regulates DSPP expression and odontoblast homeostasis via a positive feedback loop.

Thrombin Cleavage of Osteopontin Modulates Its Activities in Human Cells In Vitro and Mouse Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo

Osteopontin is a proinflammatory cytokine and plays a pathogenetic role in multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), by recruiting autoreactive T cells into the central nervous system. Osteopontin functions are modulated by thrombin cleavage generating N- and C-terminal fragment, whose individual roles are only partly known. Published data are difficult to compare since they have been obtained with heterogeneous approaches. Interestingly, thrombin cleavage of osteopontin unmasks a cryptic domain of interaction with α₄β₁ integrin that is the main adhesion molecule involved in lymphocyte transmigration to the brain and is the target for natalizumab, the most potent drug preventing relapses. We produced recombinant osteopontin and its N- and C-terminal fragments in an eukaryotic system in order to allow their posttranslational modifications. We investigated, in vitro, their effect on human cells and in vivo in EAE. We found that the osteopontin cleavage plays a key role in the function of this cytokine and that the two fragments exert distinct effects both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that drugs targeting each fragment may be used to fine-tune the pathological effects of osteopontin in several diseases.

Inhibition of Cellular Adhesion by Immunological Targeting of Osteopontin Neoepitopes Generated through Matrix Metalloproteinase and Thrombin Cleavage

Osteopontin (OPN), a secreted protein involved in inflammatory processes and cancer, induces cell adhesion, migration, and activation of inflammatory pathways in various cell types. Cells bind OPN via integrins at a canonical RGD region in the full length form as well as to a contiguous cryptic site that some have shown is unmasked upon thrombin or matrix metalloproteinase cleavage. Thus, the adhesive capacity of osteopontin is enhanced by proteolytic cleavage that may occur in inflammatory conditions such as obesity, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, tumor growth and metastasis. Our aim was to inhibit cellular adhesion to recombinant truncated proteins that correspond to the N-terminal cleavage products of thrombin- or matrix metalloproteinase-cleaved OPN in vitro. We specifically targeted the cryptic integrin binding site with monoclonal antibodies and antisera induced by peptide immunization of mice. HEK 293 cells adhered markedly stronger to truncated OPN proteins than to full length OPN. Without affecting cell binding to the full length form, the raised monoclonal antibodies specifically impeded cellular adhesion to the OPN fragments. Moreover, we show that the peptides used for immunization were able to induce antisera, which impeded adhesion either to all OPN forms, including the full-length form, or selectively to the corresponding truncated recombinant proteins. In conclusion, we developed immunological tools to selectively target functional properties of protease-cleaved OPN forms, which could find applications in treatment and prevention of various inflammatory diseases and cancers.

Lysosomal trafficking of TGFBIp via caveolae-mediated endocytosis

Transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein (TGFBIp) is ubiquitously expressed in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of various tissues and cell lines. Progressive accumulation of mutant TGFBIp is directly involved in the pathogenesis of TGFBI-linked corneal dystrophy. Recent studies reported that mutant TGFBIp accumulates in cells; however, the trafficking of TGFBIp is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated TGFBIp trafficking to determine the route of its internalization and secretion and to elucidate its roles in the pathogenesis of granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2). Our data indicate that newly synthesized TGFBIp was secreted via the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi-dependent secretory pathway, and this secretion was delayed in the corneal fibroblasts of patients with GCD2. We also found that TGFBIp was internalized by caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and the internalized TGFBIp accumulated after treatment with bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of lysosomal degradation. In addition, the proteasome inhibitor MG132 inhibits the endocytosis of TGFBIp. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed that TGFBIp interacted with integrin α_Vβ₃. Moreover, treatment with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) tripeptide suppressed the internalization of TGFBIp. These insights on TGFBIp trafficking could lead to the identification of novel targets and the development of new therapies for TGFBI-linked corneal dystrophy.

Gonadotropin regulation and role of ovarian osteopontin in the periovulatory period

Osteopontin (OPN), a secreted glycoprotein, has multiple physiological functions. This study investigated the regulation and roles of OPN in the mouse ovary during the periovulatory stages. Immature female mice were treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to simulate follicle maturation and ovulation. In situ hybridization and real-time RT-PCR were performed to assess expression of Opn in the periovulatory ovary. Granulosa cells (GCs) from PMSG-primed immature mice were cultured with or without hCG in the presence or absence of OPN, and effects on expression of Opn, progesterone synthesis, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling were assessed by real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, and western blotting analysis. Opn transcripts were significantly upregulated 3 h after hCG treatment, followed by a peak at 16 h, and the transcripts localized to GCs. Incubation with hCG significantly increased quantities of Opn transcripts in GCs and OPN levels in the culture medium at 12 and 24 h. Furthermore, OPN treatment caused a significant increase in the levels of Star protein, P 450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (p450scc), 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Hsd3b), and progesterone in the culture medium. OPN treatment promoted Vegf expression in GCs, which was significantly suppressed by a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. In addition, OPN treatment stimulated phosphorylation of AKT, a downstream PI3K signaling molecule. In conclusion, expression of Opn was upregulated in mouse ovarian GCs in response to a gonadotropin surge through epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, which enhances progesterone synthesis and Vegf expression during the early-luteal phase.

Osteopontin: a leading candidate adhesion molecule for implantation in pigs and sheep

Osteopontin (OPN; also known as Secreted Phosphoprotein 1, SPP1) is a secreted extra-cellular matrix (ECM) protein that binds to a variety of cell surface integrins to stimulate cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion and communication. It is generally accepted that OPN interacts with apically expressed integrin receptors on the uterine luminal epithelium (LE) and conceptus trophectoderm to attach the conceptus to the uterus for implantation. Research conducted with pigs and sheep has significantly advanced understanding of the role(s) of OPN during implantation through exploitation of the prolonged peri-implantation period of pregnancy when elongating conceptuses are free within the uterine lumen requiring extensive paracrine signaling between conceptus and endometrium. This is followed by a protracted and incremental attachment cascade of trophectoderm to uterine LE during implantation, and development of a true epitheliochorial or synepitheliochorial placenta exhibited by pigs and sheep, respectively. In pigs, implanting conceptuses secrete estrogens which induce the synthesis and secretion of OPN in adjacent uterine LE. OPN then binds to αvβ6 integrin receptors on trophectoderm, and the αvβ3 integrin receptors on uterine LE to bridge conceptus attachment to uterine LE for implantation. In sheep, implanting conceptuses secrete interferon tau that prolongs the lifespan of CL. Progesterone released by CL then induces OPN synthesis and secretion from the endometrial GE into the uterine lumen where OPN binds integrins expressed on trophectoderm (αvβ3) and uterine LE (identity of specific integrins unknown) to adhere the conceptus to the uterus for implantation. OPN binding to the αvβ3 integrin receptor on ovine trophectoderm cells induces in vitro focal adhesion assembly, a prerequisite for adhesion and migration of trophectoderm, through activation of: 1) P70S6K via crosstalk between FRAP1/MTOR and MAPK pathways; 2) MTOR, PI3K, MAPK3/MAPK1 (Erk1/2) and MAPK14 (p38) signaling to stimulate trohectoderm cell migration; and 3) focal adhesion assembly and myosin II motor activity to induce migration of trophectoderm cells. Further large in vivo focal adhesions assemble at the uterine-placental interface of both pigs and sheep and identify the involvement of sizable mechanical forces at this interface during discrete periods of trophoblast migration, attachment and placentation in both species.

The effect of osteopontin and osteopontin-derived peptides on preterm brain injury

Background

Osteopontin (OPN) is a highly phosphorylated sialoprotein and a soluble cytokine that is widely expressed in a variety of tissues, including the brain. OPN and OPN-derived peptides have been suggested to have potential neuroprotective effects against ischemic brain injury, but their role in preterm brain injury is unknown.

Methods

We used a hypoxia-ischemia (HI)-induced preterm brain injury model in postnatal day 5 mice. OPN and OPN-derived peptides were given intracerebroventricularly and intranasally before HI. Brain injury was evaluated at 7 days after the insults.

Results

There was a significant increase in endogenous OPN mRNA and OPN protein in the mouse brain after the induction of HI at postnatal day 5. Administration of full-length OPN protein and thrombin-cleaved OPN did not affect preterm brain injury. This was demonstrated with both intracerebroventricular and intranasal administration of OPN as well as in OPN-deficient mice. Interestingly, both N134–153 and C154–198 OPN-derived peptides increased the severity of brain injury in this HI-induced preterm brain injury model.

Conclusions

The neuroprotective effects of OPN are age-dependent, and, in contrast to the more mature brain, OPN-derived peptides potentiate injury in postnatal day 5 mice. Intranasal administration is an efficient way of delivering drugs to the central nervous system (CNS) in neonatal mice and is likely to be an easy and noninvasive method of drug delivery to the CNS in preterm infants.

Osteopontin binding to the alpha 4 integrin requires highest affinity integrin conformation, but is independent of post-translational modifications of osteopontin

Osteopontin (OPN) is a ligand for the α4ß1 integrin, but the physiological importance of this binding is not well understood. Here, we have assessed the effect of post-translational modifications on OPN binding to the α4 integrin on cultured human leukocyte cell lines and compared OPN interaction with α4 integrin to that of VCAM and fibronectin. Jurkat cells, whose α4 integrins are inherently activated, adhered to different preparations of OPN in the presence of Mn(2+): the EC50 of adhesion was not affected by phosphorylation or glycosylation status. Thrombin cleavage of OPN at the C-terminus of the α4 integrin-binding site also did not affect binding affinity. THP-1 cells express a low-affinity conformation of the integrin and adhered to OPN only in the presence of Mn(2+) plus PMA or an activating antibody. This was in contrast to VCAM and fibronectin: THP-1 cells adhered to these ligands without integrin activation. Studies with ligand-induced binding site antibodies demonstrated that the SVVYGLR peptide of OPN bound to the α4 integrin with a similar affinity as the LDV peptide of fibronectin, suggesting that a high off-rate is responsible for the reduced binding of OPN to the low-affinity forms of this integrin. Together, the results suggest OPN has very low affinity for the α4 integrin on human leukocytes under physiological conditions.

Osteopontin has a crucial role in osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cell formation

The osteoclast (OC) is a major player in the pathogenic bone destruction of inflammatory bone diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Recently, it was shown that immature dendritic cells (iDC) fuse faster and more efficiently than monocytes in forming OC-like multinucleated giant cells (MGCs), and that osteopontin (OPN) is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bone diseases. In this study, we hypothesized that OPN is a key factor for generation of OC-like MGCs from iDCs. We used an in vitro culture system to differentiate iDCs, derived from monocytes obtained from the blood of healthy donors, into OC-like MGCs. We evaluated OPN levels and expression of OPN receptors during the course of differentiation. OPN has an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif, and protease cleavage reveals a SVVYGLR motif. The concentrations of both full-length and cleaved forms of OPN increased during the course of OC-like MGC formation. Expression of OPN RGD- and SVVYGLR-recognizing receptors also increased at later stages. We analyzed whether blocking OPN binding to its receptors affected OC-like MGC formation. Monocytes treated with OPN siRNA were able to differentiate into iDCs effectively; however, differentiation of these iDCs into OC-like MGCs was significantly reduced. The formation of OC-like MGCs was not significantly reduced by RGD synthetic peptide. By contrast, SVVYGLR synthetic peptide caused a significant reduction. These data suggest that the cleaved form of OPN plays a critical role in driving iDC differentiation into OC-like MGCs in the early phase of differentiation, in an autocrine and/or paracrine fashion.

Decreased dickkopf-1 levels in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and increased osteopontin levels in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at initial diagnosis: Could they be playing roles in pathogenesis?

Aims We determined plasma levels of dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and osteopontin (OPN) which have roles in the Wnt pathway in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients and in healthy controls. We also tested whether DKK-1 and OPN levels could be of clinical or prognostic significance in CLL and NHL. Methods We included 36 CLL, 24 NHL patients, and 21 healthy controls. Patients' clinical and demographic features, treatment modalities, and response to treatment were recorded. DKK-1 and OPN levels in plasma obtained at initial diagnosis were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results CLL patients had significantly lower DKK-1 levels than NHL and control groups (P levels, respectively, 0.048 and 0.017). OPN level was significantly higher in NHL group than in CLL and control groups (P values, 0.017 and <0.001). CLL patients with early and late Rai stages of disease had similar DKK-1 and OPN levels. After a median follow-up of 48 months, 13 CLL patients died. Univariate analysis showed that advanced Rai stages and older age were significantly poor prognostic factors. DKK-1 level in CLL patients who have died was significantly lower than those who were alive (P = 0.035). NHL patients with extranodal involvement had significantly higher OPN levels than those with no involvement (P = 0.04). Conclusions Our results demonstrated that the Wnt pathway inhibitor DKK-1 was decreased in CLL. OPN was increased in NHL and associated with extranodal involvement. In order to reveal the pathogenic and clinical roles of DKK-1 and OPN in CLL and NHL, larger studies need to be conducted.

Increased neurotrophic factor levels in ventral mesencephalic cultures do not explain the protective effect of osteopontin and the synthetic 15-mer RGD domain against MPP+ toxicity

The synthetic 15-mer arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) domain of osteopontin (OPN) is protective in vitro and in vivo against dopaminergic cell death and this protective effect may be mediated through interaction with integrin receptors to regulate neurotrophic factor levels. We now examine this concept in rat primary ventral mesencephalic (VM) cultures. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) exposure reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cell number and activated glial cells as shown by increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), oxycocin-42 (OX-42) and ectodermal dysplasia 1 (ED-1) immunoreactivity. Both OPN and the RGD domain of OPN were equally protective against MPP+ toxicity in VM cultures and both increased glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. The effects of OPN and the RGD domain were accompanied by a decrease in numbers of activated microglia but with no change in astrocyte number. However, full-length OPN and the RGD domain of OPN remained protective against MPP+ toxicity in the presence of a GDNF neutralising antibody. This suggests that increased GDNF levels do not underlie the protective effect observed with OPN. Rather, OPN's protective effect may be mediated through decreased glial cell activation.

Role of osteopontin in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by joint swelling, joint tenderness, and destruction of synovial joints, leading to severe disability and premature mortality. RA is a multifactorial disease with genetic, environmental, and stochastic components related to its susceptibility. It has been demonstrated that the expression of osteopontin (OPN) is upregulated in the RA patients. Numerous studies have indicated that the full-length OPN or even OPN fragments, such as thrombin-cleaved OPN and its receptors, play the key roles in RA pathogenesis. Therapeutic application of siRNA to target OPN or neutralizing antibodies related to OPN epitopes in RA animal models are in progress, and some results are encouraging. However, there is a long way to go along with the clinical trials. This review focuses on the recent development in research associated with the OPN role in the pathogenesis of RA and provides insights concerning the OPN targeting as therapeutic approaches for patients with RA.

Role of osteopontin in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic disease, caused by a variety of factors, which lead to immunological abnormalities. Osteopontin (OPN) is a pleiotropic protein, important in bone remodeling and immune system signaling. OPN, produced by various cells, including immune cells, plays a key role in regulating T-helper 1/T-helper 2 balance, stimulating B lymphocytes to produce antibodies, regulating macrophages, neutrophils and inducing dendritic cells. OPN expression is influenced by genetic polymorphisms of its promoter, hormones and cytokines. Over expression of OPN has been associated with the pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases. OPN has been implicated in the development of murine model of lupus and in humans with SLE. In this review, I will present current state of research on the role of OPN and OPN gene polymorphisms in pathogenesis and clinical course of SLE. A better understanding of the role of OPN in SLE will contribute to more precise diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Antheraea pernyi silk fibroin-coated PEI/DNA complexes for targeted gene delivery in HEK 293 and HCT 116 cells

Polyethylenimine (PEI) has attracted much attention as a DNA condenser, but its toxicity and non-specific targeting limit its potential. To overcome these limitations, Antheraea pernyi silk fibroin (ASF), a natural protein rich in arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD) peptides that contains negative surface charges in a neutral aqueous solution, was used to coat PEI/DNA complexes to form ASF/PEI/DNA ternary complexes. Coating these complexes with ASF caused fewer surface charges and greater size compared with the PEI/DNA complexes alone. In vitro transfection studies revealed that incorporation of ASF led to greater transfection efficiencies in both HEK (human embryonic kidney) 293 and HCT (human colorectal carcinoma) 116 cells, albeit with less electrostatic binding affinity for the cells. Moreover, the transfection efficiency in the HCT 116 cells was higher than that in the HEK 293 cells under the same conditions, which may be due to the target bonding affinity of the RGD peptides in ASF for integrins on the HCT 116 cell surface. This result indicated that the RGD binding affinity in ASF for integrins can enhance the specific targeting affinity to compensate for the reduction in electrostatic binding between ASF-coated PEI carriers and cells. Cell viability measurements showed higher cell viability after transfection of ASF/PEI/DNA ternary complexes than after transfection of PEI/DNA binary complexes alone. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release studies further confirmed the improvement in the targeting effect of ASF/PEI/DNA ternary complexes to cells. These results suggest that ASF-coated PEI is a preferred transfection reagent and useful for improving both the transfection efficiency and cell viability of PEI-based nonviral vectors.