α6β4 integrin, a master regulator of expression of integrins in human keratinocytes

Gene-edited cells: novel allogeneic gene/cell therapy for epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare genetic skin fragility disorders, which are hereditary. These disorders are associated with mutations in at least 16 genes that encode components of the epidermal adhesion complex. Currently, there are no effective treatments for this disorder. All current treatment approaches focus on topical treatments to prevent complications and infections. In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in the treatment of the severe genetic skin blistering condition known as EB through preclinical and clinical advancements. Promising developments have emerged in the areas of protein and cell therapies, such as allogeneic stem cell transplantation; in addition, RNA-based therapies and gene therapy approaches have also become a reality. Stem cells obtained from embryonic or adult tissues, including the skin, are undifferentiated cells with the ability to generate, maintain, and replace fully developed cells and tissues. Recent advancements in preclinical and clinical research have significantly enhanced stem cell therapy, presenting a promising treatment option for various diseases that are not effectively addressed by current medical treatments. Different types of stem cells such as primarily hematopoietic and mesenchymal, obtained from the patient or from a donor, have been utilized to treat severe forms of diseases, each with some beneficial effects. In addition, extensive research has shown that gene transfer methods targeting allogeneic and autologous epidermal stem cells to replace or correct the defective gene are promising. These methods can regenerate and restore the adhesion of primary keratinocytes in EB patients. The long-term treatment of skin lesions in a small number of patients has shown promising results through the transplantation of skin grafts produced from gene-corrected autologous epidermal stem cells. This article attempts to summarize the current situation, potential development prospects, and some of the challenges related to the cell therapy approach for EB treatment.

Mechanotransduction via endothelial adhesion molecule CD31 initiates transmigration and reveals a role for VEGFR2 in diapedesis

Engagement of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM, PECAM-1, CD31) on the leukocyte pseudopod with PECAM at the endothelial cell border initiates transendothelial migration (TEM, diapedesis). We show, using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), that physical traction on endothelial PECAM during TEM initiated the endothelial signaling pathway. In this role, endothelial PECAM acted as part of a mechanotransduction complex with VE-cadherin and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), and this predicted that VEGFR2 was required for efficient TEM. We show that TEM required both VEGFR2 and the ability of its Y1175 to be phosphorylated, but not VEGF or VEGFR2 endogenous kinase activity. Using inducible endothelial-specific VEGFR2-deficient mice, we show in three mouse models of inflammation that the absence of endothelial VEGFR2 significantly (by ≥75%) reduced neutrophil extravasation by selectively blocking diapedesis. These findings provide a more complete understanding of the process of transmigration and identify several potential anti-inflammatory targets.

Junctional epithelium and hemidesmosomes: Tape and rivets for solving the "percutaneous device dilemma" in dental and other permanent implants

The percutaneous device dilemma describes etiological factors, centered around the disrupted epithelial tissue surrounding non-remodelable devices, that contribute to rampant percutaneous device infection. Natural percutaneous organs, in particular their extracellular matrix mediating the "device"/epithelium interface, serve as exquisite examples to inspire longer lasting long-term percutaneous device design. For example, the tooth's imperviousness to infection is mediated by the epithelium directly surrounding it, the junctional epithelium (JE). The hallmark feature of JE is formation of hemidesmosomes, cell/matrix adhesive structures that attach surrounding oral gingiva to the tooth's enamel through a basement membrane. Here, the authors survey the multifaceted functions of the JE, emphasizing the role of the matrix, with a particular focus on hemidesmosomes and their five main components. The authors highlight the known (and unknown) effects dental implant - as a model percutaneous device - placement has on JE regeneration and synthesize this information for application to other percutaneous devices. The authors conclude with a summary of bioengineering strategies aimed at solving the percutaneous device dilemma and invigorating greater collaboration between clinicians, bioengineers, and matrix biologists.

Integrin α3 negative podocytes: A gene expression study

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New cell model to investigate the impact of loss of integrin α3 in podocytes.

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In this novel model, genes of the extracellular matrix and adhesome are mostly downregulated.

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Loss of integrin α3 results in changes of cell adhesion and spreading.

Integrin α3β1 is a cell adhesion receptor widely expressed in epithelial cells. Pathogenic variants in the gene encoding the integrin α3 subunit ITGA3 lead to a syndrome including interstitial lung disease, nephrotic syndrome, and epidermolysis bullosa (ILNEB). Renal involvement mainly consists of glomerular disease caused by loss of adhesion between podocytes and the glomerular basement membrane.

The aim of this study was to characterize the impact of loss of integrin α3 on human podocytes.

ITGA3 was stably knocked-out in the human podocyte cell line AB8/13, designated as Podo^A3−, and in human proximal tubule epithelial cell line HK2 using the targeted genome editing technique CRISPR/Cas9. Cell clones were characterized by Sanger sequencing, quantitative PCR, Western Blot and immunofluorescence staining. RNASeq of integrin α3 negative cells and controls was performed to identify differential gene expression patterns.

Differentiated Podo^A3− did not substantially change morphology and adhesion under standard culture conditions, but displayed significantly reduced spreading and adhesion when seed on laminin 511 in serum free medium. Gene expression studies demonstrated a distinct dysregulation of the adhesion network with downregulation of most integrin α3 interaction partners. In agreement with this, biological processes such as “extracellular matrix organization” and “cell differentiation” as well as KEGG pathways such as “ECM-receptor interaction”, “focal adhesion” and the “PI3K-Akt signaling pathway” were significantly downregulated in human podocytes lacking the integrin α3 subunit.

Heterozygous variants in the integrin subunit beta 4 gene (ITGB4) cause autosomal dominant nail dystrophy

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Loss of α6β4 Integrin-Mediated Hemidesmosomes Promotes Prostate Epithelial Cell Migration by Stimulating Focal Adhesion Dynamics

Epithelial cell adhesion is mediated by actin cytoskeleton-linked focal adhesions (FAs) and intermediate filament-associated hemidesmosomes (HDs). HDs are formed by α6β4-integrins and mediate stable anchoring to the extracellular matrix (ECM) while FAs containing β1-integrins regulate cell migration. Loss of HDs has been reported in various cancers such as prostate cancer where it correlates with increased invasive migration. Here we have studied cell migration properties and FA dynamics in genetically engineered prostate epithelial cell lines with intact or disrupted HDs. Disruption of HDs by depleting α6- or β4-integrin expression promoted collective cell migration and modulated migratory activity. Dynamic analysis of fluorescent protein-tagged FA marker proteins revealed faster FA assembly and disassembly kinetics in HD-depleted cells. FRAP analysis showed that loss of HDs correlated with faster diffusion rates of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and vinculin in and out of FAs. These data suggest that loss of α6β4-mediated HDs promote cell migration and FA assembly dynamics by influencing the molecular diffusion rates of FAK.

Regulatory mechanism of oral mucosal rete peg formation

Rete pegs are finger-like structures that are formed during the development and wound healing process of the skin and oral mucosa, and they provide better mechanical resistance and nutritional supply between the epithelium and dermis. An increasing number of studies have shown that rete pegs have physiological functions, such as resisting bacterial invasion, body fluid loss, and other harmful changes, which indicate that rete pegs are important structures in natural skin and oral mucosa. Although a great deal of progress has been made in scaffold materials and construction methods for tissue-engineered skin and oral mucosa in recent years, construction of the oral mucosa with functional rete pegs remains a major challenge. In this review, we summarized current research on the progress on formation of rete pegs in human oral mucosa as well as its molecular basis and regulatory mechanism, which might provide new ideas for functional construction of tissue-engineered skin and oral mucosa.

α2β1 integrins spatially restrict Cdc42 activity to stabilise adherens junctions

Background

Keratinocytes form the main protective barrier in the skin to separate the underlying tissue from the external environment. In order to maintain this barrier, keratinocytes form robust junctions between neighbouring cells as well as with the underlying extracellular matrix. Cell–cell adhesions are mediated primarily through cadherin receptors, whereas the integrin family of transmembrane receptors is predominantly associated with assembly of matrix adhesions. Integrins have been shown to also localise to cell–cell adhesions, but their role at these sites remains unclear.

Results

Here we show that α2β1 integrins are enriched at mature keratinocyte cell–cell adhesions, where they play a crucial role in organising cytoskeletal networks to stabilize adherens junctions. Loss of α2β1 integrin has significant functional phenotypes associated with cell–cell adhesion destabilisation, including increased proliferation, reduced migration and impaired barrier function. Mechanistically, we show that α2β1 integrins suppress activity of Src and Shp2 at cell–cell adhesions leading to enhanced Cdc42–GDI interactions and stabilisation of junctions between neighbouring epithelial cells.

Conclusion

Our data reveals a new role for α2β1 integrins in controlling integrity of epithelial cell–cell adhesions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01054-9.

High expression of CD34 and α6-integrin contributes to the cancer-initiating cell behaviour in ultraviolet-induced mouse skin squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma caused by ultraviolet light exposure represents over 40% of all malignant diseases. It is one of the most commonly found human tumours. Tumour mass within squamous cell carcinoma consists of various cell types, including cancer-initiating cells that are responsible for tumour progression, metastasis and chemoresistance and implicated in clinical relapse. In the present study, we aimed to characterise whether the cell population with high CD34 and α6-integrin expression behave as cancer-initiating cells within ultraviolet-induced squamous cell carcinoma in mouse skin. CD34^highα6-integrin^high compared to CD34^lowα6-integrin^high cells isolated from ultraviolet-induced squamous cell carcinoma could propagate effectively by displaying greater tumour initiating and self-renewal abilities. Our study suggests that CD34^highα6-integrin^high cells act as initiators upon ultraviolet-induced skin squamous cell carcinoma.

Interplay between Cell-Surface Receptors and Extracellular Matrix in Skin

Skin consists of the epidermis and dermis, which are connected by a specialized basement membrane-the epidermal basement membrane. Both the epidermal basement membrane and the underlying interstitial extracellular matrix (ECM) created by dermal fibroblasts contain distinct network-forming macromolecules. These matrices play various roles in order to maintain skin homeostasis and integrity. Within this complex interplay of cells and matrices, cell surface receptors play essential roles not only for inside-out and outside-in signaling, but also for establishing mechanical and biochemical properties of skin. Already minor modulations of this multifactorial cross-talk can lead to severe and systemic diseases. In this review, major epidermal and dermal cell surface receptors will be addressed with respect to their interactions with matrix components as well as their roles in fibrotic, inflammatory or tumorigenic skin diseases.

Integrin Crosstalk Contributes to the Complexity of Signalling and Unpredictable Cancer Cell Fates

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors composed of α and β subunits that control adhesion, proliferation and gene expression. The integrin heterodimer binding to ligand reorganises the cytoskeletal networks and triggers multiple signalling pathways that can cause changes in cell cycle, proliferation, differentiation, survival and motility. In addition, integrins have been identified as targets for many different diseases, including cancer. Integrin crosstalk is a mechanism by which a change in the expression of a certain integrin subunit or the activation of an integrin heterodimer may interfere with the expression and/or activation of other integrin subunit(s) in the very same cell. Here, we review the evidence for integrin crosstalk in a range of cellular systems, with a particular emphasis on cancer. We describe the molecular mechanisms of integrin crosstalk, the effects of cell fate determination, and the contribution of crosstalk to therapeutic outcomes. Our intention is to raise awareness of integrin crosstalk events such that the contribution of the phenomenon can be taken into account when researching the biological or pathophysiological roles of integrins.

Carbohydrate-Coated Gold-Silver Nanoparticles for Efficient Elimination of Multidrug Resistant Bacteria and in Vivo Wound Healing

Multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria have emerged as a major clinical challenge. The unavailability of effective antibiotics has necessitated the use of emerging nanoparticles as alternatives. In this work, we have developed carbohydrate-coated bimetallic nanoparticles (Au-AgNP, 30-40 nm diameter) that are nontoxic toward mammalian cells yet highly effective against MDR strains as compared to their monometallic counterparts (Ag-NP, Au-NP). The Au-AgNP is much more effective against Gram-negative MDR Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae when compared to most of the potent antibiotics. We demonstrate that in vivo, Au-AgNP is at least 11000 times more effective than Gentamicin in eliminating MDR Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infecting mice skin wounds. Au-AgNP is able to heal and regenerate infected wounds faster and in scar-free manner. In vivo results show that this Au-AgNP is very effective antibacterial agent against MDR strains and does not produce adverse toxicity. We conclude that this bimetallic nanoparticle can be safe in complete skin regeneration in bacteria infected wounds.

Hemidesmosomes and Focal Adhesions Treadmill as Separate but Linked Entities during Keratinocyte Migration

Hemidesmosomes anchor the epidermal keratin filament cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. They are crucial for the mechanical integrity of skin. Their role in keratinocyte migration, however, remains unclear. Examining migrating primary human keratinocytes, we find that hemidesmosomes cluster as ordered arrays consisting of multiple chevrons that are flanked by actin-associated focal adhesions. These hemidesmosomal arrays with intercalated focal adhesions extend from the cell rear to the cell front. New hemidesmosomal chevrons form subsequent to focal adhesion assembly at the cell's leading front, whereas chevrons and associated focal adhesions disassemble at the cell rear in reverse order. The bulk of the hemidesmosome-focal adhesion composite, however, remains attached to the substratum during cell translocation. Similar hemidesmosome-focal adhesion patterns emerge on X-shaped fibronectin-coated micropatterns, during cell spreading and in leader cells during collective cell migration. We further find that hemidesmosomes and focal adhesions affect each other's distribution. We propose that both junctions are separate but linked entities, which treadmill coordinately to support efficient directed cell migration and cooperate to coordinate the dynamic interplay between the keratin and actin cytoskeleton.

Integrin activation by the lipid molecule 25-hydroxycholesterol induces a proinflammatory response

Integrins are components of cell-matrix adhesions, and function as scaffolds for various signal transduction pathways. So far no lipid ligand for integrin has been reported. Here we show that a lipid, oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), directly binds to α5β1 and αvβ3 integrins to activate integrin-focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Treatment of macrophages and epithelial cells with 25HC results in an increase in activated αvβ3 integrin in podosome and focal adhesion matrix adhesion sites. Moreover, activation of pattern recognition receptor on macrophages induces secretion of 25HC, triggering integrin signaling and the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF and IL-6. Thus, the lipid molecule 25HC is a physiologically relevant activator of integrins and is involved in positively regulating proinflammatory responses. Our data suggest that extracellular 25HC links innate immune inflammatory response with integrin signaling.

Coordinated collective migration and asymmetric cell division in confluent human keratinocytes without wounding

Epithelial sheet spreading is a fundamental cellular process that must be coordinated with cell division and differentiation to restore tissue integrity. Here we use consecutive serum deprivation and re-stimulation to reconstruct biphasic collective migration and proliferation in cultured sheets of human keratinocytes. In this system, a burst of long-range coordinated locomotion is rapidly generated throughout the cell sheet in the absence of wound edges. Migrating cohorts reach correlation lengths of several millimeters and display dependencies on epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated signaling, self-propelled polarized migration, and a G₁/G₀ cell cycle environment. The migration phase is temporally and spatially aligned with polarized cell divisions characterized by pre-mitotic nuclear migration to the cell front and asymmetric partitioning of nuclear promyelocytic leukemia bodies and lysosomes to opposite daughter cells. This study investigates underlying mechanisms contributing to the stark contrast between cells in a static quiescent state compared to the long-range coordinated collective migration seen in contact with blood serum.

Epithelial sheet migration requires polarized and coordinated cell movement. Here, the authors demonstrate serum-activated collective migration followed by polarized asymmetric cell divisions in otherwise quiescent human keratinocyte monolayers in the absence of wound edges.

Complexes of α6β4 integrin and vimentin act as signaling hubs to regulate epithelial cell migration

We find that clusters of β4 integrin, organized into distinct puncta, localize along vimentin filaments within lamellipodia at the cell edge of A549 cells, as assessed by interferometric photoactivated localization microscopy. Moreover, puncta and vimentin filaments exhibit a dynamic interplay in live cells, as viewed by structured-illumination microscopy, with β4 integrin puncta that associate with vimentin persisting for longer than those that do not. Interestingly, in A549 cells β4 integrin regulates vimentin cytoskeleton organization. When β4 integrin is knocked down there is a loss of vimentin filaments from lamellipodia. However, in these conditions, vimentin filaments instead concentrate around the nucleus. Although β4 integrin organization is unaffected in vimentin-deficient A549 cells, such cells move in a less-directed fashion and exhibit reduced Rac1 activity, mimicking the phenotype of β4 integrin-deficient A549 cells. Moreover, in vimentin-deficient cells, Rac1 fails to cluster at sites enriched in α6β4 integrin heterodimers. The aberrant motility of both β4 integrin and vimentin-deficient cells is rescued by expression of active Rac1, leading us to propose that complexes of β4 integrin and vimentin act as signaling hubs, regulating cell motility behavior.

Small interference ITGA6 gene targeting in the human thymic epithelium differentially regulates the expression of immunological synapse-related genes

The thymus supports differentiation of T cell precursors. This process requires relocation of developing thymocytes throughout multiple microenvironments of the organ, mainly with thymic epithelial cells (TEC), which control intrathymic T cell differentiation influencing the formation and maintenance of the immunological synapse. In addition to the proteins of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), this structure is supported by several adhesion molecules. During the process of thymopoiesis, we previously showed that laminin-mediated interactions are involved in the entrance of T-cell precursors into the thymus, as well as migration of differentiating thymocytes within the organ. Using small interference RNA strategy, we knocked-down the ITGA6 gene (which encodes the CD49f integrin α-chain) in cultured human TEC, generating a decrease in the expression of the corresponding CD49f subunit, in addition to modulation in several other genes related to cell adhesion and migration. Thymocyte adhesion to TEC was significantly impaired, comprising both immature and mature thymocyte subsets. Moreover, we found a modulation of the MHC, with a decrease in membrane expression of HLA-ABC, in contrast with increase in the expression of HLA-DR. Interestingly, the knockdown of the B2M gene (encoding the β-2 microglobulin of the HLA-ABC complex) increased CD49f expression levels, thus unraveling the existence of a cross-talk event in the reciprocal control of CD49f and HLA-ABC. Our data suggest that the expression levels of CD49f may be relevant in the general control of MHC expression by TEC and consequently the corresponding synapse with developing thymocytes mediated by the T-cell receptor.

The role of Tec kinase signaling pathways in the development of Mallory Denk Bodies in balloon cells in alcoholic hepatitis

Several research strategies have been used to study the pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis (AH). These strategies have shown that various signaling pathways are the target of alcohol in liver cells. However, few have provided specific mechanisms associated with Mallory-Denk Bodies (MDBs) formed in Balloon cells in AH. The formation of MDBs in these hepatocytes is an indication that the mechanisms of protein quality control have failed. The MDB is the result of aggregation and accumulation of proteins in the cytoplasm of balloon degenerated liver cells. To understand the mechanisms that failed to degrade and remove proteins in the hepatocyte from patients suffering from alcoholic hepatitis, we investigated the pathways that showed significant up regulation in the AH liver biopsies compared to normal control livers (Liu et al., 2015). Analysis of genomic profiles of AH liver biopsies and control livers by RNA-seq revealed different pathways that were up regulated significantly. In this study, the focus was on Tec kinase signaling pathways and the genes that significantly interrupt this pathway. Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining results, indicated that several genes and proteins are significantly over expressed in the livers of AH patients that affect the Tec kinase signaling to PI3K which leads to activation of Akt and its downstream effectors.

α6β4 Integrin Regulates the Collective Migration of Epithelial Cells

α₆β₄ integrin is localized in a unique punctate distribution at the cell-substratum interface along the leading front of single, front-rear-polarized A549 cells. These puncta are interspersed between focal adhesions and lack association with the actin cytoskeleton. Knockdown of β₄ integrin in A549 cells inhibits their directed migration, with knockdown cells exhibiting large focal adhesions and reduced actin dynamics. Despite these changes, the speed of knockdown cells is equivalent to control cells. Interestingly, in such cells, α₆ integrin retains its punctate distribution. Moreover, in β₄ integrin knockdown cells, we observe a loss of β₁ integrin from focal adhesions and an enhanced association with α₆ integrin. We confirmed the switch in the β integrin binding partner of α₆ integrin in the knockdown cells by immunoprecipitation. We next investigated the role of β₄ integrin in collective cell migration. Wounded monolayers of β₄ integrin knockdown cells exhibit reduced collective migration compared with controls. When we forced expression of β₄ integrin in the leader cells of wounded monolayers, collective migration was restored. Similarly, forced expression of β₄ integrin in primary rat alveolar epithelial cells also promotes collective cell migration. In addition, we interrogated the pathway by which β₄ integrin regulates A549 cell-directed migration. Constitutively active Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 rescues motility defects resulting from β₄ integrin deficiency. Together, our results support the hypothesis that α₆β₄ integrin is a positive regulator of collective cell migration of A549 cells through influence on signal pathways in leader cells.

The Role of Integrin α6 (CD49f) in Stem Cells: More than a Conserved Biomarker

Stem cells have the capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cells that form and repopulated all tissues and organs, from conception to adult life. Depending on their capacity for differentiation, stem cells are classified as totipotent (ie, zygote), pluripotent (ie, embryonic stem cells), multipotent (ie, neuronal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, epithelial stem cells, etc.), and unipotent (ie, spermatogonial stem cells). Adult or tissue-specific stem cells reside in specific niches located in, or nearby, their organ or tissue of origin. There, they have microenvironmental support to remain quiescent, to proliferate as undifferentiated cells (self-renewal), and to differentiate into progenitors or terminally differentiated cells that migrate from the niche to perform specialized functions. The presence of proteins at the cell surface is often used to identify, classify, and isolate stem cells. Among the diverse groups of cell surface proteins used for these purposes, integrin α6, also known as CD49f, may be the only biomarker commonly found in more than 30 different populations of stem cells, including some cancer stem cells. This broad expression among stem cell populations indicates that integrin α6 may play an important and conserved role in stem cell biology, which is reaffirmed by recent demonstrations of its role maintaining self-renewal of pluripotent stem cells and breast and glioblastoma cancer stem cells. Therefore, this review intends to highlight and synthesize new findings on the importance of integrin α6 in stem cell biology.

Exploring a Role for Regulatory miRNAs In Wound Healing during Ageing:Involvement of miR-200c in wound repair

Multiple factors and conditions can lead to impaired wound healing. Chronic non-healing wounds are a common problem among the elderly. To identify microRNAs negatively impacting the wound repair, global miRNA profiling of wounds collected from young and old mice was performed. A subset of miRNAs that exhibited an age-dependent expression pattern during wound closure was identified, including miR-31 and miR-200c. The expression of miR-200 family members was markedly downregulated upon wounding in both young and aged mice, with an exception of acute upregulation of miR-200c at the early phase of wound healing in aged skin. In unwounded aged skin (versus unwounded younger skin), the level of miR-200c was also found elevated in both human and mice. Overexpression of miR-200c in human ex vivo wounds delayed re-epithelialisation and inhibited cell proliferation in the wound epithelium. Modulation of miR-200c expression in both human and mouse keratinocytes in vitro revealed inhibitory effects of miR-200c on migration, but not proliferation. Accelerated wound closure in vitro induced by anti-miR-200c was associated with upregulation of genes controlling cell migration. Thus, our study identified miR-200c as a critical determinant that inhibits cell migration during skin repair after injury and may contribute to age-associated alterations in wound repair.

Significant Role of Collagen XVII And Integrin β4 in Migration and Invasion of The Less Aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Collagen XVII and integrin α6β4 have well-established roles as epithelial adhesion molecules. Their binding partner laminin 332 as well as integrin α6β4 are largely recognized to promote invasion and metastasis in various cancers, and collagen XVII is essential for the survival of colon and lung cancer stem cells. We have studied the expression of laminin γ2, collagen XVII and integrin β4 in tissue microarray samples of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its precursors, actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease. The expression of laminin γ2 was highest in SCC samples, whereas the expression of collagen XVII and integrin β4 varied greatly in SCC and its precursors. Collagen XVII and integrin β4 were also expressed in SCC cell lines. Virus-mediated RNAi knockdown of collagen XVII and integrin β4 reduced the migration of less aggressive SCC-25 cells in horizontal scratch wound healing assay. Additionally, in a 3D organotypic myoma invasion assay the loss of collagen XVII or integrin β4 suppressed equally the migration and invasion of SCC-25 cells whereas there was no effect on the most aggressive HSC-3 cells. Variable expression patterns and results in migration and invasion assays suggest that collagen XVII and integrin β4 contribute to SCC tumorigenesis.

On the trail of the glycan codes stored in cancer-related cell adhesion proteins

Changes in the profile of protein glycosylation are a hallmark of ongoing neoplastic transformation. A unique set of tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens expressed on the surface of malignant cells may serve as powerful diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Cell-surface proteins with altered glycosylation affect the growth, proliferation and survival of those cells, and contribute to their acquisition of the ability to migrate and invade. They may also facilitate tumor-induced immunosuppression and the formation of distant metastases. Deciphering the information encoded in these particular glycan portions of glycoconjugates may shed light on the mechanisms of cancer progression and metastasis. A majority of the related review papers have focused on overall changes in the patterns of cell-surface glycans in various cancers, without pinpointing the molecular carriers of these glycan structures. The present review highlights the ways in which particular tumor-associated glycan(s) coupled with a given membrane-bound protein influence neoplastic cell behavior during the development and progression of cancer. We focus on altered glycosylated cell-adhesion molecules belonging to the cadherin, integrin and immunoglobulin-like superfamilies, examined in the context of molecular interactions.

Integrin-mediated regulation of epidermal wound functions

During cutaneous wound healing, keratinocyte proliferation and migration are critical for re-epithelialization. In addition the epidermis secretes growth factors, cytokines, proteases, and matricellular proteins into the wound microenvironment that modify the extracellular matrix and stimulate other wound cells that control the inflammatory response, promote angiogenesis and facilitate tissue contraction and remodeling. Wound keratinocytes express at least seven different integrins-the major cell adhesion receptors for the extracellular matrix-that collectively control essential cell-autonomous functions to ensure proper re-epithelialization, including migration, proliferation, survival and basement membrane assembly. Moreover, it has become evident in recent years that some integrins can regulate paracrine signals from wound epidermis that stimulate other wound cells involved in angiogenesis, contraction and inflammation. Importantly, it is likely that abnormal integrin expression or function in the epidermis contributes to wound pathologies such as over-exuberant healing (e.g., hypertrophic scar formation) or diminished healing (e.g., chronic wounds). In this review, we discuss current knowledge of integrin function in the epidermis, which implicates them as attractive therapeutic targets to promote wound healing or treat wound pathologies. We also discuss challenges that arise from the complex roles that multiple integrins play in wound epidermis, which may be regulated through extracellular matrix remodeling that determines ligand availability. Indeed, understanding how different integrin functions are temporally coordinated in wound epidermis and which integrin functions go awry in pathological wounds, will be important to determine how best to target them clinically to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit. Graphical abstract In addition to their well-characterized roles in keratinocyte adhesion, migration and wound re-epithelialization, epidermal integrins play important roles in modifying the wound microenvironment by regulating the expression and secretion of growth factors, extracellular proteases, and matricellular proteins that stimulate other wound cells, including vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts/myofibroblasts.

A hemidesmosomal protein regulates actin dynamics and traction forces in motile keratinocytes

During wound healing of the skin, keratinocytes disassemble hemidesmosomes and reorganize their actin cytoskeletons in order to exert traction forces on and move directionally over the dermis. Nonetheless, the transmembrane hemidesmosome component collagen XVII (ColXVII) is found in actin-rich lamella, situated behind the lamellipodium. A set of actin bundles, along which ColXVII colocalizes with actinin4, is present at each lamella. Knockdown of either ColXVII or actinin4 not only inhibits directed migration of keratinocytes but also relieves constraints on actin bundle retrograde movement at the site of lamella, such that actin bundle movement is enhanced more than 5-fold. Moreover, whereas control keratinocytes move in a stepwise fashion over a substrate by generating alternating traction forces, of up to 1.4 kPa, at each flank of the lamellipodium, ColXVII knockdown keratinocytes fail to do so. In summary, our data indicate that ColXVII-actinin4 complexes at the lamella of a moving keratinocyte regulate actin dynamics, thereby determining the direction of cell movement.-Hiroyasu, S., Colburn, Z. T., Jones, J. C. R. A hemidesmosomal protein regulates actin dynamics and traction forces in motile keratinocytes.

Laminins: Roles and Utility in Wound Repair

Significance: Laminins are complex extracellular macromolecules that are major players in the control of a variety of core cell processes, including regulating rates of cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and migration. Laminins, and related extracellular matrix components, have essential roles in tissue homeostasis; however, during wound healing, the same proteins are critical players in re-epithelialization and angiogenesis. Understanding how these proteins influence cell behavior in these different conditions holds great potential in identifying new strategies to enhance normal wound closure or to treat chronic/nonhealing wounds. Recent Advances: Laminin-derived bioactive peptides and, more recently, laminin-peptide conjugated scaffolds, have been designed to improve tissue regeneration after injuries. These peptides have been shown to be effective in decreasing inflammation and granulation tissue, and in promoting re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and cell migration. Critical Issues: Although there is now a wealth of knowledge concerning laminin form and function, there are still areas of some controversy. These include the relative contribution of two laminin-based adhesive devices (focal contacts and hemidesmosomes) to the re-epithelialization process, the impact and implications of laminin proteolytic processing, and the importance of laminin polymer formation on cell behavior. In addition, the roles in wound healing of the laminin-related proteins, netrins, and LaNts are still to be fully defined. Future Directions: The future of laminin-based therapeutics potentially lies in the bioengineering of specific substrates to support laminin deposition for ex vivo expansion of autologous cells for graft formation and transplantation. Significant recent advances suggest that this goal is within sight.

Integrins in Wound Healing

Significance: Regulation of cell adhesions during tissue repair is fundamentally important for cell migration, proliferation, and protein production. All cells interact with extracellular matrix proteins with cell surface integrin receptors that convey signals from the environment into the nucleus, regulating gene expression and cell behavior. Integrins also interact with a variety of other proteins, such as growth factors, their receptors, and proteolytic enzymes. Re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation are crucially dependent on the temporospatial function of multiple integrins. This review explains how integrins function in wound repair. Recent Advances: Certain integrins can activate latent transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) that modulates wound inflammation and granulation tissue formation. Dysregulation of TGF-β1 function is associated with scarring and fibrotic disorders. Therefore, these integrins represent targets for therapeutic intervention in fibrosis. Critical Issues: Integrins have multifaceted functions and extensive crosstalk with other cell surface receptors and molecules. Moreover, in aberrant healing, integrins may assume different functions, further increasing the complexity of their functionality. Discovering and understanding the role that integrins play in wound healing provides an opportunity to identify the mechanisms for medical conditions, such as excessive scarring, chronic wounds, and even cancer. Future Directions: Integrin functions in acute and chronic wounds should be further addressed in models better mimicking human wounds. Application of any products in acute or chronic wounds will potentially alter integrin functions that need to be carefully considered in the design.

Transcriptional analysis of left-sided colitis, pancolitis, and ulcerative colitis-associated dysplasia

BACKGROUND

It is unknown why patients with extensive ulcerative colitis (UC) have a higher risk of colorectal cancer compared with patients with left-sided UC. This study characterizes the inflammatory processes in left-sided UC, pancolitis, and UC-associated dysplasia at the transcriptional level to identify potential biomarkers and transcripts of importance for the carcinogenic behavior of chronic inflammation.

METHODS

The Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 was applied on colonic biopsies from UC patients with left-sided UC, pancolitis, dysplasia, and controls. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were performed for validating selected transcripts in the initial cohort and in 2 independent cohorts of patients with UC. Microarray data were analyzed by principal component analysis, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry data by the Wilcoxon's rank-sum test.

RESULTS

The principal component analysis results revealed separate clusters for left-sided UC, pancolitis, dysplasia, and controls. Close clustering of dysplastic and pancolitic samples indicated similarities in gene expression. Indeed, 101 and 656 parallel upregulated and downregulated transcripts, respectively, were identified in specimens from dysplasia and pancolitis. Validation of selected transcripts hereof identified insulin receptor alpha (INSRA) and MAP kinase interacting serine/threonine kinase 2 (MKNK2) with an enhanced expression in dysplasia compared with left-sided UC and controls, whereas laminin γ2 (LAMC2) was found with a lower expression in dysplasia compared with the remaining 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates pancolitis and left-sided UC as distinct inflammatory processes at the transcriptional level, and identifies INSRA, MKNK2, and LAMC2 as potential critical transcripts in the inflammation-driven preneoplastic process of UC.

Alpha actinin-1 regulates cell-matrix adhesion organization in keratinocytes: consequences for skin cell motility

The migration of keratinocytes in wound healing requires coordinated activities of the motility machinery of a cell, the cytoskeleton and matrix adhesions. In this study we assessed the role of alpha actinin-1 (ACTN1), one of the two alpha actinin isoforms expressed in keratinocytes, in skin cell migration via an shRNA-mediated knockdown approach. Keratinocytes deficient in ACTN1 exhibit changes in their actin cytoskeleton organization, a loss in front-rear polarity and impaired lamellipodial dynamics. They also display aberrant directed motility and move slower than their wild-type counterparts. Moreover, they have abnormally arranged matrix adhesion sites. Specifically, the focal adhesions in ACTN1 knockdown keratinocytes are not organized as distinct entities. Rather, focal adhesion proteins are arranged in a circle subjacent to cortical fibers of actin. In the same cells, hemidesmosome proteins arrange in cat paw patterns, more typical of confluent, stationary cells and β4 integrin dynamics are reduced in knockdown cells compared with control keratinocytes. In summary, our data suggest a mechanism by which ACTN1 determines the motility of keratinocytes by regulating the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion and hemidesmosome proteins complexes, thereby modulating cell speed, lamellipodial dynamics and directed migration.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF- β) signaling in paravertebral muscles in juvenile and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Most researchers agree that idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a multifactorial disease influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors. The onset of the spinal deformity that determines the natural course of the disease, usually occurs in the juvenile or adolescent period. Transforming growth factors β (TGF-βs) and their receptors, TGFBRs, may be considered as candidate genes related to IS susceptibility and natural history. This study explores the transcriptional profile of TGF-βs, TGFBRs, and TGF-β responsive genes in the paravertebral muscles of patients with juvenile and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (JIS and AIS, resp.). Muscle specimens were harvested intraoperatively and grouped according to the side of the curve and the age of scoliosis onset. The results of microarray and qRT-PCR analysis confirmed significantly higher transcript abundances of TGF-β2, TGF-β3, and TGFBR2 in samples from the curve concavity of AIS patients, suggesting a difference in TGF-β signaling in the pathogenesis of juvenile and adolescent curves. Analysis of TGF-β responsive genes in the transcriptomes of patients with AIS suggested overrepresentation of the genes localized in the extracellular region of curve concavity: LTBP3, LTBP4, ITGB4, and ITGB5. This finding suggests the extracellular region of paravertebral muscles as an interesting target for future molecular research into AIS pathogenesis.

Phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of integrin β4 induced by a chemical small molecule contribute to apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells

Integrin β4 and its Y-1494 phosphorylation play an important role in cell signaling. We found a small molecule, ethyl1-(3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylate (ECPC), that could elevate the levels of KIT ligand (KITLG), interleukin 8 (IL-8), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and promote apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) through integrin β4. We investigated the underlying mechanism of integrin β4 participating in this process. ECPC treatment increased the phosphorylation of Y-1494 in the integrin β4 cytoplasmic domain via a well-known receptor tyrosine kinase, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), and integrin β4 translocated from the cytoplasm to nucleus. With suppression of Y-1494 phosphorylation by FGF-2 or siRNA of FGFR1, ECPC failed to promote integrin β4 nuclear translocation and could not increase the expression of KITLG, IL-8, PTGS2 or ATF3. Y-1494 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of integrin β4 may be important during ECPC-induced apoptosis in VECs.

Focal Contact and Hemidesmosomal Proteins in Keratinocyte Migration and Wound Repair

Significance: During wound healing of the skin, keratinocytes should move over while still adhering to their underlying matrix. Thus, mechanistic insights into the wound-healing process require an understanding of the forms and functions of keratinocyte matrix adhesions, specifically focal contacts and hemidesmosomes, and their components. Recent Advances: Although the structure and composition of focal contacts and hemidesmosomes are relatively well defined, the functions of their components are only now being delineated using mouse genetic models and knockdown approaches in cell culture systems. Remarkably, both focal contact and hemidesmosomal proteins appear involved in determining the speed and directional migration of epidermal cells by modulating several signal transduction pathways. Critical Issues: Although many publications are centered on focal contacts, their existence in tissues such as the skin is controversial. Nonetheless, focal contact proteins are central to mechanisms that regulate skin cell motility. Conversely, hemidesmosomes have been identified in intact skin but whether hemidesmosomal components play a positive regulatory function in keratinocyte motility remains debated in the field. Future Directions: Defective wound healing is a developing problem in the aged, hospitalized and diabetic populations. Hence, deriving new insights into the molecular roles of matrix adhesion proteins in wound healing is a prerequisite to the development of novel therapeutics to enhance tissue repair and regeneration.

Inherited blistering skin diseases: underlying molecular mechanisms and emerging therapies

A key function of human skin is the formation of a structural barrier against the external environment. In part, this is achieved through the formation of a cornified cell envelope derived from a stratified squamous epithelium attached to an epithelial basement membrane. Resilient in health, the structural integrity of skin can become impaired or break down in a collection of inherited skin diseases, referred to as the blistering genodermatoses. These disorders arise from inherited gene mutations in a variety of structural and signalling proteins and manifest clinically as blisters or erosions following minor skin trauma. In some patients, blistering can be severe resulting in significant morbidity. Furthermore, a number of these conditions are associated with debilitating extra-cutaneous manifestations including gastro-intestinal, cardiac, and ocular complications. In recent years, an improved understanding of the molecular basis of the blistering genodermatoses has led to better disease classification and genetic counselling. For patients, this has also advanced translational research with the advent of new clinical trials of gene, protein, cell, drug, and small molecule therapies. Although curing inherited blistering skin diseases still remains elusive, significant improvements in patients' quality of life are already being achieved.

Transmembrane collagen XVII modulates integrin dependent keratinocyte migration via PI3K/Rac1 signaling

The hemidesmosomal transmembrane component collagen XVII (ColXVII) plays an important role in the anchorage of the epidermis to the underlying basement membrane. However, this adhesion protein seems to be also involved in the regulation of keratinocyte migration, since its expression in these cells is strongly elevated during reepithelialization of acute wounds and in the invasive front of squamous cell carcinoma, while its absence in ColXVII-deficient keratinocytes leads to altered cell motility. Using a genetic model of murine Col17a1⁻/⁻ keratinocytes we elucidated ColXVII mediated signaling pathways in cell adhesion and migration. Col17a1⁻/⁻ keratinocytes exhibited increased spreading on laminin 332 and accelerated, but less directed cell motility. These effects were accompanied by increased expression of the integrin subunits β4 and β1. The migratory phenotype, as evidenced by formation of multiple unstable lamellipodia, was associated with enhanced phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity. Dissection of the signaling pathway uncovered enhanced phosphorylation of the β4 integrin subunit and the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as activators of PI3K. This resulted in elevated Rac1 activity as a downstream consequence. These results provide mechanistic evidence that ColXVII coordinates keratinocyte adhesion and directed motility by interfering integrin dependent PI3K activation and by stabilizing lamellipodia at the leading edge of reepithelializing wounds and in invasive squamous cell carcinoma.

HPV16 infection of HaCaTs is dependent on β4 integrin, and α6 integrin processing

Our understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) is still evolving. To further study the field, our laboratory has focused on determining the role of integrins in the initial steps of viral endocytosis into HaCaT cells. Our and others' previous findings have shown that α6 is necessary for infection. Here we show that α3 and β1 were dispensable, and we identified integrin α6β4 complex as necessary for infection in HaCaTs. β4 knock down resulted in a significant decrease in HPV16 PsV infection and perhaps most importantly resulted in defective post-translational α6 processing. We showed that the unprocessed α6 does not localize to the cell surface. We propose that the α6β4 complex is necessary for the formation of an endocytic complex that results in the signaling transduction events necessary for initial endocytosis.

Laminin-332 and α3β1 integrin-supported migration of bronchial epithelial cells is modulated by fibronectin

The repair of the bronchiolar epithelium damaged by cell-mediated, physical, or chemical insult requires epithelial cell migration over a provisional matrix composed of complexes of extracellular matrix molecules, including fibronectin and laminin. These matrix molecules support migration and enhance cell adhesion. When cells adhere too tightly to their matrix they fail to move; but if they adhere too little, they are unable to develop the traction force necessary for motility. Thus, we investigated the relative contributions of laminin and fibronectin to bronchiolar cell adhesion and migration using the immortalized bronchial lung epithelial cell line (BEP2D) and normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells, both of which assemble a laminin α3β3γ2 (LM332)/fibronectin-rich matrix. Intriguingly, BEP2D and NHBE cells migrate significantly faster on an LM332-rich matrix than on fibronectin. Moreover, addition of fibronectin to LM332 matrix suppresses motility of both cell types. Finally, fibronectin enhances the adhesion of both BEP2D and NHBE cells to LM332-coated surfaces. These results suggest that fibronectin fine tunes LM332-mediated migration by boosting bronchiolar cell adhesion to substrate. We suggest that, during epithelial wound healing of the injured airway, fibronectin plays an important adhesive role for laminin-driven epithelial cell motility by promoting a stable cellular interaction with the provisional matrix.

ITGA6 gene silencing by RNA interference modulates the expression of a large number of cell migration-related genes in human thymic epithelial cells

Background

The thymic epithelium is the major microenvironmental component of the thymus, the primary lymphoid organ responsible for the generation of T lymphocytes. Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) control intrathymic T cell differentiation by means of distinct types of interactions. TEC constitutively produce chemokines and extracellular matrix ligands (such as laminin and fibronectin) and express corresponding receptors, which allow thymocytes to migrate in a very ordered fashion. We previously showed that laminin mediates TEC/thymocyte interactions in both mice and humans. More recently, we used RNAi technology to knock-down the ITGA5 gene (which encodes CD49e, the integrin α-chain subunit of the fibronectin receptor VLA-5) in cultured human TEC. Using a similar strategy, herein we knocked-down the ITGA6 gene, which encodes CD49f, the α-chain of two integrin-type laminin receptors, namely VLA-6 (α6β1) and α6β4.

Results

We first confirmed that RNAi-induced knock-down of the ITGA6 gene was successful, at both transcription and translational levels, with a significant decrease in the membrane expression of CD49f, apart from CD49b, CD49c and CD49d, ascertained by cytofluorometry on living TEC. We also demonstrated that such knock-down promotes a decrease in cell adhesion to laminin. Using quantitative PCR, we demonstrated that gene expression of other integrin α-chains were concomitantly down-regulated, particularly those which form other laminin receptors, including ITGA1, ITGA2 and ITGA7. Interestingly enough, LAMA1 gene expression (whose corresponding protein chain is part of laminin-111) was largely increased in ITGA6 knocked-down TEC cultures. Lastly, the network complexity of gene expression under ITGA6 influence is much broader, since we found that other cell migration-related genes, namely those coding for various chemokines, are also modulated when IGTA6 is knocked-down.

Conclusion

The data presented herein clearly show that down regulation of ITGA6 gene in the human thymic epithelium triggers a complex cascade of effects upon the expression levels of several other cell migration-related genes, including extracellular matrix and chemokine ligands and receptors. Taken together, these data unravel the concept that the expression of genes involved in controlling of thymocyte migration by the thymic microenvironment should be regarded as complex networks, so that a defect in the expression of one single gene may reflect in an amplified cascade with functional consequences for TEC adhesion onto the natural ligand and potential consequences upon the normal patterns of TEC/thymocyte interactions.

Dynamic Regulation of Integrin α6β4 During Angiogenesis: Potential Implications for Pathogenic Wound Healing

OBJECTIVE

Angiogenesis is an essential component of normal cutaneous wound repair, but is altered in pathogenic forms of wound healing, such as chronic wounds and fibrosis. We previously reported that endothelial expression of integrin α₆β₄ is developmentally regulated, with α₆β₄ expression correlating with tissue maturation and further showed that endothelial α₆β₄ is downregulated in explant angiogenesis assays. These data support the hypothesis that dynamic regulation of α₆β₄ may play an important role during new vessel formation in healing wounds.

APPROACH

To test this hypothesis, we examined the endothelial expression of α₆β₄ using a murine model of cutaneous wound healing and in vitro cultures of primary human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs).

RESULTS

Expression of α₆β₄ is downregulated during early stages of wound healing; angiogenic vessels in day 7 wounds do not express α₆β₄. Endothelial expression of α₆β₄ is resumed in day 14 wounds. Moreover, explanted HDMECs do not express α₆β₄, but expression is induced by treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors.

INNOVATION

We provide in vivo data supporting a role for the dynamic regulation of α₆β₄ during vessel formation and remodeling during cutaneous wound repair and in vitro findings that suggest endothelial β₄ expression is regulated transcriptionally, providing an important foundation for future studies to understand the transcriptional mechanisms involved in endothelial cell maturation during normal wound repair.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that α₆β₄ is dynamically regulated during angiogenesis and vessel maturation and suggest that disruption of this regulation may contribute to defective angiogenesis associated with diabetic wounds or cutaneous fibrosis.

The role of integrins in the development and homeostasis of the epidermis and skin appendages

Integrins play a critical role in the regulation of adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. Because of the variety of the functions they play in the cell, they are necessary for the formation and maintenance of tissue structure integrity. The trove of data accumulated by researchers suggests that integrins participate in the morphogenesis of the epidermis and its appendages. The development of mice with tissue-specific integrin genes knockout and determination of the genetic basis for a number of skin diseases in humans showed the significance of integrins in the biology, physiology, and morphogenesis of the epidermis and hair follicles. This review discusses the data on the role of different classes of integrin receptors in the biology of epidermal cells, as well as the development of the epidermis and hair follicles.