The Specificity and Function of the Metal-binding Sites in the Integrin β3 A-domain

Clutching at Guidance Cues: The Integrin-FAK Axis Steers Axon Outgrowth

Integrin receptors are essential contributors to neurite outgrowth and axon elongation. Activated integrins engage components of the extracellular matrix, enabling the growth cone to form point contacts, which connect the extracellular substrate to dynamic intracellular protein complexes. These adhesion complexes facilitate efficient growth cone migration and neurite extension. Major signalling pathways mediated by the adhesion complex are instigated by focal adhesion kinase (FAK), whilst axonal guidance molecules present in vivo promote growth cone turning or retraction by local modulation of FAK activity. Activation of FAK is marked by phosphorylation following integrin engagement, and this activity is tightly regulated during neurite outgrowth. FAK inhibition slows neurite outgrowth by reducing point contact turnover; however, mutant FAK constructs with enhanced activity stimulate aberrant outgrowth. Importantly, FAK is a major structural component of maturing adhesion sites, which provide the platform for actin polymerisation to drive leading edge advance. In this review, we discuss the coordinated signalling of integrin receptors and FAK, as well as their role in regulating neurite outgrowth and axon elongation. We also discuss the importance of the integrin-FAK axis in vivo, as integrin expression and activation are key determinants of successful axon regeneration following injury.

In vitro analysis of the trajectories of adhesive microbubbles approaching endothelial cells

Adhesion is a key process when ultrasound contrast agents, i.e. microbubbles, approach pathological tissues. A way to accomplish tumour targeting is to tether surface engineered microbubbles to endothelial cells of the up-regulated vascularization of cancer tissues. This can be achieved by coupling the microbubbles surface with the Arginine-Glycine-Aspartate, RGD, sequence. Such molecule interacts with the integrin receptors placed on the endothelial cells. Stability and trajectories of RGD modified lipid shelled MBs have been analysed in vitro using microchannels coated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells, HUVEC. In the microchannels realistic conditions, close to the physiological ones, were reproduced replicating shear rate, roughness comparable to the endothelium and channel size mimicking the postcapillary venules. In these conditions, the analysis of the trajectories close to the walls highlights a substantial difference between the modified MBs and the plain ones. Moreover, MBs adhesion has dynamic features recalling the motion of neutrophils engaged near the substrate such as rolling, translations and transient detachments. These findings are useful for the optimization of in vivo imaging and targeting functions.

Talin and Kindlin as Integrin-Activating Proteins: Focus on the Heart

Integrin receptors enable cells to sense and respond to their chemical and physical environment. As a class of membrane receptors, they provide a dynamic, tightly regulated link between the extracellular matrix or cellular counter-receptors and intracellular cytoskeletal and signaling networks. They enable transmission of mechanical force across the plasma membrane, and particularly for cardiomyocytes, may sense the mechanical load placed on cells. Talins and Kindlins are two families of FERM-domain proteins which bind the cytoplasmic tail of integrins, recruit cytoskeletal and signaling proteins involved in mechano-transduction, and those which synergize to activate integrins, allowing the integrins to physically change and bind to extracellular ligands. In this review, we will discuss the roles of talin and kindlin, particularly as integrin activators, with a focus on cardiac myocytes.

Extracellular calcium regulates the adhesion and migration of osteoclasts via integrin αv β 3 /Rho A/Cytoskeleton signaling

Integrin α_v β₃ is a transmembrane integrin, which can initiate osteoclasts' attachment on bones, leading to downward signaling pathways and subsequent bone resorption. Different calcium concentrations have been reported to have an influence on the activation of integrin α_v β₃ . To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of extracellular calcium concentrations on osteoclasts, a controlled micro flow plate (M04S) was utilized in the ONIX flow control system to observe the osteoclasts' adhesion and migration in different calcium concentration media. Fluorescent staining is conducted to show the distribution of integrin α_v β₃ and cytoskeleton reorganization. In addition, western blots were performed to detect the expression of integrin α_v β₃ and its downstream signaling pathways related to bone resorption. Also, real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction data of transcription co-activator (YAP/TAZ) and hydrolytic enzymes (the matrix metalloproteinase 9 and cathepsin K) are evaluated. Our findings suggest that osteoclasts' migration and adhesion is better promoted at 0.5 mM than 1.2 mM, which can be partly explained by the induced cytoskeleton organization via integrin α_v β₃ /Rho GTPase. But the activation and nuclear localization of YAP/TAZ, and the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes were upregulated when the calcium concentration is at a higher level (1.2 mM). According to our study, there is a high possibility that the migration and attachment of osteoclasts and subsequent osteoclastic bone resorption are regulated over a specific range of extracellular calcium concentration.

Biophysical approaches for the study of metal-protein interactions

Protein-protein interactions play important roles for a variety of cell functions, often involving metal ions; in fact, metal-ion binding mediates and regulates the activity of a wide range of biomolecules. Enlightening all of the specific features of metal-protein and metal-mediated protein-protein interactions can be a very challenging task; a detailed knowledge of the thermodynamic and spectroscopic parameters and the structural changes of the protein is normally required. For this purpose, many experimental techniques are employed, embracing all fields of Analytical and Bioinorganic Chemistry. In addition, the use of peptide models, reproducing the primary sequence of the metal-binding sites, is also proved to be useful. In this paper, a review of the most useful techniques for studying ligand-protein interactions with a special emphasis on metal-protein interactions is provided, with a critical summary of their strengths and limitations.

An acidic loop within the human soluble CD23 protein may direct the interaction between sCD23 and the αXβ2 integrin

CD23 is involved in a myriad of immune reactions. It is not only a receptor for IgE, but also functions in the regulation of IgE synthesis, isotype switching in B cells, and induction of the inflammatory response. These effector functions of CD23 arise through its interaction with another leukocyte-specific cell surface receptor - the β₂ integrin subfamily. It has been shown that CD23 is also capable of interacting with the β₃ and β₅ integrin β-subunit of integrins via a basic RKC motif in a metal cation-independent fashion. In this study the interaction was probed for whether or not the RKC motif governs the interaction between CD23 and the α_Xβ₂ integrin as well. This was done by performing bioinformatic docking predictions between CD23 and α_Xβ₂ integrin αI domain and SPR spectroscopy analysis of the interaction. This revealed that in the absence of cations, the RKC motif is involved in interaction with the integrin αI domain. However, in the presence of divalent metal cations the interaction showed the involvement of a novel acidic motif within the CD23 protein. This same pattern of interaction was seen in docking predictions between CD23 and the β₃I-like domain. This study thus presents an alternative site as a possible contributor to the CD23-integrin interaction exhibiting cation-dependence.

Integrin Activation: Implications for Axon Regeneration

Integrin activation is essential for creating functional transmembrane receptors capable of inducing downstream cellular effects such as cell migration, cell spreading, neurite outgrowth and axon regeneration. Integrins are bidirectional signalling molecules that mediate their effects by 'inside-out' and 'outside-in' signalling. This review will provide a detailed overview of integrin activation focusing on intracellular activation in neurons and discussing direct implications in the regulation of neurite outgrowth and axon regeneration.

The osteoclasts attach to the bone surface where the extracellular calcium concentration decreases

Osteoclasts demineralize and resorb bone once they attach to its surface. However, it's still unclear how the osteoclasts choose the specific sites for their attachments. It is postulated in this article that the decreased extracellular free ionized calcium concentration (Ca²⁺_[e]) can provide a microenvironment for osteoclasts to recognize and then initiate the attachment process. The osteoclasts initially attach to the bone surface via integrating its integrin α_vβ₃ and RGD containing ligands in bone matrix. Through the interaction with RGD-containing ligand, the integrin α_vβ₃ forms carboxylate oxygen noncovalent, which is further stabilized by accompanied electrostatic interaction between the Ca²⁺ and the β₃ subunit. There are two types of cation-binding sites on the β₃ subunit: the high affinity Ca²⁺ binding site ("LC" site) that activates the osteoclasts by promoting the combination; the low affinity Ca²⁺ binding site ("I" site, also named ADMIDAS) that deactivates the osteoclasts by dissociating the combination and it can override the "LC" site's positive effect on osteoclasts when necessary. Normally the Ca²⁺ concentration of bone extracellular fluid is maintained within a normal range by osteocytes, keeping the "I" sites activated. When the osteocytes' function stalls and the ambient Ca²⁺ concentration falls below the affinity discrimination threshold between the "I" site and the "LC" site, the "LC" site's promoting function starts to out compete the "I" site in its inhibitory effect, in which case the inactive integrin α_vβ₃ turns into an extended active form and the osteoclasts start to attach, signifying the initiation of bone resorption.

αIIbβ3: structure and function

During the past decade, advanced techniques in structural biology have provided atomic level information on the platelet integrin αIIbβ3 activation mechanism that results in it adopting a high-affinity ligand-binding conformation(s). This review focuses on advances in imaging intact αIIbβ3 in a lipid bilayer in the absence of detergent and new structural insights into the changes in the ligand-binding pocket with receptor activation and ligand binding. It concludes with descriptions of novel therapeutic αIIbβ3 antagonists being developed based on an advanced knowledge of the receptor's structure.

Disruption of integrin-fibronectin complexes by allosteric but not ligand-mimetic inhibitors

Failure of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-based inhibitors to reverse integrin-ligand binding has been reported, but the prevalence of this phenomenon among integrin heterodimers is currently unknown. In the present study we have investigated the interaction of four different RGD-binding integrins (α5β1, αVβ1, αVβ3 and αVβ6) with fibronectin (FN) using surface plasmon resonance. The ability of inhibitors to reverse ligand binding was assessed by their capacity to increase the dissociation rate of pre-formed integrin-FN complexes. For all four receptors we showed that RGD-based inhibitors (such as cilengitide) were completely unable to increase the dissociation rate. Formation of the non-reversible state occurred very rapidly and did not rely on the time-dependent formation of a high-affinity state of the integrin, or the integrin leg regions. In contrast with RGD-based inhibitors, Ca2+ (but not Mg2+) was able to greatly increase the dissociation rate of integrin-FN complexes, with a half-maximal response at ~0.4 mM Ca2+ for αVβ3-FN. The effect of Ca2+ was overcome by co-addition of Mn2+, but not Mg2+. A stimulatory anti-β1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) abrogated the effect of Ca2+ on α5β1-FN complexes; conversely, a function-blocking mAb mimicked the effect of Ca2+. These results imply that Ca2+ acts allosterically, probably through binding to the adjacent metal-ion-dependent adhesion site (ADMIDAS), and that the α1 helix in the β subunit I domain is the key element affected by allosteric modulators. The data suggest an explanation for the limited clinical efficacy of RGD-based integrin antagonists, and we propose that allosteric antagonists could prove to be of greater therapeutic benefit.

The regulation of integrin function by divalent cations

Integrins are a family of α/β heterodimeric adhesion metalloprotein receptors and their functions are highly dependent on and regulated by different divalent cations. Recently advanced studies have revolutionized our perception of integrin metal ion-binding sites and their specific functions. Ligand binding to integrins is bridged by a divalent cation bound at the MIDAS motif on top of either α I domain in I domain-containing integrins or β I domain in α I domain-less integrins. The MIDAS motif in β I domain is flanked by ADMIDAS and SyMBS, the other two crucial metal ion binding sites playing pivotal roles in the regulation of integrin affinity and bidirectional signaling across the plasma membrane. The β-propeller domain of α subunit contains three or four β-hairpin loop-like Ca(2+)-binding motifs that have essential roles in integrin biogenesis. The function of another Ca(2+)-binding motif located at the genu of α subunit remains elusive. Here, we provide an overview of the integrin metal ion-binding sites and discuss their roles in the regulation of integrin functions.

Structure-guided design of a high-affinity platelet integrin αIIbβ3 receptor antagonist that disrupts Mg²⁺ binding to the MIDAS

An integrin found on platelets, α(IIb)β(3) mediates platelet aggregation, and α(IIb)β(3) antagonists are effective antithrombotic agents in the clinic. Ligands bind to integrins in part by coordinating a magnesium ion (Mg(2+)) located in the β subunit metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS). Drugs patterned on the integrin ligand sequence Arg-Gly-Asp have a basic moiety that binds the α(IIb) subunit and a carboxyl group that coordinates the MIDAS Mg(2+) in the β(3) subunits. They induce conformational changes in the β(3) subunit that may have negative consequences such as exposing previously hidden epitopes and inducing the active conformation of the receptor. We recently reported an inhibitor of α(IIb)β(3) (RUC-1) that binds exclusively to the α(IIb) subunit; here, we report the structure-based design and synthesis of RUC-2, a RUC-1 derivative with a ~100-fold higher affinity. RUC-2 does not induce major conformational changes in β(3) as judged by monoclonal antibody binding, light scattering, gel chromatography, electron microscopy, and a receptor priming assay. X-ray crystallography of the RUC-2-α(IIb)β(3) headpiece complex in 1 mM calcium ion (Ca(2+))/5 mM Mg(2+) at 2.6 Å revealed that RUC-2 binds to α(IIb) the way RUC-1 does, but in addition, it binds to the β(3) MIDAS residue glutamic acid 220, thus displacing Mg(2+) from the MIDAS. When the Mg(2+) concentration was increased to 20 mM, however, Mg(2+) was identified in the MIDAS and RUC-2 was absent. RUC-2's ability to inhibit ligand binding and platelet aggregation was diminished by increasing the Mg(2+) concentration. Thus, RUC-2 inhibits ligand binding by a mechanism different from that of all other α(IIb)β(3) antagonists and may offer advantages as a therapeutic agent.

Simultaneous measurement of adenosine triphosphate release and aggregation potentiates human platelet aggregation responses for some subjects, including persons with Quebec platelet disorder

Platelet aggregometry and dense granule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release assays are helpful to diagnose platelet disorders. Some laboratories simultaneously measure aggregation and ATP release using Chronolume® a commercial reagent containing D-luciferin, firefly luciferase and magnesium. Chronolume® can potentiate sub-maximal aggregation responses, normalising canine platelet disorder findings. We investigated if Chronolume® potentiates human platelet aggregation responses after observing discrepancies suspicious of potentiation. Among patients simultaneously tested by light transmission aggregometry (LTA) on two instruments, 18/43 (42%), including 14/24 (58%) with platelet disorders, showed full secondary aggregation with one or more agonists only in tests with Chronolume®. As subjects with Quebec platelet disorder (QPD) did not show the expected absent secondary aggregation responses to epinephrine in tests with Chronolume®, the reason for the discrepancy was investigated using samples from 10 QPD subjects. Like sub-threshold ADP (0.75 μM), Chronolume® significantly increased QPD LTA responses to epinephrine (p<0.0001) and it increased both initial and secondary aggregation responses, leading to dense granule release. This potentiation was not restricted to QPD and it was mimicked adding 1-2 mM magnesium, but not D-luciferin or firefly luciferase, to LTA assays. Chronolume® potentiated the ADP aggregation responses of QPD subjects with a reduced response. Furthermore, it increased whole blood aggregation responses of healthy control samples to multiple agonists, tested at concentrations used for the diagnosis of platelet disorders (p values <0.05). Laboratories should be aware that measuring ATP release with Chronolume® can potentiate LTA and whole blood aggregation responses, which alters findings for some human platelet disorders, including QPD.

Dynamic regulation of fibrinogen: integrin αIIbβ3 binding

This study demonstrates that two orthogonal events regulate integrin αIIbβ3's interactions with fibrinogen, its primary physiological ligand: (1) conformational changes at the αIIb-β3 interface and (2) flexibility in the carboxy terminus of fibrinogen's γ-module. The first postulate was tested by capturing αIIbβ3 on a biosensor and measuring binding by surface plasmon resonance. Binding of fibrinogen to eptifibatide-primed αIIbβ3 was characterized by a k(on) of ~2 × 10(4) L mol(-1) s(-1) and a k(off) of ~8 × 10(-5) s(-1) at 37 °C. In contrast, even at 150 nM fibrinogen, no binding was detected with resting αIIbβ3. Eptifibatide competitively inhibited fibrinogen's interactions with primed αIIbβ3 (K(i) ~0.4 nM), while a synthetic γ-module peptide (HHLGGAKQAGDV) was only weakly inhibitory (K(i) > 10 μM). The second postulate was tested by measuring αIIbβ3's interactions with recombinant fibrinogen, both normal (rFgn) and a deletion mutant lacking the γ-chain AGDV sites (rFgn γΔ408-411). Normal rFgn bound rapidly, tightly, and specifically to primed αIIbβ3; no interaction was detected with rFgn γΔ408-411. Equilibrium and transition-state thermodynamic data indicated that binding of fibrinogen to primed αIIbβ3, while enthalpy-favorable, must overcome an entropy-dominated activation energy barrier. The hypothesis that fibrinogen binding is enthalpy-driven fits with structural data showing that its γ-C peptide and eptifibatide exhibit comparable electrostatic contacts with αIIbβ3's ectodomain. The concept that fibrinogen's αIIbβ3 targeting sequence is intrinsically disordered may explain the entropy penalty that limits its binding rate. In the hemostatic milieu, platelet-platelet interactions may be localized to vascular injury sites because integrins must be activated before they can bind their most abundant ligand.

Targeted molecular dynamics reveals overall common conformational changes upon hybrid domain swing-out in beta3 integrins

The beta3 integrin family members alphaIIbeta3 and alphaVbeta3 signal bidirectionally through long-range allosteric changes, including a transition from a bent unliganded-closed low-affinity state to an extended liganded-open high-affinity state. To obtain an atomic-level description of this transition in an explicit solvent, we carried out targeted molecular dynamics simulations of the headpieces of alphaIIbeta3 and alphaVbeta3 integrins. Although minor differences were observed between these receptors, our results suggest a common transition pathway in which the hybrid domain swing-out is accompanied by conformational changes within the beta3 betaA (I-like) domain that propagate through the alpha7 helix C-terminus, and are followed by the alpha7 helix downward motion and the opening of the beta6-alpha7 loop. Breaking of contact interactions between the beta6-alpha7 loop and the alpha1 helix N-terminus results in helix straightening, internal rearrangements of the specificity determining loop (SDL), movement of the beta1-alpha1 loop toward the metal ion dependent adhesion site (MIDAS), and final changes at the interfaces between the beta3 betaA (I-like) domain and either the hybrid or the alpha beta-propeller domains. Taken together, our results suggest novel testable hypotheses of intradomain and interdomain interactions responsible for beta3 integrin activation.

Crystal structure of the complete integrin alphaVbeta3 ectodomain plus an alpha/beta transmembrane fragment

We determined the crystal structure of 1TM-alphaVbeta3, which represents the complete unconstrained ectodomain plus short C-terminal transmembrane stretches of the alphaV and beta3 subunits. 1TM-alphaVbeta3 is more compact and less active in solution when compared with DeltaTM-alphaVbeta3, which lacks the short C-terminal stretches. The structure reveals a bent conformation and defines the alpha-beta interface between IE2 (EGF-like 2) and the thigh domains. Modifying this interface by site-directed mutagenesis leads to robust integrin activation. Fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy of inactive full-length alphaVbeta3 on live cells yields a donor-membrane acceptor distance, which is consistent with the bent conformation and does not change in the activated integrin. These data are the first direct demonstration of conformational coupling of the integrin leg and head domains, identify the IE2-thigh interface as a critical steric barrier in integrin activation, and suggest that inside-out activation in intact cells may involve conformational changes other than the postulated switch to a genu-linear state.

Integrin alpha(v)beta(3) on human endothelial cells binds von Willebrand factor strings under fluid shear stress

Acutely secreted von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers adhere to endothelial cells, support platelet adhesion, and may induce microvascular thrombosis. Immunofluorescence microscopy of live human umbilical vein endothelial cells showed that VWF multimers rapidly formed strings several hundred micrometers long on the cell surface after stimulation with histamine. Unexpectedly, only a subset of VWF strings supported platelet binding, which depended on platelet glycoprotein Ib. Electron microscopy showed that VWF strings often consisted of bundles and networks of VWF multimers, and each string was tethered to the cell surface by a limited number of sites. Several approaches implicated P-selectin and integrin alpha(v)beta(3) in anchoring VWF strings. An RGDS peptide or a function-blocking antibody to integrin alpha(v)beta(3) reduced the number of VWF strings formed. In addition, integrin alpha(v) decorated the VWF strings by immunofluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, lentiviral transduction of shRNA against the alpha(v) subunit reduced the expression of cell-surface integrin alpha(v)beta(3) and impaired the ability of endothelial cells to retain VWF strings. Soluble P-selectin reduced the number of platelet-decorated VWF strings in the absence of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) but had no effect in the presence of these cations. These results indicate that VWF strings bind specifically to integrin alpha(v)beta(3) on human endothelial cells.

Functional and computational studies of the ligand-associated metal binding site of beta3 integrins

A combination of experimental and computational approaches was used to provide a structural context for the role of the beta3 integrin subunit ligand-associated metal binding site (LIMBS) in the binding of physiological ligands to beta3 integrins. Specifically, we have carried out (1) adhesion assays on cells expressing normal alphaIIbeta3, normal alphaVbeta3, or the corresponding beta3 D217A LIMBS mutants; and (2) equilibrium and nonequilibrium (steered) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of eptifibatide in complex with either a fully hydrated normal alphaIIbeta3 integrin fragment (alphaIIb beta-propeller and the beta3 betaA (I-like), hybrid, and PSI domains) or the equivalent beta3 D217A mutant. Normal alphaIIbeta3 expressing cells adhered to immobilized fibrinogen and echistatin, whereas cells expressing the alphaIIbeta3 D217A LIMBS mutant failed to adhere to either ligand. Similarly, the equivalent alphaVbeta3 mutant was unable to support adhesion to vitronectin or fibrinogen. The alphaIIbeta3 D217A mutation increased the binding of mAb AP5, which recognizes a ligand-induced binding site (LIBS) in the beta3 PSI domain, indicating that this mutation induced allosteric changes in the protein. Steered MD simulating the unbinding of eptifibatide from either normal alphaIIbeta3 or the equivalent beta3 D217A mutant suggested that the reduction in ligand binding caused by the LIMBS mutant required the loss of both the LIMBS and the metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) metal ions. Our computational results indicate that the LIMBS plays a crucial role in ligand binding to alphaIIbeta3 by virtue of its effects on the coordination of the MIDAS.

Interaction and functional association of protein disulfide isomerase with alphaVbeta3 integrin on endothelial cells

Adhesive properties of endothelial cells are influenced by the thioldisulfide balance. However, the molecular mechanism of this effect is unclear, although recent observations indicate that integrin receptors may be direct targets for redox modulation. The purpose of this study was to examine whether protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is directly involved in this process. As manganese ions are known to affect the thioldisulfide balance and activate integrins to maximal affinity, we searched for PDI interactions with integrins, particularly with alpha(V)beta(3), in Mn(2+)-treated endothelial cells. By employing confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and coimmunoprecipitation experiments, we showed that exposure of endothelial cells to Mn(2+) resulted in: (a) the appearance of surface protein thiol groups, which can be found in PDI and alpha(V)beta(3), and both proteins colocalizing on the cellular surface; and (b) the formation of the PDI-alpha(V)beta(3) complex, which dissociates upon reduction. In addition, PDI in a complex with alpha(V)beta(3) induces conversion of the integrin to the ligand-competent high-affinity state, as evidenced by increased binding of vitronectin. The membrane-impermeable sulfhydryl blockers 3-N-maleimidylpropionyl biocytin 3-N-maleimidylpropionyl biocytin and p-chloromercuriphenyl sulfonate, as well as the PDI inhibitors bacitracin, MA3 018, and MA3 019, abolished the binding of vitronectin and LM609 to endothelial cells that is activated by Mn(2+). Consistently, LM609 almost completely blocked binding of vitronectin to such cells. The formation of the PDI-alpha(V)beta(3) stoichiometric complex was further demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance analysis, which showed that the initial reversible binding of PDI becomes irreversible in the presence of Mn(2+), probably mediated by disulfide bonds. Thus, we show that Mn(2+) simultaneously modulates the thiol isomerase activity of PDI that is bound to alpha(V)beta(3) and induces its transition to the ligand-competent state, suggesting an alternative mechanism of integrin regulation.

Expression of integrin subunits in the herniated intervertebral disc

Integrins are a class of cell adhesion molecules that regulate interactions between cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM). Several specific integrin receptors have been identified in intervertebral discs, including the fibronectin-binding integrin receptors alpha(5) beta(1), alpha(v) beta(3) and the collagen-binding integrin receptors alpha(1) beta(1), alpha(2) beta(1), and, alpha(v) beta(1). But the integrins expressions in degenerated intervertebral discs are still unknown. In our study, the expressions of alpha(1), alpha(2), alpha(5), alpha(v), beta(1), beta(3) integrin subunits, collagens, and fibronectin in normal and herniated intervertebral discs of human were determined. Specimens of human lumbar intervertebral discs were divided into 3 groups: normal discs (n = 10), protrusion (n = 15), and extrusion (n = 15). Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoprecipitation were used to evaluate the alpha(1), alpha(2), alpha(5),alpha(v), beta(1), and beta(3) integrin subunits messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expressions. RT-PCR was also performed to measure the mRNA level of collagen I, collagen II, and fibronectin. The expressions of alpha(5) and beta(1) subunits were increased in herniated discs, especially in the discs of extrusion. But as to alpha(1), alpha(2), alpha(v) and beta(3), their expressions had no difference among the discs. Fibronectin, whose binding integrin receptor was alpha(5) beta(1) was also increased. And in herniated discs, the collagen I was increased, but the collagen II was decreased. The expressions of some integrin subunits were increased in herniated discs. These results may be attributed to the interaction between cells and the ECM in the process of degeneration.

Modulation of ligand binding by alternative splicing of the alphaPS2 integrin subunit

The Drosophila alphaPS2 integrin subunit is found in two isoforms. alphaPS2C contains 25 residues not found in alphaPS2m8, encoded by the alternative eighth exon. Previously, it was shown that cells expressing alphaPS2C spread more effectively than alphaPS2m8 cells on fragments of the ECM protein Tiggrin, and that alphaPS2C-containing integrins are relatively insensitive to depletion of Ca(2+). Using a ligand mimetic probe for Tiggrin affinity (TWOW-1), we show that the affinity of alphaPS2CbetaPS for this ligand is much higher than that of alphaPS2m8betaPS. However, the two isoforms become more similar in the presence of activating levels of Mn(2+). Modeling indicates that the exon 8-encoded residues replace the third beta strand of the third blade of the alpha subunit beta-propeller structure, and generate an exaggerated loop between this and the fourth strand. alphaPS2 subunits with the extra loop structure but with an m8-like third strand, or subunits with a C-like strand but an m8-like short loop, both fail to show alphaPS2C-like affinity for TWOW-1. Surprisingly, a single C > m8-like change at the third strand-loop transition point is sufficient to make alphaPS2C require Ca(2+) for function, despite the absence of any known cation binding site in this region. These data indicate that alternative splicing in integrin alpha subunit extracellular domains may affect ligand affinity via relatively subtle alterations in integrin conformation. These results may have relevance for vertebrate alpha6 and alpha7, which are alternatively spliced at the same site.

Platelet integrins and immunoreceptors

Stable platelet adhesion to extracellular matrices and the formation of a hemostatic or pathological thrombus are dependent on integrin alphaIIbbeta3, also known as GPIIb-IIIa. However, maximal platelet responses to vascular injury may involve the participation of other integrins expressed in platelets (alphaVbeta3, alpha2beta1, alpha5beta1, and alpha6beta1). Platelet membrane 'immunoreceptors' contain at least one subunit with an extracellular immunoglobulin superfamily domain and/or an intracellular stimulatory immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) or immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM). Platelet ITAM receptors, such as FcgammaRIIA and the GPVI-FcRgamma complex, promote activation of integrins, while ITIM receptors, such as platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, may promote their inhibition. This review summarizes the structure and function of platelet integrins and immunoreceptors, the emerging functional relationships between these receptor classes, and the consequences of their interaction for platelet function in hemostasis and thrombosis.