Epidermal growth factor-like repeats of thrombospondins activate phospholipase Cgamma and increase epithelial cell migration through indirect epidermal growth factor receptor activation

Critical role of thrombospondin-1 in promoting intestinal mucosal wound repair

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) is a matricellular protein associated with the regulation of cell migration through direct binding interactions with integrin proteins and by associating with other receptors known to regulate integrin function, including CD47 and CD36. We previously demonstrated that deletion of an epithelial TSP1 receptor, CD47, attenuates epithelial wound repair following intestinal mucosal injury. However, the mechanisms by which TSP1 contributes to intestinal mucosal repair remain poorly understood. Our results show upregulated TSP1 expression in colonic mucosal wounds and impaired intestinal mucosal wound healing in vivo upon intestinal epithelium-specific loss of TSP1 (VillinCre/+ Thbs1fl/fl or Thbs1ΔIEC mice). We report that exposure to exogenous TSP1 enhanced migration of intestinal epithelial cells in a CD47- and TGF-β1-dependent manner and that deficiency of TSP1 in primary murine colonic epithelial cells resulted in impaired wound healing. Mechanistically, TSP1 modulated epithelial actin cytoskeletal dynamics through suppression of RhoA activity, activation of Rho family small GTPase (Rac1), and changes in filamentous-actin bundling. Overall, TSP1 was found to regulate intestinal mucosal wound healing via CD47 and TGF-β1, coordinate integrin-containing cell-matrix adhesion dynamics, and remodel the actin cytoskeleton in migrating epithelial cells to enhance cell motility and promote wound repair.

Controlled extracellular proteolysis of thrombospondins

Limited proteolysis of thrombospondins is a powerful mechanism to ensure dynamic tuning of their activities in the extracellular space. Thrombospondins are multifunctional matricellular proteins composed of multiple domains, each with a specific pattern of interactions with cell receptors, matrix components and soluble factors (growth factors, cytokines and proteases), thus with different effects on cell behavior and responses to changes in the microenvironment. Therefore, the proteolytic degradation of thrombospondins has multiple functional consequences, reflecting the local release of active fragments and isolated domains, exposure or disruption of active sequences, altered protein location, and changes in the composition and function of TSP-based pericellular interaction networks. In this review current data from the literature and databases is employed to provide an overview of cleavage of mammalian thrombospondins by different proteases. The roles of the fragments generated in specific pathological settings, with particular focus on cancer and the tumor microenvironment, are discussed.

The matricellular protein thrombospondin-1 in lung inflammation and injury

Matricellular proteins comprise a diverse group of molecular entities secreted into the extracellular space. They interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM), integrins, and other cell-surface receptors, and can alter matrix strength, cell attachment to the matrix, and cell-cell adhesion. A founding member of this group is thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a high molecular-mass homotrimeric glycoprotein. Given the importance of the matrix and ECM remodeling in the lung following injury, TSP-1 has been implicated in a number of lung pathologies. This review examines the role of TSP-1 as a damage controller in the context of lung inflammation, injury resolution, and repair in noninfectious and infectious models. This review also discusses the potential role of TSP-1 in human diseases as it relates to lung inflammation and injury.

RNA N6-methyladenosine modulates endothelial atherogenic responses to disturbed flow in mice

Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs in atheroprone vasculature where human umbilical vein endothelial cells are exposed to disturbed flow. Disturbed flow is associated with vascular inflammation and focal distribution. Recent studies have revealed the involvement of epigenetic regulation in atherosclerosis progression. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA, but its function in endothelial atherogenic progression remains unclear. Here, we show that m6A mediates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway during EC activation to regulate the atherosclerotic process. Oscillatory stress (OS) reduced the expression of methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3), the primary m6A methyltransferase. Through m6A sequencing and functional studies, we determined that m6A mediates the mRNA decay of the vascular pathophysiology gene EGFR which leads to EC dysfunction. m6A modification of the EGFR 3' untranslated regions (3'UTR) accelerated its mRNA degradation. Double mutation of the EGFR 3'UTR abolished METTL3-induced luciferase activity. Adenovirus-mediated METTL3 overexpression significantly reduced EGFR activation and endothelial dysfunction in the presence of OS. Furthermore, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), an EGFR ligand, was specifically expressed in atheroprone regions without being affected by METTL3. Inhibition of the TSP-1/EGFR axis by using shRNA and AG1478 significantly ameliorated atherogenesis. Overall, our study revealed that METTL3 alleviates endothelial atherogenic progression through m6A-dependent stabilization of EGFR mRNA, highlighting the important role of RNA transcriptomics in atherosclerosis regulation.

Thrombospondin-4 Is a Soluble Dermal Inflammatory Signal That Selectively Promotes Fibroblast Migration and Keratinocyte Proliferation for Skin Regeneration and Wound Healing

Thrombospondin-4 (THBS4) is a non-structural extracellular matrix molecule associated with tissue regeneration and a variety of pathological processes characterized by increased cell proliferation and migration. However, the mechanisms of how THBS4 regulates cell behavior as well as the pathways contributing to its effects have remained largely unexplored. In the present study we investigated the role of THBS4 in skin regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. We found that THBS4 expression was upregulated in the dermal compartment of healing skin wounds in humans as well as in mice. Application of recombinant THBS4 protein promoted cutaneous wound healing in mice and selectively stimulated migration of primary fibroblasts as well as proliferation of keratinocytes in vitro. By using a combined proteotranscriptomic pathway analysis approach we discovered that β-catenin acted as a hub for THBS4-dependent cell signaling and likely plays a key role in promoting its downstream effects. Our results suggest that THBS4 is an important contributor to wound healing and its incorporation into novel wound healing therapies may be a promising strategy for treatment of cutaneous wounds.

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.

Role of thrombospondin‑1 and thrombospondin‑2 in cardiovascular diseases (Review)

Thrombospondin (TSP)-1 and TSP-2 are matricellular proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM), which serve a significant role in the pathological processes of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The multiple effects of TSP-1 and TSP-2 are due to their ability to interact with various ligands, such as structural components of the ECM, cytokines, cellular receptors, growth factors, proteases and other stromal cell proteins. TSP-1 and TSP-2 regulate the structure and activity of the aforementioned ligands by interacting directly or indirectly with them, thereby regulating the activity of different types of cells in response to environmental stimuli. The pathological processes of numerous CVDs are associated with the degradation and remodeling of ECM components, and with cell migration, dysfunction and apoptosis, which may be regulated by TSP-1 and TSP-2 through different mechanisms. Therefore, investigating the role of TSP-1 and TSP-2 in different CVDs and the potential signaling pathways they are associated with may provide a new perspective on potential therapies for the treatment of CVDs. In the present review, the current understanding of the roles TSP-1 and TSP-2 serve in various CVDs were summarized. In addition, the interacting ligands and the potential pathways associated with these thrombospondins in CVDs are also discussed.

The transmembrane protein LRIG2 increases tumor progression in skin carcinogenesis

Over the last few decades, the number of cases of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has risen to over 3 million cases every year worldwide. Members of the ERBB receptor family are important regulators of skin development and homeostasis and, when dysregulated, contribute to skin pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated leucine‐rich repeats and immunoglobulin‐like domains 2 (LRIG2), a transmembrane protein involved in feedback loop regulation of the ERBB receptor family during NMSC. LRIG2 was identified to be up‐regulated in various types of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), but little is known about LRIG2 in cutaneous SCC (cSCC). To investigate the function of LRIG2 in cSCC in vivo, we generated a skin‐specific LRIG2 overexpressing transgenic mouse line (LRIG2‐TG) using the Tet‐Off system. We employed the 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene/12‐O‐tetra‐decanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (DMBA/TPA) two‐stage chemical carcinogenesis model and analyzed the skin during homeostasis and tumorigenesis. LRIG2‐TG mice did not exhibit alterations in skin development or homeostasis but showed an interaction between LRIG2 and thrombospondin‐1, which is often involved in angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. However, during carcinogenesis, transgenic animals showed significantly increased tumor progression and a more rapid development of cSCC. This was accompanied by changes in the ERBB system. After a single TPA application, inflammation of the epidermis was enhanced during LRIG2 overexpression. In human skin samples, LRIG2 expression was identified in the basal layer of the epidermis and in hair follicles of normal skin, but also in cSCC samples. In conclusion, epidermal LRIG2 excess is associated with activated EGFR/ERBB4‐MAPK signaling and accelerated tumor progression in experimentally induced NMSC, suggesting LRIG2 as a potential oncoprotein in skin.

[Research progress on the role of thrombospondin in synapse formation]

Objective

To review the recent progress in the role of thrombospondins (TSPs) in synapse formation in the central nervous system (CNS).

Methods

A wide range of domestic and foreign literature on the role of TSPs in the synapse formation of the CNS was reviewed. The role of TSPs in structural features, molecules, and related diseases was reviewed.

Results

As an oligosaccharide protein, TSPs play important roles in angiogenesis, inflammation, osteogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. In the nervous system, they bind to voltage-dependent calcium channels, neuronectin, and other extracellular matrix proteins and cell surface receptors, and participate in and regulate multiple processes such as synapse formation, maturation, and function in the CNS.

Conclusion

TSPs as an oligomeric extracellular matrix protein play an important role in the formation of synapses and the repair of synapses after CNS injury.

Perindopril Induces TSP-1 Expression in Hypertensive Patients with Endothelial Dysfunction in Chronic Treatment

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a potent endogenous inhibitor of both physiological and pathological angiogenesis, widely studied as a target in drug development for treating cancer. Several studies performed in the cardiovascular field on TSP-1 are contradictory, the role of TSP-1 in the physiopathology of cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) being, for the moment, incompletely understood and may be due to the presence of several domains in its structure which can stimulate many cellular receptors. It has been reported to inhibit NO-mediated signaling and to act on the angiogenesis, tissue perfusion, endothelial cell proliferation, and homeostasis, so we aimed to quantify the effect Perindopril has on TSP-1 plasma levels in hypertensive patients with endothelial dysfunction in comparison with other antihypertensive drugs, such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, in a chronic treatment. As a conclusion, patients under treatment with Perindopril had increased plasma levels of TSP-1 compared with other hypertensive patients and with the control group. The results of this study confirms the pleiotropic properties of Perindopril: anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, with effects showed by quantifying a single biomarker: TSP-1.

Extracellular matrix dynamics and functions in the social amoeba Dictyostelium: A critical review

BACKGROUND

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic complex of glycoproteins, proteoglycans, carbohydrates, and collagen that serves as an interface between mammalian cells and their extracellular environment. Essential for normal cellular homeostasis, physiology, and events that occur during development, it is also a key functionary in a number of human diseases including cancer. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum secretes an ECM during multicellular development that regulates multicellularity, cell motility, cell differentiation, and morphogenesis, and provides structural support and protective layers to the resulting differentiated cell types. Proteolytic processing within the Dictyostelium ECM leads to specific bioactive factors that regulate cell motility and differentiation.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Here we review the structure and functions of the Dictyostelium ECM and its role in regulating multicellular development. The questions and challenges that remain and how they can be answered are also discussed.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

The Dictyostelium ECM shares many of the features of mammalian and plant ECM, and thus presents an excellent system for studying the structure and function of the ECM.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

As a genetically tractable model organism, Dictyostelium offers the potential to further elucidate ECM functions, and to possibly reveal previously unknown roles for the ECM.

Determination of the CD148-Interacting Region in Thrombospondin-1

CD148 is a transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase that is expressed in multiple cell types, including vascular endothelial cells and duct epithelial cells. Previous studies have shown a prominent role of CD148 to reduce growth factor signals and suppress cell proliferation and transformation. Further, we have recently shown that thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) serves as a functionally important ligand for CD148. TSP1 has multiple structural elements and interacts with various cell surface receptors that exhibit differing effects. In order to create the CD148-specific TSP1 fragment, here we investigated the CD148-interacting region in TSP1 using a series of TSP1 fragments and biochemical and biological assays. Our results demonstrate that: 1) CD148 binds to the 1st type 1 repeat in TSP1; 2) Trimeric TSP1 fragments that contain the 1st type repeat inhibit cell proliferation in A431D cells that stably express wild-type CD148 (A431D/CD148wt cells), while they show no effects in A431D cells that lack CD148 or express a catalytically inactive form of CD148. The anti-proliferative effect of the TSP1 fragment in A431D/CD148wt cells was largely abolished by CD148 knockdown and antagonized by the 1st, but not the 2nd and 3rd, type 1 repeat fragment. Furthermore, the trimeric TSP1 fragments containing the 1st type repeat increased the catalytic activity of CD148 and reduced phospho-tyrosine contents of EGFR and ERK1/2, defined CD148 substrates. These effects were not observed in the TSP1 fragments that lack the 1st type 1 repeat. Last, we demonstrate that the trimeric TSP1 fragment containing the 1st type 1 repeat inhibits endothelial cell proliferation in culture and angiogenesis in vivo. These effects were largely abolished by CD148 knockdown or deficiency. Collectively, these findings indicate that the 1st type 1 repeat interacts with CD148, reducing growth factor signals and inhibiting epithelial or endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Role of ErbB Receptors in Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion

Growth factors mediate their diverse biologic responses (regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration and survival) by binding to and activating cell-surface receptors with intrinsic protein kinase activity named receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). About 60 RTKs have been identified and can be classified into more than 16 different receptor families. Their activity is normally tightly controlled and regulated. Overexpression of RTK proteins or functional alterations caused by mutations in the corresponding genes or abnormal stimulation by autocrine growth factor loops contribute to constitutive RTK signaling, resulting in alterations in the physiological activities of cells. The ErbB receptor family of RTKs comprises four distinct receptors: the EGFR (also known as ErbB1/HER1), ErbB2 (neu, HER2), ErbB3 (HER3) and ErbB4 (HER4). ErbB family members are often overexpressed, amplified, or mutated in many forms of cancer, making them important therapeutic targets. EGFR has been found to be amplified in gliomas and non-small-cell lung carcinoma while ErbB2 amplifications are seen in breast, ovarian, bladder, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, as well as several other tumor types. Several data have shown that ErbB receptor family and its downstream pathway regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, and tumor invasion by modulating extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Recent findings indicate that ECM components such as matrikines bind specifically to EGF receptor and promote cell invasion. In this review, we will present an in-depth overview of the structure, mechanisms, cell signaling, and functions of ErbB family receptors in cell adhesion and migration. Furthermore, we will describe in a last part the new strategies developed in anti-cancer therapy to inhibit ErbB family receptor activation.

Alpha1a-Adrenoceptor Genetic Variant Triggers Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Hyperproliferation and Agonist Induced Hypertrophy via EGFR Transactivation Pathway

α_1a Adrenergic receptors (α_1aARs) are the predominant AR subtype in human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). α_1aARs in resistance vessels are crucial in the control of blood pressure, yet the impact of naturally occurring human α_1aAR genetic variants in cardiovascular disorders remains poorly understood. To this end, we present novel findings demonstrating that 3D cultures of vascular SMCs expressing human α_1aAR-247R (247R) genetic variant demonstrate significantly increased SMC contractility compared with cells expressing the α_1aAR-WT (WT) receptor. Stable expression of 247R genetic variant also triggers MMP/EGFR-transactivation dependent serum- and agonist-independent (constitutive) hyperproliferation and agonist-dependent hypertrophy of SMCs. Agonist stimulation reduces contractility Using pathway-specific inhibitors we determined that the observed hyperproliferation of 247R-expressing cells is triggered via β-arrestin1/Src/MMP-2/EGFR/ERK-dependent mechanism. MMP-2-specific siRNA inhibited 247R-triggered hyperproliferation indicating MMP-2 involvement in 247R-triggered hyperproliferation in SMCs. β-arrestin1-specific shRNA also inhibited 247R-triggered hyperproliferation but did not affect hypertrophy in 247R-expressing SMCs, indicating that agonist-dependent hypertrophy is independent of β-arrestin1. Our data reveal that in different cardiovascular cells the same human receptor genetic variant can activate alternative modulators of the same signaling pathway. Thus, our findings in SMCs demonstrate that depending on the type of cells expressing the same receptor (or receptor variant), different target-specific inhibitors could be used to modulate aberrant hyperproliferative or hypertrophic pathways in order to restore normal phenotype.

Polymer Supported Directed Differentiation Reveals a Unique Gene Signature Predicting Stable Hepatocyte Performance

In theory, pluripotent stem cells can give rise to all somatic cell types found in the human body. The ability to generate renewable sources of human cells has enormous potential to improve human health and wealth. One major obstacle to the routine deployment of stem cell-derived cells is their instability in culture. To tackle this issue a synthetic polymer surface is used.

α1-acid glycoprotein disrupts capillary-like tube formation of human lung microvascular endothelia

PURPOSE

The acute phase protein, α1-acid glycoprotein, is expressed in the lung, and influences endothelial cell function. We asked whether it might regulate angiogenesis in human lung microvascular endothelia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

α1-acid glycoprotein was isolated from human serum by HPLC ion exchange chromatography. Its effects on endothelial cell functions including capillary-like tube formation on Matrigel, migration in a wounding assay, chemotaxis in a modified Boyden chamber, adhesion, and transendothelial flux of the permeability tracer, (14)C-albumin, were tested.

RESULTS

α1-acid glycoprotein dose-dependently inhibited capillary-like tube formation without loss of cell viability. At ≥0.50 mg/mL, it inhibited tube formation >70%, and at 0.75 mg/mL, >97%. α1-acid glycoprotein dose- and time-dependently restrained EC migration into a wound as early as 2 hours, and in washout studies, did so reversibly. It was inhibitory against vascular endothelial growth factor-A and fibroblast growth factor-2-driven migration but failed to inhibit chemotactic responsiveness. When α1-acid glycoprotein was added to preformed tubes, it provoked their almost immediate disassembly. As early as 15 minutes, it induced tube network collapse without endothelial cell-cell disruption. It exerted a biphasic effect on cell adhesion to the Matrigel substrate. At lower concentrations (0.05-0.25 mg/mL), it increased cell adhesion, whereas at higher concentrations (≥0.75 mg/mL) decreased adhesion. In contrast, it had no effect on transendothelial (14)C-albumin flux.

CONCLUSION

α1-acid glycoprotein, at concentrations found under physiological conditions, rapidly inhibits endothelial cell capillary-like tube formation that may be explained through diminished cell adhesion to the underlying matrix and/or reversibly decreased cell migration.

Matricellular protein thrombospondins: influence on ocular angiogenesis, wound healing and immuneregulation

Thrombospondins are a family of large multi-domain glycoproteins described as matricelluar proteins based on their ability to interact with a broad range of receptors, matrix molecules, growth factors or proteases, and to modulate array of cellular functions including intracellular signaling, proliferation and migration. Two members of the thrombospondin family, thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) and thrombospondin 2 (TSP-2) are studied extensively to determine their structure and function. While expressed at low levels in normal adult tissues, their increased expression is seen predominantly in response to cellular perturbations. Despite structural similarities, a notable functional difference between TSP-1 and TSP-2 includes the ability of former to activate of latent TGF-β and its competitive inhibition by the latter. Both these thrombospondins are reported to play important roles in TGF-β rich ocular environment with most reports related to TSP-1. They are expressed by many ocular cell types and detectable in the aqueous and vitreous humor. TSP-1 and TSP-2 influence many cellular interactions in the eye such as angiogenesis, cell migration, wound healing, TGF-β activation and regulation of inflammatory immune responses. Together, these processes are known to contribute to the immune privilege status of the eye. Emerging roles of TSP-1 and TSP-2 in ocular functions and pathology are reviewed here.

Revisiting the matricellular concept

The concept of a matricellular protein was first proposed by Paul Bornstein in the mid-1990s to account for the non-lethal phenotypes of mice with inactivated genes encoding thrombospondin-1, tenascin-C, or SPARC. It was also recognized that these extracellular matrix proteins were primarily counter or de-adhesive. This review reappraises the matricellular concept after nearly two decades of continuous investigation. The expanded matricellular family as well as the diverse and often unexpected functions, cellular location, and interacting partners/receptors of matricellular proteins are considered. Development of therapeutic strategies that target matricellular proteins are discussed in the context of pathology and regenerative medicine.

Acute and chronic mu opioids differentially regulate thrombospondins 1 and 2 isoforms in astrocytes

Chronic opioids induce synaptic plasticity, a major neuronal adaptation. Astrocyte activation in synaptogenesis may play a critical role in opioid tolerance, withdrawal, and dependence. Thrombospondins 1 and 2 (TSP1/2) are astrocyte-secreted matricellular glycoproteins that promote neurite outgrowth as well as dendritic spine and synapse formation, all of which are inhibited by chronic μ opioids. In prior studies, we discovered that the mechanism of TSP1 regulation by μ opioids in astrocytes involves crosstalk between three different classes of receptors, μ opioid receptor, EGFR and TGFβR. Moreover, TGFβ1 stimulated TSP1 expression via EGFR and ERK/MAPK activation, indicating that EGFR is a signaling hub for opioid and TGFβ1 actions. Using various selective antagonists, and inhibitors, here we compared the mechanisms of chronic opioid regulation of TSP1/2 isoform expression in vivo and in immortalized rat cortical astrocytes. TSP1/2 release from astrocytes was also monitored. Acute and chronic μ opioids, morphine, and the prototypic μ ligand, DAMGO, modulated TSP2 protein levels. TSP2 but not TSP1 protein content was up-regulated by acute (3 h) morphine or DAMGO by an ERK/MAPK dependent mechanism. Paradoxically, TSP2 protein levels were altered neither by TGFβ1 nor by astrocytic neurotrophic factors, EGF, CNTF, and BMP4. TSP1/2 immunofluorescence was increased in astrocytes subjected to scratch-wounding, suggesting TSPs may be useful markers for the "reactive" state of these cells and potentially for different types of injury. Previously, we determined that chronic morphine attenuated both neurite outgrowth and synapse formation in cocultures of primary astrocytes and neurons under similar temporal conditions that μ opioids reduced TSP1 protein levels in astrocytes. Here we found that, after the same 8 day treatment, morphine or DAMGO diminished TSP2 protein levels in astrocytes. Therefore, μ opioids may deter synaptogenesis via both TSP1/2 isoforms, but by distinct mechanisms.

Bladder cancer exosomes contain EDIL-3/Del1 and facilitate cancer progression

PURPOSE

High grade bladder cancer is an extremely aggressive malignancy associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Understanding how exosomes may affect bladder cancer progression could reveal novel therapeutic targets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Exosomes derived from human bladder cancer cell lines and the urine of patients with high grade bladder cancer were assessed for the ability to promote cancer progression in standard assays. Exosomes purified from the high grade bladder cancer cell line TCC-SUP and the nonmalignant urothelial cell line SV-HUC were submitted for mass spectrometry analysis. EDIL-3 was identified and selected for further analysis. Western blot was done to determine EDIL-3 levels in urinary exosomes from patients with high grade bladder cancer. shRNA gene knockdown and recombinant EDIL-3 were applied to study EDIL-3 function.

RESULTS

Exosomes isolated from high grade bladder cancer cells and the urine of patients with high grade bladder cancer promoted angiogenesis and migration of bladder cancer cells and endothelial cells. We silenced EDIL-3 expression and found that shEDIL-3 exosomes did not facilitate angiogenesis, and urothelial and endothelial cell migration. Moreover, exosomes purified from the urine of patients with high grade bladder cancer contained significantly higher EDIL-3 levels than exosomes from the urine of healthy controls. EDIL-3 activated epidermal growth factor receptor signaling while blockade of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling abrogated this EDIL-3 induced bladder cell migration.

CONCLUSIONS

Exosomes derived from the urine of patients with bladder cancer contains bioactive molecules such as EDIL-3. Identifying these components and their associated oncogenic pathways could lead to novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies.

Current understanding of the thrombospondin-1 interactome

The multifaceted action of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) depends on its ability to physically interact with different ligands, including structural components of the extracellular matrix, other matricellular proteins, cell receptors, growth factors, cytokines and proteases. Through this network, TSP-1 regulates the ligand activity, availability and structure, ultimately tuning the cell response to environmental stimuli in a context-dependent manner, contributing to physiological and pathological processes. Complete mapping of the TSP-1 interactome is needed to understand its diverse functions and to lay the basis for the rational design of TSP-1-based therapeutic approaches. So far, large-scale approaches to identify TSP-1 ligands have been rarely used, but many interactions have been identified in small-scale studies in defined biological systems. This review, based on information from protein interaction databases and the literature, illustrates current knowledge of the TSP-1 interactome map.

Cellular functions regulated by phosphorylation of EGFR on Tyr845

The Src gene product (Src) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are prototypes of oncogene products and function primarily as a cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine kinase and a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase, respectively. The identification of Src and EGFR, and the subsequent extensive investigations of these proteins have long provided cutting edge research in cancer and other molecular and cellular biological studies. In 1995, we reported that the human epidermoid carcinoma cells, A431, contain a small fraction of Src and EGFR in which these two kinase were in physical association with each other, and that Src phosphorylates EGFR on tyrosine 845 (Y845) in the Src-EGFR complex. Y845 of EGFR is located in the activation segment of the kinase domain, where many protein kinases contain kinase-activating autophosphorylation sites (e.g., cAMP-dependent protein kinase, Src family kinases, transmembrane receptor type tyrosine kinases) or trans-phosphorylation sites (e.g., cyclin-dependent protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Akt protein kinase). A number of studies have demonstrated that Y845 phosphorylation serves an important role in cancer as well as normal cells. Here we compile the experimental facts involving Src phosphorylation of EGFR on Y845, by which cell proliferation, cell cycle control, mitochondrial regulation of cell metabolism, gamete activation and other cellular functions are regulated. We also discuss the physiological relevance, as well as structural insights of the Y845 phosphorylation.

Matricellular signal transduction involving calmodulin in the social amoebozoan dictyostelium

The social amoebozoan Dictyostelium discoideum undergoes a developmental sequence wherein an extracellular matrix (ECM) sheath surrounds a group of differentiating cells. This sheath is comprised of proteins and carbohydrates, like the ECM of mammalian tissues. One of the characterized ECM proteins is the cysteine-rich, EGF-like (EGFL) repeat-containing, calmodulin (CaM)-binding protein (CaMBP) CyrA. The first EGFL repeat of CyrA increases the rate of random cell motility and cyclic AMP-mediated chemotaxis. Processing of full-length CyrA (~63 kDa) releases two major EGFL repeat-containing fragments (~45 kDa and ~40 kDa) in an event that is developmentally regulated. Evidence for an EGFL repeat receptor also exists and downstream intracellular signaling pathways involving CaM, Ras, protein kinase A and vinculin B phosphorylation have been characterized. In total, these results identify CyrA as a true matricellular protein comparable in function to tenascin C and other matricellular proteins from mammalian cells. Insight into the regulation and processing of CyrA has also been revealed. CyrA is the first identified extracellular CaMBP in this eukaryotic microbe. In keeping with this, extracellular CaM (extCaM) has been shown to be present in the ECM sheath where it binds to CyrA and inhibits its cleavage to release the 45 kDa and 40 kDa EGFL repeat-containing fragments. The presence of extCaM and its role in regulating a matricellular protein during morphogenesis extends our understanding of CaM-mediated signal transduction in eukaryotes.

A matricellular protein and EGF-like repeat signalling in the social amoebozoan Dictyostelium discoideum

Matricellular proteins interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and modulate cellular processes by binding to cell surface receptors and initiating intracellular signal transduction. Their association with the ECM and the ability of some members of this protein family to regulate cell motility have opened up new avenues of research to investigate their functions in normal and diseased cells. In this review, we summarize the research on CyrA, an ECM calmodulin-binding protein in Dictyostelium. CyrA is proteolytically cleaved into smaller EGF-like (EGFL) repeat containing cleavage products during development. The first EGFL repeat of CyrA binds to the cell surface and activates a novel signalling pathway that modulates cell motility in this model organism. The similarity of CyrA to the most well-characterized matricellular proteins in mammals allows it to be designated as the first matricellular protein identified in Dictyostelium.

TRAF6 protein couples Toll-like receptor 4 signaling to Src family kinase activation and opening of paracellular pathway in human lung microvascular endothelia

Gram-negative bacteria release lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the bloodstream. Here, it engages Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 expressed in human lung microvascular endothelia (HMVEC-Ls) to open the paracellular pathway through Src family kinase (SFK) activation. The signaling molecules that couple TLR4 to the SFK-driven barrier disruption are unknown. In HMVEC-Ls, siRNA-induced silencing of TIRAP/Mal and overexpression of dominant-negative TIRAP/Mal each blocked LPS-induced SFK activation and increases in transendothelial [(14)C]albumin flux, implicating the MyD88-dependent pathway. LPS increased TRAF6 autoubiquitination and binding to IRAK1. Silencing of TRAF6, TRAF6-dominant-negative overexpression, or preincubation of HMVEC-Ls with a cell-permeable TRAF6 decoy peptide decreased both LPS-induced SFK activation and barrier disruption. LPS increased binding of both c-Src and Fyn to GST-TRAF6 but not to a GST-TRAF6 mutant in which the three prolines in the putative Src homology 3 domain-binding motif (amino acids 461-469) were substituted with alanines. A cell-permeable decoy peptide corresponding to the same proline-rich motif reduced SFK binding to WT GST-TRAF6 compared with the Pro → Ala-substituted peptide. Finally, LPS increased binding of activated Tyr(P)(416)-SFK to GST-TRAF6, and preincubation of HMVEC-Ls with SFK-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors, PP2 and SU6656, diminished TRAF6 binding to c-Src and Fyn. During the TRAF6-SFK association, TRAF6 catalyzed Lys(63)-linked ubiquitination of c-Src and Fyn, whereas SFK activation increased tyrosine phosphorylation of TRAF6. The TRAF6 decoy peptide blocked both LPS-induced SFK ubiquitination and TRAF6 phosphorylation. Together, these data indicate that the proline-rich Src homology 3 domain-binding motif in TRAF6 interacts directly with activated SFKs to couple LPS engagement of TLR4 to SFK activation and loss of barrier integrity in HMVEC-Ls.

NEU1 and NEU3 sialidase activity expressed in human lung microvascular endothelia: NEU1 restrains endothelial cell migration, whereas NEU3 does not

The microvascular endothelial surface expresses multiple molecules whose sialylation state regulates multiple aspects of endothelial function. To better regulate these sialoproteins, we asked whether endothelial cells (ECs) might express one or more catalytically active sialidases. Human lung microvascular EC lysates contained heat-labile sialidase activity for a fluorogenic substrate, 2'-(4-methylumbelliferyl)-α-D-N-acetylneuraminic acid (4-MU-NANA), that was dose-dependently inhibited by the competitive sialidase inhibitor, 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid but not its negative control. The EC lysates also contained sialidase activity for a ganglioside mixture. Using real time RT-PCR to detect mRNAs for the four known mammalian sialidases, NEU1, -2, -3, and -4, NEU1 mRNA was expressed at levels 2700-fold higher that those found for NEU2, -3, or -4. Western analyses indicated NEU1 and -3 protein expression. Using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, NEU1 was immunolocalized to both the plasma membrane and the perinuclear region. NEU3 was detected both in the cytosol and nucleus. Prior siRNA-mediated knockdown of NEU1 and NEU3 each decreased EC sialidase activity for 4-MU-NANA by >65 and >17%, respectively, and for the ganglioside mixture by 0 and 40%, respectively. NEU1 overexpression in ECs reduced their migration into a wound by >40%, whereas NEU3 overexpression did not. Immunohistochemical studies of normal human tissues immunolocalized NEU1 and NEU3 proteins to both pulmonary and extrapulmonary vascular endothelia. These combined data indicate that human lung microvascular ECs as well as other endothelia express catalytically active NEU1 and NEU3. NEU1 restrains EC migration, whereas NEU3 does not.

CyrA, a matricellular protein that modulates cell motility in Dictyostelium discoideum

CyrA, an extracellular matrix (slime sheath), calmodulin (CaM)-binding protein in Dictyostelium discoideum, possesses four tandem EGF-like repeats in its C-terminus and is proteolytically cleaved during asexual development. A previous study reported the expression and localization of CyrA cleavage products CyrA-C45 and CyrA-C40. In this study, an N-terminal antibody was produced that detected the full-length 63kDa protein (CyrA-C63). Western blot analyses showed that the intracellular expression of CyrA-C63 peaked between 12 and 16h of development, consistent with the time that cells are developing into a motile, multicellular slug. CyrA immunolocalization and CyrA-GFP showed that the protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, particularly its perinuclear component. CyrA-C63 secretion began shortly after the onset of starvation peaking between 8 and 16h of development. A pharmacological analysis showed that CyrA-C63 secretion was dependent on intracellular Ca(2+) release and active CaM, PI3K, and PLA2. CyrA-C63 bound to CaM both intra- and extracellularly and both proteins were detected in the slime sheath deposited by migrating slugs. In keeping with its purported function, CyrA-GFP over-expression enhanced cAMP-mediated chemotaxis and CyrA-C45 was detected in vinculin B (VinB)-GFP immunoprecipitates, thus providing a link between the increase in chemotaxis and a specific cytoskeletal component. Finally, DdEGFL1-FITC was detected on the membranes of cells capped with concanavalin A suggesting that a receptor exists for this peptide sequence. Together with previous studies, the data presented here suggests that CyrA is a bona fide matricellular protein in D. discoideum.

Thrombospondins as key regulators of synaptogenesis in the central nervous system

Thrombospondins (TSPs) are a family of large, oligomeric multidomain glycoproteins that participate in a variety of biological functions as part of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Through their associations with a number of binding partners, TSPs mediate complex cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in such diverse processes as angiogenesis, inflammation, osteogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. It was recently shown in the developing central nervous system (CNS) that TSPs promote the formation of new synapses, which are the unique cell-cell adhesions between neurons in the brain. This increase in synaptogenesis is mediated by the interaction between astrocyte-secreted TSPs and their neuronal receptor, calcium channel subunit α2δ-1. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie induction of synaptogenesis via this interaction are yet to be fully elucidated. This review will focus on what is known about TSP and synapse formation during development, possible roles for TSP following brain injury, and what the previously established actions of TSP in other biological tissues may tell us about the mechanisms underlying TSP's functions in CNS synaptogenesis.

Thrombospondin1 in tissue repair and fibrosis: TGF-β-dependent and independent mechanisms

Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) plays major roles in both physiologic and pathologic tissue repair. TSP1 through its type 1 repeats is a known regulator of latent TGF-β activation and plays a role in wound healing and fibrosis. Binding of the TSP N-terminal domain to cell surface calreticulin in complex with LDL-receptor related protein 1 stimulates intermediate cell adhesion, cell migration, anoikis resistance, collagen expression and matrix deposition in an in vivo model of the foreign body response. There is also emerging evidence that TSP EGF-like repeats alter endothelial cell-cell interactions and stimulate epithelial migration through transactivation of EGF receptors. The mechanisms underlying these functions of TSP1 and the implications for physiologic and pathologic wound repair and fibrosis will be discussed.

NEU1 sialidase expressed in human airway epithelia regulates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and MUC1 protein signaling

Epithelial cells (ECs) lining the airways provide a protective barrier between the external environment and the internal host milieu. These same airway epithelia express receptors that respond to danger signals and initiate repair programs. Because the sialylation state of a receptor can influence its function and is dictated in part by sialidase activity, we asked whether airway epithelia express catalytically active sialidase(s). Human primary small airway and A549 ECs expressed NEU1 sialidase at the mRNA and protein levels, and NEU1 accounted for >70% of EC sialidase activity. Blotting with Maackia amurensis and peanut agglutinin lectins established epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and MUC1 as in vivo substrates for NEU1. NEU1 associated with EGFR and MUC1, and NEU1-EGFR association was regulated by EGF stimulation. NEU1 overexpression diminished EGF-stimulated EGFR Tyr-1068 autophosphorylation by up to 44% but enhanced MUC1-dependent Pseudomonas aeruginosa adhesion by 1.6-1.7-fold and flagellin-stimulated ERK1/2 activation by 1.7-1.9-fold. In contrast, NEU1 depletion increased EGFR activation (1.5-fold) and diminished MUC1-mediated bacterial adhesion (38-56%) and signaling (73%). These data indicate for the first time that human airway epithelia express catalytically active NEU1 sialidase that regulates EGFR- and MUC1-dependent signaling and bacterial adhesion. NEU1 catalytic activity may offer an additional level of regulation over the airway epithelial response to ligands, pathogens, and injurious stimuli.

Thrombospondin-4 is required for stretch-mediated contractility augmentation in cardiac muscle

RATIONALE

One of the physiological mechanisms by which the heart adapts to a rise in blood pressure is by augmenting myocyte stretch-mediated intracellular calcium, with a subsequent increase in contractility. This slow force response was first described over a century ago and has long been considered compensatory, but its underlying mechanisms and link to chronic adaptations remain uncertain. Because levels of the matricellular protein thrombospondin-4 (TSP4) rapidly rise in hypertension and are elevated in cardiac stress overload and heart failure, we hypothesized that TSP4 is involved in this adaptive mechanism.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the mechano-transductive role that TSP4 plays in cardiac regulation to stress.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In mice lacking TSP4 (Tsp4⁻/⁻), hearts failed to acutely augment contractility or activate stretch-response pathways (ERK1/2 and Akt) on exposure to acute pressure overload. Sustained pressure overload rapidly led to greater chamber dilation, reduced function, and increased heart mass. Unlike controls, Tsp4⁻/⁻ cardiac trabeculae failed to enhance contractility and cellular calcium after a stretch. However, the contractility response was restored in Tsp4⁻/⁻ muscle incubated with recombinant TSP4. Isolated Tsp4⁻/⁻ myocytes responded normally to stretch, identifying a key role of matrix-myocyte interaction for TSP4 contractile modulation.

CONCLUSION

These results identify TSP4 as myocyte-interstitial mechano-signaling molecule central to adaptive cardiac contractile responses to acute stress, which appears to play a crucial role in the transition to chronic cardiac dilatation and failure.

Structure-function analysis of Nel, a thrombospondin-1-like glycoprotein involved in neural development and functions

Nel (neural epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like molecule) is a multimeric, multimodular extracellular glycoprotein with heparin-binding activity and structural similarities to thrombospondin-1. Nel is predominantly expressed in the nervous system and has been implicated in neuronal proliferation and differentiation, retinal axon guidance, synaptic functions, and spatial learning. The Nel protein contains an N-terminal thrombospondin-1 (TSP-N) domain, five cysteine-rich domains, and six EGF-like domains. However, little is known about the functions of specific domains of the Nel protein. In this study, we have performed structure-function analysis of Nel, by using a series of expression constructs for different regions of the Nel protein. Our studies demonstrate that the TSP-N domain is responsible for homo-multimer formation of Nel and its heparin-binding activity. In vivo, Nel and related Nell1 are expressed in several regions of the mouse central nervous system with partly overlapping patterns. When they are expressed in the same cells in vitro, Nel and Nell1 can form hetero-multimers through the TSP-N domain, but they do not hetero-oligomerize with thrombospondin-1. Whereas both the TSP-N domain and cysteine-rich domains can bind to retinal axons in vivo, only the latter causes growth cone collapse in cultured retinal axons, suggesting that cysteine-rich domains interact with and activate an inhibitory axon guidance receptor. These results suggest that Nel interacts with a range of molecules through its different domains and exerts distinct functions.

The validation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 mRNA gene expression as a predictor of outcome in patients with metastatic gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The prognostic role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in metastatic gastric cancer has not been validated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a molecular analysis in 222 metastatic gastric cancer patients obtained from clinical trials. We assessed the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-A, and epidermal growth factor receptor in a training cohort of 130 patients and conducted an independent validation in 92 patients. Automated RNA extraction from paraffin and RT-quantitative PCR was used. Immunohistochemistry for MMP-9 and diverse immune cell infiltrates was conducted.

RESULTS

In the training cohort, only MMP-9 significantly correlated with patient's survival. At the cut-off with the highest predictive value, 19% of patients had MMP-9 expression above this cut-off and these showed a median survival of 3.6 months compared with 10.5 months (P=1.7e(-6)) in patients with lower expression. Corresponding 1- and 2-year survivals were 9% and 44% and 0 and 21%, respectively. The application of this cut-off to the validation cohort revealed similar distributions of overall survival according to MMP-9 expression on uni- (P<0.001) and multivariate analyses (P<0.001). No differences in survival according to MMP-9 below best cut-off were found. MMP-9 protein assessed by immunohistochemistry was not prognostic.

CONCLUSION

MMP-9 mRNA expression above a certain cut-off level is associated with dismal survival.

The thrombospondins

Thrombospondins are evolutionarily conserved, calcium-binding glycoproteins that undergo transient or longer-term interactions with other extracellular matrix components. They share properties with other matrix molecules, cytokines, adaptor proteins, and chaperones, modulate the organization of collagen fibrils, and bind and localize an array of growth factors or proteases. At cell surfaces, interactions with an array of receptors activate cell-dependent signaling and phenotypic outcomes. Through these dynamic, pleiotropic, and context-dependent pathways, mammalian thrombospondins contribute to wound healing and angiogenesis, vessel wall biology, connective tissue organization, and synaptogenesis. We overview the domain organization and structure of thrombospondins, key features of their evolution, and their cell biology. We discuss their roles in vivo, associations with human disease, and ongoing translational applications. In many respects, we are only beginning to appreciate the important roles of these proteins in physiology and pathology.

Transient receptor potential canonical channels are essential for chemotactic migration of human malignant gliomas

The majority of malignant primary brain tumors are gliomas, derived from glial cells. Grade IV gliomas, Glioblastoma multiforme, are extremely invasive and the clinical prognosis for patients is dismal. Gliomas utilize a number of proteins and pathways to infiltrate the brain parenchyma including ion channels and calcium signaling pathways. In this study, we investigated the localization and functional relevance of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels in glioma migration. We show that gliomas are attracted in a chemotactic manner to epidermal growth factor (EGF). Stimulation with EGF results in TRPC1 channel localization to the leading edge of migrating D54MG glioma cells. Additionally, TRPC1 channels co-localize with the lipid raft proteins, caveolin-1 and β-cholera toxin, and biochemical assays show TRPC1 in the caveolar raft fraction of the membrane. Chemotaxis toward EGF was lost when TRPC channels were pharmacologically inhibited or by shRNA knockdown of TRPC1 channels, yet without affecting unstimulated cell motility. Moreover, lipid raft integrity was required for gliomas chemotaxis. Disruption of lipid rafts not only impaired chemotaxis but also impaired TRPC currents in whole cell recordings and decreased store-operated calcium entry as revealed by ratiomeric calcium imaging. These data indicated that TRPC1 channel association with lipid rafts is essential for glioma chemotaxis in response to stimuli, such as EGF.

Diverse injurious stimuli reduce protein tyrosine phosphatase-μ expression and enhance epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in human airway epithelia

In response to injury, airway epithelia utilize an epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) signaling program to institute repair and restitution. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) counterregulate EGFR autophosphorylation and downstream signaling. PTPμ is highly expressed in lung epithelia and can be localized to intercellular junctions where its ectodomain homophilically interacts with PTPμ ectodomain expressed on neighboring cells. We asked whether PTPμ expression might be altered in response to epithelial injury and whether altered PTPμ expression might influence EGFR signaling. In A549 cells, diverse injurious stimuli dramatically reduced PTPμ protein expression. Under basal conditions, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-induced silencing of PTPμ increased EGFR Y992 and Y1068 phosphorylation. In the presence of EGF, PTPμ knockdown increased EGFR Y845, Y992, Y1045, Y1068, Y1086, and Y1173 but not Y1148 phosphorylation. Reduced PTPμ expression increased EGF-stimulated phosphorylation of Y992, a docking site for phospholipase C (PLC)γ(1), activation of PLCγ(1) itself, and increased cell migration in both wounding and chemotaxis assays. In contrast, overexpression of PTPμ decreased EGF-stimulated EGFR Y992 and Y1068 phosphorylation. Therefore, airway epithelial injury profoundly reduces PTPμ expression, and PTPμ depletion selectively increases phosphorylation of specific EGFR tyrosine residues, PLCγ(1) activation, and cell migration, providing a novel mechanism through which epithelial integrity may be restored.

Thrombospondin-1 opens the paracellular pathway in pulmonary microvascular endothelia through EGFR/ErbB2 activation

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) is a multidomain protein that contains epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats that indirectly activate the EGF receptor (EGFR) and selected downstream signaling pathways. In these studies, we show that TSP1 opens the paracellular pathway in human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-Ls) in a dose-, time-, and protein tyrosine kinase (PTK)-dependent manner. TSP1 increased tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins enriched to intercellular boundaries including the zonula adherens (ZA) proteins, vascular endothelial-cadherin, γ-catenin, and p120 catenin. In HMVEC-Ls, EGFR and ErbB2 are expressed at low levels, and both heterodimerize and tyrosine autophosphorylate in response to TSP1. Prior EGFR-selective PTK inhibition with AG1478 or ErbB2-selective PTK inhibition with AG825 protected against TSP1-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of ZA proteins and barrier disruption. Preincubation of HMVEC-Ls with an EGFR ectodomain-blocking antibody also prevented TSP1-induced opening of the paracellular pathway. Therefore, in HMVEC-Ls, TSP1 increases tyrosine phosphorylation of ZA proteins and opens the paracellular pathway, in part, through EGFR/ErbB2 activation. Surprisingly, recombinant TSP1 EGF-like repeats 1-3 and the high-affinity EGFR ligands, EGF, TGF-α, and amphiregulin, each failed to increase paracellular permeability. However, HMVEC-Ls in which EGFR was overexpressed became responsive to the EGF-like repeats of TSP1 as well as to EGF. These studies indicate that TSP1 disrupts the endothelial barrier through EGFR/ErbB2 activation although additional signals are necessary in cells with low receptor expression.

The active Zot domain (aa 288-293) increases ZO-1 and myosin 1C serine/threonine phosphorylation, alters interaction between ZO-1 and its binding partners, and induces tight junction disassembly through proteinase activated receptor 2 activation

Vibrio cholerae-derived zonula occludins toxin (Zot) is a multifunctional protein that reversibly disassembles intestinal tight junctions (tjs). Zot structure-function analysis has mapped this activity to aa 288-293, named AT1002. AT1002 reduced transepithelial electrical resistance across rat small intestine, ex vivo, as did Zot and its processed mature form, ΔG. AT1002 increased in vivo permeability to sugar tracers, whereas scrambled control peptides did not. Binding and barrier assays in proteinase activated receptor (PAR)(2)-expressing and PAR(2)-null cells established AT1002 activity to be PAR(2) dependent. Coincident with the increased intestinal permeability, confocal microscopy of AT1002-exposed rat intestinal IEC6 cells revealed displacement of ZO-1 and occludin from intercellular boundaries. In coimmunoprecipitation assays, AT1002 decreased ZO-1-occludin and ZO-1-claudin 1 interactions coincident with PKCα-dependent ZO-1 serine/threonine phosphorylation. Further, AT1002 increased serine phosphorylation of myosin 1C and, at the same time, transiently diminished its association with ZO-1. The COOH-terminal domain of ZO-1 was required for its association with myosin 1C. These data indicate that the NH(2)-terminal portion of active Zot contains a PAR(2)-activating motif, FCIGRL, that increases PKCα-dependent ZO-1 and myosin 1C serine/threonine phosphorylation. These modifications provoke selective disengagement of ZO-1 from its binding partners, occludin, claudin 1, and myosin 1C, coincident with opening of tjs.

Morphine modulation of thrombospondin levels in astrocytes and its implications for neurite outgrowth and synapse formation

Opioid receptor signaling via EGF receptor (EGFR) transactivation and ERK/MAPK phosphorylation initiates diverse cellular responses that are cell type-dependent. In astrocytes, multiple μ opioid receptor-mediated mechanisms of ERK activation exist that are temporally distinctive and feature different outcomes. Upon discovering that chronic opiate treatment of rats down-regulates thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) expression in the nucleus accumbens and cortex, we investigated the mechanism of action of this modulation in astrocytes. TSP1 is synthesized in astrocytes and is released into the extracellular matrix where it is known to play a role in synapse formation and neurite outgrowth. Acute morphine (hours) reduced TSP1 levels in astrocytes. Chronic (days) opioids repressed TSP1 gene expression and reduced its protein levels by μ opioid receptor and ERK-dependent mechanisms in astrocytes. Morphine also depleted TSP1 levels stimulated by TGFβ1 and abolished ERK activation induced by this factor. Chronic morphine treatment of astrocyte-neuron co-cultures reduced neurite outgrowth and synapse formation. Therefore, inhibitory actions of morphine were detected after both acute and chronic treatments. An acute mechanism of morphine signaling to ERK that entails depletion of TSP1 levels was suggested by inhibition of morphine activation of ERK by a function-blocking TSP1 antibody. This raises the novel possibility that acute morphine uses TSP1 as a source of EGF-like ligands to activate EGFR. Chronic morphine inhibition of TSP1 is reminiscent of the negative effect of μ opioids on EGFR-induced astrocyte proliferation via a phospho-ERK feedback inhibition mechanism. Both of these variations of classical EGFR transactivation may enable opiates to diminish neurite outgrowth and synapse formation.

MMP9 but Not EGFR, MET, ERCC1, P16, and P-53 Is Associated with Response to Concomitant Radiotherapy, Cetuximab, and Weekly Cisplatin in Patients with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

Concomitant administration of radiotherapy with cisplatin or radiotherapy with cetuximab appear to be the treatment of choice for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. In the present retrospective analysis, we investigated the predictive role of several biomarkers in an unselected cohort of patients treated with concomitant radiotherapy, weekly cisplatin, and cetuximab (CCRT). We identified 37 patients treated with this approach, of which 13 (35%) achieved a complete response and 10 (27%) achieved a partial response. Severe side effects were mainly leucopenia, dysphagia, rash, and anemia. Tumor EGFR, MET, ERCC1, and p-53 protein and/or gene expression were not associated with treatment response. In contrast, high MMP9 mRNA expression was found to be significantly associated with objective response. In conclusion, CCRT is feasible and active. MMP9 was the only biomarker tested that appears to be of predictive value in cetuximab treated patients. However, this is a hypothesis generating study and the results should not be viewed as definitive evidence until they are validated in a larger cohort.