Occupation of alphavbeta3-integrin by endogenous ligands modulates IGF-I receptor activation and proliferation of human intestinal smooth muscle

Preliminary Clinical Application of RGD-Containing Peptides as PET Radiotracers for Imaging Tumors

Angiogenesis is a common feature of many physiological processes and pathological conditions. RGD-containing peptides can strongly bind to integrin αvβ3 expressed on endothelial cells in neovessels and several tumor cells with high specificity, making them promising molecular agents for imaging angiogenesis. Although studies of RGD-containing peptides combined with radionuclides, namely, ¹⁸F, ⁶⁴Cu, and ⁶⁸Ga for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging have shown high spatial resolution and accurate quantification of tracer uptake, only a few of these radiotracers have been successfully translated into clinical use. This review summarizes the RGD-based tracers in terms of accumulation in tumors and adjacent tissues, and comparison with traditional ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) imaging. The value of RGD-based tracers for diagnosis, differential diagnosis, tumor subvolume delineation, and therapeutic response prediction is mainly discussed. Very low RGD accumulation, in contrast to high FDG metabolism, was found in normal brain tissue, indicating that RGD-based imaging provides an excellent tumor-to-background ratio for improved brain tumor imaging. However, the intensity of the RGD-based tracers is much higher than FDG in normal liver tissue, which could lead to underestimation of primary or metastatic lesions in liver. In multiple studies, RGD-based imaging successfully realized the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of solid tumors and also the prediction of chemoradiotherapy response, providing complementary rather than similar information relative to FDG imaging. Of most interest, baseline RGD uptake values can not only be used to predict the tumor efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy, but also to monitor the occurrence of adverse events in normal organs. This unique dual predictive value in antiangiogenic therapy may be better than that of FDG-based imaging.

Spatiotemporal analysis of human intestinal development at single-cell resolution

Development of the human intestine is not well understood. Here, we link single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to characterize intestinal morphogenesis through time. We identify 101 cell states including epithelial and mesenchymal progenitor populations and programs linked to key morphogenetic milestones. We describe principles of crypt-villus axis formation; neural, vascular, mesenchymal morphogenesis, and immune population of the developing gut. We identify the differentiation hierarchies of developing fibroblast and myofibroblast subtypes and describe diverse functions for these including as vascular niche cells. We pinpoint the origins of Peyer’s patches and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and describe location-specific immune programs. We use our resource to present an unbiased analysis of morphogen gradients that direct sequential waves of cellular differentiation and define cells and locations linked to rare developmental intestinal disorders. We compile a publicly available online resource, spatio-temporal analysis resource of fetal intestinal development (STAR-FINDer), to facilitate further work.

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Multimodal atlas of human intestinal development maps 101 cell types onto tissue

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Charts developmental origins of diverse cellular compartments and their progenitors

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Functional diversity of fibroblasts in stem cell, vasculature, and GALT formation

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Resource applied to interrogate pathology of in utero intestinal diseases

Generation and Validation of miR-100 Hepatocyte-Specific Knock-Out Mice

Background: Inactivation of microRNA-100 (miR-100) is involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and miR-100 behaves as a tumor suppressor. To understand miR-100 function in HCC genesis and development in vivo, we developed hepatocyte-specific miR-100 deficient mice.

Methods: Mice homozygous for floxed miR-100 allele that carried the Alb-Cre transgene (miR-100^flox/floxAlb -Cre⁺) were developed by mating miR-100^flox/flox mice with Alb-Cre^+/+mice. The mice tails DNA were genotyped using the primers for LoxP sites and Cre recombinase, respectively. The specific deletion of miR-100 in the livers was verified by quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). HE-staining was performed for histology analysis. Liver function was assessed by transaminase activity. The metabolic profiles of the hepatocytes were detected using a Seahorse XFe24 extracellular flux analyzer. The direct targets of miR-100 (such as IGF1R-β, mTOR and CDC25A) and HCC related protein (SHP-2) were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot in liver tissues.

Results: The resultant homozygous knockout mice with genotype of miR-100^flox/flox-Alb-Cre⁺ showed an 80% decrease in hepatic miR-100 expression. In adult mice, miR-100 knockout has no effect on the liver function and morphology. In aged mice, HE staining showed that miR-100 knockout caused infiltration of inflammatory cells and expansion of hepatocellular nuclei. Consistently, liver function was impaired in miR-100 knockout aged mice as indicated by increased serum AST and ALT levels. The metabolic analysis demonstrated that the miR-100 knockout hepatocytes tend to adopt glycolysis. The expressions of the miR-100 target genes, such as IGF1R-β, CDC25A and mTOR, were increased. In addition, the known HCC related protein, SHP-2 also was up-regulated in the knockout livers.

Conclusions: We successfully generated a miR-100 hepatocyte-specific knock-out mouse model. The malignant transformation related to HCC were observed in aged mice. Therefore, this model is suitable for investigating the mechanism of miR-100 inactivation contributing to HCC genesis in vivo.

Mechanical Regulation of Gene Expression in Gut Smooth Muscle Cells

Intraluminal contents and their movement along the gastrointestinal tract create shear stress and mechanical stretch on the gut wall. While the shear stress is important in the initiation of immediate physiological responses, the circumferential mechanical stretch, such as that in obstructive bowel disorders, exerts long-lasting impacts on bowel functions by mainly affecting the deeper muscularis externae. Recent studies demonstrate that mechanical stretch alters gene transcription in gut smooth muscle cells (SMC), and the stretch-altered gene expression (mechano-transcription) may play a critical role in pathogenesis of motility dysfunction and abdominal pain in obstruction. Specifically, stretch-induced cyclo-oxygenase-2 and other pro-inflammatory mediators in gut SMC account for impairments of muscle contractility. Mechano-transcription of pain mediators such as nerve growth factor may contribute to visceral hypersensitivity, by sensitizing primary sensory neurons. This review aims to highlight the novel findings of mechano-transcription in the gut, and to discuss the signaling mechanisms and pathophysiological significance of mechano-transcription.

Collagen and heparan sulfate coatings differentially alter cell proliferation and attachment in vitro and in vivo

Tissue engineering is an innovative field of research applied to treat intestinal diseases. Engineered smooth muscle requires dense smooth muscle tissue and robust vascularization to support contraction. The purpose of this study was to use heparan sulfate (HS) and collagen coatings to increase the attachment of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to scaffolds and improve their survival after implantation. SMCs grown on biologically coated scaffolds were evaluated for maturity and cell numbers after 2, 4 and 6 weeks in vitro and both 2 and 6 weeks in vivo. Implants were also assessed for vascularization. Collagen-coated scaffolds increased attachment, growth and maturity of SMCs in culture. HS-coated implants increased angiogenesis after 2 weeks, contributing to an increase in SMC survival and growth compared to HS-coated scaffolds grown in vitro. The angiogenic effects of HS may be useful for engineering intestinal smooth muscle.

IGF1 stimulates crypt expansion via differential activation of 2 intestinal stem cell populations

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) has potent trophic effects on normal or injured intestinal epithelium, but specific effects on intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are undefined. We used Sox9-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter mice that permit analyses of both actively cycling ISCs (Sox9-EGFP(Low)) and reserve/facultative ISCs (Sox9-EGFP(High)) to study IGF1 action on ISCs in normal intestine or during crypt regeneration after high-dose radiation-induced injury. We hypothesized that IGF1 differentially regulates proliferation and gene expression in actively cycling and reserve/facultative ISCs. IGF1 was delivered for 5 days using subcutaneously implanted mini-pumps in uninjured mice or after 14 Gy abdominal radiation. ISC numbers, proliferation, and transcriptome were assessed. IGF1 increased epithelial growth in nonirradiated mice and enhanced crypt regeneration after radiation. In uninjured and regenerating intestines, IGF1 increased total numbers of Sox9-EGFP(Low) ISCs and percentage of these cells in M-phase. IGF1 increased percentages of Sox9-EGFP(High) ISCs in S-phase but did not expand this population. Microarray revealed that IGF1 activated distinct gene expression signatures in the 2 Sox9-EGFP ISC populations. In vitro IGF1 enhanced enteroid formation by Sox9-EGFP(High) facultative ISCs but not Sox9-EGFP(Low) actively cycling ISCs. Our data provide new evidence that IGF1 activates 2 ISC populations via distinct regulatory pathways to promote growth of normal intestinal epithelium and crypt regeneration after irradiation.

Noncanonical STAT3 activation regulates excess TGF-β1 and collagen I expression in muscle of stricturing Crohn's disease

Increased TGF-β1 and TGF-β1-dependent Collagen I production in intestinal mesenchymal cells result in fibrosis in patients with Montreal B2 fibrostenotic Crohn's disease. Numerous cytokines, including IL-6, are produced by activated mesenchymal cells themselves and activate STAT3. The aim of the current study was to determine the mechanisms by which STAT-3 activation might result in intestinal fibrosis. Cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. STAT3 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 protein levels were measured by immunoblot, STAT3-TGFB1 DNA-binding activity by chromatin immunoprecipitation, and TGFB1 transcriptional activity by luciferase reporter assay. TGF-β1 (TGFB1), Collagen1α1, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene expression was measured by quantitative RT-PCR. The role of STAT3 activation was determined using STAT3 inhibitor, Stattic, and by transfection of STAT3 mutants. Autocrine production of cytokines was increased in muscle cells of B2 phenotype patients from strictures and normal intestine in the same patient and compared with other Crohn's phenotypes, ulcerative colitis, and non-Crohn's patients. A unique pattern of STAT3 phosphorylation emerged: high STAT3(S727) and low STAT3(Y705) in strictures and the opposite in unaffected intestine. TGFB1 transcriptional activity was regulated by phospho-STAT3(S727) and was decreased by Stattic or dominant-negative STAT3(S727A). TGF-β1, COL1A1, and CTGF expression was inhibited by Stattic or dominant-negative STAT3(S727A). Treatment of normal muscle cells with IL-6 or expression of constitutively active STAT3(S727E) phenocopied muscle cells from strictured intestine. Neutralization of autocrine IL-6 reversed STAT3 phosphorylation and normalized expression of TGF-β1 in strictured intestinal muscle. The ability of Stattic to improve development of fibrosis was confirmed in mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis. We observed a unique phospho-STAT3(S727) response in patients with Montreal B2 Crohn's disease, particularly in response to IL-6 leading to increased TGF-β1, collagen, and CTGF production in ileal strictures.

Integrin αvβ3 mediates the synergetic regulation of core-binding factor α1 transcriptional activity by gravity and insulin-like growth factor-1 through phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling

Mechanical stimulation and biological factors coordinately regulate bone development and regeneration; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Microgravity induces bone loss, which may be partly related to the development of resistance to local cytokines, including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Here, we report the involvement of integrin αvβ3 in microgravity-associated bone loss. An established OSE-3T3 cell model was stably transfected with a 6OSE2 (Osteoblast-Specific Element 2)-luciferase reporter and cultured under simulated microgravity (SMG) and hypergravity (HG) conditions in the presence or absence of IGF-1, the disintegrin echistatin, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002, or combinations of these agents. Activity of core-binding factor α1 (Cbfa1), an essential transcription factor for osteoblastic differentiation and osteogenesis, was reflected by luciferase activity. Different gravity conditions affected the induction of IGF-1 and subsequent effects on Cbfa1 transcription activity. SMG and HG influenced the expression and activity of integrin αvβ3 and phosphorylation level of p85. LY294002 inhibited the effects of HG or IGF-1 on Cbfa1 activity, indicating that HG and IGF-1 could increase Cbfa1 activity via PI3K signaling. Inhibition of integrin αvβ3 by echistatin attenuated the induction of IGF-1 and thus its effect on Cbfa1 activity under normal and HG conditions. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that integrin β3 interacted with insulin receptor substrate 1, and that this interaction was decreased under SMG and increased under HG conditions. These results suggest that integrin αvβ3 mediates the synergetic regulation of Cbfa1 transcription activity by gravity and IGF-1 via PI3K signaling.

Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 in Crohn’s disease

AIM: To investigate serum insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5) levels and intestinal IGFBP-5 expression in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD).

METHODS: We analyzed the serum concentrations and intestinal expression of IGFBP-5 in 42 patients with CD, of whom 26 had endoscopically or radiologically proven stricture formation. Nine of the 42 patients had active disease, with a Crohn’s disease activity index > 150. Serum IGFBP-5 levels were analyzed in 20 healthy controls matched by sex and age to the CD patients. Serum IGFBP-5 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intestinal tissue was obtained from patients through endoscopic biopsies. IGFBP-5 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry and was scored semiquantitatively.

RESULTS: The median serum IGFBP-5 concentrations of CD patients were significantly lower compared with healthy controls [median 7.2 (IQR: 5.5-11.3) ng/mL vs 11.3 (8.0-44.6) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference between median serum IGFBP-5 levels in CD patients with or without stricture formation [6.9 (5.5-11.3) ng/mL vs 7.8 (5.3-10.1) ng/mL, P = 0.815]. The serum IGFBP-5 levels were not significantly different between patients with active disease and inactive disease [7.2 (6.5-7.6) ng/mL vs 7.2 (5.5-11.3) ng/mL, P = 0.890]. However, a significant correlation was observed between serum IGFBP-5 levels and platelet count (PLT) (r = 0.319, P = 0.0395). No significant correlation was found between tissue IGFBP-5 immunohistochemical staining intensity scores and serum IGFBP-5 levels. No significant difference was found when comparing the serum IGFBP-5 levels among the patients with different tissue IGFBP-5 staining scores (absent/very weak, weak, moderate or strong). There was a significant correlation between tissue IGFBP-5 staining scores and white blood cell count (r = 0.391, P = 0.01) and PLT (r = 0.356, P = 0.021).

CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that serum IGFBP-5 concentrations were lower in CD patients compared to healthy controls regardless of disease activity or the presence of stricture formation.

Increased activation of latent TGF-β1 by αVβ3 in human Crohn's disease and fibrosis in TNBS colitis can be prevented by cilengitide

BACKGROUND

Strictures develop in >30% of patients affected with Crohn's disease. No available medication prevents stricture development in susceptible patients. In Crohn's strictures, but not adjacent normal intestine, TGF-β1 increases in muscularis smooth muscle, increasing collagen I production and strictures. Muscle cells express αVβ3 integrin containing an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) binding domain. The aim was to determine whether increased TGF-β1 levels in strictures were the result of latent TGF-β1, which contains an RGD sequence, binding to and activation by αVβ3; and whether cilengitide, which is an RGD-containing αVβ3 integrin inhibitor, decreases TGF-β1 activation and development of fibrosis in chronic 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis.

DESIGN

Muscle cells isolated from Crohn's disease strictures and normal resection margin and from the colon of rats after 42 days of chronic TNBS-induced colitis were used to prepare RNA and protein lysates and to initiate primary cultures. The mechanisms leading to increased TGF-β1 activation, collagen I production, and fibrosis were examined in human muscle and in rats. Human cultured cells in vitro and rats in vivo were treated with cilengitide to determines it efficacy to decrease TGF-β1-activation, collagen production, and decrease the development of fibrosis.

RESULTS

Latent TGF-β1 is activated by the αVβ3 RGD domain in human and rat intestinal smooth muscles. Increased activation of TGF-β1 in Crohn's disease and in TNBS-induced colitis causes increased collagen production, and fibrosis that could be inhibited by cilengitide.

CONCLUSIONS

Cilengitide, an αVβ3 integrin RGD inhibitor, could be a novel treatment to diminish excess TGF-β1 activation, collagen I production, and development of fibrosis in Crohn's disease.

Something old, something new and something borrowed: emerging paradigm of insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling regulation

The insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) plays a key role in the development and progression of cancer; however, therapeutics targeting it have had disappointing results in the clinic. As a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), IGF-1R is traditionally described as an ON/OFF system, with ligand stabilizing the ON state and exclusive kinase-dependent signaling activation. Newly added to the traditional model, ubiquitin-mediated receptor downregulation and degradation was originally described as a response to ligand/receptor interaction and thus inseparable from kinase signaling activation. Yet, the classical model has proven over-simplified and insufficient to explain experimental evidence accumulated over the last decade, including kinase-independent signaling, unbalanced signaling, or dissociation between signaling and receptor downregulation. Based on the recent findings that IGF-1R “borrows” components of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, including β-arrestins and G-protein-related kinases, we discuss the emerging paradigm for the IGF-1R as a functional RTK/GPCR hybrid, which integrates the kinase signaling with the IGF-1R canonical GPCR characteristics. The contradictions to the classical IGF-1R signaling concept as well as the design of anti-IGF-1R therapeutics treatment are considered in the light of this paradigm shift and we advocate recognition of IGF-1R as a valid target for cancer treatment.

Drug synergy screen and network modeling in dedifferentiated liposarcoma identifies CDK4 and IGF1R as synergistic drug targets

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS) is a rare but aggressive cancer with high recurrence and low response rates to targeted therapies. Increasing treatment efficacy may require combinations of targeted agents that counteract the effects of multiple abnormalities. To identify a possible multicomponent therapy, we performed a combinatorial drug screen in a DDLS-derived cell line and identified cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) as synergistic drug targets. We measured the phosphorylation of multiple proteins and cell viability in response to systematic drug combinations and derived computational models of the signaling network. These models predict that the observed synergy in reducing cell viability with CDK4 and IGF1R inhibitors depends on the activity of the AKT pathway. Experiments confirmed that combined inhibition of CDK4 and IGF1R cooperatively suppresses the activation of proteins within the AKT pathway. Consistent with these findings, synergistic reductions in cell viability were also found when combining CDK4 inhibition with inhibition of either AKT or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), another receptor similar to IGF1R that activates AKT. Thus, network models derived from context-specific proteomic measurements of systematically perturbed cancer cells may reveal cancer-specific signaling mechanisms and aid in the design of effective combination therapies.

Prednisolone reduces the ability of serum to activate the IGF1 receptor in vitro without affecting circulating total or free IGF1

OBJECTIVE

End-point bioassays based on thymidine or sulfate incorporation have demonstrated that glucocorticoid (GC) treatment inhibits serum IGF1 action, but the mechanism is unknown as serum IGF1 concentrations have been reported to either increase or remain unchanged.

AIM

To investigate whether GC treatment affects the ability of serum to activate the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) in vitro (i.e. bioactive IGF1), using a specific cell-based IGF1 kinase receptor activation assay.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty children with stable asthma (age 7.7-13.8 years) treated for 1 week with 5 mg prednisolone in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Non-fasting serum samples were collected in the afternoon after each 7-day period and assayed for bioactive IGF1, free IGF1, total IGFs, IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), and insulin.

RESULTS

Prednisolone treatment reduced IGF1 bioactivity by 12.6% from 2.22±0.18 to 1.94±0.15 μg/l (P=0.01) compared with placebo. In contrast, no changes were observed for (μg/l; placebo vs prednisolone) total IGF1 (215±27 vs 212±24), free IGF1 (1.50±0.16 vs 1.43±0.17), total IGF2 (815±26 vs 800±31), IGFBP3 (3140±101 vs 3107±95), IGFBP2 (238±21 vs 220±19), IGFBP1 (32±6 vs 42±10), or IGFBP1-bound IGF1 (24±5 vs 26±7). Insulin remained unchanged as did IGFBP levels as estimated by western ligand blotting. Prednisolone had no direct effects on IGF1R phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study gives evidence that GC treatment induces a circulating substance that is able to inhibit IGF1R activation in vitro without affecting circulating free or total IGF1. This may be one of the mechanisms by which GC inhibits IGF1 action in vivo. However, the nature of this circulating substance remains to be identified.

Cellular mechanism of mechanotranscription in colonic smooth muscle cells

Mechanical stretch in obstruction induces expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in gut smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The stretch-induced COX-2 plays a critical role in motility dysfunction in obstructive bowel disorders (OBDs). The aims of the present study were to investigate the intracellular mechanism of mechanotranscription of COX-2 in colonic SMCs and to determine whether inhibition of mechanotranscription has therapeutic benefits in OBDs. Static stretch was mimicked in vitro in primary culture of rat colonic circular SMCs (RCCSMCs) and in colonic circular muscle strips. Partial obstruction was surgically induced with a silicon band in the distal colon of rats and COX-2-deficient mice. Static stretch of RCCSMCs significantly induced expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein and activated MAP kinases ERKs, p38, and JNKs. ERKs inhibitor PD98059, p38 inhibitor SB203580, and JNKs inhibitor SP600125 significantly blocked stretch-induced COX-2 expression. Pharmacological and molecular inhibition of stretch-activated ion channels (SACs) and integrins significantly suppressed stretch-induced expression of COX-2. SAC blockers inhibited stretch-activated ERKs, p38, and JNKs, but inhibition of integrins attenuated p38 activation only. In colonic circular muscle strips, stretch led to activation of MAPKs, induction of COX-2, and suppression of contractility. Inhibition of p38 with SB203580 blocked COX-2 expression and restored muscle contractility. Administration of SB203580 in vivo inhibited obstruction-induced COX-2 and improved motility function. Stretch-induced expression of COX-2 in RCCSMCs depends on mechanosensors, SACs, and integrins and an intracellular signaling mechanism involving MAPKs ERKs, p38, and JNKs. Inhibitors of the mechanotranscription pathway have therapeutic potentials for OBDs.

Recent advances in small bowel diseases: Part II

As is the case in all areas of gastroenterology and hepatology, in 2009 and 2010 there were many advances in our knowledge and understanding of small intestinal diseases. Over 1000 publications were reviewed, and the important advances in basic science as well as clinical applications were considered. In Part II we review six topics: absorption, short bowel syndrome, smooth muscle function and intestinal motility, tumors, diagnostic imaging, and cystic fibrosis.

Resveratrol causes cell cycle arrest, decreased collagen synthesis, and apoptosis in rat intestinal smooth muscle cells

One of the most difficult and treatment-resistant complications of Crohn's disease is the development of fibrotic intestinal strictures due to mesenchymal cell hyperplasia and collagen deposition. Resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in berries, peanuts, grapes, and red wine, has been shown to inhibit fibrosis in vasculature, heart, lung, kidney, liver, and esophagus in animal models. Resveratrol has also been shown to inhibit oxidation, inflammation, and cell proliferation and to decrease collagen synthesis in several cell types or animal models. The aim of this study was to determine whether resveratrol has antifibrotic effects on intestinal smooth muscle cells. Responses to resveratrol by cultured smooth muscle cells isolated from colons of untreated Lewis rats were examined; this rat strain is used in a model of Crohn's disease with prominent intestinal fibrosis. A relative decrease in cell numbers following treatment with 50 and 100 μM resveratrol was evident at 24 h (P ≤ 0.005). This effect was largely due to cell cycle arrest, with an increase in the percent of cells in S phase from 8 to 25-35% (P < 0.05). Cell viability was unchanged until 2-3 days of treatment when there was a 1.2- to 5.0-fold increase in the percent of apoptotic cells, depending on the assay (P < 0.05). Expression of collagen type I protein was decreased following treatment with resveratrol for 24 h (to 44 and 25% of control levels with 50 and 100 μM resveratrol, respectively; P < 0.05). Expression of procollagen types I and III mRNA was also decreased with resveratrol treatment. Resveratrol (50 μM) diminished the proliferative response to TGF-β₁ (P = 0.02) as well as IGF-I-stimulated collagen production (P = 0.02). Thus resveratrol decreases intestinal smooth muscle cell numbers through its effects on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and also decreases collagen synthesis by the cells. These effects could be useful in preventing the smooth muscle cell hyperplasia and collagen deposition that characterize stricture formation in Crohn's disease.

Amelioration of excess collagen IαI, fibrosis, and smooth muscle growth in TNBS-induced colitis in IGF-I(+/-) mice

BACKGROUND

Strictures occur in ≈ 30% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and are characterized by intestinal smooth muscle hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and fibrosis due to excess extracellular matrix production including collagen. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) expression is increased in smooth muscle cells of the muscularis propria in CD and in animal models of CD, including trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. While upregulated IGF-I is conjectured to cause smooth muscle cell growth and collagen production in the inflamed intestine, its role in the development of fibrosis has not been directly demonstrated.

METHODS

Colitis was induced in IGF-I(+/-) or wildtype C57BL/6J mice by rectal administration of TNBS or ethanol vehicle. After 7 days, colonic smooth muscle cells were isolated and used to prepare RNA or protein lysates. Transcript levels of IGF-IEa, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3, IGFBP-5, TGF-β1, and collagen IαI were measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Corresponding protein levels were measured by Western blot or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fibrosis was measured using digital image analysis of Masson's trichrome-stained histologic sections.

RESULTS

In IGF-I(+/-) mice, which express significantly lower levels of IGF-I than wildtype, the response to TNBS-induced colitis: upregulation of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-5 muscle growth, and collagen IαI expression, the resulting collagen deposition, and fibrosis are all significantly diminished compared to C57BL/6J wildtype controls. TGF-β1 expression and its increase following TNBS administration are not altered in IGF-I(+/-) mice compared to wildtype.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that IGF-I is a key regulator in intestinal smooth muscle hyperplasia and excess collagen production that leads to fibrosis and long term to stricture formation.

Endogenous IGFBP-3 regulates excess collagen expression in intestinal smooth muscle cells of Crohn's disease strictures

BACKGROUND

Stricture formation occurs in ≈30% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and is a significant cause of morbidity. Strictures are characterized by intestinal smooth muscle cell hyperplasia, smooth muscle cell hypertrophy, and fibrosis due to excess net extracellular matrix production, including collagen. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has profibrotic effects in many tissues due to its ability to regulate collagen expression and extracellular matrix dynamics. We previously showed that both insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and TGF-β1 are expressed by normal human intestinal smooth muscle cells, bind to, and activate TGF-βRII/I receptors in these cells.

METHODS

Smooth muscle cells isolated from the muscularis propria of patients were used to prepare RNA, protein lysates, or placed into primary culture. IGFBP-3, TGF-β1, and collagen IαI expression was measured with quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunoblot.

RESULTS

Expression and production of IGFBP-3, TGF-β1, and collagen IαI were significantly increased specifically in smooth muscle cells isolated from regions of strictured intestine in CD compared to nonstrictured histologically normal resection margin. IGFBP-3 and TGF-β1 regulated collagen IαI expression and production via a TGF-βRII/I-dependent and Smad2/3-dependent mechanism. Upregulated (excess) collagen IαI expression and production in smooth muscle cells of strictures and basal collagen IαI in smooth muscle cells of normal margin were inhibited by immunoneutralization of IGFBP-3 or TGF-β1.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that upregulated endogenous IGFBP-3 and TGF-β1 expression regulates excess collagen IαI production and contributes to fibrosis and stricture formation in CD.

Cross-talk between the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis and membrane integrins to regulate cell physiology

The biology of cross-talk between activated growth factor receptors and cell-surface integrins is an area which has attracted much interest in recent years (Schwartz and Ginsberg, 2002). This review discusses the relationship between the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis and cell-surface integrin receptors in the regulation of various aspects of cell physiology. Key to these interactions are signals transmitted between integrins and the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) when either or both are bound to their cognate ligands and we will review the current state of knowledge in this area. The IGF axis comprises many molecular components and we will also discuss the potential role of these species in cross-talk with the integrin receptor. With respect to integrin ligands, we will mainly focus on the well-characterized interactions of the two extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins fibronectin (FN) and vitronectin (VN) with cell-surface ligands, and, how this affects activity through the IGF axis. However, we will also highlight the importance of other integrin activation mechanisms and their impact on IGF activity.

Mitogenic factors promoting intestinal smooth muscle cell proliferation

Intestinal smooth muscle cells are normally quiescent, but in the widely studied model of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in the rat, the onset of inflammation causes proliferation that leads to increased cell number and an altered phenotype. The factors that drive this are unclear and were studied in primary cultures of circular smooth muscle cells (CSMC) from the rat colon. While platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were ineffective, PDGF-BB and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) caused significant increase in [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, bromodeoxyuridine uptake, and increased CSMC number, with PDGF-BB (≥0.2 nM) substantially more effective than IGF-1. Surprisingly, CSMC lacked expression of PDGF receptor-β (PDGF-Rβ) upon isolation but by 4 days in vitro, CSMC gained expression of PDGF-Rβ as shown by quantitative PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunocytochemistry; these CSMC responded to PDGF-BB but not IGF-1. PDGF-BB caused PDGF-Rβ phosphorylation and mobilization from the surface membrane, leading to activation of both Akt and ERK signaling pathways, which were essential for subsequent proliferation. In contrast, PDGF-AA, FGF, EGF, and IGF-1 were ineffective. In vivo, control CSMC lacked expression of PDGF-Rβ. However, this changed rapidly with TNBS-colitis, and by day 2 when CSMC proliferation in vivo is maximal, freshly isolated CSMC showed on-going PDGF-Rβ phosphorylation that was further increased by exogenous PDGF-BB. This suggests that the onset of PDGF-Rβ expression is a key factor in CSMC growth in vitro and in vivo, where inflammation may damage intrinsic inhibitory mechanisms and thus lead to hyperplasia.

Prolactin enhances insulin-like growth factor I receptor phosphorylation by decreasing its association with the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Normal mammary development requires coordinated interactions of numerous factors, including prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), both of which have also been implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis and progression. We previously reported that PRL and IGF-I synergize in breast cancer cells to activate ERK1/2 and AKT, leading to increased proliferation, survival, and invasion. Intriguingly, PRL co-treatment with IGF-I augments IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) phosphorylation 2-fold higher than IGF-I alone. Here, we showed the importance of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 in this cross-talk using pharmacological inhibition and small interfering RNA. SHP-2 recruitment to IGF-IR was significantly attenuated by PRL co-treatment. Src family kinase activity was required for IGF-IR association with SHP-2, ligand-induced IGF-IR internalization, and PRL-enhanced IGF-IR phosphorylation. Inhibition of internalization, via knockdown of the GTPase, dynamin-2, prevented not only IGF-IR dephosphorylation, but also PRL-enhanced IGF-IR phosphorylation. Consistently, PRL diminished IGF-I-induced IGF-IR internalization, which may result from reduced SHP-2 association with IGF-IR, because we demonstrated an essential role for SHP-2 in IGF-IR internalization. Together, these findings describe a novel mechanism of cross-talk between PRL and IGF-I in breast cancer cells, with implications for our understanding of tumor progression and potential therapeutic strategies.

Endogenous IGF-I and alphaVbeta3 integrin ligands regulate increased smooth muscle hyperplasia in stricturing Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) regulates human intestinal smooth muscle growth by stimulating proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. IGF-I-stimulated growth is augmented when alphaVbeta3 integrin is occupied by its ligands, fibronectin and vitronectin. Increased IGF-I expression and muscle cell hyperplasia are features of stricturing Crohn's disease (CD); however, the role of IGF-I in stricture formation is unknown. The aim was to identify the functional role of endogenous IGF-I and alphaVbeta3 integrin ligands in regulating muscle cell hyperplasia in stricturing CD.

METHODS

Smooth muscle cells were isolated from muscularis propria of stricturing CD or normal margins. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoblot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure fibronectin, vitronectin, alphaVbeta3 integrin, and IGF-I levels. Activation of the IGF-I receptor, Erk1/2, p70S6 kinase, and GSK-3beta was measured by immunoblot. Proliferation was quantified by Ki67 immunostaining and [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. Apoptosis was measured from caspase-3 cleavage and nucleosome accumulation.

RESULTS

IGF-I, vitronectin, and fibronectin RNA and protein levels were increased 1.8- to 3.4-fold in muscle cells from strictures over normal margins. Basal IGF-I receptor phosphorylation was increased 320% in strictured over normal muscle, and basal Erk1/2, p70S6 kinase, and GSK-3beta phosphorylation were increased 205%-292% in strictures. In muscle cells from strictures, Ki67 immunoreactivity and [(3)H]thymidine incorporation were increased and apoptosis was decreased compared with normal margins. Antagonists of the IGF-I receptor or alphaVbeta3 integrin reversed these changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Smooth muscle cell hyperplasia in stricturing CD is regulated by increased endogenous IGF-I and alphaVbeta3 integrin ligands that regulate augmented proliferation and diminished apoptosis.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 stimulates growth of human intestinal muscle cells by activation of G{alpha}i3

In human intestinal smooth muscle cells, endogenous insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) regulates growth and IGF-binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) expression. The effects of IGF-I are facilitated by IGFBP-5. We previously showed that IGFBP-5 acts independently of IGF-I in human intestinal muscle to stimulate proliferation and upregulate IGF-I production by activation of Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK. Thus a positive feedback loop exists between IGF-I and IGFBP-5, whereby both stimulate muscle growth and production of the other factor. In Crohn's disease, IGF-I and IGFBP-5 expression are increased and contribute to stricture formation through this effect on muscle growth. To determine the signaling pathways coupling IGFBP-5 to MAPK activation and growth, smooth muscle cells were isolated from muscularis propria of human intestine and placed into primary culture. Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK activation and type I collagen production were measured by immunoblot. Proliferation was measured by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. Activation of specific G proteins was measured by ELISA. AG1024, an IGF-I receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was used to isolate the IGF-I-independent effects of IGFBP-5. IGFBP-5-induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK and proliferation were abolished by pertussis toxin, implying the participation of Gi. IGFBP-5 specifically activated Gi3 but not other G proteins. Transfection of an inhibitory Galphai minigene specifically inhibited MAPK activation, proliferation, and both collagen-I and IGF-I production. Our results indicate that endogenous IGFBP-5 activates Gi3 and regulates smooth muscle growth, IGF-I production, and collagen production via the alpha-subunit of Gi3, independently of IGF-I, in normal human intestinal muscle cells.

Endogenous IGF-I and alpha v beta3 integrin ligands regulate increased smooth muscle growth in TNBS-induced colitis

Endogenous insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) regulates intestinal smooth muscle growth by concomitantly stimulating proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. IGF-I-stimulated growth is augmented by the alpha(v)beta(3) integrin ligands vitronectin and fibronectin. IGF-I expression in smooth muscle is increased in both TNBS-induced colitis and Crohn's disease. We hypothesized that intestinal inflammation increased vitronectin and fibronectin expression by smooth muscle and, along with IGF-I upregulation, increased intestinal muscle growth. Intestinal smooth muscle cells were examined 7 days following the induction of TNBS-induced colitis. Although alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression was not altered by TNBS-induced colitis, vitronectin and fibronectin levels were increased by 80 +/- 10% and 90 +/- 15%, above control levels, respectively. Basal IGF-I receptor phosphorylation in inflamed muscle from TNBS-treated rats was increased by 86 +/- 8% over vehicle-treated controls. Basal ERK1/2, p70S6 kinase, and GSK-3beta phosphorylation in muscle cells of TNBS-treated rats were also increased by 140-180%. TNBS treatment increased basal muscle cell proliferation by 130 +/- 15% and decreased apoptosis by 20 +/- 2% compared with that in vehicle-treated controls. The changes in proliferation and apoptosis were reversed by an IGF-I receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor or an alpha(v)beta(3) integrin antagonist. The results suggest that smooth muscle hyperplasia in TNBS-induced colitis partly results from the upregulation of endogenous IGF-I and ligands of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin that mediate increased smooth muscle cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis. This paper has identified one mechanism regulating smooth muscle hyperplasia, a feature of stricture formation that occurs in the chronically inflamed intestine of TNBS-induced colitis and potentially Crohn's disease.

Genetic and cell biological analysis of integrin outside-in signaling

Integrins are cell surface transmembrane receptors that recognize and bind to extracellular matrix proteins and counter receptors. Binding of activated integrins to their ligands induces a vast number of structural and signaling changes within the cell. Large, multimolecular complexes assemble onto the cytoplasmic tails of activated integrins to engage and organize the cytoskeleton, and activate signaling pathways that ultimately lead to changes in gene expression. Additionally, integrin-mediated signaling intersects with growth factor-mediated signaling through various levels of cross-talk. This review discusses recent work that has tremendously broadened our understanding of the complexity of integrin-mediated signaling.

In adrenal glomerulosa cells, angiotensin II inhibits proliferation by interfering with fibronectin-integrin signaling

Angiotensin II (Ang II), through the Ang II type 1 receptor subtype, inhibits basal proliferation of adrenal glomerulosa cells by inducing the disruption of actin stress fiber organization. This effect is observed in cells cultured on plastic or on fibronectin. The aim of the present study was to investigate how Ang II may interfere with extracellular matrix/integrin signaling. In cells treated for 3 d with echistatin (EC) (a snake-venom RGD-containing protein that abolishes fibronectin binding to alpha(5)beta(1) or alpha(v)beta(3) integrins), basal proliferation decreased by 38%, whereas Ang II was unable to abolish basal proliferation. In cells grown on fibronectin, Ang II decreased binding of paxillin to focal adhesions and, similarly to EC, induced a rapid dephosphorylation of paxillin (1 min), followed by an increase after 15 min. Fibronectin enhanced RhoA/B and Rac activation induced by Ang II, an effect abolished by EC. Under basal conditions, paxillin was more readily associated with RhoA/B than with Rac. Stimulation with Ang II induced a transient decrease in RhoA/B-associated paxillin (after 5 min), with a return to basal levels after 10 min, while increasing Rac-associated paxillin. Finally, results reveal that glomerulosa cells are able to synthesize and secrete fibronectin, a process by which cells can stimulate their own proliferative activity when cultured on plastic. Together, these results suggest that Ang II acts at the level of integrin-paxillin complexes to disrupt the well- developed microfilament network, a condition necessary for the inhibition of cell proliferation and initiation of steroidogenesis.

Cell-specific effects of insulin receptor substrate-1 deficiency on normal and IGF-I-mediated colon growth

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) potently stimulates intestinal growth. Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) mediates proliferative and antiapoptotic actions of IGF-I in cell lines, but its in vivo relevance in intestine is not defined. This study tested the hypothesis that there is cell type-specific dependence on IRS-1 as a mediator of IGF-I action. Length, mass, crypt cell proliferation, and apoptosis were measured in small intestine and colon of IRS-1-null mice and wild-type (WT) littermates and in colon of IRS-1-null or WT mice expressing IGF-I transgenes. Expression of IGF-I receptor and signaling intermediates was examined in intestine of WT and IRS-1-null mice, cultured intestinal epithelial cells, and myofibroblasts. Absolute IRS-1 deficiency reduced mucosal mass in jejunum and colon, but effects were more pronounced in colon. Muscularis mass was decreased in both segments. In IGF-I transgenics, IRS-1 deficiency significantly attenuated IGF-I-stimulated growth of colonic mucosa and abolished antiapoptotic but not mitogenic effects of IGF-I transgene on crypt cells. IGF-I-induced muscularis growth was unaffected by IRS-1 deficiency. In intestinal epithelial cells, IRS-1 was expressed at higher levels than IRS-2 and was preferentially activated by IGF-I. In contrast, IGF-I activated both IRS-1 and IRS-2 in intestinal myofibroblasts and IRS-2 activation was upregulated in IRS-1-null myofibroblasts. We conclude that the intestinal epithelium but not the muscularis requires IRS-1 for normal trophic actions of IGF-I and that IRS-1 is required for antiapoptotic but not mitogenic effects of IGF-I in the intestinal crypts in vivo.