Contributions of galectin-3 and -9 to epithelial cell adhesion analyzed by single cell force spectroscopy

Galectins are widely expressed in epithelial tissues and have been implicated in a variety of cellular processes, including adhesion and polarization. Here we studied the contributions of galectins in cell adhesion and cyst formation of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Quantitative single cell force spectroscopy and standard adhesion assays were employed to study both early (<2 min) and long term (90 min) adhesion of cells to different extracellular matrix components. Inhibitors were used to examine the contribution of integrins and galectins in general and RNA interference to specifically address the role of two abundantly expressed galectins, galectin-3 and -9. We found that both galectin-3 and -9 were required for optimal long term cell adhesion to both collagen I and laminin-111. Early adhesion to laminin was found to be integrin-independent and was instead mediated by carbohydrate interactions and galectin-3 and -9. The opposite was observed for early adhesion to collagen. Although similar, the contributions of galectin-3 and -9 to adhesion appeared to be by distinct processes. These defects in adhesion of the two galectin knockdown cell lines may underlie the epithelial phenotypes observed in the cyst assays. Our findings emphasize the complex regulation of epithelial cell functions by galectins.     

Mechano-transduction mediated secretion and uptake of galectin-3 in breast carcinoma cells: implications in the extracellular functions of the lectin

In the following experiments, we sought to understand the triggering mechanism which propels galectin-3 to be secreted into the extracellular compartment from its intracellular stores in breast carcinoma cells. We also wanted to analyze in greater details the role of galectin-3 in cellular adhesion and spreading. To do this, we made use of two pairs of breast carcinoma cell lines where one of the pair has high expression of galectin-3 and the other low expression of the lectin. We determined that galectin-3 secreted into the conditioned medium of sub-confluent and spread cells in culture was quite low, almost negligible. However, once the cells were detached and rounded up, a mechano-sensing mechanism triggered the rapid secretion of galectin-3 into the conditioned medium. The secretion was constitutive as long as the cells remained detached. Galectin-3 was shown to be actively taken up from the conditioned medium by spreading cells. The cells which express and secrete high levels of galectin-3 adhered and spread much faster on plastic than those with reduced expression. The uptake of galectin-3 according to our data was important in cell spreading because if this process was compromised significantly, cells failed to spread. The data suggested that galectin-3 uptake modulates the adhesion plaques in that cells which express high levels of galectin-3 have thin-dot like plaques that may be suited for rapid adhesion and spreading while cells in which galectin-3 expression is reduced or knocked-down, have thick and elongated plaques which may be suited for a firmer adhesion to the substratum. Recombinant galectin-3 added exogenously reduced the thickness of the adhesion plaques of tumor cells with reduced galectin-3 expression. Taken together, the present data suggest that galectin-3 once externalized, is a powerful modulator of cellular adhesion and spreading in breast carcinoma cells.     

Combined interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha treatment differentially affects adhesion and migration of keratinocyte-derived cells to laminin-1

Interactions with the extracellular matrix constitute basic steps in cervix carcinoma cell invasion. In this study, we examined the adhesion and migration profiles of two human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA-transfected keratinocyte-derived cell lines, EIL8 and 18-11S3, and of the cervix adenocarcinoma SiHa cell line, towards laminin-1, and the selective effect of a 24-72 h treatment of 1000 U/ml interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a treatment that significantly decreases cervix carcinoma cell proliferation and progression in nude mice, on these parameters. Compared to normal cervix keratinocytes (CK) and two HPV DNA-transfected keratinocyte cell lines, in basal conditions, the SiHa cell line was characterized by increased attachment (SiHa, 48.74 +/- 4.02 vs. normal keratinocytes, 4.32 +/- 0.40, EIL8, 17.80 +/- 3.03 and 18-11S3, 17.82 +/- 1.48% of attached cells after 30 min) and marked directed chemotactic migration towards laminin-1. Interestingly, treatment of the cells with the cytokines (1000 U/ml IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha) did not modulate the adhesion properties of the cells, but chemotactic migration of SiHa cells to laminin-1 was significantly decreased, while migration towards type I collagen was increased. Similar results were obtained with the Ca Ski cervix carcinoma cell line. Our results emphasize the altered pattern of interactions of cervix carcinoma cells with extracellular matrix components such as laminin-1, compared to normal and pre-neoplastic cells, and contributes to the understanding of the effects of cytokine treatment on cervix carcinoma cells.     

Galectin-3 interaction with Thomsen-Friedenreich disaccharide on cancer-associated MUC1 causes increased cancer cell endothelial adhesion

Patients with metastatic cancer commonly have increased serum galectin-3 concentrations, but it is not known whether this has any functional implications for cancer progression. We report that MUC1, a large transmembrane mucin protein that is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in epithelial cancer, is a natural ligand for galectin-3. Recombinant galectin-3 at concentrations (0.2-1.0 microg/ml) similar to those found in the sera of patients with metastatic cancer increased adhesion of MUC1-expressing human breast (ZR-75-1) and colon (HT29-5F7) cancer cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by 111% (111 +/- 21%, mean +/- S.D.) and 93% (93 +/- 17%), respectively. Recombinant galectin-3 also increased adhesion to HUVEC of MUC1 transfected HCA1.7+ human breast epithelial cells that express MUC1 bearing the oncofetal Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (Galbeta1,3 GalNAc-alpha (TF)) but did not affect adhesion of MUC1-negative HCA1.7-cells. MUC1-transfected, Ras-transformed, canine kidney epithelial-like (MDE9.2+) cells, bearing MUC1 that predominantly carries sialyl-TF, only demonstrated an adhesive response to galectin-3 after sialidase pretreatment. Furthermore, galectin-3-mediated adhesion of HCA1.7+ to HUVEC was reduced by O-glycanase pretreatment of the cells to remove TF. Recombinant galectin-3 caused focal disappearance of cell surface MUC1 in HCA1.7+ cells, suggesting clustering of MUC1. Co-incubation with antibodies against E-Selectin or CD44H, but not integrin-beta1, ICAM-1 or VCAM-1, largely abolished the epithelial cell adhesion to HUVEC induced by galectin-3. Thus, galectin-3, by interacting with cancer-associated MUC1 via TF, promotes cancer cell adhesion to endothelium by revealing epithelial adhesion molecules that are otherwise concealed by MUC1. This suggests a critical role for circulating galectin-3 in cancer metastasis and highlights the functional importance of altered cell surface glycosylation in cancer progression.     

Galectin-1 induces cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and apoptosis of non-adherent human colon cancer Colo201 cells

To isolate cDNAs for molecules involved in cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, expression cloning with non-adherent colon cancer Colo201 cells was carried out. Four positive clones were isolated and, when sequenced, one was found to be galectin-1, a beta-galactoside-binding protein. When cultured on fibronectin-, laminin-, and collagen-coated and non-coated dishes, the adherent galectin-1 cDNA-transfected Colo201 cells increased and spread somewhat. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that galectin-1 was expressed inside and outside of Colo201 cells. The adhesion was dependent on the carbohydrate-recognition domain of galectin-1 since lactose inhibited the adhesion and exogenously-added galectin-1 caused the adhesion. PD58059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase, or LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase inhibitor, decreased the adhesion. Furthermore, the expression of galectin-1 in Colo201 cells induced apoptotic cell death, while exogenously-added galectin-1 did not cause apoptosis. These results indicate that galectin-1 plays a role in both cell-matrix interactions and the inhibition of Colo201 cell proliferation, and suggest that galectin-1 expressed in cells could be associated with apoptosis.     

Combined Interferon- γ and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Treatment Differentially Affects Adhesion and Migration of Keratinocyte-derived Cells to Laminin-1

Interactions with the extracellular matrix constitute basic steps in cervix carcinoma cell invasion. In this study, we examined the adhesion and migration profiles of two human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA-transfected keratinocyte-derived cell lines, EIL8 and 18-11 S3, and of the cervix adenocarcinoma SiHa cell line, towards laminin-1, and the selective effect of a 24-72 h treatment of 1000 U/ml interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a treatment that significantly decreases cervix carcinoma cell proliferation and progression in nude mice, on these parameters. Compared to normal cervix keratinocytes (CK) and two HPV DNA-transfected keratinocyte cell lines, in basal conditions, the SiHa cell line was characterized by increased attachment (SiHa, 48.74 ± 4.02 vs. normal keratinocytes, 4.32 ± 0.40, EIL8,17.80 ± 3.03 and 18-11S3,17.82 ± 1.48% of attached cells after 30min) and marked directed chemotactic migration towards laminin-1. Interestingly, treatment of the cells with the cytokines (1000U/ml IFN-γ and TNF-α) did not modulate the adhesion properties of the cells, but chemotactic migration of SiHa cells to laminin-1 was significantly decreased, while migration towards type I collagen was increased. Similar results were obtained with the Ca Ski cervix carcinoma cell line. Our results emphasize the altered pattern of interactions of cervix carcinoma cells with extracellular matrix components such as laminin-1, compared to normal and preneoplastic cells, and contributes to the understanding of the effects of cytokine treatment on cervix carcinoma cells.     

Analogs of tetrahydroisoquinoline natural products that inhibit cell migration and target galectin-3 outside of its carbohydrate-binding site

Cell migration is central to a number of normal and disease processes. Small organic molecules that inhibit cell migration have potential as both research probes and therapeutic agents. We have identified two tetrahydroisoquinoline natural product analogs with antimigratory activities on Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells: a semisynthetic derivative of quinocarmycin (also known as quinocarcin), DX-52-1, and a more complex synthetic molecule, HUK-921, related to the naphthyridinomycin family. It has been assumed that the cellular effects of reactive tetrahydroisoquinolines result from the alkylation of DNA. We have reported previously that the primary target of DX-52-1 relevant to cell migration appears to be the membrane-cytoskeleton linker protein radixin. Here we extend the analysis of the protein targets of DX-52-1, reporting that the multifunctional carbohydrate-binding protein galectin-3 is a secondary target of DX-52-1 that may also be relevant to the antimigratory effects of both DX-52-1 and HUK-921. All known inhibitors of galectin-3 target its beta-galactoside-binding site in the carbohydrate recognition domain. However, we found that DX-52-1 and HUK-921 bind galectin-3 outside of its beta-galactoside-binding site. Intriguingly HUK-921, although a less potent inhibitor of cell migration than DX-52-1, had far greater selectivity for galectin-3 over radixin, exhibiting little binding to radixin, both in vitro and in cells. Overexpression of galectin-3 in cells led to a dramatic increase in cell adhesion on different extracellular matrix substrata as well as changes in cell-cell adhesion and cell motility. Galectin-3-overexpressing cells had greatly reduced sensitivity to DX-52-1 and HUK-921, and these compounds caused a change in localization of the overexpressed galectin-3 and reversion of the cells to a more normal morphology. The converse manipulation, RNA interference-based silencing of galectin-3 expression, resulted in reduced cell-matrix adhesion and cell migration. In aggregate, the data suggest that DX-52-1 and HUK-921 inhibit a carbohydrate binding-independent function of galectin-3 that is involved in cell migration.     

The LG3 module of laminin-5 harbors a binding site for integrin alpha3beta1 that promotes cell adhesion, spreading, and migration

Laminins are a family of extracellular matrix glycoproteins involved in cell adhesion and migration. A major obstacle to understanding their structure-function relationships is the lack of small laminin domains capable of replicating integrin-binding, cell-adhesive, and migratory functions of the intact molecule. Here, we show that the recombinant LG3 (rLG3) module (26 kDa) of laminin-5 (Ln-5) alpha(3) chain replicated key Ln-5 activities. rLG3 but not rLG1 or rLG2 supported cell adhesion and migration of at least two distinct cell lines, in an integrin alpha(3)beta(1)-dependent manner. Cell adhesion to rLG3 was regulated by divalent cations and accompanied by cell spreading and tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK focal adhesion kinase. The integrin binding activity of rLG3 was confirmed by rLG3 affinity chromatography of detergent cell lysates, which resulted in specific purification of integrin alpha(3)beta(1). To our knowledge, this is the first report directly demonstrating that a recombinant laminin LG module is an active domain capable of supporting integrin-dependent cell adhesion and migration.     

Rac regulates integrin-mediated endothelial cell adhesion and migration on laminin-8

Blood vessel formation requires endothelial cell interactions with the extracellular matrix through cell surface receptors, and signaling events that control endothelial cell adhesion, migration, and lumen formation. Laminin-8 (alpha4beta1gamma1) is present in all basement membranes of blood vessels in fetal and adult tissues, but despite its importance in vessel formation, its role in endothelial cell adhesion and migration remains undefined. We examined adhesion and migration of HMEC-1 human microvascular endothelial cells on laminin-8 with an emphasis on the integrin-mediated signaling events, as compared with those on laminin-10/11 and fibronectin. We found that laminin-8 was less potent in HMEC-1 cell adhesion than laminin-1, laminin-10/11, and fibronectin, and mediated cell adhesion through alpha6beta1 integrin. Despite its weak cell-adhesive activity, laminin-8 was as potent as laminin-10/11 in promoting cell migration. Cells adhering to laminin-8 displayed streaks of thin actin filaments and formed lamellipodia at the leading edge of the cells, as observed with cells adhering to laminin-10/11, while cells on fibronectin showed thick actin stress fibers and large focal adhesions. Pull-down assays of GTP-loaded Rho, Rac, and Cdc42 demonstrated that Rac, but not Rho or Cdc42, was preferentially activated on laminin-8 and laminin-10/11, when compared with fibronectin. Furthermore, a dominant-negative mutant of Rac suppressed cell spreading, lamellipodial formation, and migration on laminin-8, but not on fibronectin. These results, taken together, indicate that Rac is activated during endothelial cell adhesion to laminin-8, and is pivotal for alpha6beta1 integrin-mediated cell spreading and migration on laminin-8.     

Melanoma cells produce multiple laminin isoforms and strongly migrate on α5 laminin(s) via several integrin receptors

Melanoma cells express and interact with laminins (LMs) and other basement membrane components during invasion and metastasis. In the present study we have investigated the production and migration-promoting activity of laminin isoforms in melanoma. Immunohistochemistry of melanoma specimens and immunoprecipitation/western blotting of melanoma cell lines indicated expression of laminin-111/121, laminin-211, laminin-411/421, and laminin-511/521. Laminin-332 was not detected. In functional assays, laminin-111, laminin-332, and laminin-511, but not laminin-211 and laminin-411, strongly promoted haptotactic cell migration either constitutively or following stimulation with insulin-like growth factors. Both placenta and recombinant laminin-511 preparations were highly active, and the isolated recombinant IVa domain of LMα5 also promoted cell migration. Function-blocking antibodies in cell migration assays revealed α6β1 integrin as the major receptor for laminin-111, and both α3β1 and α6β1 integrins for laminin-332 and laminin-511. In contrast, isolated LMα5 IVa domain-promoted melanoma cell migration was largely mediated via αVβ3 integrin and inhibited by RGD peptides. Given the ubiquitous expression of α5 laminins in melanoma cells and in melanoma-target tissues/anatomical structures, as well as the strong migration-promoting activity of these laminin isoforms, the α5 laminins emerge as putative primary extracellular matrix mediators of melanoma invasion and metastasis via α3β1 and other integrin receptors.     

Differential regulation of cellular adhesion and migration by recombinant laminin-5 forms with partial deletion or mutation within the G3 domain of alpha3 chain

The basement membrane protein laminin-5 promotes cell adhesion and migration. The carboxyl-terminal G3 domain in the alpha3 chain is essential for the unique activity of laminin-5. To investigate the function of the G3 domain, we prepared various recombinant laminin-5 forms with a partially deleted or mutated G3 domain. The deletion of the carboxyl-terminal 28 amino acids (region III) markedly decreased the cell adhesion activity with a slight loss of the cell motility activity toward BRL and EJ-1 cells. This change was attributed to the loss of Lys-Arg-Asp sequence. Further deletion of 83 amino acids (region II) led to almost complete loss of the cell motility activity. All charged amino acid residues tested in this region were not responsible for the activity loss. These results suggest that the G3 domain contains two distinct regions that differently regulate cell adhesion and migration. Analysis of laminin-5 receptors showed that integrins alpha3beta1, alpha6beta1, and alpha6beta4 had different but synergistic effects on cell adhesion and migration on laminin-5. However, the structural change of the G3 domain appeared not to change integrin specificity. The present study demonstrates that the G3 domain in laminin-5 plays a central role to produce different biological effects on cells.     

Structure-function analysis of tetraspanin CD151 reveals distinct requirements for tumor cell behaviors mediated by α3β1 versus α6β4 integrin

The basement membrane protein laminin-332 (laminin-5) mediates both stable cell adhesion and rapid cell migration and thus has the potential to either restrain or promote tumor cell metastasis. The major cellular receptors for laminin-332 are integrin α3β1, which mediates rapid tumor cell migration, and integrin α6β4, which often mediates stable cell attachment. Tetraspanin protein CD151 interacts directly with both α3β1 and α6β4 integrins and with other tetraspanins, thereby promoting α3β1 and α6β4 association with tetraspanin-enriched microdomains on the cell surface. To explore the possibility of selectively modulating tumor cell responses to laminin-332, we re-expressed a series of CD151 mutants in epidermoid carcinoma cells with near total, RNAi-mediated silencing of endogenous CD151. The interactions of CD151 with its integrin partners or its interactions with other tetraspanins were selectively disrupted by specific mutations in the CD151 large extracellular loop (EC2 domain) or in intracellular CD151 palmitoylation sites, respectively. CD151-integrin association and CD151-tetraspanin association were both important for α3β1 integrin-dependent initial adhesion and rapid migration on laminin-332. Remarkably, however, only CD151-integrin association was required for stable, α6β4 integrin-dependent cell attachment on laminin-332. In addition, we found that a QRD amino acid motif in the CD151 EC2 domain, which had been thought to be crucial for CD151-integrin interaction, is not essential for CD151-integrin association or for the ability of CD151 to promote several different integrin functions. These new data suggest potential strategies for selectively modulating migratory cell responses to laminin-332, while leaving stable cell attachment on laminin-332 intact.     

Laminin isoforms and their integrin receptors in glioma cell migration and invasiveness: Evidence for a role of alpha5-laminin(s) and alpha3beta1 integrin

Glioma cell infiltration of brain tissue often occurs along the basement membrane (BM) of blood vessels. In the present study we have investigated the role of laminins, major structural components of BMs and strong promoters of cell migration. Immunohistochemical studies of glioma tumor tissue demonstrated expression of alpha2-, alpha3-, alpha4- and alpha5-, but not alpha1-, laminins by the tumor vasculature. In functional assays, alpha3 (Lm-332/laminin-5)- and alpha5 (Lm-511/laminin-10)-laminins strongly promoted migration of all glioma cell lines tested. alpha1-Laminin (Lm-111/laminin-1) displayed lower activity, whereas alpha2 (Lm-211/laminin-2)- and alpha4 (Lm-411/laminin-8)-laminins were practically inactive. Global integrin phenotyping identified alpha3beta1 as the most abundant integrin in all the glioma cell lines, and this laminin-binding integrin exclusively or largely mediate the cell migration. Moreover, pretreatment of U251 glioma cells with blocking antibodies to alpha3beta1 integrin followed by intracerebral injection into nude mice inhibited invasion of the tumor cells into the brain tissue. The cell lines secreted Lm-211, Lm-411 and Lm-511, at different ratios. The results indicate that glioma cells secrete alpha2-, alpha4- and alpha5-laminins and that alpha3- and alpha5-laminins, found in brain vasculature, selectively promote glioma cell migration. They identify alpha3beta1 as the predominant integrin and laminin receptor in glioma cells, and as a brain invasion-mediating integrin.     

Galectin-3 regulates integrin alpha2beta1-mediated adhesion to collagen-I and -IV

Galectins are a taxonomically widespread family of galactose-binding proteins of which galectin-3 is known to modulate cell adhesion. Using single cell force spectroscopy, the contribution of galectin-3 to the adhesion of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells to different extracellular matrix proteins was investigated. When adhering to collagen-I or -IV, some cells rapidly entered an enhanced adhesion state, marked by a significant increase in the force required for cell detachment. Galectin-3-depleted cells had an increased probability of entering the enhanced adhesion state. Adhesion enhancement was specific to integrin alpha(2)beta(1), as it was not observed when cells adhered to extracellular matrix substrates by other integrins. The adhesion phenotype of galectin-3-depleted cells was mimicked in a galactoside-deficient MDCK cell line and could be complemented by the addition of recombinant galectin-3. We propose that galectin-3 influences integrin alpha(2)beta(1)-mediated adhesion complex formation by altering receptor clustering.     

The Role of Extracellular and Cytoplasmic Splice Domains of α7-Integrin in Cell Adhesion and Migration on Laminins

The major laminin-binding integrin of skeletal, smooth, and heart muscle is α7β1-integrin, which is structurally related to α6β1. It occurs in three cytoplasmic splice variants (α7A, -B, and -C) and two extracellular forms (X1 and X2) which are developmentally regulated and differentially expressed in skeletal muscle. Previously, we have shown that ectopic expression of the α7β-integrin splice variant in nonmotile HEK293 cells specifically induced cell locomotion on laminin-1 but not on fibronectin. To investigate the specificity and the mechanism of the α7-mediated cell motility, we expressed the three α7-chain cytoplasmic splice variants, as well as α6A- and α6B-integrin subunits in HEK293 cells. Here we show that all three α7 splice variants (containing the X2 domain), as well as α6A and α6B, promote cell attachment and stimulate cell motility on laminin-1 and its E8 fragment. Deletion of the cytoplasmic domain (excluding the GFFKR consensus sequence) from α7B resulted in a loss of the motility-enhancing effect. On laminin-2/4 (merosin), the predominant isoform in mature skeletal muscle, only α7-expressing cells showed enhanced motility, whereas cells transfected with α6A and α6B neither attached nor migrated on laminin-2. Adhesion of α7-expressing cells to both laminin-1 and laminin-2 was specifically inhibited by a new monoclonal antibody (6A11) specific for α7. Expression of the two extracellular splice variants α7X1 and α7X2 in HEK293 cells conferred different motilities on laminin isoforms: Whereas α7X2B promoted cell migration on both laminin-1 and laminin-2, α7X1B supported motility only on laminin-2 and not on laminin-1, although both X1 and X2 splice variants revealed similar adhesion rates to laminin-1 and -2. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis revealed a dramatic reduction of surface expression of α6-integrin subunits after α7A or -B transfection; also, surface expression of α1-, α3-, and α5-integrins was significantly reduced. These results demonstrate selective responses of α6- and α7-integrins and of the α7 splice variants to laminin-1 and -2 and indicate differential roles in laminin-controlled cell adhesion and migration.     

The role of extracellular and cytoplasmic splice domains of alpha7-integrin in cell adhesion and migration on laminins

The major laminin-binding integrin of skeletal, smooth, and heart muscle is alpha7beta1-integrin, which is structurally related to alpha6beta1. It occurs in three cytoplasmic splice variants (alpha7A, -B, and -C) and two extracellular forms (X1 and X2) which are developmentally regulated and differentially expressed in skeletal muscle. Previously, we have shown that ectopic expression of the alpha7beta-integrin splice variant in nonmotile HEK293 cells specifically induced cell locomotion on laminin-1 but not on fibronectin. To investigate the specificity and the mechanism of the alpha7-mediated cell motility, we expressed the three alpha7-chain cytoplasmic splice variants, as well as alpha6A- and alpha6B-integrin subunits in HEK293 cells. Here we show that all three alpha7 splice variants (containing the X2 domain), as well as alpha6A and alpha6B, promote cell attachment and stimulate cell motility on laminin-1 and its E8 fragment. Deletion of the cytoplasmic domain (excluding the GFFKR consensus sequence) from alpha7B resulted in a loss of the motility-enhancing effect. On laminin-2/4 (merosin), the predominant isoform in mature skeletal muscle, only alpha7-expressing cells showed enhanced motility, whereas cells transfected with alpha6A and alpha6B neither attached nor migrated on laminin-2. Adhesion of alpha7-expressing cells to both laminin-1 and laminin-2 was specifically inhibited by a new monoclonal antibody (6A11) specific for alpha7. Expression of the two extracellular splice variants alpha7X1 and alpha7X2 in HEK293 cells conferred different motilities on laminin isoforms: Whereas alpha7X2B promoted cell migration on both laminin-1 and laminin-2, alpha7X1B supported motility only on laminin-2 and not on laminin-1, although both X1 and X2 splice variants revealed similar adhesion rates to laminin-1 and -2. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis revealed a dramatic reduction of surface expression of alpha6-integrin subunits after alpha7A or -B transfection; also, surface expression of alpha1-, alpha3-, and alpha5-integrins was significantly reduced. These results demonstrate selective responses of alpha6- and alpha7-integrins and of the alpha7 splice variants to laminin-1 and -2 and indicate differential roles in laminin-controlled cell adhesion and migration.     

The beta3 chain short arm of laminin-332 (laminin-5) induces matrix assembly and cell adhesion activity of laminin-511 (laminin-10)

The basement membrane (BM) protein laminin-332 (Lm332) (laminin-5) has unique activity and structure as compared with other laminins: it strongly promotes cellular adhesion and migration, and its alpha3, beta3, and gamma2 chains are all truncated in their N-terminal regions (short arms). In the present study, we investigated the biological function of the laminin beta3 chain. When the beta3 chain short arm (beta3SA) was overexpressed in HEK293 cells (beta3SA-HEK), they deposited a large amount of beta3SA and a small amount of laminin-511 (Lm511) (laminin-10) on culture plates. Control HEK293 cells secreted Lm511 but failed to deposit it. The extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited by beta3SA-HEK cells strongly promoted cell attachment and spreading. The beta3SA-HEK ECM did not directly bind Lm511, but it stimulated control HEK293 cells to deposit Lm511 on the culture plates. Although purified beta3SA did not support cell adhesion by itself, it enhanced the cell adhesion activity of Lm511. Experiments with anti-integrin antibodies also suggested that the strong cell adhesion activity of the beta3SA-HEK ECM was derived from the synergistic action of beta3SA and Lm511. It has previously been found that beta3SA binds an unknown cell surface receptor. Taken together, the present study suggests that the short arm of the laminin beta3 chain enhances the matrix assembly of Lm511 and its cell adhesion activity by interacting with its receptor.     

The cAMP-Epac-Rap1 pathway regulates cell spreading and cell adhesion to laminin-5 through the alpha3beta1 integrin but not the alpha6beta4 integrin

Laminin-5 is an important constituent of the basal lamina. The receptors for laminin-5, the integrins alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta4, have been associated with epithelial wound migration and carcinoma invasion. The signal transduction mechanisms that regulate these integrins are not well understood. We report here that the small GTPase Rap1 regulates the adhesion of a number of cell lines to various extracellular matrix proteins including laminin-5. cAMP also mediates cell adhesion and spreading on laminin-5, a process that is independent of protein kinase A but rather dependent on Epac1, a cAMP-dependent exchange factor for Rap. Interestingly, although both alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta4 mediate adhesion to laminin-5, only alpha3beta1-dependent adhesion is dependent on Rap1. These results provide evidence for a function of the cAMP-Epac-Rap1 pathway in cell adhesion and spreading on different extracellular matrix proteins. They also define different roles for the laminin-binding integrins in regulated cell adhesion and subsequent cell spreading.     

Laminin-10/11 and fibronectin differentially regulate integrin-dependent Rho and Rac activation via p130(Cas)-CrkII-DOCK180 pathway

The alpha(5) chain-containing laminin isoforms, laminins-10 and -11 (laminin-10/11), are the major components of the basement membrane, having potent cell-adhesive activity. We examined the cell-adhesive and integrin-mediated signaling activities of laminin-10/11 in comparison to fibronectin, the best characterized extracellular adhesive ligand. We found that laminin-10/11 are more active than fibronectin in promoting cell migration and preferentially activate Rac, not Rho, via the p130(Cas)-CrkII-DOCK180 pathway. Cells adhering to fibronectin develop stress fibers and focal contacts, whereas cells adhering to laminin-10/11 do not, consistent with the high cell migration-promoting activity of laminin-10/11. Pull-down assays of GTP-loaded Rac and Rho demonstrated the preferential activation of Rac on laminin-10/11, in contrast to the activation of Rho on fibronectin. Activation of Rac by laminin-10/11 was associated with the phosphorylation of p130(Cas) and an increased formation of a p130(Cas)-CrkII-DOCK180 complex. Cell migration on laminin-10/11 was suppressed by the expression of either a dominant-negative Rac or CrkII mutants defective in p130(Cas) or DOCK180 binding. This is the first report demonstrating a distinct activation of Rho family GTPases resulting from adhesion to different extracellular ligands.     

PDGF-BB enhances expression of,and reduces adhesion to,laminin-5 in vascular smooth muscle cells

The laminin family of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins plays crucial roles in regulating cellular growth, migration, and differentiation. We report here that laminin-5 is expressed in the tunica media of the rat aorta and pulmonary arteries. Using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, Western blots, and RT-PCR analysis, we found that primary cultures of rat arterial smooth muscle cells express laminin-5 and deposit it into their insoluble ECM. These cells also attach strongly to laminin-5 via beta1 integrin receptors in 30 min adhesion assays. Laminin-5 expression in these cells is upregulated by growth factors in vitro and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) stimulation reduces adhesion to laminin-5. As laminin-5 promotes enhanced migration of other cell types, the production of and adhesion to laminin-5 by vascular smooth muscle cells may play a role in the pathological growth and migration of these cells associated with restenosis following vascular injury.