Cell Surface Topography Is a Regulator of Molecular Interactions during Chemokine-Induced Neutrophil Spreading

Adhesive interactions between neutrophils and endothelium involve chemokine-induced neutrophil spreading and subsequent crawling on the endothelium to sites of transmigration. We investigated the importance of cell topography in this process using immunofluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and live-cell imaging using total internal reflectance microscopy to observe redistribution of key membrane proteins, both laterally and relative to surface topography, during neutrophil spreading onto glass coated with interleukin 8. During formation of the lamellipod, L-selectin is distributed on microvilli tips along the top of the lamellipodium, whereas the interleukin 8 receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 and the integrin LFA-1 (α_Lβ₂) were present at the interface between the lamellipodium and the substrate. Total internal reflection fluorescence imaging indicated that LFA-1 and both chemokine receptors redistributed into closer contact with the substrate as the cells spread onto the surface and remodeled their topography. A geometric model of the surface remodeling with nonuniform distribution of molecules and a realistic distribution of microvilli heights was matched to the data, and the fits indicated a 1000-fold increase in the concentration of chemokine receptors and integrins available for bond formation at the interface. These observations imply that topographical remodeling is a key mechanism for regulating cell adhesion and surface-induced activation of cells.     

Cell Surface Topography Is a Regulator of Molecular Interactions during Chemokine-Induced Neutrophil Spreading

Adhesive interactions between neutrophils and endothelium involve chemokine-induced neutrophil spreading and subsequent crawling on the endothelium to sites of transmigration. We investigated the importance of cell topography in this process using immunofluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and live-cell imaging using total internal reflectance microscopy to observe redistribution of key membrane proteins, both laterally and relative to surface topography, during neutrophil spreading onto glass coated with interleukin 8. During formation of the lamellipod, L-selectin is distributed on microvilli tips along the top of the lamellipodium, whereas the interleukin 8 receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 and the integrin LFA-1 (α_Lβ₂) were present at the interface between the lamellipodium and the substrate. Total internal reflection fluorescence imaging indicated that LFA-1 and both chemokine receptors redistributed into closer contact with the substrate as the cells spread onto the surface and remodeled their topography. A geometric model of the surface remodeling with nonuniform distribution of molecules and a realistic distribution of microvilli heights was matched to the data, and the fits indicated a 1000-fold increase in the concentration of chemokine receptors and integrins available for bond formation at the interface. These observations imply that topographical remodeling is a key mechanism for regulating cell adhesion and surface-induced activation of cells.     

The Cell Adhesion Molecule DdCAD-1 in Dictyostelium Is Targeted to the Cell Surface by a Nonclassical Transport Pathway Involving Contractile Vacuoles

DdCAD-1 is a 24-kD Ca²⁺-dependent cell– cell adhesion molecule that is expressed soon after the initiation of development in Dictyostelium cells. DdCAD-1 is present on the cell surface as well as in the cytosol. However, the deduced amino acid sequence of DdCAD-1 lacks a hydrophobic signal peptide or any predicted transmembrane domain, suggesting that it may be presented on the cell surface via a nonclassical transport mechanism. Here we report that DdCAD-1 is transported to the cell surface via contractile vacuoles, which are normally involved in osmoregulation. Immunofluorescence microscopy and subcellular fractionation revealed a preferential association of DdCAD-1 with contractile vacuoles. Proteolytic treatment of isolated contractile vacuoles degraded vacuole-associated calmodulin but not DdCAD-1, demonstrating that DdCAD-1 was present in the lumen. The use of hyperosmotic conditions that suppress contractile vacuole activity led to a dramatic decrease in DdCAD-1 accumulation on the cell surface and the absence of cell cohesiveness. Shifting cells back to a hypotonic condition after hypertonic treatments induced a rapid increase in DdCAD-1–positive contractile vacuoles, followed by the accumulation of DdCAD-1 on the cell membrane. 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole, a specific inhibitor of vacuolar-type H⁺-ATPase and thus of the activity of contractile vacuoles, also inhibited the accumulation of DdCAD-1 on the cell surface. Furthermore, an in vitro reconstitution system was established, and isolated contractile vacuoles were shown to import soluble DdCAD-1 into their lumen in an ATP-stimulated manner. Taken together, these data provide the first evidence for a nonclassical protein transport mechanism that uses contractile vacuoles to target a soluble cytosolic protein to the cell surface.The cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum transits from the solitary amoeboid state to an organized multicellular structure during development. This process is initiated in cells upon the depletion of nutrients, leading to the expression of many developmentally regulated genes and the chemotactic migration of cells in response to extracellular cAMP. Cells stream in concentric rings and/or spirals toward aggregation centers, giving rise to multicellular entities called pseudoplasmodia or slugs. The migrating slugs eventually culminate in the formation of fruiting bodies consisting of primarily spores and stalk cells (for review see Loomis, 1975).Multicellularity during development is maintained by the expression of cell–cell adhesion molecules, which fall into two broad categories based on their sensitivity to EDTA (for reviews see Gerisch, 1980; Siu et al., 1988; Siu, 1990; Fontana, 1995; Bozzaro and Ponte, 1995). There are two types of EDTA-sensitive cell adhesion sites. The EDTA/EGTA-sensitive cell adhesion sites, also known as contact sites B, are mediated by the Ca²⁺-dependent cell adhesion molecule gp24/DdCAD-1 (Knecht et al., 1987; Brar and Siu, 1993), while the EDTA-sensitive/EGTA- resistant sites are probably mediated by a Mg²⁺-dependent cell adhesion molecule (Fontana, 1993). The molecular nature of the latter sites is not yet known. Both types of adhesion sites are responsible for cell–cell interactions in the early stages of development. Coinciding with the aggregation stage is the rapid accumulation of the cell adhesion molecule gp80, which mediates the EDTA-resistant cell adhesion sites or contact sites A (Muller and Gerisch, 1978; Siu et al., 1985; Kamboj et al., 1988, 1989). In postaggregation stages, the EDTA-resistant adhesion sites are mediated by the membrane glycoprotein gp150 (Geltosky et al., 1979; Siu et al., 1983; Gao et al., 1992).DdCAD-1 is expressed by cells soon after the initiation of development (Knecht et al., 1987). Antibodies raised against gel-purified DdCAD-1 specifically inhibit the EDTA/EGTA-sensitive cell–cell adhesion sites and block development (Loomis, 1988). We have purified DdCAD-1 to homogeneity and demonstrated that labeled soluble DdCAD-1 binds to cells in an EDTA/EGTA-sensitive manner (Brar and Siu, 1993). Binding of DdCAD-1 to cells is prevented when cells are precoated with anti– DdCAD-1 antibodies, consistent with a homophilic mode of interaction. In addition, binding of DdCAD-1 to cells inhibits cell reassociation, indicating that it contains only a single cell binding site.Recent cloning of the DdCAD-1 cDNA predicts a protein of 23,924 daltons (Wong et al., 1996). The deduced amino acid sequence of DdCAD-1 shows significant sequence similarities with members of the cadherin family, and it contains a Ca²⁺-binding motif residing in the carboxy-terminal region. Indeed, Ca²⁺ overlay experiments have shown that DdCAD-1 is a Ca²⁺-binding protein with multiple binding sites (Brar and Siu, 1993; Wong et al., 1996). It is therefore conceivable that DdCAD-1 is a primitive member of the cadherin superfamily and it may mediate cell–cell adhesion in a manner similar to that of cadherins (Shapiro et al., 1995; Nagar et al., 1996). Another novel feature of the predicted sequence is that it lacks an amino-terminal hydrophobic signal peptide or a transmembrane domain, suggesting that DdCAD-1 is a soluble protein. Consistent with this observation, both subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence microscopy have revealed a predominant cytoplasmic localization of DdCAD-1, indicating that 60–80% of DdCAD-1 is soluble (Brar and Siu, 1993; Sesaki and Siu, 1996). However, IgG binding and capping experiments clearly demonstrate that a substantial amount of DdCAD-1 is present on the cell surface (Brar and Siu, 1993; Wong et al., 1996). Interestingly, DdCAD-1 undergoes rapid translocation from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane in the preaggregation stage of development (Sesaki and Siu, 1996), and then it becomes concentrated on filopodial structures and in cell– cell contact regions. These observations thus raise the question of how DdCAD-1 is transported and anchored to the cell surface.In this report we present morphological and biochemical evidence that DdCAD-1 is transported to the cell surface from the cytosol via contractile vacuoles, which is known so far to function exclusively in osmoregulation in cells. Furthermore, we show that isolated contractile vacuoles selectively take up soluble DdCAD-1 into their lumen in a cell-free system. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, a protein targeting function for contractile vacuoles and a novel nonclassical protein transport mechanism.     

Heterogeneity of Soluble Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule

Soluble neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) from rat brain neuronal cell culture media consists predominantly of a polypeptide of Mr approximately 115,000. Minor amounts of a polypeptide of Mr approximately 180,000 and two inconsistently appearing components of Mr 160,000 and 145,000 are also observed. The Mr 115,000 component is derived from the neuronal membrane NCAM components NCAM-A of Mr 190,000, NCAM-B of Mr 140,000, or both. Thus, as a part of the catabolism of membrane NCAM-A plus -B, a minor fraction is posttranslationally cleaved and recovered in the media as discernible soluble NCAM polypeptides. The half-life of membrane NCAM-A plus -B is less than 24 h. Astrocyte culture media contains a predominant soluble NCAM component of Mr 120,000 derived from membrane-associated NCAM-C. A close comparison of deglycosylated soluble NCAM from astrocyte and neuronal cultures showed a small but consistent difference in Mr, a result suggesting that different NCAM polypeptides are released from the membrane of neurons and astrocytes. In contrast to the Mr 115,000-120,000 NCAM polypeptides, the Mr 180,000 polypeptide from neuronal culture media does not seem to be derived from membrane-attached NCAM and may therefore represent a secreted NCAM isoform.     

Equilibrium Binding Analysis of Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Binding to Heparin

The kinetics of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) binding to heparin were studied in a heparin-Sepharose-based solid-phase binding assay. The observed binding is time dependent and saturable. A binding constant of 5.2 +/- 1.4 X 10(-8) M is observed for binding of newborn rat NCAM to heparin. This is approximately 25 times lower than the binding constant determined for newborn rat NCAM homophilic binding. Both Scatchard and Hill plot analyses suggest the presence of only one binding site. Fab' fragments of antibodies to rat NCAM significantly inhibit binding, a result indicating that a specific site on NCAM is involved in binding to heparin. The binding is inhibited by heparin (IC50, approximately 5 micrograms/ml), whereas chondroitin sulfate is a less potent inhibitor (IC50, approximately 15 micrograms/ml).     

Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule Expression and Lymphocyte Adhesion to Endothelial Cells: Effect of Nitric Oxide

Interactions between circulating leukocytes and vascular endothelial cells are of fundamental importance in controlling normal recirculation and migration of cells into sites of inflammation. Nitric oxide (NO), which is synthesized by vascular endothelial cells, has been reported to decrease the binding of platelets, monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils to endothelial cells. Using NO donors and inhibitors of the enzyme NO synthase, we found no evidence that physiologically relevant levels of NO alter adhesion of purified lymphocytes to an endothelial cell line derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (SGHEC-7). In addition, NO donors did not alter the cell surface expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, or E-selectin on SGHEC-7 cells.     

Cytoplasmic Tail Regulates the Intercellular Adhesion Function of the Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule

Ep-CAM, an epithelium-specific cell-cell adhesion molecule (CAM) not structurally related to the major families of CAMs, contains a cytoplasmic domain of 26 amino acids. The chemical disruption of the actin microfilaments, but not of the microtubuli or intermediate filaments, affected the localization of Ep-CAM at the cell-cell boundaries, suggesting that the molecule interacts with the actin-based cytoskeleton. Mutated forms of Ep-CAM were generated with the cytoplasmic domain truncated at various lengths. All of the mutants were transported to the cell surface in the transfectants; however, the mutant lacking the complete cytoplasmic domain was not able to localize to the cell-cell boundaries, in contrast to mutants with partial deletions. Both the disruption of the actin microfilaments and a complete truncation of the cytoplasmic tail strongly affected the ability of Ep-CAM to mediate aggregation of L cells. The capability of direct aggregation was reduced for the partially truncated mutants but remained cytochalasin D sensitive. The tail truncation did not affect the ability of the transfectants to adhere to solid-phase-adsorbed Ep-CAM, suggesting that the ability to form stable adhesions and not the ligand specificity of the molecule was affected by the truncation. The formation of intercellular adhesions mediated by Ep-CAM induced a redistribution to the cell-cell boundaries of α-actinin, but not of vinculin, talin, filamin, spectrin, or catenins. Coprecipitation demonstrated direct association of Ep-CAM with α-actinin. Binding of α-actinin to purified mutated and wild-type Ep-CAMs and to peptides representing different domains of the cytoplasmic tail of Ep-CAM demonstrates two binding sites for α-actinin at positions 289 to 296 and 304 to 314 of the amino acid sequence. The results demonstrate that the cytoplasmic domain of Ep-CAM regulates the adhesion function of the molecule through interaction with the actin cytoskeleton via α-actinin.     

SOD3 Reduces Inflammatory Cell Migration by Regulating Adhesion Molecule and Cytokine Expression

Inflammatory cell migration characteristic of ischemic damages has a dual role providing the tissue with factors needed for tissue injury recovery simultaneously causing deleterious development depending on the quality and the quantity of infiltrated cells. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory role in ischemic injuries where it increases the recovery process by activating mitogen signal transduction and increasing cell proliferation. However, SOD3 derived effects on inflammatory cytokine and adhesion molecule expression, which would explain reduced inflammation in vascular lesions, has not been properly characterized. In the present work the effect of SOD3 on the inflammatory cell extravasation was studied in vivo in rat hind limb ischemia and mouse peritonitis models by identifying the migrated cells and analyzing SOD3-derived response on inflammatory cytokine and adhesion molecule expression. SOD3 overexpression significantly reduced TNFα, IL1α, IL6, MIP2, and MCP-1 cytokine and VCAM, ICAM, P-selectin, and E-selectin adhesion molecule expressions in injured tissues. Consequently the mononuclear cell, especially CD68+ monocyte and CD3+ T cell infiltration were significantly decreased whereas granulocyte migration was less affected. According to our data SOD3 has a selective anti-inflammatory role in ischemic damages preventing the migration of reactive oxygen producing monocyte/macrophages, which in excessive amounts could potentially further intensify the tissue injuries therefore suggesting potential for SOD3 in treatment of inflammatory disorders.     

Neurite Fasciculation Mediated by Complexes of Axonin-1 and Ng Cell Adhesion Molecule

Neural cell adhesion molecules composed of immunoglobulin and fibronectin type III-like domains have been implicated in cell adhesion, neurite outgrowth, and fasciculation. Axonin-1 and Ng cell adhesion molecule (NgCAM), two molecules with predominantly axonal expression exhibit homophilic interactions across the extracellular space (axonin- 1/axonin-1 and NgCAM/NgCAM) and a heterophilic interaction (axonin-1–NgCAM) that occurs exclusively in the plane of the same membrane (cis-interaction). Using domain deletion mutants we localized the NgCAM homophilic binding in the Ig domains 1-4 whereas heterophilic binding to axonin-1 was localized in the Ig domains 2-4 and the third FnIII domain. The NgCAM–NgCAM interaction could be established simultaneously with the axonin-1–NgCAM interaction. In contrast, the axonin-1–NgCAM interaction excluded axonin-1/axonin-1 binding. These results and the examination of the coclustering of axonin-1 and NgCAM at cell contacts, suggest that intercellular contact is mediated by a symmetric axonin-1₂/NgCAM₂ tetramer, in which homophilic NgCAM binding across the extracellular space occurs simultaneously with a cis-heterophilic interaction of axonin-1 and NgCAM. The enhanced neurite fasciculation after overexpression of NgCAM by adenoviral vectors indicates that NgCAM is the limiting component for the formation of the axonin-1₂/NgCAM₂ complexes and, thus, neurite fasciculation in DRG neurons.     

The Lutheran/Basal Cell Adhesion Molecule Promotes Tumor Cell Migration by Modulating Integrin-mediated Cell Attachment to Laminin-511 Protein

Cell-matrix interactions are critical for tumor cell migration. Lutheran (Lu), also known as basal cell adhesion molecule (B-CAM), competes with integrins for binding to laminin α5, a subunit of LM-511, a major component of basement membranes. Here we show that the preferential binding of Lu/B-CAM to laminin α5 promotes tumor cell migration. The attachment of Lu/B-CAM transfectants to LM-511 was slightly weaker than that of control cells, and this was because Lu/B-CAM disturbed integrin binding to laminin α5. Lu/B-CAM induced a spindle cell shape with pseudopods and promoted cell migration on LM-511. In addition, blocking with an anti-Lu/B-CAM antibody led to a flat cell shape and inhibited migration on LM-511, similar to the effects of an activating integrin β1 antibody. We conclude that tumor cell migration on LM-511 requires that Lu/B-CAM competitively modulates cell attachment through integrins. We suggest that this competitive interaction is involved in a balance between static and migratory cell behaviors.     

The Polysialylated Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Promotes Neurogenesis in vitro

A characteristic feature of neurogenic sites in the postnatal brain is the expression of the polysialylated forms of the neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM). To investigate the role of PSA-NCAM in generation of neuronal populations, we developed an in vitro model where neurogenesis occurs in primary cortical cultures following serum withdrawal. We show that removal or inactivation of the PSA tail of NCAM in these cultures leads to a significant decrease in the number of newly generated neurons. Similarly, cultures prepared from NCAM knock-out mice exhibit a significantly reduced neurogenesis. Pulse-chase experiments using the proliferation marker BrdU reveal that the lack of PSA does not affect the mitotic rate of neural progenitors but rather, it reduces the early survival of newly generated neurons. These results suggest that, in addition to its role in the migration of neuronal progenitors, PSA-NCAM is required for the adequate survival of these cells.     

Influence of the Surface Topography of Stainless Steel on Bacterial Adhesion

Bacterial adhesion on stainless steel may cause problems such as microbially induced corrosion or represent a chronic source of microbial contamination. The investigation focussed on how the extent and patterns of four bacterial species comprising three different phyla and a broad variety of physicochemical characteristics was influenced by the surface topography of AISI 304 stainless steel. Five types of surface finish corresponding to roughness values R a between 0.03 and 0.89 w m were produced. Adhesion of all four bacteria was minimal at R a =0.16 w m, whereas smoother and rougher surfaces gave rise to more adhesion. This surface exhibited parallel scratches of 0.7 w m, in which a high proportion of bacteria of three of the strains aligned. Reduced overall adhesion was attributed to unfavorable interactions between this surface and bacteria oriented other than parallel to the scratches. Interaction energy calculations and considerations of micro-geometry confirmed this mechanism. Rougher surfaces exhibiting wider scratches allowed a higher fraction of bacteria to adhere in other orientations, whereas the orientation of cells adhered to the smoothest surface was completely random.     

MicroRNA-572 Improves Early Post-Operative Cognitive Dysfunction by Down-Regulating Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule 1

Post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a commonly-seen postoperative complication in elderly patients. However, the underlying mechanisms of POCD remain unclear. miRNAs, which are reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of the nervous system diseases, may also affect POCD. In this study, miRNA microarray technology was used to analyze the circulating miRNA expression profile of POCD patients. Among the altered miRNAs, miR-572 had the greatest decrease, which was also verified in vivo in rat POCD model. Further analysis found that miR-572 could regulate the expression of NCAM1 in the hippocampal neurons and interfering miR-572 expression could facilitate the restoration of cognitive function in vivo. Moreover, clinical correlation analysis found that the miR-572 expression was associated with the incidence of POCD. Collectively, miR-572 is involved in the development and restoration of POCD and it may serve as a biological marker for early diagnosis of POCD.     

N-Glycosylation at the SynCAM (Synaptic Cell Adhesion Molecule) Immunoglobulin Interface Modulates Synaptic Adhesion

Select adhesion molecules connect pre- and postsynaptic membranes and organize developing synapses. The regulation of these trans-synaptic interactions is an important neurobiological question. We have previously shown that the synaptic cell adhesion molecules (SynCAMs) 1 and 2 engage in homo- and heterophilic interactions and bridge the synaptic cleft to induce presynaptic terminals. Here, we demonstrate that site-specific N-glycosylation impacts the structure and function of adhesive SynCAM interactions. Through crystallographic analysis of SynCAM 2, we identified within the adhesive interface of its Ig1 domain an N-glycan on residue Asn⁶⁰. Structural modeling of the corresponding SynCAM 1 Ig1 domain indicates that its glycosylation sites Asn⁷⁰/Asn¹⁰⁴ flank the binding interface of this domain. Mass spectrometric and mutational studies confirm and characterize the modification of these three sites. These site-specific N-glycans affect SynCAM adhesion yet act in a differential manner. Although glycosylation of SynCAM 2 at Asn⁶⁰ reduces adhesion, N-glycans at Asn⁷⁰/Asn¹⁰⁴ of SynCAM 1 increase its interactions. The modification of SynCAM 1 with sialic acids contributes to the glycan-dependent strengthening of its binding. Functionally, N-glycosylation promotes the trans-synaptic interactions of SynCAM 1 and is required for synapse induction. These results demonstrate that N-glycosylation of SynCAM proteins differentially affects their binding interface and implicate post-translational modification as a mechanism to regulate trans-synaptic adhesion.     

Novel Cytokine-independent Induction of Endothelial Adhesion Molecules Regulated by Platelet/Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (CD31)

Tumor necrosis factor–α, interleukin-1, and endotoxin stimulate the expression of vascular endothelial cell (EC) adhesion molecules. Here we describe a novel pathway of adhesion molecule induction that is independent of exogenous factors, but which is dependent on integrin signaling and cell–cell interactions. Cells plated onto gelatin, fibronectin, collagen or fibrinogen, or anti-integrin antibodies, expressed increased amounts of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule–1, and intercellular adhesion molecule–1. In contrast, ECs failed to express E-selectin when plated on poly-l-lysine or when plated on fibrinogen in the presence of attachment-inhibiting, cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp peptides. The duration and magnitude of adhesion molecule expression was dependent on EC density. Induction of E-selectin on ECs plated at confluent density was transient and returned to basal levels by 15 h after plating when only 7 ± 2% (n = 5) of cells were positive. In contrast, cells plated at low density displayed a 17-fold greater expression of E-selectin than did high density ECs with 57 ± 4% (n = 5) positive for E-selectin expression 15 h after plating, and significant expression still evident 72 h after plating. The confluency-dependent inhibition of expression of E-selectin was at least partly mediated through the cell junctional protein, platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule–1 (PECAM-1). Antibodies against PECAM-1, but not against VE-cadherin, increased E-selectin expression on confluent ECs. Co– culture of subconfluent ECs with PECAM-1– coated beads or with L cells transfected with full-length PECAM-1 or with a cytoplasmic truncation PECAM-1 mutant, inhibited E-selectin expression. In contrast, untransfected L cells or L cells transfected with an adhesion-defective domain 2 deletion PECAM-1 mutant failed to regulate E-selectin expression. In an in vitro model of wounding the wound front displayed an increase in the number of E-selectin–expressing cells, and also an increase in the intensity of expression of E-selectin positive cells compared to the nonwounded monolayer. Thus we propose that the EC junction, and in particular, the junctional molecule PECAM-1, is a powerful regulator of endothelial adhesiveness.The endothelial lining of the vascular system normally displays a nonactivated, nonadhesive phenotype. Stimulation with agents such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)¹, interleukin-1 (IL-1), or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are known to induce the expression of proteins on the endothelial surface that mediate coagulation (Bevilacqua et al., 1986), leukocyte adhesion (Bevilacqua et al., 1985; Gamble et al., 1985; Pober et al., 1986b ; Doherty et al., 1989), and leukocyte transendothelial migration (Furie et al., 1989; Moser et al., 1989). The endothelial antigens that are important for the adhesion of leukocytes are members of the selectin family, E- and P-selectin, and the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, vascular cell adhesion molecule–1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule–1 (ICAM-1) (Carlos and Harlan, 1994; Litwin et al., 1995).The induction of E-selectin expression on endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro after cytokine stimulation is transient and independent of the continued presence of the stimulant (Pober et al., 1986a ). Previous studies have shown that E-selectin mRNA and protein levels peak between 2 and 4 h, respectively, after treatment with an agonist, returning to near basal levels by 24 h (Bevilacqua et al., 1989; Read et al., 1994). VCAM-1 (Osborn et al., 1989) and ICAM-1 (Pober et al., 1986b ) are maximal 6 and 12 h, respectively, after stimulation.In contrast to the transiency of E-selectin and VCAM expression demonstrated by the in vitro data, these antigens have been detected on venular endothelium in chronic inflammatory lesions, such as the synovium in rheumatoid arthritis (Koch et al., 1991), and the skin in psoriasis (Petzelbauer et al., 1994). E-selectin expression is also detected on angiogenic vessels in human hemangiomas, a noninflammatory angiogenic disease (Kraling et al., 1996). Moreover, the architecture and anatomic localization of capillary loops influence the pattern of endothelial expression of E-selectin and VCAM-1, independently of the availability of cytokines (Petzelbauer et al., 1994). Thus it is likely that alternate control mechanisms exist to allow prolonged, locality-based expression of adhesion molecules on the endothelium. At least one of these alternate mechanisms may be flow, since increased shear stress has been shown to selectively modulate adhesion molecule expression, upregulating ICAM-1 but not E-selectin or VCAM-1 (Nagel et al., 1994).Since sites of inflammation are often associated with morphological changes including cell retraction of the endothelium (Schumacher, 1973), we hypothesized that cell contacts may be important in the regulation of endothelial phenotype. We describe here the central role of the junctional protein, platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule–1 (PECAM-1), through the formation of cell–cell interactions, in the maintenance of the functional integrity of the endothelial monolayer. Furthermore, we demonstrate a novel pathway for the induction of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells that is independent of exogenous addition of cytokines, but is related to integrin- and cell shape–associated signaling events.     

Elasticity and Rupture of a Multi-Domain Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Complex

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) plays an important role in nervous system development. NCAM forms a complex between its terminal domains Ig1 and Ig2. When NCAM of cell A and of cell B connect to each other through complexes Ig12(A)/Ig12(B), the relative mobility of cells A and B and membrane tension exerts a force on the Ig12(A)/Ig12(B) complex. In this study, we investigated the response of the complex to force, using steered molecular dynamics. Starting from the structure of the complex from the Ig1-Ig2-Ig3 fragment, we first demonstrated that the complex, which differs in dimensions from a previous structure from the Ig1-Ig2 fragment in the crystal environment, assumes the same extension when equilibrated in solvent. We then showed that, when the Ig12(A)/Ig12(B) complex is pulled apart with forces 30-70 pN, it exhibits elastic behavior (with a spring constant of ∼0.03 N/m) because of the relative reorientation of domains Ig1 and Ig2. At higher forces, the complex ruptures; i.e., Ig12(A) and Ig12(B) separate. The interfacial interactions between Ig12(A) and Ig12(B), monitored throughout elastic extension and rupture, identify E16, F19, K98, and L175 as key side chains stabilizing the complex.     

Identification of DNA Aptamers toward Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule via Cell-SELEX

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM, also known as CD326) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is specifically detected in most adenocarcinomas and cancer stem cells. In this study, we performed a Cell systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) experiment to isolate the aptamers against EpCAM. After seven round of Cell SELEX, we identified several aptamer candidates. Among the selected aptamers, EP166 specifically binds to cells expressing EpCAM with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) in a micromolar range. On the other hand, it did not bind to negative control cells. Moreover, EP166 binds to J1ES cells, a mouse embryonic stem cell line. Therefore, the isolated aptamers against EpCAM could be used as a stem cell marker or in other applications in both stem cell and cancer studies.     

Removal of C6 Astrocytoma Cell Surface Molecules with Phosphatidylinositol Phospholipase C: Effect on Regulation of Neurol Cell Adhesion Molecule Isoforms

In earlier studies, a 75,000-dalton glycoprotein (gp75) has been identified as a component of both low- and high-affinity nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors (NGFRs). Using an amphoteric expression vector, we have introduced the cDNA encoding the human gp75 into two neuroblastoma cell lines. SHEP is a human neuroblastoma cell line that lacks most neuronal characteristics and does not express NGFRs. The transformant line SHEP/NGFR expressed a single affinity class of NGF binding sites, did not display NGF-induced up-regulation of fos oncogene expression, and did not efficiently internalize NGF. LAN5 is a neuroblastoma cell line with neuronal characteristics, including expression of neurofilament and display of short neurites. This cell line expresses a small number of high-affinity NGFRs but no detectable low-affinity sites. The transformant line LAN5/NGFR expressed both high- and low-affinity NGFRs, displayed NGF-induced up-regulation of fos oncogene, and efficiently internalized NGF. The number of high-affinity NGF binding sites was nearly the same for LAN5 and LAN5/NGFR, a finding suggesting that there is a limiting number of some separately coded factor or subunit that is required for high-affinity NGFRs. Because NGF induction of fos oncogene expression correlated with expression of high-affinity NGFRs, the putative second factor may also limit NGF responsiveness.