NPXY motifs in the beta1 integrin cytoplasmic tail are required for functional reovirus entry

Reovirus cell entry is mediated by attachment to cell surface carbohydrate and junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM-A) and internalization by beta1 integrin. The beta1 integrin cytoplasmic tail contains two NPXY motifs, which function in recruitment of adaptor proteins and clathrin for endocytosis and serve as sorting signals for internalized cargo. As reovirus infection requires disassembly in the endocytic compartment, we investigated the role of the beta1 integrin NPXY motifs in reovirus internalization. In comparison to wild-type cells (beta1+/+ cells), reovirus infectivity was significantly reduced in cells expressing mutant beta1 integrin in which the NPXY motifs were altered to NPXF (beta1+/+Y783F/Y795F cells). However, reovirus displayed equivalent binding and internalization levels following adsorption to beta1+/+ cells and beta1+/+Y783F/Y795F cells, suggesting that the NPXY motifs are essential for transport of reovirus within the endocytic pathway. Reovirus entry into beta1+/+ cells was blocked by chlorpromazine, an inhibitor of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, while entry into beta1+/+Y783F/Y795F cells was unaffected. Furthermore, virus was distributed to morphologically distinct endocytic organelles in beta1+/+ and beta1+/+Y783F/Y795F cells, providing further evidence that the beta1 integrin NPXY motifs mediate sorting of reovirus in the endocytic pathway. Thus, NPXY motifs in the beta1 integrin cytoplasmic tail are required for functional reovirus entry, which indicates a key role for these sequences in endocytosis of a pathogenic virus.     

Requirement of the integrin beta 3 subunit for carcinoma cell spreading or migration on vitronectin and fibrinogen

FG human pancreatic carcinoma cells use integrin alpha v beta 5 as their primary vitronectin receptor since they fail to express integrin alpha v beta 3. These cells are unable to form focal contacts, spread, or migrate on vitronectin but readily do so on collagen in a beta 1 integrin-dependent manner. Transfection of FG cells with a cDNA encoding the integrin beta 3 subunit results in the surface expression of a functional integrin alpha v beta 3 heterodimer providing these cells with novel adhesive and biological properties. Specifically, FG cells expressing beta 3 acquire the capacity to attach and spread on vitronectin as well as fibrinogen with beta 3 localization to focal contacts. Moreover, these cells gain the capacity to migrate through a porous membrane in response to either vitronectin or fibrinogen. These results demonstrate that the beta 3 and beta 5 integrin subunits when associated with alpha v, promote distinct cellular responses to a vitronectin extracellular environment.     

The integrin beta1 subunit cytoplasmic tail forms oligomers: a potential role in beta1 integrin clustering

Integrins are alpha/beta heterodimeric cell surface receptors devoid of enzymatic activity. Signal transduction therefore requires the association of cytosolic and cytoskeletal proteins with the integrin subunit intracellular regions. This association is initiated upon ligand binding to the integrin receptor and includes clustering of the integrins and recruitment of focal adhesion-associated proteins. Whether integrin clustering is solely dependent on ligand binding to the integrin extracellular parts or involves also interactions between the intracellular tails of integrins is so far unknown. To investigate intracellular events in integrin clustering, we have used peptides corresponding to the integrin beta1 cytoplasmic region. Loading of cells with the peptides results in a decreased cell adhesion and in an inhibition of cell spreading in agreement with the previously reported dominant negative effect of the beta1 integrin cytoplasmic tail on integrin clustering. Direct protein-protein interaction studies by surface plasmon resonance demonstrate that integrin beta1 cytoplasmic peptides self-associate in contrast to integrin beta3 cytoplasmic tails. Size exclusion chromatography and SDS-PAGE analysis of the peptides further show that the integrin beta1 cytoplasmic parts form oligomers and that they assume alpha helical conformation to the extent of about 13% and that this fraction is increased upon aggregation. Thus self-association of the integrin beta1 subunit cytoplasmic regions may be central to beta1 integrin clustering.     

Beta 3-endonexin, a novel polypeptide that interacts specifically with the cytoplasmic tail of the integrin beta 3 subunit

The adhesive and signaling functions of integrins are regulated through their cytoplasmic domains. We identified a novel 111 residue polypeptide, designated beta 3-endonexin, that interacted with the cytoplasmic tail of the beta 3 integrin subunit in a yeast two-hybrid system. This interaction is structurally specific, since it was reduced by 64% by a point mutation in the beta 3 cytoplasmic tail (S752-->P) that disrupts integrin signaling. Moreover, this interaction is integrin subunit specific since it was not observed with the cytoplasmic tails of the alpha IIb, beta 1, or beta 2 subunits. beta 3- Endonexin fusion proteins bound selectively to detergent-solubilized beta 3 from platelets and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and beta 3-endonexin mRNA and protein were detected in platelets and other tissues. A related mRNA encoded a larger polypeptide that failed to bind to beta integrin tails. The apparent specificity of beta 3- endonexin for the beta 3 integrin subunit suggests potential mechanisms for selective modulation of integrin functions.     

Contrasting roles for integrin beta 1 and beta 5 cytoplasmic domains in subcellular localization, cell proliferation, and cell migration

To carry out a detailed comparison of the roles of integrin beta 1 and beta 5 cytoplasmic domains, we expressed both wild type beta 1 and chimeric beta 1/5 constructs in CHO cells. In the latter, the cytoplasmic domain of beta 1 was replaced with that of beta 5. The human beta 1 and beta 1/5 constructs appeared at similar levels at the cell surface (mostly as alpha 5 beta 1 heterodimers) and contributed equally to CHO cell adhesion to fibronectin. However, beta 1 but not beta 1/5 localized to focal adhesion-like structures when CHO cells were spread on fibronectin. Furthermore, only the beta 1-CHO cells showed increased proliferation in response to fibronectin plus an integrin-activating anti-beta 1 antibody, and showed increased appearance of 32P-labeled protein (p90) that correlated with proliferation. In sharp contrast, the beta 1/5-CHO cells were notably more migratory than beta 1-CHO cells in a transwell haptotactic migration assay. These results indicate that the beta 1 and beta 5 integrin subunit cytoplasmic domains can translate similar adhesive information into highly contrasting subsequent events. Thus, we have established that "inside-out" and "outside-in" integrin signaling pathways are regulated by fundamentally distinct mechanisms. In addition, we suggest that the same properties of the beta 1 cytoplasmic domain that promote recruitment to visible focal adhesion-like structures may also be conductive to cell proliferation. Conversely, the properties of the beta 5 tail that make it less likely to localize into focal adhesion-like structures may contribute to enhanced cell migration.     

Actin binds to the cytoplasmic tail of alpha 1 subunit of integrin in hepatocytes

alpha 1 beta 1-Integrin is a common receptor for laminin and collagen IV on hepatocytes. The interactions of intracellular domain of integrins with cytoplasmic elements are critical in the initiation and transduction of signals. In order to understand the nature of cytoplasmic components that can interact with cytoplasmic domain of alpha 1 integrin, cytoplasmic extracts of monolayers of rat hepatocytes were subjected to chromatography over an affinity column prepared by coupling a 60-mer synthetic cytoplasmic tail of alpha 1 subunit. SDS-PAGE analysis of the eluate showed the presence of a 47 kDa protein. Dot-Blot assay using radio-iodinated 47 kDa protein showed the binding of the protein to 60-mer C tail in a concentration dependent manner. Immunoblot analysis using specific antibodies showed that the 47 kDa protein is actin.     

Regulation of adenovirus membrane penetration by the cytoplasmic tail of integrin beta5

Adenovirus (Ad) cell entry involves sequential interactions with host cell receptors that mediate attachment (CAR), internalization (alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5), and penetration (alphavbeta5) of the endosomal membrane. These events allow the virus to deliver its genome to the nucleus. While integrins alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 both promote Ad internalization into cells, integrin alphavbeta5 selectively facilitates Ad-mediated membrane permeabilization and endosome rupture. In the experiments reported herein, we demonstrate that the intracellular domain of the integrin beta5 subunit specifically regulates Ad-mediated membrane permeabilization and gene delivery. CS-1 melanoma cells expressing a truncated integrin beta5 or a chimeric (beta5-beta3) cytoplasmic tail (CT) supported normal levels of Ad endocytosis but had reduced Ad-mediated gene delivery and membrane permeabilization relative to cells expressing a wild-type integrin beta5. Thin-section electron microscopy revealed that virion particles were capable of being endocytosed into cells expressing a truncated beta5CT, but they failed to escape cytoplasmic vesicles and translocate to the nucleus. Site-specific mutagenesis studies suggest that a C-terminal TVD motif in the beta5CT plays a major role in Ad membrane penetration.     

Cross-talk of integrin alpha3beta1 and tissue factor in cell migration

In cancer and angiogenesis, coagulation-independent roles of tissue factor (TF) in cell migration are incompletely understood. Immobilized anti-TF extracellular domain antibodies induce cell spreading, but this phenomenon is epitope specific and is not induced by anti-TF 5G9. Spreading on anti-TF is beta1 integrin-dependent, indicating functional interactions of the TF extracellular domain 5G9 epitope (a presumed integrin-binding site) and integrins. Recombinant TF extracellular domain supports adhesion of cells expressing alphavbeta3 or certain beta1 integrin heterodimers (alpha3beta1, alpha4beta1, alpha5beta1, alpha6beta1, alpha9beta1) and adhesion is blocked by specific anti-integrin antibodies or mutations in the integrin ligand-binding site. Although several studies have linked TF to cell migration, we here demonstrate that TF specifically regulates alpha3beta1-dependent migration on laminin 5. Expression of TF suppresses alpha3beta1-dependent migration, but only when the TF cytoplasmic domain is not phosphorylated. Suppression of migration can be reversed by 5G9, presumably by disrupting integrin interaction, or by the protease ligand VIIa, known to induce PAR-2-dependent phosphorylation of TF. In both cases, release of alpha3beta1 inhibition is prevented by mutation of critical phosphorylation sites in the TF cytoplasmic domain. Thus, TF influences integrin-mediated migration through cooperative intra- and extracellular interactions and phosphorylation regulates TF's function in cell motility.     

Distinct functions of integrin alpha and beta subunit cytoplasmic domains in cell spreading and formation of focal adhesions

Integrin-mediated cell adhesion often results in cell spreading and the formation of focal adhesions. We exploited the capacity of recombinant human alpha IIb beta 3 integrin to endow heterologous cells with the ability to adhere and spread on fibrinogen to study the role of integrin cytoplasmic domains in initiation of cell spreading and focal adhesions. The same constructs were also used to analyze the role of the cytoplasmic domains in maintenance of the fidelity of the integrin repertoire at focal adhesions. Truncation mutants of the cytoplasmic domain of alpha IIb did not interfere with the ability of alpha IIb beta 3 to initiate cell spreading and form focal adhesions. Nevertheless, deletion of the alpha IIb cytoplasmic domain allowed indiscriminate recruitment of alpha IIb beta 3 to focal adhesions formed by other integrins. Truncation of the beta 3 subunit cytoplasmic domain abolished cell spreading mediated by alpha IIb beta 3 and also abrogated recruitment of alpha IIb beta 3 to focal adhesions. This truncation also dramatically impaired the ability of alpha IIb beta 3 to mediate the contraction of fibrin gels. In contrast, the beta 3 subunit cytoplasmic truncation did not reduce the fibrinogen binding affinity of alpha IIb beta 3. Thus, the integrin beta 3 subunit cytoplasmic domain is necessary and sufficient for initiation of cell spreading and focal adhesion formation. Further, the beta 3 cytoplasmic domain is required for the transmission of intracellular contractile forces to fibrin gels. The alpha subunit cytoplasmic domain maintains the fidelity of recruitment of the integrins to focal adhesions and thus regulates their repertoire of integrins.     

Identification of a talin-binding site in the integrin beta(3) subunit distinct from the NPLY regulatory motif of post-ligand binding functions. The talin n-terminal head domain interacts with the membrane-proximal region of the beta(3) cytoplasmic tail.

Following platelet aggregation, integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) becomes associated with the platelet cytoskeleton. The conserved NPLY sequence represents a potential beta-turn motif in the beta(3) cytoplasmic tail and has been suggested to mediate the interaction of beta(3) integrins with talin. In the present study, we performed a double mutation (N744Q/P745A) in the integrin beta(3) subunit to test the functional significance of this beta-turn motif. Chinese hamster ovary cells were co-transfected with cDNA constructs encoding mutant beta(3) and wild type alpha(IIb). Cells expressing either wild type (A5) or mutant (D4) alpha(IIb)beta(3) adhered to fibrinogen; however, as opposed to control A5 cells, adherent D4 cells failed to spread, form focal adhesions, or initiate protein tyrosine phosphorylation. To investigate the role of the NPLY motif in talin binding, we examined the ability of the mutant alpha(IIb)beta(3) to interact with talin in a solid phase binding assay. Both wild type and mutant alpha(IIb)beta(3), purified by RGD affinity chromatography, bound to a similar extent to immobilized talin. Additionally, purified talin failed to interact with peptides containing the AKWDTANNPLYK sequence indicating that the talin binding domain in the integrin beta(3) subunit does not reside in the NPLY motif. In contrast, specific binding of talin to peptides containing the membrane-proximal HDRKEFAKFEEERARAK sequence of the beta(3) cytoplasmic tail was observed, and this interaction was blocked by a recombinant protein fragment corresponding to the 47-kDa N-terminal head domain of talin (rTalin-N). In addition, RGD affinity purified platelet alpha(IIb)beta(3) bound dose-dependently to immobilized rTalin-N, indicating that an integrin-binding site is present in the talin N-terminal head domain. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that the NPLY beta-turn motif regulates post-ligand binding functions of alpha(IIb)beta(3) in a manner independent of talin interaction. Moreover, talin was shown to bind through its N-terminal head domain to the membrane-proximal sequence of the beta(3) cytoplasmic tail.     

An interaction between alpha-actinin and the beta 1 integrin subunit in vitro

A number of cytoskeletal-associated proteins that are concentrated in focal contacts, namely alpha-actinin, vinculin, talin, and integrin, have been shown to interact in vitro such that they suggest a potential link between actin filaments and the membrane. Because some of these interactions are of low affinity, we suspect the additional linkages also exist. Therefore, we have used a synthetic peptide corresponding to the cytoplasmic domain of beta 1 integrin and affinity chromatography to identify additional integrin-binding proteins. Here we report our finding of an interaction between the cytoplasmic domain of beta 1 integrin and the actin-binding protein alpha-actinin. Beta 1-integrin cytoplasmic domain peptide columns bound several proteins from Triton extracts of chicken embryo fibroblasts. One protein at approximately 100 kD was identified by immunoblot analysis as alpha-actinin. Solid phase binding assays indicated that alpha-actinin bound specifically and directly to the beta 1 peptide with relatively high affinity. Using purified heterodimeric chicken smooth muscle integrin (a beta 1 integrin) or the platelet integrin glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex (a beta 3 integrin), binding of alpha-actinin was also observed in similar solid phase assays, albeit with a lower affinity than was seen using the beta 1 peptide. alpha-Actinin also bound specifically to phospholipid vesicles into which glycoprotein IIb/IIIa had been incorporated. These results lead us to suggest that this integrin-alpha-actinin linkage may contribute to the attachment of actin filaments to the membrane in certain locations.     

The Talin head domain binds to integrin beta subunit cytoplasmic tails and regulates integrin activation.

The beta subunit cytoplasmic domains of integrin adhesion receptors are necessary for the connection of these receptors to the actin cytoskeleton. The cytoplasmic protein, talin, binds to beta integrin cytoplasmic tails and actin filaments, hence forming an integrin-cytoskeletal linkage. We used recombinant structural mimics of beta(1)A, beta(1)D and beta(3) integrin cytoplasmic tails to characterize integrin-binding sites within talin. Here we report that an integrin-binding site is localized within the N-terminal talin head domain. The binding of the talin head domain to integrin beta tails is specific in that it is abrogated by a single point mutation that disrupts integrin localization to talin-rich focal adhesions. Integrin-cytoskeletal interactions regulate integrin affinity for ligands (activation). Overexpression of a fragment of talin containing the head domain led to activation of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3); activation was dependent on the presence of both the talin head domain and the integrin beta(3) cytoplasmic tail. The head domain of talin thus binds to integrins to form a link to the actin cytoskeleton and can thus regulate integrin function.     

Mapping in vivo associations of cytoplasmic proteins with integrin beta 1 cytoplasmic domain mutants.

Integrins promote formation of focal adhesions and trigger intracellular signaling pathways through cytoplasmic proteins such as talin, alpha-actinin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). The beta 1 integrin subunit has been shown to bind talin and alpha-actinin in in vitro assays, and these proteins may link integrin to the actin cytoskeleton either directly or through linkages to other proteins such as vinculin. However, it is unknown which of these associations are necessary in vivo for formation of focal contacts, or which regions of beta 1 integrin bind to specific cytoskeletal proteins in vivo. We have developed an in vivo assay to address these questions. Microbeads were coated with anti-chicken beta 1 antibodies to selectively cluster chicken beta 1 integrins expressed in cultured mouse fibroblasts. The ability of cytoplasmic domain mutant beta 1 integrins to induce co-localization of proteins was assessed by immunofluorescence and compared with that of wild-type integrin. As expected, mutant beta 1 lacking the entire cytoplasmic domain had a reduced ability to induce co-localization of talin, alpha-actinin, F-actin, vinculin, and FAK. The ability of beta 1 integrin to co-localize talin and FAK was found to require a sequence near the C-terminus of beta 1. The region of beta 1 required to co-localize alpha-actinin was found to reside in a different sequence, several amino acids further from the C-terminus of beta 1. Deletion of 13 residues from the C-terminus blocked co-localization of talin, FAK, and actin, but not alpha-actinin. Association of alpha-actinin with clustered integrin is therefore not sufficient to induce the co-localization of F-actin.     

Expression and functional analysis of a cytoplasmic domain variant of the beta 1 integrin subunit

We have previously described a variant form of the integrin beta 1 subunit (beta 1B)1 characterized by an altered sequence at the cytoplasmic domain. Using polyclonal antibodies to a synthetic peptide corresponding to the unique sequence of the beta 1B, we analyzed the expression of this molecule in human tissues and cultured cells. Western blot analysis showed that the beta 1B is expressed in skin and liver and, in lower amounts, in skeletal and cardiac muscles. The protein was not detectable in brain, kidney, and smooth muscle. In vitro cultured keratinocytes and hepatoma cells are positive, but fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells are negative. An astrocytoma cell line derived from immortalized fetal astrocytes was found to express beta 1B. In these cells beta 1B represent integral of 30% of the beta 1 and form heterodimers with alpha 1 and alpha 5 subunits. To investigate the functional properties of beta 1B, the full- length cDNA coding for this molecule was transfected into CHO cells. Stable transfectants were selected and the beta 1B was identified by a mAb that discriminate between the transfected human protein and the endogenous hamster beta 1A. Immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that the beta 1B was exported at the cell surface in association with the endogenous hamster alpha subunits. The alpha 5/beta 1B complex bound to a fibronectin-affinity matrix and was specifically released by RGD-containing peptides. Thus beta 1B and beta 1A are similar as far as the alpha/beta association and fibronectin binding are concerned. The two proteins differ, however, in their subcellular localization. Immunofluorescence studies indicated, in fact, that beta 1B, in contrast to beta 1A, does not localize in focal adhesions. The restricted tissue distribution and the distinct subcellular localization, suggest that beta 1B has unique functional properties.     

Tyrosine phosphorylation of the integrin beta 3 subunit regulates beta 3 cleavage by calpain

Outside-in signaling of beta(3) integrins induces and requires phosphorylation at tyrosine 747 (Tyr(747)) and tyrosine 759 (Tyr(759)) of the beta(3) subunit, but the mechanism for this requirement is unclear. On the other hand, a key consequence of integrin signaling, cell spreading, is inhibited by calpain cleavage of beta(3) cytoplasmic domain. Here we show that beta(3) tyrosine phosphorylation inhibits calpain cleavage. Mutating both tyrosines to phenylalanine sensitizes beta(3) to calpain cleavage. Furthermore, phosphorylation at Tyr(747) and Tyr(759) of beta(3) in the focal adhesion sites and the leading edge of spreading platelets was differentially regulated. Selective dephosphorylation of Tyr(759) is associated with calpain cleavage at Tyr(759). Thus, one mechanism by which tyrosine phosphorylation promotes integrin signaling and cell spreading is its inhibition of calpain cleavage of the beta(3) cytoplasmic domain.     

Characterization of the monomeric form of the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of the integrin beta 3 subunit by NMR spectroscopy

We have characterized a membrane protein containing residues P688-T762 of the integrin beta3 subunit, encompassing its transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Under conditions in which it is monomeric in dodecylphosphocholine micelles, the protein consists mainly of alpha-helical structures. An amino-terminal helix corresponding to the beta3 transmembrane helix extends into the membrane-proximal region of the cytoplasmic domain. Moreover, following an apparent hinge at residues H722-D723, residues K725-A735 are mostly alpha-helical. In the presence of membrane-mimicking detergents, the cytoplasmic domain connected to the transmembrane helix is substantially ordered at pH 4.8 and 50 degrees C. Its carboxyl-terminal end takes on a turn-helix configuration characteristic of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif. These structural features of the beta3 subunit should help to explain its interaction with numerous cytosolic interacting proteins and begin to illuminate the mechanism of integrin activation.     

Expression and function of chicken integrin beta 1 subunit and its cytoplasmic domain mutants in mouse NIH 3T3 cells

Chicken integrin beta 1 cDNA and its site-directed mutants were cloned into a mammalian expression vector and introduced into mouse NIH 3T3 cells. Stable transfectants expressing the chicken beta 1 subunit or its site-directed mutants were identified by immunostaining with antibodies specific for the chicken integrin beta 1 subunit. The chicken beta 1 proteins were expressed predominately in the endoplasmic reticulum of transfectants and to a lesser degree in the plasma membrane. Immunoblots and immunoprecipitations, using anti-chicken integrin antibodies, revealed three different sizes of the chicken subunit (90, 95, and 120 kD) and a mouse 140-kD alpha subunit. Immunoprecipitations of the cell surface receptors showed only two peptides, an 120-kD beta 1 and an 140-kD alpha subunit. Antibodies perturbing mouse and chicken integrin-specific cell adhesions were used to demonstrate that the chimeric receptors functioned in adhesion to both laminin and fibronectin. Immunofluorescent staining with antibodies specific for either the chicken or mouse receptors showed that both the wild type and the chimeric receptors localized in focal contacts. Several mutations in the cytoplasmic domain were synthesized and used in the transfection experiments. In one mutant the tyrosine (Tyr 788) in the consensus sequence for phosphorylation was replaced by a phenylalanine. In another the lysine (Lys 757) at the end of the membrane spanning region was replaced by a leucine. Both of these mutants formed dimers with mouse alpha subunits, participated in adhesion, localized in focal contacts, and displayed biological properties indistinguishable from the wild-type transfection. In contrast, mutants containing deletions greater than 5-15 amino acids nearest the carboxyl end in the cytoplasmic domain neither promoted adhesion nor localized in focal contacts. They did, however, form heterodimers that were expressed on the cell surface.     

Divalent cations differentially regulate integrin alphaIIb cytoplasmic tail binding to beta3 and to calcium- and integrin-binding protein.

We have used recombinant or synthetic alphaIIb and beta3 integrin cytoplasmic peptides to study their in vitro complexation and ligand binding capacity by surface plasmon resonance. alpha.beta heterodimerization occurred in a 1:1 stoichiometry with a weak KD in the micromolar range. Divalent cations were not required for this association but stabilized the alpha.beta complex by decreasing the dissociation rate. alpha.beta complexation was impaired by the R995A substitution or the KVGFFKR deletion in alphaIIb but not by the beta3 S752P mutation. Recombinant calcium- and integrin-binding protein (CIB), an alphaIIb-specific ligand, bound to the alphaIIb cytoplasmic peptide in a Ca2+- or Mn2+-independent, one-to-one reaction with a KD value of 12 microM. In contrast, in vitro liquid phase binding of CIB to intact alphaIIbbeta3 occurred preferentially with Mn2+-activated alphaIIbbeta3 conformers, as demonstrated by enhanced coimmunoprecipitation of CIB with PAC-1-captured Mn2+-activated alphaIIbbeta3, suggesting that Mn2+ activation of intact alphaIIbbeta3 induces the exposure of a CIB-binding site, spontaneously exposed by the free alphaIIb peptide. Since CIB did not stimulate PAC-1 binding to inactive alphaIIbbeta3 nor prevented activated alphaIIbbeta3 occupancy by PAC-1, we conclude that CIB does not regulate alphaIIbbeta3 inside-out signaling, but rather is involved in an alphaIIbbeta3 post-receptor occupancy event.     

Spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase specifically binds to the integrin alpha9 subunit cytoplasmic domain and enhances cell migration

The integrin alpha9beta1 is expressed on migrating cells, such as leukocytes, and binds to multiple ligands that are present at sites of tissue injury and inflammation. alpha9beta1, like the structurally related integrin alpha4beta1, mediates accelerated cell migration, an effect that depends on the alpha9 cytoplasmic domain. alpha4beta1 enhances migration through reversible binding to the adapter protein, paxillin, but alpha9beta1-dependent migration is paxillin independent. Using yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified the polyamine catabolizing enzyme spermidine/spermine N(1)-acetyltransferase (SSAT) as a specific binding partner of the alpha9 cytoplasmic domain. Overexpression of SSAT increased alpha9beta1-mediated migration, and small interfering RNA knockdown of SSAT inhibited this migration without affecting cell adhesion or migration that was mediated by other integrin cytoplasmic domains. The enzyme activity of SSAT is critical for this effect, because a catalytically inactive version did not enhance migration. We conclude that SSAT directly binds to the alpha9 cytoplasmic domain and mediates alpha9-dependent enhancement of cell migration, presumably by localized effects on acetylation of polyamines or of unidentified substrates.     

Caspase proteolysis of the integrin beta4 subunit disrupts hemidesmosome assembly, promotes apoptosis, and inhibits cell migration

Caspases are a conserved family of cell death proteases that cleave intracellular substrates at Asp residues to modify their function and promote apoptosis. In this report we identify the integrin beta4 subunit as a novel caspase substrate using an expression cloning strategy. Together with its alpha6 partner, alpha6beta4 integrin anchors epithelial cells to the basement membrane at specialized adhesive structures known as hemidesmosomes and plays a critical role in diverse epithelial cell functions including cell survival and migration. We show that integrin beta4 is cleaved by caspase-3 and -7 at a conserved Asp residue (Asp(1109)) in vitro and in epithelial cells undergoing apoptosis, resulting in the removal of most of its cytoplasmic tail. Caspase cleavage of integrin beta4 produces two products, 1) a carboxyl-terminal product that is unstable and rapidly degraded by the proteasome and 2) an amino-terminal cleavage product (amino acids 1-1109) that is unable to assemble into mature hemidesmosomes. We also demonstrate that caspase cleavage of integrin beta4 sensitizes epithelial cells to apoptosis and inhibits cell migration. Taken together, we have identified a previously unrecognized proteolytic truncation of integrin beta4 generated by caspases that disrupts key structural and functional properties of epithelial cells and promotes apoptosis.