SVEP1 influences monocyte to macrophage differentiation via integrin α4β1/α9β1 and Rho/Rac signalling

BackgroundThe large extracellular matrix protein SVEP1 mediates cell adhesion via integrin α9β1. Recent studies have identified an association between a missense variant in SVEP1 and increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in humans and in mice Svep1 deficiency alters the development of atherosclerotic plaques. However how SVEP1 functionally contributes to CAD pathogenesis is not fully understood. Monocyte recruitment and differentiation to macrophages is a key step in the development of atherosclerosis. Here, we investigated the requirement for SVEP1 in this process.MethodsSVEP1 expression was measured during monocyte–macrophage differentiation in primary monocytes and THP-1 human monocytic cells. SVEP1 knockout THP-1 cell lines and the dual integrin α4β1/α9β1 inhibitor, BOP, were utilised to investigate the effect of these proteins in THP-1 cell adhesion, migration and cell spreading assays. Subsequent activation of downstream integrin signalling intermediaries was quantified by western blotting.ResultsSVEP1 gene expression increases in monocyte to macrophage differentiation in human primary monocytes and THP-1 cells. Using two SVEP1 knockout THP-1 cells we observed reduction in monocyte adhesion, migration, and cell spreading compared to control cells. Similar results were found with integrin α4β1/α9β1 inhibition. We demonstrate reduced activity of Rho and Rac1 in SVEP1 knockout THP-1 cells.ConclusionsSVEP1 regulates monocyte recruitment and differentiation phenotypes through an integrin α4β1/α9β1 dependent mechanism.General significanceThese results describe a novel role for SVEP1 in monocyte behaviour relevant to CAD pathophysiology.     

Activation of macrophage promatrix metalloproteinase-9 by lipopolysaccharide-associated proteinases

LPS induces an up-regulation of promatrix metalloproteinase-9 (proMMP9) gene expression in cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. We demonstrate here that LPS preparations are also able to activate proMMP9 made by human macrophages or THP-1 cells via LPS-associated proteinases, which cleave the N-terminal propeptide at a site or sites close to the one cleaved upon activation with organomercurial compounds. LPS-associated proteinases are serine proteinases that are able to cleave denatured collagens (gelatin) and the mammalian serine proteinase inhibitor, alpha(1)-proteinase inhibitor, thereby pushing the balance of extracellular matrix turnover even further toward degradation. A low molecular mass, low affinity inhibitor of MMP9, possibly derived from the propeptide, is generated during proMMP9 activation. However, inhibition of the LPS-associated proteinases had no effect on proMMP9 synthesis, indicating that their proteolytic activity was not required for signaling the up-regulation of the proMMP9 gene.     

Neutral proteinases of human mononuclear phagocytes. Cellular differentiation markedly alters cell phenotype for serine proteinases, metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases

Mononuclear phagocytes have the capacity to directly participate in extracellular matrix turnover via secretion of neutral proteinases. We have studied the effects of in vivo and in vitro differentiation upon cellular content or secretion of a spectrum of neutral proteinases, along with a counter-regulatory metalloproteinase inhibitor (TIMP). We found 1) matrix-degradative serine proteinases (leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G) were lost during cellular maturation and/or differentiation; 2) the 92-kDa type IV/type V collagenase and TIMP were secreted earliest in mononuclear phagocyte differentiation, whereas stromelysin secretion was observed only by LPS-stimulated alveolar macrophages; 3) exposure of alveolar macrophages, but not monocytes, to phorbol esters and LPS resulted in markedly augmented secretion of all studied metalloproteinases and TIMP; 4) monocyte-derived macrophages partially (but not completely) mimicked the metalloproteinase secretory phenotype of alveolar macrophages; and 5) the secretory phenotype of alveolar macrophages for interstitial collagenase (but not TIMP) was largely lost during in vitro culture. These results underscore the complexity of the process of differentiation in human mononuclear phagocytes, and provide insights into the variable capacity of mononuclear phagocytes to degrade extracellular matrix components. Moreover, we anticipate that human mononuclear phagocytes at various stages of differentiation will provide a useful model system for study of the variable regulation of secretion of human matrix-degrading metalloproteinases.     

Intracellular-free calcium dynamics and F-actin alteration in the formation of macrophage foam cells

The formation of macrophage foam cells, which is the key event in atherosclerosis, occurs by the uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) via the scavenger receptor (CD36) pathway. Ca(2+) plays an important role in atherosclerosis. However, in the spatiotemporal view, the correlation between kinetic changes of intracellular-free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) and the cellular dysfunctions in the formation of macrophage foam cells has not yet been studied in detail. By the use of confocal laser scanning microscope and flow cytometer, we have detected Ca(2+) dynamics, the assembly of F-actin, and the expression of CD36 under the exposure of U937-derived macrophages to Ox-LDL. The uptake of Ox-LDL significantly increased [Ca(2+)](i) in U937-derived macrophages in both acute and chronic treatments (P<0.01). In particular, the increases of the induced [Ca(2+)](i) were different in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca(2+) under acute exposure. A time-dependent rise in F-actin assembly and CD36 expression at 12 and 24h was induced, respectively, by Ox-LDL. The spatiotemporal increases of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by Ox-LDL probably have the key effect on the early phrase in the formation of macrophage foam cells.     

Large scale gene expression analysis of cholesterol-loaded macrophages

We conducted large scale gene expression analysis of the response of macrophages to exposure to oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). Much of the vessel wall lesion of atherosclerosis is composed of macrophages that have become engorged with cholesterol. These resulting "foam cells" contribute to the progression of vascular disease through several pathways. As a potential model of foam cell formation, we treated THP-1 cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate to differentiate them into a macrophage-like phenotype and subsequently treated them with oxidized low density lipoprotein for various time periods. RNA from Ox-LDL treated and time-matched control untreated cells was hybridized to microarrays containing 9808 human genes. 268 genes were found to be at least 2-fold regulated at one or more time points. These regulation patterns were classified into seven clusters of expression profiles. The data is discussed in terms of the overall pattern of gene expression, the thematic classification of the responding genes, and the clustering of functional groups in distinct expression patterns. The magnitude and the temporal patterns of gene expression identified known and novel molecular components of the cellular response that are implicated in the growth, survival, migratory, inflammatory, and matrix remodeling activity of vessel wall macrophages. In particular, the role of nuclear receptors in mediating the gene expression modulation by Ox-LDL is highlighted.     

Regulation of macrophage differentiation and polarization by group IVC phospholipase A₂

Although the cellular function of group IVC phospholipase A(2) (IVC-PLA(2)) remains to be understood, the expression of IVC-PLA(2) in human monocytic THP-1 cells was increased during phorbol ester-induced macrophage differentiation. We therefore examined the role of IVC-PLA(2) in macrophage differentiation using THP-1 cells. Two THP-1 cell lines stably expressing IVC-PLA(2)-specific shRNA were established. Differentiation and maturation into macrophages on treatment with phorbol ester were facilitated by knockdown of IVC-PLA(2) without the compensatory induction of mRNA expression for other group IV and VI PLA(2)s. Furthermore, the enhancement of macrophage differentiation by IVC-PLA(2)-knockdown were abolished by treatment with lysophosphatidylcholine, a metabolite of phospholipids generated by PLA(2)-mediated hydrolysis, indicating that PLA(2) activity is necessary for the inhibition of macrophage differentiation by IVC-PLA(2). Additionally, we found that the differentiation into classically activated M1 macrophage was superior in IVC-PLA(2)-knockdown cells, whereas the differentiation into alternatively activated M2 macrophage was suppressed by IVC-PLA(2)-knockdown. These findings suggest that IVC-PLA(2) is involved in regulations of macrophage differentiation and macrophage polarization.     

Ascochlorin suppresses oxLDL-induced MMP-9 expression by inhibiting the MEK/ERK signaling pathway in human THP-1 macrophages

The critical initiating event in atherogenesis involves the invasion of monocytes through the endothelial walls of arteries and the transformation of monocytes from macrophages into foam cells. Human THP-1 monocytic cells can be induced to differentiate into macrophages by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and can then be converted into foam cells by exposure to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Also, during a chronic inflammatory response, monocytes/macrophages produce the 92-kDa matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) that may contribute to the extravasation, migration, and tissue remolding capacities of the phagocytic cells. Here, we investigate the effect of ascochlorin (ASC), a prenylphenol antiviral compound from the fungus Ascochyta viciae, on oxLDL-induced MMP-9 expression and activity in human THP-1 macrophages. ASC reduced oxLDL-induced MMP-9 expression and activity in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Also, an analysis of MMP-9 activity using pharmacologic inhibitors showed that ASC inhibits MMP-9 activity via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and kinase 2 pathways. Our results suggest that ASC may be useful as a potent clinical antiatherogenic agent, a topic of considerable interest in the biological chemistry of chemotherapeutic agents.     

Adipophilin increases triglyceride storage in human macrophages by stimulation of biosynthesis and inhibition of beta-oxidation

Lipid accumulation alters macrophage biology and contributes to lipid retention within the vessel wall. In this study, we investigated the role of adipophilin on triglyceride accumulation and lipid-droplet formation in THP-1-derived macrophages (THP-1 macrophages). In the presence of acetylated low-density lipoprotein, macrophages infected with an adenovirus expressing human adipophilin showed a 31% increase in triglyceride content and a greater number of lipid droplets compared with control cells. Incubation of macrophages with very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) dramatically increased cellular triglyceride content similarly in control and adipophilin-overexpressing cells. By itself, VLDL increased adipophilin expression, which explains the lack of effect of adipophilin overexpression on cellular triglyceride content in macrophages loaded with VLDL. The lipid-droplet content of macrophages was increased by overexpression of adipophilin and/or loading with VLDL. In contrast, inhibition of adipophilin expression using siRNA prevented lipid-droplet formation and significantly reduced intracellular triglyceride content. Using inhibitors of beta-oxidation and acyl-coenzyme A synthetase, results were obtained which suggest that adipophilin elevates cellular lipids by inhibition of beta-oxidation and stimulation of long-chain fatty acid incorporation into triglycerides. Adipophilin expression in THP-1 macrophages altered the cellular content of different lipids and enhanced the size of lipid droplets, consistent with a role for adipophilin in human foam cell formation.     

Beryllium uptake and related biological effects studied in THP-1 differentiated macrophages

Investigation of cellular uptake of metal compounds is important in understanding metal-related toxicity and diseases. Inhalation of beryllium aerosols can cause chronic beryllium disease, a progressive, granulomatous fibrosis of the lung. Studies in laboratory animals and cultured animal cells indicate that alveolar macrophages take up beryllium compounds and participate in a hypersensitivity immune response to a beryllium-containing antigen. In the present work, human monocyte cell line THP-1 was induced with phorbol myristate acetate to differentiate into a macrophage. This cell with characteristics of human alveolar macrophages was employed to study cellular beryllium uptake and related biological effects. Morphological changes, phagocytosis of fluorescent latex beads, and cell surface CD14 expression were used to verify the successful differentiation of THP-1 monocytes into macrophages. An improved mass spectrometry method for quantitative analysis of intracellular beryllium as opposed to the traditional radioisotopic approach was developed using ICP-MS. The influence of the solubility of beryllium compounds, exposure duration, and beryllium concentration on the incorporation of beryllium was studied. Our data indicated that the uptake of particulate BeO was much more significant than that of soluble BeSO(4), suggesting the major cellular uptake pathway is phagocytosis. Nevertheless, subsequent DAPI nuclear staining and PARP cleavage study indicated that beryllium uptake had a negligible effect on the apoptosis of THP-1 macrophages compared to the unstimulated macrophage control. Meanwhile, no substantial variation of tumour necrosis factor-alpha production was observed for THP-1 macrophages upon beryllium exposure. These data imply alveolar macrophages could have some level of tolerance to beryllium and this may explain why most Be-exposed individuals remain healthy throughout life.     

Galectin-3 expression in macrophages is signaled by Ras/MAP kinase pathway and up-regulated by modified lipoproteins

To study the signaling pathway involved in the regulation of galectin-3 expression we used phorbol ester to stimulate macrophage differentiation of THP-1 cells. Treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) increased significantly the level of expression of galectin-3 in THP-1 cells. PMA-induced galectin-3 overexpression was blocked by: protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine, calphostin C, and apigenin; tyrosine-specific protein kinase inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin A25; PD 98059, a selective inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase 1 (MEK1 or MKK1); and SB 203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK. Galectin-3 up-regulation was not affected by exposure to two inhibitors of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), H-89 and KT5720. Co-transfection of pPG3.5, a plasmid vector containing the rabbit galectin-3 promoter and the constructs pMCL-MKK1 N3 or pRC-RSV-MKK3Glu that constitutively express MKK1 and MKK3, raised the activity of galectin-3 promoter by 185% and 110%, respectively. Co-transfection with a Ha-Ras expression vector stimulated galectin-3 promoter activity approximately 10-fold. Expression of c-Jun or v-Jun raised the level of galectin-3 promoter activity more the three- and fourfold, respectively. Co-transfection of c-Jun and pPG3.5 5'-upstream deletion mutants resulted in a reduction of the galectin-3 promoter activity by 50% to 80%. Transfection of c-Jun, v-Jun or Ha-Ras increased significantly galectin-3 protein in THP-1 cells. These findings indicated that Ras/MEKK1/MKK1-dependent/AP-1 signal transduction pathway plays an important role in the expression of galectin-3 in PMA-stimulated macrophages. We further investigated the effect of modified lipoproteins on galectin-3 expression in macrophages. Murine resident peritoneal macrophages loaded with acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL) or oxidized LDL (OxLDL) showed increased galectin-3 protein and mRNA. These results showed that treatment of macrophages with PMA or modified lipoproteins results in galectin-3 overexpression. These findings may explain the enhanced expression of galectin-3 in atherosclerotic foam cells and suggest that Ras/MAPK signal transduction pathway is involved in controlling this gene.     

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 is induced by thrombin in human macrophages

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2) is a serine protease inhibitor critical for the regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling and atherosclerotic plaque stability. Previously, we demonstrated that TFPI2 expression is increased in monocytes from patients with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH). To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms responsible for this upregulation, we examined TFPI2 expression in THP-1 macrophages exposed to lipoproteins and thrombin. Our results showed that TFPI2 expression was not affected by treatment with very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), but was induced by thrombin (10 U/ml) in THP-1 (1.9-fold increase, p < 0.001) and human monocyte-derived macrophages (2.3-fold increase, p < 0.005). The specificity of the inductive effect was demonstrated by preincubation with the thrombin inhibitors hirudin and PPACK, which ablated thrombin effects. TFPI2 induction was prevented by pre-incubation with MEK1/2 and JNK inhibitors, but not by the EGF receptor antagonist AG1478. In the presence of parthenolide, an inhibitor of NFκB, but not of SR-11302, a selective AP-1 inhibitor, thrombin-mediated TFPI2 induction was blunted. Our results also show that thrombin treatment increased ERK1/2, JNK and IκBα phosphorylation. Finally, we ruled out the possibility that TFPI2 induction by thrombin was mediated by COX-2, as preincubation with a selective COX-2 inhibitor did not prevent the inductive effect. In conclusion, thrombin induces TFPI2 expression by a mechanism involving ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation, leading finally to NFkB activation. In the context of atherosclerosis, thrombin-induced macrophage TFPI2 expression could represent a means of avoiding excessive activation of matrix metalloproteases at sites of inflammation.     

Stromal down-regulation of macrophage CD4/CCR5 expression and NF-κB activation mediates HIV-1 non-permissiveness in intestinal macrophages

Tissue macrophages are derived exclusively from blood monocytes, which as monocyte-derived macrophages support HIV-1 replication. However, among human tissue macrophages only intestinal macrophages are non-permissive to HIV-1, suggesting that the unique microenvironment in human intestinal mucosa renders lamina propria macrophages non-permissive to HIV-1. We investigated this hypothesis using blood monocytes and intestinal extracellular matrix (stroma)-conditioned media (S-CM) to model the exposure of newly recruited monocytes and resident macrophages to lamina propria stroma, where the cells take up residence in the intestinal mucosa. Exposure of monocytes to S-CM blocked up-regulation of CD4 and CCR5 expression during monocyte differentiation into macrophages and inhibited productive HIV-1 infection in differentiated macrophages. Importantly, exposure of monocyte-derived macrophages simultaneously to S-CM and HIV-1 also inhibited viral replication, and sorted CD4+ intestinal macrophages, a proportion of which expressed CCR5+, did not support HIV-1 replication, indicating that the non-permissiveness to HIV-1 was not due to reduced receptor expression alone. Consistent with this conclusion, S-CM also potently inhibited replication of HIV-1 pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein, which provides CD4/CCR5-independent entry. Neutralization of TGF-β in S-CM and recombinant TGF-β studies showed that stromal TGF-β inhibited macrophage nuclear translocation of NF-κB and HIV-1 replication. Thus, the profound inability of intestinal macrophages to support productive HIV-1 infection is likely the consequence of microenvironmental down-regulation of macrophage HIV-1 receptor/coreceptor expression and NF-κB activation.     

Surface association of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A accounts for its colocalization with activated macrophages

Intense immunostaining for pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), a newly characterized metalloproteinase in the insulin-like growth factor system, colocalizes with activated macrophages in human atherosclerotic plaque. To determine macrophage regulation of PAPP-A expression, we developed two models of human macrophages with basal and activated phenotypes. THP-1 cells and peripheral blood monocytes could be differentiated into macrophages and activated upon specific treatment regimens with phorbol myristate acetate, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin-1beta. Activation was assessed by cell secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which increased 30- to 100-fold with activation. Activated macrophages also secreted matrix metalloproteinase-9. However, no PAPP-A mRNA or PAPP-A antigen could be detected in these cells under any condition. Upon incubation with recombinant PAPP-A, we found that activated macrophages bound and internalized more PAPP-A than unactivated macrophages or monocytes. Internalization accounted for at least 50% of macrophage-associated PAPP-A, as assessed in studies with cytochalasin B. Membrane-bound PAPP-A retained protease activity, whereas internalized PAPP-A had little or no activity. Similar experiments carried out with a mutated variant of PAPP-A, which retains functionality as a protease but is unable to bind surface-associated glycosaminoglycan, showed no macrophage association or internalization. Absence of PAPP-A expression was confirmed in activated macrophages isolated from a hypercholesterolemic rabbit model of atherosclerosis. We therefore conclude that PAPP-A is not synthesized in, but rather is bound and internalized by, macrophages. Our findings likely account for the observed intense immunostaining for PAPP-A colocalizing with activated macrophages and may have physiological significance in the development of vulnerable plaque.