Integrin dynamics and matrix assembly: tensin-dependent translocation of alpha(5)beta(1) integrins promotes early fibronectin fibrillogenesis

Fibronectin matrix assembly is a multistep, integrin-dependent process. To investigate the role of integrin dynamics in fibronectin fibrillogenesis, we developed an antibody-chasing technique for simultaneous tracking of two integrin populations by different antibodies. We established that whereas the vitronectin receptor alpha(v)beta(3) remains within focal contacts, the fibronectin receptor alpha(5)beta(1) translocates from focal contacts into and along extracellular matrix (ECM) contacts. This escalator-like translocation occurs relative to the focal contacts at 6.5 +/- 0.7 microm/h and is independent of cell migration. It is induced by ligation of alpha(5)beta(1) integrins and depends on interactions with a functional actin cytoskeleton and vitronectin receptor ligation. During cell spreading, translocation of ligand-occupied alpha(5)beta(1) integrins away from focal contacts and along bundles of actin filaments generates ECM contacts. Tensin is a primary cytoskeletal component of these ECM contacts, and a novel dominant-negative inhibitor of tensin blocked ECM contact formation, integrin translocation, and fibronectin fibrillogenesis without affecting focal contacts. We propose that translocating alpha(5)beta(1) integrins induce initial fibronectin fibrillogenesis by transmitting cytoskeleton-generated tension to extracellular fibronectin molecules. Blocking this integrin translocation by a variety of treatments prevents the formation of ECM contacts and fibronectin fibrillogenesis. These studies identify a localized, directional, integrin translocation mechanism for matrix assembly.     

Mena binds α5 integrin directly and modulates α5β1 function

Mena is an Ena/VASP family actin regulator with roles in cell migration, chemotaxis, cell-cell adhesion, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. Although enriched in focal adhesions, Mena has no established function within these structures. We find that Mena forms an adhesion-regulated complex with α5β1 integrin, a fibronectin receptor involved in cell adhesion, motility, fibronectin fibrillogenesis, signaling, and growth factor receptor trafficking. Mena bound directly to the carboxy-terminal portion of the α5 cytoplasmic tail via a 91-residue region containing 13 five-residue "LERER" repeats. In fibroblasts, the Mena-α5 complex was required for "outside-in" α5β1 functions, including normal phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin and formation of fibrillar adhesions. It also supported fibrillogenesis and cell spreading and controlled cell migration speed. Thus, fibroblasts require Mena for multiple α5β1-dependent processes involving bidirectional interactions between the extracellular matrix and cytoplasmic focal adhesion proteins.     

Opposing effects of collagen I and vitronectin on fibronectin fibril structure and function

Extracellular matrix fibronectin fibrils serve as passive structural supports for the organization of cells into tissues, yet can also actively stimulate a variety of cell and tissue functions, including cell proliferation. Factors that control and coordinate the functional activities of fibronectin fibrils are not known. Here, we compared effects of cell adhesion to vitronectin versus type I collagen on the assembly of and response to, extracellular matrix fibronectin fibrils. The amount of insoluble fibronectin matrix fibrils assembled by fibronectin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts adherent to collagen- or vitronectin-coated substrates was not significantly different 20 h after fibronectin addition. However, the fibronectin matrix produced by vitronectin-adherent cells was ~ 10-fold less effective at enhancing cell proliferation than that of collagen-adherent cells. Increasing insoluble fibronectin levels with the fibronectin fragment, anastellin did not increase cell proliferation. Rather, native fibronectin fibrils polymerized by collagen- and vitronectin-adherent cells exhibited conformational differences in the growth-promoting, III-1 region of fibronectin, with collagen-adherent cells producing fibronectin fibrils in a more extended conformation. Fibronectin matrix assembly on either substrate was mediated by α5β1 integrins. However, on vitronectin-adherent cells, α5β1 integrins functioned in a lower activation state, characterized by reduced 9EG7 binding and decreased talin association. The inhibitory effect of vitronectin on fibronectin-mediated cell proliferation was localized to the cell-binding domain, but was not a general property of αvβ3 integrin-binding substrates. These data suggest that adhesion to vitronectin allows for the uncoupling of fibronectin fibril formation from downstream signaling events by reducing α5β1 integrin activation and fibronectin fibril extension.     

Physical state of the extracellular matrix regulates the structure and molecular composition of cell-matrix adhesions

This study establishes that the physical state of the extracellular matrix can regulate integrin-mediated cytoskeletal assembly and tyrosine phosphorylation to generate two distinct types of cell-matrix adhesions. In primary fibroblasts, alpha(5)beta(1) integrin associates mainly with fibronectin fibrils and forms adhesions structurally distinct from focal contacts, independent of actomyosin-mediated cell contractility. These "fibrillar adhesions" are enriched in tensin, but contain low levels of the typical focal contact components paxillin, vinculin, and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. However, when the fibronectin is covalently linked to the substrate, alpha(5)beta(1) integrin forms highly tyrosine-phosphorylated, "classical" focal contacts containing high levels of paxillin and vinculin. These experiments indicate that the physical state of the matrix, not just its molecular composition, is a critical factor in defining cytoskeletal organization and phosphorylation at adhesion sites. We propose that molecular organization of adhesion sites is controlled by at least two mechanisms: 1) specific integrins associate with their ligands in transmembrane complexes with appropriate cytoplasmic anchor proteins (e.g., fibronectin-alpha(5)beta(1) integrin-tensin complexes), and 2) physical properties (e.g., rigidity) of the extracellular matrix regulate local tension at adhesion sites and activate local tyrosine phosphorylation, recruiting a variety of plaque molecules to these sites. These mechanisms generate structurally and functionally distinct types of matrix adhesions in fibroblasts.     

Hyaluronan Controls the Deposition of Fibronectin and Collagen and Modulates TGF-β1 Induction of Lung Myofibroblasts

The contribution of hyaluronan-dependent pericellular matrix to TGF-β1-driven induction and maintenance of myofibroblasts is not understood. Hyaluronan is an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycosaminoglycan important in cell adhesion, proliferation and migration, and is implicated in myofibroblast formation and maintenance. Reduced turnover of hyaluronan has been linked to differentiation of myofibroblasts and potentiation of lung fibrosis. Fibronectin is a fibril forming adhesive glycoprotein that is also upregulated following induction with TGF-β1. Although they are known to bind each other, the interplay between hyaluronan and fibronectin in the pericellular matrix during myofibroblast induction and matrix assembly is not clear. This study addresses the role of hyaluronan and its interaction with fibrillar matrix components during myofibroblast formation. Hyaluronan and fibronectin were increased and co-localized in the ECM following myofibroblast induction by TGF-β1. Inhibition of hyaluronan synthesis in TGF-β1-induced lung myofibroblasts over a 4 day period with 4-methyl umbelliferone (4-MU) further enhanced myofibroblast morphology, caused increased deposition of fibronectin and type I collagen in the ECM, and increased expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) mRNA. Hyaluronan oligosaccharides or hyaluronidase treatment, which more effectively disrupted the pericellular matrix, had similar effects. CD44 and β1 integrins co-localized in the cell membrane and along some stress fibers. However, CD44 and hyaluronan were specifically excluded from focal adhesions, and associated primarily with cortical actin. Time-lapse imaging of the immediate effects of hyaluronidase digestion showed that hyaluronan matrix primarily mediates attachment of membrane and cortical actin between focal contacts, suggesting that surface adhesion through hyaluronan and CD44 is distinct from focal adhesion through β1 integrins and fibronectin. Fluorescein-labeled hyaluronan bound regularly along fibronectin fibers and co-localized more with β1 integrin and less with CD44. Therefore, the hyaluronan matrix can interfere with the assembly of fibrillar ECM components, and this interplay regulates the degree of myofibroblast formation. These data also suggest that adhesion through hyaluronan matrix impacts cytoskeletal organization, and is potentially part of a clutch mechanism that regulates stick and slip of myofibroblasts by affecting the adhesion to and organization of fibronectin and collagen.     

Fibronectin fibrillogenesis, a cell-mediated matrix assembly process.

The extracellular matrix provides a framework for cell adhesion, supports cell movement, and serves to compartmentalize tissues into functional units. Fibronectin is a core component of many extracellular matrices where it regulates a variety of cell activities through direct interactions with cell surface integrin receptors. Fibronectin is synthesized by many adherent cells which then assemble it into a fibrillar network. The assembly process is integrin-dependent and fibronectin-integrin interactions initiate a step-wise process involving conformational activation of fibronectin outside and organization of the actin cytoskeleton inside. During assembly, fibronectin undergoes conformational changes that expose fibronectin-binding sites and promote intermolecular interactions needed for fibril formation. In this review, the main steps of fibronectin assembly are described and recent studies on fibronectin conformational changes are discussed.     

INTEGRIN SYNTHESIS AND UTILIZATION IN CULTURED HUMAN OSTEOBLASTS

This study describes the adhesion of human osteoblasts, culturedin vitro, to proteins of the extracellular matrix, the biosynthesis of integrins, their topography and organization in focal contacts. The adhesion of osteoblasts to laminin, type I collagen, vitronectin and fibronectin was 77–100%, in 2h and at 55nm substrata concentration, and it was accompained by spreading of the cells. Adhesion to fibronectin (FN), laminin (LN) and type I collagen (COL) was inhibited by antibodies to the β1 integrin and antibodies to the α5 chain affected adhesion only to fibronectin. Using a panel of polyclonal antibodies against α2, α3, α5, αv, β1 andβ3 integrins we detected synthesis of α3β1, α5β1, αvβ3, and an αvβ1-like dimer by immunoprecipitation of metabolically labelled cell lysates. Studies of immunolocalization demonstrated the presence of the same integrins identified in lysates, plus α4, α1 and β5 subunits. In cells adhering in the presence of serum we showed organization of β3 and αv integrins in focal contacts. In cells adhering to fibronectin α5 and β1 integrins were localized in focal contacts. In cells spread on laminin or type I collagen none of the integrins investigated was localized in focal contacts.     

RSK2 Protein Suppresses Integrin Activation and Fibronectin Matrix Assembly and Promotes Cell Migration

Modulation of integrin activation is important in many cellular functions including adhesion, migration, and assembly of the extracellular matrix. RSK2 functions downstream of Ras/Raf and promotes tumor cell motility and metastasis. We therefore investigated whether RSK2 affects integrin function. We report that RSK2 mediates Ras/Raf inactivation of integrins. As a result, we find that RSK2 impairs cell adhesion and integrin-mediated matrix assembly and promotes cell motility. Active RSK2 appears to affect integrins by reducing actin stress fibers and disrupting focal adhesions. Moreover, RSK2 co-localizes with the integrin activator talin and is present at integrin cytoplasmic tails. It is thereby in a position to modulate integrin activation and integrin-mediated migration. Activation of RSK2 promotes filamin phosphorylation and binding to integrins. We also find that RSK2 is activated in response to integrin ligation to fibronectin. Thus, RSK2 could participate in a feedback loop controlling integrin function. These results reveal RSK2 as a key regulator of integrin activity and provide a novel mechanism by which it may promote cell migration and cancer metastasis.     

The fibronectin-binding integrins alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 differentially modulate RhoA-GTP loading,organization of cell matrix adhesions,and fibronectin fibrillogenesis

We have studied the formation of different types of cell matrix adhesions in cells that bind to fibronectin via either alpha5beta1 or alphavbeta3. In both cases, cell adhesion to fibronectin leads to a rapid decrease in RhoA activity. However, alpha5beta1 but not alphavbeta3 supports high levels of RhoA activity at later stages of cell spreading, which are associated with a translocation of focal contacts to peripheral cell protrusions, recruitment of tensin into fibrillar adhesions, and fibronectin fibrillogenesis. Expression of an activated mutant of RhoA stimulates alphavbeta3-mediated fibrillogenesis. Despite the fact that alpha5beta1-mediated adhesion to the central cell-binding domain of fibronectin supports activation of RhoA, other regions of fibronectin are required for the development of alpha5beta1-mediated but not alphavbeta3-mediated focal contacts. Using chimeras of beta1 and beta3 subunits, we find that the extracellular domain of beta1 controls RhoA activity. By expressing both beta1 and beta3 at high levels, we show that beta1-mediated control of the levels of beta3 is important for the distribution of focal contacts. Our findings demonstrate that the pattern of fibronectin receptors expressed on a cell dictates the ability of fibronectin to stimulate RhoA-mediated organization of cell matrix adhesions.     

Tensin 2 modulates cell contractility in 3D collagen gels through the RhoGAP DLC1

Cytoskeletal proteins of the tensin family couple integrins to the actin cytoskeleton. They are found in both focal adhesions and the fibrillar adhesions formed between cells and the fibronectin matrix. There are four tensin genes which encode three large (～200 kDa) tensin isoforms (tensin 1, 2, 3) and one short isoform (cten). However, the subcellular localization and function of the individual isoforms is poorly understood. Using human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs), and imaging on both fixed and live cells, we show that GFP‐tensin 2 is enriched in dynamic focal adhesions at the leading edge of the cell, whereas GFP‐tensin 3 translocates rearward, and is enriched in fibrillar adhesions. To investigate the possible role of tensins in cell‐matrix remodeling, we used siRNAs to knockdown each tensin isoform. We discovered that tensin 2 knockdown significantly reduced the ability of HFFs to contract 3D collagen gels, whilst no effect on fibronectin fibrillogenesis was observed. This inhibition of collagen gel contraction was associated with a substantial reduction in Rho activity, and it was reversed by depletion of DLC1, a RhoGAP that binds to tensin in focal adhesions. These findings suggest that focal adhesion‐localized tensin 2 negatively regulates DLC1 to permit Rho‐mediated actomyosin contraction and remodeling of collagen fibers. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 808–817, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Dynamics and segregation of cell-matrix adhesions in cultured fibroblasts

Here we use time-lapse microscopy to analyse cell-matrix adhesions in cells expressing one of two different cytoskeletal proteins, paxillin or tensin, tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Use of GFP-paxillin to analyse focal contacts and GFP-tensin to study fibrillar adhesions reveals that both types of major adhesion are highly dynamic. Small focal contacts often translocate, by extending centripetally and contracting peripherally, at a mean rate of 19 micrometers per hour. Fibrillar adhesions arise from the medial ends of stationary focal contacts, contain alpha5beta1 integrin and tensin but not other focal-contact components, and associate with fibronectin fibrils. Fibrillar adhesions translocate centripetally at a mean rate of 18 micrometers per hour in an actomyosin-dependent manner. We propose a dynamic model for the regulation of cell-matrix adhesions and for transitions between focal contacts and fibrillar adhesions, with the ability of the matrix to deform functioning as a mechanical switch.     

Regulation of fibronectin matrix assembly and capillary morphogenesis in endothelial cells by Rho family GTPases

Fibronectin (FN) fibrillogenesis is an essential biological process mediated by α5β1 integrin and cellular contractile forces. Assembly of a FN matrix by activated endothelial cells occurs during angiogenic blood vessel remodeling and signaling components that control this event represent attractive therapeutic targets. Here we examined the role of individual Rho GTPases in FN matrix remodeling by selectively attenuating their expression in cultured endothelial cells. Whereas pharmacological ablation of myosin-regulated contractility abrogated matrix assembly, no significant decrease was detected in the amount of FN deposited by RhoA, RhoB-, RhoC-, Rac1-, or Cdc42-depleted cells. Rather, distinct differences in fiber arrangement were observed. Most strikingly, RhoA silenced cells assembled a fine FN meshwork beneath α5β1 integrin-based fibrillar adhesions, in the absence of classical focal adhesions and actin stress fibers, indicating that α5β1 integrin translocation and FN fibril elongation can occur in low tension states such as those encountered by newly-forming vessels in tissue. In contrast, highly contractile Cdc42-deficient cells deposited FN globules and Rac-deficient cells assembled long arrays, reflecting their increased motility. We propose that regulation of FN scaffolds by Rho GTPase signaling impacts bidirectional communications and mechanical interactions between endothelial cells and their extracellular matrix during vascular morphogenesis.     

Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase regulates fibronectin assembly and N-cadherin adhesion

Fibronectin matrix formation requires the increased cytoskeletal tension generated by cadherin adhesions, and is suppressed by membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP). In a co-culture of Rat1 fibroblasts and MT1-MMP-silenced HT1080 cells, fibronectin fibrils extended from Rat1 to cell–matrix adhesions in HT1080 cells, and N-cadherin adhesions were formed between Rat1 and HT1080 cells. In control HT1080 cells contacting with Rat1 fibroblasts, cell–matrix adhesions were formed in the side away from Rat1 fibroblasts, and fibronectin assembly and N-cadherin adhesions were not formed. The role of N-cadherin adhesions in fibronectin matrix formation was studied using MT1-MMP-silenced HT1080 cells. MT1-MMP knockdown promoted fibronectin matrix assembly and N-cadherin adhesions in HT1080 cells, which was abrogated by double knockdown with either integrin β₁ or fibronectin. Conversely, inhibition of N-cadherin adhesions by its knockdown or treatment with its neutralizing antibody suppressed fibronectin matrix formation in MT1-MMP-silenced cells. These results demonstrate that fibronectin assembly initiated by MT1-MMP knockdown results in increase of N-cadherin adhesions, which are prerequisite for further fibronectin matrix formation.     

Nano-stenciled RGD-gold patterns that inhibit focal contact maturation induce lamellipodia formation in fibroblasts

Cultured fibroblasts adhere to extracellular substrates by means of cell-matrix adhesions that are assembled in a hierarchical way, thereby gaining in protein complexity and size. Here we asked how restricting the size of cell-matrix adhesions affects cell morphology and behavior. Using a nanostencil technique, culture substrates were patterned with gold squares of a width and spacing between 250 nm and 2 μm. The gold was functionalized with RGD peptide as ligand for cellular integrins, and mouse embryo fibroblasts were plated. Limiting the length of cell-matrix adhesions to 500 nm or less disturbed the maturation of vinculin-positive focal complexes into focal contacts and fibrillar adhesions, as indicated by poor recruitment of α5-integrin. We found that on sub-micrometer patterns, fibroblasts spread extensively, but did not polarize. Instead, they formed excessive numbers of lamellipodia and a fine actin meshwork without stress fibers. Moreover, these cells showed aberrant fibronectin fibrillogenesis, and their speed of directed migration was reduced significantly compared to fibroblasts on 2 μm square patterns. Interference with RhoA/ROCK signaling eliminated the pattern-dependent differences in cell morphology. Our results indicate that manipulating the maturation of cell-matrix adhesions by nanopatterned surfaces allows to influence morphology, actin dynamics, migration and ECM assembly of adhering fibroblasts.     

Developmental Regulation of Focal Contact Protein Expression in Human Melanocytes

Focal contacts are transmembrane links between the extracellular matrix and the actin cytoskeleton that play a critical role in directed cell migration, adhesion, and normal growth. Several different component proteins of the focal contact show develop-mentally dependent changes in expression, suggesting that this is an important mechanism by which focal contact formation is controlled during embryogenesis. In this report we examine the expression of focal contact-associated proteins in human fetal and neonatal melanocytes using Western blotting. We show that expression of paxillin, a 69-kDa vinculin binding protein, is fourfold higher in neonatal melanocytes than in fetal melanocytes. Further, we show that talin, a high molecular weight structural protein that links integrins to the actin cytoskeleton, is proteolytically cleaved in fetal, but not in neonatal melanocytes. Immunofluorescence microscopy of cells grown on fibronectin confirmed the presence of paxillin, talin, and vinculin at the ends of actin stress fibers at presumptive focal contacts in melanocytes. Adhesion experiments to extracellular matrix ligands revealed significant differences in adhesion of fetal and neonatal melanocytes to fibronectin. The developmentally specific changes in focal contact protein expression observed suggest that this may be an important mechanism by which focal contact assembly is controlled in human melanocytes during development.     

PLC-γ1 regulates fibronectin assembly and cell aggregation

Phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) mediates cell adhesion and migration through an undefined mechanism. Here, we examine the role of PLC-γ1 in cell-matrix adhesion in a hanging drop assay of cell aggregation. Plcg1 Null (−/−) mouse embryonic fibroblasts formed aggregates that were larger and significantly more resistant to dissociation than cells in which PLC-γ1 is re-expressed (Null+ cells). Aggregate formation could be disrupted by inhibition of fibronectin interaction with integrins, indicating that fibronectin assembly may mediate aggregate formation. Fibronectin assembly was mediated by integrin α5β1 in both cell lines, while assays measuring fibronectin assembly revealed increased assembly in the Null cells. Null and Null+ cells exhibited equivalent fibronectin mRNA levels and equivalent levels of fibronectin protein in pulse-labeling experiments. However, levels of secreted fibronectin in the conditioned medium were increased in Null cells. The data implicates a negative regulatory role for PLC-γ1 in cell aggregation by controlling the secretion of fibronectin into the media and its assembly into fibrils.     

Characterization of heparin-binding site of tissue transglutaminase: its importance in cell surface targeting, matrix deposition, and cell signaling

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a multifunctional Ca(2+)-activated protein cross-linking enzyme secreted into the extracellular matrix (ECM), where it is involved in wound healing and scarring, tissue fibrosis, celiac disease, and metastatic cancer. Extracellular TG2 can also facilitate cell adhesion important in wound healing through a nontransamidating mechanism via its association with fibronectin, heparan sulfates (HS), and integrins. Regulating the mechanism how TG2 is translocated into the ECM therefore provides a strategy for modulating these physiological and pathological functions of the enzyme. Here, through molecular modeling and mutagenesis, we have identified the HS-binding site of TG2 (202)KFLKNAGRDCSRRSSPVYVGR(222). We demonstrate the requirement of this binding site for translocation of TG2 into the ECM through a mechanism involving cell surface shedding of HS. By synthesizing a peptide NPKFLKNAGRDCSRRSS corresponding to the HS-binding site within TG2, we also demonstrate how this mimicking peptide can in isolation compensate for the RGD-induced loss of cell adhesion on fibronectin via binding to syndecan-4, leading to activation of PKCα, pFAK-397, and ERK1/2 and the subsequent formation of focal adhesions and actin cytoskeleton organization. A novel regulatory mechanism for TG2 translocation into the extracellular compartment that depends upon TG2 conformation and the binding of HS is proposed.     

Integrins and chondrocyte–matrix interactions in articular cartilage

The integrin family of cell adhesion receptors plays a major role in mediating interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix. Normal adult articular chondrocytes express α1β1, α3β1, α5β1, α10β1, αVβ1, αVβ3, and αVβ5 integrins, while chondrocytes from osteoarthritic tissue also express α2β1, α4β1, α6β1. These integrins bind a host of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, most notably fibronectin and collagen types II and VI, which provide signals that regulate cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and matrix remodeling. By initiating signals in response to mechanical forces, chondrocyte integrins also serve as mechanotransducers. When the cartilage matrix is damaged in osteoarthritis, fragments of fibronectin are generated that signal through the α5β1 integrin to activate a pro-inflammatory and pro-catabolic response which, if left unchecked, could contribute to progressive matrix degradation. The cell signaling pathways activated in response to excessive mechanical signals and to fibronectin fragments are being unraveled and may represent useful therapeutic targets for slowing or stopping progressive matrix destruction in arthritis.     

Dissecting focal adhesions in cells differentially expressing calreticulin: a microscopy study

Background information. Our previous studies have shown that calreticulin, a Ca²⁺‐binding chaperone located in the endoplasmic reticulum, affects cell—substratum adhesions via the induction of vinculin and N‐cadherin. Cells overexpressing calreticulin contain more vinculin than low expressers and make abundant contacts with the substratum. However, cells that express low levels of calreticulin exhibit a weak adhesive phenotype and make few, if any, focal adhesions. To date, the identity of the types of focal adhesions made by calreticulin overexpressing and low expressing cells has not been dissected. Results. The results of the present study show that calreticulin affects fibronectin matrix assembly in L fibroblast cell lines that differentially express the protein, and that these cells also differ profoundly in focal adhesion formation. Although the calreticulin overexpressing cells generate numerous interference‐reflection‐microscopy‐dark, vinculin‐ and paxillin‐containing classical focal contacts, as well as some fibrillar adhesions, the cells expressing low levels of calreticulin generate only a few weak focal adhesions. The fibronectin receptor was found to be clustered in calreticulin overexpressing cells, but diffusely distributed over the cell surface in low expressing cells. Plating L fibroblasts on fibronectin‐coated substrata induced extensive spreading in all cell lines tested. However, although calreticulin overexpressing cells were induced to form classical vinculin‐rich focal contacts, the low calreticulin expressing cells overcame their weak adhesive phenotype by induction of many tensin‐rich fibrillar adhesions, thus compensating for the low level of vinculin in these cells. Conclusions. We propose that calreticulin affects fibronectin production and, thereby, assembly, and it indirectly influences the formation and/or stability of focal contacts and fibrillar adhesions, both of which are instrumental in matrix assembly and remodelling.     

Regulation of Matrix Assembly through Rigidity-dependent Fibronectin Conformational Changes

Cells sense and respond to the mechanical properties of their microenvironment. We investigated whether these properties affect the ability of cells to assemble a fibrillar fibronectin (FN) matrix. Analysis of matrix assembled by cells grown on FN-coated polyacrylamide gels of varying stiffnesses showed that rigid substrates stimulate FN matrix assembly and activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) compared with the level of assembly and FAK signaling on softer substrates. Stimulating integrins with Mn²⁺ treatment increased FN assembly on softer gels, suggesting that integrin binding is deficient on soft substrates. Guanidine hydrochloride-induced extension of the substrate-bound FN rescued assembly on soft substrates to a degree similar to that of Mn²⁺ treatment and increased activation of FAK along with the initiation of assembly at FN matrix assembly sites. In contrast, increasing actin-mediated cell contractility did not rescue FN matrix assembly on soft substrates. Thus, rigidity-dependent FN matrix assembly is determined by extracellular events, namely the engagement of FN by cells and the induction of FN conformational changes. Extensibility of FN in response to substrate stiffness may serve as a mechanosensing mechanism whereby cells use pericellular FN to probe the stiffness of their environment.