The integrin alpha9beta1 mediates adhesion to activated endothelial cells and transendothelial neutrophil migration through interaction with vascular cell adhesion molecule-1

The integrin alpha9beta1 has been shown to be widely expressed on smooth muscle and epithelial cells, and to mediate adhesion to the extracellular matrix proteins osteopontin and tenascin-C. We have found that the peptide sequence this integrin recognizes in tenascin-C is highly homologous to the sequence recognized by the closely related integrin alpha4beta1, in the inducible endothelial ligand, vascular cell adhesion mole-cule-1 (VCAM-1). We therefore sought to determine whether alpha9beta1 also recognizes VCAM-1, and whether any such interaction would be biologically significant. In this report, we demonstrate that alpha9beta1 mediates stable cell adhesion to recombinant VCAM-1 and to VCAM-1 induced on human umbilical vein endothelial cells by tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Furthermore, we show that alpha9beta1 is highly and selectively expressed on neutrophils and is critical for neutrophil migration on VCAM-1 and tenascin-C. Finally, alpha9beta1 and alpha4 integrins contribute to neutrophil chemotaxis across activated endothelial monolayers. These observations suggest a possible role for alpha9beta1/VCAM-1 interactions in extravasation of neutrophils at sites of acute inflammation.     

Structure/function studies on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1) is a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily which interacts with the integrin very late antigen-4 (VLA4). The VCAM1/VLA4 interaction mediates both adhesion and signal transduction and is thought to play an important role in inflammatory and immune responses in vivo. The major form of human VCAM1 contains seven extracellular Ig-like domains, with domain 1 designated as the most N-terminal. We have examined the relationship between human VCAM1 structure and function using a combination of domain truncation mutants and proteolytic fragmentation of recombinant soluble VCAM1. We have characterized two regions of VCAM1, localized to domains 4 and 5, which are highly sensitive to proteolytic cleavage, localized the epitope of the blocking monoclonal antibody 4B9 to domain 1, and found that domains 1-3 are sufficient for both its adhesive function and its ability to initiate T cell activation.     

Neural cell adhesion molecule modulates mesenchymal stromal cell migration via activation of MAPK/ERK signaling

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) represent promising tools for cellular therapy owing to their multipotentiality and ability to localize to injured, inflamed sites and tumor. Various approaches to manipulate expression of MSC surface markers, including adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors, have been explored to enhance homing of MSCs. Recently, Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) has been found to be expressed on MSCs yet its function remains largely elusive. Herein, we show that bone marrow-derived MSCs from NCAM deficient mice exhibit defective migratory ability and significantly impaired adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential. We further explore the mechanism governing NCAM mediated migration of MSCs by showing the interplay between NCAM and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) induces activation of MAPK/ERK signaling, thereby the migration of MSCs. In addition, re-expression of NCAM180, but not NCAM140, could restore the defective MAPK/ERK signaling thereby the migration of NCAM deficient MSCs. Finally, we demonstrate that NCAM180 expression level could be manipulated by pro-inflammatory cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α treatment. Overall, our data reveal the vital function of NCAM in MSCs migration and differentiation thus raising the possibility of manipulating NCAM expression to enhance homing and therapeutic potential of MSCs in cellular therapy.     

Novel inhibitors of leukocyte transendothelial migration

Leukocyte transendothelial migration is one of the most important step in launching an inflammatory immune response and chronic inflammation can lead to devastating diseases. Leukocyte migration inhibitors are considered as promising and potentially effective therapeutic agents to treat inflammatory and auto-immune disorders. In this study, based on previous trioxotetrahydropyrimidin based integrin inhibitors that suboptimally blocked leukocyte adhesion, twelve molecules with a modified scaffold were designed, synthesized, and tested in vitro for their capacity to block the transendothelial migration of immune cells. One of the molecules, namely, methyl 4-((2-(tert-butyl)-6-((2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene) methyl) phenoxy) methyl) benzoate, (compound 12), completely blocked leukocyte transendothelial migration, without any toxic effects on immune or endothelial cells (IC₅₀ = 2.4 µM). In vivo, compound 12 exhibited significant therapeutic effects in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)/Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, fatty liver disease, and rheumatoid arthritis models. A detailed acute and chronic toxicity profile of the lead compound in vivo did not reveal any toxic effects. Such a type of molecule might therefore provide a unique starting point for designing a novel class of leukocyte transmigration blocking agents with broad therapeutic applications in inflammatory and auto-immune pathologies.     

Filamin B mediates ICAM-1-driven leukocyte transendothelial migration

During inflammation, the endothelium mediates rolling and firm adhesion of activated leukocytes. Integrin-mediated adhesion to endothelial ligands of the Ig-superfamily induces intracellular signaling in endothelial cells, which promotes leukocyte transendothelial migration. We identified the actin cross-linking molecule filamin B as a novel binding partner for intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Immune precipitation as well as laser scanning confocal microscopy confirmed the specific interaction and co-localization of endogenous filamin B with ICAM-1. Importantly, clustering of ICAM-1 promotes the ICAM-1-filamin B interaction. To investigate the functional consequences of filamin B binding to ICAM-1, we used small interfering RNA to reduce filamin B expression in ICAM-1-GFP expressing HeLa cells. We found that filamin B is required for the lateral mobility of ICAM-1 and for ICAM-1-induced transmigration of leukocytes. Reducing filamin B expression in primary human endothelial cells resulted in reduced recruitment of ICAM-1 to endothelial docking structures, reduced firm adhesion of the leukocytes to the endothelium, and inhibition of transendothelial migration. In conclusion, this study identifies filamin B as a molecular linker that mediates ICAM-1-driven transendothelial migration.     

Unconjugated bilirubin inhibits VCAM-1-mediated transendothelial leukocyte migration

During lymphocyte migration, engagement of VCAM-1 stimulates the generation of endothelial cell-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of matrix metalloproteinases, facilitating endothelial retraction. Because bilirubin is a potent antioxidant, we examined the hypothesis that this bile pigment inhibits VCAM-1-dependent cellular events. The migration of isolated murine splenic lymphocytes across monolayers of murine endothelial cell lines (which constitutively express VCAM-1) is significantly inhibited by physiological concentrations of bilirubin, in the absence of an effect on lymphocyte adhesion. Bilirubin administration also suppresses VCAM-1-stimulated ROS generation and reduces endothelial cell matrix metalloproteinase activity. In a murine asthma model characterized by VCAM-1-dependent airway inflammation, treatment of C57BL6/J mice with i.p. bilirubin decreases the total leukocyte count in the lung parenchyma and lavage fluid, through specific inhibition of eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltration. Blood eosinophil counts were increased in bilirubin-treated animals, while VCAM-1 expression in the capillary endothelium and cytokine levels in both lung lavage and supernatants from cultured lymph node lymphocytes were unchanged, suggesting that bilirubin inhibits leukocyte migration. Conclusion: bilirubin blocks VCAM-1-dependent lymphocyte migration in vitro and ameliorates VCAM-1-mediated airway inflammation in vivo, apparently through the suppression of cellular ROS production. These findings support a potential role for bilirubin as an endogenous immunomodulatory agent.     

Distinct functions for ERK1 and ERK2 in cell migration processes during zebrafish gastrulation

The MAPKs are key regulatory signaling molecules in many cellular processes. Here we define differential functions for ERK1 and ERK2 MAPKs in zebrafish embryogenesis. Morpholino knockdown of ERK1 and ERK2 resulted in cell migration defects during gastrulation, which could be rescued by co-injection of the corresponding mRNA. Strikingly, Erk2 mRNA cross-rescued ERK1 knockdown, but erk1 mRNA was unable to compensate for ERK2 knockdown. Cell-tracing experiments revealed a convergence defect for ERK1 morphants without a severe posterior-extension defect, whereas ERK2 morphants showed a more severe reduction in anterior-posterior extension. These defects were primary changes in gastrulation cell movements and not caused by altered cell fate specification. Saturating knockdown conditions showed that the absence of FGF-mediated dual-phosphorylated ERK2 from the blastula margin blocked initiation of epiboly, actin and tubulin cytoskeleton reorganization processes and further arrested embryogenesis, whereas ERK1 knockdown had only a mild effect on epiboly progression. Together, our data define distinct roles for ERK1 and ERK2 in developmental cell migration processes during zebrafish embryogenesis.     

ICAM-1-mediated, Src- and Pyk2-dependent vascular endothelial cadherin tyrosine phosphorylation is required for leukocyte transendothelial migration

Leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) has been modeled as a multistep process beginning with rolling adhesion, followed by firm adhesion, and ending with either transcellular or paracellular passage of the leukocyte across the endothelial monolayer. In the case of paracellular TEM, endothelial cell (EC) junctions are transiently disassembled to allow passage of leukocytes. Numerous lines of evidence demonstrate that tyrosine phosphorylation of adherens junction proteins, such as vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and beta-catenin, correlates with the disassembly of junctions. However, the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in the regulation of junctions during leukocyte TEM is not completely understood. Using human leukocytes and EC, we show that ICAM-1 engagement leads to activation of two tyrosine kinases, Src and Pyk2. Using phospho-specific Abs, we show that engagement of ICAM-1 induces phosphorylation of VE-cadherin on tyrosines 658 and 731, which correspond to the p120-catenin and beta-catenin binding sites, respectively. These phosphorylation events require the activity of both Src and Pyk2. We find that inhibition of endothelial Src with PP2 or SU6656 blocks neutrophil transmigration (71.1 +/- 3.8% and 48.6 +/- 3.8% reduction, respectively), whereas inhibition of endothelial Pyk2 also results in decreased neutrophil transmigration (25.5 +/- 6.0% reduction). Moreover, overexpression of the nonphosphorylatable Y658F or Y731F mutants of VE-cadherin impairs transmigration of neutrophils compared with overexpression of wild-type VE-cadherin (32.7 +/- 7.1% and 38.8 +/- 6.5% reduction, respectively). Our results demonstrate that engagement of ICAM-1 by leukocytes results in tyrosine phosphorylation of VE-cadherin, which is required for efficient neutrophil TEM.     

Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule is a component of the endothelial junction involved in transendothelial monocyte migration

Transendothelial leukocyte migration is a major aspect of the innate immune response. It is essential in repair and regeneration of damaged tissues and is regulated by multiple cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) including members of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily. Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM/CD166) is an Ig CAM expressed by activated monocytes and endothelial cells. Hitherto, the functional relevance of ALCAM expression by endothelial cells and activated monocytes remained unknown. In this report, we demonstrate soluble recombinant human ALCAM significantly inhibited the rate of transendothelial migration of monocyte cell lines. Direct involvement of ALCAM in transendothelial migration was evident from the robust inhibition of this process by ALCAM blocking antibodies. However, soluble recombinant ALCAM had no impact on monocyte migration or adhesion to endothelium. Localization of ALCAM specifically at cell-cell junctions in endothelial cells supported its role in transendothelial migration. This study is the first to localize ALCAM to endothelial cell junctions and demonstrate a functional relevance for co-expression of ALCAM by activated monocytes and endothelial cells.     

Endothelial cell cortactin coordinates intercellular adhesion molecule-1 clustering and actin cytoskeleton remodeling during polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion and transmigration

Endothelial cell ICAM-1 interacts with leukocyte beta(2) integrins to mediate adhesion and transmit outside-in signals that facilitate leukocyte transmigration. ICAM-1 redistribution and clustering appear necessary for leukocyte transmigration, but the mechanisms controlling ICAM-1 redistribution and clustering have not been identified. We recently reported that Src kinase phosphorylation of endothelial cortactin regulates polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) transmigration. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that the Src family kinase-cortactin pathway mediates association of ICAM-1 with the actin cytoskeleton and that this association is required for ICAM-1 clustering and leukocyte transmigration. Cross-linking ICAM-1 induced cytoskeletal remodeling and a decrease in ICAM-1 lateral mobility, as assessed by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Cytoskeletal remodeling after ICAM-1 cross-linking was reduced by knockdown of cortactin by small interfering RNA, by expression of a cortactin mutant deficient in Src phosphorylation sites (cortactin3F), and by the Src kinase inhibitor PP2. Pretreatment of cytokine-activated human endothelial monolayers with cortactin small interfering RNA significantly decreased both actin and ICAM-1 clustering around adherent PMN and the formation of actin-ICAM-1 clusters required for PMN transmigration. Our data suggest a model in which tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin dynamically links ICAM-1 to the actin cytoskeleton, enabling ICAM-1 to form clusters and facilitate leukocyte transmigration.     

Focal adhesion kinase facilitates platelet-derived growth factor-BB-stimulated ERK2 activation required for chemotaxis migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

The focal adhesion (FAK) non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) links both extracellular matrix/integrin and growth factor stimulation to intracellular signals promoting cell migration. Here we show that both transient and stable overexpression of the FAK C-terminal domain termed FRNK (FAK-related non-kinase) inhibits serum and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration in wound healing and in vitro Boyden Chamber chemotaxis assays, respectively. Expression of FRNK, but not a point mutant of FRNK (FRNK L1034S), disrupted the formation of a complex containing both FAK and the activated PDGF-beta receptor and resulted in reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous FAK at the Tyr-397 binding site for Src family PTKs. As demonstrated using FAK-deficient and FAK-reconstituted fibroblasts, FAK positively contributed to PDGF-BB-stimulated ERK2/MAP kinase activity, and in SMCs, ERK2/MAP kinase activity was required for PDGF-BB-stimulated chemotaxis. Stable expression of FRNK but not FRNK L1034S expression in SMCs lowered the extent and duration of stimulated ERK2/MAP kinase activation at low but not at high PDGF-BB concentrations. Importantly, stable expression of FRNK in SMCs did not affect SMC morphology or proliferation in culture. Because the increased migration of vascular SMCs in response to extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors contributes to neointima formation, our results show that FAK inhibition by FRNK expression may provide a novel approach to regulate abnormal vascular SMC migration in vivo.     

Flow cytometric determination of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 in formaldehyde-fixed endothelial cell monolayers

BACKGROUND: Endothelial cell adhesion molecules are involved in initiation and progression of vascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine conditions of fixation and dissociation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers that permit a reliable flow cytometric determination of intracellular and surface content of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). METHODS: TNFalpha-treated HUVEC monolayers were fixed with 0.5% formaldehyde at the end of the experimental incubation. Subsequently, either the monolayer was trypsinized and thereafter the cells were subjected to indirect fluorescence labeling or the monolayer was first labeled and then dissociated by trypsinization. Cell integrity was assessed by vimentin staining. Total adhesion molecule content was detected in saponin-permeabilized cells. RESULTS: HUVEC integrity was maintained when the fixation time of the monolayer did not exceed 5 min and trypsin/EDTA was used for dissociation. Surface adhesion molecules were partially hydrolyzed by trypsin when trypsinization preceded labeling but antibody binding protected adhesion molecules from degradation. VCAM-1 and E-selectin exhibited substantial trypsin-sensitive surface fractions but surface ICAM-1 was mainly trypsin resistant. Permeabilization with 0.06% saponin allowed the detection of considerable intracellular pools of the investigated adhesion molecules. CONCLUSIONS: The described method permits the reliable determination of surface and intracellular fractions of adhesion molecules in formaldehyde-fixed HUVEC monolayers and may be used for studies on the regulation of adhesion molecule expression.     

Characterization of the promoter for vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1).

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was first identified as a protein that appears on the surface of endothelial cells after exposure to inflammatory cytokines. Through interaction with its integrin counter receptor VLA-4, VCAM-1 mediates cell-cell interactions important for immune function. We have cloned and begun characterization of the promoter for the VCAM-1 gene. In a series of transfection assays into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we find that silencers between positions -1.641 kilobases and -288 base pairs restrict promoter activity, and that treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha overcomes this inhibition and activates the promoter through two NF kappa B sites located at positions -77 and -63 base pairs of the VCAM-1 gene. This responsiveness appears cell-specific since constructs containing the VCAM-1 NF kappa B sites are not responsive to tumor necrosis factor alpha in the T-cell line Jurkat. The two VCAM-1 NF kappa B sites, which differ slightly in their sequence, form distinct complexes in gel retardation assays, suggesting that they interact with different NF kappa B-site binding proteins. The distribution of these proteins could then control activity of the NF kappa B sites. We conclude that the pattern of VCAM-1 expression in HUVECs is controlled by a combination of these silencers and NF kappa B sites.     

Role of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 and platelet-activating factor in neutrophil adherence to IL-1-prestimulated endothelial cells. Endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1-mediated CD18 activation.

Adherence of neutrophils to endothelium is a key event in the sequence of inflammatory leukocyte responses. Double-color FACS analysis was used to determine the extent and kinetics of neutrophil adherence to rIL-1 beta-pretreated endothelial cells (EC). Neutrophils bound very avidly when the EC were prestimulated for 4 to 6 h with rIL-1 beta. Anti-ELAM-1 F(ab)2 fragments inhibited this adherence for more than 80%. On the other hand, anti-CD18 F(ab)2 fragments also inhibited the neutrophil adherence (40 to 50%). Combined use of anti-ELAM-1 and anti-CD18 F(ab)2 fragments completely prevented adherence. Neutrophils became activated as soon as they made contact with the rIL-1 beta-pretreated EC. First, neutrophils depleted of intracellular ATP showed a clearly decreased adherence completely dependent on ELAM-1-mediated binding, i.e., without additional effects of CD18 adhesion proteins. Thus, CD18 is activated during neutrophil adherence and then participates in the binding process. Secondly, the neutrophils responded with a transient rise in [Ca2+]i upon binding to rIL-1 beta-pretreated EC, which was demonstrated to be caused by endothelial cell-associated platelet-activating factor (PAF). However, the extent of neutrophil adherence to rIL-1 beta-pretreated EC was not affected by the use of the PAF-receptor antagonist WEB 2086, or removal of the EC-bound PAF. The only effect was a complete dependency of the neutrophil adherence on ELAM-1-mediated binding, although anti-CD18 mAb still induced 40 to 50% inhibition under these conditions. We therefore conclude that ELAM-1-mediated binding is the major mechanism for CD18 activation during neutrophil adherence to rIL-1 beta-pretreated EC.     

Cloning of murine and rat vascular cell adhesion molecule-1.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1) is a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily which interacts with the integrin very late antigen 4 (VLA4). We have cloned the cDNAs for both murine and rat VCAM1 from endotoxin-treated lung libraries. Both sequences encode proteins with seven extracellular Ig-like domains, which show 75.9% and 76.9% identity, respectively, with human VCAM1. Both murine and human cell lines show VLA4-dependent binding to COS cells transiently expressing murine and rat VCAM1. Two mAbs, M-K/1 and M-K/2, which recognize an antigen on murine bone marrow stromal cell lines, bind to murine VCAM1 expressed in COS cells and block VCAM1-dependent adhesion, confirming that these mAbs recognize murine VCAM1.     

CB2-receptor stimulation attenuates TNF-alpha-induced human endothelial cell activation, transendothelial migration of monocytes, and monocyte-endothelial adhesion

Targeting cannabinoid-2 (CB(2)) receptors with selective agonists may represent a novel therapeutic avenue in various inflammatory diseases, but the mechanisms by which CB(2) activation exerts its anti-inflammatory effects and the cellular targets are elusive. Here, we investigated the effects of CB(2)-receptor activation on TNF-alpha-induced signal transduction in human coronary artery endothelial cells in vitro and on endotoxin-induced vascular inflammatory response in vivo. TNF-alpha induced NF-kappaB and RhoA activation and upregulation of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, increased expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein, enhanced transendothelial migration of monocytes, and augmented monocyte-endothelial adhesion. Remarkably, all of the above-mentioned effects of TNF-alpha were attenuated by CB(2) agonists. CB(2) agonists also decreased the TNF-alpha- and/or endotoxin-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in isolated aortas and the adhesion of monocytes to aortic vascular endothelium. CB(1) and CB(2) receptors were detectable in human coronary artery endothelial cells by Western blotting, RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence staining. Because the above-mentioned TNF-alpha-induced phenotypic changes are critical in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and restenosis, our findings suggest that targeting CB(2) receptors on endothelial cells may offer a novel approach in the treatment of these pathologies.     

Chemistry on a single protein, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, during forced unfolding

Proteins of many types experience tensile forces in their normal function, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is typical in this. VCAM has seven Ig domains, and each has a disulfide bond (-S-S-) buried in its core that covalently stabilizes about half of each domain against unfolding. VCAM is extended here by single molecule atomic force microscopy in the presence or absence of reducing agents. In the absence of reducing agent, a sawtooth pattern of forced unfolding reveals an average period and total length consistent with disulfide locations in VCAM. With increasing reducing agent, accessible disulfides are specifically reduced (to SH); the average period for unfolding increases up to saturation together with additional metrics of unfolding. Steered molecular dynamics simulations of unfolding indeed show that the core disulfide bond is solvent-exposed in the very earliest stages of protein extension. Michaelis-Menten kinetics emerge with reduction catalyzed by force (tau(reduction) approximately 10(-4) s). The results establish single molecule reduction, one bond at a time, and show that mechanical forces can play a key role in modulating the redox state of cell adhesion proteins that are invariably stressed in cell adhesion.     

Structural requirements for adhesion of soluble recombinant murine vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 to alpha 4 beta 1

This study describes the identification of seven amino acid residues of the vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) that influence binding to the alpha 4 beta 1 receptor. Using recombinant murine VCAM-1-IgG, which is bound by both mouse (WEHI 231) and human (Ramos) lymphoid cells, two approaches demonstrated the crucial role of the first two NH2-terminal Ig-like domains in binding: (a) blocking monoclonal anti-mouse VCAM-1 antibodies bound to only truncation variants that included the first two domains; (b) site-direct mutagenesis of the first NH2-terminal domain showed that alanine substitution of the amino acid residues R36, D40, K46, S54, N65, T72, and E81 partially or completely reduced adherence by human and/or mouse cells. Of these D40, when mutated to A, N, or K (but not E), showed complete abrogation of adherence by mouse and human cells, as well as inability to bind blocking anti-murine VCAM- 1 antibody MVCAM.A429, while not inducing gross structural perturbations in VCAM-1. By molecular modeling, the D40 residue was located on a beta turn connecting two beta strands defined as C and D. The residues R36, K46, S54, N65, T72, and E81, which perturb cell adherence and caused small changes to gross structure, are conformationally near or adjacent to D40. Although these residues, identified as crucial for cell adhesion, are all located in domain 1, it is evident that there is a structural requirement for domains 1 and 2 to be intact so that cell adhesive function can occur.