C-tail mediated modulation of somatostatin receptor type-4 homo- and heterodimerizations and signaling

Somatostatin receptors show great diversity in response to agonist mediated receptor-specific homo- and heterodimerizations. Here, using photobleaching-fluorescence resonance energy transfer, immunocytochemistry, western blot and co-immunoprecipitation, we investigated dimerization, trafficking, coupling to adenylyl cyclase and signaling of human somatostatin receptor-4 (hSSTR4) in HEK-293 cells. We also determined the role of the C-tail of hSSTR4 on physiological responses of the cells. wt-hSSTR4 exogenously expressed in HEK-293 cells exhibits constitutive dimerization, inhibits forskolin-stimulated cAMP, and displays agonist dependent changes in pERK1/2 and pERK5 expressions. Upon C-tail deletion, the receptor loses membrane expression and ability to dimerize and inhibition of cAMP and pERK5 however, displays several-fold increases in the expression of pERK1/2. Chimeric hSSTR4 with the C-tail of hSSTR5 functions like wt-hSSTR4, in contrast, with the C-tail of hSSTR1 functions like C-tail deleted hSSTR4. hSSTR4 dimerization and signaling are associated with increased cyclin-dependent-kinase p27^kip1 expression and inhibition of the cell proliferation. We also report heterodimerization between hSSTR4/hSSTR5, but not between hSSTR4/hSSTR1, with significant changes in receptor functions. Taken together, these data define a novel mechanism for the role of hSSTR4 in cell proliferation and modulation of signaling pathways.     

Agonist-dependent up-regulation of human somatostatin receptor type 1 requires molecular signals in the cytoplasmic C-tail.

We have previously reported that the human somatostatin receptor type 1 (hSSTR1) stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells does not internalize but instead up-regulates at the membrane during continued agonist treatment (1 microM somatostatin (SST)-14 x 22 h). Here we have investigated the molecular basis of hSSTR1 up-regulation. hSSTR1 was up-regulated by SST in a time-, temperature-, and dose-dependent manner to saturable levels, in intact cells but not in membrane preparations. Although hSSTR1 was acutely desensitized to adenylyl cyclase coupling after 1 h SST-14 treatment, continued agonist exposure (22 h) restored functional effector coupling. Up-regulation was unaffected by cycloheximide but blocked by okadaic acid. Confocal fluorescence immunocytochemistry of intact and permeabilized cells showed progressive, time-dependent increase in surface hSSTR1 labeling, associated with depletion of intracellular SSTR1 immunofluorescent vesicles. To investigate the structural domains of hSSTR1 responsible for up-regulation, we constructed C-tail deletion (Delta) mutants and chimeric hSSTR1-hSSTR5 receptors. Human SSTR5 was chosen because it internalizes readily, displays potent C-tail internalization signals, and does not up-regulate. Like wild type hSSTR1, Delta C-tail hSSTR1 did not internalize and additionally lost the ability to up-regulate. Swapping the C-tail of hSSTR1 with that of hSSTR5 induced internalization (27%) but not up-regulation. Substitution of hSSTR5 C-tail with that of hSSTR1 converted the chimeric receptor to one resembling wild type hSSTR1 (poor internalization, 71% up-regulation). These results show that ligand-induced up-regulation of hSSTR1 occurs by a temperature-dependent active process of receptor recruitment from a pre-existing cytoplasmic pool to the plasma membrane. It does not require new protein synthesis or signal transduction, is sensitive to dephosphorylation events, and critically dependent on molecular signals in the receptor C-tail.     

The role of subtype-specific ligand binding and the C-tail domain in dimer formation of human somatostatin receptors

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest and most diverse family of cell surface receptors. Several GPCRs have been documented to dimerize with resulting changes in pharmacology. We have previously reported by means of photobleaching fluorescence resonance energy transfer (pbFRET) microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopic (FCS) analysis in live cells, that human somatostatin receptor (hSSTR) 5 could both homodimerize and heterodimerize with hSSTR1 in the presence of the agonist SST-14. In contrast, hSSTR1 remained monomeric when expressed alone regardless of agonist exposure in live cells. In an effort to elucidate the role of ligand and receptor subtypes in heterodimerization, we have employed both pb-FRET microscopy and Western blot on cells stably co-expressing hSSTR1 and hSSTR5 treated with subtype-specific agonists. Here we provide evidence that activation of hSSTR5 but not hSSTR1 is necessary for heterodimeric assembly. This property was also reflected in signaling as shown by increases in adenylyl cyclase coupling efficiencies. Furthermore, receptor C-tail chimeras allowed for the identification of the C-tail as a determinant for dimerization. Finally, we demonstrate that heterodimerization is subtype-selective involving ligand-induced conformational changes in hSSTR5 but not hSSTR1 and could be attributed to molecular events occurring at the C-tail. Understanding the mechanisms by which GPCRs dimerize holds promise for improvements in drug design and efficacy.     

Agonist-dependent dissociation of human somatostatin receptor 2 dimers: a role in receptor trafficking

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest and most diverse family of cell surface receptors. Several GPCRs have been documented to dimerize with resulting changes in pharmacology and signaling. We have previously reported, by means of photobleaching fluorescence resonance energy transfer (pbFRET) microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopic analysis in live cells, that human somatostatin receptor (hSSTR) 5 could both homodimerize and heterodimerize with hSSTR1 in the presence of the agonist SST-14. By contrast, hSSTR1 remained monomeric when expressed alone regardless of agonist exposure in live cells. However, the effect of the agonist on other hSSTR members remains unknown. Using pbFRET microscopy and Western blot, we provide evidence for agonist-dependent dissociation of self-associated hSSTR2 stably expressed in CHO-K1 and HEK-293 cells. Furthermore, the dissociation of the hSSTR2 dimer occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, blocking receptor dissociation using a cross-linker agent perturbed receptor trafficking. Taking these data together, we suggest that the process of GPCR dimerization may operate differently, even among members of the same family, and that receptor dissociation as well as dimerization may be important steps for receptor dynamics.     

Agonist-induced up-regulation of human somatostatin receptor type 1 is regulated by beta-arrestin-1 and requires an essential serine residue in the receptor C-tail

We have previously shown that the human somatostatin receptor type 1 (hSSTR1) does not undergo agonist-induced internalization, but is instead up-regulated at the membrane upon prolonged somatostatin (SST) exposure. The deletion of the carboxyterminal C-tail of the receptor completely abolishes up-regulation. To identify molecular signals that mediate hSSTR1 up-regulation, we created mutant receptors with progressive C-tail deletions. Up-regulation was found to be absent in mutants lacking residues Lys359-Ser360-Arg361. Moreover, point mutation of Ser360 to Ala completely abolished up-regulation. The coexpression of wild type hSSTR1 with V53D, a dominant negative mutant of beta-arrestin-1, completely blocked hSSTR1 up-regulation. Further analysis demonstrated that calcium-calmodulin (CaM) dependent kinases were essential for the SST-induced up-regulation response. Like wild type receptors, all mutants failed to internalize after agonist exposure and were able to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Taking these data together, we suggest that SST-induced hSSTR1 up-regulation is critically dependent upon a specific Lys-Ser-Arg sequence in the C-tail of the receptor, with Ser360 being essential. Up-regulation also requires the participation of CaM protein kinases and interactions with beta-arrestins. In contrast, coupling to adenyl cyclase (AC) and internalization occur independently of molecular signals in the receptor's C-tail.     

Amplification of agonist stimulation of human G-protein-coupled receptor signaling in yeast

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are considered as important targets for drug discovery. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an attractive host for high-throughput screening of agonistic ligands for human GPCRs because it can simplify the complicated signaling pathways that are present in mammalian cell lines. Unfortunately, many human GPCRs induce only partial signal activation in yeast cells depending on their coupling efficiency with yeast G-proteins. This problem often results in unsatisfactory detection sensitivity, thereby resulting in a limitation to yeast-based detection systems. Here we introduce a new highly sensitive detection method that provides robust agonist detection of human GPCRs. Our strategy is designed to invoke feedback activation of signals within yeast G-protein signaling pathways. Briefly, agonist stimulation of human GPCRs triggers expression of an artificial signal activator that amplifies signaling. We chose human somatostatin receptor subtype 5 (hSSTR5) as a model of a human GPCR. Investigation of the response of hSSTR5-expressing yeast to various concentrations of somatostatin demonstrated that feedback activation of the signal can successfully improve the detection limit and the maximum level of signaling. This novel approach will enhance the usefulness of yeast-based screening of agonistic ligands for a variety of human GPCRs.     

Agonist-induced up-regulation of human somatostatin receptor type 1 is regulated by β-arrestin-1 and requires an essential serine residue in the receptor C-tail

We have previously shown that the human somatostatin receptor type 1 (hSSTR1) does not undergo agonist-induced internalization, but is instead up-regulated at the membrane upon prolonged somatostatin (SST) exposure. The deletion of the carboxyterminal C-tail of the receptor completely abolishes up-regulation. To identify molecular signals that mediate hSSTR1 up-regulation, we created mutant receptors with progressive C-tail deletions. Up-regulation was found to be absent in mutants lacking residues Lys³⁵⁹-Ser³⁶⁰-Arg³⁶¹. Moreover, point mutation of Ser³⁶⁰ to Ala completely abolished up-regulation. The coexpression of wild type hSSTR1 with V53D, a dominant negative mutant of β-arrestin-1, completely blocked hSSTR1 up-regulation. Further analysis demonstrated that calcium-calmodulin (CaM) dependent kinases were essential for the SST-induced up-regulation response. Like wild type receptors, all mutants failed to internalize after agonist exposure and were able to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Taking these data together, we suggest that SST-induced hSSTR1 up-regulation is critically dependent upon a specific Lys-Ser-Arg sequence in the C-tail of the receptor, with Ser³⁶⁰ being essential. Up-regulation also requires the participation of CaM protein kinases and interactions with β-arrestins. In contrast, coupling to adenyl cyclase (AC) and internalization occur independently of molecular signals in the receptor's C-tail.     

Cxc chemokine receptor expression on human endothelial cells.

CXC chemokines play a important role in the process of leukocyte recruitment and activation at sites of inflammation. However, recent evidence suggests that these molecules can also regulate endothelial cell functions such as migration, angiogenesis and proliferation. In this study we have investigated CXC chemokine receptor expression in both primary cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the spontaneously transformed HUVEC cell line, ECV304. We found that both cell types express mRNA for chemokine receptors CXCR1, CXCR2 and CXCR4, but not CXCR3. Flow cytometric analysis revealed low levels of CXCR1 but higher levels of CXCR4 cell surface expression. HUVECs responded to SDF-1alpha with a rapid and robust calcium flux, however no calcium flux was seen with either IL-8 or Gro-alpha. HUVECs and ECV304 cells did not proliferate in response to CXC chemokines, although ECV304 cells did migrate towards SDF-1alpha and IL-8. These data demonstrate that HUVECs and the endothelial cell line, ECV304 express functional CXC chemokine receptors.     

Heterooligomerization of human dopamine receptor 2 and somatostatin receptor 2 Co-immunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis

Somatostatin and dopamine receptors are well expressed and co-localized in several brain regions, suggesting the possibility of functional interactions. In the present study we used a combination of pharmacological, biochemical and photobleaching fluorescence resonance energy transfer (pbFRET) to determine the functional interactions between human somatostatin receptor 2 (hSSTR2) and human dopamine receptor 2 (hD2R) in both co-transfected CHO-K1 or HEK-293 cells as well as in cultured neuronal cells which express both the receptors endogenously. In monotransfected CHO-K1 or HEK-293 cells, D2R exists as a preformed dimer which is insensitive to agonist or antagonist treatment. In control CHO-K1 cells stably co-transfected with hD2R and hSSTR2, relatively low FRET efficiency and weak expression in co-immunoprecipitate from HEK-293 cells suggest the absence of preformed heterooligomers. However, upon treatment with selective ligands, hD2R and hSSTR2 exhibit heterodimerization. Agonist-induced heterodimerization was accompanied by increased affinity for dopamine and augmented hD2R signalling as well as prolonged hSSTR2 internalization. In contrast, cultured striatal neurons display constitutive heterodimerization between D2R and SSTR2, which were agonist-independent. However, heterodimerization in neurons was completely abolished in the presence of the D2R antagonist eticlopride. These findings suggest that hD2R and hSSTR2 operate as functional heterodimers modulated by ligands in situ, which may prove to be a useful model in designing new therapeutic drugs.     

Vascular endothelial cell adhesion and spreading promoted by the peptide REDV of the IIICS region of plasma fibronectin is mediated by integrin alpha 4 beta 1.

We have recently reported the attachment and spreading of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) upon substrates containing covalently grafted Arg-Glu-Asp-Val (REDV) peptide (Hubbell, J. A., Massia, S. P., Desai, N. P., and Drumheller, P. D. (1991) Bio/Technology 9, 568-572). This peptide has been reported to be the minimal active sequence within the CS5 site of the alternatively spliced type III connecting segment (IIICS) region of fibronectin, and the integrin alpha 4 beta 1 has been identified as the receptor on melanoma cells for this site. The integrin alpha 4 beta 1 has also been identified as the receptor for the CS1 site in the IIICS region on cells of neural crest origin, melanoma cells, lymphocytes, and hematopoietic stem cells. In this study, we demonstrate that this integrin also serves as a receptor on HUVECs for the peptide REDV from the CS5 site. The alpha 4 subunit was shown to be expressed upon HUVEC membranes by whole-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antifunctional antibodies directed against integrin subunits alpha 4 and beta 1 inhibited cell adhesion on REDV-grafted substrates, but not on RGD-grafted substrates. The alpha 4 subunit localized into fibrillar structures within spread cells on the REDV-grafted substrates, but not within spread cells on RGD-grafted substrates. Two proteins (144 and 120 kDa) were isolated from HUVEC extracts by REDV ligand affinity chromatography and were demonstrated by immunoprecipitation and Western blot to be the integrin subunits alpha 4 (144 kDa) and beta 1 (120 kDa); furthermore, the immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated that the subunits formed a complex. HUVEC binding to REDV-grafted substrates was inhibited by both soluble REDV and RGD, demonstrating that adhesion was biospecific and that the REDV peptide is RGD-like. In this report we demonstrate for the first time that alpha 4 is present in the endothelial cell membrane, in contrast to previous reports by others, and that integrin alpha 4 beta 1 is the receptor for REDV-mediated adhesion to the IIICS region of region of plasma fibronectin.     

Ceramide Production Mediates Aldosterone-Induced Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC) Damages

Here, we studied the underlying mechanism of aldosterone (Aldo)-induced vascular endothelial cell damages by focusing on ceramide. We confirmed that Aldo (at nmol/L) inhibited human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) survival, and induced considerable cell apoptosis. We propose that ceramide (mainly C18) production might be responsible for Aldo-mediated damages in HUVECs. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), an anti-ceramide lipid, attenuated Aldo-induced ceramide production and following HUVEC damages. On the other hand, the glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) inhibitor PDMP or the ceramide (C6) potentiated Aldo-induced HUVEC apoptosis. Eplerenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist, almost completely blocked Aldo-induced C18 ceramide production and HUVEC damages. Molecularly, ceramide synthase 1 (CerS-1) is required for C18 ceramide production by Aldo. Knockdown of CerS-1 by targeted-shRNA inhibited Aldo-induced C18 ceramide production, and protected HUVECs from Aldo. Reversely, CerS-1 overexpression facilitated Aldo-induced C18 ceramide production, and potentiated HUVEC damages. Together, these results suggest that C18 ceramide production mediates Aldo-mediated HUVEC damages. MR and CerS-1 could be the two signaling molecule regulating C18 ceramide production by Aldo.     

The role of G-proteins in the dimerisation of human somatostatin receptor types 2 and 5

Somatostatin (SST) is a peptide hormone that acts through a family of heptahelical receptors belonging to the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. There are five known SST receptor subtypes termed SSTR1–5 and all couple to Gα_i/o G-proteins. It has been previously demonstrated that these receptors can form both homo- and heterodimers within their family or with other GPCR family members. Although agonist was demonstrated as a factor in modulating certain dimeric pairs, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying this regulation remains undetermined. Here, we demonstrate the coupling of G-protein as a contributing factor in the homo- and heterodimerisation of human (h) SSTR2 and SSTR5. When cells stably expressing hSSTR2 are pretreated with pertussis toxin (PTX), dissociation of hSSTR2 dimers occurs. Interestingly, although dimerisation of hSSTR5 was unaffected following PTX treatment, heterodimerisation between hSSTR2 and hSSTR5 is potentiated in the absence of receptor-stimulation. These results demonstrate the importance of G-protein in the maintenance and regulation of hSSTR dimers.     

Optimization of a somatostatin mimetic via constrained amino acid and backbone incorporation

Constrained analogues 5–7 of the potent and subtype selective somatostatin mimetic 1 were prepared by incorporating conformational constraints into the nine-membered heterocyclic scaffold. Each constrained peptidomimetic showed an altered activity profile relative to lead compound 1, with compound 7 exhibiting a 25-fold and 2-fold binding enhancement against somatostatin receptor subtypes sst4 and sst5, respectively.     

Interaction of the human somatostatin receptor 3 with the multiple PDZ domain protein MUPP1 enables somatostatin to control permeability of epithelial tight junctions

The presence of heterotrimeric G-proteins at epithelial tight junctions suggests that these cellular junctions are regulated by so far unknown G-protein coupled receptors. We identify here an interaction between the human somatostatin receptor 3 (hSSTR3) and the multiple PDZ protein MUPP1. MUPP1 is a tight junction scaffold protein in epithelial cells, and as a result of the interaction with MUPP1 the hSSTR3 is targeted to tight junctions. Interaction with MUPP1 enables the receptor to regulate transepithelial permeability in a pertussis toxin sensitive manner, suggesting that hSSTR3 can activate G-proteins locally at tight junctions.

Structured summary:

MINT-6800756, MINT-6800770: MUPP1 (uniprotkb:O75970) and hSSTR3 (uniprotkb:P32745) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)MINT-6800587:hSSTR3 (uniprotkb:P32745) physically interacts (MI:0218) with MUPP1 (uniprotkb:O55164) by pull down (MI:0096)MINT-6800562:hSSTR3 (uniprotkb:P32745) physically interacts (MI:0218) with MUPP1 (uniprotkb:O75970) by two hybrid (MI:0018)MINT-6800622:hSSTR3 (uniprotkb:P32745) physically interacts (MI:0218) with PIST (uniprotkb: Q9HD26), Hsp70 (uniprotkb:P08107), Maguk p55 (uniprotkb: Q8N3R9), MAGI3 (uniprotkb:Q5TCQ9), ZO-2 (uniprotkb:Q9UDY2), ZO-1 (uniprotkb:Q07157) and MUPP1 (uniprotkb:O55164) by pull down (MI:0096)MINT-6800607, MINT-6801122:hSSTR3 (uniprotkb:P32745) physically interacts (MI:0218) with MUPP1 (uniprotkb:O75970) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)     

Activation of GPR4 by acidosis increases endothelial cell adhesion through the cAMP/Epac pathway

Endothelium-leukocyte interaction is critical for inflammatory responses. Whereas the tissue microenvironments are often acidic at inflammatory sites, the mechanisms by which cells respond to acidosis are not well understood. Using molecular, cellular and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate that activation of GPR4, a proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptor, by isocapnic acidosis increases the adhesiveness of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) that express GPR4 endogenously. Acidosis in combination with GPR4 overexpression further augments HUVEC adhesion with U937 monocytes. In contrast, overexpression of a G protein signaling-defective DRY motif mutant (R115A) of GPR4 does not elicit any increase of HUVEC adhesion, indicating the requirement of G protein signaling. Downregulation of GPR4 expression by RNA interference reduces the acidosis-induced HUVEC adhesion. To delineate downstream pathways, we show that inhibition of adenylate cyclase by inhibitors, 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA) or SQ 22536, attenuates acidosis/GPR4-induced HUVEC adhesion. Consistently, treatment with a cAMP analog or a G(i) signaling inhibitor increases HUVEC adhesiveness, suggesting a role of the G(s)/cAMP signaling in this process. We further show that the cAMP downstream effector Epac is important for acidosis/GPR4-induced cell adhesion. Moreover, activation of GPR4 by acidosis increases the expression of vascular adhesion molecules E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, which are functionally involved in acidosis/GPR4-mediated HUVEC adhesion. Similarly, hypercapnic acidosis can also activate GPR4 to stimulate HUVEC adhesion molecule expression and adhesiveness. These results suggest that acidosis/GPR4 signaling regulates endothelial cell adhesion mainly through the G(s)/cAMP/Epac pathway and may play a role in the inflammatory response of vascular endothelial cells.     

The therapeutic problem of proliferative diabetic retinopathy: targeting somatostatin receptors.

Clinical management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy has changed very little in the last 5 decades, relying primarily on laser ablation of the retinal vasculature. Several lines of clinical and experimental evidence suggest that somatostatin analogues may be efficacious in inhibiting neovascularization associated with proliferative retinopathy but the mechanism of action for these compounds is unclear. Inhibition of growth hormone secretion and the subsequent suppression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) production by somatostatin has been suggested as the mechanism of action, however, in vitro studies suggest that somatostatin analogues suppress endothelial cell growth through a direct, somatostatin receptor-mediated inhibition of pro-survival signaling pathways. The advent of a new generation of modified peptide and peptidomimetic somatostatin analogues has allowed investigators to more carefully define the receptor subtypes responsible for somatostatin-induced endothelial cell death and may eventually lead to the clinical development of somatostatin analogues that can reduce endothelial cell proliferation, independent of suppression of circulating hormone levels.     

Telomere attrition and accumulation of senescent cells in cultured human endothelial cells

The human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) is an important model of the human endothelium that is widely used in vascular research. HUVECs and the adult endothelium share many characteristics including progression into senescence as the cells age. Despite this, the shortening of telomeres and its relationship to the progression into senescence are poorly defined in HUVECs. In this study of several HUVEC lines we show notable consistency in their growth curves. There is a steady decline in the growth rate of HUVECs grown continually in culture and we estimate complete cessation of growth after approximately 70 population doublings. The HUVECs lose telomeric DNA at a consistent rate of 90 base pairs/population doubling and show a progressive accumulation of shortened telomeres (below 5 kilobases). This telomeric loss correlates with the accumulation of senescent HUVECs in culture as assessed by staining for beta-galactosidase activity at pH 6. Although the telomere length of a large population of cells is a relatively crude measure, we suggest that in HUVECs a mean telomere length (as measured by terminal restriction fragment length) of 5 kilobases is associated with entry into senescence. These data demonstrate the strong relationship between telomere attrition and cell senescence in HUVECs. They suggest that DNA damage and subsequent telomere attrition are likely to be key mechanisms driving the development of endothelial senescence in the pathogenesis of vascular disease.     

Caution regarding the combined effects of extracellular matrices and nutrient media on cultured endothelial cells

To study the influence of smooth muscle cells (SMC) on endothelial cells (EC), different co-culture designs are available, including EC seeding on SMC extracellular matrix (ECM). We explored human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesion and proliferation on either in situ or coated ECM, elaborated by HUVECs or human arterial smooth muscle cells (HUASMCs), in the presence of different nutrient media containing varying amounts of fetal calf serum. Coating wells with HUVEC or HUASMC ECMs did not improve HUVEC adhesion 1 h after cell seeding, compared with uncoated wells. HUVEC adhesion on in situ HUVEC-ECM and HUASMC-ECM was significantly increased compared with uncoated wells. The substratum upon which cells are maintained was found to play a crucial role, in conjunction with the medium to which HUVECs are exposed for their proliferative response. These results stress the importance of selecting media in relation to the particular substratum, in order to avoid misinterpretation of data.     

Colon cancer cell adhesion to endothelial E-selectin inhibits detachment of endothelial cells through activation of beta(1)-integrin

Previous studies have implicated a role for E-selectin in carcinoma cell adhesion to vascular endothelium. We examined the role of colon cancer cell adhesion to vascular endothelium via E-selectin using adenoviral vector-mediated transfection in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We found that the amount of HUVEC detachment from the gelatin matrix 24 h after LS-180 cell adhesion was inhibited only when the HUVECs were transduced with wild-type E-selectin, but not with a cytoplasmic domain truncated mutant E-selectin or the control Lac-Z vector. We also found that the adhesion of LS-180 cells to wild-type E-selectin transduced HUVEC-induced activation of beta(1)-integrin receptors without affecting MMP activity. These results indicate that colon cancer cell adhesion via E-selectin inhibits HUVEC detachment from the monolayer, at least in part by modulating beta(1)-integrin activity in HUVECs. In addition, they indicate the importance of the cytoplasmic domain of E-selectin with this phenomenon.     

Neuropilin-1-mediated vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor-dependent endothelial cell migration

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) has been found to be expressed by endothelial cells and tumor cells as an isoform-specific receptor for vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Previous studies were mainly focused on the extracellular domain of NRP-1 that can bind to VEGF165 and, thus, enables NRP-1 to act as a co-receptor for VEGF165, which enhances its binding to VEGFR-2 and its bioactivity. However, the exact functional roles and related signaling mechanisms of NRP-1 in angiogenesis are not well understood. In this study we constructed a chimeric receptor, EGNP-1, by fusing the extracellular domain of epidermal growth factor receptor to the transmembrane and intracellular domains of NRP-1 and transduced it into HUVECs with a retroviral expression vector. We observed that NRP-1/EGNP-1 mediates ligand-stimulated migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) but not proliferation. Our results show that NRP-1 alone can mediate HUVEC migration through its intracellular domain, and its C-terminal three amino acids (SEA-COOH) are essential for the process. We demonstrate that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor Ly294002 and the p85 dominant negative mutant can block NRP-1-mediated HUVEC migration. NRP-1-mediated migration can be significantly reduced by overexpression of the dominant negative mutant of RhoA (RhoA-19N). In addition, Gq family proteins and Gbetagamma subunits are also required for NRP-1-mediated HUVEC migration. These results show for the first time that NRP-1 can independently promote cell signaling in endothelial cells and also demonstrate the importance of last three amino acids of NRP-1 for its function.