Mechanisms and consequences of myeloid adhesome dysfunction in atherogenesis.

AIMS: In the context of atherosclerosis, macrophages exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) exhibit cellular abnormalities, specifically in adhesome functions, yet the mechanisms and implications of these adhesive dysfunctions remain largely unexplored. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study reveals a significant depletion of Kindlin3 (K3) or Fermt3, an essential component of the adhesome regulating integrin functions, in macrophages located within atherosclerotic plaques in vivo and following oxLDL exposure in vitro. To examine the effects of K3 deficiency, the study utilized hyperlipidemic bone marrow chimeras devoid of myeloid Kindlin3 expression. Absence of myeloid K3 increased atherosclerotic plaque burden in the aortas in vivo and enhanced lipid accumulation and lipoprotein uptake in macrophages from Kindlin3-null chimeric mice in vitro. Importantly, re-expression of K3 in macrophages ameliorated these abnormalities.RNA sequencing of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) from K3-deficient mice revealed extensive deregulation in adhesion-related pathways, echoing changes observed in wild-type cells treated with oxLDL. Notably, there was an increase in Olr1 expression (encoding the Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 or LOX1), a gene implicated in atherogenesis. The disrupted K3-integrin axis in macrophages led to a significant elevation in the LOX1 receptor, contributing to increased oxLDL uptake and foam cell formation. Inhibition of LOX1 normalized lipid uptake in Kindlin3 null macrophages. A similar proatherogenic phenotype, marked by increased macrophage LOX1 expression and foam cell formation, was observed in myeloid-specific Itgß1-deficient mice but not in Itgß2-deficient mice, underscoring the critical role of K3/Itgß1 interaction. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the loss of Kindlin3 in macrophages upon exposure to oxLDL leads to adhesome dysfunction in atherosclerosis and reveals the pivotal role of Kindlin3 in macrophage function and its contribution to the progression of atherosclerosis, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms that could be targeted for therapeutic interventions.

Mechanism of Tumor-Platelet Communications in Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Thrombosis is one of the main complications in cancer patients often leading to mortality. However, the mechanisms underlying platelet hyperactivation are poorly understood. METHODS: Murine and human platelets were isolated and treated with small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from various cancer cell lines. The effects of these cancer-sEVs on platelets were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using various approaches, including the detection of cancer-sEV-specific markers in murine platelets and patient samples, measurement of platelet activation and thrombosis assays. Signaling events induced by cancer-sEVs and leading to platelet activation were identified, and the use of blocking antibodies to prevent thrombosis was demonstrated. RESULTS: We demonstrate that platelets very effectively take up sEVs from aggressive cancer cells. The process of uptake is fast, proceeds effectively in circulation in mice, and is mediated by the abundant sEV membrane protein-CD63. The uptake of cancer-sEVs leads to the accumulation of cancer cell-specific RNA in platelets in vitro and in vivo. The human prostate cancer-sEV-specific RNA marker PCA3 is detected in platelets of ~70% of prostate cancer patients. This was markedly reduced after prostatectomy. In vitro studies showed that platelet uptake of cancer-sEVs induces strong platelet activation in a CD63-RPTPα (receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha)-dependent manner. In contrast to physiological agonists ADP and thrombin, cancer-sEVs activate platelets via a noncanonical mechanism. Intravital studies demonstrated accelerated thrombosis both in murine tumor models and in mice that received intravenous injections of cancer-sEVs. The prothrombotic effects of cancer-sEVs were rescued by blocking CD63. CONCLUSIONS: Tumors communicate with platelets by means of sEVs, which deliver cancer markers and activate platelets in a CD63-dependent manner leading to thrombosis. This emphasizes the diagnostic and prognostic value of platelet-associated cancer markers and identifies new pathways for intervention.

Opposite roles of Kindlin orthologs in cell survival and proliferation.

OBJECTIVE: It is unclear why adhesion-dependent cells such as epithelium undergo anoikis without anchorage, while adhesion-independent blood cells thrive in suspension. The adhesive machinery of these cells is similar, with the exception of Kindlin orthologs, Kindlin 2 (K2) and Kindlin 3 (K3). Here we address how Kindlins control cell survival and proliferation in anchorage-dependent and independent cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To demonstrate the opposite roles of Kindlin's in cell survival we utilized in vivo and in vitro models and K3 and K2 knockdown and knockin cells. We used human lymphocytes from the K3 deficient patients in tumour model, K3 knockout and knockin macrophages and K2 knockout and knockin MEF cells for experiments in under conditions of adhesion and in suspension. RESULTS: Depletion of K3 promotes cell proliferation and survival of anchorage-independent cells regardless of cell attachment. In contrast, the absence of K2 in anchorage-dependent cells accelerates apoptosis and limits proliferation. K3 deficiency promotes human lymphoma growth and survival in vivo. Kindlins' interaction with paxillin, is critical for their differential roles in cell anchorage. While disruption of K2-paxillin binding leads to increased apoptosis, the lack of K3-paxillin binding has an opposite effect in adhesion-independent cells. CONCLUSION: Kindlin ortologs and their interaction to cytoskeletal protein paxillin define the mechanisms of anchorage dependence. Our study identifies the key elements of the cell adhesion machinery in cell survival and tumour metastasis, proposing possible targets for tumour treatment.

Progressive skeletal defects caused by Kindlin3 deficiency, a model of autosomal recessive osteopetrosis in humans.

The cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone development and homeostasis are clinically important, but not fully understood. Mutations in integrins and Kindlin3 in humans known as Leukocyte adhesion deficiencies (LAD) cause a wide spectrum of complications, including osteopetrosis. Yet, the rarity, frequent misdiagnosis, and lethality of LAD preclude mechanistic analysis of skeletal abnormalities in these patients. Here, using inducible and constitutive tissue-specific Kindlin3 knockout (K3KO) mice, we show that the constitutive lack of embryonic-Kindlin3 in myeloid lineage cells causes growth retardation, edentulism, and skull deformity indicative of hydrocephaly. Micro-CT analysis revealed craniosynostosis, choanal stenosis, and micrognathia along with other skeletal abnormalities characteristic of osteopetrosis. A marked progression of osteosclerosis occurs in mature to middle-aged adults, resulting in the narrowing of cranial nerve foramina and bone marrow cavities of long bones. However, postnatal-Kindlin3 is less critical for bone remodeling and architecture. Thus, myeloid Kindlin3 is essential for skeletal development and its deficiency leads to autosomal recessive osteopetrosis (ARO). The study will aid in the diagnosis, management, and treatment choices for patients with LAD-III and ARO.

Inflammation-dependent oxidative stress metabolites as a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, with poor prognosis and no cure. Substantial evidence implicates inflammation and associated oxidative stress as a potential mechanism for ALS, especially in patients carrying the SOD1 mutation and, therefore, lacking anti-oxidant defense. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidation due to the abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can give rise to several oxidized metabolites. Accumulation of a DHA peroxidation product, CarboxyEthylPyrrole (CEP) is dependent on activated inflammatory cells and myeloperoxidase (MPO), and thus marks areas of inflammation-associated oxidative stress. At the same time, generation of an alternative inactive DHA peroxidation product, ethylpyrrole, does not require cell activation and MPO activity. While absent in normal brain tissues, CEP is accumulated in the central nervous system (CNS) of ALS patients, reaching particularly high levels in individuals carrying a SOD1 mutation. ALS brains are characterized by high levels of MPO and lowered anti-oxidant activity (due to the SOD1 mutation), thereby aiding CEP generation and accumulation. Due to DHA oxidation within the membranes, CEP marks cells with the highest oxidative damage. In all ALS cases CEP is present in nearly all astrocytes and microglia, however, only in individuals carrying a SOD1 mutation CEP marks >90% of neurons, thereby emphasizing an importance of CEP accumulation as a potential hallmark of oxidative damage in neurodegenerative diseases.

Kindlin3 regulates biophysical properties and mechanics of membrane to cortex attachment.

Kindlin3 (K3), a FERM domain containing protein expressed in hematopoietic cells controls integrin activation and thus hemostatic and inflammatory responses. However, its role in the mechanics of plasma membrane remains unclear. Here, we show that genetic knockout of K3 in microglia and macrophages resulted in defective plasma membrane tension and membrane blebbing. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) of K3-deficient cells revealed a significant loss in membrane-to-cortex attachment (MCA), and consequently reduced membrane tension. This loss in MCA is amplified by the mislocalization of the cell cortex proteins-ezrin, radixin, and moesin (ERM)-to the plasma membrane of microglia and macrophages. Re-expression of K3 in K3-deficient macrophages rescued the defects and localization of ERMs implying a key role for K3 in MCA. Analysis of two K3 mutants, K3int affecting integrin binding and activation, and K3pxn/act disrupting binding to paxillin and actin but not integrin functions, demonstrated that the role of K3 in membrane mechanics is separate from integrin activation. The K3pxn/act mutant substantially diminished both membrane tension and Yes-associated protein (YAP) translocation to the nucleus, while preserving integrin activation, cell spreading, and migration. Together, our results show that K3 coordinates membrane mechanics, ERM protein recruitment to the membrane, and YAP translocation by linking integrin at the membrane to paxillin and actin of the cytoskeleton. This novel function of K3 is distinct from its role in integrin activation.

Macrophage Migration and Phagocytosis Are Controlled by Kindlin-3's Link to the Cytoskeleton.

Major myeloid cell functions from adhesion to migration and phagocytosis are mediated by integrin adhesion complexes, also known as adhesome. The presence of a direct integrin binding partner Kindlin-3 is crucial for these functions, and its lack causes severe immunodeficiency in humans. However, how Kindlin-3 is incorporated into the adhesome and how its function is regulated is poorly understood. In this study, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we show that Kindlin-3 directly interacts with paxillin (PXN) and leupaxin (LPXN) via G43/L47 within its F0 domain. Surprisingly, disruption of Kindlin-3-PXN/LPXN interactions in Raw 264.7 macrophages promoted cell spreading and polarization, resulting in upregulation of both general cell motility and directed cell migration, which is in a drastic contrast to the consequences of Kindlin-3 knockout. Moreover, disruption of Kindlin-3-PXN/LPXN binding promoted the transition from mesenchymal to amoeboid mode of movement as well as augmented phagocytosis. Thus, these novel links between Kindlin-3 and key adhesome members PXN/LPXN limit myeloid cell motility and phagocytosis, thereby providing an important immune regulatory mechanism.

Microglia control vascular architecture via a TGFß1 dependent paracrine mechanism linked to tissue mechanics.

Tissue microarchitecture and mechanics are important in development and pathologies of the Central Nervous System (CNS); however, their coordinating mechanisms are unclear. Here, we report that during colonization of the retina, microglia contacts the deep layer of high stiffness, which coincides with microglial bipolarization, reduction in TGFß1 signaling and termination of vascular growth. Likewise, stiff substrates induce microglial bipolarization and diminish TGFß1 expression in hydrogels. Both microglial bipolarization in vivo and the responses to stiff substrates in vitro require intracellular adaptor Kindlin3 but not microglial integrins. Lack of Kindlin3 causes high microglial contractility, dysregulation of ERK signaling, excessive TGFß1 expression and abnormally-patterned vasculature with severe malformations in the area of photoreceptors. Both excessive TGFß1 signaling and vascular defects caused by Kindlin3-deficient microglia are rescued by either microglial depletion or microglial knockout of TGFß1 in vivo. This mechanism underlies an interplay between microglia, vascular patterning and tissue mechanics within the CNS.

The protein phosphatase isoform PP1γ1 substitutes for PP1γ2 to support spermatogenesis but not normal sperm function and fertility†.

Four isoforms of serine/threonine phosphatase type I, PP1α, PP1ß, PP1γ1, and PP1γ2, are derived from three genes. The PP1γ1 and PP1γ2 isoforms are alternately spliced transcripts of the protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit gamma gene (Ppp1cc). While PP1γ1 is ubiquitous in somatic cells, PP1γ2 is expressed exclusively in testicular germ cells and sperm. Ppp1cc knockout male mice (-/-), lacking both PP1γ1 and PP1γ2, are sterile due to impaired sperm morphogenesis. Fertility and normal sperm function can be restored by transgenic expression of PP1γ2 alone in testis of Ppp1cc (-/-) mice. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the PP1γ1 isoform is functionally equivalent to PP1γ2 in supporting spermatogenesis and male fertility. Significant levels of transgenic PP1γ1 expression occurred only when the transgene lacked a 1-kb 3΄UTR region immediately following the stop codon of the PP1γ1 transcript. PP1γ1 was also incorporated into sperm at levels comparable to PP1γ2 in sperm from wild-type mice. Spermatogenesis was restored in mice expressing PP1γ1 in the absence of PP1γ2. However, males from the transgenic rescue lines were subfertile. Sperm from the PP1γ1 rescue mice were unable to fertilize eggs in vitro. Intrasperm localization of PP1γ1 and the association of the protein regulators of the phosphatase were altered in epididymal sperm in transgenic PP1γ1 compared to PP1γ2. Thus, the ubiquitous isoform PP1γ1, not normally expressed in differentiating germ cells, could replace PP1γ2 to support spermatogenesis and spermiation. However, PP1γ2, which is the PP1 isoform in mammalian sperm, has an isoform-specific role in supporting normal sperm function and fertility.

ß3 phosphorylation of platelet αIIbß3 is crucial for stability of arterial thrombus and microparticle formation in vivo.

BACKGROUND: It is well accepted that functional activity of platelet integrin αIIbß3 is crucial for hemostasis and thrombosis. The ß3 subunit of the complex undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation shown to be critical for outside-in integrin signaling and platelet clot retraction ex vivo. However, the role of this important signaling event in other aspects of prothrombotic platelet function is unknown. METHOD: Here, we assess the role of ß3 tyrosine phosphorylation in platelet function regulation with a knock-in mouse strain, where two ß3 cytoplasmic tyrosines are mutated to phenylalanine (DiYF). We employed platelet transfusion technique and intravital microscopy for observing the cellular events involved in specific steps of thrombus growth to investigate in detail the role of ß3 tyrosine phosphorylation in arterial thrombosis in vivo. RESULTS: Upon injury, DiYF mice exhibited delayed arterial occlusion and unstable thrombus formation. The mean thrombus volume in DiYF mice formed on collagen was only 50% of that in WT. This effect was attributed to DiYF platelets but not to other blood cells and endothelium, which also carry these mutations. Transfusion of isolated DiYF but not WT platelets into irradiated WT mice resulted in reversal of the thrombotic phenotype and significantly prolonged blood vessel occlusion times. DiYF platelets exhibited reduced adhesion to collagen under in vitro shear conditions compared to WT platelets. Decreased platelet microparticle release after activation, both in vitro and in vivo, were observed in DiYF mice compared to WT mice. CONCLUSION: ß3 tyrosine phosphorylation of platelet αIIbß3 regulates both platelet pro-thrombotic activity and the formation of a stable platelet thrombus, as well as arterial microparticle release.

Integrin-Kindlin3 requirements for microglial motility in vivo are distinct from those for macrophages.

Microglia play a critical role in the development and homeostasis of the CNS. While mobilization of microglia is critical for a number of pathologies, understanding of the mechanisms of their migration in vivo is limited and often based on similarities to macrophages. Kindlin3 deficiency as well as Kindlin3 mutations of integrin-binding sites abolish both integrin inside-out and outside-in signaling in microglia, thereby resulting in severe deficiencies in cell adhesion, polarization, and migration in vitro, which are similar to the defects observed in macrophages. In contrast, while Kindlin3 mutations impaired macrophage mobilization in vivo, they had no effect either on the population of microglia in the CNS during development or on mobilization of microglia and subsequent microgliosis in a model of multiple sclerosis. At the same time, acute microglial response to laser-induced injury was impaired by the lack of Kindlin3-integrin interactions. Based on 2-photon imaging of microglia in the brain, Kindlin3 is required for elongation of microglial processes toward the injury site and formation of phagosomes in response to brain injury. Thus, while Kindlin3 deficiency in human subjects is not expected to diminish the presence of microglia within CNS, it might delay the recovery process after injury, thereby exacerbating its complications.

Changes in Carboxy Methylation and Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Protein Phosphatase PP2A Are Associated with Epididymal Sperm Maturation and Motility.

Mammalian sperm contain the serine/threonine phosphatases PP1γ2 and PP2A. The role of sperm PP1γ2 is relatively well studied. Here we confirm the presence of PP2A in sperm and show that it undergoes marked changes in methylation (leucine 309), tyrosine phosphorylation (tyrosine 307) and catalytic activity during epididymal sperm maturation. Spermatozoa isolated from proximal caput, distal caput and caudal regions of the epididymis contain equal immuno-reactive amounts of PP2A. Using demethyl sensitive antibodies we show that PP2A is methylated at its carboxy terminus in sperm from the distal caput and caudal regions but not in sperm from the proximal caput region of the epididymis. The methylation status of PP2A was confirmed by isolation of PP2A with microcystin agarose followed by alkali treatment, which causes hydrolysis of protein carboxy methyl esters. Tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm PP2A varied inversely with methylation. That is, PP2A was tyrosine phosphorylated when it was demethylated but not when methylated. PP2A demethylation and its reciprocal tyrosine phosphorylation were also affected by treatment of sperm with L-homocysteine and adenosine, which are known to elevate intracellular S-adenosylhomocysteine, a feedback inhibitor of methyltransferases. Catalytic activity of PP2A declined during epididymal sperm maturation. Inhibition of PP2A by okadaic acid or by incubation of caudal epididymal spermatozoa with L-homocysteine and adenosine resulted in increase of sperm motility parameters including percent motility, velocity, and lateral head amplitude. Demethylation or pharmacological inhibition of PP2A also leads to an increase in phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). Our results show for the first time that changes in PP2A activity due to methylation and tyrosine phosphorylation occur in sperm and that these changes may play an important role in the regulation of sperm function.

Targeted disruption of glycogen synthase kinase 3A (GSK3A) in mice affects sperm motility resulting in male infertility.

The signaling enzyme glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) exists as two isoforms-GSK3A and GSK3B. Protein phosphorylation by GSK3 has important signaling roles in several cells. In our past work, we found that both isoforms of GSK3 are present in mouse sperm and that catalytic GSK3 activity correlates with motility of sperm from several species. Here, we examined the role of Gsk3a in male fertility using a targeted gene knockout (KO) approach. The mutant mice are viable, but have a male infertility phenotype, while female fertility is unaffected. Testis weights of Gsk3a(-/-) mice are normal and sperm are produced in normal numbers. Although spermatogenesis is apparently unimpaired, sperm motility parameters in vitro are impaired. In addition, the flagellar waveform appears abnormal, characterized by low amplitude of flagellar beat. Sperm ATP levels were lower in Gsk3a(-/-) mice compared to wild-type animals. Protein phosphatase PP1 gamma2 protein levels were unaltered, but its catalytic activity was elevated in KO sperm. Remarkably, tyrosine phosphorylation of hexokinase and capacitation-associated changes in tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins are absent or significantly lower in Gsk3a(-/-) sperm. The GSK3B isoform was present and unaltered in testis and sperm of Gsk3a(-/-) mice, showing the inability of GSK3B to substitute for GSK3A in this context. Our studies show that sperm GSK3A is essential for male fertility. In addition, the GSK3A isoform, with its highly conserved glycine-rich N terminus in mammals, may have an isoform-specific role in its requirement for normal sperm motility and fertility.

Loss of R2D2 proteins ROPN1 and ROPN1L causes defects in murine sperm motility, phosphorylation, and fibrous sheath integrity.

The fibrous sheath (FS) is a flagellar cytoskeletal structure unique to sperm that surrounds the outer dense fibers and axoneme. Its primary components are A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) 3 and 4, which suggests that the FS affects flagellar beating via the scaffolding of signaling pathways necessary for motility. Sperm proteins ROPN1 and ROPN1L bind AKAP3. To determine the role of ROPN1 and ROPN1L in sperm function, we created mice deficient in ROPN1 (RKO), mice deficient in ROPN1L (RLKO), and double knockout mice (DKO). All three strains of mice had normal testicular morphology and spermatogenesis. Only the DKOs had obvious defects in sperm morphology (thinning and shredding of the principal piece), which was accompanied by a reduction in AKAP3 levels. RLKO mice had slightly reduced sperm motility and increased levels of ROPN1. RKO mice had moderately impaired motility and increased levels of ROPN1L. DKO sperm were immotile. We have previously determined that RKO male mice are subfertile, and DKO males are infertile. Together these data indicate that ROPN1L and ROPN1 compensate for each other in the absence of the opposing protein, possibly to maintain AKAP3 incorporation in the FS. Sperm from mice lacking ROPN1L exhibited reductions in both cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylation of a 270-kDa protein (perhaps FSCB), and in capacitation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Sperm from mice lacking ROPN1 had reduced levels of FSCB and increased tyrosine phosphorylation of noncapacitated sperm. These data demonstrate that mutations in ROPN1 and ROPN1L can cause defects in FS integrity, sperm motility, and PKA-dependent signaling processes, leading to male infertility.