Superposition of Substrate Deformation Fields Induced by Molecular Clutches Explains Cell Spatial Sensing of Ligands.

Cells can sense the physical properties of the extracellular matrices (ECMs), such as stiffness and ligand density, through cell adhesions to actively regulate their behaviors. Recent studies have shown that varying ligand spacing of ECMs can influence adhesion size, cell spreading, and even stem cell differentiation, indicating that cells have the spatial sensing ability of ECM ligands. However, the mechanism of the cells' spatial sensing remains unclear. In this study, we have developed a lattice-spring motor-clutch model by integrating cell membrane deformation, the talin unfolding mechanism, and the lattice spring for substrate ligand distribution to explore how the spatial distribution of integrin ligands and substrate stiffness influence cell spreading and adhesion dynamics. By applying the Gillespie algorithm, we found that large ligand spacing reduces the superposition effect of the substrate's displacement fields generated by pulling force from motor-clutch units, increasing the effective stiffness probed by the force-sensitive receptors; this finding explains a series of previous experiments. Furthermore, using the mean-field theory, we obtain the effective stiffness sensed by bound clutches analytically; our analysis shows that the bound clutch number and ligand spacing are the two key factors that affect the superposition effects of deformation fields and, hence, the effective stiffness. Overall, our study reveals the mechanism of cells' spatial sensing, i.e., ligand spacing changes the effective stiffness sensed by cells due to the superposition effect of deformation fields, which provides a physical clue for designing and developing biological materials that effectively control cell behavior and function.

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal how vinculin refolds partially unfolded talin rod helices to stabilize them against mechanical force.

Vinculin binds to specific sites of mechanically unfolded talin rod domains to reinforce the coupling of the cell's exterior to its force generation machinery. Force-dependent vinculin-talin complexation and dissociation was previously observed as contraction or extension of the unfolded talin domains respectively using magnetic tweezers. However, the structural mechanism underlying vinculin recognition of unfolded vinculin binding sites (VBSs) in talin remains unknown. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that a VBS dynamically refolds under force, and that vinculin can recognize and bind to partially unfolded VBS states. Vinculin binding enables refolding of the mechanically strained VBS and stabilizes its folded α-helical conformation, providing resistance against mechanical stress. Together, these results provide an understanding of a recognition mechanism of proteins unfolded by force and insight into the initial moments of how vinculin binds unfolded talin rod domains during the assembly of this mechanosensing meshwork.

Cellular stiffness sensing through talin 1 in tissue mechanical homeostasis.

Tissue mechanical properties are determined mainly by the extracellular matrix (ECM) and actively maintained by resident cells. Despite its broad importance to biology and medicine, tissue mechanical homeostasis remains poorly understood. To explore cell-mediated control of tissue stiffness, we developed mutations in the mechanosensitive protein talin 1 to alter cellular sensing of ECM. Mutation of a mechanosensitive site between talin 1 rod-domain helix bundles R1 and R2 increased cell spreading and tension exertion on compliant substrates. These mutations promote binding of the ARP2/3 complex subunit ARPC5L, which mediates the change in substrate stiffness sensing. Ascending aortas from mice bearing these mutations showed less fibrillar collagen, reduced axial stiffness, and lower rupture pressure. Together, these results demonstrate that cellular stiffness sensing contributes to ECM mechanics, directly supporting the mechanical homeostasis hypothesis and identifying a mechanosensitive interaction within talin that contributes to this mechanism.

Ca2+ transients on the T cell surface trigger rapid integrin activation in a timescale of seconds.

One question in lymphocyte homing is how integrins are rapidly activated to enable immediate arrest of fast rolling lymphocytes upon encountering chemokines at target vascular beds given the slow chemokine-induced integrin inside-out activation. Herein we demonstrate that chemokine CCL25-triggered Ca2+ influx induces T cell membrane-proximal external Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]ex) drop in 6 s from physiological concentration 1.2 mM to 0.3 mM, a critical extracellular Ca2+ threshold for inducing αLß2 activation, triggering rapid αLß2 activation and T cell arrest before occurrence of αLß2 inside-out activation. Talin knockdown inhibits the slow inside-out activation of αLß2 but not [Ca2+]ex drop-triggered αLß2 quick activation. Blocking Ca2+ influx significantly suppresses T cell rolling-to-arrest transition and homing to skin lesions in a mouse psoriasis model, thus alleviating skin inflammation. [Ca2+]ex decrease-triggered rapid integrin activation bridges the gap between initial chemokine stimulation and slow integrin inside-out activation, ensuring immediate lymphocyte arrest and subsequent diapedesis on the right location.

TLNRD1 is a CCM complex component and regulates endothelial barrier integrity.

We previously identified talin rod domain-containing protein 1 (TLNRD1) as a potent actin-bundling protein in vitro. Here, we report that TLNRD1 is expressed in the vasculature in vivo. Its depletion leads to vascular abnormalities in vivo and modulation of endothelial cell monolayer integrity in vitro. We demonstrate that TLNRD1 is a component of the cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) complex through its direct interaction with CCM2, which is mediated by a hydrophobic C-terminal helix in CCM2 that attaches to a hydrophobic groove on the four-helix domain of TLNRD1. Disruption of this binding interface leads to CCM2 and TLNRD1 accumulation in the nucleus and actin fibers. Our findings indicate that CCM2 controls TLNRD1 localization to the cytoplasm and inhibits its actin-bundling activity and that the CCM2-TLNRD1 interaction impacts endothelial actin stress fiber and focal adhesion formation. Based on these results, we propose a new pathway by which the CCM complex modulates the actin cytoskeleton and vascular integrity.

Integrin activating molecule-talin1 promotes skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.

Background: Integrin-dependent cell adhesion and migration play important roles in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The roles of integrin activating molecules including talins and kindlins, however, are unclear in SSc. Objectives: We aimed to explore the function of integrin activating molecules in SSc. Methods: Transcriptome analysis of skin datasets of SSc patients was performed to explore the function of integrin-activating molecules including talin1, talin2, kindlin1, kindlin2 and kindlin3 in SSc. Expression of talin1 in skin tissue was assessed by multiplex immunohistochemistry staining. Levels of talin1 in serum were determined by ELISA. The effects of talin1 inhibition were analyzed in human dermal fibroblasts by real-time PCR, western blot and flow cytometry. Results: We identified that talin1 appeared to be the primary integrin activating molecule involved in skin fibrosis of SSc. Talin1 was significantly upregulated and positively correlates with the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (mRSS) and the expression of pro-fibrotic biomarkers in the skin lesions of SSc patients. Further analyses revealed that talin1 is predominantly expressed in the dermal fibroblasts of SSc skin and promotes fibroblast activation and collagen production. Additionally, talin1 primarily exerts its effects through integrin ß1 and ß5 in SSc. Conclusions: Overexpressed talin1 is participated in skin fibrosis of SSc, and talin1 appears to be a potential new therapeutic target for SSc.

Membrane-induced 2D phase separation of the focal adhesion protein talin.

Focal adhesions form liquid-like assemblies around activated integrin receptors at the plasma membrane. How they achieve their flexible properties is not well understood. Here, we use recombinant focal adhesion proteins to reconstitute the core structural machinery in vitro. We observe liquid-liquid phase separation of the core focal adhesion proteins talin and vinculin for a spectrum of conditions and interaction partners. Intriguingly, we show that binding to PI(4,5)P2-containing membranes triggers phase separation of these proteins on the membrane surface, which in turn induces the enrichment of integrin in the clusters. We suggest a mechanism by which 2-dimensional biomolecular condensates assemble on membranes from soluble proteins in the cytoplasm: lipid-binding triggers protein activation and thus, liquid-liquid phase separation of these membrane-bound proteins. This could explain how early focal adhesions maintain a structured and force-resistant organization into the cytoplasm, while still being highly dynamic and able to quickly assemble and disassemble.

Deletion of Talin1 in Myeloid Cells Facilitates Atherosclerosis in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Integrin-regulated monocyte recruitment and cellular responses of monocyte-derived macrophages are critical for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In the canonical model, talin1 controls ligand binding to integrins, a prerequisite for integrins to mediate leukocyte recruitment and induce immune responses. However, the role of talin1 in the development of atherosclerosis has not been studied. Our study investigated how talin1 in myeloid cells regulates the progression of atherosclerosis. METHODS: On an Apoe-/- background, myeloid talin1-deficient mice and the control mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 8 or 12 weeks to induce atherosclerosis. The atherosclerosis development in the aorta and monocyte recruitment into atherosclerotic lesions were analyzed. RESULTS: Myeloid talin1 deletion facilitated the formation of atherosclerotic lesions and macrophage deposition in lesions. Talin1 deletion abolished integrin ß2-mediated adhesion of monocytes but did not impair integrin α4ß1-dependent cell adhesion in a flow adhesion assay. Strikingly, talin1 deletion did not prevent Mn2+- or chemokine-induced activation of integrin α4ß1 to the high-affinity state for ligands. In an in vivo competitive homing assay, monocyte infiltration into inflamed tissues was prohibited by antibodies to integrin α4ß1 but was not affected by talin1 deletion or antibodies to integrin ß2. Furthermore, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) analysis showed that macrophages produced cytokines to promote inflammation and the proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Ligand binding to integrin ß3 inhibited cytokine generation in macrophages, although talin1 deletion abolished the negative effects of integrin ß3. CONCLUSIONS: Integrin α4ß1 controls monocyte recruitment during atherosclerosis. Talin1 is dispensable for integrin α4ß1 activation to the high-affinity state and integrin α4ß1-mediated monocyte recruitment. Yet, talin1 is required for integrin ß3 to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Thus, intact monocyte recruitment and elevated inflammatory responses cause enhanced atherosclerosis in talin1-deficient mice. Our study provides novel insights into the roles of myeloid talin1 and integrins in the progression of atherosclerosis.

T cells use focal adhesions to pull themselves through confined environments.

Immune cells are highly dynamic and able to migrate through environments with diverse biochemical and mechanical compositions. Their migration has classically been defined as amoeboid under the assumption that it is integrin independent. Here, we show that activated primary Th1 T cells require both confinement and extracellular matrix proteins to migrate efficiently. This migration is mediated through small and dynamic focal adhesions that are composed of the same proteins associated with canonical mesenchymal cell focal adhesions, such as integrins, talin, and vinculin. These focal adhesions, furthermore, localize to sites of contractile traction stresses, enabling T cells to pull themselves through confined spaces. Finally, we show that Th1 T cells preferentially follow tracks of other T cells, suggesting that these adhesions modify the extracellular matrix to provide additional environmental guidance cues. These results demonstrate not only that the boundaries between amoeboid and mesenchymal migration modes are ambiguous, but that integrin-mediated focal adhesions play a key role in T cell motility.

Focal adhesions are controlled by microtubules through local contractility regulation.

Microtubules regulate cell polarity and migration via local activation of focal adhesion turnover, but the mechanism of this process is insufficiently understood. Molecular complexes containing KANK family proteins connect microtubules with talin, the major component of focal adhesions. Here, local optogenetic activation of KANK1-mediated microtubule/talin linkage promoted microtubule targeting to an individual focal adhesion and subsequent withdrawal, resulting in focal adhesion centripetal sliding and rapid disassembly. This sliding is preceded by a local increase of traction force due to accumulation of myosin-II and actin in the proximity of the focal adhesion. Knockdown of the Rho activator GEF-H1 prevented development of traction force and abolished sliding and disassembly of focal adhesions upon KANK1 activation. Other players participating in microtubule-driven, KANK-dependent focal adhesion disassembly include kinases ROCK, PAK, and FAK, as well as microtubules/focal adhesion-associated proteins kinesin-1, APC, and αTAT. Based on these data, we develop a mathematical model for a microtubule-driven focal adhesion disruption involving local GEF-H1/RhoA/ROCK-dependent activation of contractility, which is consistent with experimental data.

Ligand binding initiates single-molecule integrin conformational activation.

Integrins link the extracellular environment to the actin cytoskeleton in cell migration and adhesiveness. Rapid coordination between events outside and inside the cell is essential. Single-molecule fluorescence dynamics show that ligand binding to the bent-closed integrin conformation, which predominates on cell surfaces, is followed within milliseconds by two concerted changes, leg extension and headpiece opening, to give the high-affinity integrin conformation. The extended-closed integrin conformation is not an intermediate but can be directly accessed from the extended-open conformation and provides a pathway for ligand dissociation. In contrast to ligand, talin, which links the integrin ß-subunit cytoplasmic domain to the actin cytoskeleton, modestly stabilizes but does not induce extension or opening. Integrin activation is thus initiated by outside-in signaling and followed by inside-out signaling. Our results further imply that talin binding is insufficient for inside-out integrin activation and that tensile force transmission through the ligand-integrin-talin-actin cytoskeleton complex is required.

The actin binding sites of talin have both distinct and complementary roles in cell-ECM adhesion.

Cell adhesion requires linkage of transmembrane receptors to the cytoskeleton through intermediary linker proteins. Integrin-based adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) involves large adhesion complexes that contain multiple cytoskeletal adapters that connect to the actin cytoskeleton. Many of these adapters, including the essential cytoskeletal linker Talin, have been shown to contain multiple actin-binding sites (ABSs) within a single protein. To investigate the possible role of having such a variety of ways of linking integrins to the cytoskeleton, we generated mutations in multiple actin binding sites in Drosophila talin. Using this approach, we have been able to show that different actin-binding sites in talin have both unique and complementary roles in integrin-mediated adhesion. Specifically, mutations in either the C-terminal ABS3 or the centrally located ABS2 result in lethality showing that they have unique and non-redundant function in some contexts. On the other hand, flies simultaneously expressing both the ABS2 and ABS3 mutants exhibit a milder phenotype than either mutant by itself, suggesting overlap in function in other contexts. Detailed phenotypic analysis of ABS mutants elucidated the unique roles of the talin ABSs during embryonic development as well as provided support for the hypothesis that talin acts as a dimer in in vivo contexts. Overall, our work highlights how the ability of adhesion complexes to link to the cytoskeleton in multiple ways provides redundancy, and consequently robustness, but also allows a capacity for functional specialization.

Caskin2 is a novel talin- and Abi1-binding protein that promotes cell motility.

Talin (herein referring collectively to talin 1 and 2) couples the actomyosin cytoskeleton to integrins and transmits tension to the extracellular matrix. Talin also interacts with numerous additional proteins capable of modulating the actin-integrin linkage and thus downstream mechanosignaling cascades. Here, we demonstrate that the scaffold protein Caskin2 interacts directly with the R8 domain of talin through its C-terminal LD motif. Caskin2 also associates with the WAVE regulatory complex to promote cell migration in an Abi1-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the Caskin2-Abi1 interaction is regulated by growth factor-induced phosphorylation of Caskin2 on serine 878. In MCF7 and UACC893 cells, which contain an amplification of CASKIN2, Caskin2 localizes in plasma membrane-associated plaques and around focal adhesions in cortical microtubule stabilization complexes. Taken together, our results identify Caskin2 as a novel talin-binding protein that might not only connect integrin-mediated adhesion to actin polymerization but could also play a role in crosstalk between integrins and microtubules.

The focal adhesion protein talin is a mechanically gated A-kinase anchoring protein.

Protein kinase A (PKA) is a ubiquitous, promiscuous kinase whose activity is specified through subcellular localization mediated by A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). PKA has complex roles as both an effector and a regulator of integrin-mediated cell adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM). Recent observations demonstrate that PKA is an active component of focal adhesions (FA), suggesting the existence of one or more FA AKAPs. Using a promiscuous biotin ligase fused to PKA type-IIα regulatory (RIIα) subunits and subcellular fractionation, we identify the archetypal FA protein talin1 as an AKAP. Talin is a large, mechanosensitive scaffold that directly links integrins to actin filaments and promotes FA assembly by recruiting additional components in a force-dependent manner. The rod region of talin1 consists of 62 α-helices bundled into 13 rod domains, R1 to R13. Direct binding assays and NMR spectroscopy identify helix41 in the R9 subdomain of talin as the PKA binding site. PKA binding to helix41 requires unfolding of the R9 domain, which requires the linker region between R9 and R10. Experiments with single molecules and in cells manipulated to alter actomyosin contractility demonstrate that the PKA-talin interaction is regulated by mechanical force across the talin molecule. Finally, talin mutations that disrupt PKA binding also decrease levels of total and phosphorylated PKA RII subunits as well as phosphorylation of VASP, a known PKA substrate, within FA. These observations identify a mechanically gated anchoring protein for PKA, a force-dependent binding partner for talin1, and a potential pathway for adhesion-associated mechanotransduction.

FAK, vinculin, and talin control mechanosensitive YAP nuclear localization.

Focal adhesions (FAs) are nanoscale complexes containing clustered integrin receptors and intracellular structural and signaling proteins that function as principal sites of mechanotransduction in part via promoting the nuclear translocation and activation of the transcriptional coactivator yes-associated protein (YAP). Knockdown of FA proteins such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK), talin, and vinculin can prevent YAP nuclear localization. However, the mechanism(s) of action remain poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the role of different functional domains in vinculin, talin, and FAK in regulating YAP nuclear localization. Using genetic or pharmacological inhibition of fibroblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) adhering to deformable substrates, we find that disruption of vinculin-talin binding versus talin-FAK binding reduces YAP nuclear localization and transcriptional activity via different mechanisms. Disruption of vinculin-talin binding or knockdown of talin-1 reduces nuclear size, traction forces, and YAP nuclear localization. In contrast, disruption of the talin binding site on FAK or elimination of FAK catalytic activity did not alter nuclear size yet still prevented YAP nuclear localization and activity. These data support both nuclear tension-dependent and independent models for matrix stiffness-regulated YAP nuclear localization. Our results highlight the importance of vinculin-talin-FAK interactions at FAs of adherent cells, controlling YAP nuclear localization and activity.

HDAC1/2 control mesothelium/ovarian cancer adhesive interactions impacting on Talin-1-α5ß1-integrin-mediated actin cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix protein remodeling.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal metastasis, which accounts for 85% of all epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) metastases, is a multistep process that requires the establishment of adhesive interactions between cancer cells and the peritoneal membrane. Interrelations between EOC and the mesothelial stroma are critical to facilitate the metastatic process. No data is available so far on the impact of histone acetylation/deacetylation, a potentially relevant mechanism governing EOC metastasis, on mesothelial cells (MCs)-mediated adhesion. METHODS: Static adhesion and peritoneal clearance experiments were performed pretreating mesenchymal-like MCs and platinum-sensitive/resistant EOC cell lines with MS-275-a Histone deacetylase (HDAC)1-3 pharmacological inhibitor currently used in combination trials. Results were acquired by confocal microscopy and were analyzed with an automated Opera software. The role of HDAC1/2 was validated by genetic silencing. The role of α4-, α5-α1 Integrins and Fibronectin-1 was validated using specific monoclonal antibodies. Quantitative proteomic analysis was performed on primary MCs pretreated with MS-275. Decellularized matrices were generated from either MS-275-exposed or untreated cells to study Fibronectin-1 extracellular secretion. The effect of MS-275 on ß1 integrin activity was assessed using specific monoclonal antibodies. The role of Talin-1 in MCs/EOC adhesion was analyzed by genetic silencing. Talin-1 ectopic expression was validated as a rescue tool from MS-275-induced phenotype. The in vivo effect of MS-275-induced MC remodeling was validated in a mouse model of peritoneal EOC dissemination. RESULTS: Treatment of MCs with non-cytotoxic concentrations of MS-275 caused a consistent reduction of EOC adhesion. Proteomic analysis revealed several pathways altered upon MC treatment with MS-275, including ECM deposition/remodeling, adhesion receptors and actin cytoskeleton regulators. HDAC1/2 inhibition hampered actin cytoskeleton polymerization by downregulating actin regulators including Talin-1, impairing ß1 integrin activation, and leading to abnormal extracellular secretion and distribution of Fibronectin-1. Talin-1 ectopic expression rescued EOC adhesion to MS-275-treated MCs. In an experimental mouse model of metastatic EOC, MS-275 limited tumor invasion, Fibronectin-1 secretion and the sub-mesothelial accumulation of MC-derived carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: Our study unveils a direct impact of HDAC-1/2 in the regulation of MC/EOC adhesion and highlights the regulation of MC plasticity by epigenetic inhibition as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in EOC peritoneal metastasis.

Role of the Ste20-like kinase SLK in podocyte adhesion.

SLK controls the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and migration. Podocyte-specific deletion of SLK in mice leads to podocyte injury as mice age and exacerbates injury in experimental focal segment glomerulosclerosis (FSGS; adriamycin nephrosis). We hypothesized that adhesion proteins may be substrates of SLK. In adriamycin nephrosis, podocyte ultrastructural injury was exaggerated by SLK deletion. Analysis of a protein kinase phosphorylation site dataset showed that podocyte adhesion proteins-paxillin, vinculin, and talin-1 may be potential SLK substrates. In cultured podocytes, deletion of SLK increased adhesion to collagen. Analysis of paxillin, vinculin, and talin-1 showed that SLK deletion reduced focal adhesion complexes (FACs) containing these proteins mainly in adriamycin-induced injury; there was no change in FAC turnover (focal adhesion kinase Y397 phosphorylation). In podocytes, paxillin S250 showed basal phosphorylation that was slightly enhanced by SLK; however, SLK did not phosphorylate talin-1. In adriamycin nephrosis, SLK deletion did not alter glomerular expression/localization of talin-1 and vinculin, but increased focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation modestly. Therefore, SLK decreases podocyte adhesion, but FAC proteins in podocytes are not major substrates of SLK in health and disease.

ATG8 inhibited endometriosis formation by regulating Treg cells differentiation via integrin α4ß1 and Talin-1 interaction.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the relationship between ATG8 and integrin α4ß1, Talin-1, and Treg cell differentiation, and the effects on endometriosis (EMS)? DESIGN: First, the correlation between the ATG8, Talin-1, integrin α4ß1, and differentiation of Treg cells and EMS was examined in clinical samples. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and endometrial stromal cells were extracted and identified, oe-ATG8 and oe-integrin α4ß1 were transfected to overexpress ATG8 and integrin α4ß1, and Tregs cell differentiation and endometrial stromal cells (ESC) function were detected. In addition, the molecular mechanism by which ATG8 inhibited EMS disease progression at the molecular and animal levels was investigated. RESULTS: ATG8 expression was negatively correlated with positive proportion of Tregs cells (P = 0.0463). The expression of Talin-1 and integrin-α4ß1 (both P < 0.0001) in PBMC decreased significantly after oe-ATG8 transfection, whereas the Treg cells' positive rate significantly increased (P = 0.0003). The ESC proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion (all P < 0.0001) declined after co-culture with Treg cells that underwent oe-ATG8 transfection. The expression of Talin-1 (P = 0.0025) and integrin-α4ß1 (P = 0.0002) in PBMC increased significantly after oe-integrin α4ß1 and oe-ATG8 transfection. In addition, this transfection reversed the corresponding regulation of oe-ATG8 transfection. Finally, animal experiments in vivo confirmed that ATG8 inhibited EMS disease progression. CONCLUSION: The ATG8 regulated Treg cell differentiation and inhibited EMS formation by influencing the interaction between integrin α4ß1 and Talin-1.

Talin mechanotransduction in disease.

Talin protein (Talin 1/2) is a mechanosensitive cytoskeleton protein. The unique structure of the Talin plays a vital role in transmitting mechanical forces. Talin proteins connect the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton by linking to integrins and actin, thereby mediating the conversion of mechanical signals into biochemical signals and influencing disease progression as potential diagnostic indicators, therapeutic targets, and prognostic indicators of various diseases. Most studies in recent years have confirmed that mechanical forces also have a crucial role in the development of disease, and Talin has been found to play a role in several diseases. Still, more studies need to be done on how Talin is involved in mechanical signaling in disease. This review focuses on the mechanical signaling of Talin in disease, aiming to summarize the mechanisms by which Talin plays a role in disease and to provide references for further studies.

TLN1 synergizes with ITGA5 to ameliorate cardiac microvascular endothelial cell dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The complex process of atherosclerosis is thought to begin with endothelial cell dysfunction, and advanced atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of coronary artery disease (CAD). Uncovering the underlying mechanisms of CAD-related endothelial cell injury may contribute to the treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMVECs) were treated with oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to mimic an injury model. The involvement of Talin-1 (TLN1) and integrin alpha 5 (ITGA5) in the proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in CMVECs were assessed. RESULTS: TLN1 overexpression assisted CMVECs in resistance to ox-LDL stimulation, with alleviated cell proliferation and angiogenesis, reduced apoptosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress. TLN1 overexpression triggered increased ITGA5, and ITGA5 knockdown reversed the effects of TLN1 overexpression on the abovementioned aspects. Together, TLN1 synergized with ITGA5 to ameliorate the dysfunction in CMVECs. CONCLUSIONS: This finding suggests their probable involvement in CAD, and increasing their levels is beneficial to disease relief.