CD31 expressed on distinctive T cell subsets is a preferential amplifier of beta 1 integrin-mediated adhesion.

The CD31 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 [PECAM-1]/endothelial cell adhesion molecule [endoCAM]) molecule expressed on leukocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells is postulated to mediate adhesion to endothelial cells and thereby function in immunity, inflammation, and wound healing. We report the following novel features of CD31 which suggests a role for it in adhesion amplification of unique T cell subsets: (a) engagement of CD31 induces the adhesive function of beta 1 and beta 2 integrins; (b) adhesion induction by CD31 immunoglobulin G (IgG) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is sensitive, requiring only bivalent mAb; (c) CD31 mAb induces adhesion rapidly, but it is transient; (d) unique subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells express CD31, including all naive (CD45RA+) CD8 T cells; and (e) CD31 induction is selective, inducing adhesive function of beta 1 integrins, particularly very late antigen-4, more efficiently than the beta 2 integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1. Conversely, CD3 is more effective in inducing beta 2-mediated adhesion. Taken together, these findings indicate that unique T cell subsets express CD31, and CD31 has the capacity to induce integrin-mediated adhesion of T cells in a sensitive and selective fashion. We propose that, in collaboration with other receptors/ligands, CD31 functions in an "adhesion cascade" by amplifying integrin-mediated adhesion of CD31+ T cells to other cells, particularly endothelial cells.

Integrin (the CSAT antigen): functionality requires oligomeric integrity.

Integrin, the cell-substrate attachment (CSAT) antigen, is a complex of integral membrane glycoproteins whose apparent function is to mediate cell-substratum adhesion by serving as a transmembrane link between the extracellular matrix and elements of the cytoskeleton. Previous attempts to separate the members of this complex under nondenaturing conditions have been successful. We have now produced a monoclonal antibody "G" that is specific for the lower molecular mass cysteine-rich band 3 of the complex. Using an antibody affinity column containing this monoclonal antibody, it is possible to dissociate integrin into two fractions, one containing band 3, the other containing bands 1 plus 2. Neither fraction will by itself bind fibronectin, laminin, or talin. However, when the fractions are combined, the reconstituted integrin elutes from a gel filtration column in the same position as the native complex, and binding activity to these molecules returns. Further, it is shown by gel filtration that the recognition site for the adhesion-disrupting monoclonal antibodies CSAT and JG22 is on band 3, supporting the contention that integrin is an oligomer. The data presented here is consistent with integrin being either a mixture of heterodimers, each with a common subunit and reacting with a particular extracellular matrix molecule, or a single heterotrimer capable of binding to several different extracellular matrix molecules.

Studies on the function of cell surface glycoproteins. I. Use of antisera to surface membranes in the identification of membrane components relevant to cell-substrate adhesion.

An antiserum prepared against purified surface membranes of transformed BHK21/C13 cells (C13/B4) reversibly rounded and detached hamster cells from plastic tissue culture plates but did not affect cells of other species. Antiserum treatment did not alter the growth rate of C13/B4 or BHK21/C13 cells; however, NIL-8 cells exposed to the antiserum detached from the substrate and stopped growing, but remained viable for up to 72 h in the presence of the antiserum. Rounding and detachment were not inhibited by DNP or cycloheximide. Antiserum-detached cells did not reattach in the presence of these inhibitors. F(ab)' fragments also induced rounding, thus ruling out the involvement of complement and ligand-induced rearrangement of surface antigens in rounding and detachment. Three different surface-reactive immunoglobulin preparations were used in indirect immunoprecipitation studies in an attempt to identify cell surface antigens involved in regulating adhesion and morphology. Antiserum against surface membranes (anti-M) and against material shed by the cells into serum-free medium (anti-SFM) caused rounding and detachment, but a third antiserum (anti-LIS) prepared against a partially purified glycoprotein did not. All three immunoglobulin preparations precipitated glycoproteins with an apparent mol wt of 120,000 daltons from a crude membrane preparation solubilized by Nonidet NP-40. The two immunoglobulin preparations that caused rounding precipitated an additional glycoprotein peak of 140,000 daltons. Extensive preabsorption of the extract with anti-LIS immunoglobulin enriched the anti-membrane and antiserum-free medium precipitates for the 140,000-dalton peak. Anti-M immunoglobulin eluted from intact cells and subsequently used to precipitate NP-40 solubilized membrane constituents also reacted with a group of glycoproteins of approximately 140,000 mol wt. Therefore, this group of glycoproteins was considered most likely to be the glycoproteins involved in substrate adhesion and maintenance of cellular morphology.

Studies on the function of cell surface glycoproteins. II. Possible role of surface glycoproteins in the control of cytoskeletal organization and surface morphology.

Immunoglobulin from goat antiserum directed against purified surface membranes from transformed BHK21/C13 cells (anti-M) has been shown to cause both control and transformed hamster cells to round and detach from the substrate (see accompanying paper). This paper documents the effects of the antiserum on the cytoskeletal organization and cell surface morphology of control BHK21/C13 cells examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. As a result of antiserum-induced rounding, the normally smooth cell surface becomes covered with filopodia and blebs, and the organization of all three components of the filamentous cytoskeleton is altered. In terms of cell surface morphology and cytoskeletal organization, the cells resemble rounded, postmitotic or trypsinized BHK cells rather than cells treated with either anticytoskeletal drugs or lectins. Immunocytochemical and radioimmune assay experiments support the suggestion that the rounding reaction induced by anti-M serum results from the specific interaction of antibodies with molecules on the cell surface. It is suggested that anti-M serum induces alterations in cytoskeletal organization via a transmembrane signal and that cytoskeletal reorganization is a fundamental part of the rounding and detachment process.

Cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains of integrin beta 1 and beta 3 subunits are functionally interchangeable.

Integrin beta subunits combine with specific sets of alpha subunits to form functional adhesion receptors. The structure and binding properties of integrins suggest the presence of domains controlling at least three major functions: subunit association, ligand binding, and cytoskeletal interactions. To more carefully define structure/function relationships, a cDNA construct consisting of the extracellular domain of the avian beta 1 subunit and the cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains of the human beta 3 subunit was prepared and expressed in murine 3T3 cells. The resulting chimeric beta 1/3 subunit formed heterodimers with alpha subunits from the beta 1 subfamily, could not interact with alpha IIb from the beta 3 subfamily, was targeted to focal contacts, and formed functional complexes within the focal contacts. A second cDNA construct was prepared that coded for an avian beta 1 subunit without a transmembrane or cytoplasmic domain. This subunit was not found in association with an accompanying alpha subunit, nor was it found expressed on the cell surface. Instead, it accumulated in vesicles within the cytoplasm and was eventually shed from the cell. The results from studies of the behavior of these two cDNA constructs demonstrate that the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains play no role in alpha subunit selection, that the cytoplasmic domain of beta 3 is capable of functioning in the context of alpha subunits with which it is not normally paired, and that both integrin subunits must be membrane associated for normal assembly and transport to cell surface adhesive structures.

Molecular and cellular properties of PECAM-1 (endoCAM/CD31): a novel vascular cell-cell adhesion molecule.

PECAM-1 is a 130-120-kD integral membrane glycoprotein found on the surface of platelets, at endothelial intercellular junctions in culture, and on cells of myeloid lineage. Previous studies have shown that it is a member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily and that antibodies against the bovine form of this protein (endoCAM) can inhibit endothelial cell-cell interactions. These data suggest that PECAM-1 may function as a vascular cell adhesion molecule. The function of this molecule has been further evaluated by transfecting cells with a full-length PECAM-1 cDNA. Transfected COS-7, mouse 3T3 and L cells expressed a 130-120-kD glycoprotein on their cell surface that reacted with anti-PECAM-1 polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. COS-7 and 3T3 cell transfectants formed cell-cell junctions that were highly enriched in PECAM-1, reminiscent of its distribution at endothelial cell-cell borders. In contrast, this protein remained diffusely distributed within the plasma membrane of PECAM-1 transfected cells that were in contact with mock transfectants. Mouse L cells stably transfected with PECAM-1 demonstrated calcium-dependent aggregation that was inhibited by anti-PECAM antibodies. These results demonstrate that PECAM-1 mediates cell-cell adhesion and support the idea that it may be involved in some of the interactive events taking place during thrombosis, wound healing, and angiogenesis.

Manipulation of cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions in mouse mammary tumor epithelial cells using broad spectrum antisera.

Two antisera were raised in goats against material shed by two different mammary epithelial cell lines into serum-free culture medium. These antisera, when added to the medium of intact, growing mouse mammary tumor cells in the absence of complement, cause distinct and dramatic alterations in cell morphology and adhesiveness. One antiserum (anti-SFM I) causes mouse mammary tumor epithelial cells to round and detach from the substratum. Treatment with the other antiserum (anti-SFM II) does not affect cell-substratum interactions, but causes the cells to convert from an epitheloid to a fibroblastic morphology. Statistical analysis of transmission electron micrographs of control and antibody-treated cells indicates that treatment with anti-SFM II is associated with a substantial reduction in the extent of intercellular junctions, particularly desmosomes. To identify the components with which the two antisera interact, nonionic detergent extracts of mouse mammary tumor cells were fractionated, and the ability of various fractions to block the morphological effects of either antiserum was determined. The whole Nonidet P40 (NP40) extract of the epithelial cells blocked the effects of both antisera. After the extract was subjected to ion exchange and lectin affinity chromatography, two separate fractions were obtained. One fraction blocks and anti-SFM I induced rounding and detachment of cells from the substratum. The second fraction blocks the effects of both antisera. The isolation of the former fraction, which has highly restricted number of components, represents a significant first step toward identifying the surface membrane molecule(s) involved in cell-substratum adhesion in epithelial cells.

EndoCAM: a novel endothelial cell-cell adhesion molecule.

Cell-cell adhesion is controlled by many molecules found on the cell surface. In addition to the constituents of well-defined junctional structures, there are the molecules that are thought to play a role in the initial interactions of cells and that appear at precise times during development. These include the cadherins and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Representatives of these families of adhesion molecules have been isolated from most of the major tissues. The notable exception is the vascular endothelium. Here we report the identification of a cell surface molecule designated "endoCAM" (endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule), which may function as an endothelial cell-cell adhesion molecule. EndoCAM is a 130-kD glycoprotein expressed on the surface of endothelial cells both in culture and in situ. It is localized to the borders of contiguous endothelial cells. It is also present on platelets and white blood cells. Antibodies against endoCAM prevent the initial formation of endothelial cell-cell contacts. Despite similarities in size and intercellular location, endoCAM does not appear to be a member of the cadherin family of adhesion receptors. The serologic and protease susceptibility characteristics of endoCAM are different from those of the known cadherins, including an endogenous endothelial cadherin. Although the precise biologic function of endoCAM has not been determined, it appears to be one of the molecules responsible for regulating endothelial cell-cell adhesion processes and may be involved in platelet and white blood cell interactions with the endothelium.

Distribution of the cell substratum attachment (CSAT) antigen on myogenic and fibroblastic cells in culture.

Previous studies (Neff et al., 1982, J. Cell. Biol. 95:654-666; Decker et al., 1984. J. Cell. Biol. 99:1388-1404) have described a monoclonal antibody (CSAT Mab) directed against a complex of three integral membrane glycoproteins of 120,000-160,000 mol wt (CSAT antigen [ag]) involved in the cell matrix adhesion of myoblasts and fibroblasts. In localization studies on fibroblasts presented here, CSAT ag has a discrete, well-organized distribution pattern. It co-aligns with portions of stress fibers and is enriched at the periphery of, but not directly beneath vinculin-rich focal contacts. In this last location, it co-distributes with fibronectin, consistent with the suggestion that the CSAT ag participates in the mechanism by which fibroblasts attach to fibronectin. In prefusion myoblasts, which are rapidly detached by CSAT Mab, CSAT ag is distributed diffusely as are vinculin, laminin, and fibronectin. After fusion, myotubes become more difficult to detach with CSAT Mab. The CSAT ag and vinculin are organized in a much more discrete pattern on the myotube surface, becoming enriched at microfilament bundle termini and in lateral lamellae which appear to attach myotubes to the substratum. These results suggest that the organization of CSAT ag-adhesive complexes on the surface of myogenic cells can affect the stability of their adhesive contacts. We conclude from the sum of the studies presented that, in both myogenic and fibroblastic cells, the CSAT ag is localized in sites expected of a surface membrane mediator of cell adhesion to extracelluon of CSAT ag-adhesive complexes on the surface of myogenic cells can affect the stability of their adhesive contacts. We conclude from the sum of the studies presented that, in both myogenic and fibroblastic cells, the CSAT ag is localized in sites expected of a surface membrane mediator of cell adhesion to extracellular matrix. The results from studies that use fibroblasts in particular suggest the involvement of CSAT ag in the adhesion of these cells to fibronectin.

Structure/function analysis of the integrin beta 1 subunit by epitope mapping.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been produced against the chicken beta 1 subunit that affect integrin functions, including ligand binding, alpha subunit association, and regulation of ligand specificity. Epitope mapping of these antibodies was used to identify regions of the subunit involved in these functions. To accomplish this, we produced mouse/chicken chimeric beta 1 subunits and expressed them in mouse 3T3 cells. These chimeric subunits were fully functional with respect to heterodimer formation, cell surface expression, and cell adhesion. They differed in their ability to react with a panel anti-chicken beta 1 mAbs. Epitopes were identified by a loss of antibody binding upon substitution of regions of the chicken beta 1 subunit by homologous regions of the mouse beta 1 subunit. The identification of the epitope was confirmed by a reciprocal exchange of chicken and mouse beta 1 domains that resulted in the gain of the ability of the mouse subunit to interact with a particular anti-chicken beta 1 mAb. Using this approach, we found that the epitopes for one set of antibodies that block ligand binding mapped toward the amino terminal region of the beta 1 subunit. This region is homologous to a portion of the ligand-binding domain of the beta 3 subunit. In addition, a second set of antibodies that either block ligand binding, alter ligand specificity, or induce alpha/beta subunit dissociation mapped to the cysteine rich repeats near the transmembrane domain of the molecule. These data are consistent with a model in which a portion of beta 1 ligand binding domain rests within the amino terminal 200 amino acids and a regulatory domain, that affects ligand binding through secondary changes in the structure of the molecule resides in a region of the subunit, possibly including the cysteine-rich repeats, nearer the transmembrane domain. The data also suggest the possibility that the alpha subunit may exert an influence on ligand specificity by interacting with this regulatory domain of the beta 1 subunit.

Expression of normal and mutant avian integrin subunits in rodent cells.

We describe the expression of the beta 1 subunit of avian integrin in rodent cells with the purpose of examining the structure-function relationships of various domains within this subunit. The exogenous subunit is efficiently and stably expressed in 3T3 cells, and it forms hybrid heterodimers with endogenous murine alpha subunits, including alpha 3 and alpha 5. These heterodimers are exported to the cell surface and localize in focal contacts where both extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton associate with the plasma membrane. Hybrid heterodimers consisting of exogenous beta 1 and endogenous alpha subunits bind effectively and specifically to columns of cell-binding fragments of fibronectin. The exogenous avian beta 1 subunit appears to function as well as its endogenous murine equivalent, consistent with the high degree of conservation noted previously for integrins. In contrast, expression of a mutant form of avian integrin beta 1 subunit lacking the cytoplasmic domain produces hybrid heterodimers which, while efficiently exported to the cell surface and still capable of binding fibronectin, do not localize efficiently in focal contacts. This further implicates the cytoplasmic domain of the beta 1 subunit in interactions required for cytoskeletal organization.

Deletions in the cytoplasmic domain of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31) result in changes in ligand binding properties.

Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily present on platelets, endothelial cells, and leukocytes that may function as a vascular cell adhesion molecule. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the cytoplasmic domain in PECAM-1 function. To accomplish this, wild-type and mutated forms of PECAM-1 cDNA were transfected into murine fibroblasts and the functional characteristics of the cells analyzed. Wild-type PECAM-1 localized to the cell-cell borders of adjacently transfected cells and mediated heterophilic, calcium-dependent L-cell aggregation that was inhibitable by a polyclonal and two monoclonal anti-PECAM-1 antibodies. A mutant protein lacking the entire cytoplasmic domain did not support aggregation or move to cell-cell borders. In contrast, both forms of PECAM-1 with partially truncated cytoplasmic domains (missing either the COOH-terminal third or two thirds of the cytoplasmic domain) localized to cell-cell borders in 3T3 cells in a manner analogous to the distribution seen in cultured endothelial cells. L-cells expressing these mutants demonstrated homophilic, calcium-independent aggregation that was blocked by the polyclonal anti-PECAM-1 antibody, but not by the two bioactive monoclonal antibodies. Although changes in the cytoplasmic domain of other receptors have been shown to alter ligand-binding affinity, to our knowledge, PECAM-1 is the first example of a cell adhesion molecule where changes in the cytoplasmic domain result in a switch in the basic mechanism of adhesion leading to different ligand-binding specificity. Variations in the cytoplasmic domain could thus be a potential mechanism for regulating PECAM-1 activity in vivo.

Glycopeptides from the surface of control and virus-transformed cells.

Glycopeptides were removed by trypsin digestion from the surface of control cells and cells transformed by Rous sarcoma virus, murine sarcoma virus, or polyoma virus. After digestion with pronase, the glycopeptides were analyzed by gel filtration. The elution profiles suggest that there are differences in the glycopeptides from the surface of control cells and those from transformed cells.

Identification and characterization of cell-substratum adhesion receptors on cultured human endothelial cells.

A series of immunological approaches was utilized to identify the molecules involved in cell-substratum adhesion of human endothelial cells (EC) derived from adult large vessels, fat capillaries, and umbilical veins. A polyclonal antibody prepared against partially purified extracellular matrix receptors disrupted adhesion of EC to a wide variety of substrates and identified four groups of glycoproteins migrating with apparent Mr of 150, 125, 110, and 95 kD in immunoprecipitation experiments. Specific monoclonal antibodies identified these proteins as members of the Integrin family of extracellular matrix receptors and included the alpha and beta chains of the fibronectin receptor (alpha 5/beta 1), a collagen receptor (alpha 2 beta 1), a multifunctional receptor that binds to fibronectin, collagen, and laminin (alpha 3/beta 1), as well as a receptor related to platelet IIb/IIIa (alpha v/beta 3). To directly test the importance of these molecules in cell-substratum adhesion, these proteins were purified by a combination of ion exchange, lectin affinity, and immunoaffinity chromatography and used to block the biological activity of the adhesion-disrupting polyclonal antibody. Immunofluorescence experiments further supported the role of these glycoproteins in adhesion. The GPIIb/IIIa-like receptor localized to well-formed adhesion plaques on EC plated on fibrinogen, but not on fibronectin, laminin, or type IV collagen. Receptors containing the beta 1 subunit were visualized as discontinuous fibrils which colocalized with fibronectin fibrils and actin stress fibers.

Integrin adhesion molecules in the human endometrium. Correlation with the normal and abnormal menstrual cycle.

Integrins are a class of cell adhesion molecules that participate in cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions and are present on essentially all human cells. The distribution of nine different alpha and beta integrin subunits in human endometrial tissue at different stages of the menstrual cycle was determined using immunoperoxidase staining. Glandular epithelial cells expressed primarily alpha 2, alpha 3, and alpha 6 (collagen/laminin receptors), while stromal cells expressed predominantly alpha 5 (fibronectin receptor). The presence of alpha 1 on glandular epithelial cells was cycle specific, found only during the secretory phase. Expression of both subunits of the vitronectin receptor, alpha v beta 3, also underwent cycle specific changes on endometrial epithelial cells. Immunostaining for alpha v increased throughout the menstrual cycle, while the beta 3 subunit appeared abruptly on cycle day 20 on luminal as well as glandular epithelial cells. Discordant luteal phase biopsies (greater than or equal to 3 d "out of phase") from infertility patients exhibited delayed epithelial beta 3 immunostaining. These results demonstrate similarities, as well as specific differences, between endometrium and other epithelial tissues. Certain integrin moieties appear to be regulated within the cycling endometrium and disruption of integrin expression may be associated with decreased uterine receptivity and infertility.

Basic fibroblast growth factor modulates integrin expression in microvascular endothelial cells.

During angiogenesis capillary endothelial cells undergo a coordinated set of modifications in their interactions with extracellular matrix components. In this study we have investigated the effect of the prototypical angiogenic factor basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the expression and function of several integrins in microvascular endothelial cells. Immunoprecipitation experiments with antibodies to individual subunits indicated that microvascular cells express at their surface several integrins. These include the alpha 1 beta 1, alpha 2 beta 1, and alpha 3 beta 1 laminin/collagen receptors; the alpha 6 beta 1 laminin receptor; the alpha 5 beta 1 and alpha v beta 1 fibronectin receptors; the alpha 6 beta 4 basement membrane receptor; and the alpha v beta 3 and alpha v beta 5 vitronectin receptors. Treatment with bFGF caused a significant increase in the surface expression of the alpha 2 beta 1, alpha 3 beta 1, alpha 5 beta 1, alpha 6 beta 1, alpha 6 beta 4, and alpha v beta 5 integrins. In contrast, the level of expression of the alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha v beta 3 integrins was decreased in bFGF-treated cells. Immunoprecipitation of metabolically labeled cells indicated that bFGF increases the biosynthesis of the alpha 3, alpha 5, alpha 6, beta 4, and beta 5 subunits and decreases the production of the alpha v and beta 3 subunits. These results suggest that bFGF modulates integrin expression by altering the biosynthesis of individual alpha or beta subunits. In accordance with the upregulation of several integrins observed in bFGF-treated cells, these cells adhered better to fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin, and type I collagen than did untreated cells. The largest differences in beta 1 integrin expression occurred approximately 72 h after exposure to bFGF, at a time when the expression of the endothelial cell-to-cell adhesion molecule endoCAM was also significantly upregulated. In contrast, a shorter exposure to bFGF (24-48 h) was required for the maximal induction of plasminogen activator production in the same cells. Taken together, these results show that bFGF causes significant changes in the level of expression and function of several integrins in microvascular endothelial cells.

The surface glycoproteins of a mouse melanoma growing in culture and as a solid tumor in vivo.

B16 melanotic tumors in various organs of mice were labeled with either [14C- or [3H]L-fucose or D-glucosamine. Glycopeptides derived from the membrane glycoproteins of these tumors were compared with those of normal tissues by double-label elution patterns from Sephadex G-50 columns. A marked increase of sialic acid-rich, fucose-containing glycopeptides (PEAK A) was found in the glycoproteins of the surface and internal membranes of melanotic cells. The glycopeptides from the melanoma cells could be reduced in size by treatment with neuraminidase. Comparison of the glycopeptide patterns of melanoma cells grown in culture and in mice revealed a greater complexity in in vivo material. Virtually all of the glycopeptides from melanoma cells grown in culture were of the larger type (Peak A) that correlates well with the malignant state. Comparison of two lines of B16 melanoma cells with greatly differing abilities to form tumors in lung revealed no significant, reproducible differences in their glycopeptide patterns.

Integrin distribution in malignant melanoma: association of the beta 3 subunit with tumor progression.

Since tumor progression is dependent on the ability of malignant cells to interact with the extracellular matrix, molecules on the cell surface which mediate cell-substratum interactions are likely to be important regulators of tumor invasion and metastasis. The purpose of this study was to examine the distribution of one such group of cell adhesion receptors, the integrins, in benign and malignant lesions of human melanocytes. The distribution of integrin adhesion receptors was defined on cells in culture derived from normal and malignant melanocytes and in tissue sections from benign to increasingly malignant melanocytic lesions using a panel of monoclonal antibodies against specific integrin subunits. Cells in culture expressed a large variety of integrins, including all of the previously characterized members of the beta 1 subfamily plus the alpha v/beta 3 vitronectin receptor. The expression of integrins was similar in cells cultured from either benign or malignant lesions. In contrast, consistent differences were noted in integrin expression by cells within tissues containing metastatic and vertical growth phase melanomas when compared to radial growth phase melanoma cells and cells within nevi. Most notably, the expression of the beta 3 subunit was restricted exclusively to cells within vertical growth phase and metastatic melanomas. The presence of this integrin may be important in the development of tumor invasiveness and could be useful as a marker of melanoma cells entering the more aggressive phase of the malignant process.

Immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of two serine-threonine kinases in the maturing mouse testis.

Previously we identified two intronless serine-threonine kinase genes (Tsk1 and Tsk2) located 3 kb apart on mouse chromosome 16 (Galili, N., Baldwin, H.S., Lund, J., Reeves, R., Gong, W., Wang, Z., Roe, B.A., Emanuel, B.S., Nayak, S., Mickanin, C., Budraf, M.L., Buck, C.A., 1997. A region of mouse chromosome 16 is syntenic to the DiGeorge, velocardiofacial syndrome minimal critical region. Gen. Res. 7, 17-26). Tsk1 was identical to a putative testicular kinase reported by Bielke et al. (Bielke, W., Blaschke, R.J., Miescher, G.C., Zurcher, G., Andres, A.C., Ziemiecki, A., 1994. Characterization of a novel murine testis-specific serine/threonine kinase. Gene 13, 235-239). Here we document the expression patterns of each Tsk throughout spermiogenesis showing an initial association of Tsk1 with cells in meiotic metaphase and a later association of Tsk2 with tail-like structures in the lumen of the seminiferous tubule.

Integrins and other cell adhesion molecules in cardiac development.

Cardiac morphogenesis is dependent on the coordinated and programmed expression of cell surface receptors that can mediate cell-cell associations or promote adhesion of the cell to its extracellular environment. This article briefly reviews the unique adhesive characteristics and expression profiles of the integrins and other families of adhesion molecules that have been implicated in critical events of early heart development. Understanding the developmental repertoire of receptor expression, which in most cases cannot be predicted from that seen in the mature heart, is an important component in unraveling the molecular events of normal cardiac development, congenital heart disease, and certain pathologic conditions seen in the adult heart.