Novel mechanism regulating endothelial permeability via T-cadherin-dependent VE-cadherin phosphorylation and clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

T-cadherin is a unique member of the cadherin superfamily of adhesion molecules. In contrast to "classical" cadherins, T-cadherin lacks transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains and is anchored to the cell membrane via a glycosilphosphoinositol moiety. T-cadherin is predominantly expressed in cardiovascular system. Clinical and biochemical studies evidence that expression of T-cadherin increases in post-angioplasty restenosis and atherosclerotic lesions-conditions associated with endothelial dysfunction and pathological expression of adhesion molecules. Here, we provide data suggesting a new signaling mechanism by which T-cadherin regulates endothelial permeability. T-cadherin overexpression leads to VE-cadherin phosphorylation on Y731 (ß-catenin-binding site), VE-cadherin clathrin-dependent endocytosis and its degradation in lysosomes. Moreover, T-cadherin overexpression results in activation of Rho GTPases signaling and actin stress fiber formation. Thus, T-cadherin up-regulation is involved in degradation of a key endothelial adhesion molecule, VE-cadherin, resulting in the disruption of endothelial barrier function. Our results point to the role of T-cadherin in regulation of endothelial permeability and its possible engagement in endothelial dysfunction.

FCRL6 receptor: expression and associated proteins.

FCRL6 receptor is a more recently identified representative of the FCRL family. We generated a panel of mouse mAbs to baculovirus-derived recombinant FCRL6 protein. The clone 7B2 was found to specifically recognize a 63kDa protein expressed preferentially on the surface of CD8 T and CD56 NK cells in human peripheral blood and spleen. The clone 7B2 reacts with FCRL6 in Western blotting, FACS, and immunohistochemistry. In the T cell lineage, FCRL6 functions in antigen-experienced cells. Mitogenic stimulation of PB leukocytes in vitro resulted in an abrogation of the FCRL6 gene expression. We found a significant decrease in the FCRL6 gene expression in peripheral T cells of patients with certain autoimmune and blood diseases, and its upregulation at the late stages of HIV infection. Study of the FCRL6 association with signaling molecules showed its ability to recruit SHP-1, SHP-2, SHIP-1, and SHIP-2 phosphatases, and also adaptor protein Grb2 through phosphorylated cytoplasmic tyrosines. The current results demonstrate inhibitory potential of FCRL6 and suggest its possible involvement in modulation of CTL effector functions in various immune disorders.