A High-Resolution Ternary Model Demonstrates How PEGylated 2D Nanomaterial Stimulates Integrin αv ß8 on Cell Membrane.

Bio-nano interfaces are integral to all applications of nanomaterials in biomedicine. In addition to peptide-ligand-functionalized nanomaterials, passivation on 2D nanomaterials has emerged as a new regulatory factor for integrin activation. However, the mechanisms underlying such ligand-independent processes are poorly understood. Here, using graphene oxide passivated with polyethylene glycol (GO-PEG) as a test bed, a ternary simulation model is constructed that also includes a membrane and both subunits of integrin αv ß8 to characterize GO-PEG-mediated integrin activation on the cell membrane in a ligand-independent manner. Combined with the experimental findings, production simulations of the ternary model show a three-phase mechanotransduction process in the vertical interaction mode. Specifically, GO-PEG first induces lipid aggregation-mediated integrin proximity, followed by transmembrane domain rotation and separation, leading to the extension and activation of extracellular domains. Thus, this study presents a complete picture of the interaction between passivated 2D nanomaterials and cell membranes to mediate integrin activation, and provides insights into the potential de novo design and rational use of novel desirable nanomaterials at diverse bio-nano interfaces.

Inhibition of Cancer Cell Adhesion, Migration and Proliferation by a Bispecific Antibody that Targets two Distinct Epitopes on αv Integrins.

Members of the αv family of integrins regulate activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFß) and are directly involved in pro-tumorigenic phenotypes. Thus, αv integrins may be therapeutic targets for fibrosis and cancer, yet the isolation of selective inhibitors is currently a challenge. We generated synthetic antibodies selective for αv integrins by phage display selections on cell lines that displayed integrin heterodimers. We identified antibodies that targeted two distinct epitopes on cell-surface αv integrins and partially inhibited cell adhesion mediated by interactions between integrins and the latency-associated peptide, part of the pro-form of TGFß. Using the isolated antibody paratope sequences we engineered a bispecific antibody capable of binding to both epitopes simultaneously; this antibody potently and completely inhibited cell adhesion mediated by integrins αvß1, αvß3 and αvß5. In addition, the bispecific antibody inhibited proliferation and migration of lung carcinoma lines, where the highest and lowest potencies observed correlated with integrin-αv cell surface expression levels. Taken together, our results demonstrate that phage display selections with live cells can yield high quality anti-integrin antibodies, which we used as biparatopic building blocks to construct a bispecific antibody that strongly inhibited integrin function and may be a therapeutic candidate for cancer and fibrosis.

Structural impact due to PPQEE deletion in multiple cancer associated protein - Integrin αV: An In silico exploration.

A heterodimeric receptor subunit, Integrin αV, often complexed with Integrin ß3 plays a vital role in cell signaling to regulate angiogenesis and promote cancer progression. The paramount ß-turn formed from pentapeptide residues (PPQEE) in the cytoplasmic domain of Integrin αV was previously reported as crucial for cell signaling and its deletion was proved deleterious for protein's cell membrane adhesion and ligand binding properties. This study revealed conformational changes in the Integrin αV subunit upon deletion of PPQEE residues through in silico structural modelling approach followed by analysis of alteration of binding sites. Human Protein Atlas database helped to identify the association of Integrin αV to the unfavourable prognosis of three gastrointestinal cancers: stomach, liver and pancreatic cancers. Molecular modelling and docking techniques were carried out for the necessary complex formations (wild-type and mutant-type). Further comparison was performed for the complexes. The changes in protein's conformation and stability due to PPQEE deletion were observed in both independent subunit and heterodimer. The most noteworthy conformational shift was the disruption of a transmembrane helix into coil, which accounted for protein's impaired cell membrane adhesion, increased solvent accessibility and decreased stability. The deletion also caused a reduction of beta-turn regions, which disrupted ligand binding in the cytoplasmic domain of Integrin αV subunit. This study emphasized on structural basis of how the deletion of PPQEE residues alters stability, ligand binding and signaling activity of Integrin αV subunit highlighting the importance of these residues in maintenance of protein's native structure.

Discovery of an Orally Bioavailable Pan αv Integrin Inhibitor for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

The heterodimeric transmembrane αv integrin receptors have recently emerged as potential targets for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Herein, we describe how subtle modifications of the central aromatic ring of a series of phenylbutyrate-based antagonists of the vitronectin receptors αvß3 and αvß5 significantly change the biological activities against αvß6 and αvß8. This resulted in the discovery of a pan αv antagonist (compound 39, 4-40 nM for the integrin receptors named above) possessing excellent oral pharmacokinetic properties in rats (with a clearance of 7.6 mL/(min kg) and a bioavailability of 97%).

Perivascular cell αv integrins as a target to treat skeletal muscle fibrosis.

Fibrosis following injury leads to aberrant regeneration and incomplete functional recovery of skeletal muscle, but the lack of detailed knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved hampers the design of effective treatments. Using state-of-the-art technologies, Murray et al. (2017) found that perivascular PDGFRß-expressing cells generate fibrotic cells in the skeletal muscle. Strikingly, genetic deletion of αv integrins from perivascular PDGFRß-expressing cells significantly inhibited skeletal muscle fibrosis without affecting muscle vascularization or regeneration. In addition, the authors showed that a small molecule inhibitor of αv integrins, CWHM 12, attenuates skeletal muscle fibrosis. From a drug-development perspective, this study identifies a new cellular and molecular target to treat skeletal muscle fibrosis.

An αv-RGD Integrin Inhibitor Toolbox: Drug Discovery Insight, Challenges and Opportunities.

There is a requirement for efficacious and safe medicines to treat diseases with high unmet need. The resurgence in αv-RGD integrin inhibitor drug discovery is poised to contribute to this requirement. However, drug discovery in the αv integrin space is notoriously difficult due to the receptors being structurally very similar as well as the polar zwitterionic nature of the pharmacophore. This Review aims to guide drug discovery research in this field through an αv inhibitor toolbox, consisting of small molecules and antibodies. Small-molecule αv tool compounds with extended profiles in αvß1, 3, 5, 6 and 8 cell adhesion assays, with key physicochemical properties, have been collated to assist in the selection of the right tool for the right experiment. This should also facilitate an understanding of partial selectivity profiles of compounds generated in different assays across research institutions. Prospects for further αv integrin research and the critical importance of target validation are discussed, where increased knowledge of the selectivity for individual RGD αv integrins is key. Insights into the design of small-molecule RGD chemotypes for topical or oral administration are provided and clinical findings on advanced molecules are examined.

Functional characterization of six aspartate (D) recombinant mojastin mutants (r-Moj): A second aspartate amino acid carboxyl to the RGD in r-Moj-D_ peptides is not sufficient to induce apoptosis of SK-Mel-28 cells.

Disintegrins are small peptides produced in viper venom that act as integrin antagonists. When bound to integrins, disintegrins induce altered cellular behaviors, such as apoptotic induction. Disintegrins with RGDDL or RGDDM motifs induce apoptosis of normal and cancer cells. We hypothesized that a second aspartate (D) carboxyl to the RGD is sufficient to induce apoptosis. Five recombinant mojastin D mutants were produced by site-directed mutagenesis (r-Moj-DA, r-Moj-DG, r-Moj-DL, r-Moj-DN, and r-Moj-DV). Stable αv integrin knockdown and shRNA scrambled control SK-Mel-28 cell lines were produced to test a second hypothesis: r-Moj-D_ peptides bind to αv integrin. Only r-Moj-DL, r-Moj-DM, and r-Moj-DN induced apoptosis of SK-Mel-28 cells (at 29.4%, 25.6%, and 36.2%, respectively). Apoptotic induction was significantly reduced in SK-Mel-28 cells with a stable αv integrin knockdown (to 2%, 17%, and 2%, respectively), but not in SK-Mel-28 cells with a stable scrambled shRNA. All six r-Moj-D_ peptides inhibited cell proliferation; ranging from 49.56% (r-Moj-DN) to 75.6% (r-Moj-DA). Cell proliferation inhibition by r-Moj-D_ peptides was significantly reduced in SK-Mel-28 cells with a stable αv integrin knockdown. All six r-Moj-D_ peptides inhibited SK-Mel-28 cell migration at high levels (69%-100%). As a consequence, rac-1 mRNA expression levels were significantly reduced as early as 1 h after treatment, suggesting that rac-1 is involved in the cell migration activity of SK-Mel-28.

Kaempferol inhibits the production of ROS to modulate OPN-αvß3 integrin pathway in HUVECs.

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that aldosterone regulates osteopontin (OPN)-related signaling pathways to promote nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and that kaempferol, a flavonoid compound, blocks those changes. Aldosterone induced productions of reactive oxygen species (ROS), OPN, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase 4 (Nox4), NF-κB, OPN, alphavbeta3 (αvß3) integrin, and inhibitor of NF-κB alpha phosphorylation (P-IκBα) in HUVEC. HUVECs were pretreated with kaempferol (0, 1, 3, or 10 µM) for 1 h and exposed to aldosterone (10(-6) M) for 24 h. Kaempferol reduced ROS, OPN, NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α levels; Nox4, αvß3 integrin; and P-IκBα expressions. The effect of aldosterone was also abrogated by spironolactone (10(-6) M). In addition, vitamin C (20 mmol/L) reduced ROS production. Vitamin C and LM609 (10 µg/mL) treatment decreased expressions of OPN, αvß3 integrin, and NF-κB (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The present results suggest that kaempferol may modulate OPN-αvß3 integrin pathway to inhibit NF-κB activation in HUVECs.

microRNA miR-142-3p Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Invasiveness by Synchronous Targeting of WASL, Integrin Alpha V, and Additional Cytoskeletal Elements.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs, micro ribonucleic acids) are pivotal post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. These endogenous small non-coding RNAs play significant roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. miR-142-3p expression is dysregulated in several breast cancer subtypes. We aimed at investigating the role of miR-142-3p in breast cancer cell invasiveness. Supported by transcriptomic Affymetrix array analysis and confirmatory investigations at the mRNA and protein level, we demonstrate that overexpression of miR-142-3p in MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells leads to downregulation of WASL (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome-like, protein: N-WASP), Integrin-αV, RAC1, and CFL2, molecules implicated in cytoskeletal regulation and cell motility. ROCK2, IL6ST, KLF4, PGRMC2 and ADCY9 were identified as additional targets in a subset of cell lines. Decreased Matrigel invasiveness was associated with the miR-142-3p-induced expression changes. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, nanoscale atomic force microscopy and digital holographic microscopy revealed a change in cell morphology as well as a reduced cell volume and size. A more cortical actin distribution and a loss of membrane protrusions were observed in cells overexpressing miR-142-3p. Luciferase activation assays confirmed direct miR-142-3p-dependent regulation of the 3'-untranslated region of ITGAV and WASL. siRNA-mediated depletion of ITGAV and WASL resulted in a significant reduction of cellular invasiveness, highlighting the contribution of these factors to the miRNA-dependent invasion phenotype. While knockdown of WASL significantly reduced the number of membrane protrusions compared to controls, knockdown of ITGAV resulted in a decreased cell volume, indicating differential contributions of these factors to the miR-142-3p-induced phenotype. Our data identify WASL, ITGAV and several additional cytoskeleton-associated molecules as novel invasion-promoting targets of miR-142-3p in breast cancer.

α6ß1- and αV-integrins are required for long-term self-renewal of murine embryonic stem cells in the absence of LIF.

BACKGROUND: The growth properties and self-renewal capacity of embryonic stem (ES) cells are regulated by their immediate microenvironment such as the extracellular matrix (ECM). Integrins, a central family of cellular ECM receptors, have been implicated in these processes but their specific role in ES cell self-renewal remains unclear. RESULTS: Here we have studied the effects of different ECM substrates and integrins in mouse ES cells in the absence of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) using short-term assays as well as long-term cultures. Removal of LIF from ES cell culture medium induced morphological differentiation of ES cells into polarized epistem cell-like cells. These cells maintained epithelial morphology and expression of key stemness markers for at least 10 passages in the absence of LIF when cultured on laminin, fibronectin or collagen IV substrates. The specific functional roles of α6-, αV- and ß1-integrin subunits were dissected using stable lentivirus-mediated RNAi methodology. ß1-integrins were required for ES cell survival in long-term cultures and for the maintenance of stem cell marker expression. Inhibition of α6-integrin expression compromised self-renewal on collagen while αV-integrins were required for robust ES cell adhesion on laminin. Analysis of the stemness marker expression revealed subtle differences between α6- and αV-depleted ES cells but the expression of both was required for optimal self-renewal in long-term ES cell cultures. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of LIF, long-term ES cell cultures adapt an epistem cell-like epithelial phenotype and retain the expression of multiple stem cell markers. Long-term maintenance of such self-renewing cultures depends on the expression of ß1-, α6- and αV-integrins.

PET imaging with [68Ga]NOTA-RGD for prostate cancer: a comparative study with [¹8F]fluorodeoxyglucose and [¹8F]fluoroethylcholine.

The α(v)ß3 integrin is highly expressed in prostate cancer (PCa), in which it is a key player in tumour invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis formation. Therefore, α(v)ß3 integrin is considered a very promising target for molecular imaging of PCa. This study tested the potential of the novel α(v)ß3 integrin affine agent [68Ga]NOTA-RGD in comparison with the established [¹8F]fluoroethylcholine (FEC) and [¹8F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) for assessing PCa using positron emission tomography (PET). [68Ga]NOTA-RGD showed a lower uptake in PC-3 and DU-145 cells compared with FEC and FDG. µPET imaging studies showed a good delineation of the PCa xenografts in mice. The means tumor-to-muscle and tumor-to-bone-ratio amounted 5.1 ± 1.4 and 5.2 ± 1.2 for [68Ga]NOTA-RGD compared with 2.6 ± 0.9 and 2.9 ± 1.6 for FDG, and 2.4 ± 0.7 and 0.8 ± 0.2 for FEC, respectively. The uptake of [68Ga]NOTA-RGD into tumor was fully inhibited by c(RGDfV), known to bind specifically to α(v)ß3 integrin, confirming the specificity of the tumor uptake in vivo. These results suggest that [68Ga]NOTA-RGD is a promising candidate for PET imaging of α(v)ß3 integrin expression in PCa and warrant further in vivo validations to ascertain its potential as an imaging agent for clinical use. The simple and fast preparation of [68Ga]NOTA-RGD may greatly facilitate its translation to a clinical setting.

Atomic basis for the species-specific inhibition of αV integrins by monoclonal antibody 17E6 is revealed by the crystal structure of αVß3 ectodomain-17E6 Fab complex.

The function-blocking, non-RGD-containing, and primate-specific mouse monoclonal antibody 17E6 binds the αV subfamily of integrins. 17E6 is currently in phase II clinical trials for treating cancer. To elucidate the structural basis of recognition and the molecular mechanism of inhibition, we crystallized αVß3 ectodomain in complex with the Fab fragment of 17E6. Protein crystals grew in presence of the activating cation Mn(2+). The integrin in the complex and in solution assumed the genuflected conformation. 17E6 Fab bound exclusively to the Propeller domain of the αV subunit. At the core of αV-Fab interface were interactions involving Propeller residues Lys-203 and Gln-145, with the latter accounting for primate specificity. The Propeller residue Asp-150, which normally coordinates Arg of the ligand Arg-Gly-Asp motif, formed contacts with Arg-54 of the Fab that were expected to reduce soluble FN10 binding to cellular αVß3 complexed with 17E6. This was confirmed in direct binding studies, suggesting that 17E6 is an allosteric inhibitor of αV integrins.

Regulation of endodermal differentiation of human embryonic stem cells through integrin-ECM interactions.

Many cellular responses during development are regulated by interactions between integrin receptors and extracellular matrix proteins (ECMPs). Although the majority of recent studies in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiation have focused on the role of growth factors, such as FGF, TGFß, and WNT, relatively little is known about the role of ECMP-integrin signaling in this process. Moreover, current strategies to direct hESC differentiation into various lineages are inefficient and have yet to produce functionally mature cells in vitro. This suggests that additional factors, such as ECMPs, are required for the efficient differentiation of hESCs. Using a high-throughput multifactorial cellular array technology, we investigated the effect of hundreds of ECMP combinations and concentrations on differentiation of several hPSC lines to definitive endoderm (DE), an early embryonic cell population fated to give rise to internal organs such as the lung, liver, pancreas, stomach, and intestine. From this screen we identified fibronectin (FN) and vitronectin (VTN) as ECMP components that promoted DE differentiation. Analysis of integrin expression revealed that differentiation toward DE led to an increase in FN-binding integrin α5 (ITGA5) and VTN-binding integrin αV (ITGAV). Conditional short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of ITGA5 and ITGAV disrupted hESC differentiation toward DE. Finally, fluorescence-based cell sorting for ITGA5 and ITGAV significantly enriched cells with gene expression signatures associated with DE, demonstrating that these cell surface proteins permit isolation and enrichment of DE from hESCs. These data provide evidence that FN and VTN promote endoderm differentiation of hESCs through interaction with ITGA5 and ITGAV, and that ECMP-integrin interactions are required for hESC differentiation into functionally mature cells.

The disulfide bond of an RGD4C motif inserted within the Hi loop of the adenovirus type 5 fiber protein is critical for retargeting to αv -integrins.

BACKGROUND: The α(v) -integrin binding motif RGD4C (CDCRGDCFC) has been used extensively to circumvent inefficient adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) transduction of cells expressing low levels of the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor. However, until now, it has been unclear whether disulfide bonds in the RGD4C motif influence the retargeting potential of RGD4C-modified Ad5. METHODS: Replication deficient Ad5 bearing wild-type fiber (Ad5wt) or RGD4G, RGD4C and RGD2C2G insertions within the HI loop of the fiber protein (Ad5RGD4G, Ad5RGD4C and Ad5RGD2C2G, respectively) were used to transduce a panel of cancer cell lines, with or without previous treatment of these Ad5s with the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). In parallel, native and DTT-treated fiber proteins isolated from purified Ad5RGD4C were compared by mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Ad5RGD4C transduced all studied cell lines much more efficiently than Ad5wt, whereas Ad5RGD4G transduced cells only slightly more efficiently than Ad5wt. DTT treatment had no effect on cell transduction by wild-type Ad5wt and Ad5RGD4G but abolished the increased transduction efficacy of Ad5RGD4C in a dose-dependent manner. The mass spectra of native and DTT-reduced tryptic digests of the Ad5RGD4C fiber protein are consistent with the presence of a C(547) -C(549) linkage in the C(547) DC(549) RGDC(553) FC(555) motif. Finally, the high transduction efficacy of Ad5RGD4C is conserved in Ad5RGD2C2G. CONCLUSIONS: We provide genetic and biochemical data strongly suggesting that cysteines C(547) and C(549) from the C(547) DC(549) RGDC(553) FC(555) motif inserted in the HI loop of the Ad5 fiber form a single disulfide bond, with this disulfide bond being crucial for Ad5RGD4C retargeting to av-integrins.

Analysis of the CD23-αv integrin interaction: a study with model peptides.

The human CD23 protein binds to αvß3 and αvß5 integrins. The integrins recognize a short tripeptide motif of arg-lys-cys (RKC) in CD23, and peptides containing this motif inhibit the binding of CD23 to B cells and monocytes; neither fibronectin, nor vitronectin, which contain arg-gly-asp motifs, inhibit binding of RKC-containing peptides to cells. RKC-containing peptides derived from CD23 show dose-dependent, biphasic binding profiles to both αvß3 and αvß5 that are cation-independent but sensitive to high chloride ion concentrations. Substitution of one basic residue in the RKC motif with alanine reduces but does not abolish integrin binding or the ability of peptides to stimulate pre-B cell growth or cytokine release by monocytes. Substitution of both basic residues abolishes both integrin binding and biological activity of CD23-derived peptides. These features indicate that binding of RKC-containing peptides to αv integrins has clearly distinct characteristics to those for binding of RGD-containing ligands.

Nanostructured functional co-polymers bioconjugate integrin inhibitors.

Synthesis and properties of bioconjugates based on functionalized polymeric nanoparticles (PNs) and monoclonal anti-Integrin αV CD51 (aI) antibody were investigated. Polymeric and co-polymeric colloidal nanoparticles with different functionalities, i.e., acid, amine, or thiol, namely poly(methylmethacrylate-co-acrylic acid) [P(MMA-co-AA)], poly(methylmethacrylate-co-dimethylpropargylamine) [P(MMA-co-DMPA)], poly(methylmethacrylate-co-allil mercaptane) [P(MMA-co-AM)], were obtained by tailoring emulsion synthesis and fully characterized by means of spectroscopic techniques and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bioconjugates (PN/aI) based on P(MMA) or P(MMA-co-AA) were obtained by loading the polymeric nanoparticles with the antibody anti-Integrin with a simple and straightforward immobilization strategy. Bioconjugates qualitative and quantitative loading analyses were carried out by means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis 1D-PAGE, MALDI-TOF, and LC/ESI-MS/MS investigations. The biological efficacy of bioconjugates was confirmed by the reduced migration potential of PN/aI-treated human kidney cells (HEK293). The easy immobilization procedure and high immobilization capacity of polymeric nanoparticles together with tuneable chemical functionalities and dimension of the polymeric nanoparticles open applicative perspectives for targeted delivery.

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging assessment of vascular targeting agent effects in rat intracerebral tumor models.

We used dynamic MRI to evaluate the effects of monoclonal antibodies targeting brain tumor vasculature. Female athymic rats with intracerebral human tumor xenografts were untreated or treated with intetumumab, targeting α(V)-integrins, or bevacizumab, targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (n = 4-6 per group). Prior to treatment and at 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment, we performed standard MRI to assess tumor volume, dynamic susceptibility-contrast MRI with the blood-pool iron oxide nanoparticle ferumoxytol to evaluate relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to assess tumor vascular permeability. Tumor rCBV increased by 27 ± 13% over 7 days in untreated rats; intetumumab increased tumor rCBV by 65 ± 10%, whereas bevacizumab reduced tumor rCBV by 31 ± 10% at 7 days (P < .001 for group and day). Similarly, intetumumab increased brain tumor vascular permeability compared with controls at 3 and 7 days after treatment, whereas bevacizumab decreased tumor permeability within 24 hours (P = .0004 for group, P = .0081 for day). All tumors grew over the 7-day assessment period, but bevacizumab slowed the increase in tumor volume on MRI. We conclude that the vascular targeting agents intetumumab and bevacizumab had diametrically opposite effects on dynamic MRI of tumor vasculature in rat brain tumor models. Targeting α(V)-integrins increased tumor vascular permeability and blood volume, whereas bevacizumab decreased both measures. These findings have implications for chemotherapy delivery and antitumor efficacy.

Identification of interacting hot spots in the beta3 integrin stalk using comprehensive interface design.

Protein-protein interfaces are usually large and complementary surfaces, but specific side chains, representing energetic "hot spots," often contribute disproportionately to binding free energy. We used a computational method, comprehensive interface design, to identify hot spots in the interface between the stalk regions of the ß3 and the complementary αIIb and αv integrin subunits. Using the Rosetta alanine-scanning and design algorithms to predict destabilizing, stabilizing, and neutral mutations in the ß3 region extending from residues Lys(532) through Gly(690), we predicted eight alanine mutations that would destabilize the αIIbß3 interface as well as nine predicted to destabilize the αvß3 interface, by at least 0.3 kcal/mol. The mutations were widely and unevenly distributed, with four between residues 552 and 563 and five between 590 and 610, but none between 565 and 589, and 611 and 655. Further, mutations destabilizing the αvß3 and αIIbß3 interfaces were not identical. The predictions were then tested by introducing selected mutations into the full-length integrins expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Five mutations predicted to destabilize αIIb and ß3 caused fibrinogen binding to αIIbß3, whereas three of four predicted to be neutral or stabilizing did not. Conversely, a mutation predicted to destabilize αvß3, but not αIIbß3 (D552A), caused osteopontin binding to αvß3, but not fibrinogen binding to αIIbß3. These results indicate that stability of the distal stalk interface is involved in constraining integrins in stable, inactive conformations. Further, they demonstrate the ability of comprehensive interface design to identify functionally significant integrin mutations.

3'-Sulfo-Le(x) is important for regulation of integrin subunit alphaV.

Carbohydrate structures with a 3'-sulfo betaGal linkage, such as 3'-sulfo-Le(x), can be synthesized by Gal:3-O-sulfotransferase-2 (Gal3ST-2) catalysis, but little is known about their roles in many biological processes. To investigate the role of Gal3ST-2 and its product 3'-sulfo-Le(x), we depleted Gal3ST-2 via siRNA and added exogenous Lewis-x trisaccharide 3'-sulfate sodium salt in human SMMC7721 hepatoma cells. After siRNA transfection, a striking morphological change in SMMC7721 hepatoma cells from polygon to shuttle shape and a significant decrease in the level of adhesion to sL-selectin, HUVEC, fibronectin, vitronectin, and fibrinogen were observed. The expression of integrin subunit alphaV was markedly downregulated, and 3'-sulfated subunit alphaV almost disappeared in the transfectants. The level of cell surface integrin alphaVbeta3 was reduced simultaneously, although total subunit beta3 underwent almost no change. After treatment with exogenous Lewis-x 3'-sulfate, cellular integrin subunit alphaV was upregulated and the level of cell surface integrin alphaVbeta3 was elevated. Interestingly, knockdown of Gal3ST-2 expression effectively inhibited cell proliferation, and the result was significantly correlated with the decrease in the levels of ILK, phosphorylated AKT, and ERK. On the other hand, treatment with Lewis-x trisaccharide 3'-sulfate sodium salt greatly upregulated the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK. Our results also indicated that downregulation of Gal3ST-2 via siRNA transfection was associated with the decrease in the level of expression of anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, with a consequent decrease in the ratios for Bcl-2 to Bax. By exposure to Lewis-x trisaccharide 3'-sulfate sodium salt, the apoptotic response of cells was inhibited. Therefore, Gal3ST-2 and its product, 3'-sulfo-Le(x), were involved in regulation of integrin subunit alphaV and might be associated with cancer cell regulation.

A unique interaction between alphaIIb and beta3 in the head region is essential for outside-in signaling-related functions of alphaIIbbeta3 integrin.

The main interface of the 2 subunits of platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3 comprises the beta-propeller domain of alphaIIb and the betaA domain of beta3. In the center of the beta-propeller, several aromatic residues interact by cation-pi and hydrophobic bonds with Arg261 of betaA. In this study, we substituted alphaIIb-Trp110 or beta3-Arg261 by residues abundant in other alpha or beta subunits at corresponding locations and expressed them in baby hamster kidney cells along with normal beta3 or alphaIIb, respectively. These mutant cells displayed normal surface expression and fibrinogen binding but grossly impaired outside-in signaling-related functions: adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen, cell spreading, focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation, clot retraction, and reduced alphaIIbbeta3 stability in EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). Expression of mutants with substitutions of Arg261 in beta3 by alanine or lysine with normal alphav yielded normal surface expression of alphavbeta3 and soluble fibrinogen binding as well as normal outside-in signaling-related functions, contrasting findings for alphaIIbbeta3. Structural analysis of alphaIIbbeta3 and alphavbeta3 revealed that alphavbeta3 has several strong interactions between alphav and beta3 subunits that are missing in alphaIIbbeta3. Together, these findings indicate that the interaction between Trp110 of alphaIIb and Arg261 of beta3 is critical for alphaIIbbeta3 integrity and outside-in signaling-related functions.