Expression of integrin subunit beta1B in integrin beta1-deficient GD25 cells does not interfere with alphaVbeta3 functions

Biomimetic Scaffolds Based on Mn2+-, Mg2+-, and Sr2+-Substituted Calcium Phosphates Derived from Natural Sources and Polycaprolactone

The occurrence of bone disorders is steadily increasing worldwide. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional treatments of bone defects, developing bone scaffolds capable of promoting bone regeneration. In this research, biomimetic scaffolds based on ion-substituted calcium phosphates, derived from cuttlefish bone, were prepared using a hydrothermal method. To synthesize Mn2+-substituted scaffolds, three different manganese concentrations (corresponding to 1, 2.5, and 5 mol% Mn substitutions for Ca into hydroxyapatite) were used. Also, syntheses with the simultaneous addition of an equimolar amount (1 mol%) of two (Mg2+ and Sr2+) or three ions (Mn2+, Mg2+, and Sr2+) were performed. A chemical, structural, and morphological characterization was carried out using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of the ion substitutions on the lattice parameters, crystallite sizes, and fractions of the detected phases were discussed. Multi-substituted (Mn2+, Mg2+, and Sr2+) scaffolds were coated with polycaprolactone (PCL) using simple vacuum impregnation. The differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), cultured on the PCL-coated scaffold, was evaluated using histology, immunohistochemistry, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. The expression of collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, and dentin matrix protein 1 was detected. The influence of PCL coating on hMSCs behavior is discussed.

Growth factor receptor and β1 integrin signaling differentially regulate basal clonogenicity and radiation survival of fibroblasts via a modulation of cell cycling

Cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins mediates resistance to radio- and chemotherapy by activating integrin signaling. In addition, mutual and cooperative interactions between integrin and growth factor receptor signaling contribute to the cellular radiation response. Here, we investigate to which extend the crosstalk between β1 integrins and growth factor receptor signaling determines the cellular radiation response of fibroblasts by assessing clonogenic survival and cell cycling. By utilizing growth factor signaling competent and either β1 integrin wildtype GD25β1A fibroblasts or β1 integrin mutant, signaling incompetent GD25β1B fibroblasts, we show basal clonogenic survival to depend on growth factor receptor but not integrin signaling. Our data further suggest the cooperation between β1 integrins and growth factor receptors to be critical for enhancing the radiation-induced G2/M cell cycle block leading to improved clonogenic radiation survival. By pharmacological inhibition of EGFR and PI3K, we additionally show that the essential contribution of EGFR signaling to radiogenic G2/M cell cycle arrest depends on the co-activation of the β1 integrin signaling axis, but occurs independent of PI3K. Taken together, elucidation of the signaling circuitry underlying the EGFR/β1 integrin crosstalk may support the development of advanced molecular targeted therapies for radiation oncology.

The Development Tendency of 3D-Printed Bioceramic Scaffolds for Applications Ranging From Bone Tissue Regeneration to Bone Tumor Therapy

Three-dimensional (3D) printing concept has been successfully employed in regenerative medicine to achieve individualized therapy due to its benefit of a rapid, accurate, and predictable production process. Traditional biocomposites scaffolds (SCF) are primarily utilised for bone tissue engineering; nevertheless, over the last few years, there has already been a dramatic shift in the applications of bioceramic (BCR) SCF. As a direct consequence, this study focused on the structural, degeneration, permeation, and physiological activity of 3D-printed BCR (3DP-B) SCF with various conformations and work systems (macros, micros, and nanos ranges), as well as their impacts on the mechanical, degeneration, porosity, and physiological activities. In addition, 3DP-B SCF are highlighted in this study for potential uses applied from bone tissue engineering (BTE) to bone tumor treatment. The study focused on significant advances in practical 3DP-B SCF that can be utilized for tumor treatment as well as bone tissue regeneration (BTR). Given the difficulties in treating bone tumors, these operational BCR SCF offer a lot of promise in mending bone defects caused by surgery and killing any remaining tumor cells to accomplish bone tumor treatment. Furthermore, a quick assessment of future developments in this subject was presented. The study not only summarizes recent advances in BCR engineering, but it also proposes a new therapeutic strategy focused on the extension of conventional ceramics' multifunction to a particular diagnosis.

Bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics for hyperthermia treatment of cancer: state-of-art, challenges, and future perspectives

Bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics are well-proven potential biomaterials for bone-tissue engineering applications because of their compositional flexibility. Many research groups have been focused to explore the utility of bioactive glass-ceramics beyond bone engineering to hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Hyperthermia refers to raising the temperature of tumor close to 44°C at which malignant cells perish with negligible harm to normal cells. Hyperthermia can be employed by many means such as by ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, infrared radiations, alternating magnetic fields, etc. Magnetic bioactive glass-ceramics are advantageous over other potential candidates for thermoseeds such as nanofluids, superparamagnetic nanoparticles because they can bond not only to the natural bone but also with soft tissues in few cases, which helps regenerating the affected part due to its bioactive nature. Strict restrictions on clinical settings ( H × f < 5 × 10 9 ) force the research activities to be more focused on material characteristics to raise the implant temperature to required ranges. Lots of efforts have been made in past years to tackle these challenges and design best-suited glass-ceramics for hyperthermia treatment. This review aims to provide essential information on the concept of hyperthermia treatment of cancer and recent developments in the field of bioactive glass-ceramics for cancer treatment. The advantages and disadvantages of magnetic glass-ceramics over other potential thermoseed materials are highlighted. In this field, the major challenges are to develop magnetic glasses, which have fast and bulk crystallization with optimized magnetic phases with lower Curie and Neel temperatures.

Dual Doping of Silicon and Manganese in Hydroxyapatites: Physicochemical Properties and Preliminary Biological Studies

Silicated hydroxyapatite powders enriched with small amounts of manganese (Mn²⁺) cations were synthesized via two different methods: precipitation in aqueous solution and the solid-state method. The source of Mn²⁺ ions was manganese acetate, while silicon was incorporated using two different reagents: silicon acetate and sodium metasilicate. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis showed that the powders obtained via the precipitation method consisted of single-phase nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite. In contrast, samples obtained via the solid-state method were heterogenous and contaminated with other phases, (i.e., calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, and silicocarnotite) arising during thermal treatment. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed powders obtained via the precipitation method were nanosized and elongated, while solid-state synthesis produced spherical microcrystals. The phase identification was complemented by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). An in-depth analysis via solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) was carried out, using phosphorus ³¹P single-pulse Bloch decay (BD) (³¹P BD) and cross-polarization (CP) experiments from protons to silicon-29 nuclei (¹H → ²⁹Si CP). The elemental measurements carried out using wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) showed that the efficiency of introducing manganese and silicon ions was between 45% and 95%, depending on the synthesis method and the reagents. Preliminary biological tests on the bacteria Allivibrio fisheri (Microtox®) and the protozoan Spirostomum ambiguum (Spirotox) showed no toxic effect in any of the samples. The obtained materials may find potential application in regenerative medicine, bone implantology, and orthopedics as bone substitutes or implant coatings.

Doping β-TCP as a Strategy for Enhancing the Regenerative Potential of Composite β-TCP-Alkali-Free Bioactive Glass Bone Grafts. Experimental Study in Rats

The present work aims at evaluating the potential gains derived from partially replacing calcium in resorbable β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) by two different molar percentages of strontium (5, 10) and zinc (1, 2), concomitantly with a fixed molar percentage (0.5) of manganese. Synthetic granular composite bone filling grafts consisting of doped β-TCP and an alkali-free bioactive glass were prepared and implanted in ~4 mm diameter bone defects drilled in the calvaria of Wistar rats used as animal models. The animals were sacrificed after 9 weeks of implantation and the calvaria was excised. Non-manipulated bone was used as positive control, while empty defects were used as a negative control group. The von Kossa staining revealed an enhanced new bone formation with increasing doping levels, supporting the therapeutic effects exerted by the doping elements. The percentage of newly formed bone was similar when the defects were filled with autologous bone, BG (previous results) or 3TCP2/7BG, which indicates that the latter two are excellent candidates for replacement of autologous bone as bone regeneration material. This finding confirms that doping with suitable doses of therapeutic ions is a good strategy towards transposing the bone graft materials to biomedical applications in humans.

3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds: From bone tissue engineering to tumor therapy

Toward the aim of personalized treatment, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has been widely used in bone tissue engineering owing to its advantage of a fast, precise, and controllable fabrication process. Conventional bioceramic scaffolds are mainly used for bone tissue engineering; however, there has been a significant change in the application of bioceramic scaffolds during the past several years. Therefore, this review focuses on 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds with different compositions and hierarchical structures (macro, micro, and nano scales), and their effects on the mechanical, degradation, permeability, and biological properties. Further, this review highlights 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds for applications extending from bone tissue regeneration to bone tumor therapy. This review emphasizes recent developments in functional 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds with the ability to be used for both tumor therapy and bone tissue regeneration. Considering the challenges in bone tumor therapy, these functional bioceramic scaffolds have a great potential in repairing bone defects induced by surgery and kill the possibly residual tumor cells to achieve bone tumor therapy. Finally, a brief perspective regarding future directions in this field was also provided. The review not only gives a summary of the research developments in bioceramic science but also offers a new therapy strategy by extending multifunctions of traditional biomaterials toward a specific disease.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

This review outlines the development tendency of 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds for applications ranging from bone tissue regeneration to bone tumor therapy. Conventional bioceramic scaffolds are mainly used for bone tissue engineering; however, there has been a significant change in the application of bioceramic scaffolds during the past several years. Therefore, this review focuses on 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds with different compositions and hierarchical structures (macro, micro, and nano scales), and their effects on the mechanical, degradation, permeability, and biological properties. Further, this review highlights 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds for applications extending from bone tissue regeneration to bone tumor therapy. This review emphasizes recent developments in the functional 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds with the ability to be used for both bone tumor therapy and bone tissue regeneration.

Design and characterization of a novel nickel-free cobalt-base alloy for intravascular stents

Co-Cr-W-Ni alloy (L605) with high tensile strength is used in coronary stents. The thickness of individual strut of the stent is reduced which can decrease the stent restenosis rate. However, about 10% Ni element content in L605 is found to cause allergic reactions and pulmonary embolism, similar to the traditional 316L stainless steel. In this study, a novel nickel-free cobalt-base alloy Co-20Cr-12Fe-18Mn-2Mo-4W-N (wt%) was designed and fabricated in order to efficiently avoid the potential hazards of Ni element. Fe and Mn, essential elements of human body, were added in the alloy to substitute part of Co element. In comparison to L605 alloy, the tensile strength of the new alloy was higher than 1000MPa while elongation was above 55%. The pitting potential of the new alloy was measured close to 1000mV, also higher than that of L605 alloy. CCK-8 test indicated that the cytotoxicity of the new alloy is grade 1, reflecting that Co-20Cr-12Fe-18Mn-2Mo-4W-N alloy has no cytotoxic effects. There was no significant difference in the apoptosis rates between Co-20Cr-12Fe-18Mn-2Mo-4W-N and L605 alloy. The newly developed cobalt-base alloy showed excellent mechanical, corrosion resistance and biological properties, which could make it a desirable material for future clinical investigations.

Structural analysis and magnetic induced hyperthermia of Fe3+and Mn2+substituted β-Ca3(PO4)2

Fe³⁺/Mn²⁺co-substitutions in β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂elicit a good hyperthermia effect and biocompatible features.

A Comparative Study of the Sintering Behavior of Pure and Manganese-Substituted Hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a widely studied biomaterial for its similar chemical composition to bone and its osteoconductive properties. The crystal structure of HA is flexible, allowing for a wide range of substitutions which can alter bioactivity, biodegradation, and mechanical properties of the substituted apatite. The thermal stability of a substituted apatite is an indication of its biodegradation in vivo. In this study, we investigated the thermal stability and mechanical properties of manganese-substituted hydroxyapatite (MnHA) as it is reported that manganese can enhance cell attachment compared to pure HA. Pure HA and MnHA pellets were sintered over the following temperature ranges: 900 to 1300 °C and 700 to 1300 °C respectively. The sintered pellets were characterized via density measurements, mechanical testing, X-ray diffraction, and field emission electron microscopy. It was found that MnHA was less stable than HA decomposing around 800 °C compared to 1200 °C for HA. The flexural strength of MnHA was weaker than HA due to the decomposition of MnHA at a significantly lower temperature of 800 °C compared to 1100 °C for HA. The low thermal stability of MnHA suggests that a faster in vivo dissolution rate compared to pure HA is expected.

Mechanical preparation of nanocrystalline biocompatible single-phase Mn-doped A-type carbonated hydroxyapatite (A-cHAp): effect of Mn doping on microstructure

Mn substitution reduces Ca2/Mn–O bond lengths leading to structural changes in the A-cHAp lattice.

Caveolin modulates integrin function and mechanical activation in the cardiomyocyte

β1 integrins (β1) transduce mechanical signals in many cells, including cardiac myocytes (CM). Given their close localization, as well as their role in mechanotransduction and signaling, we hypothesized that caveolin (Cav) proteins might regulate integrins in the CM. β1 localization, complex formation, activation state, and signaling were analyzed using wild-type, Cav3 knockout, and Cav3 CM-specific transgenic heart and myocyte samples. Studies were performed under basal and mechanically loaded conditions. We found that: (1) β1 and Cav3 colocalize in CM and coimmunoprecipitate from CM protein lysates; (2) β1 is detected in a subset of caveolae; (3) loss of Cav3 caused reduction of β1D integrin isoform and active β1 integrin from the buoyant domains in the heart; (4) increased expression of myocyte Cav3 correlates with increased active β1 integrin in adult CM; (5) in vivo pressure overload of the wild-type heart results in increased activated integrin in buoyant membrane domains along with increased association between active integrin and Cav3; and (6) Cav3-deficient myocytes have perturbed basal and stretch mediated signaling responses. Thus, Cav3 protein can modify integrin function and mechanotransduction in the CM and intact heart.

Effects of Mn-doping on the structure and biological properties of β-tricalcium phosphate

Doping calcium phosphates with trace elements that exist in bone tissues is beneficial in terms of cell-material interactions and in vivo performance of the bone grafts made thereof. Manganese (Mn) is an essential element for normal growth and metabolism of bone tissues, but studies reporting the effects of Mn-doping calcium phosphates are scarce. The present study investigated the influence of Mn-doping on the structure, morphology and biological properties of β-tricalcium phosphate [β-Ca3(PO4)2] (β-TCP). Mn-doped (MnTCP) powders, with Mn contents varying from 0 to 10 mol%, were obtained through an aqueous precipitation method followed by heat treatment at 800 °C. The successful incorporation of Mn into β-TCP structure was proved through quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) phase analysis coupled with structural Rietveld refinement. Increasing Mn concentrations led to decreasing trends of a- and c-axis lattice parameters, and Mn-doping also significantly affected the morphology of β-TCP powders. In vitro proliferation and differentiation assays of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic-like cells, grown in the presence of the powders, revealed that the biological benefits of Mn-doped β-TCP are limited to lower Mn incorporation levels and potentially related to their surface microstructure. The Mn1-βTCP composition revealed the best set of bioactivity properties, potentially a good candidate for future applications of β-TCP materials in osteoregeneration.

Characterisation, corrosion resistance and in vitro bioactivity of manganese-doped hydroxyapatite films electrodeposited on titanium

This work elucidated the corrosion resistance and in vitro bioactivity of electroplated manganese-doped hydroxyapatite (MnHAp) film on NaOH-treated titanium (Ti). The NaOH treatment process was performed on Ti surface to enhance the adhesion of the MnHAp coating on Ti. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the MnHAp coating had needle-like apatite crystals, and the approximately 10 μm thick layer was denser than HAp. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed that the MnHAp crystals were Ca-deficient and the Mn/P molar ratio was 0.048. X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of single-phase MnHAp, which was aligned vertically to the substrate. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of phosphate bands ranging from 500 to 650 and 900 to 1,100 cm(-1), and a hydroxyl band at 3,571 cm(-1), which was characteristic of HAp. Bond strength test revealed that adhesion for the MnHAp coating was more enhanced than that of the HAp coating. Potentiodynamic polarisation test showed that the MnHAp-coated surface exhibited superior corrosion resistance over the HAp single-coated surface. Bioactivity test conducted by immersing the coatings in simulated body fluid showed that MnHAp coating can rapidly induce bone-like apatite nucleation and growth. Osteoblast cellular tests revealed that the MnHAp coating was better at improving the in vitro biocompatibility of Ti than the HAp coating.

Integrin β1 mediates vaccinia virus entry through activation of PI3K/Akt signaling

Vaccinia virus has a broad range of infectivity in many cell lines and animals. Although it is known that the vaccinia mature virus binds to cell surface glycosaminoglycans and extracellular matrix proteins, whether additional cellular receptors are required for virus entry remains unclear. Our previous studies showed that the vaccinia mature virus enters through lipid rafts, suggesting the involvement of raft-associated cellular proteins. Here we demonstrate that one lipid raft-associated protein, integrin β1, is important for vaccinia mature virus entry into HeLa cells. Vaccinia virus associates with integrin β1 in lipid rafts on the cell surface, and the knockdown of integrin β1 in HeLa cells reduces vaccinia mature virus entry. Additionally, vaccinia mature virus infection is reduced in a mouse cell line, GD25, that is deficient in integrin β1 expression. Vaccinia mature virus infection triggers the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling, and the treatment of cells with inhibitors to block P13K activation reduces virus entry in an integrin β1-dependent manner, suggesting that integrin β1-mediates PI3K/Akt activation induced by vaccinia virus and that this signaling pathway is essential for virus endocytosis. The inhibition of integrin β1-mediated cell adhesion results in a reduction of vaccinia virus entry and the disruption of focal adhesion and PI3K/Akt activation. In summary, our results show that the binding of vaccinia mature virus to cells mimics the outside-in activation process of integrin functions to facilitate vaccinia virus entry into HeLa cells.

Bartonella henselae engages inside-out and outside-in signaling by integrin β1 and talin1 during invasome-mediated bacterial uptake

The VirB/D4 type IV secretion system (T4SS) of the bacterial pathogen Bartonella henselae (Bhe) translocates seven effector proteins (BepA-BepG) into human cells that subvert host cellular functions. Two redundant pathways dependent on BepG or the combination of BepC and BepF trigger the formation of a bacterial uptake structure termed the invasome. Invasome formation is a multi-step process consisting of bacterial adherence, effector translocation, aggregation of bacteria on the cell surface and engulfment, and eventually, complete internalization of the bacterial aggregate occurs in an F-actin-dependent manner. In the present study, we show that Bhe-triggered invasome formation depends on integrin-β1-mediated signaling cascades that enable assembly of the F-actin invasome structure. We demonstrate that Bhe interacts with integrin β1 in a fibronectin- and VirB/D4 T4SS-independent manner and that activated integrin β1 is essential for both effector translocation and the actin rearrangements leading to invasome formation. Furthermore, we show that talin1, but not talin2, is required for inside-out activation of integrin β1 during invasome formation. Finally, integrin-β1-mediated outside-in signaling by FAK, Src, paxillin and vinculin is necessary for invasome formation. This is the first example of a bacterial entry process that fully exploits the bi-directional signaling capacity of integrin receptors in a talin1-specific manner.

PI3-kinase p110α mediates β1 integrin-induced Akt activation and membrane protrusion during cell attachment and initial spreading

Integrin-mediated cell adhesion activates several signaling effectors, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), a central mediator of cell motility and survival. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of this important pathway the specific members of the PI3K family activated by different integrins have to be identified. Here, we studied the role of PI3K catalytic isoforms in β1 integrin-induced lamellipodium protrusion and activation of Akt in fibroblasts. Real-time total internal reflection fluorescence imaging of the membrane-substrate interface demonstrated that β1 integrin-mediated attachment induced rapid membrane spreading reaching essentially maximal contact area within 5-10 min. This process required actin polymerization and involved activation of PI3K. Isoform-selective pharmacological inhibition identified p110α as the PI3K catalytic isoform mediating both β1 integrin-induced cell spreading and Akt phosphorylation. A K756L mutation in the membrane-proximal part of the β1 integrin subunit, known to cause impaired Akt phosphorylation after integrin stimulation, induced slower cell spreading. The initial β1 integrin-regulated cell spreading as well as Akt phosphorylation were sensitive to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2, but were not dependent on Src family kinases, FAK or EGF/PDGF receptor transactivation. Notably, cells expressing a Ras binding-deficient p110α mutant were severely defective in integrin-induced Akt phosphorylation, but exhibited identical membrane spreading kinetics as wild-type p110α cells. We conclude that p110α mediates β1 integrin-regulated activation of Akt and actin polymerization important for survival and lamellipodia dynamics. This could contribute to the tumorigenic properties of cells expressing constitutively active p110α.

beta1-integrin-mediated signaling essentially contributes to cell survival after radiation-induced genotoxic injury

Integrin-mediated adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins confers resistance to radiation- or drug-induced genotoxic injury. To analyse the underlying mechanisms specific for beta1-integrins, wild-type beta1A-integrin-expressing GD25beta1A cells were compared to GD25beta1B cells, which express signaling-incompetent beta1B variants. Cells grown on fibronectin, collagen-III, beta1-integrin-IgG or poly-l-lysine were exposed to 0-6 Gy X-rays in presence or depletion of growth factors and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors (LY294002, wortmannin). In order to test the relevance of these findings in tumor cells, human A-172 glioma cells were examined under the same conditions after siRNA-mediated silencing of beta1-integrins. We found that beta1A-integrin-mediated adhesion to fibronectin, collagen-III or beta1-IgG was essential for cell survival after radiation-induced genotoxic injury. Mediated by PI3K, pro-survival beta1A-integrin/Akt signaling was critically involved in this process. Additionally, the beta1-integrin downstream targets p130Cas and paxillin-impaired survival-regulating PI3K-dependent JNK. In A-172 glioma cells, beta1-integrin knockdown and PI3K inhibition confirmed the central role of beta1-integrins in Akt- and p130Cas/paxillin-mediated prosurvival signaling. These findings suggest beta1-integrins as critical regulators of cell survival after radiation-induced genotoxic injury. Elucidation of the molecular circuitry of prosurvival beta1-integrin-mediated signaling in tumor cells may promote the development of innovative molecular-targeted therapeutic antitumor strategies.

Threonine 788 in integrin subunit beta1 regulates integrin activation

In the present study, the functional role of suggested phosphorylation of the conserved threonines in the cytoplasmic domain of integrin subunit beta1 was investigated. Mutants mimicking phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms of beta1 were expressed in beta1 deficient GD25 cells. T788 in beta1 was identified as a site with major influence on integrin function. The mutation to A788 strongly reduced beta1-dependent cell attachment and exposure of the extracellular 9EG7 epitope, whereas replacement of T789 with alanine did not interfere with the ligand-binding ability. Talin has been shown to mediate integrin activation, but the talin head domain bound equally well to the wild-type beta1 and the mutants indicating that the T788A mutation caused defect integrin activation by another mechanism. The phosphorylation-mimicking mutation T788D was fully active in promoting cell adhesion. GD25 cells expressing beta1T788D accumulated increased number of focal contacts and migrated slowly compared to GD25 beta1 wild-type. An analogous phenotype is seen when focal adhesion kinase activation is abrogated. However, neither the beta1T788D nor the beta1T788A mutation failed to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase. The results suggest that phosphorylation of T788 in integrin beta1 promotes inside-out receptor activation, as well as focal contact accumulation.

Human osteoblast response to pulsed laser deposited calcium phosphate coatings

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and Mn(2+)-doped carbonate hydroxyapatite (Mn-CHA) thin films were deposited on pure, highly polished and chemically etched Ti substrates with pulsed laser deposition. The coatings exhibit different composition, crystallinity and morphology that might affect their osteoconductivity. Human osteoblasts were cultured on the surfaces of OCP and Mn-CHA thin films, and the cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation were evaluated up to 21 days. The cells showed a normal morphology and a very good rate of proliferation and viability in every experimental time. Alkaline phosphatase activity was always higher than the control and Ti groups. From days 7 to 21 collagen type I production was higher in comparison with control and Ti groups. The level of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) was lower at 3 and 7 days, but reached the highest values during following experimental times (14 and 21 days). Our data demonstrate that both calcium phosphate coatings favour osteoblasts proliferation, activation of their metabolism and differentiation.

beta1-Integrins induce phosphorylation of Akt on serine 473 independently of focal adhesion kinase and Src family kinases

Adhesion by means of beta1-integrins induces the phosphorylation of Akt, an event strictly dependent on the activity of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Binding of the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K to phosphorylated tyrosine 397 in focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is considered to be the mechanism of cell adhesion-induced activation of class Ia PI3K. Here we show that PI3K-dependent phosphorylation of Akt in response to ligation of beta1-integrins occurs efficiently in the absence of FAK tyrosine phosphorylation. Akt S473 phosphorylation was strongly promoted both in cells expressing the integrin subunit splice variant beta1B, which is unable to activate FAK, and in FAK knockout cells. In addition, we found this phosphorylation to be independent of the Src family kinases Src, Fyn and Yes. These results indicate that a major pathway for adhesion-dependent activation of PI3K/Akt is triggered by the membrane proximal part of the beta1 subunit in a FAK and Src-independent manner.

Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-containing peptides inhibit the force production of mouse papillary muscle bundles via alpha 5 beta 1 integrin

Integrins are considered to be an important mechanosensor in cardiac myocytes. To test whether integrins can influence cardiac contractile function, the force-frequency relationships of mouse papillary muscle bundles were measured in the presence or absence of a synthetic integrin-binding peptide, GRGDNP (gly-arg-gly-asp-asn-pro). Results demonstrate that in the presence of an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-containing synthetic peptide, contractile force was depressed significantly by, 28% at 4 Hz, 37.7% at 5 Hz and 20% at 10 Hz (n = 6, P < 0.01). Treatment of myofibres with either protease-generated fragments of denatured collagen (Type I) or denatured collagen that contain the RGD motif, also reduced force production significantly. An integrin-activating antibody for beta(1) integrin inhibited the force similar to synthetic RGD peptide. Function-blocking integrin antibodies for alpha(5) and beta(1) integrins reversed the effect of the RGD-containing peptide, and alpha(5) integrin also reversed the effect of proteolytic fragments of denatured collagen on contractile force, whereas experiments with function-blocking antibody for beta(3) integrin did not reverse the effect of RGD peptide. Force-[Ca(2)(+)](i) measurements showed that the depressed rate of force generation observed in the presence of the RGD-containing peptide was associated with reduced [Ca(2)(+)](i). Data analyses further demonstrated that force per unit of Ca(2)(+) was reduced, suggesting that the myofilament activation process was altered. In addition, inhibition of PKC enzyme using the selective, cell-permeable inhibitor Ro-32-0432, reversed the activity of RGD peptide on papillary muscle bundles. In conclusion, these data indicate that RGD peptide, acting via alpha(5)beta(1) integrin, depresses the force production from papillary muscle bundles, partly associated with changes in [Ca(2)(+)](i) and the myofilament activation processes, that is modulated by PKCepsilon.

Adhesion of different cell cycle human hepatoma cells to endothelial cells and roles of integrin beta1

AIM

To investigate the adhesive mechanical properties of different cell cycle human hepatoma cells (SMMC-7721) to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECV-304), expression of adhesive molecule integrinbeta1 in SMMC-7721 cells and its contribution to this adhesive course.

METHODS

Adhesive force of SMMC-7721 cells to endothelial cells was measured using micropipette aspiration technique. Synchronous G1 and S phase SMMC-7721 cells were achieved by thymine-2-deoxyriboside and colchicines sequential blockage method and double thymine-2-deoxyriboside blockage method, respectively. Synchronous rates of SMMC-7721 cells and expression of integrinbeta1 in SMMC-7721 cells were detected by flow cytometer.

RESULTS

The percentage of cell cycle phases of general SMMC-7721 cells was 11.01% in G2/M phases, 53.51% in G0/G1 phase, and 35.48% in S phase. The synchronous rates of G1 and S phase SMMC-7721 cells amounted to 74.09% and 98.29%, respectively. The adhesive force of SMMC-7721 cells to endothelial cells changed with the variations of adhesive time and presented behavior characteristics of adhesion and de-adhesion. S phase SMMC-7721 cells had higher adhesive forces than G1 phase cells ((307.65+/-92.10) x 10(-10) N vs (195.42+/-60.72) x 10(-10) N, P<0.01). The expressive fluorescent intensity of integrinbeta(1) in G(1) phase SMMC-7721 cells was depressed more significantly than the values of S phase and general SMMC-7721 cells. The contribution of adhesive integrinbeta1 was about 53% in this adhesive course.

CONCLUSION

SMMC-7721 cells can be synchronized preferably in G1 and S phases with thymine-2-deoxyriboside and colchicines. The adhesive molecule integrinbeta1 expresses a high level in SMMC-7721 cells and shows differences in various cell cycles, suggesting integrin beta1 plays an important role in adhesion to endothelial cells. The change of adhesive forces in different cell cycle SMMC-7721 cells indicates that S phase cells play predominant roles possibly while they interact with endothelial cells.

Biocompatible Mn2+-doped carbonated hydroxyapatite thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition

Mn(2+)-doped carbonated hydroxyapatite (Mn-CHA) thin films were obtained by pulsed laser deposition on Ti substrates. The results of the performed complementary diagnostic techniques, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy investigations indicate that the films are crystalline with a Ca/P ratio of about 1.64-1.66. The optimum conditions, when nearly stoichiometric crystalline thin films were deposited, were found to be 10 Pa oxygen pressure, 400 degrees C substrate temperature, and postdeposition heat treatment in water vapors at the same substrate temperature. The films were seeded with L929 fibroblast and hFOB1.19 osteoblast cells and subjected to in vitro tests. Both fibroblast and osteoblast cells have a good adherence on the Mn-CHA film and on the Ti or polystyrene references. Proliferation and viability tests showed that osteoblast cells growth on Mn-CHA-coated Ti was enhanced as compared to uncoated pure Ti surfaces. Caspase-1 activity was not affected significantly by the material, showing that Mn-CHA does not induce apoptosis of cultured cells. These results demonstrate that Mn-CHA films on Ti should provoke a faster osteointegration of the coated implants as compared to pure Ti. (c) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 71A: 353-358, 2004.

Temporal dissection of beta1-integrin signaling indicates a role for p130Cas-Crk in filopodia formation

Invasin-promoted spreading of beta1-integrin-deficient cells, transfected with the beta1A- or beta1B-integrin splice variants, were used to dissect early beta1-integrin signaling events. The beta1B isoform, which has a different membrane-distal part of the cytoplasmic tail from beta1A, is defective in signaling and function. When plated on surfaces coated with the high affinity ligand invasin, beta1B-integrin-expressing cells spread by forming filopodia with distinct adhesive phosphotyrosine complexes at the tips, without signs of lamellipodia. This suggested that the beta1B-integrin mediated a partial signaling sufficient for formation of filopodia but insufficient for lamellipodia formation. When screening for proteins present in the distal filopodial phosphotyrosine complexes of beta1B cells, p130Cas and the filopodia proteins vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein and talin were found, whereas the typical focal complex proteins focal adhesion kinase, paxillin, and vinculin were not. Invasin-promoted adhesion induced complex formation of p130Cas and the adapter Crk. Moreover, Crk together with Dock180 were present at the filopodial tips of beta1B-integrin-expressing cells, and there was a prominent Rac1 activation. Expression of dominant negative variants of p130Cas or CrkII blocked beta1B-integrin-mediated filopodia formation, indicating that this signaling scaffold is central in this process.

The integrin beta1 subunit transmembrane domain regulates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of Crk-associated substrate

Our previous studies on the transmembrane domain of human integrin subunits have shown that a conserved basic amino acid in both subunits of integrin heterodimers is positioned in the plasma membrane in the absence of interacting proteins. To investigate the possible functional role of the lipid-embedded lysine in the mouse integrin beta1 subunit, this amino acid was replaced with leucine, and the mutated beta1 subunit (beta1A(K756L)) was stably expressed in beta1-deficient GD25 cells. The extracellular domain of beta1A(K756L) integrins possesses a competent conformation for ligand binding as determined by the ability to mediate cell adhesion, and by the presence of the monoclonal antibody 9EG7 epitope. However, the spreading of GD25-beta1A(K756L) cells on fibronectin and laminin-1 was impaired, and the rate of migration of GD25-beta1A(K756L) cells on fibronectin was reduced compared with GD25-beta1A cells. Phosphorylation of tyrosines in focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the Y416 in c-Src in response to beta1A(K756L)-mediated adhesion was similar to that induced by wild-type beta1. The tyrosine phosphorylation level of paxillin, a downstream target of FAK/Src, was unaffected by the beta1 mutation, whereas tyrosine phosphorylation of CAS was strongly reduced. The results demonstrate that CAS is a target for phosphorylation both by FAK-dependent and -independent pathways after integrin ligation. The latter pathway was inhibited by wortmannin and LY294002, implicating that it required an active phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Furthermore, the K756L mutation in the beta1 subunit was found to interfere with beta1-induced activation of Akt. The results from this study identify phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase as an early component of a FAK-independent integrin signaling pathway triggered by the membrane proximal part of the beta1 subunit.

Src kinase has a central role in in vitro cellular internalization of Staphylococcus aureus

Traditionally recognized as an extracellular pathogen, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus can also be internalized by a variety of cell types in vitro. Internalization is known to involve binding of the host extracellular protein fibronectin to the bacterium, recognition of the fibronectin-coated bacterium by the fibronectin-binding integrin alpha5beta1 on the host cell surface, and integrin-mediated internalization. Here we examine elements of mammalian cell signalling pathways involved in S. aureus internalization. The mouse fibroblast cell line GD25, in which the gene encoding the beta1 integrin subunit is inactivated, has been complemented with a beta1 integrin cDNA encoding a tyrosine (Y) to phenylalanine (F) mutation in each of the two beta1 integrin intracellular NPXY motifs. This cell line, GD25beta1 A Y783/795F, is defective in migration on fibronectin coated surfaces and intracellular signalling activities involving the tyrosine kinase Src. GD25beta1 A Y783/795F cells have a decreased ability to internalize S. aureus compared to GD25beta1 A cells expressing wild-type beta1 integrins. Furthermore, using mouse embryo fibroblasts in which different members of the Src family kinases are genetically inactivated, we demonstrate that optimal internalization is dependent on expression of Src kinase. Interferon, which has been implicated in repression of the effects of the viral homologue of Src inhibits internalization of S. aureus indicating that internalization may be blocked by inhibitors of Src kinase function. We then demonstrate that Src family kinase specific inhibitors effectively block S. aureus internalization into HeLa cells leading to the conclusion that a function unique to Src is required for optimal internalization of S. aureus in vitro.

Role of the β1-integrin cytoplasmic tail in mediating invasin-promoted internalization of Yersinia

Invasin of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis binds to β1-integrins on host cells and triggers internalization of the bacterium. To elucidate the mechanism behind the β1-integrin-mediated internalization of Yersinia, a β1-integrin-deficient cell line, GD25, transfected with wild-type β1A, β1B or different mutants of the β1A subunit was used. Both β1A and β1B bound to invasin-expressing bacteria, but only β1A was able to mediate internalization of the bacteria. The cytoplasmic region of β1A, differing from β1B, contains two NPXY motifs surrounding a double threonine site. Exchanging the tyrosines of the two NPXYs to phenylalanines did not inhibit the uptake, whereas a marked reduction was seen when the first tyrosine (Y783) was exchanged to alanine. A similar reduction was seen when the two nearby threonines (TT788-9) were exchanged with alanines. It was also noted that cells affected in bacterial internalization exhibited reduced spreading capability when seeded onto invasin, suggesting a correlation between the internalization of invasin-expressing bacteria and invasin-induced spreading. Likewise, integrins defective in forming peripheral focal complex structures was unable to mediate uptake of invasin-expressing bacteria.

Defective Rac-mediated proliferation and survival after targeted mutation of the beta1 integrin cytodomain

Cell matrix adhesion is required for cell proliferation and survival. Here we report that mutation by gene targeting of the cytoplasmic tail of beta1 integrin leads to defective proliferation and survival both in vivo and in vitro. Primary murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from mutant homozygotes display defective cell cycle coupled to impaired activation of the FAK-PI3K-Akt and Rac-JNK signaling pathways. Expression in homozygous MEFs of a constitutively active form of Rac is able to rescue proliferation, survival, and JNK activation. Moreover, although showing normal Erk phosphorylation, mutant cells fail to display Erk nuclear translocation upon fibronectin adhesion. However, expression of the constitutively activated form of Rac restores Erk nuclear localization, suggesting that adhesion-dependent Rac activation is necessary to integrate signals directed to promote MAPK activity. Altogether, our data provide the evidence for an epistatic interaction between the beta1 integrin cytoplasmic domain and Rac, and indicate that this anchorage-dependent signaling pathway is crucial for cell growth control.

Disruption of C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of betaPS integrin subunit has dominant negative properties in developing Drosophila

We have analyzed a set of new and existing strong mutations in the myospheroid gene, which encodes the betaPS integrin subunit of Drosophila. In addition to missense and other null mutations, three mutants behave as antimorphic alleles, indicative of dominant negative properties. Unlike null alleles, the three antimorphic mutants are synthetically lethal in double heterozygotes with an inflated (alphaPS2) null allele, and they fail to complement very weak, otherwise viable alleles of myospheroid. Two of the antimorphs result from identical splice site lesions, which create a frameshift in the C-terminal half of the cytoplasmic domain of betaPS. The third antimorphic mutation is caused by a stop codon just before the cytoplasmic splice site. These mutant betaPS proteins can support cell spreading in culture, especially under conditions that appear to promote integrin activation. Analyses of developing animals indicate that the dominant negative properties are not a result of inefficient surface expression, or simple competition between functional and nonfunctional proteins. These data indicate that mutations disrupting the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of integrin beta subunits can have dominant negative effects in situ, at normal levels of expression, and that this property does not necessarily depend on a specific new protein sequence or structure. The results are discussed with respect to similar vertebrate beta subunit cytoplasmic mutations.