Cloning of an alternate form of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1)

Interactions Between Tumor Biology and Targeted Nanoplatforms for Imaging Applications

Although considerable efforts have been conducted to diagnose, improve, and treat cancer in the past few decades, existing therapeutic options are insufficient, as mortality and morbidity rates remain high. Perhaps the best hope for substantial improvement lies in early detection. Recent advances in nanotechnology are expected to increase the current understanding of tumor biology, and will allow nanomaterials to be used for targeting and imaging both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Owing to their intrinsic physicochemical characteristics, nanostructures (NSs) are valuable tools that have received much attention in nanoimaging. Consequently, rationally designed NSs have been successfully employed in cancer imaging for targeting cancer-specific or cancer-associated molecules and pathways. This review categorizes imaging and targeting approaches according to cancer type, and also highlights some new safe approaches involving membrane-coated nanoparticles, tumor cell-derived extracellular vesicles, circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNAs, and cancer stem cells in the hope of developing more precise targeting and multifunctional nanotechnology-based imaging probes in the future.

Expression of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in the Mammary Lymph Nodes of Cows with Subclinical Mastitis

Introduction

Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) is a member of Ig superfamily. The aim of this study was to prepare highly specific polyclonal antibodies against bovine VCAM-1 and to evaluate the expression of VCAM-1 in the mammary lymph nodes of cows with subclinical mastitis.

Material and Methods

The VCAM-1 gene was cloned from bovine Peyer’s patches and inserted into the pGEX-4T-1 and pET-28a vectors. The recombinant plasmids pGEX-4T-1/VCAM-1 and pET-28a/VCAM-1 were transferred into Escherichia coli BL21 and the recombinant strains were induced by isopropyl-D-thiogalactoside to produce fusion proteins tagged with polyhistidine (His) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), respectively. The expressed fusion proteins His-VCAM-1 and GST-VCAM-1 were identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. His-VCAM-1 protein was used as an antigen to immunise Wistar rats and polyclonal antibody serum against VCAM-1 was obtained.

Results

The serum titre tested by indirect ELISA was 128,000 using GST-VCAM-1 as the well coating antigen. Western blots indicated that the antibody recognised recombinant VCAM-1 protein as well as endogenous VCAM-1. In addition, using qPCR and Western blot, VCAM-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were measured in dairy cows with subclinical mastitis. It was demonstrated that VCAM-1 levels in the mammary lymph nodes of the cows were significantly higher than those from healthy controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results are to our knowledge the first report that VCAM-1 expression in the mammary lymph nodes is elevated in dairy cows with subclinical mastitis.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)--an increasing insight into its role in tumorigenicity and metastasis

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) first attracted attention more than two decades ago as endothelial adhesion receptor with key function for leukocyte recruitment in term of cellular immune response. The early finding of VCAM-1 binding to melanoma cells, and thus a suggested mechanistic contribution to metastatic spread, was the first and for a long time the only link of VCAM-1 to cancer sciences. In the last few years, hallmarked by a growing insight into the molecular understanding of tumorigenicity and metastasis, an impressive variety of VCAM-1 functionalities in cancer have been elucidated. The present review aims to provide a current overview of VCAM-1 relevance for tumor growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, and related processes. By illustrating the intriguing role of VCAM-1 in cancer disease, VCAM-1 is suggested as a new and up to now underestimated target in cancer treatment and in clinical diagnosis of malignancies.

An antibody to the sixth Ig-like domain of VCAM-1 inhibits leukocyte transendothelial migration without affecting adhesion

VCAM-1 plays a key role in leukocyte trafficking during inflammatory responses. However, molecular mechanisms underlying this function have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, using phage display technology, we developed a rabbit/human chimeric VCAM-1 Ab, termed VCAM-1 domain 6 (VCAM-1-D6), which specifically recognizes aa 511-599 within the sixth Ig-like domain. We report that the VCAM-1-D6 Ab blocked U937 cell transmigration across activated HUVECs but did not alter adhesion of U937 cells to the HUVECs. We also demonstrate that VCAM-1-D6 does not alter TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cell chemokine or cytokine production. Furthermore, through in vivo efficacy testing using a mouse islet allograft model, we demonstrate that VCAM-1-D6 significantly alleviates allograft rejection by blocking leukocyte infiltration to the grafted islets. Taken together, our results suggest that the VCAM-1-D6 Ab may block VCAM-1-mediated inflammation and could be a useful tool in treating inflammatory diseases.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression and signaling during disease: regulation by reactive oxygen species and antioxidants

The endothelium is immunoregulatory in that inhibiting the function of vascular adhesion molecules blocks leukocyte recruitment and thus tissue inflammation. The function of endothelial cells during leukocyte recruitment is regulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. In inflammatory sites and lymph nodes, the endothelium is stimulated to express adhesion molecules that mediate leukocyte binding. Upon leukocyte binding, these adhesion molecules activate endothelial cell signal transduction that then alters endothelial cell shape for the opening of passageways through which leukocytes can migrate. If the stimulation of this opening is blocked, inflammation is blocked. In this review, we focus on the endothelial cell adhesion molecule, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Expression of VCAM-1 is induced on endothelial cells during inflammatory diseases by several mediators, including ROS. Then, VCAM-1 on the endothelium functions as both a scaffold for leukocyte migration and a trigger of endothelial signaling through NADPH oxidase-generated ROS. These ROS induce signals for the opening of intercellular passageways through which leukocytes migrate. In several inflammatory diseases, inflammation is blocked by inhibition of leukocyte binding to VCAM-1 or by inhibition of VCAM-1 signal transduction. VCAM-1 signal transduction and VCAM-1-dependent inflammation are blocked by antioxidants. Thus, VCAM-1 signaling is a target for intervention by pharmacological agents and by antioxidants during inflammatory diseases. This review discusses ROS and antioxidant functions during activation of VCAM-1 expression and VCAM-1 signaling in inflammatory diseases.

Roles of integrin activation in eosinophil function and the eosinophilic inflammation of asthma

Eosinophilic inflammation is a characteristic feature of asthma. Integrins are highly versatile cellular receptors that regulate extravasation of eosinophils from the postcapillary segment of the bronchial circulation to the airway wall and airspace. Such movement into the asthmatic lung is described as a sequential, multistep paradigm, whereby integrins on circulating eosinophils become activated, eosinophils tether in flow and roll on bronchial endothelial cells, integrins on rolling eosinophils become further activated as a result of exposure to cytokines, eosinophils arrest firmly to adhesive ligands on activated endothelium, and eosinophils transmigrate to the airway in response to chemoattractants. Eosinophils express seven integrin heterodimeric adhesion molecules: alpha 4 beta 1 (CD49d/29), alpha 6 beta 1 (CD49f/29), alpha M beta 2 (CD11b/18), alpha L beta 2 (CD11a/18), alpha X beta 2 (CD11c/18), alpha D beta2 (CD11d/18), and alpha 4 beta 7 (CD49d/beta 7). The role of these integrins in eosinophil recruitment has been elucidated by major advances in the understanding of integrin structure, integrin function, and modulators of integrins. Such findings have been facilitated by cellular experiments of eosinophils in vitro, studies of allergic asthma in humans and animal models in vivo, and crystal structures of integrins. Here, we elaborate on how integrins cooperate to mediate eosinophil movement to the asthmatic airway. Antagonists that target integrins represent potentially promising therapies in the treatment of asthma.

Prostanoid- and interleukin-1-induced primary genes in cementoblastic cells

BACKGROUND

Cementum is a key component of a functional periodontal organ. However, regenerating lost cementum is difficult and often incomplete. Identifying molecular mediators of cementoblast differentiation and function should lead to better targeted treatment for periodontitis. Prostaglandins increase mineralization of murine cementoblastic OCCM cells and alveolar bone formation, whereas the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibits alveolar bone formation. We hypothesized that differentially induced primary genes in OCCM cells may mediate anabolic and catabolic responses. Our objective was to identify primary genes differentially induced by the synthetic prostanoid fluprostenol and IL-1 in cementoblastic cells.

METHODS

Confluent OCCM cells were pretreated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide followed by fluprostenol or IL-1 for 1.5 hours. cDNA generated from each group was used for cDNA subtraction hybridization to identify differentially induced genes. Preferential gene induction was verified by Northern blot analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen fluprostenol- and seven IL-1-regulated genes were identified. Among the fluprostenol-induced genes was mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP1), a negative regulator of MAP kinase signaling. To verify the cDNA subtraction hybridization results, OCCM cells were treated with fluprostenol or prostaglandin F2 (PGF2), and MKP1 mRNA levels were determined. The 0.001 to 1 microM fluprostenol and 0.01 to 1 microM PGF2 significantly induced MKP1 mRNA levels, which peaked at 1 hour of treatment and returned to baseline at 2 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluprostenol enhanced, whereas IL-1 inhibited, OCCM mineralization. Using cDNA subtraction hybridization, we identified primary genes that correlate with the observed anabolic and catabolic responses. These findings further our understanding of cementoblast function and suggest that differentially induced genes may mediate cementum formation and resorption.

Differential engagement of modules 1 and 4 of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD106) by integrins alpha4beta1 (CD49d/29) and alphaMbeta2 (CD11b/18) of eosinophils

We have studied adhesion of eosinophils to various forms of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1, CD106), an integrin counter-receptor implicated in eosinophil recruitment to the airway in asthma. Full-length 7d-VCAM-1, with seven immunoglobulin-like modules, contains integrin-binding sites in modules 1 and 4. The alternatively spliced six-module protein, 6d-VCAM-1, lacks module 4. In static assays, unactivated purified human blood eosinophils adhered similarly to recombinant soluble human 6d-VCAM-1 and 7d-VCAM-1 coated onto polystyrene microtiter wells. Further experiments, however, revealed differences in recognition of modules 1 and 4. Antibody blocking indicated that eosinophil adhesion to 6d-VCAM-1 or a VCAM-1 construct containing only modules 1-3, 1-3VCAM-1, is mediated by alpha4beta1 (CD49d/29), whereas adhesion to a construct containing modules 4-7, 4-7VCAM-1, is mediated by bothalpha4beta1 andalphaMbeta2 (CD11b/18). Inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, which block adhesion of eosinophils mediated by alphaMbeta2, blocked adhesion to 4-7VCAM-1 but had no effect on adhesion to 6d-VCAM-1. Consistent with the antibody and pharmacological blocking experiments, eosinophilic leukemic cell lines lacking alphaMbeta2 did not adhere to 4-7VCAM-1 but did adhere to 6d-VCAM-1 or 1-3VCAM-1. Activation of eosinophils by interleukin (IL)-5 enhanced static adhesion to 6d-VCAM-1, 7d-VCAM-1, or 4-7VCAM-1; IL-5-enhanced adhesion to all 3 constructs was blocked by anti-alphaMbeta2. Adhesion of unstimulated eosinophils to 7d-VCAM-1 under flow conditions was inhibited by anti-alpha4 or anti-alphaM. IL-5 treatment decreased eosinophil adhesion to 7d-VCAM-1 under flow, and anti-alphaM had the paradoxical effect of increasing adhesion. These results demonstrate that alphaMbeta2 modulatesalpha4beta1-mediated eosinophil adhesion to VCAM-1 under both static and flow conditions.

Contrasting Roles for Domain 4 of VCAM-1 in the Regulation of Cell Adhesion and Soluble VCAM-1 Binding to Integrin α4β1

Cell adhesion mediated by the interaction between integrin alpha4beta1 and VCAM-1 is important in normal physiologic processes and in inflammatory and autoimmune disease. Numerous studies have mapped the alpha4beta1 binding sites in VCAM-1 that mediate cell adhesion; however, little is known about the regions in VCAM-1 important for regulating soluble binding. In the present study, we demonstrate that 6D VCAM-1 (an alternatively spliced isoform of VCAM-1 lacking Ig-like domain 4) binds alpha4beta1 with a higher relative affinity than does the full-length form of VCAM-1 containing 7 Ig-like extracellular domains (7D VCAM-1). In indirect binding assays, the EC50 of soluble 6D VCAM-1 binding to alpha4beta1 on Jurkat cells (in 1 mM MnCl2) was 2 x 10(-9) M, compared with 7D VCAM-1 at 11 x 10(-9) M. When used in solution to inhibit alpha4beta1 mediated cell adhesion, the IC50 of 6D VCAM-1 was 13 x 10(-9) M, compared with 7D VCAM-1 measured at 150 x 10(-9) M. Removal of Ig-like domains 4, 5, or 6, or simply substituting Asp328 in domain 4 of 7D VCAM-1 with alanine, caused increased binding of soluble 7D VCAM-1 to alpha4beta1. In contrast, cells adhered more avidly to 7D VCAM-1 under shear force, as it induced cell spreading at lower concentrations than did 6D VCAM-1. Finally, soluble 6D VCAM-1 acts as an agonist through alpha4beta1 by augmenting cell migration and inducing cell aggregation. These results indicate that the domain 4 of VCAM-1 plays a contrasting role when VCAM-1 is presented in solution or as a cell surface-expressed adhesive substrate.

2,3-Diphenylpropionic acids as potent VLA-4 antagonists

The discovery and SAR of 2,3-diphenylpropionic acid derivatives as highly potent VLA-4 antagonists are described. One representative compound, 9cc has inhibited intercellular adhesion by a VCAM-1/VLA-4 interaction with an IC(50) of 1.7 nM, and has good pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability.

Cell adhesion molecules, leukocyte trafficking, and strategies to reduce leukocyte infiltration

Leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions are mediated by various cell adhesion molecules. These interactions are important for leukocyte extravasation and trafficking in all domestic animal species. An initial slowing of leukocytes on the vascular endothelium is mediated by selectins. This event is followed by (1) activation of beta2 integrins after leukocyte exposure to cytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators, (2) adherence of leukocyte beta2 integrins to vascular endothelial ligands (eg, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1]), (3) extravasation of leukocytes into tissues through tight junctions of endothelial cells mediated by platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), and (4) perivascular migration through the extracellular matrix via beta1 integrins. Inhibiting excessive leukocyte egress and subsequent free radical-mediated damage caused by leukocyte components may attenuate or eliminate tissue damage. Several methods have been used to modify leukocyte infiltration in various animal models. These methods include nonspecific inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids, inhibition of cytokines and cytokine receptors, and inhibition of specific types of cell adhesion molecules, with inhibitors such as peptides and antibodies to beta2 integrins, and inhibitors of selectins, ICAMs, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). By understanding the cellular and molecular events in leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions, therapeutic strategies are being developed in several animal models and diseases in domestic animal species. Such therapies may have clinical benefit in the future to overcome tissue damage induced by excessive leukocyte infiltration.

Fucosylation of Cripto is required for its ability to facilitate nodal signaling

O-linked fucose modification is rare and has been shown to occur almost exclusively within epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like modules. We have found that the EGF-CFC family member human Cripto-1 (CR) is modified with fucose and through a combination of peptide mapping, mass spectrometry, and sequence analysis localized the site of attachment to Thr-88. The identification of a fucose modification on human CR within its EGF-like domain and the presence of a consensus fucosylation site within all EGF-CFC family members suggest that this is a biologically important modification in CR, which functionally distinguishes it from the EGF ligands that bind the type 1 erbB growth factor receptors. A single CR point mutation, Thr-88 --> Ala, results in a form of the protein that is not fucosylated and has substantially weaker activity in cell-based CR/Nodal signaling assays, indicating that fucosylation is functionally important for CR to facilitate Nodal signaling.

Human cytomegalovirus replicates abortively in polymorphonuclear leukocytes after transfer from infected endothelial cells via transient microfusion events

Using a recently developed model for in vitro generation of pp65-positive polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), we demonstrated that PMNLs from immunocompetent subjects may harbor both infectious human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and viral products (pp65, p72, DNA, and immediate-early [IE] and pp67 late mRNAs) as early as 60 min after coculture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) or human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) infected with a clinical HCMV isolate (VR6110) or other wild-type strains. The number of PMNLs positive for each viral parameter increased with coculture time. Using HELF infected with laboratory-adapted HCMV strains, only very small amounts of viral DNA and IE and late mRNAs were detected in PMNLs. A cellular mRNA, the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 mRNA, which is abundantly present in both infected and uninfected HUVEC, was detected in much larger amounts in PMNLs cocultured with VR6110-infected cells than in controls. Coculture of PMNLs with VR6110-infected permissive cells in the presence or absence of RNA, protein, and viral DNA synthesis inhibitors showed that only IE genes were transcribed in PMNLs during coculture. Synthesis of IE transcripts in PMNLs was also supported by the finding that only the copy number of IE mRNA (and not the DNA or the pp67 mRNA) per infected PMNL increased markedly with time, and the pp67 to IE mRNA copy number ratio changed from greater than 10 in infected HUVEC to less than 1 in cocultured PMNLs. Fluorescent probe transfer experiments and electron microscopy studies indicated that transfer of infectious virus and viral products from infected cells to PMNLs is likely to be mediated by microfusion events induced by wild-type strains only. In addition, HCMV pp65 and p72 were both shown to localize in the nucleus of the same PMNLs by double immunostaining. Two different mechanisms may explain the virus presence in PMNLs: (i) one major mechanism consists of transitory microfusion events (induced by wild-type strains only) of HUVEC or HELF and PMNLs with transfer of viable virus and biologically active viral material to PMNLs; and (ii) one minor mechanism, i.e., endocytosis, occurs with both wild-type and laboratory strains and leads to the acquisition of very small amounts of viral nucleic acids. In conclusion, HCMV replicates abortively in PMNLs, and wild-type strains and their products (as well as cellular metabolites and fluorescent dyes) are transferred to PMNLs, thus providing evidence for a potential mechanism of HCMV dissemination in vivo.

Soluble VCAM-1 binding to α4 integrins is cell-type specific and activation dependent and is disrupted during apoptosis in T cells

Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) is generated during inflammation and can alter lymphocyte functions. The authors report that the binding of sVCAM-1 to 4 integrin-bearing cells is a dynamically regulated, active cellular process. Binding of recombinant sVCAM-1 to 4 integrins on peripheral blood mononuclear cells was cell-type specific. Circulating CD16+ NK cells constitutively bound sVCAM-1 with high affinity, whereas a subpopulation of T-lymphocytes, primarily CD45RO+ (memory), bound sVCAM-1 only after phorbol ester stimulation. sVCAM-1 binding to homogenous stable cell lines was also cell-type specific, and required active cellular processes because it was blocked by the inhibition of ATP synthesis and by Fas-induced apoptosis. Indeed, the loss of high-affinity VCAM-1 binding was an early event in apoptosis. Furthermore, an H-Ras/Raf-initiated signaling pathway also suppressed sVCAM-1 binding to 4β1 integrins. Collectively, these results showed that the capacity of 4 integrins to bind VCAM-1 is actively regulated and that this regulation may control 4 integrin-dependent cellular functions.

Sustained elevated levels of VCAM-1 in cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes can be achieved by TNF-alpha in combination with either IL-4 or IL-13 through increased mRNA stability

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by hyperplasia of the synovial lining and invasion of cartilage and bone by a subset of resident synovial cells named fibroblast-like synoviocytes. They are characterized by elevated expression of the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). The intensity of VCAM-1 expression correlates with the degree of inflammation of the synovial joint. Differential VCAM-1 expression may determine inflammatory cell accumulation through its interaction with leukocytes that express the counterreceptor integrins alpha4beta1 and alpha4beta7. Elevated levels of VCAM-1 expression are thought to be a consequence of the presence of inflammatory mediators, in particular IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes rapidly up-regulate VCAM-1 expression in response to IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, but also to IL-4. However, we now show that the response to IL-1beta or TNF-alpha is of a brief transient nature, even when applied continuously over a period of 12 days, whereas the response to IL-4 or IL-13 is sustained. Great synergy is obtained by combining either IL-4 or IL-13 with TNF-alpha, which results in a highly elevated but also sustained expression of VCAM-1. The mechanism by which IL-4 or IL-13 prolongs VCAM-1 expression can be explained by a dramatic increase in the half-life of VCAM-1 mRNA.

The role of adhesion molecules in atherosclerosis

The progression of atherosclerosis is currently believed to involve the interaction of monocytes with the vascular endothelium. Within the last decade, the cell-surface proteins thought to control these interactions have been investigated. This review seeks to describe the nature of these interactions through what are known as adhesion molecules and their role in atherogenesis. It begins with the stages of atherogenesis from the movement of the monocyte to the endothelium, followed by the migration of smooth muscle cells from the media to the intima, and subsequently to the later stages of fibrofatty plaque formation and potential complications due to thrombosis and/or plaque fissure and embolism. The different structural classifications of the adhesion molecules, such as integrins, cadherins, selectins, and members of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, are outlined, and interaction of binding domains are highlighted. The vascular endothelium and the basic role of adhesion molecules in dysfunction are considered. Discussion of the role of adhesion molecules in atherogenesis focuses on interactions of the endothelium, monocytes, and leukocytes, as well as the influences of cytokines, oxidized low-density lipoproteins, and genetic determinants. Finally, epidemiological risk factors associated with atherosclerosis such as hypertension and dyslipidemia are considered in light of their effects on adhesion molecule expression.

Adhesion molecules in clinical medicine

Cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) are critical components in the processes of embryogenesis, tissue repair and organization, lymphocyte function, lymphocyte homing and tumor metastasis, as well as being central to the interactions between hemopoietic progenitors and bone marrow microenvironment, and between leukocytes and platelets with vascular endothelium. Expression of CAMs regulates normal hemopoiesis and migration and function of mature hemopoietic cells. CAMs are an important part of the inflammatory response and may regulate cytokine synthesis. In addition, CAM expression may be critical for tumorigenesis. Monoclonal antibodies to CAMs have been developed for clinical use; initial results suggest that these agents have great potential in the prevention and treatment of inflammation, thrombosis, reperfusion injury, and graft rejection.

VCAM-1 is internalized by a clathrin-related pathway in human endothelial cells but its alpha 4 beta 1 integrin counter-receptor remains associated with the plasma membrane in human T lymphocytes

Lymphocyte extravasation involves a step(s) of de-adhesion to allow trans- and subendothelial migration in response to inflammatory signals. We show here that ligated VCAM-1 was rapidly internalized (t1/2 14.5 min) in ECV 304 endothelial cells and in TNF-alpha-primed human umbilical vein-derived endothelial cells (t1/2 11.2 min). The process required energy (ATP), intracellular Ca2+, an intact cytoskeletal network and active protein kinases. The internalization of VCAM-1 involved a clathrin-dependent pathway based on the observations that 1) it was inhibited in cells treated with lysosomotropic agents or with a hypertonic concentration of sucrose, and 2) internalized VCAM-1 colocalized with clathrin. In contrast, the cross-linked alpha 4 beta 1 integrin counter-receptor of VCAM-1 remained associated with the plasma membrane of purified peripheral T and Jurkat cells. Our results suggest a model where VCAM-1 would initially participate in the retention of T cells to the endothelium by binding alpha 4 beta 1 integrin. Lymphocyte de-adhesion would be facilitated as a result of the internalization of VCAM-1. The persistent cell surface expression of alpha 4 beta 1 integrin would allow the migrating T cells to interact with and receive signal(s) from its fibronectin ligand of the extracellular matrix.

Complex CD44 splicing combinations in synovial fibroblasts from arthritic joints

CD44 is a broadly expressed cell surface glycoprotein which is the major cell surface receptor for the glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronan. In humans, alternative splicing of up to 9 variant exons (v2-v10) into CD44 mRNA, together with post-translational modification via glycosylation and chondroitin sulfate attachment has the potential of generating a large number of CD44 isoforms. Insertion of these various exons has the potential to change the functional capacities of the molecule and has implications in disease. We have analyzed CD44 splice variant expression in cultured VCAM-1-positive synovial fibroblasts isolated from patients with osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis and from normal synovium. Rheumatoid and osteoarthritic tissue express CD44 splice variants at the cell surface level. At the mRNA level exons v3, v6, v7, v8, v9 and v10 were detected in different splicing combinations. Rheumatoid tissue showed high expression, osteoarthritic tissues showed great variation. In contrast, non-inflamed tissue showed no splicing events. Our results indicate that the nature of CD44 splice variant expression may be linked to the inflammatory state of the synovial joint.

Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Is Expressed by Cortical Thymic Epithelial Cells and Mediates Thymocyte Adhesion. Implications for the Function of α4β1 (VLA4) Integrin in T-Cell Development

T-cell development requires a series of discrete selection and activation signals delivered to maturing progenitors in the thymic cortex and medulla. We have previously shown the constitutive activity of the integrin, α4β1 (VLA4), on a unique subpopulation of immature cortical thymocytes and proposed a role for integrin-mediated adhesion in positive selection by cortical epithelium. In the present report we show that thymic epithelial cell lines express vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) a high-affinity ligand for α4β1, and that VCAM-1 mediates thymocyte binding to these lines. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy show that VCAM-1 is selectively expressed in situ by thymic epithelium in the cortex and corticomedullary junction, two locations at which VCAM-1 could determine the interaction between immature thymocytes and selecting elements on epithelial cells. In parallel, we confirmed that fibronectin (FN), the alternative ligand for α4β1, is expressed predominantly in the medulla. These results suggest that VCAM-1 is an adhesive ligand in the thymic cortex for the activated form of α4β1 constitutively expressed during development by immature double positive thymocytes. The structural segregation of the alternative ligand, FN, to the medulla suggests that medullary FN may regulate the migration, development, and export of more mature thymocytes.

Propolypeptide of von Willebrand factor is a novel ligand for very late antigen-4 integrin

We have previously reported that propolypeptide of von Willebrand factor (pp-vWF) promotes melanoma cell adhesion in a beta1 integrin-dependent manner. In this report, we identified the alpha subunit of the cell adhesion receptor for pp-vWF as alpha4. Human leukemia cell lines that express alpha4beta1 integrin (very late antigen-4, VLA-4), but not cell lines which lack VLA-4, attached well to pp-vWF substrate and these adhesions were completely inhibited by anti-alpha4 integrin monoclonal antibody HP2/1. Adhesion of mouse melanoma expressing alpha4 integrin was also inhibited by anti-mouse alpha4 mAb PS/2. Furthermore, transfection of human alpha4 cDNA into alpha4(-) Chinese hamster ovary cells resulted in an acquisition of adhesive activity to pp-vWF, indicating that pp-vWF is a ligand for VLA-4 integrin. Using a recombinant fragment of pp-vWF, the cell attachment site was shown to be located within amino acid residues 376-455 of pp-vWF. A series of synthetic peptides covering this region were tested for the ability to promote cell attachment and a 15-residue peptide designated T2-15 (DCQDHSFSIVIETVQ, residues numbered 395-409) promoted VLA-4 dependent cell adhesion. The peptide was also capable of inhibiting cell adhesion to pp-vWF, suggesting that this sequence represents the cell attachment site. By affinity chromatography using peptide T2-15-Sepharose, it was found that alpha4beta1 integrin complex from extracts of surface iodinated B16 cells specifically bound to the peptide. These results strongly suggest that pp-vWF is a novel physiological ligand for VLA-4.

Adhesion molecules as determinants of disease: from molecular biology to surgical research

Cellular adhesion is mediated by distinct cell surface receptors (adhesion molecules) and plays a pivotal role in the biological processes of morphogenesis, cell migration and cell-cell communication. During the past decade many adhesion molecules have been identified and structurally analysed. This has allowed an understanding of their role in the pathophysiology of disease, including inflammation and sepsis, ischaemia and reperfusion, transplant rejection, atherosclerosis and thrombosis, angiogenesis and wound healing, as well as carcinogenesis and tumour metastasis. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cellular communication is not only vital for advances in surgical pathophysiology, it also has the potential to widen the spectrum of diagnosis and therapy of disease. Analysis of expression of individual surface molecules may help in the diagnosis of transplant rejection and allow a prognostic determination of tumour progression and metastasis formation. Moreover, manipulation of adhesion molecule function by monoclonal antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides or single gene products may open the door for novel therapeutic regimens to prevent transplant rejection and ischaemia-, sepsis- and shock-induced tissue injury.

The type III connecting segment of fibronectin contains an aspartic acid residue that regulates the rate of binding to integrin alpha 4 beta 1

The type III connecting segment (IIICS) within fibronectin is the major binding site for the integrin alpha 4 beta 1. Most integrin ligands have an essential acidic residue within their integrin binding site, in IIICS this residue is hypothesized to be the aspartic acid at position 21. Alanine scanning mutagenesis was used to determine the amino acid residues within the intact IIICS domain required for interaction with alpha 4 beta 1. IIICS was cloned and expressed as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase. This recombinant form of IIICS supports the adhesion of CHO cells that express human alpha 4 beta 1 in a cation dependent manner. Alanine scanning mutagenesis of the EILDVP sequence in recombinant IIICS demonstrated that only two of these residues are critical for adhesion of alpha 4 beta 1 expressing cells. Mutations of leucine at position 20 and aspartic acid at position 21 to alanine significantly reduced cell adhesion. Conservative mutations of aspartic acid at position 21 to asparagine or glutamic acid also reduced the ability of the recombinant protein to support cell adhesion, although not to the same extent as the corresponding alanine replacement. Most importantly, we show that although the mutation of asp 21 impairs cell adhesion, an examination of cell adhesion as a function of time demonstrated that asp 21 is not necessary for cell adhesion through alpha 4 beta 1. In comparison to wild type IIICS, the asp 21 to ala mutant supported minimal adhesion at early time points (10-30 min.), but was equivalent to wild type IIICS in supporting adhesion over one hour.

Alpha 4 beta 1 integrin-dependent cell adhesion is regulated by a low affinity receptor pool that is conformationally responsive to ligand

alpha 4 beta 1 integrin (VLA-4) appears to be unique among the leukocyte integrins in that it can initiate the adhesion of circulating lymphocytes without cellular activation. It is not known how lymphocytes or other cell types maintain constitutive levels of alpha 4 beta 1 integrin activity. The current report describes a monoclonal antibody, 15/7, that recognizes a high affinity or ligand-occupied conformation of beta 1 integrin. Studies with 15/7 revealed that alpha 4 beta 1 integrin-dependent adhesion of leukocytic cell lines is mediated by a population of low affinity receptors that is conformationally responsive to ligand; the 15/7 epitope could be induced by nanomolar concentrations of soluble VCAM-1 or by micromolar concentrations of a peptide derived from the type III connecting segment domain of fibronectin (as ligands for alpha 4 beta 1 integrin). The same receptors were also responsive to adhesion activating reagents, such as Mn2+, activating anti-beta 1 integrin antibodies, and phorbol myristate acetate, which induced the 15/7 epitope directly and/or decreased the concentration of ligand required for epitope induction. In addition to the responsive receptor pool, cells expressed a second population of alpha 4 beta 1 integrin that was conformationally restrained, failing to respond to ligand or to any of the activating reagents. The relative size of the responsive and inactive receptor pools, as well as the affinity of the responsive receptors, represented a stable phenotype of different cell types and played important roles in defining the cells' adhesive capacity and ligand specificity. Similar receptor populations were measured on lymphocyte subsets in whole blood. These studies provide insight into how cells maintain different constitutive levels of alpha 4 beta 1 integrin activity, and how the activity of beta 1 integrin can be modulated by activators of cell adhesion.

Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 by follicular dendritic cells

Follicular dendritic cells are the major supporting cell of the germinal center microenvironment. The major function of follicular dendritic cells is to present antigen to B cells in secondary lymphoid tissues. Through cell-cell interactions, FDCs are hypothesized to be central to the regulation of normal B cell growth and differentiation. The major receptor-ligand pair which mediates B cell-FDC adhesion is the beta 1 integrin VLA-4, present on B cells and VCAM-1 expressed on FDCs. Follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphomas similarly employ this mechanism to bind to neoplastic germinal centers. The VCAM-1 molecule can exist as a 6 or 7 immunoglobulin domain form. The major form of VCAM-1 on activated endothelium is the 7 domain form. In this report we have determined by polymerase chain reaction of purified FDCs that they express predominantly mRNA for 7 domain VCAM-1. It is likely that the two forms of VCAM-1 are associated with distinct functions, therefore the expression of 7 domain VCAM-1 may be important in normal and neoplastic B cell-FDC interactions.

Expression and characterisation of a very-late antigen-4 (alpha 4 beta 1) integrin-binding fragment of vascular cell-adhesion molecule-1

We have used an Escherichia coli expression system to produce forms of vascular cell-adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) containing the first two and three supposed immunoglobulin-like domains. A form consisting of the first two domains of VCAM-1 is shown to promote very-late antigen-4-dependent spreading of a melanoma cell line comparable to that found for the equivalent region in the full seven-domain form. Preliminary structural analysis by CD and NMR is consistent with an immunoglobulin fold which is predicted from sequence comparison studies.

Identification of a key integrin-binding sequence in VCAM-1 homologous to the LDV active site in fibronectin

The integrin adhesion receptor alpha 4 beta 1 binds two ligands, the extracellular matrix glycoprotein fibronectin and the immunoglobulin superfamily member VCAM-1. Ligand-binding sites are contained with the HepII/IIICS domain of fibronectin, and within the homologous immunoglobulin domains 1 and 4 of VCAM-1. Previous studies have shown that the binding of each ligand to alpha 4 beta 1 is mutually exclusive, suggesting that they may employ similar mechanisms to bind receptor. Fibronectin contains at least three distinct peptide sequences that are active sites for alpha 4 beta 1 binding, two homologous sequences Leu-Asp-Val-Pro (LDVP) and Ile-Asp-Ala-Pro (IDAP), and a third related to Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD). Using a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and synthetic peptide approaches in conjunction with VCAM-1-dependent cell adhesion assays, we now report the identification of a key alpha 4 beta 1-binding sequence in both domains 1 and 4 of VCAM-1 as the tetrapeptide Ile-Asp-Ser-Pro (IDSP). Mutagenesis studies also suggest that an additional sequence in domain 1, KLEK, participates in receptor binding. Since IDSP is homologous to the LDVP and IDAP fibronectin peptides, this therefore provides a molecular explanation for the promiscuity of ligand binding by alpha 4 beta 1 and has implications for the design of synthetic VCAM-1 antagonists. The extrapolation of these findings to other integrin-binding immunoglobulin ligands is also discussed.

Activation dependent and independent VLA-4 binding sites on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM) is a cytokine-inducible member of the immunoglobulin superfamily which binds to the integrin VLA-4. VCAM is expressed predominantly on the vascular endothelium where it is involved in the recruitment of mononuclear cells and lymphocytes to sites of inflammation. Two forms of VCAM containing six and seven Ig domains (VCAM-6d; VCAM-7d) are generated by alternative splicing but the physiological significance of this is unknown. We have utilised VCAM deletion mutants, VCAM-transfected cell lines and monoclonal antibodies to assess the functional importance of the individual VCAM domains. We have identified two binding sites on VCAM-7d located in domains 1 and 4 that are involved in the adhesion of the U937 human myelomonocytic cell line. Adhesion to domain 1 is temperature-independent, inhibited by the anti-VCAM mAbs 4B2 or lE10, and insensitive to PMA activation. In contrast, adhesion to domain 4 is temperature sensitive, unaffected by mAbs 4B2 or lE10 and augmented by PMA. Adhesion to both domains can be totally inhibited by the anti-VLA-4 mAb, 2B4. The anti-VCAM mAb 4B2 inhibits adhesion of U937 cells to stably transfected VCAM-7d-CHO cells at 4 degrees C, but, at 37 degrees C the effect of 4B2 on adhesion is modest with incubation times of less than 60 minutes duration. With longer incubation times, its effectiveness gradually increases, so that by 2 hours > 75% of the response can be blocked. Co-incubation with PMA prevents this time-dependent enhancement of 4B2 efficacy but has no significant effect on the inhibitory activity of the anti-VLA-4 mAb 2B4. These data can be explained by postulating a two stage ligand-receptor interaction that involves activation-induced changes in the avidity of VLA-4 for domain 4 of VCAM.

Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule to porcine interposition vein grafts

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of aorto-coronary vein grafting is limited by early graft thrombosis and accelerated graft atherosclerosis. Direct adenovirus-mediated transfer of genes encoding inhibitory proteins may prevent or slow progression of vein graft disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Recombinant adenoviruses containing the cDNA for the marker gene lacZ (Ad.CMVlacZ) or soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM) (Ad.CB-sVCAM) were used to infect segments of porcine jugular vein or human saphenous vein. Ex vivo testing showed expression of the introduced genes after incubation with Ad.CMVlacZ or Ad.CBsVCAM for periods from 1 to 24 hours, with an increase in transfection efficiency with increasing incubation time. Porcine jugular veins were then interposed as vascular grafts in the carotid arteries of four juvenile farm pigs after ex vivo gene transfer by incubation for 90 to 120 minutes with Ad.CMVlacZ or Ad.CBsVCAM. sVCAM-transfected carotid vein grafts were placed on one side and lacZ transfected veins were placed contralaterally as controls. Three days later, the vein graft segments were resected. Expression of the lacZ gene was confirmed by X-Gal chromagen staining and visualization by light and transmission electron microscopy. Gene expression was apparent in all layers of the vein graft wall, with prominent staining in the adventitia. sVCAM expression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that ex vivo gene transfer before vein grafting is feasible using a replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus and results in a high level of gene expression in vivo. The potential for this approach to prevent early vein graft thrombosis or accelerated vein graft atherosclerosis requires further evaluation.

The biology of the glomerulus: endothelial cells

Endothelial cells are active participants in processes controlling coagulation, inflammation and immune processes and an aberration in the controlling mechanisms may contribute to the development of disease within the glomerulus. The major goal of the next few years will be to develop reliable and reproducible methods for isolation and culture of glomerular endothelial cells so that their properties, and interactions with other glomerular cells, may be studied in vitro.

A novel soluble form of mouse VCAM-1 is generated from a glycolipid-anchored splicing variant

VCAM-1 is a cytokine-induced endothelial adhesion molecule which belongs to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and mediates the binding of various leukocytes. In addition to the 110-kDa form of VCAM-1, we have found four additional glycoproteins on mouse brain-derived endothelioma cells after stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which are recognized by several monoclonal antibodies against VCAM-1. Biochemical analysis revealed that the two smaller proteins (35 kDa and 37 kDa) are intracellular precursors of the two larger forms (44 kDa and 45 kDa), that the 44 kDa and 45 kDa proteins are glycolipid-anchored at the cell surface and that they differ in their N-glycosylation. Most likely they are identical to the recently identified glycolipid-anchored splice variant of VCAM-1, since they are recognized by the M3 antiserum which we raised against a peptide from the unique protein domain of this splicing variant. With the help of this antiserum we could show by immunohistology that the corresponding VCAM-1 protein variant is induced in vivo by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on endothelium of the mouse. In addition, we found a 42-kDa soluble form of VCAM-1 in the serum of LPS-stimulated mice, which was recognized by the M3 antiserum. This soluble form was undetectable in the serum of unstimulated mice in contrast to the soluble 100-kDa form of VCAM-1 which was clearly detected in serum of unstimulated mice and only increased 2-3-fold upon stimulation with LPS. Thus, only the expression of the 42-kDa shredded form and not of the 100-kDa soluble form of VCAM-1 is strictly dependent on stimulation by LPS.

Estradiol-17 beta regulates the induction of VCAM-1 mRNA expression by interleukin-1 beta in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

We examined the effect of estradiol-17 beta on the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), an adhesion molecule, in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. After preincubation with estradiol-17 beta for 24 hours, cells were treated for 4 h with 0.5 micrograms/ml recombinant human interleukin-1 beta. The RNase protection assay was performed using an [alpha-32P]-labeled 121 base pair VCAM-1 cRNA probe. Preincubation with estradiol-17 beta (250 or 500 pg/ml) suppressed the induction of VCAM-1 mRNA expression by interleukin-1 beta. VCAM-1 staining with a monoclonal antibody decreased when cells were incubated with estradiol-17 beta at 250 and 500 pg/ml, while staining was detectable when cells were treated with interleukin-1 beta at 0.5 micrograms/ml. In conclusion, estradiol-17 beta regulates the induction of VCAM-1 gene expression by interleukin-1 beta in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Analysis of lymphocyte aggregation using digital image analysis

We present the development and testing of a novel assay of lymphocyte adhesion based on time-resolved morphological measurements of intercellular aggregation. Homotypic lymphocyte aggregation is induced according to various protocols and monitored for several hours using video microscopy and time-lapse recording. Digital images of the aggregating cell population are acquired and analyzed to obtain the size distribution and the shape of cell aggregates. By following the temporal evolution of the size distribution of aggregates, the rates of aggregation events can be accurately quantified and compared. In addition, an analysis of the two- and three-dimensional structures of the aggregates using appropriately defined shape factors allows comparisons of mechanical binding strengths and cytoskeletal activity. To demonstrate the capabilities of the assay, we present results from a series of aggregation experiments with Jurkat cells treated with 33B6, 19H8, IC9, and 20E4 monoclonal antibodies. These monoclonal antibodies bind to various epitopes of known adhesion molecules and induce aggregation phenomena that proceed at different rates. Our results show that the assay has small repeatability error and is sensitive enough to compare aggregation events induced through distinct molecular epitopes. Used in conjunction with current biochemical detection assays and adhesion pathway modulation experiments, the developed assay will facilitate the study of cellular adhesion and aggregation mechanisms.

Cloning and sequencing of mouse VCAM-1 cDNA

We report here the nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding the mouse vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), a member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily. The 2972-bp cDNA encodes 739 amino acids (aa) and shows 76.4% and 75.9% similarity with the human VCAM-1 nucleotide (nt) and aa sequence, respectively. Three independent cDNA clones had a 7-Ig unit structure (molecule containing a seven 'immunoglobulin motif' repeat), and only sequences corresponding to the 7- (and not to the 6)-Ig unit VCAM were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), indicating that in the mouse this is the dominant, if not exclusive, form of this molecule. Unlike other adhesion molecules, the cytoplasmic tails (19 aa) of mouse and human VCAM-1 are identical, despite a 85.2% similarity only at the nt level, suggesting a critical functional role.