Polymorphonuclear leukocyte adherence induces actin polymerization by a transduction pathway which differs from that used by chemoattractants

Bacillus anthracis edema toxin impairs neutrophil actin-based motility

Inhalation anthrax results in high-grade bacteremia and is accompanied by a delay in the rise of the peripheral polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) count and a paucity of PMNs in the infected pleural fluid and mediastinum. Edema toxin (ET) is one of the major Bacillus anthracis virulence factors and consists of the adenylate cyclase edema factor (EF) and protective antigen (PA). Relatively low concentrations of ET (100 to 500 ng/ml of PA and EF) significantly impair human PMN chemokinesis, chemotaxis, and ability to polarize. These changes are accompanied by a reduction in chemoattractant-stimulated PMN actin assembly. ET also causes a significant decrease in Listeria monocytogenes intracellular actin-based motility within HeLa cells. These defects in actin assembly are accompanied by a >50-fold increase in intracellular cyclic AMP and a >4-fold increase in the phosphorylation of protein kinase A. We have previously shown that anthrax lethal toxin (LT) also impairs neutrophil actin-based motility (R. L. During, W. Li, B. Hao, J. M. Koenig, D. S. Stephens, C. P. Quinn, and F. S. Southwick, J. Infect. Dis. 192:837-845, 2005), and we now find that LT combined with ET causes an additive inhibition of PMN chemokinesis, polarization, chemotaxis, and FMLP (N-formyl-met-leu-phe)-induced actin assembly. We conclude that ET alone or combined with LT impairs PMN actin assembly, resulting in paralysis of PMN chemotaxis.

p53-cofactor JMY is a multifunctional actin nucleation factor

Many cellular structures are assembled from networks of actin filaments, and the architecture of these networks depends on the mechanism by which the filaments are formed. Several classes of proteins are known to assemble new filaments, including the Arp2/3 complex, which creates branched filament networks, and Spire, which creates unbranched filaments. We find that JMY, a vertebrate protein first identified as a transcriptional co-activator of p53, combines these two nucleating activities by both activating Arp2/3 and assembling filaments directly using a Spire-like mechanism. Increased levels of JMY expression enhance motility, whereas loss of JMY slows cell migration. When slowly migrating HL-60 cells are differentiated into highly motile neutrophil-like cells, JMY moves from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and is concentrated at the leading edge. Thus, JMY represents a new class of multifunctional actin assembly factor whose activity is regulated, at least in part, by sequestration in the nucleus.

Caspase-11 regulates cell migration by promoting Aip1-Cofilin-mediated actin depolymerization

Coordinated regulation of cell migration, cytokine maturation and apoptosis is critical in inflammatory responses. Caspases, a family of cysteine proteases, are known to regulate cytokine maturation and apoptosis. Here, we show that caspase-11, a mammalian pro-inflammatory caspase, regulates cell migration during inflammation. Caspase-11-deficient lymphocytes exhibit a cell-autonomous migration defect in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that caspase-11 interacts physically and functionally with actin interacting protein 1 (Aip1), an activator of cofilin-mediated actin depolymerization. The caspase-recruitment domain (CARD) of caspase-11 interacts with the carboxy-terminal WD40 propeller domain of Aip1 to promote cofilin-mediated actin depolymerization. Cells with Aip1 or caspase-11 deficiency exhibit defects in actin dynamics. Using in vitro actin depolymerization assays, we found that caspase-11 and Aip1 work cooperatively to promote cofilin-mediated actin depolymerization. These data demonstrate a novel cell autonomous caspase-mediated mechanism that regulates actin dynamics and mammalian cell migration distinct from the receptor mediated Rho-Rac-Cdc42 pathway.

ANCA-induced neutrophil F-actin polymerization: implications for microvascular inflammation

BACKGROUND

The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive vasculitides are characterized by a necrotizing vasculitis of small vessels with neutrophil infiltration. The reasons behind the selectivity for small vessels remain unclear, but may relate to the necessity for neutrophils to deform in order to pass through capillaries. The resistance to deformation of neutrophils largely arises from their actin cytoskeleton. It is hypothesized that ANCA, by inducing actin polymerization, increases neutrophil rigidity and contributes to their sequestration in capillaries.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis, neutrophils were treated with IgG-ANCA and the following characterizations: formation of filamentous F-actin (by flow cytometry); changes in morphology (by fluorescence and electron microscopy); and the potential to obstruct microvessels (by measuring entry times into micropipettes with comparable diameters to capillaries). The neutrophil signaling mechanisms activated by IgG-ANCA were investigated using blocking antibodies to Fcgamma receptors and inhibitors of tyrosine phosphorylation. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation was examined by immunoblotting of cell lysates, and calcium fluxes were measured by spectrofluorimetry of Fura-2 pentakis (acetoxymethyl) ester (Fura 2-AM) labeled neutrophils.

RESULTS

IgG-ANCA led to a significant dose-dependent actin polymerization over about 10 minutes. Over the same period, neutrophils became distorted in shape and more resistant to micropipette aspiration. Treatment with normal IgG caused less marked and delayed changes in these parameters. Actin polymerization required engagement of FcgammaRIIa receptor, tyrosine phosphorylation, and calcium fluxes.

CONCLUSION

These novel findings reveal signaling mechanisms that underlie ANCA-induced actin polymerization and might explain the predilection for small vessels in IgG-ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Actin-dependent tumour cell adhesion after short-term exposure to the antimetastasis ruthenium complex NAMI-A

Imidazolium trans-imidazoledimethylsulphoxidetrachlororuthenate (NAMI-A) was tested in vitro on the pro-adhesive properties, evaluated as resistance to trypsin treatment, which is a bona fide measure of adhesion strength, of KB and HeLa carcinoma cell lines and on human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (HPMN). NAMI-A increased the pro-adhesive activity of KB cells at 0.001 mM concentration, after few minutes incubation and this effect was not influenced by the vehicle used for cell challenge, neither did it depend on NAMI-A concentration or on temperature. The same effect occurred on HeLa cells at 0.01 mM NAMI-A. This effect, detected at concentrations up to 100 times lower than those necessary to block cells at the G(2)-M premitotic phase of cell cycle, or to inhibit matrix metalloproteinase release or cell invasion, was not related to ruthenium uptake by tumour cells. HeLa cells and healthy HPMN, following short exposure to 0.1 mM NAMI-A, assumed a different shape, with the extrusion of filopodia (HeLa) and of large lamellopodia (HPMN), which increased their interactions with the substrate. This effect was attributed to stabilisation, altered turnover and sensitivity to cytochalasin D of actin filaments. Provided that adhesion is associated with cell motility and invasion, these data suggest that NAMI-A may exert antimetastatic properties at concentrations lower than those observed in the lungs at the end of a conventional intraperitoneal treatment in vivo.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor is a chemoattractant cytokine for human neutrophils: involvement of the ribosomal p70 S6 kinase signaling pathway

GM-CSF stimulates proliferation of myeloid precursors in bone marrow and primes mature leukocytes for enhanced functionality. We demonstrate that GM-CSF is a powerful chemotactic and chemokinetic agent for human neutrophils. GM-CSF-induced chemotaxis is time dependent and is specifically neutralized with Abs directed to either the ligand itself or its receptor. Maximal chemotactic response was achieved at approximately 7 nM GM-CSF, and the EC(50) was approximately 0.9 nM. Both concentrations are similar to the effective concentrations of IL-8 and less than the effective concentrations of other neutrophil chemoattractants such as neutrophil-activating peptide-78, granulocyte chemotactic protein-2, leukotriene B(4), and FMLP. GM-CSF also acts as a chemoattractant for native cells bearing the GM-CSF receptor, such as monocytes, as well as for GM-CSF receptor-bearing myeloid cell lines, HL60 (promyelomonocyte leukemic cell line) and MPD (myeloproliferative disorder cell line), following differentiation induction. GM-CSF induced a rapid, transient increase in F-actin polymerization and the formation of focal contact rings in neutrophils, which are prerequisites for cell migration. The mechanism of GM-CSF-induced chemotaxis appears to involve the cell signaling molecule, ribosomal p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K). Both p70S6K enzymatic activity and T(421)/S(424) and T(389) phosphorylation are markedly increased with GM-CSF. In addition, the p70S6K inhibitor hamartin transduced into cells as active protein, interfered with GM-CSF-dependent migration, and attenuated p70S6K phosphorylation. These data indicate that GM-CSF exhibits chemotactic functionality and suggest new avenues for the investigation of the molecular basis of chemotaxis as it relates to inflammation and tissue injury.

Cell-specific, activation-dependent regulation of neutrophil CD32A ligand-binding function

Neutrophils express 2 low-affinity FcγR, FcγRIIIB (CD16B), and FcγRIIA (CD32A). CD16B is a glycosyl-phosphatidyl inositol-anchored molecule, whereas CD32A is a polypeptide-anchored molecule. These 2 receptors also differ in their signaling. The biological significance of coexpression of 2 FcγRs with distinct membrane anchors and signaling capacities is not clearly understood. Using neutrophils from a CD16B-deficient donor and normal neutrophils treated with anti-CD16 monoclonal antibodies, the authors demonstrated that affinity modulation of CD32A is one of the mechanisms by which neutrophils regulate their FcγR-dependent functions. Neutrophils isolated from a CD16B− donor rosetted poorly with sheep erythrocytes opsonized with rabbit IgG (EA) (12% ± 2% versus 80% ± 6% for control) and were unable to mediate immunophagocytosis. However, activation of CD16B−neutrophils with fMLP, a bacterial chemotactic peptide, increased the CD32A-dependent EA rosetting to 58%. The CD32A-dependent rosetting of fMLP-activated normal neutrophils also increased nearly 5-fold, but there was no increase in CD32A expression. The CD32A-dependent immune complex (IC) binding was also increased in activated neutrophils. This affinity regulation was not observed with CD32A expressed on Chinese hamster ovary cells. These results suggest that in resting neutrophils CD32A is in a low-affinity state and that these cells primarily engage CD16B for IC binding. However, once the neutrophils are activated, the CD32A is converted to a high-affinity state that leads to CD32A-dependent ligand binding and signaling. These results suggest that neutrophils adopt a novel strategy to engage the 2 different FcγR selectively during physiologic and pathologic conditions to carry out their functions efficiently.

Function of the cytoskeleton in human neutrophils and methods for evaluation

The cytoskeleton plays a critical role in the determination of cell shape and serves as a scaffold for critical cellular enzymes and adhesion molecules. It provides structural integrity for the cell and regulates the function of many biochemical events that are critical to cellular function. The microfilamentous cytoskeleton participates in force generation necessary for shape change and motion. In neutrophils and other motile cells, polymerization of actin likely drives extension of the lamellae and participates in force generation through interaction with myosin, by polymerization alone and by osmotic mechanisms. Here, we will focus on the microfilamentous cytoskeleton in the neutrophil and briefly review its function as well as some direct and indirect methods that have been used to asses its role in neutrophil function. The discussion will address general approaches and leaves the details of the methods to the references.

Latrunculin B has different effects on pollen germination and tube growth

The actin cytoskeleton is absolutely required for pollen germination and tube growth, but little is known about the regulation of actin polymer concentrations or dynamics in pollen. Here, we report that latrunculin B (LATB), a potent inhibitor of actin polymerization, had effects on pollen that were distinct from those of cytochalasin D. The equilibrium dissociation constant measured for LATB binding to maize pollen actin was determined to be 74 nM. This high affinity for pollen actin suggested that treatment of pollen with LATB would have marked effects on actin function. Indeed, LATB inhibited maize pollen germination half-maximally at 50 nM, yet it blocked pollen tube growth at one-tenth of that concentration. Low concentrations of LATB also caused partial disruption of the actin cytoskeleton in germinated maize pollen, as visualized by light microscopy and fluorescent-phalloidin staining. The amounts of filamentous actin (F-actin) in pollen were quantified by measuring phalloidin binding sites, a sensitive assay that had not been used previously for plant cells. The amount of F-actin in maize pollen increased slightly upon germination, whereas the total actin protein level did not change. LATB treatment caused a dose-dependent depolymerization of F-actin in populations of maize pollen grains and tubes. Moreover, the same concentrations of LATB caused similar depolymerization in pollen grains before germination and in pollen tubes. These data indicate that the increased sensitivity of pollen tube growth to LATB was not due to general destabilization of the actin cytoskeleton or to decreases in F-actin amounts after germination. We postulate that germination is less sensitive to LATB than tube extension because the presence of a small population of LATB-sensitive actin filaments is critical for maintenance of tip growth but not for germination of pollen, or because germination is less sensitive to partial depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton.

Latrunculin B has different effects on pollen germination and tube growth

The actin cytoskeleton is absolutely required for pollen germination and tube growth, but little is known about the regulation of actin polymer concentrations or dynamics in pollen. Here, we report that latrunculin B (LATB), a potent inhibitor of actin polymerization, had effects on pollen that were distinct from those of cytochalasin D. The equilibrium dissociation constant measured for LATB binding to maize pollen actin was determined to be 74 nM. This high affinity for pollen actin suggested that treatment of pollen with LATB would have marked effects on actin function. Indeed, LATB inhibited maize pollen germination half-maximally at 50 nM, yet it blocked pollen tube growth at one-tenth of that concentration. Low concentrations of LATB also caused partial disruption of the actin cytoskeleton in germinated maize pollen, as visualized by light microscopy and fluorescent-phalloidin staining. The amounts of filamentous actin (F-actin) in pollen were quantified by measuring phalloidin binding sites, a sensitive assay that had not been used previously for plant cells. The amount of F-actin in maize pollen increased slightly upon germination, whereas the total actin protein level did not change. LATB treatment caused a dose-dependent depolymerization of F-actin in populations of maize pollen grains and tubes. Moreover, the same concentrations of LATB caused similar depolymerization in pollen grains before germination and in pollen tubes. These data indicate that the increased sensitivity of pollen tube growth to LATB was not due to general destabilization of the actin cytoskeleton or to decreases in F-actin amounts after germination. We postulate that germination is less sensitive to LATB than tube extension because the presence of a small population of LATB-sensitive actin filaments is critical for maintenance of tip growth but not for germination of pollen, or because germination is less sensitive to partial depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton.

Stimulus-induced selective association of actin-associated proteins (alpha-actinin) and protein kinase C isoforms with the cytoskeleton of human neutrophils

We report a selective, differential stimulus-dependent enrichment of the actin-associated protein alpha-actinin and of isoforms of the signaling enzyme protein kinase C (PKC) in the neutrophil cytoskeleton. Chemotactic peptide, activators of PKC, and cell adhesion all induce a significant increase in the amount of cytoskeletal alpha-actinin and actin. Increased association of PKCbetaI and betaII with the cytoskeletal fraction of stimulated cells was also observed, with phorbol ester being more effective than chemotactic peptide. A fraction of phosphatase 2A was constitutively associated with the cytoskeleton independent of cell activation. None of the stimuli promoted association of vinculin or myosin II with the cytoskeleton. Phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid and calyculin A prevented increases in cytoskeletal actin, alpha-actinin, and PKCbetaII induced by phorbol ester, suggesting the requirement for phosphatase activity in these events. Increases in cytoskeletal alpha-actinin and PKCbetaII showed differing sensitivity to agents that prevent actin polymerization (cytochalasin D, latrunculin A). Latrunculin A (1 microM) completely blocked PMA-induced increases in cytoskeletal alpha-actinin but reduced cytoskeletal recruitment of PKCbetaII only by 16%. Higher concentrations of latrunculin A (4 microM), which almost abolished the cytoskeletal actin pool, reduced cytoskeletal PKCbetaII by 43%. In conclusion, a selective enrichment of cytoskeletal and signaling proteins in the cytoskeleton of human neutrophils is induced by specific stimuli.

Diverse effects of neutrophil integrin occupation on respiratory burst activation

Integrin occupation can alter the function of neutrophils (PMN), but the mechanism(s) involved is still unclear. This study demonstrated that the occupation of PMN integrins (especially those of the beta(3) subfamily) strongly enhances TNF stimulation of the respiratory burst but down-regulates that induced by PMA, fMLP, Con A, and serum treated zymosan. Treatment of PMN with genistein, staurosporine, and wortmannin, inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, protein kinase C, and phosphotidylinostol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) respectively, completely blocked the TNF-stimulated respiratory burst in PMN. Genistein and wortmannin enhanced the PMA-stimulated respiratory burst but only in cells adherent to RGD peptide. These findings suggest that PMN integrins (beta(3) subfamily) can generate signals that regulate the PMN agonist responses, probably through the activities of tyrosine kinases and PI 3-kinase.

Binding of GM-CSF to adherent neutrophils activates phospholipase D

When the hematopoietic growth factor granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor was incubated with neutrophils adherent to plastic tissue culture plates or plates coated with extracellular matrix proteins, a rapid (3 min) but transient formation of phosphatidic acid was observed. This stimulation was dependent on the dose of GM-CSF, with an EC50 of 140 pM, and was further enhanced (up to 350%) with the PA phosphatase inhibitor propranolol in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, GM-CSF was unable to trigger any PA formation in neutrophils maintained in suspension, even in the presence of soluble fibronectin. However, GM-CSF did prime the cells for enhanced PA formation in the presence of a secondary stimulus (fMet-Leu-Phe or PAF). GM-CSF also caused a time-dependent stimulation of diacylglycerol formation in adherent, but not suspended, cells and elicited a time-dependent stimulation of phosphatidylethanol formation, with a concomitant decrease in the formation of PA only at early (< 7 min) times. These observations were consistent with a rapid activation of the enzyme phospholipase D in adherent cells stimulated with GM-CSF. Additional data indicated that the source of DAG was PLD coexisting with PLC, especially at later times ( > 7 min) of stimulation with GM-CSF. Finally, the formation of PA and PEt, and to a minor extent, DAG, were inhibited by the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor erbstatin in conditions in which tyrosine phosphorylation occurred. Taken together the data indicate that GM-CSF rapidly activates PLD in adherent cells, which is responsible for the generation of PA. Thus, PLD activation is an early event in neutrophil signal transduction following exposure of adherent cells to GM-CSF.

Cytosolic free calcium and the cytoskeleton in the control of leukocyte chemotaxis

In response to a chemotactic gradient, leukocytes extravasate and chemotax toward the site of pathogen invasion. Although fundamental in the control of many leukocyte functions, the role of cytosolic free Ca2+ in chemotaxis is unclear and has been the subject of debate. Before becoming motile, the cell assumes a polarized morphology, as a result of modulation of the cytoskeleton by G protein and kinase activation. This morphology may be reinforced during chemotaxis by the intracellular redistribution of Ca2+ stores, cytoskeletal constituents, and chemoattractant receptors. Restricted subcellular distributions of signaling molecules, such as Ca2+, Ca2+/calmodulin, diacylglycerol, and protein kinase C, may also play a role in some types of leukocyte. Chemotaxis is an essential function of most cells at some stage during their development, and a deeper understanding of the molecular signaling and structural components involved will enable rational design of therapeutic strategies in a wide variety of diseases.

Release of ‘caged’ cytosolic Ca2+ triggers rapid spreading of human neutrophils adherent via integrin engagement

The role of the transient rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ which occurs during neutrophil adhesion and cell spreading is unclear. In order to establish whether such a Ca2+ signal triggers neutrophil shape change, neutrophils co-loaded with fluo3 and Nitr5 (‘caged’ Ca2+) were used with rapid-time confocal laser scanning microscopy. Here we show that the photolytic generation of a Ca2+ rise in neutrophils which were adherent to an integrin-engaging surface, triggered a rapid change in cell morphology, with increases in cell diameter of approximately 175% occurring within 90 seconds of the Ca2+ signal. In non-adhered neutrophils or neutrophils on plain glass, no acceleration of the rate of spreading occurring in response to the release of ‘caged Ca2+’ could be demonstrated. It was concluded that although a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ was not the sole trigger for neutrophil shape change, with other signals generated by integrin engagement, a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ accelerated the rate of neutrophil spreading.

Integrin-mediated signals regulated by members of the rho family of GTPases

The organization of the actin cytoskeleton can be regulated by soluble factors that trigger signal transduction events involving the Rho family of GTPases. Since adhesive interactions are also capable of organizing the actin-based cytoskeleton, we examined the role of Cdc42-, Rac-, and Rho-dependent signaling pathways in regulating the cytoskeleton during integrin-mediated adhesion and cell spreading using dominant-inhibitory mutants of these GTPases. When Rat1 cells initially adhere to the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, punctate focal complexes form at the cell periphery. Concomitant with focal complex formation, we observed some phosphorylation of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src, which occurred independently of Rho family GTPases. However, subsequent phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin occurs in a Rho-dependent manner. Moreover, we found Rho dependence of the assembly of large focal adhesions from which actin stress fibers radiate. Initial adhesion to fibronectin also stimulates membrane ruffling; we show that this ruffling is independent of Rho but is dependent on both Cdc42 and Rac. Furthermore, we observed that Cdc42 controls the integrin-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 and of Akt, a kinase whose activity has been demonstrated to be dependent on phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase. Since Rac-dependent membrane ruffling can be stimulated by PI 3-kinase, it appears that Cdc42, PI 3-kinase, and Rac lie on a distinct pathway that regulates adhesion-induced membrane ruffling. In contrast to the differential regulation of integrin-mediated signaling by Cdc42, Rac, and Rho, we observed that all three GTPases regulate cell spreading, an event that may indirectly control cellular architecture. Therefore, several separable signaling pathways regulated by different members of the Rho family of GTPases converge to control adhesion-dependent changes in the organization of the cytoskeleton, changes that regulate cell morphology and behavior.

Insulin induces tyrosine dephosphorylation of a 92 kDA protein in suspended monocytes

Monocytes bear insulin receptors similar to those expressed in other tissues, but insulin action in these cells remains unclear. There is evidence that adhesion, by generating a complex array of irreversible transformations, may modify the response of cells to other stimuli, such as hormones. The present study aimed to characterise the pattern of insulin induced tyrosine phosphorylation of monocytes in suspension. Monocytes in suspension were obtained by sequential gradient centrifugation and the tyrosine phosphoproteins were analyzed by immunoblot with antiphosphotyrosine antibodies. The major result of the study is that in suspended monocytes insulin induced a dose and time dependent dephosphorylation of a protein with a molecular mass of about 92 kDa without stimulating the tyrosine phosphorylation of the Insulin Receptor Substrat-1 (IRS-1). In conclusion, we showed that in monocytes in suspension insulin seems to activate a tyrosine phosphatase, which, in turn, dephosphorylates a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 92 kDa.

The nature of leukocyte shape changes in the pulmonary capillaries

The size discrepancy between leukocytes [white blood cells (WBCs)] and pulmonary capillaries requires WBCs to deform. We investigated the persistence of this deformation on cells leaving the capillary bed and the role played by the cytoskeleton. Isolated rabbit lungs were perfused in situ via the pulmonary artery with effluent fractions collected from the left ventricle. Washout curves from cell counts in each fraction confirmed that WBCs are preferentially retained over erythrocytes. WBC deformation present on exit from the circulation was compared with that present after recovery in paired fractions, fixed either immediately or 60 min later. These cells were compared with cells recovered from the capillary in perfused fixative or fixed in peripheral blood. Our results show that leukocyte deformation persisted after the cells exited the pulmonary circulation. This deformation was associated with minimal submembranous F-actin staining, and microtubule distribution and cell polarization were unchanged. We conclude that cytoskeletal changes that occur during WBC deformation in the pulmonary capillaries are minimal and differ from those known to occur in actively migrating cells during chemotaxis.

Nitric oxide inhibits neutrophil beta 2 integrin function by inhibiting membrane-associated cyclic GMP synthesis

The aim of this investigation was to identify the mechanism by which nitric oxide inhibits neutrophil beta 2 integrin dependent adherence. Isolated rat neutrophils from blood and peritoneal exudates were exposed for 2 min to nitric oxide generated by diethylamine-NO at rates between 1.6 and 138 nmol/min. Exposure to nitric oxide at rates less than 14 nmol/min had no effect on adherence. Exposure to 14 to 56 nmol nitric oxide/min inhibited beta 2 integrin dependent adherence to endothelial cells, nylon columns, and fibrinogen-coated plates, but higher concentrations had no significant effect on adherence. Adherence by beta 2 integrins could be restored by incubating cells with dithioerythritol, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, or 8-bromo cyclic GMP. Elevations in cellular cyclic GMP concentration were associated with adherence, but this did not occur after cells were exposed to concentrations of nitric oxide that inhibited beta 2 integrin-dependent adherence. Elevations in cyclic GMP did occur after cells were incubated with dithioerythritol or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Concentrations of nitric oxide that inhibited beta 2 integrin-dependent adherence also inhibited catalytic activity of membrane associated guanylate cyclase and binding of atrial natriuretic peptide, but were insufficient to activate cytosolic guanylate cyclase. Nitric oxide did not inhibit neutrophil oxidative burst or degranulation, nor effect beta 2 integrin expression or adherence that did not depend on beta 2 integrins, nor cause oxidative stress identified in terms of cellular glutathione concentration or protein nitrotyrosine. The results indicate that nitric oxide inhibited beta 2 integrins in a concentration-dependent fashion by inhibiting cell-surface transduction of signals linked to the activity of membrane-bound guanylate cyclase. The inhibitory effect could be overcome by providing cells with cyclic GMP exogenously or by stimulating cytosolic guanylate cyclase.

Role of gelsolin in actin depolymerization of adherent human neutrophils

Human neutrophils generally function adherent to an extracellular matrix. We have previously reported that upon adhesion to laminin- or fibronectin-coated, but not uncoated, plastic there is a depolymerization of actin in neutrophils. This phenomenon was not affected by inhibitors of the more well-studied components of the signal transduction pathway, specifically, pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of G-proteins, H-7 or staurosporine, inhibitors of protein kinase C, or herbimycin A, an inhibitor of nonreceptor tyrosine kinase. We therefore focused our attention on actin-binding proteins and measured the changes in the partitioning of gelsolin between the Triton X-100-soluble and -insoluble cellular fractions which occur upon neutrophil adhesion by means of quantitating anti-gelsolin antibody binding to aliquots of these fractions. It was found that approximately 90% of the total cellular gelsolin was found in the Triton X-100-soluble fraction in suspended cells, but that upon adherence to either fibronectin- or laminin-coated plastic about 40% of the soluble gelsolin could be detected in the insoluble fraction. This effect was not observed in cells adherent to uncoated plastic, wherein more than 90% of the gelsolin was found in the soluble fraction. Results of immunofluorescence microscopy of these cell preparations was consistent with this data. A gelsolin translocation to the insoluble cellular actin network may account for a part of the observed actin depolymerization.

Protection from apoptosis in human neutrophils is determined by the surface of adhesion

Recent work suggests that various neutrophil agonists affect the rate of apoptosis in these cells. On the basis of these observations, we hypothesized that signals triggered in neutrophils via their adhesion receptors might also modify their life span. This hypothesis has been tested using human neutrophils adherent to tissue culture plastic, either untreated or coated with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins or with monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. To detect and quantitate apoptotic changes in adherent cells, we developed a microtiter plate assay using a cell-permeable DNA-binding fluorescent dye, Hoechst 33342. Use of this assay demonstrated that 1) the number of apoptotic cells among neutrophils adherent to plastic after 6-20 h of incubation was significantly lower than that among neutrophils adherent to the ECM proteins fibronectin or laminin; 2) adhesion to interleukin-1-activated endothelial cells delayed apoptosis, whereas adhesion to nonactivated endothelium accelerated neutrophil death; and 3) monoclonal antibodies directed against intercellular adhesion molecule 1 or against the common beta 2-chain of the leukocyte integrins abolished the protective effect of interleukin-1-activated endothelial cells on apoptosis of adherent neutrophils. These results suggest that the life span of adherent neutrophils. depends on the activating signals triggered by the surface of adhesion.

Fluid shear stress induces actin polymerization in human neutrophils

We have previously reported that a physiological range of shear stress induces neutrophil homotypic aggregation mediated by lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-3 (ICAM-3) interactions. To further characterized the homotypic aggregation, actin polymerization was investigated in neutrophils stimulated by shear stress in comparison with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). In fMLP-stimulated neutrophils, actin polymerization was localized in the pseudopods, and this reaction was not mediated by a cytosolic level of Ca2+. In contrast to fMLP stimulation, the actin polymerization induced by shear stress in a cone-plate viscometer was localized in cell-cell contact regions, and this polymerization required the increase of intracellular Ca2+. This shear stress-induced actin polymerization was not observed when neutrophils were pretreated with anti-LFA-1 or anti-ICAM-3 antibody. In conclusion, LFA-1 and ICAM-3 interaction mediated by the increase of [Ca2+]i generated the intercellular signal in order to accumulate F-actin in the cell-cell contact regions.

Altered actin polymerization dynamics in various malignant cell types: evidence for differential sensitivity to cytochalasin B

Using the DNase I inhibition assay, fluorimetric measurements, and immunoblot analysis, we studied quantitatively changes in the actin polymerization dynamics in primary cultures of normal and malignant human lymphocytes, normal human endometrial cells, and in various leukemic and endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines. The G/total-actin ratio of malignant cells was found to be 1.37 to 1.81-fold higher compared to normal cells, indicating that malignant cells express reduced amounts of polymerized actin. The above findings were corroborated by fluorescence measurements of the amounts of rhodamine-phalloidin-labeled F-actin in normal and neoplastic cells, which showed significantly lower F-actin content in malignant cell preparations. Moreover, the total actin content, as quantitated by the DNase I inhibition assay and by immunoblot analysis, was found to be significantly decreased in the primary cultures of malignant human lymphocytes and endometrial cells when compared to the total actin levels in corresponding normal cells. Proliferation and viability measurements of normal and neoplastic cells in culture, treated equally with cytochalasin B (CB), revealed an increased susceptibility of malignant cells to this anticytoskeletal agent. This was not due to increased CB incorporation in neoplastic cells, as indicated by 3H-CB uptake experiments. In addition, fluorescence microscopy, in the presence of graded concentrations of CB, showed destabilization of microfilaments in the poorly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma HEC-50 cells, compared to the well-differentiated Ishikawa cells. In conclusion, all investigated malignant cells are characterized by: (a) higher G/total-actin ratio; (b) decreased F- and total-actin content; and (c) lower resistance to CB treatment. These quantitatively determined parameters may represent potential biochemical indicators reflecting malignant transformation. Moreover, it seems worthwhile to explore whether or not the differential sensitivity of malignant cells to anticytoskeletal drugs may provide a valuable approach to the manipulation of malignant cells.

Engagement of L-selectin impairs the actin polymerizing capacity of beta 2-integrins on neutrophils

A sequential activation of L-selectin and beta 2-integrins on neutrophils is crucial for the rolling, adherence and subsequent migration of these cells on the endothelium. However, little is known about a possible interplay between these adhesion receptors in the final regulation of cell motility. The results presented here show that sulfatides themselves (here used as tools to activate L-selectins), have no major effect on the cellular content of filamentous actin (F-actin), but cause a time-related decrease in the beta 2-integrin-induced formation of F-actin. This effect of sulfatides was abolished in cells lacking L-selectin as a result of pretreatment with chymotrypsin. A similar sulfatide-induced activation of L-selectin also caused a pronounced and time-related decrease of a subsequent chemotactic peptide-induced F-actin response. The effect of sulfatides on both beta 2-integrin- and chemotactic peptide-induced F-actin were abolished if L-selectin were blocked by preincubating the cells with specific antibodies to L-selectin. These effects of L-selectin engagement on cellular F-actin content were neither abolished by blocking the cytosolic free Ca2+ signal with bis-(2-amino-5-methylphenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraaceticacid tetraacetoxymethyly ester (MAPT/AM) nor by blocking a cAMP-induced activation of protein kinase A by pretreating the cells with adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophos-phorothioate (Rp-cAMPS). Instead we found that L-selectin engagement impaired an early beta 2-integrin-induced tyrosine kinase activation, an event shown to be necessary for a normal beta 2-integrin-mediated F-actin response. The present demonstration of a negative feed-back function of L-selectin on beta 2-integrin-induced modulations of the actin cytoskeleton, suggests that the relative distribution and/or density of the respective L-selectin and beta 2-integrin ligands on endothelial cells might be important factors in determining the final site of firm adhesion and extravasation of neutrophils.

A highly efficacious lymphocyte chemoattractant, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1)

Chemotactic factors are postulated to direct emigration of lymphocytes from the blood stream into sites of inflammation. Members of a family of chemotactic cytokines, termed chemokines, have been shown to attract lymphocytes but efficacy, i.e., the maximal percentage of attracted cells, has been low. We have identified a highly efficacious lymphocyte chemotactic activity in the supernatants of the murine bone marrow stroma cell line MS-5 which attracts 10-fold more lymphocytes in vitro than currently described lymphocyte chemoattractants. Purification of this chemotactic activity revealed identity to stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1). SDF-1 acts on lymphocytes and monocytes but not neutrophils in vitro and is both a highly efficacious and highly potent mononuclear cell attractant in vivo. In addition, SDF-1 induces intracellular actin polymerization in lymphocytes, a process that is thought to be a prerequisite for cell motility. Since SDF-1 is expressed constitutively in a broad range of tissues it may have a role in immune surveillance and in basal extravasation of lymphocytes and monocytes rather than in inflammation.

A role for gelsolin in actuating epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated cell motility

Phospholipase C-gamma (PLC gamma) is required for EGF-induced motility (Chen, P., H. Xie, M.C. Sekar, K.B. Gupta, and A. Wells. J. Cell Biol. 1994. 127:847-857); however, the molecular basis of how PLC gamma modulates the actin filament network underlying cell motility remains undetermined. We propose that one connection to the actin cytoskeleton is direct hydrolysis of PIP2 with subsequent mobilization of membrane-associated actin modifying proteins. We used signaling-restricted EGFR mutants expressed in receptor-devoid NR6 fibroblast cells to investigate whether EGFR activation of PLC causes gelsolin mobilization from the cell membrane in vivo and whether this translocation facilitates cell movement. Gelsolin anti-sense oligonucleotide (20 microM) treatment of NR6 cells expressing the motogenic full-length (WT) and truncated c'1000 EGFR decreased endogenous gelsolin by 30-60%; this resulted in preferential reduction of EGF (25 nM)-induced cell movement by > 50% with little effect on the basal motility. As 14 h of EGF stimulation of cells did not increase total cell gelsolin content, we determined whether EGF induced redistribution of gelsolin from the membrane fraction. EGF treatment decreased the gelsolin mass associated with the membrane fraction in motogenic WT and c'1000 EGFR NR6 cells but not in cells expressing the fully mitogenic, but nonmotogenic c'973 EGFR. Blocking PLC activity with the pharmacologic agent U73122 (1 microM) diminished both this mobilization of gelsolin and EGF-induced motility, suggesting that gelsolin mobilization is downstream of PLC. Concomitantly observed was reorganization of submembranous actin filaments correlating directly with PLC activation and gelsolin mobilization. In vivo expression of a peptide that is reported to compete in vitro with gelsolin in binding to PIP2 dramatically increased basal cell motility in NR6 cells expressing either motogenic (WT and c'1000) or nonmotogenic (c'973) EGFR; EGF did not further augment cell motility and gelsolin mobilization. Cells expressing this peptide demonstrated actin reorganization similar to that observed in EGF-treated control cells; the peptide-induced changes were unaffected by U73122. These data suggest that much of the EGF-induced motility and cytoskeletal alterations can be reproduced by displacement of select actin-modifying proteins from a PIP2-bound state. This provides a signaling mechanism for translating cell surface receptor-mediated biochemical reactions to the cell movement machinery.

Biomaterial-induced alterations of human neutrophils under fluid shear stress: scanning electron microscopical study in vitro

Morphological changes of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) adhering to hydrophilic (glass) and hydrophobic (FEP-Teflon, polyethylene, polypropylene) surfaces were studied in a parallel-plate flow chamber at the light and scanning electron microscopical levels. The PMN were exposed to a shear stress of 0.19 Pa (1.9 dynes cm-2) or were allowed to adhere without the stress component (static control) during 30 min for all four biomaterials. Observation by light microscopy was performed in situ in the flow chamber at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min. The total number of adherent cells as a function of time and the activation status of the population on the basis of morphological criteria were determined. On the hydrophilic material adhesion of activated PMN was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than on the more hydrophobic surfaces. This effect was most pronounced for the adhesion of neutrophils to glass and polypropylene (PP). Polyethylene (PE) showed only minor adhesion rates. Scanning electron microscopy revealed details of cell shape changes and permitted a more precise classification of populations of neutrophils based on distinctive shapes. As PMN were exposed to shear stress on glass, the majority of cells exhibited surface veils, ridges and ruffles, suggesting a high level of cell migration. In this case, on polymeric surfaces the presence of filopodial networks (FEP-Teflon) and ameoboid cell shapes (PP and PE) was noted. The results suggest that a low shear stress, as well as various chemical and physical properties of biomaterial surfaces, are together responsible for differentiation of PMN populations on solid substrata.

Free peripheral sulfhydryl groups, CD11/CD18 integrins, and calcium are required in the cadmium and nickel enhancement of human-polymorphonuclear leukocyte adherence

Cadmium and nickel stimulate the early spontaneous adherence of peripheral human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Formyl-methionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP) at 0.25 nM inhibited the PMN adherence but was stimulated at 10 or 100 nM. Cadmium or nickel, nullified the FMLP inhibitory effect, and enhanced the adherence. No clear additive effect was noticed for either metal with fMLP. Blockade of CD11/CD18 receptors abolished the adherence modulatory effect of both fMLP and metals. p-Chloromercuriphenyl sulfonate (PCMPS), at a concentration that blocks peripheral SH groups, did not affect spontaneous adherence, but completely prevented the adherence enhancement caused by cadmium or nickel. Removal of extracellular calcium diminished both the spontaneous and the metal-stimulated adherence. Ryanodine, at a concentration that persistently inactivates ryanodine-sensitive intracellular channels, inhibited spontaneous PMN adherence, but had no effect on the cadmium or nickel induced adherence enhancement. Therefore, the results indicate that cadmium and nickel adherence stimulation depends on constitutive peripheral SH groups, CD11/CD18 integrins and extracellular calcium, but not on intracellular stored-calcium release through ryanodine-sensitive channels (RyRS). In contrast, spontaneous adherence greatly depends on the release of stored calcium through RyRs, and only slightly on extracellular calcium.

S100 protein CP-10 stimulates myeloid cell chemotaxis without activation

Leukocyte recruitment to inflammatory foci is generally associated with cellular activation. Recent evidence suggests that chemotactic agents can be divided into two classes, "classical chemoattractants" such as FMLP, C5a, and IL-8, which stimulate directed migration and activation events and "pure chemoattractants" such as TGF-beta 1 which influence actin polymerisation and movement but not oxidative burst and associated granular enzyme release. The studies reported here demonstrate that the murine S100 chemoattractant protein, CP-10, belongs to the "non-classical" group. Despite its potent chemotactic activity for neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages, CP-10 failed to increase [Ca2+]i in human or mouse PMN, although chemotaxis was inhibited by pertussis toxin, confirming the suggestion of a novel Ca(2+)-independent G-protein-coupled pathway for post-receptor signal transduction triggered by "pure chemoattractants." The co-ordinated up-regulation of Mac-1 and down-regulation of L-selectin induced by FMLP on human PMN in vitro was not observed with CP-10. Quantitative changes in immediate (30 s) actin polymerisation occurred with FMLP and CP-10-treated human PMN. The relative F-actin increases induced in WEHI 265 monocytoid cells by FMLP and CP-10 was optimal at 60 s and declined over 120 s. F-actin changes reflected the concentration and potencies of the agonists required to provoke chemotaxis. After 90 min, CP-10 profoundly altered cell shape and increased both cell size and F-actin within pseudopodia. These changes are typical of those mediating leukocyte deformability, and CP-10 may mediate leukocyte retention within microcapillaries and thereby contribute to the initiation of inflammation in vascular beds.

F-actin network formation in tethers and in pseudopods stimulated by chemoattractant

Micropipets are used either to deliver a given concentration of the chemoattractant N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) to a local region of a human neutrophil or to create a membrane tether. Pseudopods, which have a cylindrical shape and grow at a constant rate, are formed in either case. After reaching a maximum extension, they retract, even in the presence of chemoattractant. As a pseudopod grows, cell granules begin to penetrate the pseudopod region to a "boundary" that defines a distance to the pseudopod's leading edge that is almost constant. The exclusion of granules from this domain indicates that it is filled with a dense network. The formation of this network involves the plasma membrane because pseudopod growth ceases when a membrane tether is pulled away from the leading edge. The rate of pseudopod growth depends on fMLP concentration just as the number of occupied N-formyl peptide receptors depends on this concentration. The experimental data are explained by assuming that F-actin network is formed next to the plasma membrane. The newly formed network displaces the membrane and the dominant process in the network region then becomes F-actin depolymerization. The rate of pseudopod growth is determined by the rate of the process leading to network formation. This process is apparently an enzymatic type of reaction. It has a positive enthalpy change and, therefore, is endothermic.

Relative changes in F-actin during the first cell cycle: evidence for two distinct pools of F-actin in the sea urchin egg

The cortical actin cytoskeleton undergoes dramatic rearrangements during fertilization of sea urchin eggs. To characterize these changes further, we quantified the relative changes in filamentous actin (F-actin) during fertilization and the first cell cycle in both intact eggs and in isolated cortices by quantitative fluorescence microscopy. The level of F-actin in the intact egg decreased after fertilization and continued to decrease throughout the first cell cycle. By 60 min after fertilization, the level of F-actin had decreased to 50% of the unfertilized sea urchin egg. By cytokinesis, the level of F-actin had decreased to 30% of the unfertilized egg. After completion of cell division, individual blastomeres had 10% of the F-actin in the unfertilized egg. In contrast, there was an increase in cortical F-actin to 370% of the level in the unfertilized egg after fertilization. This increase corresponded to the formation of microvilli. There was little change in the level of cortical F-actin during the first cell cycle. We draw parallels to other systems that increase the amount of F-actin in the Triton-insoluble cytoskeleton by recruiting actin from a Triton-soluble pool of F-actin.

Human neutrophil (PMN) oxygen radical production and the cytoskeleton

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies were conducted to examine oxygen radical generation following PMN activation by N-formyl-1-methionyl-1-leucyl-1-phenylalanine (fMLP) in the presence or absence of phalloidin and cytochalasin B (CB), agents which stabilize or disrupt f-actin, or taxol and colchicine which stabilize and disrupt microtubule cytoskeletal structures respectively. PMN oxyradical production was monitored using the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline n-oxide (DMPO). PMN when unstimulated, treated with phalloidin (10(-6)-10(-8)M), CB (10(-6)-10(-8)M), taxol (10(-6)-10(-8)M), or colchicine (10(-6)-10(-8)M), did not produce a detectable DMPO signal. Stimulation with fMLP (10(-6)M), however, resulted in a significant hydroxyl radical signal which was augmented by PMN treatment with CB (10(-6)-10(-7)M, p < 0.05) and attenuated following PMN treatment with phalloidin (10(-6)-10(-7)M, p < 0.05). Interestingly, colchicine treatment (10(-6)-10(-8)M) significantly attenuated fMLP-mediated oxyradical production, whereas taxol (10(-6)-10(-7)M) significantly increased PMN oxyradical production. These data suggest that stabilization of f-actin and disruption of microtubules attenuates the PMN oxidative burst, whereas disruption of f-actin and stabilization of microtubules increases radical production. These findings suggest cytoskeletal domain-specific contributions to PMN oxidative activity.

Modulation of the adherence of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes by cadmium and nickel: sexual differences

The effect of cadmium (xenobiotic element) and nickel (ultra-trace bioelement) on the adherence to plastic of peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from male (M-PMNs) and female (F-PMNs) donors was analyzed. Exposure of PMNs to either metal stimulated adherence, mainly the early adherence (8 min). A sex influence on the adherence was observed. Up to 45 min of incubation, M-PMNs adhered more than F-PMNs. This sexual dimorphism also took place in the case of metal stimulation. Cadmium and nickel enhanced early spontaneous adherence of cells from either sex, but only the late adherence (25 min) of F-PMNs. The adherence stimulation was generally greater in F-PMNs, but M-PMNs achieved higher adherence levels. Nickel was more effective than cadmium in enhancing the adherence, especially the early adherence of F-PMNs.

Mechanically stimulated cytoskeleton rearrangement and cortical contraction in human neutrophils

A mechanical test with micropipets is used to characterize cytoskeleton rearrangement and contraction induced by mechanical stresses in human neutrophils. The yield shear resultant of the cell cortex is on the order of 0.06 to 0.09 mN.m-1. The measured yield shear resultant suggests that the neutrophil cortex is a weakly cross-linked structure. When a tether is pulled out from the cell surface, a polymer structure starts to fill it and spreads out from the cell body. The rate of advancement of the polymerization front is almost constant and, therefore, is not diffusion limited. The measured rate is much smaller than the one of spontaneous actin polymerization, suggesting that the limiting process is either the dissociation of actin monomers from their dimers with the capping proteins or the rate of formation of new nucleation sites or both. Polymerization is also observed after applying sufficient mechanical stresses on a small portion of the cell surface. The polymerization is followed by mass transfer from the cell into the prestressed region and later on by contraction of the main cell body. The pressure generating the flow is located in the prestressed region and most probably is a result of its "swelling" and contraction. The contraction of the main cell body is very similar (in its time dependence and magnitude) to the contraction during phagocytosis. The measured maximum cortical tension is on the order of 0.5 mN.m-1, which for a 3.5-microns diameter pipet corresponds to a maximum contraction force of 11 nN.

Shape, F-actin, and surface morphology changes during chemotactic peptide-induced polarity in human neutrophils

BACKGROUND

The exposure of human neutrophils to uniform concentrations of chemoattractants, such as N-formyl peptides, induces morphological cell polarization. In this study we report the temporal sequence of changes in cell shape, F-actin, and cell surface morphology during cellular polarization induced by N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) in human neutrophils in suspension.

METHODS

Neutrophil shape changes induced by 10(-8) M fMLP were observed with DIC microscopy. Size and cellular granularity were analyzed by flow cytometry measuring their forward and side scattered light. To visualize F-actin distribution, neutrophils were labeled with the fluorescence probe FITC-phalloidin, and were examined with fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cell surface morphology was assessed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

The stimulation of round-smooth neutrophils with nanomolar concentrations (10(-8) M) of fMLP in suspension induced a temporal sequence of morphological changes during cell polarization, characterized by 1) increase in size as determined by forward angle scattered light, 2) rapid redistribution of F-actin from a diffuse cytoplasmic localization to the cell periphery, and 3) rapid reorganization of cell surface morphological features, with accumulation of plasma membrane in the front of polar cells. Four cell shapes were identified with SEM after stimulation of round-smooth neutrophils: round-ridged, round-ruffled, nonpolar ruffled, and polar cells. These cell shapes were correlated with a cortical localization, focal aggregates, and multipolar distribution of F-actin. In polar neutrophils, F-actin became concentrated in the front of the cell.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show the relation between reorganization of the microfilamentous cytoskeleton and modifications in cell shape and surface features during cell polarization induced after fMLP activation in neutrophils. This approach offers a powerful tool for further analysis of receptor distribution in polarized, motile neutrophils.

Nicotine effects on neutrophil F-actin formation and calcium release: implications for tobacco use and pulmonary diseases

Alterations in neutrophil functions by tobacco components may play a pivotal role in pulmonary emphysema. This study examined the role of nicotine in altering F-actin formation and calcium (Ca2+) release (two early events in neutrophil motility). The effects of these alterations on the motile function of phagocytosis were also examined. Human peripheral neutrophils from medically healthy nonsmoking subjects were incubated with nicotine at concentrations normally encountered during acute exposure to cigarette smoke (10(-2) to 10(-5) M) and/or the chemotactic peptide FLPEP (10(-7) M). Relative F-actin stain was determined by NBD phallacidin staining followed by flow cytometry. Intracellular Ca2+ was determined by INDO-1 AM loading followed by emission ratio quantitation by fluorometry. Phagocytosis was determined by the % phagocytic cells with carboxylated microspheres. Incubation of neutrophils with varying concentrations of nicotine resulted in a significant elevation of the relative F-actin stain at 30 s at 10(-2) and 10(-3) M (p < .05, ANOVA) and at 30 min at 10(-2) to 10(-4) M (p < 0.05). In time course studies with 10(-7) M FLPEP stimulation, there was a approximately 325% rise in relative F-actin stain at 30-60 s, followed by a gradual decrease to near baseline levels. There was an immediate rise in Ca2+ to approximately 150% over baseline values, followed by a gradual decrease to baseline. By contrast, stimulation with nicotine demonstrated a approximately 105% increase in relative F-actin staining at 10(-2) M (p < .001, ANOVA) and a smaller increase at 10(-3) M, which remained elevated up to 600 s. Intracellular Ca2+ levels also rose in a dose-dependent manner with an increased of 700% over baseline with 10(-2) M nicotine, and remained elevated up to 600 s. Coincubation with both FLPEP and nicotine demonstrated additive effects in relative F-actin staining at both maximal and submaximal concentrations. Preincubation with 10(-2) or 10(-3) M nicotine suppressed the % phagocytic cells by 32% and 16%, respectively (p < .001, ANOVA) with only a 1-4% reduction in cell viability (trypan blue exclusion). The results demonstrate that the concentration of nicotine during acute cigarette exposure can directly stimulate neutrophil F-actin formation and intracellular Ca2+ release by a mechanism different from peptide stimulation. The alteration of these two pivotal neutrophil signaling events by nicotine may in turn alter other neutrophil functions in tobacco-related pulmonary emphysema.

Changes in actin organization during the cytotoxic process

Changes in organization of F-actin during the cytotoxic process between NK and K562 cells have been observed and studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy and quantitative fluorescence microscopy. An increase in F-actin content and orientation of F-actin towards the target cell have been observed in conjugated NK cells. The increase in F-actin content probably reflects activation of the NK cell for the killing process. An increase in F-actin content in the conjugated K562 cell, occurring simultaneously with the appearance of filamentous actin structures that often originated/ended at the contact place with the NK cell, was also observed. These changes were delayed compared to the increase in F-actin content in the NK cell and were accompanied by increasing cytotoxic activity. This indicates that they were results of the interaction of the K562 cell with the activated NK cell. The possible role of target cell microfilaments in the cytotoxic process is addressed.

Polymerization of actin in RBL-2H3 cells can be triggered through either the IgE receptor or the adenosine receptor but different signaling pathways are used

Crosslinking of the IgE receptor on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells using the multivalent antigen DNP-BSA leads to a rapid and sustained increase in the filamentous actin content of the cells. Stimulation of RBL cells through the adenosine receptor also induces a very rapid polymerization of actin, which peaks in 45-60 s and is equivalent in magnitude to the F-actin response elicited through stimulation of the IgE receptor. However, in contrast to the IgE mediated response, which remains elevated for over 30 min, the F-actin increase induced by the adenosine analogue 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)-adenosine (NECA) is relatively transient and returns to baseline values within 5-10 min. While previous work has shown that the polymerization of actin in RBL cells stimulated through the IgE receptor is mediated by protein kinase C (PKC), protein kinase inhibitors have no effect on the F-actin response activated through the adenosine receptor. In contrast, pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin completely inhibits the F-actin response to NECA but has relatively little effect on the response induced through the IgE receptor. Stimulation of RBL cells through either receptor causes increased production of phosphatidylinositol mono-phosphate (PIP) and phosphatidylinositol bis-phosphate (PIP2), which correlates with the F-actin response. Production of PIP and PIP2 may be important downstream signals since these polyphosphoinositides are able to regulate the interaction of gelsolin and profilin with actin. Thus the polymerization of actin can be triggered through either the adenosine receptor or the IgE receptor, but different upstream signaling pathways are being used. The IgE mediated response requires the activation of PKC while stimulation through the adenosine receptor is PKC independent but involves a G protein.

Two-step mechanism for actin polymerization in human erythroleukemia cells induced by phorbol ester

Human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells grow in suspension, but after treatment with nM PMA the cells adhere and spread on glass or fibronectin [Jarvinen et al., 1987: Eur. J. Cell Biol. 44:238-246]. We observed an early (20-30 min) stage of spreading in which F-actin was organized into peripheral arcs near the spreading margin and vinculin was localised to the cell's periphery at the ends of these arcs. By 1 h the cells were well spread with straight actin bundles many of which ended at more central sites terminating on patches containing vinculin and talin; thus the cells assemble typical stress fibers but do not appear to polarize. The cells also spread on RGD polymer. DiC8 (1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol, C8:0, Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO) induced spreading but only if DAG kinase inhibitor and A-23187 were also present; in their absence cells adhered but did not spread. Spreading was approximately 85% inhibited by 100 nM staurosporine. PKC-beta was shown to be present in the cells by immunoblotting. In cells spread for 1 h with PMA, F-actin increased to 180% of control levels as measured by RP binding and the actin sequestering complex of G-actin-thymosin beta 4 decreased significantly. To determine whether the F-actin increase required adhesion, we inhibited cell attachment to the substratum by adding RGDS, by coating glass surfaces with hemoglobin, or by a combined treatment. Under these conditions PMA-treated suspended cells still increased their F-actin to 126-137% of controls, a significant increase over control levels. Staurosporine inhibited F-actin increases under all the conditions studied. Permeabilized cell suspensions, incubated with rhodamine labelled G-actin, incorporated the labelled actin along cell membranes at a low level. A few minutes preincubation with either diC8 plus DAG kinase inhibitor or with PMA strongly increased the incorporation. This increased incorporation was reduced to below control levels by either staurosporine (100 nM) or cytochalasin D (1 microM). We conclude that both suspended and spreading HEL cells can be stimulated to polymerize actin by a mechanism dependent on PKC or a PKC-like molecule. In suspended cells, the polymerization occurs along the membrane. When cells spread, F-actin increased to a significantly greater extent. This second step could involve additional polymerization, perhaps at the observed adhesion sites, decreased turnover of the actin bundles, or a combined effect of both mechanisms.

Beta 2 integrin engagement triggers actin polymerization and phosphatidylinositol trisphosphate formation in non-adherent human neutrophils

Beta 2 integrins are involved in the adhesion of leukocytes to other cells and surfaces. Although adhesion is required for cell locomotion, little is known regarding the way beta 2 integrin-receptors affect the actin network in leukocytes. In the present study filamentous actin (F-actin) levels in non-adherent human neutrophils have been measured by phalloidin staining after antibody cross-linking of beta 2 integrins. Antibody engagement of beta 2 integrins resulted in a rapid and sustained (146 and 131% after 30 and 300 s, respectively) increase in the neutrophil F-actin content. This is in contrast to stimulation with N-formyl-l-methionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine (fMLP), which causes a prompt and pronounced but rapidly declining rise in F-actin (214 and 127% after 15 and 300 s, respectively). Priming neutrophils with 1 nM PMA, a low concentration that did not influence the F-actin content per se, increased the magnitude of the beta 2 integrin-induced response but had no effect on the kinetics (199% after 30 s and 169% after 300 s). Removal of extracellular Ca2+ only marginally affected the beta 2 integrin-induced F-actin response for cells that were pretreated with PMA whereas the response for nonprimed cells was reduced by half. This suggests that even though extracellular Ca2+ has a modulatory effect it is not an absolute requirement for beta 2 integrin-induced actin polymerization. beta 2 integrin engagement did not affect the resting cellular level of cAMP arguing against a role of cAMP in beta 2 integrin-induced actin assembly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clostridium perfringens invasiveness is enhanced by effects of theta toxin upon PMNL structure and function: the roles of leukocytotoxicity and expression of CD11/CD18 adherence glycoprotein

Clostridium perfringens infections are characterized by the lack of an inflammatory response at the site of infection and rapidly progressive margins of tissue necrosis. Studies presented here investigated the role of theta toxin from C. perfringens in the pathophysiology of these events. Mice passively immunized with neutralizing monoclonal antibody against theta toxin and challenged with an LD100 of log phase C. perfringens had significantly less mortality than untreated controls. Intramuscular injection of killed, washed C. perfringens in mice induced a massive time-dependent influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) into tissue; injection of either viable, washed C. perfringens or killed organisms plus theta toxin dramatically attenuated PMNL influx although PMNL accumulated in adjacent vessels. The anti-inflammatory effects could not be attributed to an absence of chemoattractants since C. perfringens proteins had chemotactic factor activity, and killed bacilli generated serum-derived chemotactic factors. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the dramatic leukocidal effects of high doses of theta toxin on PMNL. In contrast, sublethal concentrations of theta toxin primed PMNL chemiluminescence, disrupted PMNL cytoskeletal actin polymerization/disassembly, and stimulated functional upregulation of CD11b/CD18 adherence glycoprotein. In summary, these results demonstrate that theta toxin is an important virulence factor in C. perfringens infection. In a concentration-dependent fashion, theta toxin contributes to the pathogenesis of clostridial gangrene by direct destruction of host inflammatory cells and tissues, and by promoting dysregulated PMNL/endothelial cell adhesive interactions.

Accumulation of actin in subsets of pioneer growth cone filopodia in response to neural and epithelial guidance cues in situ

Directed outgrowth of neural processes must involve transmission of signals from the tips of filopodia to the central region of the growth cone. Here, we report on the distribution and dynamics of one possible element in this process, actin, in live growth cones which are reorienting in response to in situ guidance cues. In grasshopper embryonic limbs, pioneer growth cones respond to at least three types of guidance cues: a limb axis cue, intermediate target cells, and a circumferential band of epithelial cells. With time-lapse imaging of intracellularly injected rhodamine-phalloidin and rhodamine-actin, we monitored the distribution of actin during growth cone responses to these cues. In distal limb regions, accumulation of actin in filopodia and growth cone branches accompanies continued growth, while reduction of actin accompanies withdrawal. Where growth cones are reorienting to intermediate target cells, or along the circumferential epithelial band, actin selectively accumulates in the proximal regions of those filopodia that have contacted target cells or are extending along the band. Actin accumulations can be retrogradely transported along filopodia, and can extend into the central region of the growth cone. These results suggest that regulation and translocation of actin may be a significant element in growth cone steering.

Differential regulation of actin polymerization following activation of resting T lymphocytes from young and aged mice

Actin polymerization accompanies receptor-mediated responses and is correlated with motility-related events. In T lymphocytes, there is a lateral redistribution of surface receptors into caps and aggregation of actin-myosin in cytoplasmic subcaps, and these are impaired in T cells from aged individuals. This study documents marked changes in age-related cytoskeletal actin filament function which may account for the reduced motility. Basal levels of filamentous actin (F-actin) are significantly higher in purified G(o) T cells from aged C57BL/6 mice, due to a preferential increase in the CD8+ subpopulation. Following activation of the resting T cells with Concanavalin A (Con A), F-actin depolymerized in cells from young mice for 2 min, followed by rapid polymerization, reaching a plateau 200% above resting levels. In cells from 15-17-month-old mice, an attenuated depolymerization phase was seen for 45 sec, followed by little polymerization. No depolymerization or polymerization phases occurred in cells from aged mice. Phorbol 12 myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which activates protein kinase C (PKC), bypassing receptor mediated signals, induced actin polymerization to 57% of the levels of that after Con A stimulation in cells from both young and old animals and partially eliminated the differences in actin filament assembly due to age. Perturbation of the cytoskeleton with cytochalasin E (CE) potentiated proliferation of Con A-stimulated T cells from aged mice but did not completely restore the deficit attributed to immunosenescence. The results show an age-related impairment of cytoskeletal functions and suggest that differences in early signal transduction events contribute to the decrements in surface receptor motility and subsequent proliferation of T lymphocytes from older individuals.

Regulation of CD18 expression in human neutrophils as related to shape changes

The study analyses the distribution and quantitative expression of surface CD18 of neutrophils exposed to distinct stimuli that produce different types of continuous shape changes, including types that are associated with locomotion and others that are not. The chemotactic peptide N-formyl-L-norleucyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine, colchicine and nocodazole were used to induce a polarized locomotor morphology, phorbol myristate acetate, 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol to induce non-polar motile cells ruffling all over the surface and 2H2O to induce non-polar cells performing circus movements as have been previously described. Except for colchicine and nocodazole, these stimuli increased surface expression of CD18. Thus, stimulated shape changes are frequently, though not always, associated with increased surface expression of CD18. High concentrations (10(−7) to 10(−5) M) of phorbol myristate acetate but not of chemotactic peptide induced down-regulation of surface CD18. Cytochalasin D (10(−4) M) stimulated CD18 expression even though it inhibited shape changes. The surface distribution of CD18 determined by light microscopy was uniform in unstimulated cells or in various forms of stimulation except for cells treated with 10(−5) M cytochalasin D. Cytochalasin D (10(−5) M) produced CD18 accumulation at the pole opposite the F-actin cap. Experiments with colchicine, nocodazole, 2H2O and cytochalasin D suggest that microtubules as well as microfilaments modulate surface expression of CD18. The results suggest that protein kinase C and phosphatases play a role in regulating surface expression of CD18 in neutrophils.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)