Tyrosine phosphorylation and cytoskeletal tension regulate the release of fibroblast adhesions

S100A11 promotes focal adhesion disassembly via myosin II-driven contractility and Piezo1-mediated Ca2+ entry

S100A11 is a small Ca2+-activatable protein known to localize along stress fibers (SFs). Analyzing S100A11 localization in HeLa and U2OS cells further revealed S100A11 enrichment at focal adhesions (FAs). Strikingly, S100A11 levels at FAs increased sharply, yet transiently, just before FA disassembly. Elevating intracellular Ca2+ levels with ionomycin stimulated both S100A11 recruitment and subsequent FA disassembly. However, pre-incubation with the non-muscle myosin II (NMII) inhibitor blebbistatin or with an inhibitor of the stretch-activatable Ca2+ channel Piezo1 suppressed S100A11 recruitment, implicating S100A11 in an actomyosin-driven FA recruitment mechanism involving Piezo1-dependent Ca2+ influx. Applying external forces on peripheral FAs likewise recruited S100A11 to FAs even if NMII activity was inhibited, corroborating the mechanosensitive recruitment mechanism of S100A11. However, extracellular Ca2+ and Piezo1 function were indispensable, indicating that NMII contraction forces act upstream of Piezo1-mediated Ca2+ influx, in turn leading to S100A11 activation and FA recruitment. S100A11-knockout cells display enlarged FAs and had delayed FA disassembly during cell membrane retraction, consistent with impaired FA turnover in these cells. Our results thus demonstrate a novel function for S100A11 in promoting actomyosin contractility-driven FA disassembly.

Thy-1 (CD90)-regulated cell adhesion and migration of mesenchymal cells: insights into adhesomes, mechanical forces, and signaling pathways

Cell adhesion and migration depend on the assembly and disassembly of adhesive structures known as focal adhesions. Cells adhere to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and form these structures via receptors, such as integrins and syndecans, which initiate signal transduction pathways that bridge the ECM to the cytoskeleton, thus governing adhesion and migration processes. Integrins bind to the ECM and soluble or cell surface ligands to form integrin adhesion complexes (IAC), whose composition depends on the cellular context and cell type. Proteomic analyses of these IACs led to the curation of the term adhesome, which is a complex molecular network containing hundreds of proteins involved in signaling, adhesion, and cell movement. One of the hallmarks of these IACs is to sense mechanical cues that arise due to ECM rigidity, as well as the tension exerted by cell-cell interactions, and transduce this force by modifying the actin cytoskeleton to regulate cell migration. Among the integrin/syndecan cell surface ligands, we have described Thy-1 (CD90), a GPI-anchored protein that possesses binding domains for each of these receptors and, upon engaging them, stimulates cell adhesion and migration. In this review, we examine what is currently known about adhesomes, revise how mechanical forces have changed our view on the regulation of cell migration, and, in this context, discuss how we have contributed to the understanding of signaling mechanisms that control cell adhesion and migration.

Cellular dynamics of myogenic cell migration: molecular mechanisms and implications for skeletal muscle cell therapies

Directional cell migration is a critical process underlying morphogenesis and post-natal tissue regeneration. During embryonic myogenesis, migration of skeletal myogenic progenitors is essential to generate the anlagen of limbs, diaphragm and tongue, whereas in post-natal skeletal muscles, migration of muscle satellite (stem) cells towards regions of injury is necessary for repair and regeneration of muscle fibres. Additionally, safe and efficient migration of transplanted cells is critical in cell therapies, both allogeneic and autologous. Although various myogenic cell types have been administered intramuscularly or intravascularly, functional restoration has not been achieved yet in patients with degenerative diseases affecting multiple large muscles. One of the key reasons for this negative outcome is the limited migration of donor cells, which hinders the overall cell engraftment potential. Here, we review mechanisms of myogenic stem/progenitor cell migration during skeletal muscle development and post-natal regeneration. Furthermore, strategies utilised to improve migratory capacity of myogenic cells are examined in order to identify potential treatments that may be applied to future transplantation protocols.

NOX4 (NADPH Oxidase 4) and Poldip2 (Polymerase δ-Interacting Protein 2) Induce Filamentous Actin Oxidation and Promote Its Interaction With Vinculin During Integrin-Mediated Cell Adhesion

Objective- Actin cytoskeleton assembly and organization, as a result of focal adhesion (FA) formation during cell adhesion, are dependent on reactive oxygen species and the cellular redox environment. Poldip2 (polymerase δ-interacting protein 2), a novel regulator of NOX4 (NADPH oxidase 4), plays a significant role in reactive oxygen species production and cytoskeletal remodeling. Thus, we hypothesized that endogenous reactive oxygen species derived from Poldip2/NOX4 contribute to redox regulation of actin and cytoskeleton assembly during integrin-mediated cell adhesion. Approach and Results- Using vascular smooth muscle cells, we verified that hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels increase during integrin-mediated cell attachment as a result of activation of NOX4. Filamentous actin (F-actin) was oxidized by sulfenylation during cell attachment, with a peak at 3 hours (0.80±0.04 versus 0.08±0.13 arbitrary units at time zero), which was enhanced by overexpression of Poldip2. Depletion of Poldip2 or NOX4 using siRNA, or scavenging of endogenous H₂O₂ with catalase, inhibited F-actin oxidation by 78±26%, 99±1%, and 98±1%, respectively. To determine the consequence of F-actin oxidation, we examined the binding of F-actin to vinculin, a protein involved in FA complexes that regulates FA maturation. Vinculin binding during cell adhesion as well as migration capacity were inhibited after transfection with actin containing 2 oxidation-resistant point mutations (C272A and C374A). Silencing of Poldip2 or NOX4 also impaired actin-vinculin interaction, which disturbed maturation of FAs and inhibited cell migration. Conclusions- These results suggest that integrin engagement during cell attachment activates Poldip2/Nox4 to oxidize actin, which modulates FA assembly.

A potential contribution of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 by the mediation of monocyte differentiation in the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are characterized by the destruction of elastin and collagen in the media and adventitia. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4, an adipokine known as CD26) influences cell signaling, cell-matrix interactions, and the regulation of the functional activity of incretins in metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Although the role of DPP-4 in AAA evolution has been demonstrated, the underlying mechanisms of DPP-4-regulated AAA development remains unknown.

METHODS

Patients with AAA (n = 93) and healthy controls (CTL, n = 20) were recruited. Based on computed tomography image analyses, 93 patients were divided into two groups: those with a small AAA (SAA, aortic diameter <5 cm, n = 16) and those with a large AAA (LAA, aortic diameter ≥5 cm, n = 77). Plasma DPP-4, glucagon-like peptide-1 levels, and expression of CD26 on mononuclear cells were analyzed. In addition, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced THP-1 cells and angiotensin II-infused apolipoprotein E^tmlUnc mice were used to explore the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

The levels of DPP-4 (μU/μg) increased while active glucagon-like peptide-1 (pM) decreased in patients with AAA in a diameter-dependent manner [CTL: 2.3 ± 1.5 and 3.7 ± 2.4, respectively; SAA: 10.0 ± 10.9 and 2.1 ± 0.9, respectively; LAA: 32.2 ± 15.0 and 1.8 ± 1.1, respectively]. A significant decline in monocyte CD26 expression in patients with AAAs was observed relative to the CTL group. In vitro studies demonstrated that the inhibition of DPP-4 promoted PMA-induced monocytic cells differentiation, with increased CD68 and p21 expression, regulated by extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 activation. Furthermore, inhibition of DPP-4 significantly increased the phosphorylation of PYK2 and paxillin in PMA-induced THP-1 cell differentiation. Finally, the animal study was used to confirm the in vitro results that LAA mice showed marked macrophage infiltration in the adventitia with a decreased expression of DPP-4 as compared with SAA mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased plasma DPP-4 activity may correlate with aneurysmal development. CD26 on monocytes plays a critical role in cell differentiation, possibly mediated by extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2-p21 axis signaling pathways and cytoskeletal proteins reassembly. Exploring the role of DPP-4 further may yield potential therapeutic insights.

FAK, talin and PIPKIγ regulate endocytosed integrin activation to polarize focal adhesion assembly

Integrin endocytic recycling is critical for cell migration, yet how recycled integrins assemble into new adhesions is unclear. By synchronizing endocytic disassembly of focal adhesions (FAs), we find that recycled integrins reassemble FAs coincident with their return to the cell surface and dependent on Rab5 and Rab11. Unexpectedly, endocytosed integrins remained in an active but unliganded state in endosomes. FAK and Src kinases co-localized with endocytosed integrin and were critical for FA reassembly by regulating integrin activation and recycling, respectively. FAK sustained the active integrin conformation by maintaining talin association with Rab11 endosomes in a type I phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase (PIPKIγ)-dependent manner. In migrating cells, endocytosed integrins reassembled FAs polarized towards the leading edge, and this polarization required FAK. These studies identify unanticipated roles for FA proteins in maintaining endocytosed integrin in an active conformation. We propose that the conformational memory of endocytosed integrin enhances polarized reassembly of FAs to enable directional cell migration.

Traction force microscopy in rapidly moving cells reveals separate roles for ROCK and MLCK in the mechanics of retraction

Retraction is a major rate-limiting step in cell motility, particularly in slow moving cell types that form large stable adhesions. Myosin II dependent contractile forces are thought to facilitate detachment by physically pulling up the rear edge. However, retraction can occur in the absence of myosin II activity in cell types that form small labile adhesions. To investigate the role of contractile force generation in retraction, we performed traction force microscopy during the movement of fish epithelial keratocytes. By correlating changes in local traction stress at the rear with the area retracted, we identified four distinct modes of retraction. "Recoil" retractions are preceded by a rise in local traction stress, while rear edge is temporarily stuck, followed by a sharp drop in traction stress upon detachment. This retraction type was most common in cells generating high average traction stress. In "pull" type retractions local traction stress and area retracted increase concomitantly. This was the predominant type of retraction in keratocytes and was observed mostly in cells generating low average traction stress. "Continuous" type retractions occur without any detectable change in traction stress, and are seen in cells generating low average traction stress. In contrast, to many other cell types, "release" type retractions occur in keratocytes following a decrease in local traction stress. Our identification of distinct modes of retraction suggests that contractile forces may play different roles in detachment that are related to rear adhesion strength. To determine how the regulation of contractility via MLCK or Rho kinase contributes to the mechanics of detachment, inhibitors were used to block or augment these pathways. Modulation of MLCK activity led to the most rapid change in local traction stress suggesting its importance in regulating attachment strength. Surprisingly, Rho kinase was not required for detachment, but was essential for localizing retraction to the rear. We suggest that in keratocytes MLCK and Rho kinase play distinct, complementary roles in the respective temporal and spatial control of rear detachment that is essential for maintaining rapid motility.

Focal adhesions function as a mechanosensor

Focal adhesions (FAs) are complex plasma membrane-associated macromolecular assemblies that engage with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) via integrin receptors and physically connect with the actin cytoskeleton through the recruitment of numerous FA-associated proteins. FAs undergo a maturation process, which is known to be induced by biochemical or physical cues, to grow and change composition. Varying FA size, distribution, dynamics, and compositions during maturation process is required for transducing the specific signaling networks that reflect the requirements of a cell to sense, adapt, and response to a variety of the environments. While advances have been demonstrated in understanding how important FAs are in mediating various biological processes, less is known about how FA composition is regulated and coordinately transduces the specific signals in mediating the distinct biological outcomes, especially cell migration.

Mechanotransduction at focal adhesions: integrating cytoskeletal mechanics in migrating cells

Focal adhesions (FAs) are complex plasma membrane-associated macromolecular assemblies that serve to physically connect the actin cytoskeleton to integrins that engage with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). FAs undergo maturation wherein they grow and change composition differentially to provide traction and to transduce the signals that drive cell migration, which is crucial to various biological processes, including development, wound healing and cancer metastasis. FA-related signalling networks dynamically modulate the strength of the linkage between integrin and actin and control the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. In this review, we have summarized a number of recent investigations exploring how FA composition is affected by the mechanical forces that transduce signalling networks to modulate cellular function and drive cell migration. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of how force governs adhesion signalling provides insights that will allow the manipulation of cell migration and help to control migration-related human diseases.

The tension mounts: stress fibers as force-generating mechanotransducers

Stress fibers (SFs) are often the most prominent cytoskeletal structures in cells growing in tissue culture. Composed of actin filaments, myosin II, and many other proteins, SFs are force-generating and tension-bearing structures that respond to the surrounding physical environment. New work is shedding light on the mechanosensitive properties of SFs, including that these structures can respond to mechanical tension by rapid reinforcement and that there are mechanisms to repair strain-induced damage. Although SFs are superficially similar in organization to the sarcomeres of striated muscle, there are intriguing differences in their organization and behavior, indicating that much still needs to be learned about these structures.

The ESCRT machinery mediates polarization of fibroblasts through regulation of myosin light chain

Recent evidence implicates the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) in the regulation of epithelial polarity in Drosophila melanogaster, but the mechanisms responsible for this action remain unclear. Here we show that ESCRTs determine cell orientation during directed migration in human fibroblasts. We find that endosomal retention of α5β1 integrin and its downstream signaling effector Src in ESCRT-depleted cells is accompanied by the failure to activate myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), which thereby cannot phosphorylate myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC). Using this mechanism, ESCRT-depleted fibroblasts fail to orient their Golgi complex to undergo directional migration and show impaired focal adhesion turnover and increased spreading on fibronectin. Consistent with these findings, expression of a phosphomimetic mutant of MRLC in ESCRT-depleted cells restores normal phenotypes during cell spreading and orientation of the Golgi. These results suggest that, through their role in regulating integrin trafficking, ESCRTs regulate phosphorylation of MRLC and, subsequently, Golgi orientation and cell spreading.

Nck2 promotes human melanoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and primary melanoma-derived tumor growth in vivo

Background

Nck1 and Nck2 adaptor proteins are involved in signaling pathways mediating proliferation, cytoskeleton organization and integrated stress response. Overexpression of Nck1 in fibroblasts has been shown to be oncogenic. Through the years this concept has been challenged and the consensus is now that overexpression of either Nck cooperates with strong oncogenes to transform cells. Therefore, variations in Nck expression levels in transformed cells could endorse cancer progression.

Methods

Expression of Nck1 and Nck2 proteins in various cancer cell lines at different stages of progression were analyzed by western blots. We created human primary melanoma cell lines overexpressing GFP-Nck2 and investigated their ability to proliferate along with metastatic characteristics such as migration and invasion. By western blot analysis, we compared levels of proteins phosphorylated on tyrosine as well as cadherins and integrins in human melanoma cells overexpressing or not Nck2. Finally, in mice we assessed tumor growth rate of human melanoma cells expressing increasing levels of Nck2.

Results

We found that expression of Nck2 is consistently increased in various metastatic cancer cell lines compared with primary counterparts. Particularly, we observed significant higher levels of Nck2 protein and mRNA, as opposed to no change in Nck1, in human metastatic melanoma cell lines compared with non-metastatic melanoma and normal melanocytes. We demonstrated the involvement of Nck2 in proliferation, migration and invasion in human melanoma cells. Moreover, we discovered that Nck2 overexpression in human primary melanoma cells correlates with higher levels of proteins phosphorylated on tyrosine residues, assembly of Nck2-dependent pY-proteins-containing molecular complexes and downregulation of cadherins and integrins. Importantly, we uncovered that injection of Nck2-overexpressing human primary melanoma cells into mice increases melanoma-derived tumor growth rate.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data indicate that Nck2 effectively influences human melanoma phenotype progression. At the molecular level, we propose that Nck2 in human primary melanoma promotes the formation of molecular complexes regulating proliferation and actin cytoskeleton dynamics by modulating kinases or phosphatases activities that results in increased levels of proteins phosphorylated on tyrosine residues. This study provides new insights regarding cancer progression that could impact on the therapeutic strategies targeting cancer.

ATP release due to Thy-1-integrin binding induces P2X7-mediated calcium entry required for focal adhesion formation

Thy-1, an abundant mammalian glycoprotein, interacts with αvβ3 integrin and syndecan-4 in astrocytes and thus triggers signaling events that involve RhoA and its effector p160ROCK, thereby increasing astrocyte adhesion to the extracellular matrix. The signaling cascade includes calcium-dependent activation of protein kinase Cα upstream of Rho; however, what causes the intracellular calcium transients required to promote adhesion remains unclear. Purinergic P2X7 receptors are important for astrocyte function and form large non-selective cation pores upon binding to their ligand, ATP. Thus, we evaluated whether the intracellular calcium required for Thy-1-induced cell adhesion stems from influx mediated by ATP-activated P2X7 receptors. Results show that adhesion induced by the fusion protein Thy-1-Fc was preceded by both ATP release and sustained intracellular calcium elevation. Elimination of extracellular ATP with Apyrase, chelation of extracellular calcium with EGTA, or inhibition of P2X7 with oxidized ATP, all individually blocked intracellular calcium increase and Thy-1-stimulated adhesion. Moreover, Thy-1 mutated in the integrin-binding site did not trigger ATP release, and silencing of P2X7 with specific siRNA blocked Thy-1-induced adhesion. This study is the first to demonstrate a functional link between αvβ3 integrin and P2X7 receptors, and to reveal an important, hitherto unanticipated, role for P2X7 in calcium-dependent signaling required for Thy-1-stimulated astrocyte adhesion.

Actomyosin-generated tension controls the molecular kinetics of focal adhesions

Focal adhesions (FAs) have key roles in the interaction of cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and in adhesion-mediated signaling. These dynamic, multi-protein structures sense the ECM both chemically and physically, and respond to external and internal forces by changing their size and signaling activity. However, this mechanosensitivity is still poorly understood at the molecular level. Here, we present direct evidence that actomyosin contractility regulates the molecular kinetics of FAs. We show that the molecular turnover of proteins within FAs is primarily regulated by their dissociation rate constant (k(off)), which is sensitive to changes in forces applied to the FA. We measured the early changes in k(off) values for three FA proteins (vinculin, paxillin and zyxin) upon inhibition of actomyosin-generated forces using two methods - high temporal resolution FRAP and direct measurement of FA protein dissociation in permeabilized cells. When myosin II contractility was inhibited, the k(off) values for all three proteins changed rapidly, in a highly protein-specific manner: dissociation of vinculin from FAs was facilitated, whereas dissociation of paxillin and zyxin was attenuated. We hypothesize that these early kinetic changes initiate FA disassembly by affecting the molecular turnover of FAs and altering their composition.

Cell migration: an overview

Cell migration is a fundamental process that controls morphogenesis and inflammation. Its deregulation causes or is part of many diseases, including autoimmune syndromes, chronic inflammation, mental retardation, and cancer. Cell migration is an integral part of the cell biology, embryology, immunology, and neuroscience fields; as such, it has benefited from quantum leaps in molecular biology, biochemistry, and imaging techniques, and the emergence of the genomic and proteomic era. Combinations of these techniques have revealed new and exciting insights that explain how cells adhere and move, how the migration of multiple cells are coordinated and regulated, and how the cells interact with neighboring cells and/or react to changes in their microenvironment. This introduction provides a primer of the molecular and cellular insights, particularly the signaling networks, which control the migration of individual cells as well as collective migrations. The rest of the chapters are devoted to describe in detail some of the most salient technical advances that have illuminated the field of cell migration in recent years.

Cell adhesion: integrating cytoskeletal dynamics and cellular tension

Cell migration affects all morphogenetic processes and contributes to numerous diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. For most cells in most environments, movement begins with protrusion of the cell membrane followed by the formation of new adhesions at the cell front that link the actin cytoskeleton to the substratum, generation of traction forces that move the cell forwards and disassembly of adhesions at the cell rear. Adhesion formation and disassembly drive the migration cycle by activating Rho GTPases, which in turn regulate actin polymerization and myosin II activity, and therefore adhesion dynamics.

Regulation of myofibroblast activities: calcium pulls some strings behind the scene

Myofibroblast-induced remodeling of collagenous extracellular matrix is a key component of our body's strategy to rapidly and efficiently repair damaged tissues; thus myofibroblast activity is considered crucial in assuring the mechanical integrity of vital organs and tissues after injury. Typical examples of beneficial myofibroblast activities are scarring after myocardial infarct and repair of damaged connective tissues including dermis, tendon, bone, and cartilage. However, deregulation of myofibroblast contraction causes the tissue deformities that characterize hypertrophic scars as well as organ fibrosis that ultimately leads to heart, lung, liver and kidney failure. The phenotypic features of the myofibroblast, within a spectrum going from the fibroblast to the smooth muscle cell, raise the question as to whether it regulates contraction in a fibroblast- or muscle-like fashion. In this review, we attempt to elucidate this point with a particular focus on the role of calcium signaling. We suggest that calcium plays a central role in myofibroblast biological activity not only in regulating contraction but also in mediating intracellular and extracellular mechanical signals, structurally organizing the contractile actin-myosin cytoskeleton, and establishing lines of intercellular communication.

The Rac activator STEF (Tiam2) regulates cell migration by microtubule-mediated focal adhesion disassembly

Focal adhesion (FA) disassembly required for optimal cell migration is mediated by microtubules (MTs); targeting of FAs by MTs coincides with their disassembly. Regrowth of MTs, induced by removal of the MT destabilizer nocodazole, activates the Rho-like GTPase Rac, concomitant with FA disassembly. Here, we show that the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Sif and Tiam1-like exchange factor (STEF) is responsible for Rac activation during MT regrowth. Importantly, STEF is required for multiple targeting of FAs by MTs. As a result, FAs in STEF-knockdown cells have a reduced disassembly rate and are consequently enlarged. This leads to reduced speed of migration. Together, these findings suggest a new role for STEF in FA disassembly and cell migration through MT-mediated mechanisms.

A cytohesin homolog in Dictyostelium amoebae

BACKGROUND

Dictyostelium, an amoeboid motile cell, harbors several paralogous Sec7 genes that encode members of three distinct subfamilies of the Sec7 superfamily of Guanine nucleotide exchange factors. Among them are proteins of the GBF/BIG family present in all eukaryotes. The third subfamily represented with three members in D. discoideum is the cytohesin family that has been thought to be metazoan specific. Cytohesins are characterized by a Sec7 PH tandem domain and have roles in cell adhesion and migration.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Dictyostelium SecG exhibits highest homologies to the cytohesins. It harbors at its amino terminus several ankyrin repeats that are followed by the Sec7 PH tandem domain. Mutants lacking SecG show reduced cell-substratum adhesion whereas cell-cell adhesion that is important for development is not affected. Accordingly, multicellular development proceeds normally in the mutant. During chemotaxis secG(-) cells elongate and migrate in a directed fashion towards cAMP, however speed is moderately reduced.

SIGNIFICANCE

The data indicate that SecG is a relevant factor for cell-substrate adhesion and reveal the basic function of a cytohesin in a lower eukaryote.

Indole-3-carbinol inhibits MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell motility and induces stress fibers and focal adhesion formation by activation of Rho kinase activity

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a phytochemical derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, has potent antiproliferative effects in human breast cancer cells and has been shown to decrease metastatic spread of tumors in experimental animals. Using chemotaxis and fluorescent-bead cell motility assays, we demonstrated that I3C significantly decreased the in vitro migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, a highly invasive breast cancer cell line. Immunofluorescence staining of the actin cytoskeleton revealed that concurrent with the loss of cell motility, I3C treatment significantly increased stress fiber formation. Furthermore, I3C induced the localization of the focal adhesion component vinculin and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins to the cell periphery, which implicates an indole-dependent enhancement of focal adhesions within the outer boundary of the cells. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis of focal adhesion kinase demonstrated that I3C stimulated the dynamic formation of the focal adhesion protein complex without altering the total level of individual focal adhesion proteins. The RhoA-Rho kinase pathway is involved in stress fiber and focal adhesion formation, and I3C treatment stimulated Rho kinase enzymatic activity and cofilin phosphorylation, which is a downstream target of Rho kinase signaling, but did not increase the level of active GTP-bound RhoA. Exposure of MDA-MB-231 cells to the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632, or expression of dominant negative RhoA ablated the I3C induced formation of stress fibers and of peripheral focal adhesions. Expression of constitutively active RhoA mimicked the I3C effects on both processes. Taken together, our data demonstrate that I3C induces stress fibers and peripheral focal adhesions in a Rho kinase-dependent manner that leads to an inhibition of motility in human breast cancer cells.

FAK alters invadopodia and focal adhesion composition and dynamics to regulate breast cancer invasion

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is important for breast cancer progression and invasion and is necessary for the dynamic turnover of focal adhesions. However, it has not been determined whether FAK also regulates the dynamics of invasive adhesions formed in cancer cells known as invadopodia. In this study, we report that endogenous FAK functions upstream of cellular Src (c-Src) as a negative regulator of invadopodia formation and dynamics in breast cancer cells. We show that depletion of FAK induces the formation of active invadopodia but impairs invasive cell migration. FAK-deficient MTLn3 breast cancer cells display enhanced assembly and dynamics of invadopodia that are rescued by expression of wild-type FAK but not by FAK that cannot be phosphorylated at tyrosine 397. Moreover, our findings demonstrate that FAK depletion switches phosphotyrosine-containing proteins from focal adhesions to invadopodia through the temporal and spatial regulation of c-Src activity. Collectively, our findings provide novel insight into the interplay between FAK and Src to promote invasion.

Segregation and activation of myosin IIB creates a rear in migrating cells

We have found that MLC-dependent activation of myosin IIB in migrating cells is required to form an extended rear, which coincides with increased directional migration. Activated myosin IIB localizes prominently at the cell rear and produces large, stable actin filament bundles and adhesions, which locally inhibit protrusion and define the morphology of the tail. Myosin IIA forms de novo filaments away from the myosin IIB–enriched center and back to form regions that support protrusion. The positioning and dynamics of myosin IIA and IIB depend on the self-assembly regions in their coiled-coil C terminus. COS7 and B16 melanoma cells lack myosin IIA and IIB, respectively; and show isoform-specific front-back polarity in migrating cells. These studies demonstrate the role of MLC activation and myosin isoforms in creating a cell rear, the segregation of isoforms during filament assembly and their differential effects on adhesion and protrusion, and a key role for the noncontractile region of the isoforms in determining their localization and function.

FAK-MAPK-dependent adhesion disassembly downstream of L1 contributes to semaphorin3A-induced collapse

Axonal receptors for class 3 semaphorins (Sema3s) are heterocomplexes of neuropilins (Nrps) and Plexin-As signalling coreceptors. In the developing cerebral cortex, the Ig superfamily cell adhesion molecule L1 associates with Nrp1. Intriguingly, the genetic removal of L1 blocks axon responses of cortical neurons to Sema3A in vitro despite the expression of Plexin-As in the cortex, suggesting either that L1 substitutes for Plexin-As or that L1 and Plexin-A are both required and mediate distinct roles. We report that association of Nrp1 with L1 but not Plexin-As mediates the recruitment and activation of a Sema3A-induced focal adhesion kinase-mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade. This signalling downstream of L1 is needed for the disassembly of adherent points formed in growth cones and subsequently their collapse response to Sema3A. Plexin-As and L1 are coexpressed and present in common complexes in cortical neurons and both dominant-negative forms of Plexin-A and L1 impair their response to Sema3A. Consistently, Nrp1-expressing cortical projections are defective in mice lacking Plexin-A3, Plexin-A4 or L1. This reveals that specific signalling activities downstream of L1 and Plexin-As cooperate for mediating the axon guidance effects of Sema3A.

Inhibition of "self" engulfment through deactivation of myosin-II at the phagocytic synapse between human cells

Phagocytosis of foreign cells or particles by macrophages is a rapid process that is inefficient when faced with “self” cells that display CD47—although signaling mechanisms in self-recognition have remained largely unknown. With human macrophages, we show the phagocytic synapse at cell contacts involves a basal level of actin-driven phagocytosis that, in the absence of species-specific CD47 signaling, is made more efficient by phospho-activated myosin. We use “foreign” sheep red blood cells (RBCs) together with CD47-blocked, antibody-opsonized human RBCs in order to visualize synaptic accumulation of phosphotyrosine, paxillin, F-actin, and the major motor isoform, nonmuscle myosin-IIA. When CD47 is functional, the macrophage counter-receptor and phosphatase-activator SIRPα localizes to the synapse, suppressing accumulation of phosphotyrosine and myosin without affecting F-actin. On both RBCs and microbeads, human CD47 potently inhibits phagocytosis as does direct inhibition of myosin. CD47–SIRPα interaction initiates a dephosphorylation cascade directed in part at phosphotyrosine in myosin. A point mutation turns off this motor's contribution to phagocytosis, suggesting that self-recognition inhibits contractile engulfment.

Roles of P21-activated kinases and associated proteins in epithelial wound healing

The primary function of epithelia is to provide a barrier between the extracellular environment and the interior of the body. Efficient epithelial repair mechanisms are therefore crucial for homeostasis. The epithelial wound-healing process involves highly regulated morphogenetic changes of epithelial cells that are driven by dynamic changes of the cytoskeleton. P21-activated kinases are serine/threonine kinases that have emerged as important regulators of the cytoskeleton. These kinases, which are activated downsteam of the Rho GTPases Rac and cd42, were initially mostly implicated in the regulation of cell migration. More recently, however, these kinases were shown to have many additional functions that are relevant to the regulation of epithelial wound healing. Here, we provide an overview of the morphogenetic changes of epithelial cells during wound healing and the many functions of p21-activated kinases in these processes.

Myosin II and Rho kinase activity are required for melanosome aggregation in fish retinal pigment epithelial cells

In the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of fish, melanosomes (pigment granules) migrate long distances through the cell body into apical projections in the light, and aggregate back into the cell body in the dark. RPE cells can be isolated from the eye, dissociated, and cultured as single cells in vitro. Treatment of isolated RPE cells with cAMP or the phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid (OA), stimulates melanosome aggregation, while cAMP or OA washout in the presence of dopamine triggers dispersion. Previous studies have shown that actin filaments are both necessary and sufficient for aggregation and dispersion of melanosomes within apical projections of isolated RPE. The role of myosin II in melanosome motility was investigated using the myosin II inhibitor, blebbistatin, and a specific rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, H-1152. Blebbistatin and H-1152 partially blocked melanosome aggregation triggered by cAMP in dissociated, isolated RPE cells and isolated sheets of RPE. In contrast, neither drug affected melanosome dispersion. In cells exposed to either blebbistatin or H-1152, then triggered to aggregate using OA, melanosome aggregation was completely inhibited. These results demonstrate that (1) melanosome aggregation and dispersion occur through different, actin-dependent mechanisms; (2) myosin II and ROCK activity are required for full melanosome aggregation, but not dispersion; (3) partial aggregation that occurred despite myosin II or ROCK inhibition suggests a second component of aggregation that is dependent on cAMP signaling, but independent of ROCK and myosin II.

RACK1 regulates Src activity and modulates paxillin dynamics during cell migration

Receptor for Activated C Kinase, RACK1, is an adaptor protein that regulates signaling via Src and PKC-dependent pathways, and has been implicated in cell migration. In this study we demonstrate novel functions for RACK1 in regulating adhesion dynamics during cell migration. We report that cells lacking RACK1 are less motile and show reduced dynamics of paxillin and talin at focal complexes. To investigate the role of the RACK1/Src interactions in adhesion dynamics, we used RACK1 in which the putative Src binding site has been mutated (RACK Y246F). RACK1-deficient cells showed enhanced c-Src activity that was rescued by expression of wild type RACK1, but not by RACK Y246F. Expression of wild type RACK1, but not RACK Y246F, was also able to rescue the adhesion and migration defects observed in the RACK1-deficient cells. Furthermore, our findings indicate that RACK1 functions to regulate paxillin phosphorylation and that its effects on paxillin dynamics require the Src-mediated phosphorylation of tyrosine 31/118 on paxillin. Taken together, these findings support a novel role for RACK1 as a key regulator of cell migration and adhesion dynamics through the regulation of Src activity, and the modulation of paxillin phosphorylation at early adhesions.

Probing the integrin-actin linkage using high-resolution protein velocity mapping

Cell migration is regulated in part by the connection between the substratum and the actin cytoskeleton. However, the very large number of proteins involved in this linkage and their complex network of interactions make it difficult to assess their role in cell migration. We apply a novel image analysis tool, spatio-temporal image correlation spectroscopy (STICS), to quantify the directed movements of adhesion-related proteins and actin in protrusions of migrating cells. The STICS technique reveals protein dynamics even when protein densities are very low or very high, and works in the presence of large, static molecular complexes. Detailed protein velocity maps for actin and the adhesion-related proteins alpha-actinin, alpha5-integrin, talin, paxillin, vinculin and focal adhesion kinase are presented. The data show that there are differences in the efficiency of the linkage between integrin and actin among different cell types and on the same cell type grown on different substrate densities. We identify potential mechanisms that regulate efficiency of the linkage, or clutch, and identify two likely points of disconnect, one at the integrin and the other at alpha-actinin or actin. The data suggests that the efficiency of the linkage increases as actin and adhesions become more organized showing the importance of factors that regulate the efficiency in adhesion signaling and dynamics.

Paxillin phosphorylation at Ser273 localizes a GIT1-PIX-PAK complex and regulates adhesion and protrusion dynamics

Continuous adhesion formation and disassembly (adhesion turnover) in the protrusions of migrating cells is regulated by unclear mechanisms. We show that p21-activated kinase (PAK)–induced phosphorylation of serine 273 in paxillin is a critical regulator of this turnover. Paxillin-S273 phosphorylation dramatically increases migration, protrusion, and adhesion turnover by increasing paxillin–GIT1 binding and promoting the localization of a GIT1–PIX–PAK signaling module near the leading edge. Mutants that interfere with the formation of this ternary module abrogate the effects of paxillin-S273 phosphorylation. PAK-dependent paxillin-S273 phosphorylation functions in a positive-feedback loop, as active PAK, active Rac, and myosin II activity are all downstream effectors of this turnover pathway. Finally, our studies led us to identify in highly motile cells a class of small adhesions that reside near the leading edge, turnover in 20–30 s, and resemble those seen with paxillin-S273 phosphorylation. These adhesions appear to be regulated by the GIT1–PIX–PAK module near the leading edge.

Antagonist-induced deadhesion of specifically adhered vesicles

By use of a model system consisting of giant vesicles adhering to flat substrates, we identified, both experimentally and theoretically, two new control mechanisms for antagonist-induced deadhesion. Adhesion is established by specific binding of surface-grafted E-selectin and vesicle-carrying oligosaccharide Lewis(X). Deadhesion is achieved by controlled titration of monoclonal antibodies against E-selectin. The first mechanism is characterized by a considerable retraction of the contact zone resulting in a loss of contact area between the vesicle and the substrate. Within the developed theoretical framework, the observed equilibrium state is understood as a balance between the spreading pressure of the vesicle and the antagonist-induced lateral pressure at the edge of the contact zone. In the second mechanism, the antibodies induce unbinding by penetrating the contact zone without significantly affecting its size. This process reveals the decomposition of the adhesion zone into microdomains of tight binding separated by strongly fluctuating sections of the membrane. Both experiment and theory show a sigmoidal decrease of the number of bound ligands as a function of the logarithm of antagonist concentration. The work presented herein also provides a new method for the determination of the receptor binding affinity of either the surface-embedded ligands or the competing antagonist molecules.

Cell migration: mechanisms of rear detachment and the formation of migration tracks

Cell migration is central to many biological and pathological processes, including embryogenesis, tissue repair and regeneration as well as cancer and the inflammatory response. In general, cell migration can be usefully conceptualized as a cyclic process. The initial response of a cell to a migration-promoting agent is to polarize and extend protrusions in the direction of migration. These protrusions can be large, broad lamellipodia or spike-like filopodia, are usually driven by actin polymerization, and are stabilized by adhering to the extracellular matrix (ECM) via transmembrane receptors of the integrin family linked to the actin cytoskeleton. These adhesions serve as traction sites for migration as the cell moves forward over them, and they must be disassembled at the cell rear, allowing it to detach. The mechanisms of rear detachment and the regulatory processes involved are not well understood. The disassembly of adhesions that is required for detachment depends on a coordinated interaction of actin and actin-binding proteins, signaling molecules and effector enzymes including proteases, kinases and phosphatases. Originally, the biochemically regulated processes leading to rear detachment of migrating cells were thought not to be necessarily accompanied by any loss of cell material. However, it has been shown that during rear detachment long tubular extensions, the retracting fibers, are formed and that "membrane ripping" occurs at the cell rear. By this process, a major fraction of integrin-containing cellular material is left behind forming characteristic migration tracks that exactly mark the way a cell has taken.

Cyclic changes in keratocyte speed and traction stress arise from Ca2+-dependent regulation of cell adhesiveness

The activation of stretch-activated calcium channels (SACs) in keratocytes can induce spatially coordinated increases in traction stress that promote protrusion at the cell front, while simultaneously inducing retraction at the rear. To investigate how this occurs, we correlated calcium-induced changes in traction stress with alterations in cell speed and shape. Cyclic changes in these parameters were associated with each calcium transient. In addition, an inverse relationship was found between traction stress and cell speed, suggesting that alternating changes in adhesiveness were occurring at the rear. We investigated this further by inhibiting or inducing calcium transients and observing the effects on traction stress, cell speed and shape. Inhibition of calcium transients prevented retraction and led to a slow increase in traction stress. In addition, large aggregates of vinculin developed at the lateral rear edges of treated keratocytes, consistent with an increase in adhesiveness. Induction of a calcium transient resulted in a rapid retraction, involving both increased traction stress and adhesion disassembly at the rear. We also found that keratocytes exhibiting frequent transients generated larger traction stress and moved significantly faster than other cells. Together, these data suggest that calcium transients coordinate changes in adhesiveness with SAC-mediated cycles of mechano-chemical feedback.

Expression of FGF-2 alters focal adhesion dynamics in migration-restricted

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) expression takes place during morphogenic differentiation of mammary ducts and is lost in breast cancer. Forced re-expression of FGF-2 in breast cancer cell lines induces a more differentiated phenotype and inhibits motility by unknown mechanisms. Here we demonstrate that MDA-MB-231 cells with encumbered motility due to forced re-expression of FGF-2 have activated focal complexes as determined by immunoprecipitation/western blotting and immunofluorescence staining with antibodies to FAK, p130Cas, paxillin, vinculin and phosphotyrosine. The activation of the focal adhesion complexes results in loss of stress fibers associated with malignant transformation of mammary epithelial cells and the formation of circumferentially-distributed actin bundles associated with non-transformed mammary epithelial cells. These effects require continuous FGF-2 expression, as the effects of exogenous recombinant FGF-2 are only small and transient. FGF-2 expression results in an increase in integrin alpha 3 expression and decreases in integrin beta 1 and beta 4 expression. These changes, however, induce only a small decrease in adhesion to uncoated and fibronectin-coated tissue culture dishes suggesting that the primary cause of impaired motility is due to intrinsic signaling. These data suggest that FGF-2-inhibits motility in breast cancer cells by stabilization of focal complexes and induction of a more differentiated phenotype with disruption of stress fiber formation and a characteristic cortical actin distribution.

Human Fibroblast Migration in Three-Dimensional Collagen Gel in Response to Noninvasive Electrical Stimulus. II. Identification of Electrocoupling Molecular Mechanisms

Cell adhesion and migration is regulated by a series of coordinated and integrated molecular mechanisms. In the accompanying article (Sun et al., Tissue Eng. 10, 1548, 2004), we demonstrate and characterize the human fibroblast movement in three-dimensional (3D) collagen gel induced by non-invasive electrical stimulus. The molecular mechanisms mediating 3D cell migration in response to physical stimuli including noninvasive electrical stimulus remain to be elucidated, however. Here we report that induced human fibroblast movement in 3D collagen gel is both integrin and Ca2+ dependent. Treatment of cells with anti-integrin antibodies prevents electrically induced cell movement. More interestingly, whereas the absence of extracellular Ca2+ suppresses cell movement, inhibition of the cell surface receptor-coupled phospholipase C (PLC) completely prevents 3D cell migration, suggesting molecular association between integrin, PLC, and intracellular Ca2+. Coupling of external electrical stimulus to PLC activation appears to be the primary event required to induce cell migration, while Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane regulates the sustained cell movement. On the basis of the rather small strength (0.1 V/cm) of electrical stimulus used in this study, activation of the electrically operated voltage-gated Ca2+ channels is unlikely, but the mechanically operated stretch-activated cation channels appear to mediate Ca2+ influx. Elucidation of the electrocoupling molecular mechanisms involved in 3D cell movement could lead to controlled and designed manipulation of 3D cell adhesion and migration.

Dynamic changes in traction forces with DC electric field in osteoblast-like cells

Primary bovine osteoblasts and human osteosarcoma cells exposed to direct-current electric fields undergo processes of retraction and elongation ultimately resulting in the realignment of the long cellular axis perpendicular to the electric field. The time taken for this reorientation was inversely correlated to field strength within a certain range. Cellular force output during reorientation was analyzed using a simple modification of traction force microscopy. The first detectable reaction was an increase in average traction force magnitude occurring between 10 and 30 seconds of electric field exposure. In the following 2 to 15 minutes traction forces at margins tangential to the electric field decreased below their initial values. Phase-contrast microscopy revealed elongating protrusions at these margins several minutes later. We could not correlate the initial traction changes with any change in intracellular free calcium levels measured using the fluorescent dye Fura-2 AM.

TGF‐β signaling and the fibrotic response

The cause of fibrotic diseases, pathologies characterized by excessive production, deposition, and contraction of extracellular matrix, is unknown. To understand the molecular basis of fibrotic disease, it is essential to appreciate how matrix deposition is normally controlled and how this process is dysregulated in fibrogenesis. This review discusses the current state of knowledge concerning interactions among the profibrotic proteins transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2), and ED-A fibronectin (ED-A FN) and the antifibrotic proteins tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma).

Calcium transients induce spatially coordinated increases in traction force during the movement of fish keratocytes

The coordination of protrusion with retraction is essential for continuous cell movement. In fish keratocytes the activation of stretch-activated calcium channels, and the resulting increase in intracellular calcium, trigger release of the rear cell margin when forward movement is impeded. Although it is likely that retraction involves a calcium-dependent increase in cytoskeletal contractility, it is not known how the timing, magnitude and localization of contractile forces are organized during retraction. We have addressed this question using a new gelatin traction force assay in combination with calcium imaging to determine what changes in cytoskeletal force production accompany calcium-induced retraction. We find that individual calcium transients are followed within seconds by a rapid increase in traction stress that is maintained, or increases in a stepwise manner, until retraction occurs. Increases in traction stress are accompanied by a distinct sequence of changes in the spatial distribution of large traction stresses. Regions of increased traction stress enlarge at the lateral cell margins and expand forward along the cell margin. In particular, rearward facing propulsive' tractions at the leading edge of the cell, which are normally very low, increase several fold. Following retraction, a precipitous drop in traction stress is observed. Such distinct variations in traction stress are not observed in cells when calcium transients are absent. These results suggest a mechanism by which global increases in intracellular calcium can locally regulate contractile force production, in order to maintain a rapid highly directed mode of movement.

Focal adhesion and actin dynamics: a place where kinases and proteases meet to promote invasion

Integrin-linked focal adhesion complexes provide the main sites of cell adhesion to extracellular matrix and associate with the actin cytoskeleton to control cell movement. Dynamic regulation of focal adhesions and reorganization of the associated actin cytoskeleton are crucial determinants of cell migration. There are important roles for tyrosine kinases, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling, and intracellular and extracellular proteases during actin and adhesion modulation. Dysregulation of these is associated with tumour cell invasion. In this article, we discuss established roles for these signalling pathways, as well as the functional interplay between them in controlling the migratory phenotype.

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

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

Inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase activity disrupts early retinal development

In the present study, we have investigated the role of tyrosine kinase activity during early retinal development in Xenopus laevis. The protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors lavendustin A and genistein were used to determine the possible role of tyrosine kinase activity during retinal development in vivo and in vitro. Application of the inhibitors to early embryonic retina disrupted the pattern of lamination in the developing retina. The plexiform layers were severely disorganized or were no longer apparent, and photoreceptor morphogenesis was disrupted. Immunocytochemical analysis verified the presence of focal adhesions in dissociated retinal neuroepithelial cells isolated from St 25 embryos. Application of the PTK inhibitors blocked focal adhesion assembly in these primary cultured cells. To further investigate the regulation of focal adhesions by PTK activity, we examined the effect of lavendustin A on cultured XR1 glial cells. Lavendustin A produced a dose-dependent decrease in the proportion of XR1 cells displaying focal adhesions. Taken together, these results suggest that tyrosine kinase activity is essential for regulating neuroepithelial cell adhesion, migration and morphogenesis during retinal development. Furthermore, the disruption of retinal development may, in part, be due to the inhibition of integrin-mediated signaling.

Modulation of Thr Phosphorylation of Integrin β1 during Muscle Differentiation

By using transient elevations of cytosolic free calcium levels triggered by integrin antibody or laminin (Kwon, M. S., Park, C. S., Choi, K., Park, C.-S., Ahnn, J., Kim, J. I., Eom, S. H., Kaufman, S. J., and Song, W. K. (2000) Mol. Biol. Cell 11, 1433-1443), we have demonstrated that protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is implicated in the regulation of reversible phosphorylation of integrin. In E63 skeletal myoblasts, the treatment of PP2A inhibitors such as okadaic acid and endothall induces an increase of phosphorylation of integrin beta1A and thereby inhibits integrin-induced elevation of cytosolic calcium level and formation of focal adhesions. None of these effects were in differentiated myotubes expressing the alternate beta1D isoform. In the presence of okadaic acid, PP2A in association with integrin beta1A was reduced on myoblasts, whereas beta1D on myotubes remained bound with PP2A. Both co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro phosphatase assays revealed that dephosphorylation of residues Thr788-Thr789 in the integrin beta1A cytoplasmic domain is dependent upon PP2A activity. Mutational analysis of the cytoplasmic domain and confocal microscopy experiments indicated that substitution of Thr788-Thr789 with Asn788-Asn789 is of critical importance for regulating the function of integrin beta1. These results suggest that PP2A may be a primary regulator of threonine phosphorylation of integrin beta1A and subsequent activation of downstream signaling molecules. Taken together, we propose that dephosphorylation of residues Thr788-Thr789 in the cytoplasmic domain of integrin beta1A may contribute to the linkage of integrins to focal adhesion sites and induce the association with cytoskeleton proteins. The switch of integrin beta1A to beta1D isoform in myotubes therefore may be a mechanism to escape from phospho-regulation by PP2A and promotes a more stable association of the cytoskeleton with the extracellular matrix.

FAK-Src signalling through paxillin, ERK and MLCK regulates adhesion disassembly

Cell migration is a complex, highly regulated process that involves the continuous formation and disassembly of adhesions (adhesion turnover). Adhesion formation takes place at the leading edge of protrusions, whereas disassembly occurs both at the cell rear and at the base of protrusions. Despite the importance of these processes in migration, the mechanisms that regulate adhesion formation and disassembly remain largely unknown. Here we develop quantitative assays to measure the rate of incorporation of molecules into adhesions and the departure of these proteins from adhesions. Using these assays, we show that kinases and adaptor molecules, including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Src, p130CAS, paxillin, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) are critical for adhesion turnover at the cell front, a process central to migration.

Focal adhesion kinase mediates porcine venular hyperpermeability elicited by vascular endothelial growth factor

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is known to mediate endothelial cell adhesion and migration in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The aim of this study was to explore a potential role for FAK in VEGF regulation of microvascular endothelial barrier function. The apparent permeability coefficient of albumin (Pa) was measured in intact isolated porcine coronary venules. Treating the vessels with VEGF induced a time- and concentration-dependent increase in Pa. Inhibition of FAK through direct delivery of FAK-related non-kinase (FRNK) into venular endothelium did not alter basal barrier function but significantly attenuated VEGF-elicited hyperpermeability. Furthermore, cultured human umbilical vein endothelial monolayers displayed a similar hyperpermeability response to VEGF which was greatly attenuated by FRNK. Western blot analysis showed that VEGF promoted FAK phosphorylation in a time course correlating with that of venular hyperpermeability. The phosphorylation response was blocked by FRNK treatment. In addition, VEGF stimulation caused a significant morphological change of FAK from a punctate pattern to an elongated, dash-like staining that aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cells. Taken together, the results suggest that FAK contributes to VEGF-elicited vascular hyperpermeability. Phosphorylation of FAK may play an important role in the signal transduction of vascular barrier response to VEGF.

A role for alphabeta1 integrins in focal adhesion function and polarized cytoskeletal dynamics

alphabeta1 integrins have been implicated in the survival, spreading, and migration of cells and tissues. To explore the underlying biology, we identified conditions where primary beta1 null keratinocytes adhere, proliferate, and display robust alphavbeta6 integrin-induced, peripheral focal contacts associated with elaborate stress fibers. Mechanistically, this appears to be due to reduced FAK and Src and elevated RhoA and Rock activities. Visualization on a genetic background of GFPactin shows that beta1 null keratinocytes spread, but do so aberrantly, and when induced to migrate from skin explants in vitro, the cells are not able to rapidly reorient their actin cytoskeleton toward the polarized movement. As judged by RFPzyxin/GFPactin videomicroscopy, the alphavbeta6-actin network does not undergo efficient turnover. Without the ability to remodel their integrin-actin network efficiently, alphabeta1-deficient keratinocytes cannot respond dynamically to their environment and polarize movements.

RACK1 regulates integrin-mediated adhesion, protrusion, and chemotactic cell migration via its Src-binding site

Mammalian cDNA expression cloning was used to identify novel regulators of integrin-mediated cell-substratum adhesions. Using a focal adhesion morphology screen, we identified a cDNA with homology to a receptor for activated protein kinase C (RACK1) that induced a loss of central focal adhesions and stress fibers in CHO-K1 cells. The identified cDNA was a C-terminal truncated form of RACK1 that had one of the putative protein kinase C binding sites but lacked the region proposed to bind the beta integrin cytoplasmic domain and the tyrosine kinase Src. To investigate the role of RACK1 during cell spreading and migration, we tagged RACK1, a C-terminal truncated RACK1 and a point mutant that does not bind Src (RACK Y246F) with green fluorescent protein and expressed them in CHO-K1 cells. We found that RACK1 regulates the organization of focal adhesions and that it localizes to a subset of nascent focal complexes in areas of protrusion that contain paxillin but not vinculin. We also found that RACK1 regulates cell protrusion and chemotactic migration through its Src binding site. Together, these findings suggest that RACK1 regulates adhesion, protrusion, and chemotactic migration through its interaction with Src.