Nuclear translocation of integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein 1 stimulates cellular proliferation

ITGB1BP1, a Novel Transcriptional Target of CD44-Downstream Signaling Promoting Cancer Cell Invasion

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy worldwide and has a poor prognosis, because it begins in the breast and disseminates to lymph nodes and distant organs. While invading, BC cells acquire aggressive characteristics from the tumor microenvironment through several mechanisms. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying the process of BC cell invasion can pave the way towards the development of targeted therapeutics focused on metastasis. We have previously reported that the activation of CD44 receptor with its major ligand hyaluronan (HA) promotes BC metastasis to the liver in vivo. Next, a gene expression profiling microarray analysis was conducted to identify and validate CD44-downstream transcriptional targets mediating its pro-metastatic function from RNA samples collected from Tet CD44-induced versus control MCF7-B5 cells. We have already validated a number of novel CD44-target genes and published their underlying signaling pathways in promoting BC cell invasion. From the same microarray analysis, Integrin subunit beta 1 binding protein 1 (ITGB1BP1) was also identified as a potential CD44-target gene that was upregulated (2-fold) upon HA activation of CD44. This report will review the lines of evidence collected from the literature to support our hypothesis, and further discuss the possible mechanisms linking HA activation of CD44 to its novel potential transcriptional target ITGB1BP1.

Force tuning through regulation of clathrin-dependent integrin endocytosis

Integrin endocytosis is essential for many fundamental cellular processes. Whether and how the internalization impacts cellular mechanics remains elusive. Whereas previous studies reported the contribution of the integrin activator, talin, in force development, the involvement of inhibitors is less documented. We identified ICAP-1 as an integrin inhibitor involved in mechanotransduction by co-working with NME2 to control clathrin-mediated endocytosis of integrins at the edge of focal adhesions (FA). Loss of ICAP-1 enables β3-integrin-mediated force generation independently of β1 integrin. β3-integrin-mediated forces were associated with a decrease in β3 integrin dynamics stemming from their reduced diffusion within adhesion sites and slow turnover of FA. The decrease in β3 integrin dynamics correlated with a defect in integrin endocytosis. ICAP-1 acts as an adaptor for clathrin-dependent endocytosis of integrins. ICAP-1 controls integrin endocytosis by interacting with NME2, a key regulator of dynamin-dependent clathrin-coated pits fission. Control of clathrin-mediated integrin endocytosis by an inhibitor is an unprecedented mechanism to tune forces at FA.

ICAP-1 loss impairs CD8+ thymocyte development and leads to reduced marginal zone B cells in mice

ICAP‐1 regulates β1‐integrin activation and cell adhesion. Here, we used ICAP‐1‐null mice to study ICAP‐1 potential involvement during immune cell development and function. Integrin α4β1‐dependent adhesion was comparable between ICAP‐1‐null and control thymocytes, but lack of ICAP‐1 caused a defective single‐positive (SP) CD8⁺ cell generation, thus, unveiling an ICAP‐1 involvement in SP thymocyte development. ICAP‐1 bears a nuclear localization signal and we found it displayed a strong nuclear distribution in thymocytes. Interestingly, there was a direct correlation between the lack of ICAP‐1 and reduced levels in SP CD8⁺ thymocytes of Runx3, a transcription factor required for CD8⁺ thymocyte generation. In the spleen, ICAP‐1 was found evenly distributed between cytoplasm and nuclear fractions, and ICAP‐1^–/– spleen T and B cells displayed upregulation of α4β1‐mediated adhesion, indicating that ICAP‐1 negatively controls their attachment. Furthermore, CD3⁺‐ and CD19⁺‐selected spleen cells from ICAP‐1‐null mice showed reduced proliferation in response to T‐ and B‐cell stimuli, respectively. Finally, loss of ICAP‐1 caused a remarkable decrease in marginal zone B‐ cell frequencies and a moderate increase in follicular B cells. Together, these data unravel an ICAP‐1 involvement in the generation of SP CD8⁺ thymocytes and in the control of marginal zone B‐cell numbers.

CD20 positive CD8 T cells are a unique and transcriptionally-distinct subset of T cells with distinct transmigration properties

The presence of T cells that are dimly positive for the B cell marker CD20 is well-established in autoimmunity and correlates with disease severity in various diseases. Further, we previously identified that the level of CD20-positive T cells was three-fourfold elevated in ascites fluid of ovarian carcinoma patients, together suggesting a role in both autoimmunity and cancer. In this respect, treatment of autoimmune patients with the CD20-targeting antibody Rituximab has also been shown to target and deplete CD20-positive T cells, previously identified as IFN-gamma producing, low proliferative, CD8 cytotoxic T cells with an effector memory (EM) differentiation state. However, the exact phenotype and relevance of CD20-positive T cells remains unclear. Here, we set out to identify the transcriptomic profile of CD20-positive T cells using RNA sequencing. Further, to gain insight into potential functional properties of CD20 expression in T cells, CD20 was ectopically expressed on healthy human T cells and phenotypic, functional, migratory and adhesive properties were determined in vitro and in vivo. Together, these assays revealed a reduced transmigration and an enhanced adhesive profile combined with an enhanced activation status for CD20-positive T cells.

Signalling through cerebral cavernous malformation protein networks

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are neurovascular abnormalities characterized by thin, leaky blood vessels resulting in lesions that predispose to haemorrhages, stroke, epilepsy and focal neurological deficits. CCMs arise due to loss-of-function mutations in genes encoding one of three CCM complex proteins, KRIT1, CCM2 or CCM3. These widely expressed, multi-functional adaptor proteins can assemble into a CCM protein complex and (either alone or in complex) modulate signalling pathways that influence cell adhesion, cell contractility, cytoskeletal reorganization and gene expression. Recent advances, including analysis of the structures and interactions of CCM proteins, have allowed substantial progress towards understanding the molecular bases for CCM protein function and how their disruption leads to disease. Here, we review current knowledge of CCM protein signalling with a focus on three pathways which have generated the most interest—the RhoA–ROCK, MEKK3–MEK5–ERK5–KLF2/4 and cell junctional signalling pathways—but also consider ICAP1-β1 integrin and cdc42 signalling. We discuss emerging links between these pathways and the processes that drive disease pathology and highlight important open questions—key among them is the role of subcellular localization in the control of CCM protein activity.

Serine phosphorylation of the small phosphoprotein ICAP1 inhibits its nuclear accumulation

Nuclear accumulation of the small phosphoprotein integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein-1 (ICAP1) results in recruitment of its binding partner, Krev/Rap1 interaction trapped-1 (KRIT1), to the nucleus. KRIT1 loss is the most common cause of cerebral cavernous malformation, a neurovascular dysplasia resulting in dilated, thin-walled vessels that tend to rupture, increasing the risk for hemorrhagic stroke. KRIT1's nuclear roles are unknown, but it is known to function as a scaffolding or adaptor protein at cell-cell junctions and in the cytosol, supporting normal blood vessel integrity and development. As ICAP1 controls KRIT1 subcellular localization, presumably influencing KRIT1 function, in this work, we investigated the signals that regulate ICAP1 and, hence, KRIT1 nuclear localization. ICAP1 contains a nuclear localization signal within an unstructured, N-terminal region that is rich in serine and threonine residues, several of which are reportedly phosphorylated. Using quantitative microscopy, we revealed that phosphorylation-mimicking substitutions at Ser-10, or to a lesser extent at Ser-25, within this N-terminal region inhibit ICAP1 nuclear accumulation. Conversely, phosphorylation-blocking substitutions at these sites enhanced ICAP1 nuclear accumulation. We further demonstrate that p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) can phosphorylate ICAP1 at Ser-10 both in vitro and in cultured cells and that active PAK4 inhibits ICAP1 nuclear accumulation in a Ser-10-dependent manner. Finally, we show that ICAP1 phosphorylation controls nuclear localization of the ICAP1-KRIT1 complex. We conclude that serine phosphorylation within the ICAP1 N-terminal region can prevent nuclear ICAP1 accumulation, providing a mechanism that regulates KRIT1 localization and signaling, potentially influencing vascular development.

Talin and Kindlin as Integrin-Activating Proteins: Focus on the Heart

Integrin receptors enable cells to sense and respond to their chemical and physical environment. As a class of membrane receptors, they provide a dynamic, tightly regulated link between the extracellular matrix or cellular counter-receptors and intracellular cytoskeletal and signaling networks. They enable transmission of mechanical force across the plasma membrane, and particularly for cardiomyocytes, may sense the mechanical load placed on cells. Talins and Kindlins are two families of FERM-domain proteins which bind the cytoplasmic tail of integrins, recruit cytoskeletal and signaling proteins involved in mechano-transduction, and those which synergize to activate integrins, allowing the integrins to physically change and bind to extracellular ligands. In this review, we will discuss the roles of talin and kindlin, particularly as integrin activators, with a focus on cardiac myocytes.

Recent advances in cerebral cavernous malformation research

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are manifested by microvascular lesions characterized by leaky endothelial cells with minimal intervening parenchyma predominantly in the central nervous system predisposed to hemorrhagic stroke, resulting in focal neurological defects. Till date, three proteins are implicated in this condition: CCM1 (KRIT1), CCM2 (MGC4607), and CCM3 (PDCD10). These multi-domain proteins form a protein complex via CCM2 that function as a docking site for the CCM signaling complex, which modulates many signaling pathways. Defects in the formation of this signaling complex have been shown to affect a wide range of cellular processes including cell-cell contact stability, vascular angiogenesis, oxidative damage protection and multiple biogenic events. In this review we provide an update on recent advances in structure and function of these CCM proteins, especially focusing on the signaling cascades involved in CCM pathogenesis and the resultant CCM cellular phenotypes in the past decade.

Identifying biomarkers of breast cancer micrometastatic disease in bone marrow using a patient-derived xenograft mouse model

BACKGROUND

Disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) found in the bone marrow (BM) of patients with breast cancer portend a poor prognosis and are thought to be intermediaries in the metastatic process. To assess the clinical relevance of a mouse model for identifying possible prognostic and predictive biomarkers of these cells, we have employed patient-derived xenografts (PDX) for propagating and molecularly profiling human DTCs.

METHODS

Previously developed mouse xenografts from five breast cancer patients were further passaged by implantation into NOD/SCID mouse mammary fat pads. BM was collected from long bones at early, serial passages and analyzed for human-specific gene expression by qRT-PCR as a surrogate biomarker for the detection of DTCs. Microarray-based gene expression analyses were performed to compare expression profiles between primary xenografts, solid metastasis, and populations of BM DTCs. Differential patterns of gene expression were then compared to previously generated microarray data from primary human BM aspirates from patients with breast cancer and healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Human-specific gene expression of SNAI1, GSC, FOXC2, KRT19, and STAM2, presumably originating from DTCs, was detected in the BM of all xenograft mice that also developed metastatic tumors. Human-specific gene expression was undetectable in the BM of those xenograft lines with no evidence of distant metastases and in non-transplanted control mice. Comparative gene expression analysis of BM DTCs versus the primary tumor of one mouse line identified multiple gene transcripts associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, aggressive clinical phenotype, and metastatic disease development. Sixteen of the PDX BM associated genes also demonstrated a statistically significant difference in expression in the BM of healthy volunteers versus the BM of breast cancer patients with distant metastatic disease.

CONCLUSION

Unique and reproducible patterns of differential gene expression can be identified that presumably originate from BM DTCs in mouse PDX lines. Several of these identified genes are also detected in the BM of patients with breast cancer who develop early metastases, which suggests that they may be clinically relevant biomarkers. The PDX model may also provide a clinically relevant system for analyzing and targeting these intermediaries of metastases.

Nuclear Localization of Integrin Cytoplasmic Domain-associated Protein-1 (ICAP1) Influences β1 Integrin Activation and Recruits Krev/Interaction Trapped-1 (KRIT1) to the Nucleus

Binding of ICAP1 (integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein-1) to the cytoplasmic tails of β1 integrins inhibits integrin activation. ICAP1 also binds to KRIT1 (Krev interaction trapped-1), a protein whose loss of function leads to cerebral cavernous malformation, a cerebrovascular dysplasia occurring in up to 0.5% of the population. We previously showed that KRIT1 functions as a switch for β1 integrin activation by antagonizing ICAP1-mediated inhibition of integrin activation. Here we use overexpression studies, mutagenesis, and flow cytometry to show that ICAP1 contains a functional nuclear localization signal and that nuclear localization impairs the ability of ICAP1 to suppress integrin activation. Moreover, we find that ICAP1 drives the nuclear localization of KRIT1 in a manner dependent upon a direct ICAP1/KRIT1 interaction. Thus, nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of ICAP1 influences both integrin activation and KRIT1 localization, presumably impacting nuclear functions of KRIT1.

Review of familial cerebral cavernous malformations and report of seven additional families

Cerebral cavernous malformations are vascular anomalies of the central nervous system characterized by clusters of enlarged, leaky capillaries. They are caused by loss-of-function mutations in KRIT1, CCM2, or PDCD10. The proteins encoded by these genes are involved in four partially interconnected signaling pathways that control angiogenesis and endothelial permeability. Cerebral cavernous malformations can occur sporadically, or as a familial autosomal dominant disorder (FCCM) with incomplete clinical and neuroradiological penetrance and great inter-individual variability. Although the clinical course is unpredictable, symptoms typically present during adult life and include headaches, focal neurological deficits, seizures, and potentially fatal stroke. In addition to neural lesions, extraneural cavernous malformations have been described in familial disease in several tissues, in particular the skin. We here present seven novel FCCM families with neurologic and cutaneous lesions. We review histopathological and clinical features and provide an update on the pathophysiology of cerebral cavernous malformations and associated cutaneous vascular lesions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Regulatory functions of Nm23-H2 in tumorigenesis: insights from biochemical to clinical perspectives

Substantial effort has been directed at elucidating the functions of the products of the Nm23 tumor metastasis suppressor genes over the past two decades, with the ultimate goal of exploring their translational potentials in changing cancer patients' outcomes. Much attention has been focused on the better-known Nm23-H1, but despite having high sequence similarity, Nm23-H2 functions differently in many aspects. Besides acting as a metastasis suppressor, compelling data suggest that Nm23-H2 may modulate various tumor-associated biological events to enhance tumorigenesis in human solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Linkage to tumorigenesis may occur through the ability of Nm23-H2 to regulate transcription, cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and telomerase activity. In this review, we examine the linkages of Nm23-H2 to tumorigenesis in terms of its biochemical and structural properties and discuss its potential role in various tumor-associated events.

Molecular features contributing to virus-independent intracellular localization and dynamic behavior of the herpesvirus transport protein US9

Reaching the right destination is of vital importance for molecules, proteins, organelles, and cargoes. Thus, intracellular traffic is continuously controlled and regulated by several proteins taking part in the process. Viruses exploit this machinery, and viral proteins regulating intracellular transport have been identified as they represent valuable tools to understand and possibly direct molecules targeting and delivery. Deciphering the molecular features of viral proteins contributing to (or determining) this dynamic phenotype can eventually lead to a virus-independent approach to control cellular transport and delivery. From this virus-independent perspective we looked at US9, a virion component of Herpes Simplex Virus involved in anterograde transport of the virus inside neurons of the infected host. As the natural cargo of US9-related vesicles is the virus (or its parts), defining its autonomous, virus-independent role in vesicles transport represents a prerequisite to make US9 a valuable molecular tool to study and possibly direct cellular transport. To assess the extent of this autonomous role in vesicles transport, we analyzed US9 behavior in the absence of viral infection. Based on our studies, Us9 behavior appears similar in different cell types; however, as expected, the data we obtained in neurons best represent the virus-independent properties of US9. In these primary cells, transfected US9 mostly recapitulates the behavior of US9 expressed from the viral genome. Additionally, ablation of two major phosphorylation sites (i.e. Y32Y33 and S34ES36) have no effect on protein incorporation on vesicles and on its localization on both proximal and distal regions of the cells. These results support the idea that, while US9 post-translational modification may be important to regulate cargo loading and, consequently, virion export and delivery, no additional viral functions are required for US9 role in intracellular transport.

Signaling pathways and the cerebral cavernous malformations proteins: lessons from structural biology

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are neurovascular dysplasias that result in mulberry-shaped lesions predominantly located in brain and spinal tissues. Mutations in three genes are associated with CCM. These genes encode for the proteins KRIT1/CCM1 (krev interaction trapped 1/cerebral cavernous malformations 1), cerebral cavernous malformations 2, osmosensing scaffold for MEKK3 (CCM2/malcavernin/OSM), and cerebral cavernous malformations 3/programmed cell death 10 (CCM3/PDCD10). There have been many significant recent advances in our understanding of the structure and function of these proteins, as well as in their roles in cellular signaling. Here, we provide an update on the current knowledge of the structure of the CCM proteins and their functions within cellular signaling, particularly in cellular adhesion complexes and signaling cascades. We go on to discuss subcellular localization of the CCM proteins, the formation and regulation of the CCM complex signaling platform, and current progress towards targeted therapy for CCM disease. Recent structural studies have begun to shed new light on CCM protein function, and we focus here on how these studies have helped inform the current understanding of these roles and how they may aid future studies into both CCM-related biology and disease mechanisms.

Cocrystal structure of the ICAP1 PTB domain in complex with a KRIT1 peptide

Integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein-1 (ICAP1) is a suppressor of integrin activation and directly binds to the cytoplasmic tail of β1 integrins; its binding suppresses integrin activation by competition with talin. Krev/Rap1 interaction trapped-1 (KRIT1) releases ICAP1 suppression of integrin activation by sequestering ICAP1 away from integrin cytoplasmic tails. Here, the cocrystal structure of the PTB domain of ICAP1 in complex with a 29-amino-acid fragment (residues 170-198) of KRIT1 is presented to 1.7 Å resolution [the resolution at which 〈I/σ(I)〉 = 2.9 was 1.83 Å]. In previous studies, the structure of ICAP1 with integrin β1 was determined to 3.0 Å resolution and that of ICAP1 with the N-terminal portion of KRIT1 (residues 1-198) was determined to 2.54 Å resolution; therefore, this study provides the highest resolution structure yet of ICAP1 and allows further detailed analysis of the interaction of ICAP1 with its minimal binding region in KRIT1.

Mechanism for KRIT1 release of ICAP1-mediated suppression of integrin activation

KRIT1 (Krev/Rap1 Interaction Trapped-1) mutations are observed in ∼40% of autosomal-dominant cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), a disease occurring in up to 0.5% of the population. We show that KRIT1 functions as a switch for β1 integrin activation by antagonizing ICAP1 (Integrin Cytoplasmic Associated Protein-1)-mediated modulation of "inside-out" activation. We present cocrystal structures of KRIT1 with ICAP1 and ICAP1 with integrin β1 cytoplasmic tail to 2.54 and 3.0 Å resolution (the resolutions at which I/σI = 2 are 2.75 and 3.0 Å, respectively). We find that KRIT1 binds ICAP1 by a bidentate surface, that KRIT1 directly competes with integrin β1 to bind ICAP1, and that KRIT1 antagonizes ICAP1-modulated integrin activation using this site. We also find that KRIT1 contains an N-terminal Nudix domain, in a region previously designated as unstructured. We therefore provide insights to integrin regulation and CCM-associated KRIT1 function.

New insights into adhesion signaling in bone formation

Mineralized tissues that are protective scaffolds in the most primitive species have evolved and acquired more specific functions in modern animals. These are as diverse as support in locomotion, ion homeostasis, and precise hormonal regulation. Bone formation is tightly controlled by a balance between anabolism, in which osteoblasts are the main players, and catabolism mediated by the osteoclasts. The bone matrix is deposited in a cyclic fashion during homeostasis and integrates several environmental cues. These include diffusible elements that would include estrogen or growth factors and physicochemical parameters such as bone matrix composition, stiffness, and mechanical stress. Therefore, the microenvironment is of paramount importance for controlling this delicate equilibrium. Here, we provide an overview of the most recent data highlighting the role of cell-adhesion molecules during bone formation. Due to the very large scope of the topic, we focus mainly on the role of the integrin receptor family during osteogenesis. Bone phenotypes of some deficient mice as well as diseases of human bones involving cell adhesion during this process are discussed in the context of bone physiology.

Structural basis for small G protein effector interaction of Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1) and adaptor protein Krev interaction trapped 1 (KRIT1)

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) affect 0.1-0.5% of the population resulting in leaky vasculature and severe neurological defects. KRIT1 (Krev interaction trapped-1) mutations associate with ∼40% of familial CCMs. KRIT1 is an effector of Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1) GTPase. Rap1 relocalizes KRIT1 from microtubules to cell membranes to impact integrin activation, potentially important for CCM pathology. We report the 1.95 Å co-crystal structure of KRIT1 FERM domain in complex with Rap1. Rap1-KRIT1 interaction encompasses an extended surface, including Rap1 Switch I and II and KRIT1 FERM F1 and F2 lobes. Rap1 binds KRIT1-F1 lobe using a GTPase-ubiquitin-like fold interaction but binds KRIT1-F2 lobe by a novel interaction. Point mutagenesis confirms the interaction. High similarity between KRIT1-F2/F3 and talin is revealed. Additionally, the mechanism for FERM domains acting as GTPase effectors is suggested. Finally, structure-based alignment of each lobe suggests classification of FERM domains as ERM-like and TMFK-like (talin-myosin-FAK-KRIT-like) and that FERM lobes resemble domain "modules."

Recent insights into cerebral cavernous malformations: a complex jigsaw puzzle under construction

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are common vascular malformations with an unpredictable risk of hemorrhage, the consequences of which range from headache to stroke or death. Three genes, CCM1, CCM2 and CCM3, have been linked to the disease. The encoded CCM proteins interact with each other within a large protein complex. Within the past 2 years, a plethora of new data has emerged on the signaling pathways in which CCM proteins are involved. CCM proteins regulate diverse aspects of endothelial cell morphogenesis and blood vessel stability such as cell-cell junctions, cell shape and polarity, or cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Although fascinating, a global picture is hard to depict because little is known about how these pathways coordinate to orchestrate angiogenesis. Here we present what is known about the structural domain organization of CCM proteins, their association as a ternary complex and their subcellular localization. Numerous CCM partners have been identified using two-hybrid screens, genetic analyses or proteomic studies. We focus on the best-characterized partners and review data on the signaling pathways they regulate as a step towards a better understanding of the etiology of CCM disease.

ARL4D recruits cytohesin-2/ARNO to modulate actin remodeling

ARL4D is a developmentally regulated member of the ADP-ribosylation factor/ARF-like protein (ARF/ARL) family of Ras-related GTPases. Although the primary structure of ARL4D is very similar to that of other ARF/ARL molecules, its function remains unclear. Cytohesin-2/ARF nucleotide-binding-site opener (ARNO) is a guanine nucleotide-exchange factor (GEF) for ARF, and, at the plasma membrane, it can activate ARF6 to regulate actin reorganization and membrane ruffling. We show here that ARL4D interacts with the C-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) and polybasic c domains of cytohesin-2/ARNO in a GTP-dependent manner. Localization of ARL4D at the plasma membrane is GTP- and N-terminal myristoylation-dependent. ARL4D(Q80L), a putative active form of ARL4D, induced accumulation of cytohesin-2/ARNO at the plasma membrane. Consistent with a known action of cytohesin-2/ARNO, ARL4D(Q80L) increased GTP-bound ARF6 and induced disassembly of actin stress fibers. Expression of inactive cytohesin-2/ARNO(E156K) or small interfering RNA knockdown of cytohesin-2/ARNO blocked ARL4D-mediated disassembly of actin stress fibers. Similar to the results with cytohesin-2/ARNO or ARF6, reduction of ARL4D suppressed cell migration activity. Furthermore, ARL4D-induced translocation of cytohesin-2/ARNO did not require phosphoinositide 3-kinase activation. Together, these data demonstrate that ARL4D acts as a novel upstream regulator of cytohesin-2/ARNO to promote ARF6 activation and modulate actin remodeling.

Defective osteoblast function in ICAP-1-deficient mice

The integrin receptor family plays important roles in cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions through the recruitment of accessory molecules. One of them, the integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein-1 (ICAP-1; also known as ITGB1BP1), specifically interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of the beta1 integrin subunit and negatively regulates its function in vitro. To address the role of ICAP-1 in vivo, we ablated the Icap-1 gene in mice. We report an unexpected role of ICAP-1 in osteoblast function during bone development. Icap-1-deficient mice suffer from reduced osteoblast proliferation and delayed bone mineralization, resulting in the retarded formation of bone sutures. In vitro studies reveal that primary and immortalized Icap-1-null osteoblasts display enhanced adhesion and spreading on extracellular matrix substrates, probably owing to an increase in beta1 integrin activation. Finally, we provide evidence that ICAP-1 promotes differentiation of osteoprogenitors by supporting their condensation through modulating the integrin high affinity state.

From the membrane to the nucleus and back again: bifunctional focal adhesion proteins

Cell substratum adhesion influences a variety of processes including motility, proliferation and survival. In recent years, it has become clear that there are proteins that are capable of shuttling between cell adhesion zones and the nucleus, providing a mechanism for transcellular coordination and communication. Recent findings have given insight into the physiological signals that trigger trafficking of focal adhesion constituents to the nucleus, where they make diverse contributions to the control of gene expression.

Sorting nexin 17, a non-self-assembling and a PtdIns(3)P high class affinity protein, interacts with the cerebral cavernous malformation related protein KRIT1

The mammalian sorting nexin (SNX) proteins are involved in the endocytosis and the sorting machinery of transmembrane proteins. Additionally to the family defining phox homology (PX) domain, SNX17 is the only member with a truncated FERM (4.1, ezrin, radixin, and moesin) domain and a unique C-terminal region (together designated as FC unit). By gel filtration and lipid overlay assays we show that SNX17 is a non-self-assembling and a PtdIns(3)P high class affinity protein. A SNX17 affinity to any other phosphoinositides was not detected. By yeast two-hybrid- and GST-trapping assays we identified KRIT1 (krev1 interaction trapped 1) as a new specific interaction partner of the FC unit of SNX17. KRIT1 binds SNX17 by its N-terminal region like the known interaction partner ICAP1alpha (integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein-1). The interaction was also detected in HEK 293 cells transiently expressing GFP-tagged KRIT1 and Xpress-tagged SNX17. KRIT1 mutations cause cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM1). Our finding suggests a SNX17 involvement in the indicated KRIT1 function in cell adhesion processes by integrin signaling.

Unraveling ICAP-1 function: Toward a new direction?

Cell adhesion to either the extracellular matrix (ECM) or to neighboring cells is of critical importance during both physiological and pathological situations. Integrins are a large family of cell adhesion receptors composed of two non-covalently linked alpha and beta subunits. They have a well-identified dual function of mediating both firm adhesion and signaling. The short cytoplasmic domain of integrin can interact with cytoplasmic proteins that are either shared by several different integrins or specific for one type of integrin. Integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein-1 (ICAP-1) is a small cytoplasmic protein that specifically interacts with the beta1 integrin subunit. In this review we will discuss recent findings on ICAP-1, not only at the structural and functional level, but also its possible interconnection in other signaling pathways such as those that control cell proliferation.

Cerebral cavernous malformation: new molecular and clinical insights

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a vascular malformation causing neurological problems, such as headaches, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and cerebral haemorrhages. CCMs can occur sporadically or as an autosomal dominant condition with variable expression and incomplete penetrance. Familial forms have been linked to three chromosomal loci, and loss of function mutations have been identified in the KRIT1/CCM1, MGC4607/CCM2, and PDCD10/CCM3 genes. Recently, many new pieces of data have been added to the CCM puzzle. It has been shown that the three CCM genes are expressed in neurones rather than in blood vessels. The interaction between CCM1 and CCM2, which was expected on the basis of their structure, has also been proven, suggesting a common functional pathway. Finally, in a large series of KRIT1 mutation carriers, clinical and neuroradiological features have been characterised. These data should lead to more appropriate follow up, treatment, and genetic counselling. The recent developments will also help to elucidate the precise pathogenic mechanisms leading to CCM, contributing to a better understanding of normal and pathological angiogenesis and to the development of targeted treatment.

CCM1 and CCM2 protein interactions in cell signaling: implications for cerebral cavernous malformations pathogenesis

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are sporadically acquired or inherited vascular lesions of the central nervous system consisting of clusters of dilated thin-walled blood vessels that predispose individuals to seizures and stroke. Familial CCM is caused by mutations in KRIT1 (CCM1) or in malcavernin (CCM2), the murine ortholog of which was concurrently characterized as osmosensing scaffold for MEKK3 (OSM). The roles of the CCM proteins in the pathogenesis of the disorder remain largely unknown. Here, we use co-immunoprecipitation, fluorescence resonance energy transfer and subcellular localization strategies to show that the CCM1 gene product, KRIT1, interacts with the CCM2 gene product, malcavernin/OSM. Analogous to the established interactions of CCM1 and beta1 integrin with ICAP1, the CCM1/CCM2 association is dependent upon the phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain of CCM2. A familial CCM2 missense mutation abrogates the CCM1/CCM2 interaction, suggesting that loss of this interaction may be critical in CCM pathogenesis. CCM2 and ICAP1 bound to CCM1 via their respective PTB domains differentially influence the subcellular localization of CCM1. Furthermore, we expand upon the established involvement of CCM2 in the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling module by demonstrating that CCM1 associates with CCM2 and MEKK3 in a ternary complex. These data indicate that the genetic heterogeneity observed in familial CCM may reflect mutation of different molecular members of a coordinated signaling complex.