Caveolae and caveolae constituents in mechanosensing: effect of modeled microgravity on cultured human endothelial cells

Caveolae and lipid sorting: Shaping the cellular response to stress

Caveolae are an abundant and characteristic surface feature of many vertebrate cells. The uniform shape of caveolae is characterized by a bulb with consistent curvature connected to the plasma membrane (PM) by a neck region with opposing curvature. Caveolae act in mechanoprotection by flattening in response to increased membrane tension, and their disassembly influences the lipid organization of the PM. Here, we review evidence for caveolae as a specialized lipid domain and speculate on mechanisms that link changes in caveolar shape and/or protein composition to alterations in specific lipid species. We propose that high membrane curvature in specific regions of caveolae can enrich specific lipid species, with consequent changes in their localization upon caveolar flattening. In addition, we suggest how changes in the association of lipid-binding caveolar proteins upon flattening of caveolae could allow release of specific lipids into the bulk PM. We speculate that the caveolae-lipid system has evolved to function as a general stress-sensing and stress-protective membrane domain.

Caveolae: Formation, dynamics, and function

Caveolae are abundant surface pits formed by the assembly of cytoplasmic proteins on a platform generated by caveolin integral membrane proteins and membrane lipids. This membranous assembly can bud off into the cell or can be disassembled releasing the cavin proteins into the cytosol. Disassembly can be triggered by increased membrane tension, or by stress stimuli, such as UV. Here, we discuss recent mechanistic studies showing how caveolae are formed and how their unique properties allow them to function as multifunctional protective and signaling structures.

The Role of C-X-C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 (CXCR4) in Cell Adherence and Spheroid Formation of Human Ewing's Sarcoma Cells under Simulated Microgravity

We studied the behavior of Ewing's Sarcoma cells of the line A673 under simulated microgravity (s-µg). These cells express two prominent markers-the oncogene EWS/FLI1 and the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which is used as a target of treatment in several types of cancer. The cells were exposed to s-µg in a random-positioning machine (RPM) for 24 h in the absence and presence of the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. Then, their morphology and cytoskeleton were examined. The expression of selected mutually interacting genes was measured by qRT-PCR and protein accumulation was determined by western blotting. After 24 h incubation on the RPM, a splitting of the A673 cell population in adherent and spheroid cells was observed. Compared to 1 g control cells, EWS/FLI1 was significantly upregulated in the adherent cells and in the spheroids, while CXCR4 and CD44 expression were significantly enhanced in spheroids only. Transcription of CAV-1 was upregulated and DKK2 and VEGF-A were down-regulated in both, adherent in spheroid cells, respectively. Regarding, protein accumulation EWS/FLI1 was enhanced in adherent cells only, but CD44 decreased in spheroids and adherent cells. Inhibition of CXCR4 did not change spheroid count, or structure. Under s-µg, the tumor marker EWS/FLI1 is intensified, while targeting CXCR4, which influences adhesion proteins, did not affect spheroid formation.

The Role of Caveolin 1 in HIV Infection and Pathogenesis

Caveolin 1 (Cav-1) is a major component of the caveolae structure and is expressed in a variety of cell types including macrophages, which are susceptible to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Caveolae structures are present in abundance in mechanically stressed cells such as endothelial cells and adipocytes. HIV infection induces dysfunction of these cells and promotes pathogenesis. Cav-1 and the caveolae structure are believed to be involved in multiple cellular processes that include signal transduction, lipid regulation, endocytosis, transcytosis, and mechanoprotection. Such a broad biological role of Cav-1/caveolae is bound to have functional cross relationships with several molecular pathways including HIV replication and viral-induced pathogenesis. The current review covers the relationship of Cav-1 and HIV in respect to viral replication, persistence, and the potential role in pathogenesis.

The impact of microgravity and hypergravity on endothelial cells

The endothelial cells (ECs), which line the inner surface of vessels, play a fundamental role in maintaining vascular integrity and tissue homeostasis, since they regulate local blood flow and other physiological processes. ECs are highly sensitive to mechanical stress, including hypergravity and microgravity. Indeed, they undergo morphological and functional changes in response to alterations of gravity. In particular microgravity leads to changes in the production and expression of vasoactive and inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules, which mainly result from changes in the remodelling of the cytoskeleton and the distribution of caveolae. These molecular modifications finely control cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis. This review summarizes the state of the art on how microgravity and hypergravity affect cultured ECs functions and discusses some controversial issues reported in the literature.

Effects of gravitational mechanical unloading in endothelial cells: association between caveolins, inflammation and adhesion molecules

Mechanical forces including gravity affect endothelial cell (ECs) function, and have been implicated in vascular disease as well as physiologic changes associated with low gravity environments. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of gravitational mechanical unloading on ECs phenotype as determined by patterns of gene expression. Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells were exposed to 1-gravity environment or mechanical unloading (MU) for 24 hours, with or without periods of mechanical loading (ML). MU led to a significant decrease in gene expression of several adhesion molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines. On the contrary, eNOS, Caveolin-1 and -2 expression were significantly increased with MU. There was a decrease in the length and width of the cells with MU. Addition of ML during the MU period was sufficient to reverse the changes triggered by MU. Our results suggest that gravitational loading could dramatically affect vascular endothelial cell function.

Growing tissues in real and simulated microgravity: new methods for tissue engineering

Tissue engineering in simulated (s-) and real microgravity (r-μg) is currently a topic in Space medicine contributing to biomedical sciences and their applications on Earth. The principal aim of this review is to highlight the advances and accomplishments in the field of tissue engineering that could be achieved by culturing cells in Space or by devices created to simulate microgravity on Earth. Understanding the biology of three-dimensional (3D) multicellular structures is very important for a more complete appreciation of in vivo tissue function and advancing in vitro tissue engineering efforts. Various cells exposed to r-μg in Space or to s-μg created by a random positioning machine, a 2D-clinostat, or a rotating wall vessel bioreactor grew in the form of 3D tissues. Hence, these methods represent a new strategy for tissue engineering of a variety of tissues, such as regenerated cartilage, artificial vessel constructs, and other organ tissues as well as multicellular cancer spheroids. These aggregates are used to study molecular mechanisms involved in angiogenesis, cancer development, and biology and for pharmacological testing of, for example, chemotherapeutic drugs or inhibitors of neoangiogenesis. Moreover, they are useful for studying multicellular responses in toxicology and radiation biology, or for performing coculture experiments. The future will show whether these tissue-engineered constructs can be used for medical transplantations. Unveiling the mechanisms of microgravity-dependent molecular and cellular changes is an up-to-date requirement for improving Space medicine and developing new treatment strategies that can be translated to in vivo models while reducing the use of laboratory animals.

A potential gravity-sensing role of vascular smooth muscle cell glycocalyx in altered gravitational stimulation

Previously, we have shown that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) exhibit varied physiological responses when exposed to altered gravitational conditions. In the present study, we focused on elucidating whether the cell surface glycocalyx could be a potential gravity sensor. For this purpose, a roller culture apparatus was used with the intent to provide altered gravitational conditions to cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). Heparinase III (Hep.III) was applied to degrade cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) selectively. Sodium chlorate was used to suppress new synthesis of HSPG. Glycocalyx remodeling, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation, and F-actin expression induced by gravity alteration were assessed by flow cytometry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot. Results indicate that the exposure of cultured RASMCs to altered gravitational conditions led to a reduction in cell surface HSPG content and the activation of NOS. It also down-regulated the expression of glypican-1, constitutive NOS (NOSI and NOSIII), and F-actin. On the other hand, Hep.III followed by sodium chlorate treatment of HSPG attenuated the aforementioned NOS and F-actin modulation under altered gravitational conditions. All these findings suggest that the glycocalyx, and HSPG in particular, may be an important sensor of gravitational changes. This may play an important role in the regulation of NOS activation, F-actin modulation, and HSPG remodeling in VSMCs.

Effects of simulated microgravity on human umbilical vein endothelial cell angiogenesis and role of the PI3K-Akt-eNOS signal pathway

Endothelial cells are very sensitive to microgravity and the morphological and functional changes in endothelial cells are believed to be at the basis of weightlessness-induced cardiovascular deconditioning. It has been shown that the proliferation, migration, and morphological differentiation of endothelial cells play critical roles in angiogenesis. However, the influence of microgravity on the ability of endothelial cells to foster angiogenesis remains to be explored in detail. In the present study, we used a clinostat to simulate microgravity, and we observed tube formation, migration, and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC-C). Specific inhibitors of eNOS and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) were added to the culture medium and gravity-induced changes in the pathways that mediate angiogenesis were investigated. After 24 h of exposure to simulated microgravity, HUVEC-C tube formation and migration were significantly promoted.This was reversed by co-incubation with the specific inhibitor of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (eNOS). Immunofluorescence assay, RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis demonstrated that eNOS expression in the HUVEC-C was significantly elevated after simulated microgravity exhibition. Ultrastructure observation via transmission electron microscope showed the number of caveolae organelles in the membrane of HUVEC-C to be significantly reduced. This was correlated with enhanced eNOS activity. Western blot analysis then showed that phosphorylation of eNOS and serine/threonine kinase (Akt) were both up-regulated after exposure to simulated microgravity. However, the specific inhibitor of PI3K not only significantly downregulated the expression of phosphorylated Akt, but also downregulated the phosphorylation of eNOS. This suggested that the PI3K-Akt signal pathway might participate in modulating the activity of eNOS. In conclusion, the present study indicates that 24 h of exposure to simulated microgravity promote angiogenesis among HUVEC-C and that this process is mediated through the PI3K-Akt-eNOS signal pathway.

Modification of proteins secreted by endothelial cells during modeled low gravity exposure

The exposure of the human body to microgravity, conditions that occurs during space flights, causes significant changes in the cardiovascular system. Many cell types have been involved in these changes, and the endothelium seems to play a major role. In endothelial cells (EC), it has been shown that modeled low gravity impairs nitric oxide synthesis, cell adhesion, extracellular matrix composition, cytoskeleton organization, cytokines, and growth factors secretion. Nevertheless, detailed analysis of EC physiological changes induced by microgravity exposure is still lacking. Secretome analysis is one of the most promising approaches for the identification of biomarkers directly related to the physiopathological cellular state. In this study, we analyzed in details the modifications of EC secretome by using umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells exposed to modeled low gravity conditions. By adopting a two-dimensional (2-D) proteomic approach, in conjunction with a technique for the compression of the dynamic range of proteins, we observed that modeled low gravity exposure of HUVE cells affected the secretion of proteins involved in the regulation of cytoskeleton assembly. Moreover, by using Luminex® suspension array systems, we found that the low gravity condition decreased in ECs the secretion of some key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1α and IL-8, and of the pro-angiogenic factor bFGF. On the contrary, microgravity increase the secretion of two chemokines (Rantes and Eotaxin), involved in leukocytes recruitment.

Thyrotropin receptor and membrane interactions in FRTL-5 thyroid cell strain in microgravity

The aim of this work was to analyze the possible alteration of thyrotropin (TSH) receptors in microgravity, which could explain the absence of thyroid cell proliferation in the space environment. Several forms of the TSH receptor are localized on the plasma membrane associated with caveolae and lipid rafts. The TSH regulates the fluidity of the cell membrane and the presence of its receptors in microdomains that are rich in sphingomyelin and cholesterol. TSH also stimulates cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation and cell proliferation. Reported here are the results of an experiment in which the FRTL-5 thyroid cell line was exposed to microgravity during the Texus-44 mission (launched February 7, 2008, from Kiruna, Sweden). When the parabolic flight brought the sounding rocket to an altitude of 264 km, the culture media were injected with or without TSH in the different samples, and weightlessness prevailed on board for 6 minutes and 19 seconds. Control experiments were performed, in parallel, in an onboard 1g centrifuge and on the ground in Kiruna laboratory. Cell morphology and function were analyzed. Results show that in microgravity conditions the cells do not respond to TSH treatment and present an irregular shape with condensed chromatin, a modification of the cell membrane with shedding of the TSH receptor in the culture medium, and an increase of sphingomyelin-synthase and Bax proteins. It is possible that real microgravity induces a rearrangement of specific sections of the cell membrane, which act as platforms for molecular receptors, thus influencing thyroid cell function in astronauts during space missions.

A delayed type of three-dimensional growth of human endothelial cells under simulated weightlessness

Endothelial cells (ECs) form three-dimensional (3D) aggregates without any scaffold when they are exposed to microgravity simulated by a random positioning machine (RPM) but not under static conditions at gravity. Here we describe a delayed type of formation of 3D structures of ECs that was initiated when ECs cultured on a desktop RPM remained adherent for the first 5 days but spread over neighboring adherent cells, forming little colonies. After 2 weeks, tube-like structures (TSs) became visible in these cultures. They included a lumen, and they elongated during another 2 weeks of culturing. The walls of these TSs consisted mainly of single-layered ECs, which had produced significantly more beta(1)-integrin, laminin, fibronectin, and alpha-tubulin than ECs simultaneously grown adhering to the culture dishes under microgravity or normal gravity. The amount of actin protein was similar in ECs incorporated in TSs and in ECs growing at gravity. The ratio of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 to matrix metalloproteinase-2 found in the supernatants was lower at the seventh than at the 28th day of culturing. These results suggest that culturing ECs under conditions of modeled gravitational unloading represents a new technique for studying the formation of tubes that resemble vascular intimas.

Hypergravity induces ATP release and actin reorganization via tyrosine phosphorylation and RhoA activation in bovine endothelial cells

Mechanical stresses regulate physiological and pathological functions of vascular endothelial cells. We examined, in this study, the effects of hypergravity on endothelial functions. Hypergravity (3 G) applied by low speed centrifuge immediately induced a membrane translocation of small G-protein RhoA and tyrosine phosphorylation of 125 kDa FAK in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). Hypergravity also induced a transient reorganization of actin fibers in 3 min, which was inhibited by Rho-kinase inhibitor (Y27632) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (herbimycin A and tyrphostin 46). Furthermore, the extracellular ATP concentration ([ATP]o) was increased by 2 G and 3 G hypergravity in 5 min, and the inhibitors of Rho-kinase, tyrosine kinase, and volume-regulated anion channels (VRAC; verapamil, tamoxifen and fluoxetine) significantly suppressed [ATP]o elevation. Application of 3 G hypergravity for 1 h increased the nuclear uptake of BrdU, which was inhibited by Rho-kinase inhibitor and VARC inhibitors. Furthermore, intermittent application of 3 G hypergravity for 1 or 2 h/day stimulated endothelial migration in 5 days, and this was inhibited by suramin, a P2 antagonist. Collectively, these results indicate that hypergravity induces ATP release and actin reorganization via RhoA activation and FAK phosphorylation, thereby activating cell proliferation and migration in BAECs. These also suggest that gravity can be regarded as an extracorporeal signal that could significantly affect endothelial functions.

Expression of Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 in Atopic Eczema

BACKGROUND

Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is an adhesion molecule with an enzymatic activity which partakes in the migration process of lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate VAP-1 expression in atopic eczema (AE) in comparison with healthy controls and psoriatic individuals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty adult patients suffering from AE aged between 18 and 56 years were included in the study. The control group consisted of 35 healthy volunteers aged between 19 and 49 years and of 71 psoriatic patients aged between 23 and 89 years. The serum concentration of soluble VAP-1 (sVAP-1) was evaluated by ELISA and VAP-1 expression in the skin by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Serum level of sVAP-1 in AE patients before treatment was significantly higher compared with healthy volunteers. Similarly, a higher mean number of VAP-1-positive vessels was found in both lesional and nonlesional atopic skin compared with healthy skin. Treatment of AE resulted in a significant reduction in the serum level of sVAP-1. On the other hand, both the serum level of sVAP-1 and the number of dermal vessels with expression of VAP-1 were significantly lower in AE patients compared with psoriatic individuals.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates the important role of VAP-1 in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorders, including AE.