Fibronectin Extra Domains tune cellular responses and confer topographically distinct features to fibril networks

All the small things: Nanoscale matrix alterations in aging tissues

Cellular aging stems from multifaceted intra- and extracellular molecular changes that lead to the gradual deterioration of biological function. Altered extracellular matrix (ECM) properties that include biochemical, structural, and mechanical perturbations direct cellular- and tissue-level dysfunction. With recent advancements in high-resolution imaging modalities and nanomaterial strategies, the importance of nanoscale ECM features has come into focus. Here, we provide an updated window into micro- to nano-scale ECM properties that are altered with age and in age-related disease, and the impact these altered small-scale ECM properties have on cellular function. We anticipate future impactful research will incorporate nanoscale ECM features in the design of new biomaterials and call on the tissue biology field to work collaboratively with the nanomaterials community.

The role of fibronectin in mediating cell migration

Fibronectin (FN) is a major extracellular matrix (ECM) protein involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including cell migration. These FN-mediated cell migration events are essential to processes such as wound repair, cancer metastasis, and vertebrate development. This review synthesizes mainly current literature to provide an overview of the mechanoregulatory role of FN-mediated cell migration. Background on FN structure and role in mechanotransduction is provided. Cell migration concepts are introduced, including the general cell migration mechanism and classification of cell migration types. Then, FN-mediated events that directly affect cell migration are explored. Finally, a focus on FN in tissue repair and cancer migration is presented, as these topics represent a large amount of current research.

Nanoparticles traversing the extracellular matrix induce biophysical perturbation of fibronectin depicted by surface chemistry

While the filtering and accumulation effects of the extracellular matrix (ECM) on nanoparticles (NPs) have been experimentally observed, the detailed interactions between NPs and specific biomolecules within the ECM remain poorly understood and pose challenges for in vivo molecular-level investigations. Herein, we adopt molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the impacts of methyl-, hydroxy-, amine-, and carboxyl-modified gold NPs on the cell-binding domains of fibronectin (Fn), an indispensable component of the ECM for cell attachment and signaling. Simulation results show that NPs can specifically bind to distinct Fn domains, and the strength of these interactions depends on the physicochemical properties of NPs. NP-NH3+ exhibits the highest affinity to domains rich in acidic residues, leading to strong electrostatic interactions that induce severe deformation, potentially disrupting the normal functioning of Fn. NP-CH3 and NP-COO- selectively occupy the RGD/PHSRN motifs, which may hinder their recognition by integrins on the cell surface. Additionally, NPs can disrupt the dimerization of Fn through competing for residues at the dimer interface or by diminishing the shape complementarity between dimerized proteins. The mechanical stretching of Fn, crucial for ECM fibrillogenesis, is suppressed by NPs due to their local rigidifying effect. These results provide valuable molecular-level insights into the impacts of various NPs on the ECM, holding significant implications for advancing nanomedicine and nanosafety evaluation.

A spatial statistical framework for the parametric study of fiber networks: Application to fibronectin deposition by normal and activated fibroblasts

Due to the complex architectural diversity of biological networks, there is an increasing need to complement statistical analyses with a qualitative and local description of their spatial properties. One such network is the extracellular matrix (ECM), a biological scaffold for which changes in its spatial organization significantly impact tissue functions in health and disease. Quantifying variations in the fibrillar architecture of major ECM proteins should considerably advance our understanding of the link between tissue structure and function. Inspired by the analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) images, we propose a novel statistical analysis approach embedded into a machine learning paradigm, to measure and detect local variations of meaningful ECM parameters. We show that parametric maps representing fiber length and pore directionality can be analyzed within the proposed framework to differentiate among various tissue states. The parametric maps are derived from graph-based representations that reflect the network architecture of fibronectin (FN) fibers in a normal, or disease-mimicking in vitro setting. Such tools can potentially lead to a better characterization of dynamic matrix networks within fibrotic tumor microenvironments and contribute to the development of better imaging modalities for monitoring their remodeling and normalization following therapeutic intervention.

Coalescent RNA-localizing and transcriptional activities of SAM68 modulate adhesion and subendothelial basement membrane assembly

Endothelial cell interactions with their extracellular matrix are essential for vascular homeostasis and expansion. Large-scale proteomic analyses aimed at identifying components of integrin adhesion complexes have revealed the presence of several RNA binding proteins (RBPs) of which the functions at these sites remain poorly understood. Here, we explored the role of the RBP SAM68 (Src associated in mitosis, of 68 kDa) in endothelial cells. We found that SAM68 is transiently localized at the edge of spreading cells where it participates in membrane protrusive activity and the conversion of nascent adhesions to mechanically loaded focal adhesions by modulation of integrin signaling and local delivery of β-actin mRNA. Furthermore, SAM68 depletion impacts cell-matrix interactions and motility through induction of key matrix genes involved in vascular matrix assembly. In a 3D environment SAM68-dependent functions in both tip and stalk cells contribute to the process of sprouting angiogenesis. Altogether, our results identify the RBP SAM68 as a novel actor in the dynamic regulation of blood vessel networks.

A serologically assessed neo-epitope biomarker of cellular fibronectin degradation is related to pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, herein ECM degradation. Fibronectin (FN) is an important component of the ECM that is produced by multiple cell types, including fibroblasts. Extra domain B (EDB) is specific for a cellular FN isoform which is found in the ECM. We sought to develop a non-invasive test to investigate whether matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) degradation of EDB in cellular FN results in a specific protein fragment that can be assessed serologically and if levels relate to pulmonary fibrosis.

METHOD

Cellular FN was cleaved in vitro by MMP-8 and a protein fragment was identified by mass spectrometry. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) was generated, targeting a neo-epitope originating from EDB in cellular FN. Utilizing this mAb, a neo-epitope specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (FN-EDB) was developed and technically validated. Serum FN-EDB was assessed in an IPF cohort (n=98), registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02818712), and in healthy controls (n=35).

RESULTS

The FN-EDB assay had high specificity for the MMP-8 degraded neo-epitope and was technically robust. FN-EDB serum levels were not influenced by age, sex, ethnicity, or BMI. Moreover, FN-EDB serum levels were significantly higher in IPF patients (median 31.38 [IQR 25.79-46.84] ng/mL) as compared to healthy controls (median 28.05 [IQR 21.58-33.88] ng/mL, p=0.023).

CONCLUSION

We developed the neo-epitope specific FN-EDB assay, a competitive ELISA, as a tool for serological assessment of MMP-8 mediated degradation of EDB in cellular FN. This study indicates that degradation of EDB in cellular FN is elevated in IPF and warrants further investigation.

A positive feedback loop driven by fibronectin and IL-1β sustains the inflammatory microenvironment in breast cancer

Inflammatory alterations of the extracellular matrix shape the tumor microenvironment and promote all stages of carcinogenesis. This study aims to determine the impact of cellular fibronectin on inflammatory facets of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in breast cancer. Cellular fibronectin (FN) harboring the alternatively spliced extra domain A (FN-EDA) was determined to be a matrix component produced by the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. High levels of FN-EDA correlated with poor survival in breast cancer patients. The proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β enhanced the expression of cellular fibronectin including FN-EDA. TAMs were frequently observed in the tumor areas rich in FN-EDA. Conditioned media from TNBC cells induced the differentiation of CD206⁺CD163⁺ macrophages and stimulated the STAT3 pathway, ex vivo. In the macrophages, the STAT3 pathway enhanced FN-EDA-induced IL-1β secretion and NF-κB signaling. In conclusion, our data indicate a self-reinforcing mechanism sustained by FN-EDA and IL-1β through NF-κB and STAT3 signaling in TAMs which fosters an inflammatory environment in TNBC.

Fibroblasts secrete fibronectin under lamellipodia in a microtubule- and myosin II-dependent fashion

Fibronectin (FN) is an essential structural and regulatory component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and its binding to integrin receptors supports cell adhesion, migration, and signaling. Here, using live-cell microscopy of fibroblasts expressing FN tagged with a pH-sensitive fluorophore, we show that FN is secreted predominantly at the ventral surface of cells in an integrin-independent manner. Locally secreted FN then undergoes β1 integrin-dependent fibrillogenesis. We find that the site of FN secretion is regulated by cell polarization, which occurs in bursts under stabilized lamellipodia at the leading edge. Moreover, analysis of FN secretion and focal adhesion dynamics suggest that focal adhesion formation precedes FN deposition and that deposition continues during focal adhesion disassembly. Lastly, we show that the polarized FN deposition in spreading and migrating cells requires both intact microtubules and myosin II-mediated contractility. Thus, while FN secretion does not require integrin binding, the site of exocytosis is regulated by membrane and cytoskeletal dynamics with secretion occurring after new adhesion formation.

Pathogenesis of glaucoma: Extracellular matrix dysfunction in the trabecular meshwork-A review

The trabecular meshwork regulates aqueous humour outflow from the anterior chamber of the eye. It does this by establishing a tunable outflow resistance, defined by the interplay between cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM) milieu, and the molecular interactions between ECM proteins. During normal tissue homeostasis, the ECM is remodelled and trabecular cell behaviour is modified, permitting increased aqueous fluid outflow to maintain intraocular pressure (IOP) within a relatively narrow physiological pressure. Dysfunction in the normal homeostatic process leads to increased outflow resistance and elevated IOP, which is a primary risk factor for glaucoma. This review delineates some of the changes in the ECM that lead to gross as well as some more subtle changes in the structure and function of the ECM, and their impact on trabecular cell behaviour. These changes are discussed in the context of outflow resistance and glaucoma.

First person – Georgios Efthymiou

First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Georgios Efthymiou is first author on ‘Fibronectin Extra Domains tune cellular responses and confer topographically distinct features to fibril networks’, published in JCS. Georgios conducted the research described in this article while a Labex SignaLife PhD Student in Ellen Van Obberghen-Schilling's lab at Université Côte d'Azur, France. He is now a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Sophie Vasseur at the Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France, investigating crosstalk between composition and mechanical properties of the ECM and cellular metabolism in cancer.