Tyrosine kinases regulate chondrocyte hypertrophy: promising drug targets for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major health problem worldwide that affects the joints and causes severe disability. It is characterized by pain and low-grade inflammation. However, the exact pathogenesis remains unknown and the therapeutic options are limited. In OA articular chondrocytes undergo a phenotypic transition becoming hypertrophic, which leads to cartilage damage, aggravating the disease. Therefore, a therapeutic agent inhibiting hypertrophy would be a promising disease-modifying drug. The therapeutic use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has been mainly focused on oncology, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the Janus kinase inhibitor Tofacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis has broadened the applicability of these compounds to other diseases. Interestingly, tyrosine kinases have been associated with chondrocyte hypertrophy. In this review, we discuss the experimental evidence that implicates specific tyrosine kinases in signaling pathways promoting chondrocyte hypertrophy, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets for OA.

Specific, targetable interactions with the microenvironment influence imatinib-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia

Therapy resistance in leukemia may be due to cancer cell-intrinsic and/or -extrinsic mechanisms. Mutations within BCR-ABL1, the oncogene giving rise to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), lead to resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), and some are associated with clinically more aggressive disease and worse outcome. Using the retroviral transduction/transplantation model of CML and human cell lines we faithfully recapitulate accelerated disease course in TKI resistance. We show in various models, that murine and human imatinib-resistant leukemia cells positive for the oncogene BCR-ABL1T315I differ from BCR-ABL1 native (BCR-ABL1) cells with regards to niche location and specific niche interactions. We implicate a pathway via integrin β3, integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and its role in deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin as causative of these differences. We demonstrate a trend towards a reduced BCR-ABL1T315I+ tumor burden and significantly prolonged survival of mice with BCR-ABL1T315I+ CML treated with fibronectin or an ILK inhibitor in xenogeneic and syngeneic murine transplantation models, respectively. These data suggest that interactions with ECM proteins via the integrin β3/ILK-mediated signaling pathway in BCR-ABL1T315I+ cells differentially and specifically influence leukemia progression. Niche targeting via modulation of the ECM may be a feasible therapeutic approach to consider in this setting.

Scutellarin Prevents Angiogenesis in Diabetic Retinopathy by Downregulating VEGF/ERK/FAK/Src Pathway Signaling

BACKGROUND

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes. This study demonstrates the antiangiogenic effects of scutellarin (SCU) on high glucose- and hypoxia-stimulated human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and on a diabetic rat model by oral administration. The antiangiogenic mechanisms of SCU in vitro and in vivo were investigated.

METHOD

HRECs were cultured in high glucose- (30 mM D-glucose) and hypoxia (cobalt chloride-treated)-stimulated diabetic condition to evaluate the antiangiogenic effects of SCU by CCK-8 test, cell migration experiment (wound healing and transwell), and tube formation experiment. A streptozotocin-induced type II diabetic rat model was established to measure the effects of oral administration of SCU on protecting retinal microvascular dysfunction by Doppler waveforms and HE staining. We further used western blot, luciferase reporter assay, and immunofluorescence staining to study the antiangiogenic mechanism of SCU. The protein levels of phospho-ERK, phospho-FAK, phospho-Src, VEGF, and PEDF were examined in HRECs and retina of diabetic rats.

RESULT

Our results indicated that SCU attenuated diabetes-induced HREC proliferation, migration, and tube formation and decreased neovascularization and resistive index in the retina of diabetic rats by oral administration. SCU suppressed the crosstalk of phospho-ERK, phospho-FAK, phospho-Src, and VEGF in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that SCU can be an oral drug to alleviate microvascular dysfunction of DR and exerts its antiangiogenic effects by inhibiting the expression of the crosstalk of VEGF, p-ERK, p-FAK, and p-Src.

Nuclear FAK and Runx1 Cooperate to Regulate IGFBP3, Cell-Cycle Progression, and Tumor Growth

Nuclear focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a potentially important regulator of gene expression in cancer, impacting both cellular function and the composition of the surrounding tumor microenvironment. Here, we report in a murine model of skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that nuclear FAK regulates Runx1-dependent transcription of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), and that this regulates SCC cell-cycle progression and tumor growth in vivo Furthermore, we identified a novel molecular complex between FAK and Runx1 in the nucleus of SCC cells and showed that FAK interacted with a number of Runx1-regulatory proteins, including Sin3a and other epigenetic modifiers known to alter Runx1 transcriptional function through posttranslational modification. These findings provide important new insights into the role of FAK as a scaffolding protein in molecular complexes that regulate gene transcription. Cancer Res; 77(19); 5301-12. ©2017 AACR.

Periostin promotes migration and invasion of renal cell carcinoma through the integrin/focal adhesion kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway

Periostin (POSTN) is an extracellular matrix protein which is overexpressed in a variety of cancers and has been related to tumorigenesis of renal cell carcinoma. However, the involvement of POSTN in renal cell carcinoma migration, invasion, and their underlying mechanisms has not been established. In this study, renal cell carcinoma cell lines stably overexpressing POSTN were established using a lentiviral vector, and the effects of POSTN on renal cell carcinoma cell migration and invasion were investigated. POSTN overexpression increased the migration and invasion capabilities of renal cell carcinoma cell lines as well as activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Integrin α_vβ₃ and α_vβ₅ antibodies inhibited POSTN overexpression or recombinant POSTN-induced focal adhesion kinase activation, cell migration, and invasion. Furthermore, lentivirus-mediated focal adhesion kinase knockdown and c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor reduced POSTN-enhanced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 expressions, cell migration, and invasion. Our research thus indicates that POSTN promotes renal cell carcinoma cell migration and invasion through interaction with integrins α_vβ₃ and α_vβ₅ and subsequent activation of the focal adhesion kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway. These results suggest that POSTN plays a critical role in renal cell carcinoma metastasis and may represent a potential target for novel therapeutic approaches against renal cell carcinoma.

Focal adhesion kinase maintains, but not increases the adhesion of dental pulp cells

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) functions as a key enzyme in the integrin-mediated adhesion-signalling pathway. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of FAK on adhesion of human dental pulp (HDP) cells. We transfected lentiviral vectors to silence or overexpress FAK in HDP cells ex vivo. Early cell adhesion, cell survival and focal contacts (FCs)-related proteins (FAK and paxillin) were examined. By using immunofluorescence, the formation of FCs and cytoskeleton was detected, respectively. We found that both adhesion and survival of HDP cells were suppressed by FAK inhibition. However, FAK overexpression slightly inhibited cell adhesion and exhibited no change in cell survival compared with the control. A thick rim of cytoskeleton accumulated and smaller dot-shaped FCs appeared in FAK knockdown cells. Phosphorylation of paxillin (p-paxillin) was inhibited in FAK knockdown cells, verifying that the adhesion was inhibited. Less cytoskeleton and elongated FCs were observed in FAK-overexpressed cells. However, p-paxillin had no significant difference compared with the control. In conclusion, the data suggest that FAK maintains cell adhesion, survival and cytoskeleton formation, but excessive FAK has no positive effects on these aspects.

Phospholipid binding to the FAK catalytic domain impacts function

Focal adhesion kinase is an essential nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role in development, in homeostasis and in the progression of human disease. Multiple stimuli activate FAK, which requires a change in structure from an autoinhibited to activated conformation. In the autoinhibited conformation the FERM domain associates with the catalytic domain of FAK and PI(4,5)P₂ binding to the FERM domain plays a role in the release of autoinhibition, activating the enzyme. An in silico model of FAK/PI(4,5)P₂ interaction suggests that residues on the catalytic domain interact with PI(4,5)P₂, in addition to the known FERM domain PI(4,5)P₂ binding site. This study was undertaken to test the significance of this in silico observation. Mutations designed to disrupt the putative PI(4,5)P₂ binding site were engineered into FAK. These mutants exhibited defects in phosphorylation and failed to completely rescue the phenotype associated with fak^-/- phenotype fibroblasts demonstrating the importance of these residues in FAK function. The catalytic domain of FAK exhibited PI(4,5)P₂ binding in vitro and binding activity was lost upon mutation of putative PI(4,5)P₂ binding site basic residues. However, binding was not selective for PI(4,5)P₂, and the catalytic domain bound to several phosphatidylinositol phosphorylation variants. The mutant exhibiting the most severe biological defect was defective for phosphatidylinositol phosphate binding, supporting the model that catalytic domain phospholipid binding is important for biochemical and biological function.

Hydrogen peroxide regulates cell adhesion through the redox sensor RPSA

To become metastatic, a tumor cell must acquire new adhesion properties that allow migration into the surrounding connective tissue, transmigration across endothelial cells to reach the blood stream and, at the site of metastasis, adhesion to endothelial cells and transmigration to colonize a new tissue. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a redox signaling molecule produced in tumor cell microenvironment with high relevance for tumor development. However, the molecular mechanisms regulated by H2O2 in tumor cells are still poorly known. The identification of H2O2-target proteins in tumor cells and the understanding of their role in tumor cell adhesion are essential for the development of novel redox-based therapies for cancer. In this paper, we identified Ribosomal Protein SA (RPSA) as a target of H2O2 and showed that RPSA in the oxidized state accumulates in clusters that contain specific adhesion molecules. Furthermore, we showed that RPSA oxidation improves cell adhesion efficiency to laminin in vitro and promotes cell extravasation in vivo. Our results unravel a new mechanism for H2O2-dependent modulation of cell adhesion properties and identify RPSA as the H2O2 sensor in this process. This work indicates that high levels of RPSA expression might confer a selective advantage to tumor cells in an oxidative environment.

Uptake of Marasmius oreades agglutinin disrupts integrin-dependent cell adhesion

BACKGROUND

Fruiting body lectins have been proposed to act as effector proteins in the defense of fungi against parasites and predators. The Marasmius oreades agglutinin (MOA) is a lectin from the fairy ring mushroom with specificity for Galα1-3Gal containing carbohydrates. This lectin is composed of an N-terminal carbohydrate-binding domain and a C-terminal dimerization domain. The dimerization domain of MOA shows in addition calcium-dependent cysteine protease activity, similar to the calpain family.

METHODS

Cell detachment assay, cell viability assay, immunofluorescence, live cell imaging and Western blot using MDCKII cell line.

RESULTS

In this study, we demonstrate in MDCKII cells that after internalization, MOA protease activity induces profound physiological cellular responses, like cytoskeleton rearrangement, cell detachment and cell death. These changes are preceded by a decrease in FAK phosphorylation and an internalization and degradation of β1-integrin, consistent with a disruption of integrin-dependent cell adhesion signaling. Once internalized, MOA accumulates in late endosomal compartments.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a possible toxic mechanism of MOA, which consists of disturbing the cell adhesion and the cell viability.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

After being ingested by a predator, MOA might exert a protective role by diminishing host cell integrity.

Wild-type and mutant p53 differentially regulate NADPH oxidase 4 in TGF-β-mediated migration of human lung and breast epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) induces the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) leading to increased cell plasticity at the onset of cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Mechanisms involved in TGF-β-mediated EMT and cell motility are unclear. Recent studies showed that p53 affects TGF-β/SMAD3-mediated signalling, cell migration, and tumorigenesis. We previously demonstrated that Nox4, a Nox family NADPH oxidase, is a TGF-β/SMAD3-inducible source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) affecting cell migration and fibronectin expression, an EMT marker, in normal and metastatic breast epithelial cells. Our present study investigates the involvement of p53 in TGF-β-regulated Nox4 expression and cell migration.

METHODS

We investigated the effect of wild-type p53 (WT-p53) and mutant p53 proteins on TGF-β-regulated Nox4 expression and cell migration. Nox4 mRNA and protein, ROS production, cell migration, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation were examined in three different cell models based on their p53 mutational status. H1299, a p53-null lung epithelial cell line, was used for heterologous expression of WT-p53 or mutant p53. In contrast, functional studies using siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous p53 were conducted in MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast epithelial cells that express p53-R280K and MCF-10A normal breast cells that have WT-p53.

RESULTS

We found that WT-p53 is a potent suppressor of TGF-β-induced Nox4, ROS production, and cell migration in p53-null lung epithelial (H1299) cells. In contrast, tumour-associated mutant p53 proteins (R175H or R280K) caused enhanced Nox4 expression and cell migration in both TGF-β-dependent and TGF-β-independent pathways. Moreover, knockdown of endogenous mutant p53 (R280K) in TGF-β-treated MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast epithelial cells resulted in decreased Nox4 protein and reduced phosphorylation of FAK, a key regulator of cell motility. Expression of WT-p53 or dominant-negative Nox4 decreased TGF-β-mediated FAK phosphorylation, whereas mutant p53 (R280K) increased phospho-FAK. Furthermore, knockdown of WT-p53 in MCF-10A normal breast epithelial cells increased basal Nox4 expression, whereas p53-R280K could override endogenous WT-p53 repression of Nox4. Remarkably, immunofluorescence analysis revealed MCF-10A cells expressing p53-R280K mutant showed an upregulation of Nox4 in both confluent and migrating cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our findings define novel opposing functions for WT-p53 and mutant p53 proteins in regulating Nox4-dependent signalling in TGF-β-mediated cell motility.

Conditional knockout of myocyte focal adhesion kinase abrogates ischemic preconditioning in adult murine hearts

Background

Our laboratory has previously demonstrated the importance of a cytoskeletal‐based survival signaling pathway using in vitro models of ischemia/reperfusion (IR). However, the importance of this pathway in mediating stress‐elicited survival signaling in vivo is unknown.

Methods and Results

The essential cytoskeletal signaling pathway member focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was selectively deleted in adult cardiac myocytes using a tamoxifen‐inducible Cre‐Lox system (α‐MHC‐MerCreMer). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot were performed to confirm FAK knockout (KO). All mice were subjected to a 40‐minute coronary occlusion followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning (IP) was performed using a standard protocol. Control groups included wild‐type (WT) and tamoxifen‐treated α‐MHC‐MerCreMer^+/−/FAK^WT/WT (experimental control) mice. Infarct size was expressed as a percentage of the risk region. In WT mice IP significantly enhanced the expression of activated/phosphorylated FAK by 36.3% compared to WT mice subjected to a sham experimental protocol (P≤0.05; n=6 hearts [sham], n=4 hearts [IP]). IP significantly reduced infarct size in both WT and experimental control mice (43.7% versus 19.8%; P≤0.001; 44.7% versus 17.5%; P≤0.001, respectively). No difference in infarct size was observed between preconditioned FAK KO and nonpreconditioned controls (37.1% versus 43.7% versus 44.7%; FAK KO versus WT versus experimental control; P=NS). IP elicited a 67.2%/88.8% increase in activated phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) p85/activated Akt expression in WT mice, but failed to enhance the expression of either in preconditioned FAK KO mice.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that FAK is an essential mediator of IP‐elicited cardioprotection and provide further support for the hypothesis that cytoskeletal‐based signaling is an important component of stress‐elicited survival signaling.

Cardiac stem cells with electrical stimulation improve ischaemic heart function through regulation of connective tissue growth factor and miR-378

AIMS

In this study, we investigated whether pre-conditioning (PC) by electrical stimulation (EleS) induces cytoprotective effect on cardiac stem cells (CSCs) and determined its underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sca-1(+) CSCs were isolated from male C57BL6 mice (12 weeks) hearts. PC of CSCs with EleS ((EleS)CSCs) was carried out for 3 h at 1.5 V followed by exposure to 300 µM H2O2 for 5 h. Cytoprotective effects and cell adhesion ability were significantly increased by EleS as evaluated by transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, and adhesion assay. EleS increased phosphorylation of AKT, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3β), as well as decreased caspase-3 cleavage. Interestingly, inhibition of AKT or FAK abolished the pro-survival effects of EleS. We found that connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf) was responsible for EleS-induced CSC survival and adhesion.The survival rate of (EleS)CSCs after transplantation in the infarcted myocardium was significantly increased together with improvement in cardiac function. Importantly, knockdown of Ctgf abolished EleS-induced cytoprotective effects and recovery of cardiac function. Furthermore, we identified miR-378 as a potential Ctgf regulator in (EleS)CSCs.

CONCLUSION

EleS enhanced CSC survival in vitro and in vivo as well as functional recovery of the ischaemic heart through an AKT/FAK/CTGF signalling pathway. It is suggested that Ctgf and miR-378 are novel therapeutic targets for stem cell-based therapy.

Focal adhesion kinase is required for IGF-I-mediated growth of skeletal muscle cells via a TSC2/mTOR/S6K1-associated pathway

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an attachment complex protein associated with the regulation of muscle mass through as-of-yet unclear mechanisms. We tested whether FAK is functionally important for muscle hypertrophy, with the hypothesis that FAK knockdown (FAK-KD) would impede cell growth associated with a trophic stimulus. C₂C₁₂ skeletal muscle cells harboring FAK-targeted (FAK-KD) or scrambled (SCR) shRNA were created using lentiviral transfection techniques. Both FAK-KD and SCR myotubes were incubated for 24 h with IGF-I (10 ng/ml), and additional SCR cells (±IGF-1) were incubated with a FAK kinase inhibitor before assay of cell growth. Muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and putative FAK signaling mechanisms (immunoblotting and coimmunoprecipitation) were assessed. IGF-I-induced increases in myotube width (+41 ± 7% vs. non-IGF-I-treated) and total protein (+44 ± 6%) were, after 24 h, attenuated in FAK-KD cells, whereas MPS was suppressed in FAK-KD vs. SCR after 4 h. These blunted responses were associated with attenuated IGF-I-induced FAK Tyr³⁹⁷ phosphorylation and markedly suppressed phosphorylation of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) and critical downstream mTOR signaling (ribosomal S6 kinase, eIF4F assembly) in FAK shRNA cells (all P < 0.05 vs. IGF-I-treated SCR cells). However, binding of FAK to TSC2 or its phosphatase Shp-2 was not affected by IGF-I or cell phenotype. Finally, FAK-KD-mediated suppression of cell growth was recapitulated by direct inhibition of FAK kinase activity in SCR cells. We conclude that FAK is required for IGF-I-induced muscle hypertrophy, signaling through a TSC2/mTOR/S6K1-dependent pathway via means requiring the kinase activity of FAK but not altered FAK-TSC2 or FAK-Shp-2 binding.

Radiation-induced myosin IIA expression stimulates collagen type I matrix reorganization

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Extracellular matrix (ECM) reorganization critically contributes to breast cancer (BC) progression and radiotherapy response. We investigated the molecular background and functional consequences of collagen type I (col-I) reorganization by irradiated breast cancer cells (BCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Radiation-induced (RI) col-I reorganization was evaluated for MCF-7/6, MCF-7/AZ, T47D and SK-BR-3 BCC. Phase-contrast microscopy and a stressed matrix contraction assay were used for visualization and quantification of col-I reorganization. Cell-matrix interactions were assessed by the inhibition of β1 integrin (neutralizing antibody 'P5D2') or focal adhesion kinase (FAK; GSK22560098 small molecule kinase inhibitor). The role of the actomyosin cytoskeleton was explored by western blotting analysis of myosin II expression and activity; and by gene silencing of myosin IIA and pharmacological inhibition of the actomyosin system (blebbistatin, cytochalasin D). BCC death was evaluated by propidium iodide staining.

RESULTS

We observed a radiation dose-dependent increase of col-I reorganization by BCC. β1 Integrin/FAK-mediated cell-matrix interactions are essential for RI col-I reorganization. Irradiated BCC are characterized by increased myosin IIA expression and myosin IIA-dependent col-I reorganization. Moreover, RI col-I reorganization by BCC is associated with decreased BCC death, as suggested by pharmacological targeting of the β1 integrin/FAK/myosin IIA pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate the role of myosin IIA in col-I reorganization by irradiated BCC and reciprocal BCC death.

[Role of focal adhesion kinase in adhesion and migration of Hep G2 cells]

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays a critical role in the process of cell adhesion and migration by regulating the expression of downstream small G proteins. A kind of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor was used to inhibit the phosphorylation of Y397 site of FAK, and scratch wound migration assay was used to examine the effect of FAK inhibitor with different concentrations (0-250 nmol/mL) on the migration of hepatomal cells (Hep G2 cells) at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 24h. Immunofluorescence analysis and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the expression of F-actin and small G proteins Rac1, RhoA and Cdc42 in Hep G2 cells treated with FAK inhibitor for 120 min. The results indicated that the FAK inhibitor can inhibit the migration of Hep G2 cells with a dose- and time-dependent manner. F-actin was down-regulated in Hep G2 cells treated with FAK inhibitor for 120 min, and expression of small G proteins were inhibited at different durations. The inhibition of FAK phosphorylation could inhibit cell adhesion and migration by down-regulating small G proteins. These results suggested that FAK inhibitor can inhibit the migration of tumor cells by blocking FAK phosphorylation. This means that FAK inhibitor can block the metastasis of tumor cells to surrounding tissues. It may be a potential application in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Focal adhesion kinase is required for β-catenin-induced mobilization of epidermal stem cells

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that integrates signals downstream of integrin and growth factor activation. Previously, we have shown that skin-specific loss of fak prevents chemically induced skin carcinogenesis in mice following phorbol ester treatment. In this study, we show that skin-specific deletion of fak prevents mobilization of stem cells within the bulge region of the hair follicle, which are the precursors of papillomas following phorbol ester treatment. We also show that phorbol ester treatment results in activation of-catenin within the skin and that FAK is required for β-catenin-induced stem cell mobilization. In addition, inhibition of Src kinase activity, a major binding partner of FAK also prevents stem cell mobilization. We show that FAK is required for the nuclear localization of β-catenin in the skin following phorbol ester treatment and the transcriptional activation of the β-catenin target gene c-Myc. This provides the first evidence of cross-talk between integrin and Wnt signalling pathways in the control of epidermal stem cells and the early events associated with skin carcinogenesis.

Comparing mechano-transduction in fibroblasts deficient of focal adhesion proteins

Mechano-transduction was studied in wildtype and focal adhesion (FA) protein-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Using a cell stretcher, we determined the effect of stretch on cell morphology, apoptosis, and phosphorylation of ERK(1/2). After 20% cyclic, uniaxial stretch, FA-deficient MEFs showed morphological changes and levels of apoptosis of the order: focal adhesion kinase>p130Cas>vinculin compared to wildtype cells. ERK(1/2) phosphorylation peaked in wildtype cells at around 10 min, and in all FA-deficient cells at around 5 min. The relative change in strain energy of FA-deficient cells compared to wildtype cells was of the order: vinculin>FAK>p130Cas. Taken together, FAK and p130Cas are more important in the stretch-mediated downstream signaling and cell survival pathway, while vinculin is more critical in maintaining cell contractility.

Conditional knockout of fibronectin abrogates mouse mammary gland lobuloalveolar differentiation

Fibronectin (Fn) plays an important part in the branching morphogenesis of salivary gland, lung, and kidney. Here, we examine the effect of the conditional knockout of Fn in the mammary epithelium [Fn(MEp-/-)] on postnatal mammary gland development, using Cre-loxP-mediated gene knockout technology. Our data show that Fn deletion causes a moderate retardation in outgrowth and branching of the ductal tree in 5-week-old mice. These defects are partially compensated in virgin 16-week-old mice. However, mammary glands consisting of Fn-deficient epithelial cells fail to undergo normal lobuloalveolar differentiation during pregnancy. The severity of lobuloalveolar impairment ranged from lobular hypoplasia to aplasia in some cases and was associated with the amount of Fn protein recovered from these glands. Decreased rates of mammary epithelial cell proliferation accounted for delayed ductal outgrowth in virgin and lack of alveologenesis in pregnant Fn(MEp-/-) mice. Concomitant decreased expression of integrin beta(1) (Itgb1) and lack of autophosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (Fak) suggest that this pathology might, at least in part, be mediated by disruption of the Fn/Itgb1/Fak signaling pathway.

Estrogen regulates endometrial cell cytoskeletal remodeling and motility via focal adhesion kinase

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of 17β-estradiol (E(2)) on cytoskeletal remodeling and motility of endometrial stromal cells (ESC) and Ishikawa cells and to characterize the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in these processes.

DESIGN

In vitro study of cytoskeletal remodeling and cellular morphology and motility in ESC or Ishikawa cells.

SETTING

University research center.

PATIENT(S)

Endometrial samples obtained from women requiring endometrial biopsies.

INTERVENTION(S)

Treatments with E(2) and multiple inhibitors of signaling pathways.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Activation of FAK, actin remodeling, membrane morphology, cell motility, and invasion.

RESULT(S)

Estrogen induces a rapid and concentration-related FAK phosphorylation in ESC and Ishikawa cells. In this time frame, FAK localizes to the plasma membrane at sites of focal adhesion complexes formation, as shown by immunofluorescence. Phosphorylation of FAK in the presence of estrogen depends on the recruitment of both estrogen receptor α and estrogen receptor β and of a rapid G protein-dependent signaling to c-Src and phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase. Activation of FAK in ESC and Ishikawa cells is required for estrogen-induced horizontal migration and invasion of three-dimensional matrices of endometrial cells.

CONCLUSION(S)

Estrogen enhances cytoskeletal and membrane remodeling in ESC and Ishikawa cells by controlling FAK, thus resulting in enhanced cell motility and invasion. These findings may have clinical relevance for the development of new therapeutic strategies for the prevention or control of endometrial diseases.

Knock-in mutation reveals an essential role for focal adhesion kinase activity in blood vessel morphogenesis and cell motility-polarity but not cell proliferation

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) associates with both integrins and growth factor receptors in the control of cell motility and survival. Loss of FAK during mouse development results in lethality at embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) and a block in cell proliferation. Because FAK serves as both a scaffold and signaling protein, gene knock-outs do not provide mechanistic insights in distinguishing between these modes of FAK function. To determine the role of FAK activity during development, a knock-in point mutation (lysine 454 to arginine (R454)) within the catalytic domain was introduced by homologous recombination. Homozygous FAK(R454/R454) mutation was lethal at E9.5 with defects in blood vessel formation as determined by lack of yolk sac primary capillary plexus formation and disorganized endothelial cell patterning in FAK(R454/R454) embryos. In contrast to the inability of embryonic FAK(-/-) cells to proliferate ex vivo, primary FAK(R454/R454) mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) were established from E8.5 embryos. R454 MEFs exhibited no difference in cell growth compared with normal MEFs, and R454 FAK localized to focal adhesions but was not phosphorylated at Tyr-397. In E8.5 embryos and primary MEFs, FAK R454 mutation resulted in decreased c-Src Tyr-416 phosphorylation. R454 MEFs exhibited enhanced focal adhesion formation, decreased migration, and defects in cell polarity. Within immortalized MEFs, FAK activity was required for fibronectin-stimulated FAK-p190RhoGAP association and p190RhoGAP tyrosine phosphorylation linked to decreased RhoA GTPase activity, focal adhesion turnover, and directional motility. Our results establish that intrinsic FAK activity is essential for developmental processes controlling blood vessel formation and cell motility-polarity but not cell proliferation. This work supports the use of FAK inhibitors to disrupt neovascularization.

Role of FRNK tyrosine phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle spreading and migration

AIMS

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its autonomously expressed, C-terminal inhibitor FAK-related non-kinase (FRNK), are important regulators of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) spreading and migration. However, the mechanisms of FRNK-mediated inhibition of FAK-dependent signalling are not fully defined. The aim of this study was to determine the potential role of FRNK tyrosine phosphorylation in regulating these processes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Rat carotid arteries were balloon-injured and FAK and FRNK expression and phosphorylation were examined by immunocytochemistry, immunoprecipitation, and western blotting with total and phosphospecific antibodies. FAK and FRNK expression increased four- and nine-fold, respectively, in alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive VSMCs of injured arteries when compared with contralateral control arteries, and the upregulated FRNK was phosphorylated at residues Y168 and Y232. In A7r5 cells (an embryonic rat VSMC line), endogenously expressed FRNK was also phosphorylated at Y168 and Y232 under basal conditions, and Y168/Y232 phosphorylation increased in response to angiotensin II treatment. When overexpressed in A7r5 cells and adult rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASM), wild-type (wt) GFP-tagged FRNK was also phosphorylated at residues Y168 and Y232, and GFP-wtFRNK inhibited cell spreading and migration. Mutation of GFP-FRNK at Y168 (GFP-Y168F-FRNK) abrogated FRNK-mediated inhibition of cell spreading and migration, but did not affect its localization in VSMC focal adhesions or its ability to inhibit FAK tyrosine phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

Phosphorylation of Y168 on FRNK may represent a novel mechanism by which FRNK inhibits cell spreading and migration in VSMCs.

MUC1 is a downstream target of STAT3 and regulates lung cancer cell survival and invasion

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is aberrantly activated in human cancer including lung cancer and has been implicated in transformation, tumorigenicity, and metastasis. One putative downstream gene regulated by Stat3 is MUC1 which also has important roles in tumorigenesis. We determined if Stat3 regulates MUC1 in lung cancer cell lines and what function MUC1 plays in lung cancer cell biology. We examined MUC1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and found high levels of MUC1 protein expression associated with higher levels of tyrosine phosphorylated STAT3. STAT3 knockdown downregulated MUC1 expression whereas constitutive STAT3 expression increased MUC1 expression at mRNA and protein levels. MUC1 knockdown induced cellular apoptosis concomitant with reduced Bcl-XL and sensitized cells to cisplatin treatment. MUC1 knockdown inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model of lung cancer by activating apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation in vivo. These results demonstrate that constitutively activated STAT3 regulates expression of MUC1, which mediates lung cancer cell survival and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. MUC1 appears to be a cooperating oncoprotein with multiple oncogenic tyrosine kinase pathways and could be an effective target for the treatment of lung cancer.

Integrin alpha9beta1 mediates enhanced cell migration through nitric oxide synthase activity regulated by Src tyrosine kinase

Integrins are important mediators of cell adhesion and migration, which in turn are essential for diverse biological functions, including wound healing and cancer metastasis. The integrin alpha9beta1 is expressed on numerous mammalian tissues and can mediate accelerated cell migration. As the molecular signaling mechanisms that transduce this effect are poorly defined, we investigated the pathways by which activated integrin alpha9beta1 signals migration. We found for the first time that specific ligation of integrin alpha9beta1 rapidly activates Src tyrosine kinase, with concomitant tyrosine phosphorylation of p130Cas and activation of Rac-1. Furthermore, activation of integrin alpha9beta1 also enhanced NO production through activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Inhibition of Src tyrosine kinase or NOS decreased integrin-alpha9beta1-dependent cell migration. Src appeared to function most proximal in the signaling cascade, in a FAK-independent manner to facilitate iNOS activation and NO-dependent cell migration. The cytoplasmic domain of integrin alpha9 was crucial for integrin-alpha9beta1-induced Src activation, subsequent signaling events and cell migration. When taken together, our results describe a novel and unique mechanism of coordinated interactions of the integrin alpha9 cytoplasmic domain, Src tyrosine kinase and iNOS to transduce integrin-alpha9beta1-mediated cell migration.

Tumor growth inhibition by synthetic and expressed siRNA targeting focal adhesion kinase

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was first identified as a viral Src substrate, and substantial experimental data have significantly correlated the elevated FAK expression in human tumor cells with an increased cell adhesion and invasion potential. However, studies investigating the role of FAK in cell proliferation have been limited. Recently, a technique known as RNA interference (RNAi) was successfully adapted to mammalian cells to decrease specifically the expression of targeted cellular genes. In this study, we investigated the role of FAK in cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration by using small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique. Firstly, we constructed a plasmid library expressing short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting FAK and selected clones substantially suppressing FAK expression in HeLa and HT1080 cells. We then studied the function of FAK in the highly invasive human prostate cancer cell line, PC3M, and mouse breast cancer cell line 4T1, by using selected shRNA clones (#40 and #42) and siRNAs chemically synthesized following the target sequences of #40 and #42. We demonstrated that the decrease of FAK protein expression by treatment with shRNA/siRNA targeting FAK inhibited cell adhesion on a fibronectin/laminin-coated plate, cell migration in a haptotactic migration assay, and cell proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, it suppressed tumor growth in vivo in heterotopic/orthotopic mice models. These results support our hypothesis that FAK plays a crucial role in tumor formation and growth in vivo by regulation of cell adhesion and proliferation by FAK-dependent signals.

[Phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of serine 722 and serine 910 of focal adhesion kinase in hypertrophic cardiac myocytes of left ventricle of spontaneously hypertensive rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in cardiac hypertrophy induced by hypertension.

METHODS

Using immunofluorescent labeling, confocal microscopy and Western blot, the expression and subcellular location of FAK-pSer722 and FAK-pSer910 were determined in cardiac myocytes of the left ventricles from 2, 6, 12, and 18 month-old spontaneously hypertensive heart failure (SHHF) rats and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) control rats, respectively.

RESULTS

There was no obvious difference in FAK-pSer722 and FAK-pSer910 expression between 2 month-old SHHF and WKY rats. In contrast with the control groups, the expression of FAK-pSer722 and FAK-pSer910 significantly increased in cardiac myocytes of the left ventricle, from 6, 12 and 18 month-old SHHF rats. Both FAK-pSer722 and FAK-pSer910 were translocated and acummulated in nuclei of cardiac myocytes from 6, 12, and 18 month-old SHHF rats.

CONCLUSION

Phosphorylation and translocation of serine 722 and serine 910 of phosphorylated FAK play an important role in the de-compensatory cardiac hypertrophy.

Distinct FAK-Src activation events promote alpha5beta1 and alpha4beta1 integrin-stimulated neuroblastoma cell motility

Signals from fibronectin-binding integrins promote neural crest cell motility during development in part through protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation. Neuroblastoma (NB) is a neural crest malignancy with high metastatic potential. We find that alpha4 and alpha5 integrins are present in late-stage NB tumors and cell lines derived thereof. To determine the signaling connections promoting either alpha4beta1- or alpha5beta1-initiated NB cell motility, pharmacological, dominant negative and short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) inhibitory approaches were undertaken. shRNA knockdown revealed that alpha5beta1-stimulated NB motility is dependent upon focal adhesion kinase (FAK) PTK, Src PTK and p130Cas adapter protein expression. Cell reconstitution showed that FAK catalytic activity is required for alpha5beta1-stimulated Src activation in part through direct FAK phosphorylation of Src at Tyr-418. Alternatively, alpha4beta1-stimulated NB cell motility is dependent upon Src and p130Cas but FAK is not essential. Catalytically inactive receptor protein-tyrosine phosphatase-alpha overexpression inhibited alpha4beta1-stimulated NB motility and Src activation consistent with alpha4-regulated Src activity occurring through Src Tyr-529 dephosphorylation. In alpha4 shRNA-expressing NB cells, alpha4beta1-stimulated Src activation and NB cell motility were rescued by wild type but not cytoplasmic domain-truncated alpha4 re-expression. These studies, supported by results using reconstituted fibroblasts, reveal that alpha4beta1-mediated Src activation is mechanistically distinct from FAK-mediated Src activation during alpha5beta1-mediated NB migration and support the evaluation of inhibitors to alpha4, Src and FAK in the control of NB tumor progression.

Two kinase family dramas

In this issue, Lietha and colleagues (2007) report the structure of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and reveal how FAK maintains an autoinhibited state. Together with the structure of another tyrosine kinase, ZAP-70 (Deindl et al., 2007), this work highlights the diversity of mechanisms that nature has evolved within the kinase superfamily to regulate their activity through autoinhibition.

Targeting vascular cell migration as a strategy for blocking angiogenesis: the central role of focal adhesion protein tyrosine kinase family

The formation of capillary-like structures during angiogenesis requires a series of well-orchestrated cellular events allowing endothelial cells and pericytes to migrate into the perivascular space. The proper activation of the migratory machinery in these cells is fine controlled by the presence of angiogenic challenges and by the interactions with extracellular matrix. The two members of the focal adhesion protein tyrosine kinases (FA-PTKs), FAK and PYK2, play a central role in modulating endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells migration confirming the well consolidated observations in other migrating cell types. However accumulating data reveal that FAK and PYK2 are involved in several cell processes including cell proliferation and survival. FAK, once localized to focal adhesions, is thought to be one of the principal effectors in linking signals initiated by integrins and growth factor receptors to cytoskeleton, thus controlling migration. Although more obscure, and differently regulated, the function of PYK2 seems to be similar to that of FAK, but restricted to few cell types, including vasculature forming cells. FAK and PYK2 exert a primary role as adaptor proteins able to recruit, with high turnover, several proteins which in turn, through their docking domains and tyrosine kinase activity, determine both the turnover in focal adhesion assembly and the specificity of downstream signaling. The characterization of functional interactions of FA-PTKs may provide new potential therapeutic targets in order to control vascular pathological processes including angiogenesis.

Effect of RGD-disintegrins on melanoma cell growth and metastasis: involvement of the actin cytoskeleton, FAK and c-Fos

The effects and molecular mechanisms of RGD-disintegrins isolated from snake venoms on the growth and metastatic potential of B16F10-melanoma cells were investigated. Jarastatin (JT) from Bothrops jararaca is a ligand of alpha(5)beta(1), alpha(v)beta(3) and alpha(m)beta(2) integrins, flavoridin (FL) from Trimeresurus flavoridis binds preferentially to alpha(5)beta(1) and kistrin (KR) from Calloselasma rhodostoma is a selective ligand of alpha(v)beta(3). When injected simultaneously with melanoma cells in mice, the three disintegrins significantly reduced tumor lung colonization. On the other hand, JT and FL, but not KR, inhibited B16F10 cell growth in vitro. Interaction of JT or FL with melanoma cells induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, increasing actin polymerization and FAK phosphorylation. The effect of FL correlates with the decrease in the constitutively high nuclear content of c-Fos, whereas JT interfered with NF-kappaB translocation in melanoma cells. None of the disintegrins produced alterations in the nuclear Erk-2. The results provide further evidence to suggest RGD-disintegrins as potent anti-metastatic agents in vivo, and indicate that their interaction with alpha(5)beta(1) integrin interfere with integrin-couple signaling, down-regulating transcription factors and negatively modulating cell proliferation. These effects may contribute to inhibition of melanoma cell invasion in vivo.

Beyond ion translocation: structural functions of the sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform-1

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform-1 (NHE1) functions in intracellular pH and cell volume homeostasis by catalyzing an electroneutral exchange of extracellular sodium and intracellular hydrogen. Recent studies have revealed the structural functions of NHE1 as an anchor for actin filaments and a scaffold for an ensemble of signaling proteins. This review highlights how these functions contribute to NHE1 regulation of biochemical events and cell behaviors.

RECENT FINDINGS

New data confirming nontransport structural functions of NHE1 suggest reexamining how NHE1 regulates cell functions. Cell survival, cell substrate adhesion, and organization of the actin cytoskeleton are confirmed to be regulated through actin anchoring by NHE1 and likely by NHE1-dependent scaffolding of signaling proteins. A role for NHE1 in mechanotransduction is emerging and a challenge of future studies is to determine whether structural functions of NHE1 are important for mechanoresponsiveness.

SUMMARY

This review highlights evidence for the nontransport functions of NHE1 and describes how the structural functions are integrated with ion translocation to regulate a range of cellular processes. Nontransporting features of NHE1 are analogous to recently observed nonconducting actions of ion channels in regulating cell behaviors and represent an emerging paradigm of ion transporters as multifunctional proteins.

RNA interference elucidates the role of focal adhesion kinase in HLA class I-mediated focal adhesion complex formation and proliferation in human endothelial cells

Ligation of class I molecules by anti-HLA Ab stimulates an intracellular signaling cascade resulting in endothelial cell (EC) survival and proliferation, and has been implicated in the process of chronic allograft rejection and transplant-associated vasculopathy. In this study, we used small interfering RNA blockade of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein to determine its role in class I-mediated organization of the actin cytoskeleton, cell survival, and cell proliferation in primary cultures of human aortic EC. Knockdown of FAK appreciably inhibited class I-mediated phosphorylation of Src at Tyr(418), p85 PI3K, and Akt at both Thr(308) and Ser(473) sites. FAK knockdown also reduced class I-mediated phosphorylation of paxillin at Try(118) and blocked class I-induced paxillin assembly into focal contacts. FAK small interfering RNA completely abrogated class I-mediated formation of actin stress fibers. Interestingly, FAK knockdown did not modify fibroblast growth factor receptor expression induced by class I ligation. However, FAK knockdown blocked HLA class I-stimulated cell cycle proliferation in the presence and absence of basic fibroblast growth factor. This study shows that FAK plays a critical role in class I-induced cell proliferation, cell survival, and focal adhesion assembly in EC and may promote the development of transplant-associated vasculopathy.

Interleukin 8 and cell migration to inflammatory sites: the regulation of focal adhesion kinase under conditions of migratory desensitization

BACKGROUND

Interleukin 8 is a prototypical inflammatory chemokine that induces leukocyte migration to inflammatory sites. Leukocyte recruitment in response to gradients of this chemokine is attenuated at advanced stages of inflammation to prevent damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Our published studies suggest that over-phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase in migration-desensitizing conditions is involved in cessation of cell motility. This over-phosphorylation of FAK was induced by IL-8 only when the receptor transmitting the chemokine signals was CXCR2 and not CXCR1, indicating that the two IL-8 receptors diverge in their signaling properties.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the regulation of FAK in CXCR2-expressing hematopoietic cells under conditions of migratory desensitization, focusing on the roles played by adhesion-related components in this process.

METHODS

Under conditions of migratory desensitization, we determined IL-8-induced cell spreading and FAK localization following disruption of actin filaments, and evaluated the role of integrins in FAK phosphorylation.

RESULTS

The disturbance of intact activity of actin filaments resulted in inhibition of cell spreading and modification of FAK intracellular localization upon IL-8 stimulation. Also, adhesion-dependent pre-stimulation of integrins was required for IL-8-induced FAK phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Intact actin filaments and integrins are required for optimal IL-8-induced FAK phosphorylation in conditions of migratory desensitization. These observations suggest that lack of adequate activity/regulation of adhesion-related components may give rise to FAK activities that are not appropriately controlled, possibly leading to pathological conditions that are associated with perturbed leukocyte migration phenotypes.

Activation signal transduction by beta1 integrin in T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

Beta 1 integrin is a representative adhesion molecule for cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and it provides costimulatory signals to T cells. However, the relevance of beta1 integrin to T cell activation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unclear. We undertook this study to perform a quantitative and functional analysis of beta1 integrin-mediated signaling to T cells in patients with SLE.

METHODS

Expression of cell surface molecules was assessed by flow cytometric analysis. Engagement of beta1 integrins was performed by crosslinking using a specific monoclonal antibody. To assess tyrosine kinases in beta1 integrin-mediated signaling, the cells were transfected with a wild-type (WT) focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a dominant-negative truncation of the FAK, or a WT PTEN expression plasmid via nucleofection.

RESULTS

Beta 1 integrin expression was significantly up-regulated on peripheral blood T cells from patients with active SLE, particularly those with the complication of World Health Organization class IV nephritis, whereas CD28 was significantly decreased in patients with active SLE compared with normal individuals. Beta 1 integrin expression closely correlated with serum hypocomplementemia. Engagement of beta1 integrin on T cells from patients with active SLE, but not on those from normal individuals, induced cell proliferation as well as CD40L expression on T cells. Up-regulation of CD40L expression and T cell proliferation, induced by beta1 integrin stimulation, were completely inhibited by transfection of the dominant-negative truncations of FAK or WT PTEN.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that engagement of beta1 integrins on SLE T cells could induce FAK-mediated signaling and subsequent CD40L expression and proliferation. Thus, the beta1 integrin signaling cascade might serve to enhance autoreactive T cell activation.

Focal adhesion kinase is required for CXCL12-induced chemotactic and pro-adhesive responses in hematopoietic precursor cells

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC/P) reside in the bone marrow in distinct anatomic locations (niches) to receive growth, survival and differentiation signals. HSC/P localization and migration between niches depend on cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, which result from the cooperation of cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules. The CXCL12-CXCR4 pathway, in particular, is essential for myelopoiesis and B lymphopoiesis but the molecular mechanisms of CXCL12 action remain unclear. We previously noted a strong correlation between prolonged CXCL12-mediated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation and sustained pro-adhesive responses in progenitor B cells, but not in mature B cells. Although FAK has been well studied in adherent fibroblasts, its function in hematopoietic cells is not defined. We used two independent approaches to reduce FAK expression in (human and mouse) progenitor cells. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated FAK silencing abolished CXCL12-induced responses in human pro-B leukemia, REH cells. FAK-deficient REH cells also demonstrated reduced CXCL12-induced activation of the GTPase Rap1, suggesting the importance of FAK in CXCL12-mediated integrin activation. Moreover, in FAK(flox/flox) hematopoietic precursor cells, Cre-mediated FAK deletion resulted in impaired CXCL12-induced chemotaxis. These studies suggest that FAK may function as a key intermediary in signaling pathways controlling hematopoietic cell lodgment and lineage development.

Focal adhesion kinase modulates tension signaling to control actin and focal adhesion dynamics

In response to alphabeta1 integrin signaling, transducers such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK) become activated, relaying to specific machineries and triggering distinct cellular responses. By conditionally ablating Fak in skin epidermis and culturing Fak-null keratinocytes, we show that FAK is dispensable for epidermal adhesion and basement membrane assembly, both of which require alphabeta1 integrins. FAK is also dispensible for proliferation/survival in enriched medium. In contrast, FAK functions downstream of alphabeta1 integrin in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics and orchestrating polarized keratinocyte migration out of epidermal explants. Fak-null keratinocytes display an aberrant actin cytoskeleton, which is tightly associated with robust, peripheral focal adhesions and microtubules. We find that without FAK, Src, p190RhoGAP, and PKL-PIX-PAK, localization and/or activation at focal adhesions are impaired, leading to elevated Rho activity, phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase, and enhanced tensile stress fibers. We show that, together, these FAK-dependent activities are critical to control the turnover of focal adhesions, which is perturbed in the absence of FAK.

Focal adhesion kinase regulates insulin resistance in skeletal muscle

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

On the basis of our previous studies, we investigated the possible role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, a major organ responsible for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Insulin-resistant C2C12 skeletal muscle cells were transfected with FAK wild-type or FAK mutant plasmids, knocked down using small interfering RNA (siRNA), and their effects on the levels and activities of insulin-signalling molecules and on glucose uptake were determined.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK in insulin-resistant C2C12 cells was observed. A similar decrease was observed in skeletal muscle obtained from insulin-resistant Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat diet. Increased levels of FAK in insulin-resistant C2C12 skeletal muscle cells increased insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. These effects were reversed by an increase in the level of kinase activity mutant FAK or suppression of endogenous FAK by siRNA. FAK was also found to interact downstream with insulin receptor substrate-1, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase C and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta, leading to translocation of glucose transporter 4 and resulting in the regulation of glucose uptake.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The present study provides strong evidence that the modulation of FAK level regulates the insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscle cells. The results demonstrate a direct role of FAK in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle cells for the first time.

FAK-Mediated mechanotransduction in skeletal regeneration

The majority of cells are equipped to detect and decipher physical stimuli, and then react to these stimuli in a cell type-specific manner. Ultimately, these cellular behaviors are synchronized to produce a tissue response, but how this is achieved remains enigmatic. Here, we investigated the genetic basis for mechanotransduction using the bone marrow as a model system. We found that physical stimuli produced a pattern of principal strain that precisely corresponded to the site-specific expression of sox9 and runx2, two transcription factors required for the commitment of stem cells to a skeletogenic lineage, and the arrangement and orientation of newly deposited type I collagen fibrils. To gain insights into the genetic basis for skeletal mechanotransduction we conditionally inactivated focal adhesion kinase (FAK), an intracellular component of the integrin signaling pathway. By doing so we abolished the mechanically induced osteogenic response and thus identified a critical genetic component of the molecular machinery required for mechanotransduction. Our data provide a new framework in which to consider how physical forces and molecular signals are synchronized during the program of skeletal regeneration.

Angiotensin II, focal adhesion kinase, and PRX1 enhance smooth muscle expression of lipoma preferred partner and its newly identified binding partner palladin to promote cell migration

Lipoma preferred partner (LPP) is a proline rich LIM domain family protein highly expressed at plasma membrane dense bodies and focal adhesions in smooth muscle cells.(1) Using the C-terminus of LPP as bait in a yeast two hybrid system, palladin, an actin-associated protein was identified. The palladin interacting region of LPP was mapped to the first and second LIM domains. The N-terminus of palladin interacted with LPP both in vitro and in vivo, but not solely through its FPLPPP and FPPPP motifs. Like LPP, palladin, is highly expressed in differentiated smooth muscle, colocalized at focal adhesions, at isolated lamellipodia and at dense bodies in smooth muscle tissue. Both LPP and palladin enhanced cell migration and spreading. LPP and palladin expression was markedly decreased, in contrast to vinculin or paxillin, in migration defective focal adhesion kinase null cells, but was restored by expression of the paired-related homeobox gene-1 protein. We have previously shown in focal adhesion kinase null cells, that tetracycline induced expression of focal adhesion kinase upregulated expression of LPP(2) and now show upregulation of palladin, and paired-related homeobox gene-1 protein. The expression of both LPP and palladin, like smooth muscle alpha-actin, was increased by angiotensin II, regulated by actin dynamics, upregulated by myocardin and expressed in the neointima of injured aorta. Overall, the data suggest that the function of LPP and palladin is context dependent, that they play a critical role in cytoskeletal remodeling, respond to signals induced by vascular injury as well as signals that induce smooth muscle cell hypertrophy, such as angiotension II.

Epidermal growth factor stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression and invasion in human follicular thyroid carcinoma cells through Focal adhesion kinase

In order to further advance our knowledge of the role epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays in thyroid carcinoma, we investigated its effect on the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a key enzyme that plays an important role in tumor invasion and angiogenesis. The expression of MMP-9 in EGF-treated and untreated human follicular thyroid carcinoma cells (FTC-133) was evaluated using reverse transcription-PCR, Western blot and gelatin zymography. Transient transfection and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) were also performed to measure MMP-9 promoter activity, to identify multiple signaling pathways and to determine a proximal AP-1-binding site located between -79 to -73 base pairs upstream of the transcriptional start site that is involved in activation of MMP-9 by EGF. In the present study, we demonstrate that EGF treatment up-regulated MMP-9 expression in human follicular thyroid carcinoma cells. Expression of FAK-related non kinase (FRNK), a potent dominant-negative inhibitor of FAK, reduced FAK auto-phosphorylation and inhibited EGF-induced MMP-9 transcription and secretion leading to decreased cell invasion through Matrigel in in vitro Transwell assays. Our studies highlight the role FAK plays in promoting cell invasion through the activation of distinct signaling pathways induced by EGF with protein MMP-9 transcription and secretion in follicular thyroid carcinoma cells.

Diabetes may increase risk for oral cancer through the insulin receptor substrate-1 and focal adhesion kinase pathway

In light of recent epidemiological studies that associate diabetes mellitus with increased risk for oral cancer, we investigated in diabetic (type I) and normal rats with induced oral squamous cell carcinoma whether the molecular basis for that putative association involves insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Fourteen diabetic and 12 normal rats developed cancer after 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide treatment, while six diabetic and six normal animals were used as controls. Oral sections were studied using monoclonal antibodies against IRS-1 and FAK proteins. Expression of IRS-1 was significantly higher in diabetic than normal rats, but it decreased in diabetic animals with tumor, especially in more advanced stages. FAK expression was significantly higher in rats with cancer in comparison to the ones without it, regardless the diabetes status. These data suggest that the IRS-1/FAK pathway is altered by diabetes resulting in reduced cell adhesion and possibly increasing risk for oral cancer.

Focal adhesion kinase and p53 signaling in cancer cells

The progression of human cancer is characterized by a process of tumor cell motility, invasion, and metastasis to distant sites, requiring the cancer cells to be able to survive the apoptotic pressures of anchorage-independent conditions. One of the critical tyrosine kinases linked to these processes of tumor invasion and survival is the focal adhesion kinase (FAK). FAK was first isolated from human tumors, and FAK mRNA was found to be upregulated in invasive and metastatic human breast and colon cancer samples. Recently, the FAK promoter was cloned, and it has been found to contain p53-binding sites. p53 inhibits FAK transcription, and recent data show direct binding of FAK and p53 proteins in vitro and in vivo. The structure of FAK and p53, proteins interacting with FAK, and the role of FAK in tumorigenesis and FAK-p53-related therapy are reviewed. This review focuses on FAK signal transduction pathways, particularly on FAK and p53 signaling, revealing a new paradigm in cell biology, linking signaling from the extracellular matrix to the nucleus.

Integrin alpha3beta1-dependent activation of FAK/Src regulates Rac1-mediated keratinocyte polarization on laminin-5

Upon epidermal wounding, keratinocytes at the wound edge become activated, deposit newly synthesized laminin-5 into the extracellular matrix, and migrate into the wound bed. The interaction between integrin alpha3beta1 and laminin-5 is essential for establishment of a stable, leading lamellipodium and persistent keratinocyte migration. We previously showed that integrin alpha3beta1 activates the Rho family GTPase Rac1 and regulates Rac1-dependent formation of polarized, leading lamellipodia in migrating keratinocytes. In the present study, we explored the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and src signaling in this process. We show that overexpression of the FAK inhibitor FAK-related non-kinase or of the FAK(Y397F) auto-phosphorylation mutant, induced abnormal, non-polarized spreading of keratinocytes on laminin-5. Integrin alpha3beta1 was required for full FAK auto-phosphorylation at Y397, and subsequent src kinase-dependent phosphorylation of FAK at residues Y861 and Y925, sites responsible for promoting signal transduction downstream of FAK, indicating that alpha3beta1 regulates the coordination of FAK/src signal transduction. Inhibiting either src kinase activity or FAK signaling interfered with alpha3beta1-mediated Rac1 activation and polarized cell spreading. These findings reveal a novel pathway in migratory keratinocytes wherein alpha3beta1-laminin-5 interactions regulate src kinase signaling through FAK, promoting Rac1 activation and polarized lamellipodium extension.

Increased expression of tissue transglutaminase in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and its implications in drug resistance and metastasis

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive neoplastic diseases and is virtually incurable. The molecular mechanisms that contribute to the intrinsic resistance of PDAC to various anticancer therapies are not well understood. Recently, we have observed that several drug-resistant and metastatic tumors and tumor cell lines expressed elevated levels of tissue transglutaminase (TG2). Because PDAC exhibits inherent resistance to various drugs, we determined the constitutive expression of TG2 in 75 PDAC and 12 PDAC cell lines. Our results showed that 42 of 75 (56%) PDAC tumor samples expressed higher basal levels of TG2 compared with the normal pancreatic ducts [odds ratio (OR), 2.439; P = 0.012]. The increased expression of TG2 in PDAC was strongly associated with nodal metastasis (OR, 3.400; P = 0.017) and lymphovascular invasion (OR, 3.055; P = 0.045). Increased expression of TG2 was also evident in all 12 cell lines examined. The elevated expression of TG2 in PDAC cell lines was associated with gemcitabine resistance and increased invasive potential. Overexpression of catalytically active or inactive (C(277)S mutant) TG2 induced focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation and augmented invasive functions in the BxPC-3 cell line. Conversely, down-regulation of TG2 by small interfering RNA attenuated FAK phosphorylation. Immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy data revealed that TG2 was associated with FAK protein in PDAC cells. The activated FAK colocalized with TG2 at focal adhesion points. These results show for the first time that elevated expression of TG2 can induce constitutive activation of FAK and thus may contribute to the development of drug resistance and invasive phenotypes in PDAC.

Focal adhesion kinase mediates cell survival via NF-kappaB and ERK signaling pathways

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is important to cellular functions such as proliferation, migration, and survival of anchorage-dependent cells. We investigated the role of FAK in modulating normal cellular responses, specifically cell survival in response to inflammatory stimuli and serum withdrawal, using FAK-knockout (FAK(-/-)) embryonic fibroblasts. FAK(-/-) fibroblasts were more vulnerable to TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis, as measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase positivity. FAK(-/-) fibroblasts also demonstrated increased procaspase-3 cleavage to p17 subunit, whereas this was undetectable in FAK(+/+) fibroblasts. Insulin receptor substrate-1 expression was completely abolished and NF-kappaB activity was reduced, with a concomitant decrease in abundance of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-x(L) in FAK(-/-) cells. Upon serum withdrawal, FAK(+/+) cells exhibited marked attenuation of basal ERK phosphorylation, while FAK(-/-) cells, in contrast, maintained high basal ERK phosphorylation. Moreover, inhibition of ERK phosphorylation potentiated serum withdrawal-induced caspase-3 activity. This was paralleled by increased insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2 expression in FAK(-/-) cells, although both insulin- and IGF-1-mediated phosphorylation of Akt/PKB and GSK-3 were impaired. This suggests that IRS-2 protects against apoptosis upon serum withdrawal via the ERK signaling pathway. The specific role of FAK to protect cells from apoptosis is regulated by activation and phosphorylation of NF-kappaB and interaction between activated growth factor anti-apoptotic signaling pathways involving both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and MAPK/ERK1/2. We demonstrate that FAK is necessary for upregulation of the anti-apoptotic NF-kappaB response, as well as for normal expression of growth factor signaling proteins. Thus we propose a novel role for FAK in protection from cytokine-mediated apoptosis.

Repetitive deformation activates focal adhesion kinase and ERK mitogenic signals in human Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells through Src and Rac1

Intestinal epithelial cells are subject to repetitive deformation during peristalsis and villous motility, whereas the mucosa atrophies during sepsis or ileus when such stimuli are abnormal. Such repetitive deformation stimulates intestinal epithelial proliferation via focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK). However, the upstream mediators of these effects are unknown. We investigated whether Src and Rac1 mediate deformation-induced FAK and ERK phosphorylation and proliferation in human Caco-2 and rat IEC-6 intestinal epithelial cells. Cells cultured on collagen-I were subjected to an average 10% cyclic strain at 10 cycles/min. Cyclic strain activated Rac1 and induced Rac1 translocation to cell membranes. Mechanical strain also induced rapid sustained phosphorylation of c-Src at Tyr(418), Rac1 at Ser(71), FAK at Tyr(397) and Tyr(576), and ERK1/2 at Thr(202)/Tyr(204). The mitogenic effect of cyclic strain was blocked by inhibition of Src (PP2 or short interfering RNA) or Rac1 (NSC23766). Src or Rac1 inhibition also prevented strain-induced FAK phosphorylation at Tyr(576) and ERK phosphorylation but not FAK phosphorylation at Tyr(397). Reducing FAK using short interfering RNA blocked strain-induced mitogenicity and attenuated ERK phosphorylation but not Src or Rac1 phosphorylation. Src inhibition blocked strain-induced Rac1 phosphorylation, but Rac inhibition did not alter Src phosphorylation. Transfection of a two-tyrosine phosphorylation-deficient FAK mutant Y576F/Y577F prevented activation of cotransfected myc-ERK2 by cyclic strain. Repetitive deformation induced by peristalsis or villus motility may support the gut mucosa by a pathway involving Src, Rac1, FAK, and ERK. This pathway may present important targets for interventions to prevent mucosal atrophy during prolonged ileus or fasting.

New concepts regarding focal adhesion kinase promotion of cell migration and proliferation

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that plays a key role in the regulation of proliferation and migration of normal and tumor cells. FAK associates with integrin receptors and recruits other molecules to the site of this interaction thus forming a signaling complex that transmits signals from the extracellular matrix to the cell cytoskeleton. Crk-associated substrate (CAS) family members appear to play a pivotal role in FAK regulation of cell migration. Cellular Src bound to FAK phosphorylates CAS proteins leading to the recruitment of a Crk family adaptor molecule and activation of a small GTPase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) promoting membrane protrusion and cell migration. The relocalization of CAS and signaling through specific CAS family members appears to determine the outcome of this pathway. FAK also plays an important role in regulating cell cycle progression through transcriptional control of the cyclin D1 promoter by the Ets B and Kruppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) transcription factors. FAK regulation of cell cycle progression in tumor cells requires Erk activity, cyclin D1 transcription, and the cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor p27Kip1. The ability of FAK to integrate integrin and growth factor signals resulting in synergistic promotion of cell migration and proliferation, and its potential regulation by nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB) and p53 and a ubiquitously expressed inhibitory protein, suggest that it is remarkable in its capacity to integrate multiple extracellular and intracellular stimuli.

FAK Signaling in Neoplastic Disorders: A Linkage between Inflammation and Cancer

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase, is frequently overexpressed in various tumors and its expression shows good correlation with the progression of tumor. FAK is involved in a diverse range of critical cellular events including spreading, proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition to these cellular functions, we found that FAK signaling played a critical role in the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) such as MMP-2 and MMP-9 and subsequently activated tumor invasion. Moreover, we found that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a proinflammatory cytokine that acts as an endogenous tumor promoter, activated FAK signaling and enhanced tumor invasion. Since the tumor microenvironment that is largely orchestrated by cytokines is a critical component of tumor progression, these results suggest the importance of FAK as a signaling molecule involved in tumorigenesis. Here, we review the general structure and binding partners of FAK, its regulatory mechanism, and expression in tumors. By summarizing our recent studies, we focus on the critical role of FAK that links cancer with inflammation.