Alterations of corneal extracellular matrix after multiple refractive procedures: a clinical and immunohistochemical study

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical course and alterations of the corneal extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane (BM) in a cornea after hexagonal keratotomy, transverse keratotomies, and keratomileusis. METHODS: Frozen sections of this cornea and of 12 normal corneas were studied by immunofluorescence with specific antibodies. The patient history was analyzed to allow a clinical correlation. RESULTS: In the treated cornea, keratotomy scars and subepithelial fibrosis with neovascularization were seen. Around and beneath the epithelial plugs and along the keratotomy scars, deposits of types III, VI, VIII, and XIV collagen; fibrillin-1; fibronectin; and tenascin-C were found, together with short streaks of types IV (alpha 1-alpha 2) and VII collagen, laminin-1 and -5, entactin, and perlecan. alpha 3-alpha 4 Type IV collagen chains were abnormally absent from the BM around the epithelial plugs. At the edges of the keratomileusis flap, subepithelial fibrosis areas were found, with abnormal deposits of eight different collagen types, perlecan, fibronectin, fibrillin-1, and tenascin-C. The major part of the flap interface did not show ECM abnormalities. ECM alterations outside the scarred areas included the appearance of tenascin-C in the stroma and of alpha 1-alpha 2 type IV collagen in the epithelial BM, and the disappearance of fibronectin from Descemet's membrane. CONCLUSION: Five years after surgery, the treated cornea still presented BM abnormalities at sites of keratotomy scars and epithelial plugs. Several ECM components were abnormally expressed outside the scarred areas, consistent with an ongoing fibrosis in the treated cornea.     

Alpha 6 beta 4 integrin and newly deposited laminin-1 and laminin-5 form the adhesion mechanism of gastric carcinoma. Continuous expression of laminins but not that of collagen VII is preserved in invasive parts of the carcinomas: implications for acquisition of the invading phenotype

We studied the expression and distribution of different laminin chains, the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin and type VII collagen, i.e., components of the epithelial adhesion complex, in gastric carcinomas and in suggested preneoplastic stages of this malignancy. Intestinal-type gastric carcinomas showed strong reactivity for laminin alpha 1, alpha 3, beta 1, and beta 3 chains, the components of laminin-1 and -5, at the interface between malignant cells and tumor stroma. The reactivities were continuous throughout the carcinomas, even in structures invading through the smooth muscle layers of the gastric wall. The expression of different laminin chains was accompanied by strong polarized reactivity for the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin, which is a receptor for both laminin-1 and laminin-5. Collagen type VII was only occasionally present at sites showing reactivity for laminin-5 and was totally absent from the cell islands invading through the gastric wall. Intestinalized gastric epithelium showed a similar expression pattern of laminins and the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin as the gastric carcinomas. Our results suggest that gastric carcinomas use the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin and newly deposited laminin-1 and -5, accompanied by the disappearance of type VII collagen, as their mechanism of adhesion during the invasion through surrounding tissues. Unlike in previous studies, the reactivity for the laminin-5 protein was not restricted to the invading cells but surrounded the malignant glandular structures throughout the tumor. Our results also show that both intestinal-type gastric carcinoma, and intestinal metaplasia mimic the gastric surface epithelium in the expression pattern of laminins and the beta 4 integrin subunit. This supports previous studies proposing a pathogenetic sequence from intestinal metaplasia to gastric carcinoma.     

Laminin-5 and modulation of keratin cytoskeleton arrangement in FG pancreatic carcinoma cells: involvement of IFAP300 and evidence that laminin-5/cell interactions correlate with a dephosphorylation of alpha 6A integrin

Under normal culture conditions, epithelial cells of the FG line, derived from a pancreatic tumor, characteristically grow in mounds and fail to flatten efficiently onto their substrate. In such cells, keratin intermediate filaments (IFs) are concentrated in the perinuclear region. Furthermore, the IF associated protein, IFAP300, primarily localizes along these keratin bundles. Additionally, alpha 6 beta 4 integrin heterodimers localize in streaks or spots towards the edges of cells while alpha 3 beta 1 integrin is predominantly at cell-cell surfaces. Neither show any obvious interaction with IF. Remarkably, upon plating FG cells into medium containing soluble rat laminin-5, FG cells rapidly adhere and spread onto their substrate. Moreover, FG cells "capture" rat laminin-5 and place it basally in circles or arcs at areas of cell-substrate interaction. Double label immunofluorescence microscopy reveals colocalization of IFAP300 as well as alpha 6 beta 4 and alpha 3 beta 1 integrin with the polarized laminin-5. Concomitantly, alpha 6 integrin undergoes dephosphorylation on serine residue 1041. Laminin-5-induced rapid adhesion can be blocked by antibodies against the alpha 3 integrin subunit. In contrast, while alpha 6 integrin antibodies do not block laminin-5-induced rapid adhesion, they prevent FG cells from assuming an epithelial-like morphology. Keratin IF bundles associate with IFAP300-alpha 6 beta 4/alpha 3 beta 1 integrin complexes along the cell-substratum-attached surface of FG cells coincubated in laminin-5-containing medium. Coprecipitation results suggest that in these complexes, IFAP300 may associate with the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin heterodimer. Based on our results and published evidence that IFAP300 binds keratin in vitro [Skalli et al., 1994; J. Cell Biol. 125:159-170], we propose that laminin-5/FG cell interaction results in a novel integrin dephosphorylation event, which subsequently induces IFAP300 association with alpha 6 beta 4 integrin. IFAP300 then mediates the interaction of IFs with the cell surface via the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin heterodimer.     

The alpha7beta1 integrin mediates adhesion and migration of skeletal myoblasts on laminin

Many aspects of myogenesis are believed to be regulated by myoblast interactions with specific components of the extracellular matrix. For example, laminin has been found to promote adhesion, migration, and proliferation of mammalian myoblasts. Based on affinity chromatography, the alpha7beta1 integrin has been presumed to be the major receptor mediating myoblast interactions with laminin. We have prepared a monoclonal antibody, O26, that specifically reacts with both the X1 and the X2 extracellular splice variants of the alpha7 integrin chain. This antibody completely and selectively blocks adhesion and migration of rat L8E63 myoblasts on laminin-1, but not on fibronectin. In contrast, a polyclonal antibody to the fibronectin receptor, alpha5beta1 integrin, blocks myoblast adhesion on fibronectin, but not on laminin-1. The alpha7beta1 integrin also binds to a mixture of laminin-2 and laminin-4, the major laminin isoforms in developing and adult skeletal muscle, but O26 is a much less potent inhibitor of myoblast adhesion on the laminin-2/4 mixture than on laminin-1. Based on affinity chromatography, we suggest that this may be due to higher affinity binding of alpha7X1 to laminin-2/4 than to laminin-1.     

Corneal epithelial basement membrane after experimental anterior stromal puncture in guinea pigs: immunohistochemical study

We investigated alterations in the immunolocalization of the components of epithelial basement membrane (BM), type IV collagen, and laminin in guinea pigs subjected to anterior stromal puncture (ASP) of the cornea performed with a standardized needle. Localization of BM components beneath the corneal epithelium was indicated by laminin immunoreactivity. The BM was interrupted by needle punctures immediately after ASP. During healing, type IV collagen immunoreactivity was detected transiently in the BM of some of the ASP-treated corneas, but no reactivity was observed in normal epithelial BM. Development of type IV collagen immunoreactivity was probably caused by an alteration of the alpha-chains or by an unmasking of the antigenicity of this collagen type, which may be related to an increase in the adhesiveness of the epithelium following ASP.     

Involvement of integrins with adhesion-promoting, heparin-binding peptides of type IV collagen in cultured human corneal epithelial cells

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to identify the integrin subunits present on the cell surface of human corneal epithelial cells. The authors determined to show whether type IV collagen, heparin-binding peptides of type IV collagen (Hep-I, Hep-II, and Hep-III), fibronectin, and GRGDSP promote cell adhesion of human corneal epithelial cells. Type IV collagen and heparin-binding peptides of type IV collagen may be important in corneal epithelial cell adhesion in normal and pathologic conditions and reepithelialization. The authors assess the role of cell surface integrins in mediating cell adhesion to these proteins and peptides. METHODS: Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis was used to determine the integrin subunits expressed at the cell surface of the cultured human corneal epithelial cells. Cell adhesion was assessed with type IV collagen, heparin-binding peptides of type IV collagen, fibronectin, and GRGDSP: Antibodies to the integrin subunits were used to determine the potential role of integrins in cell adhesion to the above proteins and peptides. RESULTS: FACS analysis identified the beta 1, beta 4, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, alpha 6, and alpha v integrin subunits on human corneal epithelial cells grown as primary cultures. The anti-beta 1 antibody inhibited cell adhesion to heparin-binding peptides of type IV collagen, type IV collagen, fibronectin, and GRGDSP: Antibodies to the alpha 2 integrin subunit inhibited cell adhesion to the heparin-binding peptides of type IV collagen and slightly inhibited cell adhesion to intact type IV. Antibodies to the alpha 3 integrin subunit exhibited a somewhat lesser effect compared to the anti-alpha 2 integrin antibody. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin of human corneal epithelial cells recognize heparin-binding peptide sequences derived from human type IV collagen. It seems likely that these sequences play an important role in integrin-mediated corneal epithelial cell adhesion. In addition, the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin may mediate similar events.     

Intestinal epithelial restitution. Involvement of specific laminin isoforms and integrin laminin receptors in wound closure of a transformed model epithelium

Disruptions in the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract reseal by epithelial cell migration, a process termed restitution. We examined the involvement of laminin isoforms and their integrin receptors in restitution using the intestinal epithelial cell line T84. T84 cells express primarily laminins 5, 6, and 7 as indicated by immunostaining using laminin subunit-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). A MAb (BM2) specific for the laminin alpha 3 subunit, a component of laminins 5, 6, and 7, completely inhibited the closure of mechanical wounds in T84 monolayers. Confocal microscopy using MAbs BM2 (laminin alpha 3 subunit) and 6F12 (laminin beta 3 subunit) revealed that laminin-5 is deposited in a basal matrix that extends into the wound. The MAbs 4E10 (laminin beta 1 subunit) and C4 (laminin beta 2 subunit) stained the lateral membranes between T84 cells. This staining was enhanced in cells adjoining wounds. Because T84 cells stained faintly with MAbs 4C7 (laminin alpha 1 subunit) and with MAbs 4F11 and 1B4 (laminin alpha 2 subunit), we suggest that expression of laminins 6 and 7 is enhanced in response to wounding. The alpha 3 beta 1 integrin and the alpha 6-containing integrins function in wound closure because MAbs specific for the beta 1 integrin subunit (MAb13), the alpha 3 subunit (IVA5), and the alpha 6 subunit (2B7) potently inhibited T84 migration into wounds. Immunofluorescence using UMA9, a beta 4-integrin-specific MAb, revealed that alpha 6 beta 4 integrin exists in a Triton-X-100-insoluble structure at the basal surface and that the staining of this structure is enhanced in cells adjoining wounds. In addition, a Triton-X-100-soluble pool of alpha 6 beta 4, as well as alpha 3 beta 1 and presumably alpha 6 beta 1, was found along lateral surfaces of T84 cells. On flattened cells adjoining wounds, staining for these integrins was distributed diffusely, suggesting a redistribution that accompanies cell migration. Taken together, these data suggest that wound-induced epithelial cell migration is a finely tuned process that is dependent upon the regulated function and localization of specific laminins and their integrin receptors.     

Identification of integrin-dependent and -independent cell adhesion domains in COOH-terminal globular region of laminin-5 alpha 3 chain

Laminin-5 is an isoform of laminin that consists of alpha 3, beta 3, and gamma 2 chains and has potent cell adhesion- and cell migration-promoting activities. In this study, five subdomains in the COOH-terminal globular (G) domain of human laminin alpha 3 chain were individually expressed in Escherichia coli, and their biological activities were investigated. Recombinant G2, G4, and G5 domains promoted adhesion to plastic plates of HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells, A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells, and ECV304 vascular endothelial cells. For the cell adhesion activity, the G2 domain required a divalent cation and heat-sensitive conformation more strongly than G4 and G5. The cell adhesion to G2 but not G4 and G5 was effectively inhibited by an anti-integrin alpha 3 antibody. A cell adhesion sequence of 22 amino acids, alpha 3G2A, that was homologous to the integrin alpha 3 beta 1-binding sequence GD-6 of laminin alpha 1 chain was identified within the G2 structure. The cell adhesion to alpha 3G2A peptide was also inhibited by the anti-integrin alpha 3 antibody. The cell adhesion to G2, alpha 3G2A, G4, and G5 was strongly inhibited by heparin, but that to native laminin-5 was inhibited less effectively. Moreover, G5 potently stimulated chemotactic migration of rat liver epithelial cells in Boyden chambers, but G2 and G4 did not. These results indicate that the G domain of laminin alpha 3 contains multiple cell binding sites with different mechanisms and different functions. The G2 domain seems to recognize integrin alpha 3 beta 1, whereas G4 and G5 may interact with heparin-like molecules on cell surface.     

Recombinant soluble human alpha 3 beta 1 integrin: purification, processing, regulation, and specific binding to laminin-5 and invasin in a mutually exclusive manner

Using insect cells, we expressed large quantities of soluble human integrin alpha 3 beta 1 ectodomain heterodimers, in which cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains were replaced by Fos and Jun dimerization motifs. In direct ligand binding assays, soluble alpha 3 beta 1 specifically bound to laminin-5 and laminin-10, but not to laminin-1, laminin-2, fibronectin, various collagens, nidogen, thrombospondin, or complement factors C3 and C3b. Soluble alpha 3 beta1 integrin also bound to invasin, a bacterial surface protein, that mediates entry of Yersinia species into the eukaryotic host cell. Invasin completely displaced laminin-5 from the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin, suggesting sterically overlapping or identical binding sites. In the presence of 2 mM Mg2+, alpha 3 beta 1's binding affinity for invasin (Kd = 3.1 nM) was substantially greater than its affinity for laminin-5 (Kd > 600 nM). Upon addition of 1 mM Mn2+, or activating antibody 9EG7, binding affinity for both laminin-5 and invasin increased by about 10-fold, whereas the affinity decreased upon addition of 2 mM Ca2+. Thus, functional regulation of the purified soluble integrin alpha 3 beta 1 ectodomain heterodimer resembles that of wild-type membrane-anchored beta 1 integrins. The integrin alpha 3 subunit was entirely cleaved into disulfide-linked heavy and light chains, at a newly defined cleavage site located C-terminal of a tetrabasic RRRR motif. Within the alpha 3 light chain, all potential N-glycosylation sites bear N-linked mannose-rich carbohydrate chains, suggesting an important structural role of these sugar residues in the stalk-like region of the integrin heterodimer. In conclusion, studies of our recombinant alpha 3 beta 1 integrin have provided new insights into alpha 3 beta1 structure, ligand binding function, specificity, and regulation.     

Mobilization and homing of peripheral blood progenitors is related to reversible downregulation of alpha4 beta1 integrin expression and function

Despite the wide use of mobilized peripheral blood (PB) progenitor cells (PBPC) for clinical transplantation the mechanism(s) underlying their mobilization and subsequent engraftment are still unknown. We compared the adhesive phenotype of CD34(+) colony-forming cells (CFC) in bone marrow (BM) and PB of normal donors before and after administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for 5 d. G-CSF-mobilized PB CFC cells adhered significantly less to BM stroma, fibronectin, and to the alpha4 beta1 binding fibronectin peptide, CS1, because of decreased expression of the alpha4 integrin. Since incubation of BM CD34(+) cells for 4 d with G-CSF at concentrations found in serum of G-CSF- treated individuals did not affect alpha4-dependent adhesion, G-CSF may not be directly responsible for the decreased alpha4-mediated adhesion of PB CFC. Culture of G-CSF-mobilized PB CD34(+) cells with cytokines at concentrations found in BM stromal cultures upregulated alpha4 expression and restored adhesion of mobilized PB CFC to stroma, fibronectin, and CS1. Adhesion of cultured, mobilized PB CFC to stroma and CS1 could not be further upregulated by the beta1 activating antibody, 8A2. This indicates acquisition of a maximally activated alpha4 beta1 integrin once PB CFC have been removed from the in vivo mobilizing milieu. Thus, decreased alpha4 expression on CD34(+) CFC in PB may be responsible for the aberrant circulation of mobilized PB CD34(+) cells. Reexpression of a maximally activated alpha4 beta1 integrin on mobilized PB CFC removed from the mobilizing in vivo milieu may contribute to the early engraftment of mobilized PBPC.     

The integrin alpha6beta4 functions in carcinoma cell migration on laminin-1 by mediating the formation and stabilization of actin-containing motility structures

Functional studies on the alpha6beta4 integrin have focused primarily on its role in the organization of hemidesmosomes, stable adhesive structures that associate with the intermediate filament cytoskeleton. In this study, we examined the function of the alpha6beta4 integrin in clone A cells, a colon carcinoma cell line that expresses alpha6beta4 but no alpha6beta1 integrin and exhibits dynamic adhesion and motility on laminin-1. Time-lapse videomicroscopy of clone A cells on laminin-1 revealed that their migration is characterized by filopodial extension and stabilization followed by lamellae that extend in the direction of stabilized filopodia. A function-blocking mAb specific for the alpha6beta4 integrin inhibited clone A migration on laminin-1. This mAb also inhibited filopodial formation and stabilization and lamella formation. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the alpha6beta4 integrin is localized as discrete clusters in filopodia, lamellae, and retraction fibers. Although beta1 integrins were also localized in the same structures, a spatial separation of these two integrin populations was evident. In filopodia and lamellae, a striking colocalization of the alpha6beta4 integrin and F-actin was seen. An association between alpha6beta4 and F-actin is supported by the fact that alpha6beta4 integrin and actin were released from clone A cells by treatment with the F-actin- severing protein gelsolin and that alpha6beta4 immunostaining at the marginal edges of clone A cells on laminin-1 was resistant to solubilization with Triton X-100. Cytokeratins were not observed in filopodia and lamellipodia. Moreover, alpha6beta4 was extracted from these marginal edges with a Tween-40/deoxycholate buffer that solubilizes the actin cytoskeleton but not cytokeratins. Three other carcinoma cell lines (MIP-101, CCL-228, and MDA-MB-231) exhibited alpha6beta4 colocalized with actin in filopodia and lamellae. Formation of lamellae in these cells was inhibited with an alpha6-specific antibody. Together, these results indicate that the alpha6beta4 integrin functions in carcinoma migration on laminin-1 through its ability to promote the formation and stabilization of actin-containing motility structures.     

Differential effects of low and high concentrations of 4-aminopyridine on axonal conduction in normal and injured spinal cord

Laminins, the main components of basement membranes, are heterotrimers consisting of alpha, beta, and gamma polypeptide chains linked together by disulfide bonds. Laminins-1 and -2 are both composed of beta1 and gamma1 chains and differ from each other on their alpha chain, which is alpha1 and alpha2 for laminin-1 and -2, respectively. The present study shows that whereas laminins-1 and -2 are synthesized in the mouse developing lung and in epithelial-mesenchymal cocultures derived from it, epithelial and mesenchymal monocultures lose their ability to synthesize the laminin alpha1 chain. Synthesis of laminin alpha1 chain however returns upon re-establishment of epithelial-mesenchymal contact. Cell-cell contact is critical, since laminin alpha1 chain is not detected in monocultures exposed to coculture-conditioned medium or in epithelial-mesenchymal cocultures in which heterotypic cell-cell contact is prevented by an interposing filter. Immunohistochemical studies on cocultures treated with brefeldin A, an inhibitor of protein secretion, indicated both epithelial and mesenchymal cells synthesize laminin alpha1 chain upon heterotypic cell- cell contact. In a set of functional studies, embryonic lung explants were cultured in the presence of monoclonal antibodies to laminin alpha1, alpha2, and beta/gamma chains. Lung explants exposed to monoclonal antibodies to laminin alpha1 chain exhibited alterations in peribronchial cell shape and decreased smooth muscle development, as indicated by low levels of smooth muscle alpha actin and desmin. Taken together, our studies suggest that laminin alpha1 chain synthesis is regulated by epithelial-mesenchymal interaction and may play a role in airway smooth muscle development.     

Extracellular matrix in renal cell carcinomas

Extracellular matrix (ECM) may be divided into interstitial matrix and the basement membrane (BM). ECM influences a variety of epithelial cell behaviours, including proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis, maybe most widely studied in kidney morphogenesis. In carcinomas, including renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), these properties and interactions of cells with interstitial matrix and BM are disturbed. As a carcinoma with a tendency to spread to distant sites, RCC is an interesting target for the study of epithelial-stromal interactions. Among interstitial collagens, type VI collagen appears to be widely distributed in RCCs. Also EDA-fibronectin (EDA-Fn) as well as tenascin-C (Tn) are important stromal components especially in poorly differentiated carcinomas. BMs of RCC islets and those of tumor blood vessel endothelia may merge in poorly differentiated carcinomas. As a dynamic component of BMs, laminins (Ln) are important in kidney development and RCC progression. Type IV collagen and nidogen, other components of BMs in RCCs, are produced by stromal as well as epithelial cells. ECM proteins may function in RCC progression by binding and regulating the activity of growth factors e.g. transforming growth factor beta 1 and basic fibroblast growth factor. Also the expression of cell surface receptors for ECM is disturbed in RCCs. At least alpha v integrin (Int) and CD44 emerge in renal epithelial cells during malignant transformation. Papillary renal neoplasms differ from RCCs by cell adhesion receptor expression and BM composition as well as by ECM avascularity and capacity to bind growth factors, thus suggesting a distinct property for this renal tumor.     

Structure and assembly of hemidesmosomes

The hemidesmosome is a complex junction containing many proteins. The keratin cytoskeleton attaches to its cytoplasmic plaque, while its transmembrane elements interact with components of the extracellular matrix. Hemidesmosome assembly involves recruitment of alpha 6 beta 4 integrin heterodimers, as well as cytoskeletal elements and cytoskeleton-associated proteins to the cell surface. In our cell culture models, these phenomena appear to be triggered by laminin-5 in the extracellular matrix. Cell interaction with laminin-5 apparently induces both phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of subunits of alpha 6 beta 4 integrin. There is emerging evidence that such events are necessary for subsequent cytoskeleton anchorage to the hemidesmosome cytoplasmic plaque. Once assembled, the hemidesmosome plays an essential role in maintaining firm epithelial adhesion to the basement membrane, with hemidesmosome disruption being a hallmark of certain devastating blistering diseases. However, the hemidesmosome is more than just a stable anchor, as it may also be the site of signal transduction, mediated by its alpha 6 beta 4 integrin component. This review discusses our current knowledge of the structure and assembly of the hemidesmosome.     

Iron deposition at mineralization fronts and osteoid formation following chronic cadmium exposure in ovariectomized rats

Integrins are heterodimeric glycoproteins that have been found to undergo dynamic temporal and spatial changes in distribution in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle in women. Likewise the extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands for these receptors are likely to play a role in the establishment of a receptive endometrium. To develop primate models to study the role of these molecules in the cascade of molecular events leading to implantation, integrin expression and associated changes in ECM were investigated during the menstrual cycle and in early pregnancy in the baboon. Antibodies specific for the integrins (alpha(1-6) and alpha(v); beta1, beta3, and beta4) and ECM (laminin, collagen IV, fibronectin) were utilized. In addition, cytokeratin and alpha-smooth muscle actin were used as epithelial, stromal, and smooth muscle cell markers, respectively. Endometrium was obtained in duplicate or triplicate during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. Changes observed during the natural menstrual cycle were confirmed using ovariectomized, steroid-treated animals. Constitutively expressed integrins on the endometrial epithelium included the collagen/laminin receptors: alpha2, alpha3, alpha6, and beta4. The pattern of expression correlated well with the distribution of ECM in this tissue. Collagen IV was confined to the basement membrane of glandular epithelium and blood vessels. Laminin immunostaining was found in the basement membrane, mostly in the stroma of the basal region, in the glandular endometrium and vasculature. Fibronectin was present throughout the stroma but not in the basement membrane. The collagen receptor alpha1 beta1 and fibronectin receptor alpha4 beta1 appeared in the glandular epithelium in the luteal phase. As in the human, alpha1 and alpha4 disappeared from the glandular epithelium with the establishment of pregnancy. In contrast, the alpha4 beta3 vitronectin receptor appeared in the glandular epithelium only in pregnancy or following long-term steroid treatment with estrogen and progesterone but not during the time of uterine receptivity associated with the initial period of embryo attachment. Osteopontin, an ECM ligand for alpha(v) beta3, was coexpressed with this integrin in invading cytotrophoblasts, glandular epithelium, and decidualizing stromal cells. Decidualization in the baboon was associated with changes in integrin expression similar to those found in humans: there was an increase in alpha1, alpha3, alpha6, beta1, and alpha(v) beta3 in the decidualized stromal cells. Laminin and collagen IV expression also increased at the implantation site and throughout the endometrium. In contrast, fibronectin expression was most evident at the implantation site and corresponded to alpha5 expression on the invading cytotrophoblasts. In summary, marked similarities were found in the expression of ECM and the integrin receptors between the baboon and the human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy. Cycle-specific integrins, alpha1, and alpha4, were present on epithelial cells during the secretory phase. Delayed expression of alpha(v) beta3 in baboon endometrial glands correlated closely with the time of enhanced glandular secretory activity in this primate. The baboon appears to be an excellent model for the investigation of the role of integrins and ECM leading to successful implantation.     

Effects of transforming growth factor beta on corneal epithelial and stromal cell function in a rat wound healing model after excimer laser keratectomy

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) regulates extracellular matrix deposition, cell proliferation, and migration, and is expressed in cornea. TGF-beta is thought to be involved in the corneal wound healing process. METHODS: The central corneal area (3 mm in diameter) of Lewis rats was ablated using PTK mode excimer laser and the wound healing process was observed at 12 and 24 h and 2, 5, 10, and 30 days after treatment. The expression of TGF-beta 1, -beta 2 and -beta 3, TGF-beta type I and type II receptors, alpha 3, alpha 5, beta 4 integrin subunits, laminin and fibronectin was studied immunohistochemically. Antibody neutralizing TGF-beta 1, -beta 2 and -beta 3 was administered intraperitoneally, 50 micrograms daily, for 5 days after the laser treatment to investigate the effects of TGF-beta function blockade. RESULTS: At the leading edge of the regenerating epithelium, no TGF-beta type I and type II receptors and beta 4 integrin subunits were expressed after 24 h. Regenerating epithelium covered the ablated area after 2 days. An abnormal fibrotic layer was formed in the subepithelial area. This layer contained round-shaped cells in the stroma in the early stage (2-5 days after laser ablation) and spindle-shaped fibroblast-like keratocytes after 10 days. Laminin and fibronectin expression increased in the fibrotic layer. The increased stromal cells expressed TGF-beta isoforms and TGF-beta receptors. Neutralizing TGF-beta inhibited the stromal cell increase in the laser ablated area after 5 days. CONCLUSION: TGF-beta may be involved in epithelial cell migration and stromal cell reaction during the corneal wound healing process after excimer laser ablation in rat models.     

Expression of beta 1 integrins changes during transformation of avian lens epithelium to mesenchyme in collagen gels

Remarkably, a number of definitive epithelia, such as that of the anterior lens, give rise when suspended within 3D gels of type I collagen, to elongate, bipolar shaped cells that exhibit the ultrastructure, polarity, and migratory ability of mesenchymal cells. They begin producing type I collagen and stop producing crystallins, type IV collagen, and laminin. Here, we investigated changes in beta 1 integrins and their extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands during this transdifferentiation. The former free surface of the lens epithelium that is now in contact with collagen begins within a day to stain intensely for beta 1 and it is this surface rather than the surface facing the basement membrane that gives rise to mesenchymal cells. Immunoprecipitation experiments reveal a large increase in the beta 1 integrin subunit on mesenchymal cells as compared to the epithelium of origin. The alpha 5 integrin subunit, which is barely detectable in the lens, increases in the mesenchymal cells and alpha 3 continues to be expressed at about the same level as in the epithelium. alpha 6, the epithelial integrin subunit, and laminin, its ECM ligand, are not detected immunohistochemically or biochemically in the mesenchyme. Rather, the mesenchymal cells secrete abundant fibronectin, the major ECM ligand for alpha 5 beta 1. RGD peptides do not inhibit the transformation but antibodies to beta 1 do perturb the emigration of mesenchymal cells from the lens apical surface. We conclude that the beta 1 integrins newly expressed on the apical epithelial surface interact with the surrounding 3D collagen gel to help bring about this unusual epithelial-mesenchymal transition.     

Re-expression of the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin abrogates the malignant phenotype of breast carcinoma cells

To assess the role of altered alpha 2 beta 1 integrin expression in breast cancer, we expressed the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin de novo in a poorly differentiated mammary carcinoma that expressed no detectable alpha 2-integrin subunit. Expression of the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin resulted in a dramatic phenotypic alteration from a fibroblastoid, spindle-shaped, non-contact-inhibited, motile, and invasive cell to an epithelioid, polygonal-shaped, contact-inhibited, less motile, and less invasive cell. Although expression of the alpha 2 subunit did not alter adhesion to collagen, it profoundly altered cell spreading. Re-expression of the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin restored the ability to differentiate into gland-like structures in three-dimensional matrices and markedly reduced the in vivo tumorigenicity of the cells. These results indicate that the consequences of diminished alpha 2 beta 1-integrin expression in the development of breast cancer and, presumably, of other epithelial malignancies are increased tumorigenicity and loss of the differentiated epithelial phenotype.