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Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant nosocomial opportunistic pathogen that is becoming a major health threat worldwide. In this study, we have focused on the A. baumannii DSM30011 strain, an environmental isolate that retains many virulence-associated traits. We found that its genome contains two loci encoding for contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) systems. These systems serve to kill or inhibit the growth of non-sibling bacteria by delivering toxins into the cytoplasm of target cells, thereby conferring the host strain a significant competitive advantage. We show that one of the two toxins functions as a DNA-damaging enzyme, capable of inducing DNA double-stranded breaks to the chromosome of Escherichia coli strain. The second toxin has unknown catalytic activity but stops the growth of E. coli without bactericidal effect. In our conditions, only one of the CDI systems was highly expressed in the A. baumannii DSM30011 strain and was found to mediate interbacterial competition. Surprisingly, the absence of this CDI system promotes adhesion of A. baumannii DSM30011 to both abiotic and biotic surfaces, a phenotype that differs from previously described CDI systems. Our results suggest that a specific regulation mediated by this A. baumannii DSM30011 CDI system may result in changes in bacterial physiology that repress host cell adhesion and biofilm formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract The specific binding of RGD cyclic peptide with integrin α v β 3 attracts great research interest for tumor-targeting drug delivery. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of dual-ring RGD-peptide derivatives as a drug carrier for α v β 3 targeting. Three novel peptides showed excellent cell adhesion inhibition effect, in which, P3 exhibited 7-fold enhancement in IC 50 compared with cyclo(RGDfK). Drug-loaded cytotoxicity experiment and imaging experiment indicated that such dual-cyclic RGD peptides have good tumor targeting effects. This work provides a new strategy for the design of novel RGD peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunoglobulin (Ig)‐like cell adhesion molecule nectin‐like molecule (Necl)‐5/poliovirus receptor is up‐regulated in many types of cancer cells and implicated in their abnormally enhanced cell proliferation and movement. We previously showed that Necl‐5 cis‐interacts with the platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor β through the extracellular region and enhances its signaling. Although this cis‐interaction does not affect the PDGF‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor, the interaction of the cytoplasmic region of Necl‐5 with sprouty2 and the regulation of its activity are required for the enhancement of the PDGF receptor β signaling by Necl‐5. We investigated here the more detailed mechanism for this cis‐interaction of Necl‐5 with the PDGF receptor β. Necl‐5 contains three Ig‐like domains and the PDGF receptor β contains five Ig‐like domains at their extracellular regions. We showed here that the third Ig‐like domain of Necl‐5 cis‐interacted with the fifth Ig‐like domain of the PDGF receptor β. The recombinant protein of the third Ig‐like domain of Necl‐5 inhibited the cis‐interaction of full‐length Necl‐5 with the PDGF receptor β and the PDGF‐induced activation of the ERK signaling pathway that was enhanced by Necl‐5. These results revealed the novel roles of the third Ig‐like domain of Necl‐5 and the fifth Ig‐like domain of the PDGF receptor β in its signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pertussis toxin ( PTX) blocks GPCR signaling resulting in the inhibition of chemotaxis/cell adhesion. It was reasoned that inhibition of cell trafficking may be an approach to prevent HIV/ SIV transmission. Methods In this study, PTX in HEC gel was applied to the vaginal wall of monkeys that were then challenged intravaginally with SIVmac251. Results Results of these studies showed that 2 of 4 animals were resistant to infection. Furthermore, infection was correlated with a marked increase in the plasma and cervicovaginal lavage levels of select chemokines and cytokines. Conclusions Results from this preliminary feasibility study dictate that further studies that include a larger number of animals are required to optimize this protocol and establish the efficacy of this approach. In addition, such future studies will provide important information on the role of specific chemokines that play a role in lymphocyte trafficking within the genital tract and serve as additional therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to our early researches, some glycoclusters having glucose, mannose, cellose and lactose residues showed good anti-adhesion activity of leukocytes to endothelial cells and exerted anti-inflammatory effects. Based on these results and combination principles of drugs, a series of new glycoclusters modifying with potentially anti-oxidant activity pharmacophores have been synthesized, and their anti-adhesion activities were assessed by static state cell-based adhesion assay. The results showed that some modified glycoclusters displayed better activities than their leading compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraarticular adhesion is one of the complications when the patients suffer from operations of knee-joint. Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) can selectively inhibit the activity of topoisomerase I and has shown anti-proliferative effect in previous researches. The aim of our experiment was to investigate the effect of topical application of HCPT on preventing intraarticular scar adhesion by activating the PERK signal pathway. As the results showed, HCPT could prevent the intraarticular scar adhesion and the inhibitory effect was in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we assumed that ER stress mediated the suppression effect of the intraarticular scar adhesion. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of GRP78 and CHOP were increased together with the tendency of HCPT. When human fibroblasts were treated with HCPT in vitro, cell viability was inhibited according to the results of CCK-8 assay and Hoechst staining, and cell apoptosis was induced according to the results of AV/PI and western blot analysis. HCPT-induced apoptosis was correlated with elevation of GRP78 and CHOP, which were hallmarks of ER stress. Proteins associated with PERK signal pathway such as p-PERK and p-eIF2α were upregulated after treated by HCPT determined by western blot analysis. Knockdown of PERK decreased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, GRP78 and CHOP expression, suggesting that PERK signal pathway was involved in HCPT-induced fibroblast apoptosis. Our findings indicate that topical application of HCPT can prevent intraarticular scar adhesion. ER stress plays an important role in this effect by inducing fibroblasts apoptosis that may be mediated by PERK signal pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing technologies are a promising technology towards patient-specific implants for applications in regenerative medicine. The Net-Shape-Nonwoven technology is used to manufacture structures from short fibers with interconnected pores and large functional surfaces that are predestined for cell adhesion and growth. The present study reports on a modeling approach with a particular focus on the specific structural properties. The overall porosities and mean pore-sizes of the digital models are simulated according to liquid-displacement porosity in a tool implemented in the modeling software. This allows adjusting the process parameters fiber length and fiber diameter to generate biomimetic structures with pore-sizes adapted to the requirements of the tissue that is to be replaced. Modeling the structural and porosity properties of scaffolds and implants leads to an efficient use of the processed biomaterials as the trial-and-error method is avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disintegrins are low molecular weight proteins (4-15 kDa) found in the venom of some snake species, these proteins act as integrin inhibitors. Integrins are membrane cell surface receptors formed by α-β subunits. These integrins modulate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. β1 and β3 integrins play important roles in angiogenesis and metastatic processes, suggesting that disintegrins may have utility in the development of new anticancer therapies. This review aims to show recent advances in disintegrin research and the evaluation of their biological activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical cadherin cell-cell adhesion proteins are essential for the formation and maintenance of tissue structures; their primary function is to physically couple neighboring cells and withstand mechanical force. Cadherins from opposing cells bind in two distinct trans conformations: strand-swap dimers and X-dimers. As cadherins convert between these conformations, they form ideal bonds (i.e., adhesive interactions that are insensitive to force). However, the biophysical mechanism for ideal bond formation is unknown. Here, we integrate single-molecule force measurements with coarsegrained and atomistic simulations to resolve the mechanistic basis for cadherin ideal bond formation. Using simulations, we predict the energy landscape for cadherin adhesion, the transition pathways for interconversion between X-dimers and strand-swap dimers, and the cadherin structures that form ideal bonds. Based on these predictions, we engineer cadherin mutants that promote or inhibit ideal bond formation and measure their force-dependent kinetics using single-molecule force-clamp measurements with an atomic force microscope. Our data establish that cadherins adopt an intermediate conformation as they shuttle between X-dimers and strandswap dimers; pulling on this conformation induces a torsional motion perpendicular to the pulling direction that unbinds the proteins and forms force-independent ideal bonds. Torsional motion is blocked when cadherins associate laterally in a cis orientation, suggesting that ideal bonds may play a role in mechanically regulating cadherin clustering on cell surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen receptors GPVI (also known as GP6) and integrin α2β1 are highly expressed on blood platelets and megakaryocytes, their immediate precursors. After vessel injury, subendothelial collagen becomes exposed and induces platelet activation to prevent blood loss. Collagen types I and IV are thought to have opposite effects on platelet biogenesis, directing proplatelet formation (PPF) towards the blood vessels to prevent premature release within the marrow cavity. We used megakaryocytes lacking collagen receptors or treated megakaryocytes with blocking antibodies, and could demonstrate that collagen-I-mediated inhibition of PPF is specifically controlled by GPVI. Other collagen types competed for binding and diminished the inhibitory signal, which was entirely dependent on receptor-proximal Src family kinases, whereas Syk and LAT were dispensable. Adhesion assays indicate that megakaryocyte binding to collagens is mediated by α2β1, and that collagen IV at the vascular niche might displace collagen I from megakaryocytes and thus contribute to prevention of premature platelet release into the marrow cavity and thereby directionally promote PPF at the vasculature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homeostatic maintenance of tissues is orchestrated by well tuned networks of cellular signaling. Such networks regulate, in a stochastic manner, fates of all cells within the respective lineages. Processes such as symmetric and asymmetric divisions, differentiation, de-differentiation, and death have to be controlled in a dynamic fashion, such that the cell population is maintained at a stable equilibrium, has a sufficiently low level of stochastic variation, and is capable of responding efficiently to external damage. Cellular lineages in real tissues may consist of a number of different cell types, connected by hierarchical relationships, albeit not necessarily linear, and engaged in a number of different processes. Here we develop a general mathematical methodology for near equilibrium studies of arbitrarily complex hierarchical cell populations, under regulation by a control network. This methodology allows us to (1) determine stability properties of the network, (2) calculate the stochastic variance, and (3) predict how different control mechanisms affect stability and robustness of the system. We demonstrate the versatility of this tool by using the example of the airway epithelium lineage. Recent research shows that airway epithelium stem cells divide mostly asymmetrically, while the so-called secretory cells divide predominantly symmetrically. It further provides quantitative data on the recovery dynamics of the airway epithelium, which can include secretory cell de-differentiation. Using our new methodology, we demonstrate that while a number of regulatory networks can be compatible with the observed recovery behavior, the observed division patterns of cells are the most optimal from the viewpoint of homeostatic lineage stability and minimizing the variation of the cell population size. This not only explains the observed yet poorly understood features of airway tissue architecture, but also helps to deduce the information on the still largely hypothetical regulatory mechanisms governing tissue turnover, and lends insight into how different control loops influence the stability and variance properties of cell populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cellular network composed of the evolutionarily conserved metabolic pathways of protein N-glycosylation, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion plays pivotal roles in determining the balance between cell proliferation and intercellular adhesion during development and in maintaining homeostasis in differentiated tissues. These pathways share a highly conserved regulatory molecule, β-catenin, which functions as both a structural component of E-cadherin junctions and as a co-transcriptional activator of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, whose target is the N-glycosylation-regulating gene, DPAGT1. Whereas these pathways have been studied independently, little is known about the dynamics of their interaction. Here we present the first numerical model of this network in MDCK cells. Since the network comprises a large number of molecules with varying cell context and time-dependent levels of expression, it can give rise to a wide range of plausible cellular states that are difficult to track. Using known kinetic parameters for individual reactions in the component pathways, we have developed a theoretical framework and gained new insights into cellular regulation of the network. Specifically, we developed a mathematical model to quantify the fold-change in concentration of any molecule included in the mathematical representation of the network in response to a simulated activation of the Wnt/ β-catenin pathway with Wnt3a under different conditions. We quantified the importance of protein N-glycosylation and synthesis of the DPAGT1 encoded enzyme, GPT, in determining the abundance of cytoplasmic β-catenin. We confirmed the role of axin in β-catenin degradation. Finally, our data suggest that cell-cell adhesion is insensitive to E-cadherin recycling in the cell. We validate the model by inhibiting β-catenin-mediated activation of DPAGT1 expression and predicting changes in cytoplasmic β-catenin concentration and stability of E-cadherin junctions in response to DPAGT1 inhibition. We show the impact of pathway dysregulation through measurements of cell migration in scratch-wound assays. Collectively, our results highlight the importance of numerical analyses of cellular networks dynamics to gain insights into physiological processes and potential design of therapeutic strategies to prevent epithelial cell invasion in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to measure the effect of heterophyllin B (HB) on the adhesion and invasion of ECA-109 human esophageal carcinoma cells, and examine the possible mechanism involved. A Cell Counting kit 8 assay was performed to determine the cell viability. Cell adhesion and invasion were determined following treatment of the ECA-109 cells with HB (0, 10, 25 and 50 μM) for 24 h. The levels of phosphorylated (p-)ATK and p-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and the protein levels of β-catenin were measured using western blot analysis. The mRNA and protein expression levels of E-cadherin, vimentin, snail, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 were detected using reverse trancsription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses, respectively. HB (10, 25 and 50 μM) significantly suppressed the adhesion and invasion of the ECA-109 human esophageal carcinoma cells in a dose-dependant manner. The expression levels of p-ATK, p-PI3K and β-catenin were markedly decreased. The expression of E-cadherin was promoted, whereas the expression levels of snail, vimentin, MMP 2 and MMP 9 were decreased significantly in the ECA-109 cells treated with HB. In addition, HB inhibited the adhesion and invasion induced by PI3K activating peptide in the ECA-109 cells, and the protein expression levels were also adjusted. These results suggested that HB effectively suppressed the adhesion and invasion of the human esophageal carcinoma cells by mediating the PI3K/AKT/β-catenin pathways and regulating the expression levels of adhesion- and invasion-associated genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclopeptide RA-V has potent anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities, but its potential anti-metastatic activity is unknown. Cancer cells acquire invasive ability to degrade and adhere to extracellular matrix (ECM), allowing them to migrate to adjacent tissues and ultimately metastasize. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of RA-V on cell adhesion, migration, invasion and matrix degradation, and its underlying mechanism in two human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (ER-positive) and MDA-MB-231 (ER-negative). Our results demonstrated that RA-V (12.5 nM) can significantly inhibit breast cancer cell adhesion and migration via interfering cofilin signaling and chemokine receptors involved in cell migration. RA-V reduced the expressions of vascular intracellular adhesion molecule (VCAM), intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and integrins. The activities and expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and urokinase-type of plasminogen activator (uPA) were also inhibited by RA-V. Furthermore, RA-V inhibits the expressions of EGFR, PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling molecules, and reduces the binding of β-estradiol to ER via affecting binding ability of ER in MCF-7 cells. RA-V inhibits breast cancer cell migration, adhesion and ECM degradation in vitro, implying that RA-V is a potential anti-metastatic agent in breast cancer, and likely acts via PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways in both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Evidence supports an important role for miR-203 in the regulation of the proliferation, migration and invasion of prostate cancer (PCa) cells. However, the exact mechanisms of miR-203 in PCa are not entirely clear. Methods: We examined the expression of miR-203 in prostate cancer tissues, adjacent normal tissues, PCa cell lines and normal prostate epithelial cells by qRT-PCR. Then, the effects of miR-203 or Rap1A on proliferation, adhesion and invasion of PCa cells were assayed using CKK-8, adhesion analysis, and transwell invasion assays. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to assess miR-203 binding to Rap1A mRNA. Tumor growth was assessed by subcutaneous inoculation of cells into BALB/c nude mice. Results: Here, we confirmed that the expression of miR-203 was significantly downregulated in prostate cancer specimens compared with matched adjacent normal prostate specimens. Mechanistic dissection revealed that miR-203 mediated cell proliferation, adhesion and invasion in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo, as evidenced by reduced RAC1, p-PAK1, and p-MEK1 expression. In addition, we identified Rap1A as a direct target suppressed by miR-203, and there was an inverse relationship between the expression of miR-203 and Rap1A in PCa. Knockdown of Rap1A phenocopied the effects of miR-203 on PCa cell growth and invasion. Furthermore, Rap1A overexpression in PCa cells partially reversed the effects of miR-203-expression on cell adhesion and invasion. Conclusions: These findings provide further evidence that a crucial role for miR-203 in inhibiting metastasis of PCa through the suppression of Rap1A expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell migration and invasion are key processes in the metastasis of cancer, and suppression of these steps is a promising strategy for cancer therapeutics. The aim of this study was to explore small molecules for treating colorectal cancer ( CRC) and to investigate their anti-metastatic mechanisms. In this study, six CRC cell lines were used. We showed that YH-306 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of CRC cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, YH-306 inhibited cell adhesion and protrusion formation of HCT116 and HT-29 CRC cells. Moreover, YH-306 potently suppressed uninhibited proliferation in all six CRC cell lines tested and induced cell apoptosis in four cell lines. Furthermore, YH-306 inhibited CRC colonization in vitro and suppressed CRC growth in a xenograft mouse model, as well as hepatic/pulmonary metastasis in vivo. YH-306 suppressed the activation of focal adhesion kinase ( FAK), c-Src, paxillin, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases ( PI3K), Rac1 and the expression of matrix metalloproteases ( MMP) 2 and MMP9. Meanwhile, YH-306 also inhibited actin-related protein (Arp2/3) complex-mediated actin polymerization. Taken together, YH-306 is a candidate drug in preventing growth and metastasis of CRC by modulating FAK signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to a prevailing concept on protein adsorption and cell adhesion, novel micropatterned polyacrylamide (PAAm) brushes that can resist cell adhesion but promote protein retention are created through patterning of ATRP initiators and surface-initiated ATRP on a polymer substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which examines the importance of 1,2-dithiolane structure in a-lipoic acid for downregulating cell surface βl-integrin expression of human bladder cancer cells. It reports on inhibition of gene expression of cell surface protein βl-integrin, cell adhesion to fibronectin, migration, and invasion by α-lipoic acid. It also discusses on role of 1,2-dithiolane structure in determining the action of α-lipoic acid.

Aims The majority of patients diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) have mutations in genes encoding desmosomal proteins, raising the possibility that abnormal intercellular adhesion plays an important role in disease pathogenesis. We characterize cell mechanical properties and molecular responses to oscillatory shear stress in cardiac myocytes expressing mutant forms of the desmosomal proteins, plakoglobin and plakophilin, which are linked to ARVC in patients. Methods and results Cells expressing mutant plakoglobin or plakophilin showed no differences in cell–cell adhesion relative to controls, while knocking down these proteins weakened cell–cell adhesion. However, cells expressing mutant plakoglobin failed to increase the amount of immunoreactive signal for plakoglobin or N-cadherin at cell–cell junctions in response to shear stress, as seen in control cells. Cells expressing mutant plakophilin exhibited a similar attenuation in the shear-induced increase in junctional plakoglobin immunoreactive signal in response to shear stress, suggesting that the phenotype is independent of the type of mutant protein being expressed. Cells expressing mutant plakoglobin also showed greater myocyte apoptosis compared with controls. Apoptosis rates increased greatly in response to shear stress in cells expressing mutant plakoglobin, but not in controls. Abnormal responses to shear stress in cells expressing either mutant plakoglobin or plakophilin could be reversed by SB216763, a GSK3β inhibitor. Conclusions Desmosomal mutations linked to ARVC do not significantly affect cell mechanical properties, but cause myocytes to respond abnormally to mechanical stress through a mechanism involving GSK3β. These results may help explain why patients with ARVC experience disease exacerbations following strenuous exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the Ras homolog family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) signaling pathway in the inhibition of inflammatory responses by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex). Methods: The inhibitory effects of Dex and Rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil (Fas) on phorbol ester-induced release of O2- and MPO from neutrophils and on U937 mononuclear cell adhesion were examined along with the expression and activity levels of RhoA and ROCK1. Results: High doses of Dex rapidly inhibited the release of O2- and myeloperoxidase (MPO) from neutrophils and the adhesion of U937 cells, while Fas was only found to inhibit U937 cell adhesion. Additionally, Dex suppressed ROCK1 activity. However, Dex had no effects on ROCK1 or RhoA expression levels or on RhoA activity. Neither the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone (RU-486) nor the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) was able to suppress the effects of Dex (p>0.05). Conclusions: The present findings indicate that Dex suppressed neutrophil release through ROCK1-independent mechanisms and inhibited the adhesion of U937 mononuclear cells through ROCK1-dependent non-genomic mechanisms that did not involve RhoA. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natalizumab, an anti-alpha4 integrin monoclonal antibody inhibiting the adhesion of lymphocytes to the endothelium, is a widely accepted drug treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis ( RRMS). A peripheral increase of T and B lymphocytes has already been observed as an early treatment effect. This retrospective observational study was aimed to evaluate the peripheral lymphocyte subsets during a long-term treatment follow-up. We included 23 RRMS patients treated with natalizumab for at least 24-48 months who had pretreatment lymphocyte evaluation. Baseline values of lymphocyte subsets and CD4/ CD8 ratio did not differ significantly from the 23 matched healthy subjects. The periodic (every 3-6 months) assessment of immune cell subsets was performed by flow cytometry on peripheral blood collected before drug injection. Therapy with natalizumab was confirmed to be effective during the observational period. For all patients, the increase in lymphocytes during natalizumab therapy compared to baseline at every assessment was significantly higher compared to that of overall white blood cells (2·1- and 1·3-fold, respectively, P < 0·0001). Both T cell subsets were proportionally modified and the CD4/ CD8 ratio did not change significantly, while B cells increased significantly compared to T and NK cells (3·2-, 1·88- and 1·92-fold, respectively, P < 0·0001). These changes remained constant throughout the 25-48-month period of therapy. In conclusion, effective natalizumab treatment of RRMS patients was associated with the persistence of its biological effects through a stable increase of peripheral lymphocytes, mainly B cells, and an unchanged proportion of T cell subsets in long-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which were largely generated after myocardial ischemia, severely impaired the adhesion and survival of transplanted stem cells. In this study, we aimed to determine whether Exendin-4 pretreatment could improve the adhesion and therapeutic efficacy of transplanted adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) in ischemic myocardium. In vitro, H2O2 was used to provide ROS environments, in which ADSCs pretreated with Exendin-4 were incubated. ADSCs without pretreatment were used as control. Then, cell adhesion and viability were analyzed with time. Compared with control ADSCs, Exendin-4 treatment significantly increased the adhesion of ADSCs in ROS environment, while reduced intracellular ROS and cell injury as determined by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining live/Dead staining, lactate dehydrogenase-release assay and MTT assay. Western Blotting demonstrated that ROS significantly decreased the expression of adhesion-related integrins and integrin-related focal adhesion proteins, which were significantly reversed by Exendin-4 pretreatment and followed by decreases in caspase-3, indicating that Exendin-4 may facilitate cell survival through enhanced adhesion. In vivo, myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by the left anterior descending artery ligation in SD rats. Autologous ADSCs with or without Exendin-4 pretreatment were injected into the border area of infarcted hearts, respectively. Multi-techniques were used to assess the beneficial effects after transplantation. Longitudinal bioluminescence imaging and histological staining revealed that Exendin-4 pretreatment enhanced the survival and differentiation of engrafted ADSCs in ischemic myocardium, accompanied with significant benefits in cardiac function, matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis compared with non-pretreated ADSCs 4 weeks post-transplantation. In conclusion, transplantation of Exendin-4 pretreated ADSCs significantly improved cardiac performance and can be an innovative approach in the clinical perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In recent years, several research groups proposed new peptidomimetic antagonists of integrins αvβ3, α5β1, αIIbβ3, αvβ6, αvβ5, etc. based on retro sequences of the classic integrin-binding motif RGD. The retro strategy is still largely ignored for the non-RGD-binding α4β1 integrin. Herein we present the first examples of retro sequences for targeting this integrin, composed of Asp or isoAsp equipped with an aromatic cap at the N-terminus, (S)-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid (β2-Pro) as a constrained core, and the amino variant (AMPUMP) of the well-known α4-targeting diphenylurea MPUPA. We discuss α4β1 receptor affinity (SPA), cell adhesion assays, stability in mouse serum, and conformational analysis. For their significant ability to inhibit cell adhesion and remarkable stability, the retro-peptide mimetics BnCO-Asp-β-Pro-AMPUMP (3) and BnCO-isoAsp-β-Pro-AMPUMP (4) represent promising candidates for designing small molecules as potential anti-inflammatory agents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We examined the effects of prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) inhibition on p53 null gastric cancer cell growth. [•] POP inhibition-induced cell growth suppression was associated with an increase in a quiescent G0 state. [•] POP might regulate the exit from and/or reentry into the cell cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to dissolved organic matter (DOM) can reduce the freely dissolved concentration, increase apparent solubility or enhance diffusive mass transfer. To study the effects of DOM on biodegradation, we used phenanthrene and pyrene as model PAHs, soil humic acids as model DOM and a soil Mycobacterium strain as a representative degrader organism. Humic acids enhanced the biodegradation of pyrene when present as solid crystals but not when initially dissolved or provided by partitioning from a polymer. Synchronous fluorescence spectrophotometry, scintillation counting and a microscale diffusion technique were applied in order to determine the kinetics of dissolution and diffusive mass transfer of pyrene. We suggest that humic acids can enhance or inhibit biodegradation as a result of the balance of two opposite effects, namely, solubilization of the chemicals on the one hand and inhibition of cell adhesion to the pollutant source on the other. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a multifunctional protein involved in cancer through regulation of cell adhesion, cell growth, apoptosis and metastasis, while p21 (Cip1/WAF1) is a negative regulator of the cell cycle, involved in apoptosis, transcription, DNA repair and metastasis. The results presented here demonstrate for the first time that the level of Gal-3 protein is associated with the level of p21 protein expression in human prostate cancer cells and the effects of Gal-3 on cell growth and apoptosis were reversed by modulating p21 expression level. Furthermore, Gal-3 regulates p21 expression at the post-translational level by stabilizing p21 protein via the carbohydrate-recognition domain. This is the first report suggesting a molecular function not yet described for Gal-3 as the regulator of p21 protein stability. This study provides a unique insight into the relationship of these two molecules during prostate cancer progression, and may provide a novel therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Two major variants of VAR2CSA-DBL2X are equally distributed among field isolates. [•] Anti adhesion IgG were raised in rabbits against the two VAR2CSA NTS-DBL2X types. [•] Raised antibodies similarly recognized native VAR2CSA on field isolates. [•] The differential effects resulted in a broader inhibitory coverage of field isolates. [•] Mixing of the two antibody preparations did not affect their individual activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase ( PIP5KI)γ is one of the phosphoinositide kinases that produce phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, which is a critical regulator of cell adhesion formation, actin dynamics and membrane trafficking. Here, we examined the functional roles of PIP5KIγ in radial neuronal migration during cortical formation. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that PIP5KIγ_v2/v6 and PIP5KIγ_v3 were expressed throughout cortical development with distinct expression patterns. In situ hybridisation analysis showed that PIP5KIγ mRNA was expressed throughout the cortical layers. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that PIP5KIγ was localised in a punctate manner in the radial glia and migrating neuroblasts. Knockdown of PIP5KIγ using in utero electroporation disturbed the radial neuronal migration and recruitment of talin and focal adhesion kinase to puncta beneath the plasma membrane. The same inhibitory effect on neuronal migration was observed by overexpression of a catalytically inactive mutant of PIP5KIγ_v2 but not PIP5KIγ_v1 or PIP5KIγ_v3. These findings suggest an essential role of PIP5KIγ, particularly PIP5KIγ_i2, in neuronal migration, possibly through recruitment of adhesion components to the plasma membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim:Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) expression is upregulated in human cancers and correlates with more invasive advanced tumor stages. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms by which matrine, an alkaloid derived from Sophora species plants, acted on the VASP protein in human gastric cancer cells in vitro.Methods:VASP was expressed and purified. Intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy was used to study the binding of matrine to VASP. CD spectroscopy was used to examine the changes in the VASP protein secondary structure. Human gastric carcinoma cell line BGC823 was tested. Scratch wound and cell adhesion assays were used to detect the cell migration and adhesion, respectively. Real-time PCR and Western blotting assays were used to measure mRNA and protein expression of VASP.Results:In the fluorescence assay, the dissociation constant for binding of matrine to VASP protein was 0.86 mmol/L, thus the direct binding between the two molecules was weak. However, matrine (50 μg/mL) caused obvious change in the secondary structure of VASP protein shown in CD spectrum. Treatments of BGC823 cells with matrine (50 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the cell migration and adhesion. The alkaloid changed the subcellular distribution of VASP and formation of actin stress fibers in BGC823 cells. The alkaloid caused small but statistically significant decreases in VASP protein expression and phosphorylation, but had no significant effect on VASP mRNA expression.Conclusion:Matrine modulates the structure, subcellular distribution, expression and phosphorylation of VASP in human gastric cancer cells, thus inhibiting the cancer cell adhesion and migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Scaffolds fabricated from cartilage extracellular matrix provide a chondroinductive environment that stimulates cartilaginous matrix synthesis in a variety of cell types. A limitation of these cartilage-derived matrix (CDM) scaffolds is that they contract during in vitro culture, which unpredictably alters their shape. The current study examined the hypothesis that collagen crosslinking techniques could inhibit cell-mediated contraction of CDM scaffolds. We analyzed the effects of dehydrothermal (DHT) treatment, ultraviolet light irradiation (UV), and the chemical crosslinker carbodiimide (CAR) on scaffold contraction and chondrogenic differentiation of adult human bone marrow-derived stem cells (MSCs). Both physical and chemical crosslinking treatments retained the original scaffold dimensions. DHT and UV treatments produced significantly higher glycosaminoglycan and collagen contents than CAR crosslinked and non-crosslinked constructs. Crosslinking treatments influenced the composition of newly synthesized matrix, and DHT treatment best matched the composition of native cartilage. DHT, UV, and non-crosslinked CDM films supported cell attachment, while CAR crosslinking inhibited cell adhesion. These results affirm that collagen crosslinking treatments can prevent cell-mediated contraction of CDM scaffolds. Interestingly, crosslinking treatments influence chondrogenic differentiation. These effects seem to be mediated by modifications to cell-matrix interactions between MSCs and the CDM; however, further work is necessary to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved in this process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The neural crest (NC) is a transient embryonic structure induced at the border of the neural plate. NC cells extensively migrate towards diverse regions of the embryo, where they differentiate into various derivatives, including most of the craniofacial skeleton and the peripheral nervous system. The Ric-8A protein acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for several Gα subunits, and thus behaves as an activator of signaling pathways mediated by heterotrimeric G proteins. Using in vivo transplantation assays, we demonstrate that Ric-8A levels are critical for the migration of cranial NC cells and their subsequent differentiation into craniofacial cartilage during Xenopus development. NC cells explanted from Ric-8A morphant embryos are unable to migrate directionally towards a source of the Sdf1 peptide, a potent chemoattractant for NC cells. Consistently, Ric-8A knock-down showed anomalous radial migratory behavior, displaying a strong reduction in cell spreading and focal adhesion formation. We further show that during in vivo and in vitro neural crest migration, Ric-8A localizes to the cell membrane, in agreement with its role as a G protein activator. We propose that Ric-8A plays essential roles during the migration of cranial NC cells, possibly by regulating cell adhesion and spreading. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Snake venom antagonists of α2β1 integrin have been identified as members of a C-lectin type family of proteins (CLP). In the present study, we characterized three new CLPs isolated from Echis sochureki venom, which interact with this integrin. These proteins were purified using a combination of gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. Sochicetin-A and sochicetin-B potently inhibited adhesion of cells expressing α2β1 integrin and binding of isolated α2β1 ectodomain to collagen I, as well as bound to recombinant GST-α2A domain in ELISA, whereas activity of sochicetin-C in these assays was approximately two orders of magnitude lower. Structurally, sochicetin-B and sochicetin-C are typical heterodimeric αβ CLPs, whereas sochicetin-A exhibits a trimer of its subunits (αβ)3 in the quaternary structure. Immobilized sochicetins supported adhesion of glioma cell lines, LN18 and LBC3, whereas in a soluble form they partially inhibited adhesion of these cells to collagen I. Glioma cells spread very poorly on sochicetin-A, showing no cytoskeleton rearrangement typical for adhesion to collagen I or fibronectin. Adhesion on CLP does not involve focal adhesion elements, such as vinculin. Sochicetin-A also inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation, similar to other CLPs' action on the blood coagulation system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cadherin adhesion receptors are critical components for the maintenance of tissue architecture and organisation during development and in post-embryonic life. These receptors influence the actin cytoskeletal network by controlling its assembly at the junctions. Likewise, the actin cytoskeleton is required for cadherin integrity at cell–cell contacts. The junctional cytoskeleton is intrinsically dynamic and undergoes constant assembly and reorganisation to maintain a morphologically stable structure. This is governed by a host of molecular players that regulate actin assembly during nucleation and at post-nucleation stages. This review highlights the molecular machinery implicated in actin organisation at various stages of junctional assembly and its functional impact in simple epithelia and other model systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Titanium dioxide engineered nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) are widely used in the manufacturing of a number of products. Due to their size (<100nm), when inhaled they may be deposited in the distal lung regions and damage Clara cells. We investigated the mechanisms by which short-term (1-h) incubation of human airway Clara-like (H441) cells to nano-TiO2 (6nm in diameter) alters the ability of H441 cells to adhere to extracellular matrix. Our results show that 1h post-incubation, there was a 3-fold increase of extracellular H2O2, increased intracellular oxidative stress as demonstrated by 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) oxidation, and a 5-fold increase of phosphor-ERK1/2 as measured by Western blotting. These changes were accompanied by a 25% decrease of H441 adherence to fibronectin (p <0.05 compared to vehicle incubated H441 cells). Pretreatment with the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 for 3h, partially prevented this effect. In conclusion, short-term exposure of H441 cells to nano-TiO2 appears to reduce adherence to fibronectin due to oxidative stress and activation of ERK1/2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Trop-2 is a transmembrane glycoprotein upregulated in several human carcinomas, including prostate cancer (PrCa). Trop-2 has been suggested to regulate cell-cell adhesion, given its high homology with the other member of the Trop family, Trop-1/EpCAM, and its ability to bind the tight junction proteins claudin-1 and claudin-7. However, a role for Trop-2 in cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix has never been postulated. Here, we show for the first time that Trop-2 expression in PrCa cells correlates with their aggressiveness. Using either shRNA-mediated silencing of Trop-2 in cells that endogenously express it, or ectopic expression of Trop-2 in cells that do not express it, we show that Trop-2 inhibits PrCa cell adhesion to fibronectin (FN). In contrast, expression of another transmembrane receptor, αvβ5 integrin, does not affect cell adhesion to this ligand. We find that Trop-2 does not modulate either protein or activation levels of the prominent FN receptors, β1 integrins, but acts through increasing β1 association with the adaptor molecule RACK1 and redistribution of RACK1 to the cell membrane. As a result of Trop-2 expression, we also observe activation of Src and FAK, known to occur upon β1-RACK1 interaction. These enhanced Src and FAK activities are not mediated by changes in either the activity of IGF-IR, which is known to bind RACK1, or IGF-IR's ability to associate with β1 integrins. In summary, our data demonstrate that the transmembrane receptor Trop-2 is a regulator of PrCa cell adhesion to FN through activation of the β1 integrin-RACK1-FAK-Src signaling axis. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3670-3677, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It has been well characterized that flavonoids possess pronounced anticancer potentials including anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastasis, and pro-apoptosis. Herein, we report, for the first time, that VI-14, a novel flavonoid derivative, possesses anti-cancer properties. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-migration and anti-invasion activities of VI-14 in breast cancer cells. Our data indicate that VI-14 inhibits adhesion, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435 human breast cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 cells treated with VI-14 display reduced activities and expressions of ECM degradation-associated proteins including matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9) at both the protein and mRNA levels. Meanwhile, VI-14 treatment induces an up-regulated expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and 2 (TIMP-2) in MDA-MB-231 cells. Western blotting results show that phosphorylation levels of critical components of the MAPK signaling pathway, including ERK, JNK and P38, are dramatically decreased in VI-14-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, treatment of VI-14 significantly decreases the nuclear levels and the binding ability of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1). Taken together, our data suggest that VI-14 treatment suppresses migration and motility of breast cancer cells, and VI-14 may be a potential compound for cancer therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Articular cartilage undergoes severe loss of proteoglycan and its constituent glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in osteoarthritis. We hypothesize that the low GAG content of osteoarthritic cartilage renders the tissue susceptible to pathological vascularization. This was investigated using an in vitro angiogenesis model assessing endothelial cell adhesion to GAG-depleted cartilage explants. Bovine cartilage explants were treated with hyaluronidase to deplete GAG content and then seeded with fluorescently tagged human endothelial cells (HMEC-1). HMEC-1 adherence was assessed after 4 hr and 7 days. The effect of hyaluronidase treatment on GAG content, chondrocyte viability, and biochemical composition of the extracellular matrix was also determined. Hyaluronidase treatment reduced the GAG content of cartilage explants by 78 ± 3%% compared with that of controls ( p < 0.0001). GAG depletion was associated with significantly more HMEC-1 adherence on both the surface (superficial zone) and the underside (deep zone) of the explants (both p < 0.0001). The latter provided a more favorable environment for extended culture of HMEC-1 compared with the articulating surface. Hyaluronidase treatment altered the immunostaining for chondroitin sulfate epitopes, but not for lubricin. Our results support the hypothesis that articular cartilage GAGs are antiadhesive to endothelial cells and suggest that chondroitin sulfate and/or hyaluronan are responsible. The loss of these GAGs in osteoarthritis may allow osteochondral angiogenesis resulting in disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular inflammation process has been suggested to be an important risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Recently we reported that induction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) selectively inhibits vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) but not intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In this study, we investigated whether genipin inhibits expression of cellular adhesion molecules, which is relevant to inflammation. Pretreatment with genipin reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and expression of VCAM-1, but not ICAM-1 in TNF-α-activated HUVEC. Genipin dose- and time-dependently increased PPAR-γ expression and inhibited TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of Akt and PKC with different degrees. Finally, genipin prevented TNF-α-induced adhesion of U937 monocytic cells to HUVEC. Taken together, these results indicate that upregualtion of PPAR-γ by genipin selectively inhibits TNF-α-induced expression of VCAM-1, in which regulation of Akt and/or PKC play a key role. We concluded that genipin can be used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, three recombinant mojastin peptides (Moj-WN, Moj-NN, and Moj-DM) were produced and compared functionally. Recombinant Moj peptides were purified as GST-fusions. GST-Moj-WN and GST-Moj-NN inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in platelet rich plasma. The GST-Moj-WN had an IC50 of 160nM, while the GST-Moj-NN had an IC50 of 493nM. The GST-Moj-DM did not inhibit platelet aggregation. All three GST-Moj peptides inhibited SK-Mel-28 cell adhesion to fibronectin. The GST-Moj-WN inhibited the binding of SK-Mel-28 cells to fibronectin with an IC50 of 11nM, followed by the GST-Moj-NN (IC50 of 28nM), and the GST-Moj-DM (IC50 of 46nM). The GST-Moj peptides’ ability to induce apoptosis on SK-Mel-28 cells was determined using Annexin-V-FITC and nuclear fragmentation assays. Cells were incubated with 5μM GST-Moj peptides for 24h. At 5μM GST-Moj-DM peptide, 13.56%±2.08 of treated SK-Mel-28 cells were in early apoptosis. The GST-Moj-DM peptide also caused nuclear fragmentation as determined by fluorescent microscopy and Hoechst staining. The GST-Moj-WN and GST-Moj-NN peptides failed to induce apoptosis. We characterized the SK-Mel-28 integrin expression, as the first step in determining r-Moj binding specificity. Our results indicate that SK-Mel-28 cells express αvβ3, αv, α6, β1, and β3 integrin receptors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the polysaccharides of Ginkgo biloba leaves (PGBL) by inhibiting leucocyte adhesion. Methods: The rough PGBL were isolated and purified. The anti-inflammatory effects of purified PGBL (p-PGBL) were assayed by ear edema induced by xylol and the acute peritonitis model in mice. The effect of p-PGBL on inhibiting the interaction between P-selectin and its ligands was investigated by flow cytometry and flow chamber. Results: p-PGBL could effectively inhibit the acute inflammation in mice and interfere with the adhesion of HL-60 cells, a human leukaemia cell line, or neutrophils to P-selectin in static conditions, as well as the adhesion of neutrophils to Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human P-selectin and human umbilical vein endothelial cells in flow conditions in a dose-dependant manner. Conclusions: p-PGBL can inhibit the inflammatory process through interfering with the interaction between P-selectin and its ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human amniotic fluid contains a variety of glycoproteins. Several of these substances have been shown to exert immunomodulatory effects. Glycodelin, previously known as placental protein 14, is one of these glycoproteins. It has a unique carbohydrate configuration, consistent with fucosylated LacdiNAc structures that are very unusual for mammals. Oligosaccharides with fucosylated LacdiNAc antennae have previously been shown to block selectin-mediated cell adhesion. Another glycoprotein, human transferrin, is also present in amniotic fluid in relatively high concentrations. This transferrin shows a different glycosylation compared with serum transferrin. Amniotic fluid transferrin carries sialylated Lewis X antigens. Glycodelin and transferrin were isolated from amniotic fluid and for comparison from serum of pregnant women by chromatographic methods. The purified proteins were used as ligands to block E-selectin-mediated HepG2 cell adhesion. Two types of binding assays with distinct receptor accommodations (immobilised E-selectin and activated HUVECs) were used to quantify inhibition efficiencies of the different proteins. We found that glycodelin is a strong inhibitor with a 103-fold potency compared to the monovalent tetrasaccharide sialyl Lewis X whereas the potency of transferrin is rather low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (TF) is a pancarcinoma marker which is involved in the development of liver metastasis by binding tumour cells to the asialoglycoprotein receptor on hepatocytes. Blocking of this receptor prevents metastasis under certain circumstances. We report on conditions for an effective inhibition of the adhesion of KG-1 leukaemia cells expressing TF by lactosylated liposomes. In order to reach strong inhibition, carbohydrate blocking probes must be multivalent. Glycoliposomes are able to carry a large number of glycolipids accommodated in the lipid bilayer. They should be able to adapt their glycolipid pattern in order to achieve multiple binding. We found that, in addition to the number of carbohydrates on the liposome surface, their size, and probably the arrangement of neutral glycolipids in clustered domains, determine the inhibitory properties of glycoliposomes. Copyright © 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wetting of Ti6Al4V is modified by ion irradiation. • Pitting in HF after selective irradiation leads to nanotopographic contrasts. • Concentration/surface tension of HF electrolyte influence Ti6Al4V etching. • Etching in HF increases surface concentration of alumina. • Pitting conditioned adhesion leads to ensheathing glia cell polarization. We have modified Ti6Al4V at the micro and nanoscale by using ion beam irradiation with 5 MeV Si+ ions through 1D micromasks. The passivation layer on irradiated areas inhibits hydrofluoric acid induced etching, leading to pitting contrasts. Surface microscopies and spectroscopies reveal that the nanotopographic modification correlates with a preferential titanium etching, and lead to dual surface free energy properties. The patterns are able to induce guidance of olfactory ensheathing glia cells, mainly through inhibition of adhesion on nanostructured areas, and could be attractive substrates for the induction of stimuli to neural cells under non voltaic polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LRRTM4 is a transsynaptic adhesion protein regulating glutamatergic synapse assembly on dendrites of central neurons. In the mouse retina, we find that LRRTM4 is enriched at GABAergic synapses on axon terminals of rod bipolar cells (RBCs). Knockout of LRRTM4 reduces RBC axonal GABA A and GABA C receptor clustering and disrupts presynaptic inhibition onto RBC terminals. LRRTM4 removal also perturbs the stereotyped output synapse arrangement at RBC terminals. Synaptic ribbons are normally apposed to two distinct postsynaptic "dyad" partners, but in the absence of LRRTM4, "monad" and "triad" arrangements are also formed. RBCs from retinas deficient in GABA release also demonstrate dyad mis-arrangements but maintain LRRTM4 expression, suggesting that defects in dyad organization in the LRRTM4 knockout could originate from reduced GABA receptor function. LRRTM4 is thus a key synapse organizing molecule at RBC terminals, where it regulates function of GABAergic synapses and assembly of RBC synaptic dyads. • LRRTM4 is at presynaptic inhibitory synapses on retinal rod bipolar axon terminals • LRRTM4 regulates GABA A and GABA C synapse clustering and function at rod bipolar axons • Arrangement of synaptic ribbons at dyad configurations is disrupted without LRRTM4 • Impaired GABAergic input onto bipolar terminals could underlie dyad mis-arrangements Sinha et al. show that the transsynaptic adhesion protein LRRTM4 regulates assembly and function of GABAergic synapses on retinal rod bipolar axons. Impaired GABAergic input onto rod bipolar axons also disrupts the arrangement of ribbon sites at specialized two-partner dyad synapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The biological behavior of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is unique since EOC cells metastasize early to the peritoneum. Thereby, new anti-target agents designed to block trans-coelomic dissemination of EOC cells may be useful as anti-metastatic drugs. The Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) is overexpressed in EOC tissues, and its truncated forms released in sera and/or ascitic fluid are associated with poor prognosis and unfavorable clinical outcome. We documented that uPAR triggers intra-abdominal dissemination of EOC cells through the interaction of its 84–95 sequence with the Formyl Peptide Receptor type 1 (FPR1), even as short linear peptide Ser-Arg-Ser-Arg-Tyr (SRSRY). While the pro-metastatic role of uPAR is well documented, little information regarding the expression and role of FPR1 in EOC is currently available. Methods: Expression levels of uPAR and FPR1 in EOC cells and tissues were assessed by immunofluorescence, Western blot, or immunohystochemistry. Cell adhesion to extra-cellular matrix proteins and mesothelium as well as mesothelium invasion kinetics by EOC cells were monitored using the xCELLigence technology or assessed by measuring cell-associated fluorescence. Cell internalization of FPR1 was identified on multiple z-series by confocal microscopy. Data from in vitro assays were analysed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Dunnett t-test for multiple comparisons. Tissue microarray data were analyzed with the Pearson's Chi-square (χ2) test. Results: Co-expression of uPAR and FPR1 by SKOV-3 and primary EOC cells confers a marked adhesion to vitronectin. The extent of cell adhesion decreases to basal level by pre-exposure to anti-uPAR84–95 Abs, or to the RI-3 peptide, blocking the uPAR84–95/FPR1 interaction. Furthermore, EOC cells exposed to RI-3 or desensitized with an excess of SRSRY, fail to adhere also to mesothelial cell monolayers, losing the ability to cross them. Finally, primary and metastatic EOC tissues express a high level of FPR1. Conclusions: Our findings identify for the first time FPR1 as a potential biomarker of aggressive EOC and suggests that inhibitors of the uPAR84–95/FPR1 crosstalk may be useful for the treatment of metastatic EOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]