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Blood, 15 August 2007, Vol. 110, No. 4, pp. 1168-1177. Prepublished online as a Blood First Edition Paper on April 10, 2007; DOI 10.1182/blood-2007-01-066282. This Article Abstract Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: blood-2007-01-066282v1 110/4/1168    most recent Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Rights and Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Boosani, C. S. Articles by Sudhakar, A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Boosani, C. S. Articles by Sudhakar, A. Related Collections Hemostasis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology Signal Transduction Social Bookmarking                   What's this?  Previous Article  |  Table of Contents  |  Next Article  HEMOSTASIS, THROMBOSIS, AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY Regulation of COX-2–mediated signaling by 3 type IV noncollagenous domain in tumor angiogenesis Chandra Shekhar Boosani1, Arjuna P. Mannam2, Dominic Cosgrove3, Rita Silva4, Kairbaan M. Hodivala-Dilke4, Venkateshwar G. Keshamouni5, and Akulapalli Sudhakar1,6,7 1 Cell Signaling and Tumor Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE; 2 Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Hartford Hospital; 3 Gene Expression Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE; 4 Cancer Research UK, Cell Adhesion and Disease Laboratory, Richard Dimbleby Department of Cancer Research, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom; 5 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor; 6 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE; 7 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha    Abstract Top Abstract Introduction Materials and methods Results Discussion Authorship References   Human 3 chain, a noncollagenous domain of type IV collagen [3(IV)NC1], inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth. These biologic functions are partly attributed to the binding of 3(IV)NC1 to Vß3 and 3ß1 integrins. 3(IV)NC1 binds Vß3 integrin, leading to translation inhibition by inhibiting focal adhesion kinase/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mTOR/4E-BP1 pathways. In the present study, we evaluated the role of 3ß1 and Vß3 integrins in tube formation and regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) on 3(IV)NC1 stimulation. We found that although both integrins were required for the inhibition of tube formation by 3(IV)NC1 in endothelial cells, only 3ß1 integrin was sufficient to regulate COX-2 in hypoxic endothelial cells. We show that binding of 3(IV)NC1 to 3ß1 integrin leads to inhibition of COX-2–mediated pro-angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor by regulating IB/NFB axis, and is independent of Vß3 integrin. Furthermore, ß3 integrin–null endothelial cells, when treated with 3(IV)NC1, inhibited hypoxia-mediated COX-2 expression, whereas COX-2 inhibition was not observed in 3 integrin–null endothelial cells, indicating that regulation of COX-2 by 3(IV)NC1 is mediated by integrin 3ß1. Our in vitro and in vivo findings demonstrate that 3ß1 integrin is critical for 3(IV)NC1-mediated inhibition of COX-2–dependent angiogenic signaling and inhibition of tumor progression.    Introduction Top Abstract Introduction Materials and methods Results Discussion Authorship References   Tumor angiogenesis is a complex process consisting of endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, migration, vascular basement membrane reorganization, and new lumen (tube) formation.1–3 It is also required for a variety of physiopathologic processes, including development and wound-tissue regeneration.4,5 Because angiogenesis plays a predominant role in tumor growth and invasion, antiangiogenic molecules may have therapeutic potential in cancer.6,7 In the past decade, several antiangiogenic molecules have been identified from the vascular basement membrane and proteins such as angiostatin of plasminogen, which are circulating endogenously and may inhibit tumor growth.8–10 In addition, researchers identified that several new functions of the type IV collagen noncollagenous 1 domains (NC1) of certain -chains display antiangiogenic and antitumorogenic activity.11 The capacity of the exogenously supplemented 1(IV)NC1 and 2(IV)NC1 domains to inhibit tissue development in vivo was first described in Hydra vulgaris.12 The antiangiogenic and antitumorogenic activities of type IV collagen NC1 domains appear to be mediated by binding to integrins in ECs.11,13–16 These NC1 domains exert their antiangiogenic effects by direct binding to newly formed tumor vasculature or proliferating ECs, where they induce apoptosis or inhibit EC signaling.11,14,15,17–21 The mechanism of action of several of these NC1 domains is attributed to their specific interactions with different cell surface integrins.11,14–17,19,21–23 For example, 1(IV)NC1 binds to integrin 1ß1 and regulates hypoxia-associated factors in ECs.15,24 2(IV)NC1 binds to 1ß1, Vß3, and Vß5 integrins, and regulates antiangiogenic action by inhibiting PI3-K and promoting apoptosis.11,18–20 3(IV)NC1 binds to integrins Vß3 and 3ß1, and regulates PI3-K/4E-BP1 pathway.11,14,17,21 6(IV)NC1 regulates antiangiogenic actions by binding to integrin Vß3.11 Among all these type IV collagen NC1 domains, the 3(IV)NC1 domain is the best characterized with regard to its potent antiangiogenic properties. The signaling mechanisms by which these molecules regulate antitumorogenic activities in the hypoxic tumor bed are not known. In this study we have identified that recombinant 3(IV)NC1 protein binds to integrins Vß3 and 3ß1, and its antiangiogenic functions appear to be mediated by these 2 integrins. It was recently identified that integrin 3ß1, a nonclassical collagen-binding integrin, is a novel functional receptor for soluble 3(IV)NC1 and transdominantly inhibits the activation of Vß3 integrin in ECs.21 Similarly, integrin 3ß1 has been demonstrated to alter the functions of other integrins and also play a crucial role in kidney and lung organogenesis, and to regulate hair follicle development.25–28 Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-2) are known to block angiogenesis in models of tissue repair and in several solid tumor models.29–31 Because hypoxia-regulated COX-2 is a major stimulus for angiogenesis, the aim of this study was to determine the molecular mechanism(s) of 3(IV)NC1-mediated inhibition of hypoxia-induced COX-2 in mouse lung ECs (MLECs). Here we show that 3(IV)NC1 regulates expression of hypoxia-mediated COX-2 and its associated effector molecules in vitro and in vivo. We also show that 3ß1 (and not Vß3) integrin receptor binds to the 3(IV)NC1 domain and regulates COX-2–mediated signaling. Inhibition of COX-2 expression is observed in integrin ß3-null MLECs, and not in 3-null MLECs, when treated with 3(IV)NC1, supporting the hypothesis that this inhibition is mediated through integrin 3ß1. Thus, while both integrin 3ß1 and Vß3 are involved in the inhibition of tube formation mediated by 3(IV)NC1, integrin 3ß1 appears to play a key role in mediating the regulation of COX-2–mediated antitumorogenic activity of 3(IV)NC1 domain.    Materials and methods Top Abstract Introduction Materials and methods Results Discussion Authorship References   The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Boys Town National Research Hospital approved all procedures involving animals. Primary cow pulmonary artery ECs were purchased from Clonetech, San Diego, CA. SCC-PSA1/teratocarcinoma tumor cells were obtained from the ATCC (Manassas, VA). Anti-integrin antibodies antimouse Vß3, V, 3, ß1, ß3, and recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were purchased from R&D Systems (Minneapolis, MN). VEGF, bFGF, and COX-2 antibodies were from Santa Cruz Biotechnology (Santa Cruz, CA). Protein A Sepharose CL-4B beads were from Pharmacia. Antihuman Vß3, 3ß1, and integrin proteins were purchased from Chemicon (Temecula, CA). FAK (Santa Cruz Biotechnology), phosphorylated FAK (Tyr 397; Biosource), Akt, phosphorylated Akt (Ser473; New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA) were also purchased. Celecoxib (Celebrex) was purchased from Pfizer (New York, NY). NFB and IB- antibodies were purchased from Cell Signaling Technology (Danvers, MA). Phosphorylated IB- (Tyr42) antibody was purchased from ECM Biosciences (Versailles, KY). HRP-labeled secondary antibodies, IFN-, penicillin/streptomycin, and fibronectin (FN) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO). BD Martigel Martix (14.6 mg/mL) was purchased from BD Biosciences (San Jose, CA). Intracellular adhesion molecule-2 and rat antimouse CD31 were from PharMingen, San Diego, CA. Magnetic beads, Dynabeads M-450, were from Dynal, Oslo, Norway. Ham F-12, DME—Low-Glucose, heparin (Pierce, Rockford, IL), and endothelial mitogen were from Biomedical Technologies (Stoughton, MA). Affinity matrix (Ni-NTA Agarose) was from Qiagen (Valencia, CA). Fetal bovine serum was purchased from Fisher Scientifics (Houston, TX). ECL Kit was from Amersham Biosciences (Buckingham, United Kingdom). Tetramethyl rhodamin–conjugated secondary antibodies were from Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, ME). Red blood cell lysis solution (pure gene), 8-chamber slides, and transwell were from Nalgene Nunc International, Naperville, IL. Vectashield antifade mounting medium was purchased from Vector Laboratories (Burlingame, CA). Cell culture Wild-type or ß3 integrin–null MLECs were maintained in 40% Ham F-12, 40% DME–Low-Glucose, 20% fetal bovine serum supplemented with heparin, endothelial mitogen (Biomedical Technologies), glutamine, and penicillin/streptomycin (100 units/mL each). 3 integrin-null–immortalized ECs were maintained similar to MLECs with 20 U/mL of murine IFN- and cultured at 33°C for expansion, but required a shift to 37°C approximately 48 hours without IFN- for experimentation. Cow pulmonary artery ECs and SCC-PSA1 cells were maintained in Delbecco modified Eagle medium (DMEM) containing 10% fetal calf serum with penicillin and streptomycin (100 µg/mL each) at 37°C under a humidified mixture of air and CO2 (95%/5% v/v). Passages 2 to 6 of MLECs were used for experiments. Preparation of primary mouse lung ECs MLECs were isolated from 10- to 14-week-old wild-type or ß3 integrin–deficient mice. 3 integrin-null–immortalized ECs generated from newborn mice, which are SV40 large T-antigen–positive. Briefly, intracellular adhesion molecule-2 expressing MLECs were enriched using rat antimouse intracellular adhesion molecule-2 conjugated to magnetic beads. Primary MLECs were positive for the expression of endothelial-specific marker; VE-cadherin was at cell junctions as reported previously.15,32 Expression of recombinant 3(IV)NC1 The sequence encoding human 3(IV)NC1 was polymerase chain reaction-amplified using total RNA isolated from human placenta and Super Script One-Step (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction system supplemented with 5 units of Pfu polymerase per reaction. The forward primer (5'-CGCCATATGCCGTGGAGACAGTGGATC-3') and reverse primer (5'-GCGAGATCTTCAGTGTCTTTTCTTCATGCACA-3') sequences were modified to incorporate NdeI and BglII restriction sites and were used to amplify a 720-bp piece of DNA encoding 240 amino acids of a noncollagenous protein domain from 3 type IV collagen.33 Polymerase chain reaction amplification was performed in a PTC-100 Programmable Thermal Controller from MJ Research (Waltham, MA). Amplification was performed according to the instructions in reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction manual and the resulting amplicon was first cloned into pBSIISKP vector at EcoRV site and the recombinant clones were identified by blue-white selection. The recombinant clones were digested with NdeI and BglII to release the coding sequence for 3(IV)NC1, which was ligated into pAcHLT-A transfer vector (BD Biosciences PharMingen, San Diego, CA) predigested with the same restriction enzymes and the resulting recombinant transfer vector, pAcHLT-A/3(IV)NC1, was cotransfected into Sf-9 cells as previously reported.15,24,34,35 Cell adhesion assay Briefly, 96-well plates were coated with 3(IV)NC1 (10 µg/mL) overnight at 4°C. After 12 hours, nonspecific binding sites were blocked with 5% bovine serum albumin at 37°C for 2 hours. MLECs (1.5 x 105 cells/mL) were preincubated with indicated integrin antibodies (10 µg/mL) for 15 minutes and 100 µL of cell suspension were added to each well and incubated at 37°C for approximately 2 hours. The attached cells were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde, stained with 0.1% crystal violet, and lysed with 10% acetic acid. Cell adhesion was quantified by reading the plates at 595 nm with a microtiter plate reader as described previously.14–16,36 Proliferation assay A suspension of 7000 MLECs/well in a 96-well plate was used in proliferation assay. Cells were grown overnight in a 96-well plate precoated with fibronectin (10 µg/mL) under 0.5% fetal calf serum with penicillin/streptomycin. After 24 hours, the medium was replaced with medium containing 20% fetal calf serum with different integrin proteins (1 µM) with and without 3(IV)NC1 (1 µM). After 48 hours the cells were washed and stained with methylene blue as reported previously.8 Tube formation assay A suspension of 50 000 MLECs in EGM-2 medium without antibiotic was plated on top of the matrigel-coated wells. The cells were treated with or without 3(IV)NC1 or with and without 3ß1 or Vß3 and 3(IV)NC1 proteins (1.0 µM), as indicated in Figure 3. Phosphate-buffered saline in triplicate wells was used as control. Cells were incubated for 48 hours at 37°C and viewed using a Leitz Fluovert microscope as described previously.14,15 The average number of tubes formed in 3 independent experiments was showed. Cell lysis, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting MLECs were lysed for 30 minutes in ice-cold RIPA lysis buffer. After centrifugation, cleared supernatants were incubated for 2 hours at 4°C with continuous mixing with different integrin antibodies, or IgG coupled to protein A-Sepharose as reported previously.14,15,37 For immunoblotting, samples were separated using SDS-PAGE, transferred to nitrocellulose, blocked with 5% nonfat dry milk in Tris-buffered saline buffer, and probed with primary antibodies. Antibody binding was detected using peroxidase-labeled second antibody and enhanced luminescence (ECL) kit as described.15 Cell-signaling experiments For cell-signaling experiments, 106 MLECs were seeded into 10-cm2 dishes coated overnight with FN (10 µg/mL). According to the experimental protocol, the cells were preincubated with 3(IV)NC1 for 15 minutes. The cells were lysed and the cell extracts analyzed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting using antibodies specific to phosphorylated and unphosphorylated proteins as described previously.14,15 Cytology experiments MLECs were grown to 70% confluence, serum-starved, and stimulated with 5 ng/mL VEGF, 10 ng/mL bFGF, and seeded on FN-coated 8-chamber slides. The slides were exposed to hypoxia in the presence of 3(IV)NC1 (1 µM) for 60 minutes and fixed in –20°C acetone. Fixed cells were incubated with NFB p65 antibody for 60 minutes at room temperature, followed by incubation with secondary antibody. Nuclear translocations of NFB determined using a fluorescence confocal microscope (100x magnifications). Northern blot MLECs/cow pulmonary artery ECs were serum-starved for 24 hours, stimulated with 5 ng/mL VEGF, 10 ng/mL bFGF, treated with 3(IV)NC1 (1 µM), and seeded on FN-coated plates; cells were then exposed to hypoxia for 24 hours. Total RNA was isolated, and Northern transfer was performed according to manufacturer's instructions and probed with COX-2 and bFGF, as reported previously.38,39 Hypoxia experiments Wild-type, ß3, or 3 integrin-null ECs or cow pulmonary artery ECs (106) were serum-starved, trypsinized, and seeded on 10-cm FN-coated plates. Cells were exposed to hypoxia (oxygen concentration 0%-1%) using a modular incubator chamber (Billumps-Rothenberg; Del Mar, CA) in the presence of 3(IV)NC1 (1 µM), IFN- (50 units/mL), or COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (100 µM) for 12 to 24 hours in complete medium. Total cellular RNA and cytosolic extracts were prepared as previously reported.15,38 Immunohistochemical staining Briefly, 4-µm frozen tumor sections were fixed in 100% acetone for 3 minutes at –20°C and air-dried. The sections were incubated with primary antibodies (ie, rat antimouse CD31 and rat antimouse COX-2 antibodies) at room temperature for 60 minutes. The sections were subsequently washed with phosphate-buffered saline and incubated with tetramethyl rhodamine–conjugated secondary antibody at room temperature for 60 minutes. The staining was analyzed using a fluorescence microscope; Zeiss AX10 (Carl Zeiss, Sheerin Scientific, Shawnee, KS); after 60 minutes. In each group, the numbers of CD31-positive blood vessels were counted in 10 to 15 fields at 100x magnification in a blinded fashion as previously described.15 In vivo study of angiogenesis using matrigel plug assay Angiogenesis was measured in matrigel plugs (500 µL) containing heparin with and without bFGF or VEGF, and 3(IV)NC1 proteins were injected subcutaneously into the right and left sides of 12-week-old male 129/Sv mice at sites lateral to the abdominal midline. As a negative control, matrigel with heparin alone was injected in a similar manner. Animals were killed 6 days after matrigel injection. The matrigel plugs were recovered, and half of the control and the 3(IV)NC1–treated plugs from each group were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde or 10% formalin. The matrigel was embedded in paraffin and sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The other matrigel plugs were dispersed in phosphate-buffered saline and incubated at 4°C overnight. Hemoglobin levels were determined with Drabkin solution according to the instructions of the manufacturer. This assay was performed as previously described.40 In vivo tumor studies using 129/Sv mice Twenty male 6-month-old mice were used for this study. Mouse backs were shaved and 0.5 x 106 SCC-PSA1/teratocarcinoma cells were injected subcutaneously into the back of each mouse; 10 days after the injection, the mice were divided into 2 groups (10 each). For the experimental mice, 3(IV)NC1 was intravenously injected daily at 1 mg/kg per body weight or 30 µg per mouse, while only sterile phosphate-buffered saline was injected into the control mice. When control tumors reached 3.0 cm3, mice were killed and the tumor and other organs were frozen for histologic analysis as described previously.15,41 Measurement of circulating ECs Mouse blood was collected (400 to 500 µL) in EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)/heparin into microcentrifuge tubes. Plasma was separated and 300 µL of DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum was added to each tube. Red blood cells were removed with red blood cell lysis solution and the mixture was placed on 8-chamber slides. After a 6-hour incubation at 37°C, the attached ECs were stained with anti-VEGFR2 or CD31 antibody. The positive cells were counted under the fluorescence microscope in 10 fields at a magnification of 200x as described previously.15 Statistical analysis Statistical differences between control and 3(IV)NC1-treated tumor groups were calculated using Student t test or Welch t test. ANOVA was used to determine statistical differences among the groups. As needed, further analysis was performed using t test with conferring correction to identify significant differences. P less than .001 was considered statistically significant.    Results Top Abstract Introduction Materials and methods Results Discussion Authorship References   Identification of 3ß1 and Vß3 as functional integrin receptors for 3(IV)NC1 3(IV)NC1 was shown to be an antiangiogenic molecule with significant antitumor activity.11 3(IV)NC1 interacts with several integrins on ECs, including Vß3, CD47/integrin-associated protein, 5ß1, Vß5, and 3ß1, and it has been postulated that these interactions may mediate its antiangiogenic activity.11,16,21,42,43 We therefore performed integrin-binding experiments to characterize the functional roles of Vß3 and 3ß1 integrins in mediating the distinct antiangiogenic/antitumorogenic properties of 3(IV)NC1 in ECs. Binding of ECs to 3(IV)NC1-coated plates was inhibited by blocking with antibodies specific for ß1, ß3, 3+ß1, Vß3, or ß1+ß3 integrins, whereas no significant affect was observed using blocking antibodies specific for V, 3, and 1, confirming that 3(IV)NC1 is not binding to these integrin subunits (Figure 1A). We have further confirmed that soluble 3ß1 and Vß3 integrin proteins could bind to 3(IV)NC1 precoated culture plates and subsequently inhibit attachment of ECs to 3(IV)NC1 (data not shown). These experiments confirm that integrins 3ß1 and Vß3 may serve as functional receptors for the 3(IV)NC1 molecule. Binding of ECs to 3(IV)NC1-coated plates was significantly inhibited by 3+ß1 and Vß3 integrin antibodies, whereas 5ß1 or 1ß1 or 2ß1 integrin antibodies had no significant effect (data not shown). Preincubation of ECs with 3ß1, Vß3, or 3ß1+Vß3 integrin proteins has no significant effect on proliferation, whereas preincubation of ECs with 3(IV)NC1 significantly decreased proliferation of ECs (Figure 1B). In the same experiment, addition of equimolar concentrations of soluble 3ß1, Vß3, or 3ß1+Vß3 integrin proteins captured 3(IV)NC1 and reversed the inhibition of ECs proliferation (Figure 1B). These results support the hypothesis that the antiproliferative action of 3(IV)NC1 is mediated by 3ß1 and Vß3 integrins, suggesting that 3ß1 and Vß3 integrins are functional receptors for 3(IV)NC1. 3(IV)NC1 binding to 3ß1 and Vß3 integrins was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation experiments (Figure 1C-I). View larger version (59K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 1. Blocking of integrin ß1 and ß3 inhibits adhesion to 3(IV)NC1 domain. (A) Cell adhesion assay. MLECs were seeded onto a 96-well plate coated with 3(IV)NC1 in the presence of the indicated integrin antibodies and cell adhesion was evaluated. Values are means (± the standard error of the mean [SEM]) of triplicate wells. Differences between 3 independent experiments control IgG and various integrin antibodies treated cells binding were significant. *P < .05 and **P < .01. (B) Proliferation assay. Similar to panel A, cells were preincubated with indicated integrin proteins with and without 3(IV)NC1 and cell proliferation was evaluated. The results are shown as mean (± the standard error of the mean [SEM]) *P < .05, 3(IV)NC1 without vs with 3ß1 and Vß3 integrins. **P < .008, 3(IV)NC1 without vs with 3ß1 + Vß3 integrins together. (C-I) Identification of 3(IV)NC1 functional binding integrins. MLECs were treated with 3(IV)NC1 for approximately 6 hours and extracts were immunoprecipitated with anti-3(IV)NC1 antibody or control IgG. Immunoprecipitates were fractionated by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotted with anti-3(IV)NC1, V, 3, ß3, ß1, 1, and 5 antibodies. Crude cell lysate was used as a positive control.   3(IV)NC1 binds to 3ß1 and Vß3 integrins and regulates tube formation in ECs cultured on matrigel We tested the antiangiogenic activity of 3(IV)NC1 by tube formation assay using ECs cultured on matrigel. Tube formation involves EC migration, proliferation, and survival.44 Addition of 3(IV)NC1 significantly inhibited ECs tube formation on matrigel matrix (Figure 2A; 3(IV)NC1). Preincubation of cells with 3ß1-integrin protein had no effect on tube formation (Figure 2A 3ß1). Preincubation of ECs with equimolar mixture of 3ß1 and 3(IV)NC1 protein, reversed the inhibitory affect of 3(IV)NC1 by 50% (Figure 2A 3(IV)NC1+3ß1). Preincubation of ECs with Vß3-integrin protein had no effect, whereas preincubation of ECs with equimolar mixtures of Vß3 integrin and 3(IV)NC1 protein reversed the inhibition of tube formation action of 3(IV)NC1 by 45% (Figure 2A 3(IV)NC1+Vß3). These results confirm that the antiangiogenic/antitumorogenic action of 3(IV)NC1 may be mediated through Vß3 and 3ß1 integrins. To further confirm this observation, ECs were preincubated with equimolar mixtures of Vß3 and 3ß1-integrin proteins, which had no effect on tube formation, whereas preincubation of ECs with equimolar mixture of 3ß1+Vß3 integrins and 3(IV)NC1 protein reversed the tube formation inhibitory action of 3(IV)NC1 by 90%, suggesting that the 2 integrins function additively in the tube formation assay (Figure 2A; 3ß1+Vß3+3(IV)NC1). Such reversal of inhibition is not observed with soluble 5ß1 integrin and 3(IV)NC1 proteins in tube formation (data not shown). The number of tubes formed in 3 independent experiments are shown in the graph (Figure 2B). View larger version (50K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 2. Tube formation assays. (A) Tube formation assay on matrigel was studied with or without 3(IV)NC1 and with different integrins (3ß1, Vß3, or 3ß1+Vß3), with and without 3(IV)NC1 protein. Tube formation was evaluated after 48 hours using a Leitz Fluovert microscope (100x/1.25 NA), and representative fields were shown. Images were captured using a Flex Digital IEEE-1394 camera (Sheerin Scientific) and processed using SPOT advanced imaging software version 3.1.0 (Diagnostic Instruments, Sterling Heights, MI) and Adobe Photoshop 7.0 (Adobe, Redmond, WA). (B) Tube assay graphical representation. Average number of tubes formed (% values, with error bars indicating SEM) in 3 independent experiments is shown in the graph.   Vß3 and 3ß1 integrin-dependent regulation of FAK and Akt phosphorylation by 3(IV)NC1 We investigated the role of 3ß1/Vß3 integrin and its effector kinase, focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Akt, in 3(IV)NC1-mediated antiangiogenic functions in ECs. We observed that 3(IV)NC1 treatment leads to inhibition of sustained FAK/Akt phosphorylation on FN matrix (Figure 3A,B, lanes 3 and 5). Preincubation of ECs with equimolar mixtures of 3ß1 and 3(IV)NC1 proteins on a FN matrix reversed the inhibitory action of 3(IV)NC1 on sustained FAK phosphorylation by 45% to 50% (Figure 3C, lanes 4 and 5). Preincubation of ECs with equimolar mixtures of Vß3 integrin and 3(IV)NC1 protein on a FN matrix did not reverse the sustained inhibitory action of 3(IV)NC1 on phosphorylation of FAK completely (Figure 3D, lane 4 and 5). To further test whether these 2 integrins are acting together in the regulation of 3(IV)NC1 antiangiogenic action, we preincubated ECs with equimolar mixtures of soluble Vß3+3ß1 integrin proteins with 3(IV)NC1 and seeded them on FN-coated plates for 30 to 60 minutes. We found that the presence of soluble integrins as competitive inhibitors lead to complete reversal of the inhibition of sustained FAK phosphorylation on FN matrix (Figure 3E, lanes 4 and 5). In contrast, sustained activation of FAK in ECs was not affected by Vß3 or 3ß1, or Vß3+3ß1 (data not shown). These results suggest that 3ß1 and Vß3 integrins are essential for 3(IV)NC1 function in ECs. Similar results of Akt and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase phosphorylation inhibition reversal was observed when cells were treated with 3ß1+Vß3+3(IV)NC1 (data not shown). These results suggest that 3(IV)NC1 binding to 3ß1 and Vß3 integrins inhibits FAK downstream signaling. View larger version (52K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 3. FAK and AKT phosphorylation. Serum-starved wild-type MLECs were plated on FN-coated dishes in incomplete medium (ICM) supplemented with and without 3(IV)NC1 or 3ß1+3(IV)NC1 or Vß3+3(IV)NC1, or 3ß1+Vß3+3(IV)NC1, for 0 to 60 minutes and cytosolic extracts were analyzed by Western immunoblotting. (A) Immunoblots of phosphorylated FAK (p-FAK, upper blot) and total signaling FAK protein (FAK, lower blot). (B) Phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT, upper blot) and total signaling AKT protein (AKT lower blot). (C-E) Similar to panels A and B but with and without 3(IV)NC1 or 3ß1+3(IV)NC1, or Vß3+3(IV)NC1, or 3ß1+Vß3+3(IV)NC1. (F-H) Regulation of IB- and NFB in ECs by 3(IV)NC1. (F) Hypoxic cell extracts were immunoblotted with phosphorylated IB- (p-IB-, upper blot) and total IB- protein (lower blot). (G) Nuclear translocations of NFB staining in MLECs were determined using a Zeiss LSM 510 Meta Confocal microscope (Carl Zeiss) with a Plan-Neo 63x/1.4 NA objective lens. Images were captured using a Flex Digital IEEE-1394 camera (Sheerin Scientific), and processed using SPOT advanced imaging software version 3.1.0 (Diagnostic Instruments) and Adobe Photoshop 7.0 (Adobe). (H) Immunoblots of cytosolic and nuclear extracts showing the NFB translocation.   Effect of 3(IV)NC1 on NFB and COX-2–mediated cell signaling Integrins transduce biochemical signals across the cell membrane (outside-in signaling) via activation of intracellular signaling pathways, which include phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase or mitogen-activated protein kinase family members.14,15 Activation of cytosolic kinases by integrin-linked transmembrane signaling leads to activation of NFB to regulate gene expression and cell survival.45 Here, we examined the role of the NFB signaling cascade in 3(IV)NC1-mediated inhibition of cellular functions when cells were cultured on FN matrices in hypoxic conditions. Attachment of MLECs to FN via 3ß1/Vß3 integrins activated the FAK/Akt pathway. Pretreatment of MLECs with 3(IV)NC1 before plating on FN matrix inhibited the sustained phosphorylation of IB-1 (Figure 3F top panel). ECs exposed to hypoxia in the presence of 3(IV)NC1 (1 µM) for 60 minutes inhibited NFB nuclear translocation (Figure 3G,H; 3(IV)NC1). Additional experiments were designed to address whether regulation of NFB activation by 3(IV)NC1 regulates other hypoxia factors such as COX-2, bFGF, and VEGF, which are key players in tumor angiogenesis. Cultured ECs, when treated with 3(IV)NC1 under hypoxic conditions, showed inhibition of COX-2 mRNA expression (Figure 4A). Similarly, Western blot analysis of cytosolic extracts revealed that 3(IV)NC1 treatment inhibited COX-2 protein expression in hypoxic ECs (Figure 4B). Surprisingly, 3(IV)NC1 inhibits COX-2 expression in ß3 integrin-null MLECs, suggesting that 3(IV)NC1 regulation of COX-2 expression is independent of Vß3 integrin (Figure 4C). These results were further confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of 3(IV)NC1 binding to ß3 integrin-null MLECs and inhibiting COX-2 expression (Figure 4D). Furthermore, 3(IV)NC1 inhibited upregulation of bFGF mRNA and protein levels in response to hypoxia in cow pulmonary artery ECs (Figure 4E,F). COX-2 mediated upregulation of VEGF expression in hypoxic ECs was also modulated by 3(IV)NC1 (Figure 4G). To further conform that the regulation of COX-2 expression depends on 3ß1 integrin, 3 integrin-null ECs were treated with 3(IV)NC1, and it was observed that COX-2 expression was not affected (Figure 4H; 12 and 24 hours treated with 3(IV)NC1). These results confirm that COX-2 expression is mediated by 3(IV)NC1 through 3ß1 integrin. View larger version (64K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 4. Regulation of COX-2–mediated signaling by 3(IV)NC1 in hypoxic ECs. (A) Autoradiogram showing expression of COX-2 mRNA on 3(IV)NC1 treatment. Celecoxib was used as a positive control. (B) Western immunoblot of MLEC extracts using antibodies specific to COX-2. (C) ß3 integrin-null MLEC extracts were analyzed by Western blotting using antibodies specific to COX-2. (D) MLECs treated with and without 3(IV)NC1 were exposed to hypoxia for approximately 12 hours and stained with COX-2 antibody. Images were viewed using a Zeiss AX10 microscope (Carl Zeiss) with a 40x/0.75 NA objective lens, captured using a Flex Digital IEEE-1394 camera (Sheerin Scientific), and processed using SPOT advanced imaging software version 3.1.0 (Diagnostic Instruments) and Adobe Photoshop 7.0 (Adobe). (E) Autoradiogram showing expression of bFGF mRNA on 3(IV)NC1 treatment in cow pulmonary artery ECs. The top half of the autoradiogram (0.475 bFGF probe) shows inhibition of expression of bFGF mRNA on treatment with 3(IV)NC1 or IFN- (positive control). (F,G) Similar to panel B, cow pulmonary artery ECs and MLEC extracts were immunoblotted with antibodies specific for bFGF and VEGF. (H) 3 integrin-null ECs were treated with 3(IV)NC1 and exposed to hypoxic conditions and cell extracts were immunoblotted with COX-2 antibody. 18S RNA (A,E) and actin (B,C,F-H) levels were shown as loading controls.   Regulation of VEGF-induced and bFGF-induced neovascularization by 3(IV)NC1 We evaluated the effects of 3(IV)NC1-regulated VEGF-mediated and bFGF-mediated angiogenesis in vivo using matrigel matrix plugs in 129/Sv mice. In vivo matrigel plugs containing VEGF and bFGF were used to assess the role of 3(IV)NC1 in inhibiting growth factor-induced neovascularization. 3(IV)NC1 significantly inhibited (nearly 88%) VEGF-induced and bFGF-induced neovascularization in the matrigel plugs in mice (Figure 5A). The number of blood vessels were as follows: VEGF+3(IV)NC1, 6.45 (± 0.35); bFGF+1(IV)NC1, 7.25 (± 0.25); and controls, VEGF, 30.5 (± 3); bFGF, 32 (± 1.5, Figure 5B). The hemoglobin contents in VEGF control were 8.5 g/dL (± 1.3 g/dL, n = 6) or bFGF control 7.8 g/dL (± 1.5 g/dL,n = 6; Figure 5C). In contrast, the hemoglobin contents of VEGF+3(IV)NC1 treated was 1.95 g/dL (± 0.15 g/dL, n = 6) and bFGF+3(IV)NC1 treated was 1.75 g/dL (± 0.28 g/dL, n = 6; Figure 5C). These results suggest that 3(IV)NC1 inhibits VEGF-mediated and bFGF-mediated neovascularization. View larger version (51K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 5. In vivo matrigel plug and tumor angiogenesis in 129/Sv mice. (A) From left to right, control, bFGF, bFGF+3(IV)NC1, VEGF, VEGF+3(IV)NC1. E indicates ECs; M, matrigel; SM, smooth muscle. Scale bar: 40 µm. Arrows point to the blood vessels. The number of blood vessels in the matrigel plugs was counted in 10 fields at x200 magnification. Images were viewed using a Zeiss AX10 camera (Carl Zeiss) with a 100x/1.4 NA objective lens, captured using a Flex Digital IEEE-1394 camera (Sheerin Scientific), and processed using SPOT advanced imaging software 3.1.0 (Diagnostic Instruments) and Adobe Photoshop 7.0 (Adobe). (B,C) Number of blood vessels and Hb content quantification from panel A. The mean (± SEM) are shown. *P < .01, VEGF with vs without 3(IV)NC1. **P < .01, bFGF with vs without 3(IV)NC1. (D) The graph of the growth of mice tumors with and without 3(IV)NC1 injections. The results are shown as mean (± SEM). P < .005, tumor mice without 3(IV)NC1 injection as control group. (E) The average tumor weights of different groups shown in panel D. (F) Frozen sections (4-µm) from different tumor tissues were stained with anti-CD31 antibody and the number of CD31-positive blood vessels were counted. Blood vessel quantification results are shown as the mean (± SEM). *P < .005, mice with vs without 3(IV)NC1 treatment. (G) The circulating VEGFR2-positive cells in the blood of tumor-bearing mice, quantification results are shown as the mean (± SEM). *P < .005, mice with vs without 3(IV)NC1 treatment. (H) Frozen sections from different tumor tissues were stained with anti–COX-2 and CD31 antibodies, followed by FITC rhodamine-conjugated secondary antibodies. CD31 and COX-2 merged positive blood vessels were shown (arrow) in 6 fields at 200x magnification. Images were viewed, captured, and processed as described for panel A. Scale bar: 50 µm.   Regulation of tumor growth by 3(IV)NC1in 129/Sv mice Previously, several researchers reported that 3(IV)NC1 reduces the rate of tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo.11,23,46 Here we have examined the effect of COX-2 expression on tumor angiogenesis on 3(IV)NC1 treatment in tumor-bearing mice. Unlike earlier studies, in this study tumors were allowed to reach 150 mm3, and then 3(IV)NC1 was administered (30 µg/mouse) intravenously once per day. The control (untreated) mouse group demonstrated an increased rate of tumor growth, numbers of CD31-positive blood vessels, whereas the 3(IV)NC1-treated tumor mice demonstrated a regression of tumor growth and numbers of CD31-positive blood vessels (Figure 5D-H). Further circulating VEGFR2-positive ECs were also measured, and resulted in inhibition of circulating ECs on 3(IV)NC1 treatment (Figure 5G; 3(IV)NC1 treated). The possible integrin-mediated signaling regulated by 3(IV)NC1 in hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, affecting NFB activation and downregulating COX-2 and VEGF/bFGF expressions are shown in the illustration (Figure 6). View larger version (34K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 6. Schematic illustration of different signaling pathway mediated by 3(IV)NC1. 3(IV)NC1 binds to Vß3 and 3ß1 integrins and inhibit phosphorylation of FAK. Inhibition of FAK activation leads to inhibition of FAK/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/eIF4E/4E-BP1. In addition, 3(IV)NC1 also inhibits NFB-mediated signaling in hypoxic conditions leads to inhibition of COX-2/VEGF/bFGF expressions, resulting in inhibition of hypoxic tumor angiogenesis.      Discussion Top Abstract Introduction Materials and methods Results Discussion Authorship References   Collagen type IV 3 chain, noncollagenous domain (3(IV)NC1), was identified as an endogenous potent inhibitor of angiogenesis and tumor growth.11 Later researchers identified other domains from type IV collagen noncollagenous such as 1, 2, 3, and 6 that were also inhibitors of tumor angiogenesis.13,15,18–21,46,47 Understanding the mechanisms of action of these molecules is crucial for their potential therapeutic use. We identified that 3(IV)NC1 binds to 2 distinct integrins, Vß3 and 3ß1, in an FN-dependent manner and mediates its antiangiogenic activities by inhibiting EC tube formation and proliferation. This is consistent with the previous studies demonstrating that the antiangiogenic activity of 3(IV)NC1 is through Vß3 integrin-mediated inhibition of protein synthesis, specifically in ECs.15,17 Recently published evidence strongly supports that the antitumorigenic affects of the 3(IV)NC1 domain may also be mediated via integrin 3ß1, and that this integrin might alter Vß3-dependent cell function by transdominant activation or inhibition.21 In ECs, ligand binding to integrins induces phosphorylation of FAK, which serves as a platform for different downstream signals.14,15,48–50 3(IV)NC1 inhibits phosphorylation of FAK when ECs are plated on FN matrix.14 Similarly, we previously reported other collagen NC1 domain 1(IV)NC1 inhibiting phosphorylation of FAK on type IV collagen.15 Here we show inhibition of FAK phosphorylation was not completely reversed when 3(IV)NC1 was mixed with either purified Vß3 or 3ß1 integrin proteins and plated on FN matrix. Interestingly, inhibition of FAK phosphorylation was completely reversed when both Vß3 and 3ß1 integrins were mixed with 3(IV)NC1. These results suggest that both integrins are involved in 3(IV)NC1-mediated signaling through FAK. Downstream of FAK, Akt/PKB plays an important role in EC survival signaling.14,15,51 Therefore, it app