Establishing a Gingival Fibroblast Phenotype in a Perfused Degradable Polyurethane Scaffold: Mediation by TGF-β1, FGF-2, β1-Integrin, and Focal Adhesion Kinase Scientists investigated human gingival fibroblasts interaction within degradable/polar/hydrophobic/ionic polyurethane scaffolds under perfusion by examining the production and the spatial distribution of α-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen, the secretion of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) in the conditioned medium, with a goal of defining the mechanistic pathways affecting the production of these markers in the dynamic culture. [Biomaterials] Abstract Elevated Autocrine EDIL3 Protects Hepatocellular Carcinoma from Anoikis through RGD-Mediated Integrin Activation Epidermal growth factor-like repeats and discoidin I-like domains 3 (EDIL3), an extracellular matrix protein with angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, is abnormally highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Investigators analyzed its expression in liver and HCC tissues and investigated the underliying mechanisms in HCC progression. [Mol Cancer] Abstract | Full Article Dual Role of the Leukocyte Integrin αMβ2 in Angiogenesis Researchers investigated the role of β2 integrins in angiogenesis. Angiogenesis was analyzed in wild-type, αM-knockout, and αL-deficient mice using B16F10 melanoma, RM1 prostate cancer, and Matrigel implants. [J Immunol] Abstract Prostaglandin E2 Stimulates β1-Integrin Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through the EP1 Receptor/PKC/NF-κB Pathway Scientists investigated the effect of E prostanoid receptor-1 (EP1) receptor activation on β1-integrin expression and cell migration in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell migration increased by 60% in cells treated with 17-PT-PGE2, which was suppressed by pretreatment with a β1-integrin polyclonal antibody. [Sci Rep] Full Article Cilengitide Down-Modulates Invasiveness and Vasculogenic Mimicry of Neuropilin-1 Expressing Melanoma Cells through the Inhibition of αvβ5 Integrin Since the authors had previously identified neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), a co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor A, as an important determinant of melanoma aggressiveness, aims of this study were to identify the specific integrins involved in the highly invasive phenotype of NRP-1 expressing cells and to investigate their role as targets to counteract melanoma progression. [Int J Cancer] Abstract Specific Phosphorylations Transmit Signals from Leukocyte β2- to β1-Integrins and Regulate Adhesion Investigators elucidated in detail how signals are transmitted from leukocyte-function associated antigen-1 and show that, after its activation, the signaling involves specific phosphorylations of the β2-integrin followed by interactions with cytoplasmic signaling proteins. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article Matrix Stiffening and Beta1 Integrin Drive Subtype-Specific Fibroblast Accumulation in Lung Cancer The mechanical (i.e., matrix rigidity) and soluble mitogenic cues that drive the accumulation of tumor associated fibroblasts from major non-small cell lung cancer subtypes: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were dissected. [Mol Cancer Res] Abstract Inactivation of AMPK Mediates High Phosphate-Induced Extracellular Matrix Accumulation via NOX4/TGFß-1 Signaling in Human Mesangial Cells How high phosphate (Pi) levels contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in mesangial cells is unknown. Scientists investigated the role and mechanism of high Pi levels in ECM accumulation in immortalized human mesangial cells. [Cell Physiol Biochem] Full Article |