0000000000778164
AUTHOR
Jukka Westermarck
Integrin α2β1 Mediates Isoform-Specific Activation of p38 and Upregulation of Collagen Gene Transcription by a Mechanism Involving the α2 Cytoplasmic Tail
Two collagen receptors, integrins alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1, can regulate distinct functions in cells. Ligation of alpha1beta1, unlike alpha2beta1, has been shown to result in recruitment of Shc and activation of the Ras/ERK pathway. To identify the downstream signaling molecules activated by alpha2beta1 integrin, we have overexpressed wild-type alpha2, or chimeric alpha2 subunit with alpha1 integrin cytoplasmic domain in human osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2) lacking endogenous alpha2beta1. The chimeric alpha2/alpha1 chain formed a functional heterodimer with beta1. In contrast to alpha2/alpha1 chimera, forced expression of alpha2 integrin resulted in upregulation of alpha1 (I) collagen gene …
Transcription of α2 Integrin Gene in Osteosarcoma Cells Is Enhanced by Tumor Promoters
Integrin alpha2beta1 is a heterodimeric transmembrane receptor for collagens. In osteogenic cells the expression of alpha2beta1 integrin is induced by both Kirsten sarcoma virus and chemical transformation. The association of alpha2 integrin with transformed cell phenotype was studied further by testing the effects of two tumor promoters, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) and okadaic acid (OA), on human MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. TPA, an activator of protein kinase C, increased the cell surface expression of alpha2 integrin and the corresponding mRNA levels. Nuclear run-on assays indicated that TPA activated the transcription of alpha2 integrin gene. TPA also slightly increased the …