Syndecans promote integrin-mediated adhesion of mesenchymal cells in two distinct pathways.

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

Syndecans are transmembrane proteoglycans that support integrin-mediated adhesion. Well documented is the contribution of syndecan-4 that interacts through its heparan sulphate chains to promote focal adhesion formation in response to fibronectin domains. This process has requirements for integrin and signaling through the cytoplasmic domain of syndecan-4. Here an alternate pathway mediated by the extracellular domains of syndecans-2 and -4 is characterized that is independent of both heparan sulphate and syndecan signaling. This pathway is restricted to mesenchymal cells and was not seen in any epithelial cell line tested, apart from vascular endothelia. The syndecan ectodomains coated as substrates promoted integrin-dependent attachment, spreading and focal adhesion formation. Syndecan-4 null cells were competent, as were fibroblasts compromised in heparan sulphate synthesis that were unable to form focal adhesions in response to fibronectin. Consistent with actin cytoskeleton organization, the process required Rho-GTP and Rho kinase. While syndecan-2 and -4 ectodomains could both promote integrin-mediated adhesion, their pathways were distinct, as shown by competition assays. Evidence for an indirect interaction of beta1 integrin with both syndecan ectodomains was obtained, all of which suggests a distinct mechanism of integrin-mediated adhesion.
Original languageEnglish
JournalExperimental Cell Research
Volume313
Issue number18
Pages (from-to)3902-13
Number of pages11
ISSN0014-4827
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Bibliographical note

Keywords: Animals; COS Cells; Cell Adhesion; Cell Line; Cercopithecus aethiops; Endothelial Cells; Fibroblasts; Focal Adhesions; Heparitin Sulfate; Humans; Integrins; Jurkat Cells; Mesoderm; Mice; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Rats; Syndecan-2; Syndecan-4; rho-Associated Kinases

ID: 5160709