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  • Title: Activation of metalloproteinases and their association with integrins: an auxiliary apoptotic pathway in human endothelial cells.
    Author: Levkau B, Kenagy RD, Karsan A, Weitkamp B, Clowes AW, Ross R, Raines EW.
    Journal: Cell Death Differ; 2002 Dec; 9(12):1360-7. PubMed ID: 12478473.
    Abstract:
    Anchorage of cells to the extracellular matrix and integrin-mediated signals play crucial roles in cell survival. We have previously shown that during growth factor deprivation-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), key molecules in focal adhesions and adherens junctions are cleaved by caspases. In this study we provide evidence for a selective upregulation of cell-associated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We observe a physical association of MMP2 with beta1 and alphav integrins, which increased three- to fourfold during apoptosis and is dependent upon integrin beta1 levels and activation state. Both enforced activation of beta1 integrin by a specific antibody and inhibition of MMPs protect HUVECs from apoptosis. We hypothesize that, prior to the commitment to apoptosis, 'inside-out' signals initiated by the apoptotic stimulus alter cell shape together with the activation states and/or the availability of integrins, which promote matrix-degrading activity around dying cells. This 'auxiliary' apoptotic pathway may interrupt ECM-mediated survival signaling, and thus accelerate the efficient execution of the cell death program.
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