Fibrosarcoma Cell Line HT1080 Research Articles

Simvastatin, an HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor, Reduced the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (Gelatinase B) in Osteoblastic Cells and HT1080 Fibrosarcoma Cells

MMP-9 or Gelatinase B, a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family (MMPs), plays important roles in physiological events such as tissue remodeling and in pathological processes that lead to destructive bone diseases, including osteoarthritis and periodontitis. In addition to its effect on the increase of total bone mass, statin (an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) suppresses the expression of MMPs. In this study, we proposed that simvastatin reduces MMP-9 expression in osteoblasts and HT1080 fibrosarcoma cell line. Gelatin zymography, Western blot analysis and reverse transcriptase-PCR were used to investigate the effects of simvastatin on MMP-9 in primary calvaria cells, U2-OS osteosarcoma cells, and HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. The results from gelatin zymography and Western blot analysis revealed that simvastatin suppressed MMP-9 activity in these cells in concentration- and time-dependent manners. The effective concentrations of simvastatin were 100 – 500 nM, 5 – 15 μM, and 2.5 – 10 μM in primary calvaria, U2-OS, and HT1080 cells, respectively. Collectively, these results suggest that simvastatin is a potent drug for inhibition of MMP-9 expression in osteoblastic cells and HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells.

Constituents of the Vietnamese medicinal plant Streptocaulon juventas and their antiproliferative activity against the human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell line.

The methanolic extract of roots of Streptocaulon juventas, having shown strong antiproliferative activity against the highly metastatic human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell line, was subjected to activity-guided isolation to yield 16 cardenolides including five new ones, acovenosigenin A 3-O-beta-digitoxopyranoside (1), digitoxigenin gentiobioside (2), digitoxigenin 3-O-[O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-3-O-acetyl-beta-digitoxopyranoside] (3), digitoxigenin 3-O-[O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-digitalopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-cymaropyranoside] (4), and periplogenin 3-O-(4-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-beta-digitalopyranoside) (5), and two new hemiterpenoids, (4R)-4-hydroxy-3-isopropylpentyl beta-rutinoside (6) and (R)-2-ethyl-3-methylbutyl beta-rutinoside (7), together with two known phenylpropanoids and a known phenylethanoid. The isolated cardenolides strongly inhibited the proliferation of the HT-1080 cell line (IC(50) values, 54-1600 nM).

Expression and function of formyl peptide receptors on human fibroblast cells.

The migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from the blood to sites of infection in tissues is a hallmark of the innate immune response. Formylated peptides produced as a byproduct of bacterial protein synthesis are powerful chemoattractants for leukocytes. Formyl peptides bind to two different G protein-coupled receptors (formyl peptide receptor (FPR) and the low affinity formyl peptide receptor-like-1 (FPRL1)) to initiate a signal transduction cascade leading to cell activation and migration. Our analysis of expressed sequences from many cDNA libraries draws attention to the fact that FPRs are widely expressed in nonlymphoid tissues. Here we demonstrate that FPRs are expressed by normal human lung and skin fibroblasts and the human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080. The expression on fibroblasts of receptors for bacteria-derived peptides raises questions about the possible function of these receptors in nonleukocyte cells. We studied the function of FPRs on fibroblasts and find that stimulation with fMLP triggers dose-dependent migration of these cells. Furthermore, fMLP induces signal transduction including intracellular calcium flux and a transient increase in F-actin. The fMLP-induced adhesion and motility of fibroblasts on fibronectin require functional protein kinase C and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. This first report of a functional formyl peptide receptor in cells of fibroblast origin opens new possibilities for the role of fibroblasts in innate immune responses.

A novel matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, FYK-1388 suppresses tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis by human fibrosarcoma cell line

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are likely to contribute to tumor cell invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Several MMP inhibitors have been developed, recently and their anti-tumor efficacy is being evaluated in clinical trials. FYK-1388 is a novel broad MMP inhibitor which blocks the activity of MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, -13 and -14 (MT-MMP-1). It is especially effective against MMP-2 and -9 more so than other MMP inhibitors such as Marimastat, Ro 32-3555 and D-2163. Here, we investigated the anti-tumor efficacy of FYK-1388 using the human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080. These cells produced MMP-2 and -9, which FYK-1388 inhibited at a dose of 10(-8) M. FYK-1388 at 0.2 mg/mouse/day significantly suppressed tumor growth when given by s.c. injection for 22 days, experimental lung metastasis after 5 days s.c. injection and also suppressed tumor-induced angiogenesis in the dorsal air sac assay after 7 days s.c. injection. In the MTT assay, FYK-1388 had no effect on the in vitro growth of HT-1080 cells. These results suggest that FYK-1388 possesses anti-tumor efficacy as a result of inhibiting angiogenesis through the suppression of MMP-2 and -9 activity.

Real-time GFP imaging of spontaneous HT-1080 fibrosarcoma lung metastases.

Metastasis to the lung is often a lethal event in sarcoma as well as other cancers. We report here a new animal model of sarcoma enabling the external real-time fluorescence imaging of spontaneous lung metastasis. The human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080 was transduced with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. HT-1080-GFP cells were injected into the right hind footpad of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. The lung metastases were evaluated by whole-body fluorescence imaging as well as direct-view imaging in live animals through a skin-flap window over the chest wall. Spontaneous lung metastases were observed on the lungs of 11 of 12 mice. SCID mice well tolerated the skin-flap procedure enabling real-time imaging of spontaneous lung metastases with a resolution of approximately 50-100 microm. This procedure enabled external imaging at the micrometastasis level. Real-time evaluation of spontaneous lung metastasis in the same animals should allow drug evaluation and mechanistic studies not previously possible.

Analysis of the human integrin alpha11 gene (ITGA11) and its promoter.

Integrin alpha11beta1 is a collagen receptor which is expressed in a subset of mesenchymally-derived tissues during embryogenesis. Based on available human chromosome 15-derived sequences and genomic PCR, the complete exon structure of ITGA11, including the proximal promoter, was assembled into 30 exons. The inserted region (encoding amino acids 804-826) distinguishing alpha11 from other integrin alpha chains, was placed in the very beginning of exon 20. PCR data failed to show alternative splicing of RNA transcribed from this region. Using the oligo-capping technique a major transcription start site was mapped 30 nucleotides upstream of the translation start and identified as an abbreviated initiator sequence. Promoter sequence analysis in silico suggested the presence of multiple binding sites for transcription factors in the region upstream of the transcription start. 3 kb of the 5' flanking sequence was isolated and used to generate luciferase promoter constructs. In the fibrosarcoma cell line HT1080 a core promoter [nt (-)127-(+)25], a potential silencer region [nt (-)400-(-)127] and a potential enhancer region [nt (-)1519-(-)400], were identified as being important for alpha11 transcription in mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, studies of the promoter region will provide valuable information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the cell- and tissue- specific expression pattern of ITGA11.

Three new C-14 oxygenated taxanes from the wood of Taxus yunnanensis.

Three new C-14 oxygenated taxane-type diterpenes, hongdoushans A-C (1-3), were isolated from the wood of Taxus yunnanensis together with four known diterpenes and two lignans. The absolute stereochemistry of the 2-methylbutyryloxy group attached at C-14 of the taxane skeleton was determined to be S by GC analysis of the methyl ester of 2-methylbutyric acid obtained after alkaline hydrolysis of 1 and 4 followed by treatment with CH(2)N(2). The complete stereostructure of the known compound 2alpha,5alpha,10beta-triacetoxy-14beta-[(S)-2-methylbutyryloxy]-4(20),11-taxadiene (4) was established for the first time. The isolates obtained were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity toward murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell lines.

An ectopic human XIST gene can induce chromosome inactivation in postdifferentiation human HT-1080 cells.

It has been believed that XIST RNA requires a discrete window in early development to initiate the series of chromatin-remodeling events that form the heterochromatic inactive X chromosome. Here we investigate four adult male HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell lines expressing ectopic human XIST and demonstrate that these postdifferentiation cells can undergo chromosomal inactivation outside of any normal developmental context. All four clonal lines inactivated the transgene-containing autosome to varying degrees and with variable stability. One clone in particular consistently localized the ectopic XIST RNA to a discrete chromosome territory that exhibited striking hallmarks of inactivation, including long-range transcriptional inactivation. Results suggest that some postdifferentiation cell lines are capable of de novo chromosomal inactivation; however, long-term retention of autosomal inactivation was less common, which suggests that autosomal inactivation may confer a selective disadvantage. These results have fundamental significance for understanding genomic programming in early development.

Expression of laminin-5 enhances tumorigenicity of human fibrosarcoma cells in nude mice.

Laminin‐5 (LN5), which consists of laminin α3, β3 and γ2 chains, is a laminin isoform produced by various kinds of normal epithelial cells and tumor cells. Strong activity of LN5 in adhesion, migration and scattering of cells in vitro and its frequent detection in human tumor tissues have suggested a possible role of LN5 in the malignant growth of tumor cells. To examine whether LN5 affects the malignant potential of tumor cells, we prepared human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cell lines producing LN5 by transfecting a cDNA of laminin α3 chain into the parent cell line, which constitutively expressed the laminin β3 and γ2 chains. The exogenous α3 chain associated with the endogenous β3 and γ2 chains to secrete the LN5 heterotrimer that has strong cell‐scattering and cell adhesion activities. The HT1080 transfectants expressing LN5 efficiently adhered to culture dishes in a serum‐free condition as compared with control HT1080 cells, which secreted the monomers and heterodimer of the β3 and γ2 chains. When injected into nude mice subcutaneously, the HT1080 transfectants expressing LN5 grew faster and formed much larger tumors than the control cells. This suggests that LN5 promotes tumor growth in vivo.

Investigation of the role of Endo180/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein as a collagenase 3 (matrix metalloproteinase 13) receptor.

Procollagenase 3 can be activated by interaction with and cleavage by the cell-associated membrane type 1 metalloproteinase (MT1 MMP; MMP 14). It has also been shown to bind to a specific receptor, and is subsequently internalized via the low-density lipoprotein-related receptor by osteoblast cell lines. The receptor was identified as a recycling glycoprotein of the macrophage mannose receptor family, Endo180. In order to ascertain whether there is a relationship between Endo180 binding and procollagenase 3 activation, we have compared procollagenase 3 activation by an HT1080 fibrosarcoma cell line overexpressing MT1 MMP, without and with overexpression of Endo180. No difference in procollagenase 3 activation was observed, and neither was the enzyme bound to the cells or internalized. In contrast, the osteoblast cell lines, MG63 and UMR-106, both bound and internalized procollagenase 3. However, immunolocalization studies showed that the Endo180 abundantly expressed by these cells did not co-localize with the procollagenase 3. In further biochemical studies we confirmed that procollagenase 3 did not bind to Endo180, using both ligand- blotting and immunoprecipitation techniques. We conclude that Endo180 is unlikely to be a receptor for collagenase 3 in relation to either its activation or cell binding and internalization, and that other interaction partners must be sought.

Investigation of the role of Endo180/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein as a collagenase 3 (matrix metalloproteinase 13) receptor

Procollagenase 3 can be activated by interaction with and cleavage by the cell-associated membrane type 1 metalloproteinase (MT1 MMP; MMP 14). It has also been shown to bind to a specific receptor, and is subsequently internalized via the low-density lipoprotein-related receptor by osteoblast cell lines. The receptor was identified as a recycling glycoprotein of the macrophage mannose receptor family, Endo180. In order to ascertain whether there is a relationship between Endo180 binding and procollagenase 3 activation, we have compared procollagenase 3 activation by an HT1080 fibrosarcoma cell line overexpressing MT1 MMP, without and with overexpression of Endo180. No difference in procollagenase 3 activation was observed, and neither was the enzyme bound to the cells or internalized. In contrast, the osteoblast cell lines, MG63 and UMR-106, both bound and internalized procollagenase 3. However, immunolocalization studies showed that the Endo180 abundantly expressed by these cells did not co-localize with the procollagenase 3. In further biochemical studies we confirmed that procollagenase 3 did not bind to Endo180, using both ligand- blotting and immunoprecipitation techniques. We conclude that Endo180 is unlikely to be a receptor for collagenase 3 in relation to either its activation or cell binding and internalization, and that other interaction partners must be sought.

Bisphosphonates inhibit stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), matrix metalloelastase (MMP-12), collagenase-3 (MMP-13) and enamelysin (MMP-20), but not urokinase-type plasminogen activator, and diminish invasion and migration of human malignant and endothelial cell lines.

Bisphosphonates (clodronate, alendronate, pamidronate and zoledronate) at therapeutically attainable non-cytotoxic concentrations inhibited MMP-3, -12, -13 and -20 as well as MMP-1, -2, -8 and -9, but not urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), a serine proteinase and a pro-MMP activator. Dose-dependent inhibition was shown by three independent MMP assays. The inhibition was reduced in the presence of an increased concentration of Ca(2+) when compared to physiologic Ca(2+) concentration. Alendronate inhibited the in vitro invasion (Matrigel) of human HT1080 fibrosarcoma and C8161 melanoma cells, and the random migration of these malignant and endothelial cell lines capable of expressing MMPs and uPA. The concentration of alendronate required to inhibit 50% of the activity (IC(50)=40-70 microM) of MMPs corresponded to the IC(50) of down-regulation of in vitro invasion and migration. The ability of bisphosphonates to down-regulate the in vitro invasion and random migration was comparable or slightly better in relation to the selective gelatinase inhibitor CTTHWGFTLC peptide. Alendronate but not CTTHWGFTLC peptide promoted the adhesion of HT1080 fibrosarcoma and C8161 melanoma cell lines on fibronectin. Bisphosphonates are broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors and this inhibition involves cation chelation. Bisphosphonates further exert antimetastatic, anti-invasive and cell adhesion-promoting properties, which may prevent metastases not only into hard tissues but also to soft tissues.

Four highly oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes of Orthosiphon stamineus.

Four highly oxygenated isopimarane-type diterpenes, named orthosiphols O, P and Q and nororthosiphonolide A, have been isolated from the aerial parts of Orthosiphon stamineus from Myanmar, together with three known diterpenes, orthosiphols D and E and orthosiphonone A. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectral analysis. All the isolated compounds displayed mild antiproliferative activities against highly liver metastatic colon 26-L5 carcinoma and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell lines.

Importance of ECM remodeling clarified

Numerous papers in recent years have illustrated the importance of extracellular matrix remodeling for normal development. These remodeling events are carried out by matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) such as MMP-2 and MMP-9. The membrane-bound MT1-MMP appears to play a central role in the processing and activation of MMPs. One of the processes during embryogenesis that is dependent on the action of matrix metalloproteases is angiogenesis. Just as metalloproteases are required for growing tissues to establish vascular networks, the same proteases are needed when tumors establish a vasculature. Oh et al., in an elegant paper, identify RECK as a central regulator of matrix remodeling [1xThe membrane-anchored MMP inhibitor RECK is a key regulator of extracellular matrix integrity and angiogenesis. Oh, J. et al. Cell. 2001; 107: 789–800Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (440)See all References[1]. RECK is a GPI-anchored membrane protein with serine protease inhibitor activity, previously identified in an expression cloning strategy, which the authors have gone on to study by using gene targeting and tumor transplantation in mice.Inactivation of the RECK gene in mice leads to embryonic death at day 10.5. Analysis of the embryos reveals a smaller size, disarray of mesenchymal tissues and hemorrhage. Closer examination of blood vessels demonstrated defects in blood vessel maturation. In vitro studies of RECK function reveal that it inhibits the activity of MT1-MMP, thus indirectly also inhibiting other MMPs such as MMP-2 and MMP-9. Studies of cells from the RECK-deficient embryos intercrossed with MMP-2-deficient embryos support this mechanism of action as the lack of MMP-2 partly rescued the RECK phenotype. To analyze the importance of RECK for tumor angiogenesis, the fibrosarcoma cell line HT1080, with or without RECK, was transplanted into nude mice. The tumors derived from cells overexpressing RECK show reduced tumor vasculature sprouting, resulting in massive tumor death.The paper by Oh et al. thus indicates that tightly regulated matrix turnover is needed for embryonic development and tumor angiogenesis. When an inhibitor of a central MMP activator is lacking, too much ECM is degraded, leading to dysregulated development. However, when too much of the MMP inhibitor RECK is expressed in tumor cells, vessel sprouting cannot occur. These very interesting results shed light on the molecular mechanism of RECK, which thus appears to be a central regulator of MMPs and angiogenesis. The authors’ findings warrant a fresh look at novel therapeutic strategies in tumor biology, and we will surely hear more about RECK in the years to come.

Antiproliferative activity of the Netherlands propolis and its active principles in cancer cell lines

The MeOH extract of the Netherlands propolis showed promising antiproliferative activity toward highly liver-metastatic murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma with an EC 50 value of 3.5 μg/ml. Further, antiproliferative activity-guided purification of the MeOH extract led us to isolate four flavonoids ( 1– 4), seven cinnamic acid derivatives ( 5– 11) and two new glycerol derivatives ( 12, 13), whose structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. The isolated compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activity against murine colon 26-L5, murine B16-BL6 melanoma, human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma and human lung A549 adenocarcinoma cell lines. The benzyl ( 9), phenethyl ( 10) and cinnamyl caffeates ( 11) possessed potent antiproliferative activities with EC 50 values of 0.288, 1.76 and 0.114 μM, respectively, toward colon 26-L5 carcinoma. These caffeates were considered to be active constituents of the Netherlands propolis in their antiproliferative activity. The antioxidative activity of these caffeates may play an important role in their antiproliferative activities.

Secretion of gelatinases and activation of gelatinase A (MMP-2) by human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts.

In monolayer cultures human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts (HRSF) secrete gelatinase A (MMP-2) and, unlike other human fibroblasts, to a minor extent also gelatinase B (MMP-9) as inactive proenzymes. In this regard HRSF resemble the fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080. Unlike HT-1080, however, HRSF do not increase the secretion of MMP-9 in response to phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate. This indicates that in HRSF the protein kinase C pathway for an enhanced MMP-9 secretion is inactive. None of the substances used in our study increased MMP-9 secretion, but some of them inhibited MMP-9 secretion. The secretion of MMP-2 could not be enhanced either, not even by dbcAMP, which has been reported to be effective in Sertoli and peritubular cells. Activation of MMP-2 in HRSF could be induced by treatment with concanavalin A (ConA) or cytochalasin D, as was shown for other cell types. This activation was not accompanied by a significant change in the amount of secreted TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. In contrast to reports on human skin fibroblasts, however, the activation of MMP-2 could not be induced in HRSF by treatment of the cells with monensin or sodium orthovanadate. Moreover, monensin was shown to act as an inhibitor of ConA- or cytochalasin D-mediated activation. Additionally, and in contrast to a report on a rat fibroblast cell line, MMP-2 activation is not mediated via the MAP kinase pathway in HRSF: PD 98059, a specific inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase, did not inhibit the activation of MMP-2. Similarly ineffective were PD 169316, an inhibitor for p38 MAP kinase, other inhibitors for protein kinases as lavendustin A, Gö 6983, wortmannin, rapamycin, as well as the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors herbimycin A and genistein. Only staurosporin, a broad spectrum inhibitor of protein kinases, and the ionophores monensin and A 23187 effectively inhibited MMP-2 activation in HRSF. Our results demonstrate that MMP-2 can be activated by quite different pathways, and that different cells, even when belonging to the fibroblast family, do not necessarily use the same activating pathways.

Effects of HsRad51 Overexpression on Cell Proliferation, Cell Cycle Progression, and Apoptosis

Expression of the DNA repair and recombination protein human Rad51 (HsRad51) is increased in transformed cells and in cancer cell lines. In order to study the effects of acute HsRad51 ectopic overexpression on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis, we generated clones of the human fibrosarcoma cell line HT1080 carrying a HsRad51 transgene under a repressible promoter. The HsRad51-overexpressing cells showed decreased plating efficiency and growth rate in a dose-dependent manner with regard to the degree of overexpression. An accumulation of HsRad51-overexpressing cells in G2 was observed following release of cells after synchronization with double thymidine block. Moreover, the fraction of apoptotic cells measured by annexin V-FACS increased with the time of HsRad51 overexpression. In the light of these observations, sustained increased levels of HsRad51 may contribute to tumor progression by causing a selection for cells tolerant to the growth-suppressive and apoptosis-inducing effects of acute HsRad51 overexpression.

Five novel highly oxygenated diterpenes of Orthosiphon stamineus from Myanmar.

Five novel highly oxygenated diterpenes, orthosiphols K (1), L (2), M (3), and N (4) and norstaminone A (5), were isolated from the aerial part of Orthosiphon stamineus, together with three known diterpenes, orthosiphols A (6) and B (7) and neoorthosiphol A (8). Orthosiphol L (2) is an isopimarane-type diterpene with a hydroxyl group at C-12, which supports the biogenesis of staminane-type diterpenes, i.e., migration of a vinylic group from C-13 of isopimarane to C-12. Norstaminone A (5) has a staminane carbon framework and supports the biosynthetic pathway from staminols to norstaminols via staminolactones. All the isolated compounds showed mild to weak antiproliferative activities toward highly liver metastatic colon 26-L5 carcinoma and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell lines.

Evaluation of Prototype Transmembrane 4 Superfamily Protein Complexes and Their Relation to Lipid Rafts

Recent literature suggests that tetraspanin proteins (transmembrane 4 superfamily; TM4SF proteins) may associate with each other and with many other transmembrane proteins to form large complexes that sometimes may be found in lipid rafts. Here we show that prototype complexes of CD9 or CD81 (TM4SF proteins) with alpha(3)beta(1) (an integrin) and complexes of CD63 (a TM4SF protein) with phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PtdIns 4-K) may indeed localize within lipid raft-like microdomains, as seen by three different criteria. First, these complexes localize to low density light membrane fractions in sucrose gradients. Second, CD9 and alpha(3) integrin colocalized with ganglioside GM1 as seen by double staining of fixed cells. Third, CD9-alpha3beta1 and CD81-alpha3beta1 complexes were shifted to a higher density upon cholesterol depletion from intact cells or cell lysate. However, CD9-alpha3beta1, CD81-alpha3beta1, and CD63-PtdIns 4-K complex formation itself was not dependent on localization into raftlike lipid microdomains. These complexes did not require cholesterol for stabilization, were maintained within well solubilized dense fractions from sucrose gradients, were stable at 37 degrees C, and were small enough to be included within CL6B gel filtration columns. In summary, prototype TM4SF protein complexes (CD9-alpha3beta1, CD81-alpha3beta1, and CD63-PtdIns 4-K) can be solubilized as discrete units, independent of lipid microdomains, although they do associate with microdomains resembling lipid rafts.

Structural Requirement of Carboxyl-terminal Globular Domains of Laminin α3 Chain for Promotion of Rapid Cell Adhesion and Migration by Laminin-5

The basement membrane protein laminin-5, a heterotrimer of laminin alpha3, beta3, and gamma2 chains, potently promotes cellular adhesion and motility. It has been supposed that the carboxyl-terminal globular region of the alpha3 chain consisting of five distinct domains (G1 to G5) is important for its interaction with integrins. To clarify the function of each G domain, we transfected cDNAs for the full-length (wild type (WT)) and five deletion derivatives (DeltaGs) of the alpha3 chain into human fibrosarcoma cell line HT1080, which expressed and secreted the laminin beta3 and gamma2 chains but not the alpha3 chain. The transfectants with the alpha3 chain cDNAs lacking G5 (DeltaG(5)), G4-5 (DeltaG(4-5)), G3-5 (DeltaG(3-5)), and G2-5 (DeltaG(2-5)) secreted laminin-5 variants at levels comparable to that with WT cDNA. However, the transfectant with the cDNA without any G domains (DeltaG(1-5)) secreted little laminin-5, suggesting that the G domains are essential for the efficient assembly and secretion of the heterotrimer alpha3beta3gamma2. The transfectants with WT, DeltaG(5), and DeltaG(4-5) cDNAs survived in serum-free medium longer than those with DeltaG(3-5), DeltaG(2-5), and DeltaG(1-5) cDNAs. The transfectants with WT, DeltaG(5), and DeltaG(4-5) cDNAs secreted apparently the same size of laminin-5, which lacked G4 and G5 due to proteolytic cleavage between G3 and G4, and these laminin-5 forms potently promoted integrin alpha(3)beta(1)-dependent cell adhesion and migration. However, the laminin-5 forms of DeltaG(3-5) and DeltaG(2-5) hardly promoted the cell adhesion and motility. These findings demonstrate that the G3 domain, but not the G4 and G5 domains, of the alpha3 chain is essential for the potent promotion of cell adhesion and motility by laminin-5.