Non-integrin Collagen Receptor Research Articles

Advancement of DDR1 and DDR2 Inhibitors: Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds, Designing Strategies, and Structure‐Activity Relationship (SAR)

AbstractDDR1 and DDR2 are nonintegrin collagen receptors in the receptor tyrosine kinase family. Both DDRs bind to various collagen types and perform crucial functions in embryo development. DDRs are different from other receptor tyrosine kinases due to their interaction with extracellular matrix components and unusual activation kinetics. DDR regulates cell migration, survival, proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Dysregulated DDR function is linked to the advancement of several human illnesses, including fibrosis, arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. DDRs play a vital role in disease progression and development. Therefore, the use of DDR inhibitors represents a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly for disorders with limited therapy alternatives. In recent years, DDRs have been regarded as attractive targets for drug development, as evidenced by a significant rise in research in this field. The current review illustrates about recent advancement of small molecules, their designing strategies and structure‐activity relationship. The DDR inhibitors can contain various core structures such as pyrimidine, phthalazine, pyrazole, pyrazine, imidazo[1,2‐a]sspyrazine, quinazoline, and thieno[3,2‐b]pyridin‐7‐yl derivatives. Furthermore, based on the constructive analysis of the published derivatives, we found that the majority of the powerful compounds have a similar scaffold (amide linker, hydrophobic tail, hinge binder with or without spacer). Among the different literature, the most potent compounds 4 (imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrazine), 5 (pyridine), 19 (pyridine), and 24 (quinazoline) displayed potent activity against DDR1 with IC50 values ranging from 2.26 – 4.67 nM, while DDR2 IC50 values ranging from 3.2 – 7.29 nM. This approach will help medicinal chemists to refine and develop novel small molecules targeting DDR1 and DDR2.

Control of craniofacial development by the collagen receptor, discoidin domain receptor 2.

Development of the craniofacial skeleton requires interactions between progenitor cells and the collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM). The mediators of these interactions are not well-defined. Mutations in the discoidin domain receptor 2 gene (DDR2), which encodes a non-integrin collagen receptor, are associated with human craniofacial abnormalities, such as midface hypoplasia and open fontanels. However, the exact role of this gene in craniofacial morphogenesis is not known. As will be shown, Ddr2-deficient mice exhibit defects in craniofacial bones including impaired calvarial growth and frontal suture formation, cranial base hypoplasia due to aberrant chondrogenesis and delayed ossification at growth plate synchondroses. These defects were associated with abnormal collagen fibril organization, chondrocyte proliferation and polarization. As established by localization and lineage-tracing studies, Ddr2 is expressed in progenitor cell-enriched craniofacial regions including sutures and synchondrosis resting zone cartilage, overlapping with GLI1 + cells, and contributing to chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages during skull growth. Tissue-specific knockouts further established the requirement for Ddr2 in GLI +skeletal progenitors and chondrocytes. These studies establish a cellular basis for regulation of craniofacial morphogenesis by this understudied collagen receptor and suggest that DDR2 is necessary for proper collagen organization, chondrocyte proliferation, and orientation.

Type IV collagen α5 chain promotes luminal breast cancer progression through c-Myc-driven glycolysis.

Cancer cell metabolism reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Cancer cells preferentially utilize aerobic glycolysis, which is regulated by activated oncogenes and the tumor microenvironment. Extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumor microenvironment, including the basement membranes (BMs), is dynamically remodeled. However, whether and how ECM regulates tumor glycolysis is largely unknown. We show that type IV collagens, components of BMs essential for the tissue integrity and proper function, are differentially expressed in breast cancer subtypes that α5 chain (α5(IV)) is preferentially expressed in the luminal-type breast cancer and is regulated by estrogen receptor-α. α5(IV) is indispensable for luminal breast cancer development. Ablation of α5(IV) significantly reduces the growth of luminal-type breast cancer cells and impedes the development of luminal-type breast cancer. Impaired cell growth and tumor development capability of α5(IV)-ablated luminal breast cancer cells is attributed to the reduced expression of glucose transporter and glycolytic enzymes and impaired glycolysis in luminal breast cancer cells. Non-integrin collagen receptor discoidin domain receptor-1 (DDR1) expression and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation are attenuated in α5(IV)-ablated luminal breast cancer cells, resulting in reduced c-Myc oncogene expression and phosphorylation. Ectopic expression of constitutively active DDR1 or c-Myc restores the expression of glucose transporter and glycolytic enzymes, and thereafter restores aerobic glycolysis, cell proliferation, and tumor growth of luminal breast cancer. Thus, type IV collagen α5 chain is a luminal-type breast cancer-specific microenvironmental regulator modulating cancer cell metabolism.

A network map of discoidin domain receptor 1(DDR1)-mediated signaling in pathological conditions.

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is one of the receptors that belong to a family of non-integrin collagen receptors. In common, DDR1 is predominantly found in epithelial and smooth muscle cells and its mainly involved in organogenesis during embryonic development. However, it's also overexpressed in several pathological conditions, including cancer and inflammation. The DDR1 is reported in numerous cancers, including breast, prostate, pancreatic, bladder, lung, liver, pituitary, colorectal, skin, gastric, glioblastoma, and inflammation. DDR1 activates through the collagen I, IV, IGF-1/IGF1R, and IGF2/IR, regulating downstream signaling molecules such as MAPKs, PI3K/Akt, and NF-kB in diseases. Despite its biomedical importance, there is a lack of consolidated network map of the DDR1 signaling pathway, which prompted us for curation of literature data pertaining to the DDR1 system following the NetPath criteria. We present here the compiled pathway map comprises 39 activation/inhibition events, 17 catalysis events, 22 molecular associations, 65 gene regulation events, 35 types of protein expression, and two protein translocation events. The detailed DDR1 signaling pathway map is made freely accessible through the WikiPathways Database ( https://www.wikipathways.org/index.php/ Pathway: https://www.wikipathways.org/index.php/Pathway:WP5288 ).

Immunohistochemical Expression of Discoidin Domain Receptor1 (DDR1) in Non-Neoplastic Skin Disease: A Systematic Review

Background: The discoidin domain receptor-1 (DDR1) is a non-integrin collagen receptor recently implicated in the collective cell migration of other cancer types. Objective: To review the immunohistochemical expression of discoidin domain receptor1 (DDR1) in non-neoplastic skin disease. Data Sources: A systematic search of MEDLINE (PubMed, Medscape, Science Direct. EMF-Portal) and internet was conducted on all articles published from 2002 to 2021. Study Selection: English-language reports of immunohistochemical expression of DDR1 on non-neoplastic skin disease. The initial search presented 90 articles where 30 studies had the inclusion criteria. Then, they were divided into 12 studies about immunopathogenesis of non-neoplastic skin disease, 9 studies about expression of discoidin domain receptor1 and 9 studies emphasized DDR1 expression in non-neoplastic skin disease. Data Extraction: Articles not reporting on immunohistochemical expression of DDR1 in non-neoplastic skin disease in the title or abstract were not included. 9 independent investigators extracted data on methods. Findings: Interaction of DDR1 with various receptors is important for the regulation of cell survival, migration, and differentiation in development and pathological conditions. The discovery of inhibitors of DDR1 kinase activity might be beneficial in several pathological conditions where DDR1 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target. Conclusion: Our review reported that the knowledge of the main cells and cytokines involved in the immunopathogenesis of non-neoplastic skin disease is essential for dermatologists to understand better the disease as well as the mechanism of action of the biologics, drugs that revolutionized the treatment of non-neoplastic skin disease in the last two decades.

Complex roles of discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinases in cancer.

Discoidin domain receptors, DDR1 and DDR2 are members of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family that serves as a non-integrin collagen receptor and were initially identified as critical regulators of embryonic development and cellular homeostasis. In recent years, numerous studies have focused on the role of these receptors in disease development, in particular, cancer where they have been reported to augment ECM remodeling, invasion, drug resistance to facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. Interestingly, accumulating evidence also suggests that DDRs promote apoptosis and suppress tumor progression in various human cancers due to which their functions in cancer remain ill-defined and presents a case of an interesting therapeutic target. The present review has discussed the role of DDRs in tumorigenesis and the metastasis.

Rapid tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of Bruton's tyrosine/Tec kinases in platelets induced by collagen binding or CD32 cross-linking

Stimulation of the platelet nonintegrin collagen receptor, glycoprotein VI, evokes a signaling response similar to that induced by antigen receptor activation in B and T lymphocytes. A key transducer of the lymphocyte signaling pathways is the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk)/Tec kinase family, which connects receptors to the elevation of intracellular-free calcium levels. An important signaling function for Btk in collagen-induced platelet activation in vitro was recently demonstrated by other researchers using Btk-deficient platelets from patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA). Since Btk-deficiency does not induce an overt platelet-based bleeding disorder in vivo, collagen receptor responses may include other Btk/Tec kinase family members in normal platelets. Both Btk and Tec had increased tyrosine following stimulation of collagen receptors or CD32 cross-linking. Data from kinetic analyses and inhibitor studies and the use of phosphopeptide-specific antibodies recognizing 2 Btk regulatory phosphorylated tyrosine residues suggest a mechanism for coordinate recruitment of Btk and Tec through the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif, Src family kinases, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. In XLA platelets, collagen treatment increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Tec and several other signaling proteins, including Lyn, Fyb, Slp-76, and the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein. This indicates that important elements of the collagen signaling pathway proximal and distal to Btk and Tec are preserved despite the lack of functional Btk. The results are consistent with the conclusion that activation of Tec may sustain XLA platelet function in vivo, while some in vitro assays of nonintegrin collagen receptor signaling through the Btk/Tec kinase family reflect the additive dosage of the transducers. (Blood. 2000;95:1663-1670)

Discoidin Domain Receptor-1 (DDR1) is Involved in Angiolymphatic Invasion in Oral Cancer.

The discoidin domain receptor-1 (DDR1) is a non-integrin collagen receptor recently implicated in the collective cell migration of other cancer types. Previously, we identified an elevated expression of DDR1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Through the data mining of a microarray dataset composed of matched tumor-normal tissues from forty OSCC patients, we distilled overexpressed genes statistically associated with angiolymphatic invasion, including DDR1, COL4A5, COL4A6 and PDPN. Dual immunohistochemical staining further confirmed the spatial locations of DDR1 and PDPN in OSCC tissues indicative of collective cancer cell invasion. An elevated DDR1 expression at both the transcription and protein level was observed by treating keratinocytes with collagen of fibrillar or basement membrane types. In addition, inhibition of DDR1 kinase activity in OSCC TW2.6 cells disrupted cell cohesiveness in a 2D culture, reduced spheroid invasion in a collagen gel matrix, and suppressed angiolymphatic invasion in xenograft tissues. Taken together, these results suggest that collagen deposition in the affected tissues followed by DDR1 overexpression could be central to OSCC tumor growth and angiolymphatic invasion. Thus, DDR1 inhibitors are potential therapeutic compounds in restraining oral cancer, which has not been previously explored.

Loss of Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 Predisposes Mice to Periodontal Breakdown

The discoidin domain receptors, DDR1 and DDR2, are nonintegrin collagen receptors and tyrosine kinases. DDRs regulate cell functions, and their extracellular domains affect collagen fibrillogenesis and mineralization. Based on the collagenous nature of dentoalveolar tissues, we hypothesized that DDR1 plays an important role in dentoalveolar development and function. Radiography, micro–computed tomography (micro-CT), histology, histomorphometry, in situ hybridization (ISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze Ddr1 knockout (Ddr1−/−) mice and wild-type (WT) controls at 1, 2, and 9 mo, and ISH and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were employed to assess Ddr1/DDR1 messenger RNA expression in mouse and human tissues. Radiographic images showed normal molars but abnormal mandibular condyles, as well as alveolar bone loss in Ddr1−/− mice versus WT controls at 9 mo. Histological, histomorphometric, micro-CT, and TEM analyses indicated no differences in enamel or dentin Ddr1−/− versus WT molars. Total volumes (TVs) and bone volumes (BVs) of subchondral and ramus bone of Ddr1−/− versus WT condyles were increased and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) was reduced at 1 and 9 mo. There were no differences in alveolar bone volume at 1 mo, but at 9 mo, severe periodontal defects and significant alveolar bone loss (14%; P < 0.0001) were evident in Ddr1−/− versus WT mandibles. Histology, ISH, and IHC revealed disrupted junctional epithelium, connective tissue destruction, bacterial invasion, increased neutrophil infiltration, upregulation of cytokines including macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and 3-fold increased osteoclast numbers (P < 0.05) in Ddr1−/− versus WT periodontia at 9 mo. In normal mouse tissues, ISH and qPCR revealed Ddr1 expression in basal cell layers of the oral epithelia and in immune cells. We confirmed a similar expression pattern in human oral epithelium by ISH and qPCR. We propose that DDR1 plays an important role in periodontal homeostasis and that absence of DDR1 predisposes mice to periodontal breakdown.

641 Cell – collagen interactions through collagen-binding integrins are dispensable for murine development

Collagens are the most abundant component of the extracellular matrix. They largely contribute to tissue mechanical stability. In the skin, integrins α1β1, α2β1, α11β1 are the three main collagen receptors facilitating cell to collagen contact. Using single and double knockout mouse models lacking collagen-binding integrins, we were able to delineate their individual functions and functional redundancy. Here we address the overall significance of integrin-mediated direct interaction of cells with collagens. We generated triple knockout (tKO) mice globally lacking α1β1, α2β1 and α11β1 integrins. These mice develop and are born after an inconspicuous gestation period. As mice lacking α11β1 integrins, also tKO mice show postnatal growth retardation due to diminished insulin growth factor-1 levels, which resolves in adulthood. Histological analysis of tKO skin did not reveal striking alterations in comparison to controls. However, dermal fibroblasts, which in control mice express all three integrins, derived from tKO mice failed to adhere to and spread on collagen I, but were comparable to controls on fibronectin. Given that tKO mice display normal survival, we sought to investigate the status of non-integrin collagen receptors in these integrin-deficient mice. We observed that discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), a collagen receptor of the receptor tyrosine kinase family, showed upregulated expression as well as increased kinase activity in tKO fibroblasts in response to collagen when compared to controls. This finding clearly showed that even enhanced activity of DDR2 does not rescue tKO fibroblast adhesion to collagen. Rather, DDR2 seems to fulfill signaling functions that are distinct from adhesive functions. Together, our work on integrin-deficient mice indicates that direct contact of cells with collagens is dispensable for mouse life in unchallenged conditions.

DDR1 regulates thyroid cancer cell differentiation via IGF-2/IR-A autocrine signaling loop.

Patients with thyroid cancers refractory to radioiodine (RAI) treatment show a limited response to various therapeutic options and a low survival rate. The recent use of multikinase inhibitors has also met limited success. An alternative approach relies on drugs that induce cell differentiation, as the ensuing increased expression of the cotransporter for sodium and iodine (NIS) may partially restore sensitivity to radioiodine. The inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway has shown some efficacy in this context. Aggressive thyroid tumors overexpress the isoform-A of the insulin receptor (IR-A) and its ligand IGF-2; this IGF-2/IR-A loop is associated with de-differentiation and stem-like phenotype, resembling RAI-refractory tumors. Importantly, IR-A has been shown to be positively modulated by the non-integrin collagen receptor DDR1 in human breast cancer. Using undifferentiated human thyroid cancer cells, we now evaluated the effects of DDR1 on IGF-2/IR-A loop and on markers of cell differentiation and stemness. DDR1 silencing or downregulation caused significant reduction of IR-A and IGF-2 expression, and concomitant increased levels of differentiation markers (NIS, Tg, TSH, TPO). Conversely, markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Vimentin, Snail-2, Zeb1, Zeb2 and N-Cadherin) and stemness (OCT-4, SOX-2, ABCG2 and Nanog) decreased. These effects were collagen independent. In contrast, overexpression of either DDR1 or its kinase-inactive variant K618A DDR1-induced changes suggestive of less differentiated and stem-like phenotype. Collagen stimulation was uneffective. In conclusion, in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer, DDR1 silencing or downregulation blocks the IGF-2/IR-A autocrine loop and induces cellular differentiation. These results may open novel therapeutic approaches for thyroid cancer.

The Emerging Role of Insulin Receptor Isoforms in Thyroid Cancer: Clinical Implications and New Perspectives.

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine tumor. Although the majority of TCs show good prognoses, a minor proportion are aggressive and refractory to conventional therapies. So far, the molecular mechanisms underlying TC pathogenesis are incompletely understood. Evidence suggests that TC cells and their precursors are responsive to insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and often overexpress receptors for insulin (IR) and IGF-1 (IGF-1R). IR exists in two isoforms, namely IR-A and IR-B. The first binds insulin and IGF-2, unlike IR-B, which only binds insulin. IR-A is preferentially expressed in prenatal life and contributes to development through IGF-2 action. Aggressive TC overexpresses IR-A, IGF-2, and IGF-1R. The over-activation of IR-A/IGF-2 loop in TC is associated with stem-like features and refractoriness to some targeted therapies. Importantly, both IR isoforms crosstalk with IGF-1R, giving rise to the formation of hybrids receptors (HR-A or HR-B). Other interactions have been demonstrated with other molecules such as the non-integrin collagen receptor, discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), and the receptor for the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), Met. These functional networks provide mechanisms for IR signaling diversification, which may also exert a role in TC stem cell biology, thereby contributing to TC initiation and progression. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which deregulated IR isoforms and their crosstalk with other molecules and signaling pathways in TC cells and their precursors may contribute to thyroid carcinogenesis, progression, and resistance to conventional treatments. We also highlight how targeting these alterations starting from TC progenitors cells may represent new therapeutic strategies to improve the clinical management of advanced TCs.

Minor Type IV Collagen α5 Chain Promotes Cancer Progression through Discoidin Domain Receptor-1.

Type IV collagens (Col IV), components of basement membrane, are essential in the maintenance of tissue integrity and proper function. Alteration of Col IV is related to developmental defects and diseases, including cancer. Col IV α chains form α1α1α2, α3α4α5 and α5α5α6 protomers that further form collagen networks. Despite knowledge on the functions of major Col IV (α1α1α2), little is known whether minor Col IV (α3α4α5 and α5α5α6) plays a role in cancer. It also remains to be elucidated whether major and minor Col IV are functionally redundant. We show that minor Col IV α5 chain is indispensable in cancer development by using α5(IV)-deficient mouse model. Ablation of α5(IV) significantly impeded the development of KrasG12D-driven lung cancer without affecting major Col IV expression. Epithelial α5(IV) supports cancer cell proliferation, while endothelial α5(IV) is essential for efficient tumor angiogenesis. α5(IV), but not α1(IV), ablation impaired expression of non-integrin collagen receptor discoidin domain receptor-1 (DDR1) and downstream ERK activation in lung cancer cells and endothelial cells. Knockdown of DDR1 in lung cancer cells and endothelial cells phenocopied the cells deficient of α5(IV). Constitutively active DDR1 or MEK1 rescued the defects of α5(IV)-ablated cells. Thus, minor Col IV α5(IV) chain supports lung cancer progression via DDR1-mediated cancer cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms. Minor Col IV can not be functionally compensated by abundant major Col IV.

Poster #M135 A GENOME-WIDE ANALYSIS ON ANTIPSYCHOTIC-INDUCED WEIGHT GAIN USING REFINED CRITERIA IN THE CATIE SAMPLE

The discoidin domain receptors, DDR1 and DDR2, are nonintegrin collagen receptors that are members of the receptor tyrosine kinase family. Both DDRs bind a number of different collagen types and play important roles in embryo development. Dysregulated DDR function is associated with progression of various human diseases, including fibrosis, arthritis, and cancer. By interacting with key components of the extracellular matrix and displaying distinct activation kinetics, the DDRs form a unique subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. DDR-facilitated cellular functions include cell migration, cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as remodeling of extracellular matrices. This review summarizes the current knowledge of DDR–ligand interactions, DDR-initiated signal pathways and the molecular mechanisms that regulate receptor function. Also discussed are the roles of DDRs in development and disease progression.

Chapter Two - Discoidin Domain Receptor Functions in Physiological and Pathological Conditions

The discoidin domain receptors, DDR1 and DDR2, are nonintegrin collagen receptors that are members of the receptor tyrosine kinase family. Both DDRs bind a number of different collagen types and play important roles in embryo development. Dysregulated DDR function is associated with progression of various human diseases, including fibrosis, arthritis, and cancer. By interacting with key components of the extracellular matrix and displaying distinct activation kinetics, the DDRs form a unique subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. DDR-facilitated cellular functions include cell migration, cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as remodeling of extracellular matrices. This review summarizes the current knowledge of DDR-ligand interactions, DDR-initiated signal pathways and the molecular mechanisms that regulate receptor function. Also discussed are the roles of DDRs in development and disease progression.

Collagen I Induces Discoidin Domain Receptor (DDR) 1 Expression through DDR2 and a JAK2-ERK1/2-mediated Mechanism in Primary Human Lung Fibroblasts

Discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) DDR1 and DDR2 are receptor tyrosine kinases with the unique ability among receptor tyrosine kinases to respond to collagen. Several signaling molecules have been implicated in DDR signaling, including Shp-2, Src, and MAPK pathways, but a detailed understanding of these pathways and their transcriptional targets is still lacking. Similarly, the regulation of the expression of DDRs is poorly characterized with only a few inflammatory mediators, such as lipopolysaccharide and interleukin-1β identified as playing a role in DDR1 expression. DDRs have been reported to induce the expression of various genes including matrix metalloproteinases and bone morphogenetic proteins, but the regulatory mechanisms underlying DDR-induced gene expression remain to be determined. The aim of the present work was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms implicated in the expression of DDRs and to identify DDR-induced signaling pathways and target genes. Our data show that collagen I induces the expression of DDR1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner in primary human lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, activation of DDR2, JAK2, and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathways was essential for collagen I-induced DDR1 and matrix metalloproteinase 10 expression. Finally, inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway abrogated DDR1 expression by blocking the recruitment of the transcription factor polyoma enhancer A-binding protein 3 to the DDR1 promoter. Our data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of collagen I-induced DDR1 expression and demonstrate an important role for ERK1/2 activation and the recruitment of polyoma enhancer-A binding protein 3 to the DDR1 promoter.

Chondrocyte Aggregation in Suspension Culture Is GFOGER-GPP- and β1 Integrin-dependent

Isolated chondrocytes form aggregates in suspension culture that maintain chondrocyte phenotype in a physiological pericellular environment. The molecular mechanisms involved in chondrocyte aggregation have not been previously identified. Using this novel suspension culture system, we performed mRNA and protein expression analysis along with immunohistochemistry for potential cell adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix integrin ligands. Inhibition of aggregation assays were performed using specific blocking agents. We found that: (i) direct cell-cell interactions were not involved in chondrocyte aggregation, (ii) chondrocytes in aggregates were surrounded by a matrix rich in collagen II and cartilage oligomeric protein (COMP), (iii) aggregation depends on a beta1-integrin, which binds a triple helical GFOGER sequence found in collagens, (iv) integrin alpha10-subunit is the most highly expressed alpha-subunit among those tested, including alpha5, in aggregating chondrocytes. Taken together, this body of evidence suggests that the main molecular interaction involved in aggregation of phenotypically stable chondrocytes is the alpha10beta1-collagen II interaction.

The Toxicity of a Chemically Synthesized Peptide Derived from Non-Integrin Platelet Collagen Receptors

A chemically synthesized peptide derived from platelet non-integrin collagen receptor has been shown to be an effective agent for inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation and adhesion of washed radiolabeled platelets onto natural matrices and collagen coated microtiter plates. In order to be a therapeutic agent, we have used a cell culturing system and an animal model to test its cytotoxicities. In cell culture experiments, the peptide is not toxic to MEG-01, a megakaryoblastic cell line. Prior to performing experiments in rats, the existence of both platelet type I and type III collagen receptors and its functional roles in rat platelets had to be established. In this investigation, we report that rat platelets contain both receptors and the cHyB peptide inhibits both type I and type III collagen-induced rat platelet aggregation. In addition, analysis of the rat sera collected at various time intervals following an injection of cHyB into the rat-tail vein, did not show an increase in the activity of key enzymes which indicate tissue and/or organ damage. These results suggest that the cHyB peptide is safe and its development into a potential therapeutic agent for inhibiting thrombi formation is possible.

Discoidin domain receptor 1 mediates collagen‐induced inflammatory activation of microglia in culture

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a nonintegrin collagen receptor tyrosine kinase with an extracellular domain homologous to discoidin 1 of a soil-living amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. We have previously demonstrated that DDR1 mediates collagen-induced nitric oxide production in J774A.1 murine macrophages. Because collagen is one of the main components of extracellular matrix in the central nervous system, we hypothesized that collagen also induces inflammatory activation of brain microglia, and DDR1 may mediate collagen-induced microglial activation. Using BV-2 mouse microglial cells and mouse primary microglial cultures, we have demonstrated that (1) collagen induces inflammatory activation of microglia as evidenced by production of nitric oxide, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, COX-2, CD40, and matrix metalloproteinase-9; (2) DDR1 is expressed in microglia and is phosphorylated by collagen treatment; and (3) collagen-induced microglial activation is abrogated by DDR1 blockade but not by integrin neutralization. We have further shown that p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and nuclear factor-kappa B are involved in the collagen-DDR1-induced microglial activation. Our results suggest that collagen can induce inflammatory activation of brain microglia and that DDR1 mediates this effect of collagen in an integrin-independent manner.

Peptides Derived from Platelet Non-integrin Collagen-receptors or Types I and III Collagen Inhibit Collagen-Platelet Interaction

Platelet-collagen interaction plays an important role in hemostasis and pathological thrombosis. Upon an injury to the subendothelium of a blood vessel wall, platelets adhere to the denuded substrate, aggregate, and release biological substances. Many investigators have explored the use of blocking agents to interrupt the final step of binding fibrinogen on glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa of activated platelets. A potent peptide is Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) and its derivatives in various forms. Results from many clinical trials show that the efficacy of these antagonists does not lie in blocking the adhesion of platelets to the distal site(s) of the injury as expected. Because type I and type III collagens are predominant components of blood vessel walls, other laboratories and ours have defined various active peptides from either collagen molecules or platelets as useful for blocking collagen-platelet interaction. An active hybrid peptide derived from both platelet types I and type III collagen receptors that abolishes type I and type III collagen-induced platelet aggregation has been obtained. The hybrid peptide inhibits the binding of type I and type III collagens to washed human platelets, platelet aggregation, and the adhesion of washed platelets to rabbit aortic segments. However, the usefulness of the defined hybrid peptide in preventing thrombi formation in vivo requires further investigation.