Plexin C1 Research Articles

Crucial role of Plexin C1 for pulmonary inflammation and survival during lung injury.

Acute pulmonary inflammation during lung injury is initiated by the migration of neutrophils into the alveolar space. The severity of these inflammatory changes within the pulmonary tissue determines the severity of lung injury and ultimately patient outcome. Recent work has demonstrated that the guidance protein Semaphorin 7A propagates the infiltration of neutrophils into an hypoxic tissue site, yet the role of its target receptor Plexin C1 (PLXNC1) during lung injury is to date unknown. We demonstrate here that PLXNC1(+) neutrophils are present within the alveolar space and that PLXNC1 is induced in vitro and in vivo during lung injury. In a model of high-pressure ventilation PLXNC1(-/-) animals show decreased signs of alveolar inflammation and improved survival compared with wild-type controls. Studies employing chimeric animals identified the hematopoietic expression of PLXNC1 to be of crucial importance for the observed results. Functional inhibition of PLXNC1 resulted in improved survival and ameliorated the signs of inflammation within the lung. Furthermore, the injection of a peptide binding to PLXNC1 resulted in improved survival and attenuated pulmonary inflammation. As such we demonstrate here, that previously unknown PLXNC1 holds significant importance for degree of pulmonary inflammation and determines outcome during experimental lung injury.

Profiling mRNA of the Graying Human Hair Follicle Constitutes a Promising State-of-the-Art Tool to Assess Its Aging: An Exemplary Report

Determining hitherto uninvestigated and safe targets to halt the aging process is important in our aging society. Graying is a hallmark of the aging process and may be used to identify aging tissue for comparative analysis. Here we analyzed differential gene expressions between pigmented, gray, and white human scalp skin hair follicles (HFs) from identical donors. Forming intersections between five donors identified 194/192 downregulated and 186/177 upregulated genes in gray/white HFs. These included melanogenesis (tyrosinase; tyrosinase-related protein 1)- and melanosome structure (Melan-A; Pmel17)-associated genes and regulation of melanocyte relevant tyrosine kinases. Alongside these expected changes, regulated genes included nonmelanocyte-related genes associated with aging as well as nonaging-related genes associated with melanocytes. Intriguingly, among them, genes associated with energy metabolism (i.e., glutaminase) and axon guidance (plexin C1) were altered. These results were reflected by pathway analysis and exemplarily confirmed by PCR and immunohistochemical studies. Supplementing cultured HFs with glutamine or plexin C1 revealed biological relevance and pharmacointerventional potential of these microarray results in altering the HF aging process. Together, we present intriguing data obtained from intra-individual sample comparison that suggest the graying HF to be a valid aging model and a promising target for testing therapeutic interventions.

Analyzing the microarray mRNA profile of graying human hair follicles: a promising approach in stress and aging research

Regenerative medicine needs new but safe treatment approaches to balance the reported increase in stress and aging related diseases. Graying is one hallmark of aging and is associated with excessive oxidative as well as psycho-emotional stress. In graying individuals fully pigmented hair follicles are found next to white and intermediary hair follicles. Thus, young and old hair follicles are observed in parallel that share the identical genetic background. Here, we discuss data obtained by microarray analysis of 15 tissue samples, and we studied the functional relevance in the ex vivo hair follicle organ culture model. We found the expected regulation of genes responsible for pigment-production by melanocytes, the cells that generate the pigment and are gradually lost from graying hair follicles. Among the around 200 regulated gens, we also found genes associated with cellular energy metabolism (e.g. glutaminase) and with nerve fiber growth (e.g. plexin C1). These results could be confirmed on mRNA and protein level as well as by pathway-analysis. Ex vivo treatment of cultured hair follicles with l -glutamine or plexin C1 revealed biological relevance and pharmaco-interventional potential of these selected microarray-results in that these compounds were able to halt the culture-induced premature aging process and cellular stress responses (pigment production, cell proliferation, -differentiation, -apoptosis, senescence). We therefore consider the graying hair follicle a useful model to study aging and stress associated responses and report here energy metabolism and cellular plasticity as important areas for future research.

Sema 4D/CD100-plexin B is a multifunctional counter-receptor

The discovery of Sema 4D can be dated to 1992, when Boumsell's team reported a novel 150-kDa glycoprotein dimer. It was expressed on T lymphocytes that had been activated with CD3 monoclonal antibody or phytohaemagglutinin.1 Hence, this molecule has been designated CD100 by the International Workshop on Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigen. In 1996, 3 years after the discovery of the semaphorin family,2 the CD100 gene was cloned and identified as the first semaphorin with immune system functions.3 Unlike the prototypical semaphorins, which are neuronal chemorepellents, Sema 4D/CD100 together with Sema 3A, Sema 4A, Sema 6D and Sema 7A have been described as ‘immune semaphorins', because they are expressed on T cells, B cells, natural killer cells and dendritic cells, and exhibit a variety of immunological functions.4 The Sema 4D/CD100 molecule can bind to several receptors. CD72, a member of the C-type lectin family, is a low-affinity Sema 4D/CD100 receptor that is expressed on immune cells, such as B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and mast cells (Figure 1a).5 At least three Sema 4D/CD100 receptors are plexin family members. The high-affinity Sema 4D/CD100 receptor plexin B1 is mainly expressed on endothelial cells and epithelial cells (Figure 1b),6 whereas plexin B2 and plexin C1 are low-affinity receptors for Sema 4D/CD100.7 Figure 1 Multiple functions mediated by Sema 4D/CD100-plexin B counter-receptors. (a) As a ligand, the ligation of Sema 4D/CD100 with the low-affinity receptor CD72 stimulates the activation of, proliferation of and antibody production by B cells, promotes the ... Recently, Witherden et al.8 demonstrated that the interaction of Sema 4D/CD100 with plexin B2 plays a key role in activating skin-resident γδ T cells (DETCs) in mice to respond to tissue damage (Figure 1c). The morphological changes in DETCs that precede cutaneous wound healing appear to be associated with the activation of key actin regulators in response to Sema 4D/CD100's binding with its ligand. This is the first example indicating that Sema 4D/CD100 is not only a ligand for plexin B1 or CD72 but also a direct signaling receptor in mediating Sema 4D/CD100-plexin B's biological functions. It is not surprising to identify Sema 4D/CD100-plexin B as a counter-receptor, because many counter-receptors have already been well documented in the B7-CD28 family and TNF–TNFR superfamilies. Another important point in Witherden's paper8 is that the Sema 4D/CD100 molecule on γδ T cells mediates a function involved in innate immunity. Bonneville9 pointed out that plexin B2 is broadly expressed on many epithelial tissues where resident CD100-expressing γδ T cells are located, suggesting that the Sema 4D/CD100–plexin B2 interaction may play a more general role in the immune control of the integrity of epithelial barriers. It is thought that, similar to αβ T cells, complete activation of DETCs requires costimulatory signals. DETCs do not express many of the usual coreceptors that are important for αβ T-cell activation, such as CD4 or CD8, or the costimulatory molecule CD28. In 2010, Witherden et al.10 identified a receptor–ligand pair, junctional adhesion molecule-like molecule and the cocksackie adenovirus receptor (CAR), which plays a crucial role in the DETC response. In addition, DETCs can recognize a stress- or damage-induced keratinocyte self-antigen through their γδ T-cell receptor (TCR), without the requirement for antigen presentation by MHC class I or class II molecules. More recently, Komori et al.11 demonstrated the presence of an as yet-uncharacterized antigen that is expressed on the surface of damaged keratinocytes and is recognized by the canonical TCR expressed by DETCs. Furthermore, Witherden et al.8 proposed that when keratinocytes are damaged, they express a self-antigen, plexin B2 and CAR, which can be recognized by the γδ TCR, Sema 4D/CD100 and junctional adhesion molecule-like molecule, respectively, on neighboring γδ T cells (Figure 1c). Therefore, these interactions may play a key role in regulating the ERK and cofilin signaling pathways of activated γδ T cells, leading to morphologic changes and the release of keratinocyte growth factor type 1 (KGF1) and KGF2. These growth factors can induce the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and the restoration of epithelial integrity.

The neural guidance receptor Plexin C1 delays melanoma progression

Plexin C1 is a type I transmembrane receptor with intrinsic R-Ras GTPase activity, which regulates cytoskeletal remodeling and adhesion in normal human melanocytes. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells of the epidermis, precursors for melanoma, and express high levels of Plexin C1, which is lost in melanoma in vitro and in vivo. To determine if Plexin C1 is a tumor suppressor for melanoma, we introduced Plexin C1 into a primary human melanoma cell line, and phenotypes including migration, apoptosis, proliferation and tumor growth in mice were analyzed. Complimentary studies in which Plexin C1 was silenced in human melanocytes were performed. Plexin C1 significantly inhibited migration and proliferation in melanoma, whereas in melanocytes, loss of Plexin C1 increased migration and proliferation. In mouse xenografts, Plexin C1 delayed tumor growth of melanoma at early time points, but tumors eventually escaped the suppressive effects of Plexin C1, due to Plexin C1-dependent activation of the pro-survival protein Akt. R-Ras activation stimulates melanoma migration. Plexin C1 lowered R-Ras activity in melanoma and melanocytes, consistent with inhibitory effects of Plexin C1 on migration of melanocytes and melanoma. To determine if R-Ras is expressed in melanocytic lesions in vivo, staining of tissue microarrays of nevi and melanoma were performed. R-Ras expression was highly limited in melanocytic lesions, being essentially confined to primary melanoma, and almost completely absent in nevi and metastatic melanoma. These data suggest that loss of Plexin C1 in melanoma may promote early steps in melanoma progression through suppression of migration and proliferation, but pro-survival effects of Plexin C1 ultimately abrogate the tumor suppressive effects of Plexin C1. In primary melanoma, loss of Plexin C1 may function in early steps of melanoma progression by releasing inhibition of R-Ras activation, and stimulating migration.

Semaphorin 7A inhibits platelet production from CD34+ progenitor cells

The multifunctional protein semaphorin 7A (Sema7A) may have regulatory effects on blood cell differentiation via its receptors β1-integrin and plexin C1. As thrombocytopenia can be treated with transfusion of ex vivo CD34(+) cell-derived megakaryocytes, we investigated the effect of Sema7A on differentiation of CD34(+) progenitor cells into megakaryocytes and platelets. Megakaryocytes and platelets were differentiated with a specific cytokine cocktail (CC) from CD34(+) progenitor cells in the presence or absence of Sema7A. Expression of cell markers CD41, CD42a and CD61 or detection of the activation of the signal mediator focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was performed by flow cytometry, cytokine secretion by Luminex technology, and megakaryocyte cell density and morphology by microscopic studies. Sema7A levels in vivo were assessed by real-time PCR and ELISA in hematological patients undergoing chemotherapy. CD34(+) progenitor cells expressed the receptors for Sema7A. Expression of CD41, CD42a and CD61 was markedly reduced in the presence of Sema7A, after CC-dependent platelet production from CD34(+) progenitor cells. As revealed by microscopic analysis, megakaryocyte cell density was significantly lower in the presence of Sema7A as compared with controls. Blocking of CD29 abrogated the Sema7A-mediated inhibition. Sema7A activated FAK in CD34(+) progenitor cells and significantly increased secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF. Finally, Sema7A levels were up-regulated in 50% of patients after chemotherapy. Sema7A markedly reduces the production rates of megakaryocytes and platelets from CD34(+) progenitor cells. Hence, up-regulation of Sema7A may be a major risk factor for a reduced platelet repopulation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Dysregulation of Semaphorin7A/β1-integrin signaling leads to defective GnRH-1 cell migration, abnormal gonadal development and altered fertility

Reproduction in mammals is dependent on the function of specific neurons that secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1). These neurons originate prenatally in the nasal placode and migrate into the forebrain along the olfactory-vomeronasal nerves. Alterations in this migratory process lead to defective GnRH-1 secretion, resulting in heterogeneous genetic disorders such as idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), and other reproductive diseases characterized by the reduction or failure of sexual competence. Combining mouse genetics with in vitro models, we demonstrate that Semaphorin 7A (Sema7A) is essential for the development of the GnRH-1 neuronal system. Loss of Sema7A signaling alters the migration of GnRH-1 neurons, resulting in significantly reduced numbers of these neurons in the adult brain as well as in reduced gonadal size and subfertility. We also show that GnRH-1 cells differentially express the Sema7 receptors β1-integrin and Plexin C1 as a function of their migratory stage, whereas the ligand is robustly expressed along developing olfactory/vomeronasal fibers. Disruption of Sema7A function in vitro inhibits β1-integrin-mediated migration. Analysis of Plexin C1(-/-) mice did not reveal any difference in the migratory process of GnRH-1 neurons, indicating that Sema7A mainly signals through β1-integrin to regulate GnRH-1 cell motility. In conclusion, we have identified Sema7A as a gene implicated in the normal development of the GnRH-1 system in mice and as a genetic marker for the elucidation of some forms of GnRH-1 deficiency in humans.

Mechanical Tension Alters Semaphorin Expression in the Periodontium

Periodontal remodeling requires coordinated cell movement. Semaphorins are cell-surface signals that regulate cell migration and may be differentially regulated by periodontal cells. Mechanical tension can regulate periodontal ligament (PDL) remodeling. We predicted that mechanical tension alters the expression of the subset of semaphorins in the periodontium likely to be most involved with regulating the remodeling of this tissue. PDL and gingival cells were exposed to mechanical tension, and their attachment and movement on collagen matrices were evaluated. Alterations in extracellular matrix and semaphorin transcript expression were monitored by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Mechanical tension induced osteoclast regulatory transcripts in the PDL cells to a greater extent than gingival fibroblasts, increasing the expression of osteoprotegerin and decreasing receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand. These mechanical forces reduced PDL cell mingling, without altering cell attachment or motility. Concurrently, these forces induced dynamic changes in several semaphorin molecules in PDL cells, increasing semaphorin 3D and 5B and decreasing semaphorin 7A. In addition, plexin transcript expression was altered, decreasing plexin A1 and increasing plexin C1. These changes were different than those observed in gingival fibroblasts. These data suggest that a subset of semaphorins and plexins are dynamically regulated in the PDL. Because these molecules may be involved in cell guidance, changes in semaphorins may play a pivotal role in periodontal remodeling, affecting angiogenesis or PDL cell invasion into sites of injury.

Galectin 1 Proangiogenic and Promigratory Effects in the Hs683 Oligodendroglioma Model Are Partly Mediated through the Control of BEX2 Expression

We have previously reported that galectin 1 (Gal-1) plays important biological roles in astroglial as well as in oligodendroglial cancer cells. As an oligodendroglioma model, we make use of the Hs683 cell line that has been previously extensively characterized at cell biology, molecular biology, and genetic levels. Galectin 1 has been shown to be involved in Hs683 oligodendroglioma chemoresistance, neoangiogenesis, and migration. Down-regulating Gal-1 expression in Hs683 cells through targeted small interfering RNA provokes a marked decrease in the expression of the brain-expressed X-linked gene: BEX2. Accordingly, the potential role of BEX2 in Hs683 oligodendroglioma cell biology has been investigated. The data presented here reveal that decreasing BEX2 expression in Hs683 cells increases the survival of Hs683 orthotopic xenograft-bearing mice. Furthermore, this decrease in BEX2 expression impairs vasculogenic mimicry channel formation in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo, and modulates glioma cell adhesion and invasive features through the modification of several genes previously reported to play a role in cancer cell migration, including MAP2, plexin C1, SWAP70, and integrin β6. We thus conclude that BEX2 is implicated in oligodendroglioma biology.

Plexin C1, A Receptor for Semaphorin 7A, Inactivates Cofilin and Is a Potential Tumor Suppressor for Melanoma Progression

Melanocytes are progenitor cells for melanoma, which arises through step-wise progression from dysplastic to invasive, to metastatic tumor. Our previous data showed that semaphorin 7A (Sema7A), a protein involved in axon guidance, stimulates melanocyte adhesion and dendricity through opposing actions of beta1-integrin and Plexin C1 receptors. We now show that Plexin C1 is diminished or absent in human melanoma cell lines; analysis of tissue microarrays of nevi, melanoma, and metastatic melanoma showed a decrease in Plexin C1 expression in metastatic melanoma, and an inverse correlation of Plexin C1 expression with depth of invasion. We examined the signaling intermediates of Sema7A and downstream targets of Plexin C1 in human melanocytes. Sema7A activated mitogen-activated protein kinase and inactivated cofilin, an actin-binding protein involved in cell migration. When Plexin C1 expression was silenced, Sema7A failed to phosphorylate cofilin, indicating that cofilin is downstream of Plexin C1. Further, Lim kinase II, a protein that phosphorylates cofilin, is upregulated by Sema7A in a Plexin C1-dependent manner. These data identify Plexin C1 as a potential tumor suppressor protein in melanoma progression, and suggest that loss of Plexin C1 expression may promote melanoma invasion and metastasis through loss of inhibitory signaling on cofilin activation.

The Semaphorin 7A Receptor Plexin C1 Is Lost During Melanoma Metastasis

The transformation of normal melanocytes, or melanocyte stem cells, to melanoma, is a complex process involving multiple mechanisms. Loss of tumor suppressor proteins, which function as brakes on cell growth, migration, or cell survival, was recognized early on as an important mechanism for initiation and progression of melanoma. Semaphorins and their cognate receptors, Plexins and neuropilins, are involved in neuronal pathfinding, immune function, and tumor progression through effects on blood vessel growth and cell migration. Semaphorin 7A (Sema7A) is a membrane-linked semaphorin that is expressed by human keratinocytes, and we have shown that Sema7A binds to human melanocytes through beta1-integrins and the Plexin C1 receptor. Functional studies showed that Sema7A stimulates cytoskeletal reorganization in human melanocytes, resulting in adhesion and dendrite formation. Downstream targets of Plexin C1 signaling in human melanocytes include cofilin and LIM kinase II, both of which are critical mediators of cell adhesion and migration. In this report, we analyzed the expression of Plexin C1 using immunohistochemistry on sections of primary and matched metastatic lesions from 19 subjects and in a large melanoma tumor microarray. Our data show a significant loss of Plexin C1 in metastatic melanoma compared with primary melanoma, suggesting the possibility that the Plexin C1 receptor is a tumor suppressor protein for melanoma.

Semaphorin 7a Promotes Spreading and Dendricity in Human Melanocytes through β1-Integrins

Described as secreted and membrane-bound proteins important for neural pathfinding, the class of proteins called Semaphorins are expressed in multiple tissue types and are involved in diverse biologic processes. In this study, we describe the function of Semaphorin 7a, a membrane-bound Semaphorin known to stimulate neurite outgrowth, on human melanocytes. We show that Semaphorin 7a is expressed by human keratinocytes and fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo and that melanocytes express Plexin C1, a receptor for Semaphorin 7a. Upregulation of Semaphorin 7a was observed in fibroblasts treated with UV irradiation, a potent stimulus for melanocyte dendricity. Because of the importance of melanocyte dendrites in cutaneous photoprotection, we performed functional studies examining the effect of Semaphorin 7a in melanocyte dendrite formation. We also examined the contribution of beta1-integrin and Plexin C1 receptor signaling in mediating effects of Semaphorin 7a in melanocytes. We show that Semaphorin 7a induces significant melanocyte spreading and dendricity in human melanocytes. Furthermore, we show that beta1-integrins and Plexin C1 receptors are ligands for Semaphorin 7a, and that signaling by these receptors has opposing effects on Semaphorin 7a-induced dendrite formation.

TGF-β 1 Uses Semaphorin

The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family of cytokines perform many important functions in processes such as inflammation, cell growth, and tissue remodeling, to name but a few. TGF-β 1 is essential for wound healing and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrotic disorders, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The semaphorins are another large family of proteins, members of which are known to be critical for axon guidance and have been implicated in pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease. Kang et al . investigated a possible role for the semaphorin SEMA7A in contributing to TGF-β 1 -induced fibrosis in the lung. They established two transgenic mouse strains with doxycycline-inducible expression of TGF-β 1 , one of which was also a SEMA7A-deficient mouse (SEMA7A KO), whereas the other TGF-β 1 transgenic animal was wild type (WT) with respect to SEMA7A. In this way the authors could investigate the effects of overproduction of TGF-β 1 (through the administration of doxycycline-water to mice) in the presence or absence of SEMA7A. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting analyses showed that TGF-β 1 stimulated an increase in the production of SEMA7A and its receptors, plexin C1 and integrin β1. TGF-β 1 caused fibrosis in the lungs of WT mice, as shown by histological analysis, but this was much reduced in SEMA7A KO mice. The collagen content of the lungs of wild-type mice was much higher than that in the lungs of SEMA7A KO mice, further demonstrating a role for SEMA 7A in mediating the fibrotic effects of TGF-β 1 . Loss of SEMA7A did not adversely affect the ability of TGF-β 1 to activate its target transcription factors Smads 2 and 3, indicating that SEMA7A did not have a role in mediating TGF-β 1 -induced inflammation. The ability of TGF-β 1 to stimulate the production of extracellular matrix-associated proteins such as collagens, elastin, and fibronectin, and fibroregulatory cytokines including IL-18, was completely abolished in the absence of SEMA7A. Deletion of SEMA7A also blocked the ability of TGF-β 1 to activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B. Finally, bleomycin-induced fibrosis (which is dependent on TGF-β 1 ) was greatly diminished in SEMA7A KO mice compared with WT mice, as measured by histochemistry and collagen content. This study provides evidence for a previously unappreciated role for SEMA7A in meditating the effects of TGF-β 1 in tissue fibrosis. H.-R. Kang, C. G. Lee, R. J. Homer, J. A. Elias, Semaphorin 7A plays a critical role in TGF-β 1 -induced pulmonary fibrosis. J. Exp. Med. 204 , 1083-1093 (2007). [Abstract] [Full Text]

Semaphorin 7A plays a critical role in TGF-β1–induced pulmonary fibrosis

Semaphorin (SEMA) 7A regulates neuronal and immune function. In these studies, we tested the hypothesis that SEMA 7A is also a critical regulator of tissue remodeling. These studies demonstrate that SEMA 7A and its receptors, plexin C1 and β1 integrins, are stimulated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in the murine lung. They also demonstrate that SEMA 7A plays a critical role in TGF-β1–induced fibrosis, myofibroblast hyperplasia, alveolar remodeling, and apoptosis. TGF-β1 stimulated SEMA 7A via a largely Smad 3–independent mechanism and stimulated SEMA 7A receptors, matrix proteins, CCN proteins, fibroblast growth factor 2, interleukin 13 receptor components, proteases, antiprotease, and apoptosis regulators via Smad 2/3–independent and SEMA 7A–dependent mechanisms. SEMA 7A also played an important role in the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. TGF-β1 and bleomycin also activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (PKB)/AKT via SEMA 7A–dependent mechanisms, and PKB/AKT inhibition diminished TGF-β1–induced fibrosis. These observations demonstrate that SEMA 7A and its receptors are induced by TGF-β1 and that SEMA 7A plays a central role in a PI3K/PKB/AKT-dependent pathway that contributes to TGF-β1–induced fibrosis and remodeling. They also demonstrate that the effects of SEMA 7A are not specific for transgenic TGF-β1, highlighting the importance of these findings for other fibrotic stimuli.

Gene Expression Profiles During Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation in Culture and In Vivo

Following hepatic injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) transdifferentiate to become extracellular matrix-producing myofibroblasts and to promote hepatic fibrogenesis. In this study, we determine gene expression changes in 3 different models of HSC activation and investigate whether HSC culture activation reproduces gene expression changes of HSC in vivo activation. HSCs were isolated by density centrifugation and magnetic antibody cell sorting from normal mice, CCl(4)-treated mice, and mice that underwent bile duct ligation (BDL). Gene expression was analyzed by microarray and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Two thousand seventy-three probe sets were differentially expressed in at least 1 of 3 models of HSC activation, including novel genes that encode proinflammatory and antiapoptotic mediators; transcription factors; cell surface receptors; and cytoskeleton components such as CXCL14, survivin, septin 4, osteopontin, PRX1, LMCD1, GPR91, leiomodin, and anillin. BDL- and CCl(4)-activated HSCs showed highly correlated gene expression patterns, whereas culture activation only partially reproduced the gene expression changes observed during BDL- and CCl(4)-induced activation. Coculture with Kupffer cells or lipopolysaccharide treatment during culture activation shifted the expression of most examined genes toward the pattern observed during in vivo activation, suggesting a role for these factors in the microenvironment that drives HSC activation. The almost identical HSC gene expression patterns after BDL or CCl(4) treatment indicate that HSCs exert similar functions in different types of liver injury. Because culture activation does not properly regulate gene expression in HSCs, in vivo activation should be considered the gold standard for the study of HSC biology.

Expression and function of semaphorin 7A in bone cells

Sema-7A is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored semaphorin that was first identified in the immune system. It is a member of a large family of proteins involved in axon guidance signalling. Sema-7A is expressed in the myeloid and the lymphoid lineage and seems to be involved in cytokine expression and chemotaxy through its receptor Plexin C1. However, it can promote axon outgrowth, acting through a beta1 subunit-containing integrin receptor. In the present study, we have investigated its regulation and function in bone cells. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR demonstrated that Sema-7A mRNA is present during all stages of osteoblast differentiation and maturation in mouse calvaria cells and in MC3T3 cell line in vitro. Its expression is also regulated during primary osteoclast differentiation in vitro. We report that Sema-7A is capable of increasing the migration of MC3T3 cells and that this process is mediated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in osteoblasts, probably through the integrin subunit beta1. Moreover, the addition of recombinant soluble Sema-7A to the culture enhances osteoclast fusion. These findings indicate for the first time the possible involvement of Sema-7A in bone cell differentiation.

Dendritic cell function in mice lacking Plexin C1

Semaphorins are secreted or transmembrane proteins that provide essential repulsive guidance cues to growing axons or endothelial cells through their receptors of the Plexin and Neuropilin family. Semaphorins and Plexins are also expressed in the immune system where their function remains elusive. In particular, Plexin C1 is expressed by mouse dendritic cells (DCs) and is the receptor for the poxvirus semaphorin homolog A39R. We previously found that Plexin C1 engagement by A39R inhibits integrin-mediated DC adhesion and chemokine-induced migration. Here, we show that a cellular ligand for Plexin C1 is expressed both by activated T cells and DCs, suggesting that Plexin C1 might be engaged on DCs both in cis and in trans. We used Plexin C1(-/-) mice to explore the role of Plexin C1 in DC function. DC development is unaffected in these mice. In two different in vivo assays, Plexin C1(-/-) DC migration to lymph nodes (LNs) was lower than that of wild-type (WT) DC but this difference was not statistically significant. Plexin C1(-/-) bone marrow-derived DCs induced normal in vitro T cell responses but reduced in vivo T cell responses when injected subcutaneously to WT mice. Finally, in vivo T cell responses to ovalbumin peptide and contact hypersensitivity to dinitrofluorobenzene were slightly decreased in Plexin C1(-/-) mice. These results suggest a role for Plexin C1 in DC migration or mobility within the LNs.

Soluble CD100 functions on human monocytes and immature dendritic cells require plexin C1 and plexin B1, respectively

CD100 represents the first semaphorin described in the immune system. It is expressed as a 300-kDa homodimer at the surface of most hematopoietic cells, but is also found in a soluble form following a proteolytic cleavage upon cell activation. We herein established that soluble CD100 (sCD100) impaired the migration of human monocytes and immature dendritic cells (DCs), but not of mature DCs. Performing competition assays, we identified plexin C1 (VESPR/CD232) as being involved in sCD100-mediated effects on human monocytes. Interestingly, we observed a complete down-regulation of plexin C1 expression during the in vitro differentiation process of monocytes to immature DCs, while concomitantly the surface expression of plexin B1 was induced. The latter receptor then binds sCD100 on immature DCs, mediating its inhibitory effect on cell migration. Finally, we showed that sCD100 modulated the cytokine production from monocytes and immature DCs. Together these results suggest that sCD100 plays a critical role in the regulation of antigen-presenting cell migration and functions via a tightly regulated process of receptor expression.

Poxvirus semaphorin A39R inhibits phagocytosis by dendritic cells and neutrophils

The poxvirus A39R protein is a member of the semaphorin family that binds to Plexin C1, a molecule expressed on neutrophils and dendritic cells (DC). We previously showed that binding of A39R to Plexin C1 induces local rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton and inhibits integrin-mediated adhesion, leading to cell retraction. As phagocytosis is dependent on both cytoskeleton integrity and integrin function, we tested the effect of A39R on DC and neutrophil phagocytosis. We found that A39R treatment strongly inhibits phagocytosis by DC and neutrophils in vitro in a Plexin C1-dependent fashion. Moreover, A39R treatment inhibited the capacity of CD8alpha+ DC to take up apoptotic bodies in vivo. As a consequence, A39R impaired the ability of CD8alpha+ DC to cross-prime CD8+ T cells ex vivo. In contrast, A39R had no effect on direct priming of CD8+ T cells by peptide-pulsed CD8alpha+ DC in vitro. These results suggest that poxviruses may use semaphorin homologs as a means to evade the immune system.

Plexin C1 Engagement on Mouse Dendritic Cells by Viral Semaphorin A39R Induces Actin Cytoskeleton Rearrangement and Inhibits Integrin-Mediated Adhesion and Chemokine-Induced Migration

The poxvirus A39R protein is a member of the semaphorin family previously reported to bind plexin C1. We show that, in the mouse, plexin C1 is expressed on dendritic cells (DCs) and neutrophils and is the only receptor for A39R on these cells. The biological effects of a recombinant form of A39R were examined in vitro on mouse DCs derived from wild-type or plexin C1(-/-) mice. A39R binding to plexin C1 on DCs inhibited integrin-mediated adhesion and spreading in vitro. This phenomenon was accompanied by a decrease in integrin signaling, measured by focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation, and a rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton, without inducing DC maturation or affecting their viability. The A39R effect on DC adhesion was blocked by a specific inhibitor of cofilin phosphorylation, suggesting that the regulation of F-actin turnover by plexin C1 was essential to induce cellular retraction. Furthermore, A39R binding to plexin C1 inhibited chemokine-induced migration of DCs in vitro, suggesting that plexins and semaphorins could be involved in the regulation of leukocyte movement.