PECAM-1 isoform-specific functions in PECAM-1-deficient brain microvascular endothelial cells

Microvasc Res. 2008 Mar;75(2):188-201. doi: 10.1016/j.mvr.2007.10.001. Epub 2007 Oct 17.

Abstract

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) is alternatively spliced generating eight isoforms that only differ in the length of their cytoplasmic domain. Multiple isoforms of PECAM-1 are present in the endothelium and their expression levels are regulated during vascular development and angiogenesis. However, the functional significance of PECAM-1 isoforms during these processes remains largely unknown. We recently showed that mouse brain endothelial (bEND) cells prepared from PECAM-1-deficient (PECAM-1-/-) mice differ in their cell adhesive and migratory properties compared to PECAM-1+/+ bEND cells. Here we demonstrate that the restoration of PECAM-1 expression in these cells affects their adhesive and migratory properties in an isoform-specific manner. Expression of Delta14&15 PECAM-1, the predominant isoform present in the mouse endothelium, in PECAM-1-/- bEND cells activated MAPK/ERKs, disrupted adherens junctions, and enhanced cell migration and capillary morphogenesis in Matrigel. In contrast, expression of Delta15 PECAM-1 in PECAM-1-/- bEND cells had minimal effects on their activation of MAPK/ERKs, migration, and capillary morphogenesis. The effects of PECAM-1 on cell adhesive and migratory properties were mediated in an isoform-specific manner, at least in part, through its interactions with intracellular signaling proteins, including SHP-2 and Src. These results suggest that the impact of PECAM-1 on EC adhesion, migration, and capillary morphogenesis is modulated by alternative splicing of its cytoplasmic domain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adherens Junctions / metabolism
  • Alternative Splicing*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Brain / blood supply*
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Shape
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells / enzymology
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Microcirculation / metabolism
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / genetics
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism*
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transfection
  • beta Catenin / metabolism
  • src-Family Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CTNNB1 protein, mouse
  • Cadherins
  • Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Protein Isoforms
  • beta Catenin
  • cadherin 5
  • src-Family Kinases
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11
  • Ptpn11 protein, mouse