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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Jararhagin, a snake venom metalloproteinase-disintegrin, stimulates epithelial cell migration in an in vitro restitution model

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Author(s):
Costa, Érica Pereira [1] ; Santos, Marinilce Fagundes
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas. Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Toxicon; v. 44, n. 8, p. 861-870, Oct. 2004.
Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology
Abstract

The snake venom metalloproteinase-disintegrin jararhagin (JG) has no chemotactic activity but stimulates the migration of neutrophils in vivo through a mechanism still unclear. In this study we investigated the effects of jararhagin on epithelial cell adhesion and migration in vitro. F-actin arrangement and the distribution of laminin, fibronectin, several integrins and phosphorylated Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) were studied using rhodamine-phalloidin and immunofluorescence. Maximum stimulation of migration (about 100%) was obtained with 5 µg/ml JG, with about 38% inhibition of cellular adhesion. In migratory cells the toxin stimulated the formation of filopodia, lamellipodia and stress fibers. The pericellular fibronectin matrix was lost in migrating cells, while laminin was less affected. The toxin stimulated FAK phosphorylation and the recruitment of av-containing integrins to focal contacts, whereas integrins containing the a2 subunit were reduced in these junctions. Inactivation of the toxin with 1,10 phenanthroline showed that the catalytic activity is important for the effect of jararhagin on cell migration, FAK phosphorylation and for the recruitment of av, but not as much for the anti-adhesive effect. In conclusion, jararhagin stimulates the migration of epithelial cells in vitro through a mechanism that involves its proteolytic activity, qualitative changes in cellular adhesion and the formation of actin-rich cellular processes. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 01/09047-2 - Cellular and molecular aspects of vertebrate retina development and degeneration
Grantee:Dania Emi Hamassaki
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants