Cell migration in response to the amino-terminal fragment of urokinase requires epidermal growth factor receptor activation through an ADAM-mediated mechanism.

Background: Cell migration is an integral component of intimal hyperplasia development and proteases are pivotal in the process. Understanding the role of urokinase signaling within the cells of vasculature remains poorly defined. The study examines the role of amino-terminal fragment (ATF) of urokinase on a pivotal cross-talk receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is transactivated by both G-protein-coupled receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases and is key to many of their responses. We hypothesize that A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase Domains (ADAM) allows the transactivation of EGFR by ATF.

Objective: To determine the role of ADAM in EGFR transactivation by ATF in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) during cell migration.

Methods: Human coronary VSMC were cultured in vitro. Assays of EGFR phosphorylation were examined in response to ATF (10 nM) in the presence and absence of the matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibitor GM6001, the ADAM inhibitors TAPI-0 and TAPI-1, heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) inhibitor, CRM197, HB-EGF inhibitory antibodies, epidermal growth factor (EGF) inhibitory antibodies, and the EGFR inhibitor AG1478. The small interference ribonucleic acid (siRNA) against EGFR and ADAM-9, ADAM-10, ADAM-12, and adenoviral delivered Gbg inhibitor, betaARK(CT) were also used.

Results: ATF produced concentration-dependent VSMC migration (by wound assay and Boyden chamber), which was inhibited by increasing concentrations of AG1478. ATF was shown to induce time-dependent EGFR phosphorylation, which peaked at fourfold greater than control. Pre-incubation with the Gbetagamma inhibitor betaARK(CT) inhibited EGFR activation by ATF. This migratory and EGFR response was inhibited by AG1478 in a concentration-dependent manner. Incubation with siRNA against EGFR blocked the ATF-mediated migratory and EGFR responses. EGFR phosphorylation by ATF was blocked by inhibition of MMP activity and the ligand HB-EGF. The presence of the ADAM inhibitors, TAPI-0 and TAPI-1 significantly decreased EGFR activation. EGFR phosphorylation by EGF was not interrupted by inhibition of MMP, ADAMs, or HB-EGF. Direct blockade of the EGFR prevented activation by both ATF and EGF. Incubation with siRNA to ADAM-9 and -10 significantly reduced HB-EGF release from VSMC and EGFR activation in response to ATF. The siRNA against ADAM-12 had no effect.

Conclusion: ATF can induce transactivation of EGFR by an ADAM-mediated, HB-EGF-dependent process. Targeting a pivotal cross-talk receptor such as EGFR is an attractive molecular target to inhibit cell migration.