Nitric oxide/cGMP pathway signaling actively down-regulates α4β1-integrin affinity: an unexpected mechanism for inducing cell de-adhesion
2011
Nitric oxide signaling reduces integrin affinity to promote cell de-adhesion
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Chigaev Alexandre, Smagley Yelena, Sklar Larry A
Primary Institution: University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
Hypothesis
The nitric oxide/cGMP signaling pathway regulates the affinity of VLA-4 integrin, affecting cell adhesion.
Conclusion
The nitric oxide/cGMP signaling pathway can rapidly decrease the affinity of VLA-4 integrin, leading to reduced cell adhesion.
Supporting Evidence
- The nitric oxide donor rapidly decreased the binding of the VLA-4 specific ligand.
- Activation of guanylyl cyclase mimicked the effects of nitric oxide on VLA-4 affinity.
- Cell aggregation was significantly reduced when cells were treated with nitric oxide after activation.
Takeaway
Nitric oxide helps cells let go of each other by changing how sticky a protein called VLA-4 is.
Methodology
The study used fluorescent ligand binding to assess integrin activation on live cells in real-time.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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