OBJECTIVES:The clinical diagnosis of qualitative platelet disorders (QPDs) based on light transmission aggregometry (LTA) requires significant blood volume, time, and expertise, all of which can be barriers to utilization in some populations and settings. Our objective was to develop a more rapid assay of platelet function by measuring platelet-mediated clot contraction in small volumes (35 µL) of whole blood using T2 magnetic resonance (T2MR).METHODS:We established normal ranges for platelet-mediated clot contraction using T2MR, used these ranges to study patients with known platelet dysfunction, and then evaluated agreement between T2MR and LTA with arachidonic acid, adenosine diphosphate, epinephrine, and thrombin receptor activator peptide.RESULTS:Blood from 21 healthy donors was studied. T2MR showed 100% agreement with LTA with each of the four agonists and their cognate inhibitors tested. T2MR successfully detected abnormalities in each of seven patients with known QPDs, with the exception of one patient with a novel mutation leading to Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome. T2MR appeared to detect platelet function at similar or lower platelet counts than LTA.CONCLUSIONS:T2MR may provide a clinically useful approach to diagnose QPDs using small volumes of whole blood, while also providing new insight into platelet biology not evident using plasma-based platelet aggregation tests.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) regulates angiogenesis and vascular permeability through proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix and intracellular signaling initiated upon its binding to uPAR/CD87 and other cell surface receptors. Here, we describe an additional mechanism by which uPA regulates angiogenesis. Ex vivo VEGF-induced vascular sprouting from Matrigel-embedded aortic rings isolated from uPA knock-out (uPA−/−) mice was impaired compared with vessels emanating from wild-type mice. Endothelial cells isolated from uPA−/− mice show less proliferation and migration in response to VEGF than their wild type counterparts or uPA−/− endothelial cells in which expression of wild type uPA had been restored. We reported previously that uPA is transported from cell surface receptors to nuclei through a mechanism that requires its kringle domain. Intranuclear uPA modulates gene transcription by binding to a subset of transcription factors. Here we report that wild type single-chain uPA, but not uPA variants incapable of nuclear transport, increases the expression of cell surface VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) by translocating to the nuclei of ECs. Intranuclear single-chain uPA binds directly to and interferes with the function of the transcription factor hematopoietically expressed homeodomain protein or proline-rich homeodomain protein (HHEX/PRH), which thereby lose their physiologic capacity to repress the activity of vehgr1 and vegfr2 gene promoters. These studies identify uPA-dependent de-repression of vegfr1 and vegfr2 gene transcription through binding to HHEX/PRH as a novel mechanism by which uPA mediates the pro-angiogenic effects of VEGF and identifies a potential new target for control of pathologic angiogenesis.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a thrombotic disorder initiated by antibodies to complexes between platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin. The risk of recurrent thromboembolism persists after heparin is cleared and platelet activation leading to release of PF4 has dissipated. We asked whether antigenic complexes between polyphosphates and PF4 released from activated platelets might intensify or sustain the prothrombotic phenotype of HIT. PF4 forms stable, ultralarge complexes with polyphosphates of various sizes, including those released from platelets, which are recognized by the HIT-like monoclonal KKO, an immunoglobulin G2bκ monoclonal heparin/PF4 binding antibody, and by human HIT antibodies. KKO helps to protect PF4/polyphosphate complexes from degradation by phosphatases. Complement is activated when HIT antibodies bind to PF4/polyphosphate complexes and PF4 reverses the inhibition of complement by polyphosphates. Polyphosphates and PF4 are stored primarily in separate granules in resting platelets, but they colocalize when the cells are activated. Platelets activated by subaggregating doses of thrombin receptor activating peptide release polyphosphates and PF4, which form antigenic complexes that allow KKO to further activate platelets in the absence of heparin and exogenous PF4. These studies suggest that thrombin- or immune complex-mediated release of endogenous antigenic PF4/polyphosphate complexes from platelets may augment the prothrombotic risk of HIT and perpetuate the risk of thrombosis after heparin has been discontinued.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an autoimmune thrombotic disorder caused by immune complexes containing platelet factor 4 (PF4), antibodies to PF4 and heparin or cellular glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Here we solve the crystal structures of the: (1) PF4 tetramer/fondaparinux complex, (2) PF4 tetramer/KKO-Fab complex (a murine monoclonal HIT-like antibody) and (3) PF4 monomer/RTO-Fab complex (a non-HIT anti-PF4 monoclonal antibody). Fondaparinux binds to the 'closed' end of the PF4 tetramer and stabilizes its conformation. This interaction in turn stabilizes the epitope for KKO on the 'open' end of the tetramer. Fondaparinux and KKO thereby collaborate to 'stabilize' the ternary pathogenic immune complex. Binding of RTO to PF4 monomers prevents PF4 tetramerization and inhibits KKO and human HIT IgG-induced platelet activation and platelet aggregation in vitro, and thrombus progression in vivo. The atomic structures provide a basis to develop new diagnostics and non-anticoagulant therapeutics for HIT.

Abstract The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system has multifunctional roles in neoplastic grows and metastasis, affecting cancer cell proliferation, adhesion, migration and survival, and tumor angiogenesis. uPA mediates tumor angiogenesis and vascular permeability through proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, activation of release of growth factors and by intracellular signaling initiated upon its binding to the uPA receptor (CD87) and others. In accord with this, we observed that VEGF-induced endothelial cell (EC) proliferation is dependent on uPA; ECs isolated from uPA knockout mice (uPA-/- ECs) show less proliferation in response to VEGF than their wild type counterparts or than uPA-/- ECs in which expression of wild type uPA has been restored using lentiviral transfection. We reported previously that uPA is transported from cell surface to nuclei through a mechanism that requires its kringle domain, and that intranuclear uPA modulates gene transcription by binding to a subset of transcription factors (1, 2). Here, we show that uPA regulates angiogenesis in part through this novel mechanism. Wild type single-chain uPA (WT-scuPA) translocates to the nuclei of ECs, but not a kringle-deficient uPA variant (ΔK-scuPA) incapable of nuclear transport(1). Translocation of uPA is accompanied by increased expression of cell surface VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), whereas ΔK-scuPA had no effect on expression of either receptor. We used a transcription factor protein-protein microarray to identify the intranuclear target responsible for regulating receptor expression. We report that uPA binds hematopoietically expressed homeobox transcription factor (HHEX), also referred to as proline-rich homeobox TF (PRH), which has been identified by us previously as a transcriptional repressor of vegf, vegfr1 and vegfr2 promoters(3). uPA directly binds to HHEX/PRH, interferes with its binding to the target DNA sequence, and de-represses transcription of vegfr1 and vegfr2 genes. These studies identify a novel mechanism underlying the pro-angiogenic effects of VEGF through uPA binding to HHEX/PRH leading to de-repression of vegfr1 and vegfr2 gene transcription and thereby suggest that interruption of this pathway might provide a new approach to mitigate tumor angiogenesis. References. 1. Stepanova V, Lebedeva T, Kuo A, Yarovoi S, Tkachuk S, Zaitsev S, Bdeir Kh, Dumler I, Marks M.S., Parfyonova Ye, Tkachuk VA, Higazi A.-A., Cines D.B. (2008) Blood 112(1): 100-110. 2. Asuthkar S, Stepanova V, Lebedeva T, Holterman AL, Estes N, Cines DB, Rao JS, Gondi CS. (2013) Mol Biol Cell. 24(17):2620-32. 3. Noy P, Williams H, Sawasdichai A, Gaston K, Jayaraman PS. Mol Cell Biol. (2010) 30(9):2120-34. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Victoria Stepanova, Padma Sheela Jayaraman, Sergei V. Zaitsev, Tatiana Lebedeva, Rachael M. Kershaw, Douglas B. Cines. uPA modulates angiogenesis through transcriptional regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4164. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4164

Platelet-driven blood clot contraction (retraction) is thought to promote wound closure and secure hemostasis while preventing vascular occlusion. Notwithstanding its importance, clot contraction remains a poorly understood process, partially because of the lack of methodology to quantify its dynamics and requirements. We used a novel automated optical analyzer to continuously track in vitro changes in the size of contracting clots in whole blood and in variously reconstituted samples. Kinetics of contraction was complemented with dynamic rheometry to characterize the viscoelasticity of contracting clots. This combined approach enabled investigation of the coordinated mechanistic impact of platelets, including nonmuscle myosin II, red blood cells (RBCs), fibrin(ogen), factor XIIIa (FXIIIa), and thrombin on the kinetics and mechanics of the contraction process. Clot contraction is composed of 3 sequential phases, each characterized by a distinct rate constant. Thrombin, Ca(2+), the integrin αIIbβ3, myosin IIa, FXIIIa cross-linking, and platelet count all promote 1 or more phases of the clot contraction process. In contrast, RBCs impair contraction and reduce elasticity, while increasing the overall contractile stress generated by the platelet-fibrin meshwork. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which blood cells, fibrin(ogen), and platelet-fibrin interactions modulate clot contraction may generate novel approaches to reveal and to manage thrombosis and hemostatic disorders.

BACKGROUND: Existing approaches for measuring hemostasis parameters require multiple platforms, can take hours to provide results, and generally require 1-25 mL of sample. We developed a diagnostic platform that allows comprehensive assessment of hemostatic parameters on a single instrument and provides results within 15 min using 0.04 mL of blood with minimal sample handling.METHODS: T2 magnetic resonance (T2MR) was used to directly measure integrated reactions in whole blood samples by resolving multiple water relaxation times from distinct sample microenvironments. Clotting, clot contraction, and fibrinolysis stimulated by thrombin or tissue plasminogen activator, respectively, were measured. T2MR signals of clotting samples were compared with images produced by scanning electron microscopy and with standard reference methods for the following parameters: hematocrit, prothrombin time, clot strength, and platelet activity.RESULTS: Application of T2MR methodology revealed conditions under which a unique T2MR signature appeared that corresponded with the formation of polyhedral erythrocytes, the dynamics and morphology of which are dependent on thrombin, fibrinogen, hematocrit, and platelet levels. We also showed that the T2MR platform can be used for precise and accurate measurements of hematocrit (%CV, 4.8%, R-2 = 0.95), clotting time (%CV, 3.5%, R-2 = 0.94), clot strength (R-2 = 0.95), and platelet function (93% agreement with light transmission aggregometry).CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that T2MR has the potential to provide rapid and sensitive identification of patients at risk for thrombosis or bleeding and to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets with a single, simple-to-employ analytic approach that may be suitable for routine use in both research and diverse clinical settings. (C) 2014 American Association for Clinical Chemistry

Clot contraction is a final step of blood clotting and plays a key role in hemostasis and restoring blood flow past obstructive thrombi. The volume shrinkage of clots is driven by the contractile forces generated by activated platelets and propagated by the platelet-attached viscoelastic fibrin fibers throughout the entire clot. We have recently shown that blood clot contraction results in the formation of compressed. tightly packed, polyhedral erythrocytes (polyhedrocytes) and in the redistribution of platelets and fibrin to the surface of the contracted clot as a result of the complex interplay between platelets, fibrin, and erythrocytes. This study further investigates the role of these major blood cells in the dynamic mechanical (or viscoelastic) properties of the clot and the kinetics of clot contraction. Platelet and erythrocyte levels were varied through the use of partially reconstituted blood. Samples of platelet-containing plasma with or without added erythrocytes were recalcified and activated with thrombin. The viscoelastic properties and the force of contraction of the resultant clot were determined using high precision rheology. The kinetics of contraction was analyzed using a Thromboimager (HemaCore, Moscow, Russia), which allows continuous tracking and quantitative characterization of dynamic clot size by sensing changes in the light scattering of the clot over time. As predicted, the rate and degree of clot contraction depended linearly on the platelet count over a broad range (R2=0.9881). Increased platelet concentration of greater than 500 k/μl resulted in a more than 30% increase (p<0.001) in the percentage of clot contraction at 30 minutes when compared to the lowest platelet concentration (<75 k/μl). There was a significant increase in the rate and a ~15% increase (p<0.001) in the percentage of clot contraction seen in samples with 250-300k/μl, however, and no difference in samples with 125-150k/μl when compared to the lowest platelet concentration. It was observed that increasing the hematocrit level also affected the degree of contraction with a 30% decrease (p<0.001) in the percentage of contraction seen as the erythrocyte level was increased to hematocrit >40% when compared to <10% hematocrit. There was a 10-15% decrease in the percentage of contraction seen at intermediate hematocrit levels (p<0.05). In addition to decreasing the degree of contraction, changing the cellular composition also affected the rate of contraction. Increasing the concentration of either erythrocytes or platelets resulted in a relative increase in the viscous (or plastic) properties when compared to elastic (or stiffness) properties of the clot (p<0.01), showing a complex dependence of the viscoelastic behavior of the contracting clot as a result of the addition of cells. The presence of erythrocytes resulted in a 63% increase (p<0.05) in the contractile forces that were generated by the platelet-fibrin network when compared to platelets alone. We interpret these results as a profound effect of erythrocytes on the course of clot contraction and on the final size and mechanical properties of contracted blood clots. These results reveal that the concentration of cellular components critically affects the ability of the platelet-fibrin network on the outside of the clot to generate forces needed to reduce the clot size and to compact the erythrocytes, resulting in the formation of a stiff, dense hemostatic plug with low permeability.

Contraction of blood clots is necessary for hemostasis and wound healing and to restore flow past obstructive thrombi, but little is known about the structure of contracted clots or the role of erythrocytes in contraction. We found that contracted blood clots develop a remarkable structure, with a meshwork of fibrin and platelet aggregates on the exterior of the clot and a close-packed, tessellated array of compressed polyhedral erythrocytes within. The same results were obtained after initiation of clotting with various activators and also with clots from reconstituted human blood and mouse blood. Such close-packed arrays of polyhedral erythrocytes, or polyhedrocytes, were also observed in human arterial thrombi taken from patients. The mechanical nature of this shape change was confirmed by polyhedrocyte formation from the forces of centrifugation of blood without clotting. Platelets (with their cytoskeletal motility proteins) and fibrin(ogen) (as the substrate bridging platelets for contraction) are required to generate the forces necessary to segregate platelets/fibrin from erythrocytes and to compress erythrocytes into a tightly packed array. These results demonstrate how contracted clots form an impermeable barrier important for hemostasis and wound healing and help explain how fibrinolysis is greatly retarded as clots contract.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is almost always lethal. One of the underlying reasons for this lethality is believed to be the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC), which impart chemoresistance and promote recurrence, but the mechanisms responsible are unclear. Recently the poor prognosis of PDAC has been correlated with increased expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). In the present study we examine the role of uPA in the generation of PDAC CSC. We observe a subset of cells identifiable as a side population (SP) when sorted by flow cytometry of MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells that possess the properties of CSC. A large fraction of these SP cells are CD44 and CD24 positive, are gemcitabine resistant, possess sphere-forming ability, and exhibit increased tumorigenicity, known characteristics of cancer stemness. Increased tumorigenicity and gemcitabine resistance decrease after suppression of uPA. We observe that uPA interacts directly with transcription factors LIM homeobox-2 (Lhx2), homeobox transcription factor A5 (HOXA5), and Hey to possibly promote cancer stemness. uPA regulates Lhx2 expression by suppressing expression of miR-124 and p53 expression by repressing its promoter by inactivating HOXA5. These results demonstrate that regulation of gene transcription by uPA contributes to cancer stemness and clinical lethality.

Background Contraction of blood clots is necessary for hemostasis, wound healing and to restore flow past obstructive thrombi. However, little has been known about the structure of contracted clots and mechanisms of contraction. Erythrocytes, biconcave cells that are highly deformable to allow their passage through the microvasculature, are abundant in venous thrombi, and to a lesser extent in arterial thrombi. Erythrocytes promote hemostasis, but their participation in clot contraction has not been reported. Here we study the mechanisms of clot contraction and the roles of erythrocytes, platelets and fibrin, and show that erythrocyte shape change into compressed polyhedrocytes allows tight packing consistent with the major function of clots to stem bleeding. Methods Whole blood was clotted by recalcification and addition of thrombin or kaolin, while following the process of clotting, including contraction, with a new technique using T2 magnetic resonance. We examined the structure and composition of contracted whole blood clots by scanning electron microscopy and confocal light microscopy. Results Contracted clots display a remarkable structure, with a close-packed, tessellated array (or mosaic tiling of space) of compressed polyhedral erythrocytes (called polyhedrocytes) on the interior and a meshwork of fibrin and platelet aggregates on the exterior. Little fibin and few platelets were found on the interior of the contracted clots. The same results were obtained with both thrombin and kaolin as activators of clotting and also with reconstituted human blood and clots prepared from mouse blood. Confocal microscopy of hydrated clots confirms the results of scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical nature of this shape change was confirmed by polyhedrocyte formation from the forces of centrifugation of blood without clotting. Platelets (with their cytoskeletal motility proteins) and fibrin(ogen) (as the substrate bridging platelets for contraction) are required to generate the forces necessary to segregate platelets/fibrin from erythrocytes and to compress erythrocytes into a closely packed polyhedral array. To assess the density of packing of the polyhedral erythrocytes, we replaced the water surrounding the clots with D2O and observed by T2 magnetic resonance that hydrogen/deuterium exchange for the contracted clots was very slow, consistent with their very tightly packed, almost impermeable structure. The same polyhedrocyte structures were observed from in vivo thrombi aspirated by cardiologists from the coronary arteries of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients. Summary/Conclusions We have observed a previously undiscovered, naturally occurring erythrocyte function and morphology, closely packed polyhedra, in contracted clots and thrombi, and an unexpected spatial redistribution of platelets and fibrin that occurs during contraction. Clot contraction is an essential part of hemostasis, since both human genetic disorders of platelet myosin IIA and megakaryocyte myosin IIA-knock out mice show a bleeding phenotype. These observations on contracted clots imply that they are stiff, rigid structures that can form an impermeable, watertight seal. On the one hand, contraction of clots within the vasculature may relieve obstruction of blood vessels and allow recanalization, especially in the venous system. On the other hand, these results account for long-standing clinical observations that fibrinolysis is greatly prolonged following clot contraction, since perfusion or diffusion of lytic enzymes into these tightly packed polyhedral erythrocytes would be nearly impossible. These results suggest a vital role for erythrocytes and clot contraction in hemostasis and wound healing. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 1118 There are no currently available tests to rapidly assess and reliably identify both impaired hemostasis and hypercoagulable states, in part because of difficulties in measuring integrated reactions in whole blood using a single sensitive and clinically useful platform. Methods like T2 magnetic resonance (T2MR) can provide rich information from complex samples, such as changes in the blood during hemostasis, by measuring signals emanating from the hydrogen nuclei within the sample, primarily in water. We used a 14”x6”x7” portable instrument to measure changes in T2MR that provide a continuous report on the dynamically changing microscopic environment of water during coagulation of whole blood (WB), platelet-poor or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In these initial foundational studies, we measured T2MR continuously over 20 mins using 34 μL blood samples from consented normal adult donors. We tested clotting of WB initiated by the addition of thrombin or kaolin + calcium. Platelet activation was achieved in WB by addition of ADP or arachidonic acid in the presence of reptilase and factor XIIIa with and without addition of the platelet inhibitors aspirin or 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-monophosphate (2-MeSAMP) and results were confirmed by standard platelet aggregometry. At normal platelet counts from 1.5–3×105/μL and normal hematocrit (HCT) from 38%-48%, T2MR gave two curves corresponding to: (1) water trapped within a retracted clot and (2) water in the surrounding liquid, i.e. serum (Fig. 1a). Platelet counts <1×105/μL or addition of aspirin or 2-MeSAMP eliminated the signal originating from clot retraction (Fig. 1b). High platelet counts (3–13×105/μL) and high thrombin concentrations (10 u/mL) led to a third, even more highly ordered signal (Fig. 1c). The signal also revealed the influence of hematocrit on clot formation/retraction over a wide range of values (20%-73%). Platelet inhibition by aspirin or 2-MeSAMP decreased or eliminated the signal originating from clot retraction (Fig. 1d). Our proof-of-principle studies show that T2MR technology can be applied to measurement of blood clotting across a range of hemostatic conditions. This single technology may be applicable to the study, diagnosis, and management of a spectrum of disorders that range from impaired hemostasis to hypercoagulable states. These T2MR studies represent the first application of this technology to hemostasis and thrombosis. Additional studies will be needed to develop a more complete understanding of the biochemical events measured by T2MR and to more fully explore its clinical utility. Figure 1. Examples of T2MR 3D surfaces for 34 μL of citrated whole blood mixed activated by adding a dried formulation of CaCl2 (11 mM) and kaolin (<0.25%) for (a) a normal platelet count (2.82×105 platelets/μL); (b) thrombocytopenia (9.0×104 platelets/μL); and (c) thrombocytosis (1.0×106 platelets/μL). All samples were reconstituted blood in the same way. (d) Citrated whole blood activated by ADP in the presence of 2-MeSAMP. Figure 1. Examples of T2MR 3D surfaces for 34 μL of citrated whole blood mixed activated by adding a dried formulation of CaCl2 (11 mM) and kaolin (<0.25%) for (a) a normal platelet count (2.82×105 platelets/μL); (b) thrombocytopenia (9.0×104 platelets/μL); and (c) thrombocytosis (1.0×106 platelets/μL). All samples were reconstituted blood in the same way. (d) Citrated whole blood activated by ADP in the presence of 2-MeSAMP. Disclosures: Cines: T2 Biosystems: Research Funding. Lebedeva:T2 Biosystems: Research Funding. Massefski:T2 Biosystems: Employment. Papkov:T2 Biosystems: Employment. Thayer:T2 Biosystems: Employment. Lowery:T2 Biosystems: Employment.

uPA (urokinase-type plasminogen activator) stimulates cell migration through multiple pathways, including formation of plasmin and extracellular metalloproteinases, and binding to the uPAR (uPA receptor; also known as CD87), integrins and LRP1 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1) which activate intracellular signalling pathways. In the present paper we report that uPA-mediated cell migration requires an interaction with fibulin-5. uPA stimulates migration of wild-type MEFs (mouse embryonic fibroblasts) (Fbln5+/+ MEFs), but has no effect on fibulin-5-deficient (Fbln5-/-) MEFs. Migration of MEFs in response to uPA requires an interaction of fibulin-5 with integrins, as MEFs expressing a mutant fibulin-5 incapable of binding integrins (Fbln(RGE/RGE) MEFs) do not migrate in response to uPA. Moreover, a blocking anti-(human β1-integrin) antibody inhibited the migration of PASMCs (pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells) in response to uPA. Binding of uPA to fibulin-5 generates plasmin, which excises the integrin-binding N-terminal cbEGF (Ca2+-binding epidermal growth factor)-like domain, leading to loss of β1-integrin binding. We suggest that uPA promotes cell migration by binding to fibulin-5, initiating its cleavage by plasmin, which leads to its dissociation from β1-integrin and thereby unblocks the capacity of integrin to facilitate cell motility.

Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and PA inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) are elevated in acute lung injury, which is characterized by a loss of endothelial barrier function and the development of pulmonary edema. Two-chain uPA and uPA-PAI-1 complexes (1–20 nm) increased the permeability of monolayers of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) in vitro and lung permeability in vivo. The effects of uPA-PAI-1 were abrogated by the nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor l-NAME (ND-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester). Two-chain uPA (1–20 nm) and uPA-PAI-1 induced phosphorylation of endothelial NOS-Ser1177 in PMVECs, which was followed by generation of NO and the nitrosylation and dissociation of β-catenin from VE-cadherin. uPA-induced phosphorylation of eNOS was decreased by anti-low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP) antibody and an LRP antagonist, receptor-associated protein (RAP), and when binding to the uPA receptor was blocked by the isolated growth factor-like domain of uPA. uPA-induced phosphorylation of eNOS was also inhibited by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, myristoylated PKI, but was not dependent on PI3K-Akt signaling. LRP blockade and inhibition of PKA prevented uPA- and uPA-PAI-1-induced permeability of PMVEC monolayers in vitro and uPA-induced lung permeability in vivo. These studies identify a novel pathway involved in regulating PMVEC permeability and suggest the utility of uPA-based approaches that attenuate untoward permeability following acute lung injury while preserving its salutary effects on fibrinolysis and airway remodeling.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) participates in diverse (patho)physiological processes through intracellular signaling events that affect cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, although the mechanisms by which these occur are only partially understood. Here we report that upon cell binding and internalization, single-chain uPA (scuPA) translocates to the nucleus within minutes. Nuclear translocation does not involve proteolytic activation or degradation of scuPA. Neither the urokinase receptor (uPAR) nor the low-density lipoprotein-related receptor (LRP) is required for nuclear targeting. Rather, translocation involves the binding of scuPA to the nucleocytoplasmic shuttle protein nucleolin through a region containing the kringle domain. RNA interference and mutational analysis demonstrate that nucleolin is required for the nuclear transport of scuPA. Furthermore, nucleolin is required for the induction smooth muscle alpha-actin (alpha-SMA) by scuPA. These data reveal a novel pathway by which uPA is rapidly translocated to the nucleus where it might participate in regulating gene expression.

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Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) can respond to a few viral peptide-MHC-I (pMHC-I) complexes among a myriad of virus-unrelated endogenous self pMHC-I complexes displayed on virus-infected cells. To elucidate the molecular recognition events on live CTL, we have utilized a self-assembled biosensor composed of semiconductor nanocrystals, quantum dots, carrying a controlled number of virus-derived (cognate) and other (noncognate) pMHC-I complexes and examined their recognition by antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) on anti-virus CD8+ T cells. The unique architecture of nanoscale quantum dot/pMHC-I conjugates revealed that unexpectedly strong multivalent CD8–MHC-I interactions underlie the cooperative contribution of noncognate pMHC-I to the recognition of cognate pMHC-I by TCR to augment T cell responses. The cooperative, CD8-dependent spread of signal from a few productively engaged TCR to many other TCR can explain the remarkable ability of CTL to respond to virus-infected cells that present few cognate pMHC-I complexes.