Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans May Promote or Inhibit Cancer Progression by Interacting with Integrins and Affecting Cell Migration

Abstract

The metastatic disease is one of the main consequences of tumor progression, being responsible for most cancer-related deaths worldwide. This review intends to present and discuss data on the relationship between integrins and heparan sulfate proteoglycans in health and cancer progression. Integrins are a family of cell surface transmembrane receptors, responsible for cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion. Integrins' main functions include cell adhesion, migration, and survival. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are cell surface molecules that play important roles as cell receptors, cofactors, and overall direct or indirect contributors to cell organization. Both molecules can act in conjunction to modulate cell behavior and affect malignancy. In this review, we will discuss the different contexts in which various integrins, such as α5, αV, β1, and β3, interact with HSPGs species, such as syndecans and perlecans, affecting tissue homeostasis.

1. Introduction

Metastasis is the ultimate result of cancer progression. There are several factors involved in the establishment of a metastatic site. These factors may be produced by cancer cells or by other cell types upon stimulation by a tumor. This review intends to present and discuss data on the relationship between integrins and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in physiological conditions and during cancer progression. These two classes of molecules are deeply involved in cancer progression and can be found on the cell surface and the extracellular matrix (HSPGs only). We will focus on the mechanisms involving direct or indirect interaction between integrins and HSPGs, leading to altered cell behavior, such as cell adhesion, spreading, and cytoskeleton organization.

2. Integrins' Functions

Integrins are a family of cell surface transmembrane receptors, responsible for cell-ECM and cell-cell adhesion [1–3]. Due to their functions, integrins are considered fundamental for multicellular organism development. They have been expressed since early metazoans, although gene sequences may differ from group to group [4, 5]. Integrin functions by promoting cell adhesion, connecting the intra- with the extracellular space, leading to cytoskeleton arrangement, cell survival, differentiation, and growth [6–8]. These functions are relevant in embryo development and wound healing, as well as in various pathologies. Integrins are the main components of adhesion force generation, important for mesenchymal-like migration and collective migration, both relevant in cancer [9].

They are composed of two subunits, α and β. α subunit has eighteen isoforms, with molecular weights ranging from 120 to 180 kDa, while β subunit has eight isoforms ranging from 90 to 110 kDa [2]. Both subunits have only one transmembrane segment [2]. Different combinations of α and β subunits provide different affinities for ECM molecules. Each integrin dimer binds to different substrates; however, binding may be redundant among dimers. In the following lines, we will present the β subunits mentioned in this review.

β1 integrin pairs with 12 α subunits. They virtually occur in all vertebrate cells. β1 knockout mice are not viable because the embryo cannot perform implantation in the uterine wall. β2 integrin pairs with 4 α subunits. They only occur on white blood cells and are responsible for cell-cell interactions. β3 integrin is found on blood platelets and other cells. β4 integrins are major components of hemidesmosomes and their interaction with keratin filaments is relevant for cell-ECM adhesion [10, 11].

Integrin ligands are comprised of laminins, collagens, and the RGD motif, present in fibronectin and other proteins. Integrins interact with many other molecules on the cell surface, integrating intra- and extracellular compartments [12]. When binding to the extracellular matrix (ECM) for migration purposes, integrins cluster, forming a focal adhesion site, while when no clustering occurs, it is usually for activation of intracellular signaling. Finally, integrin trafficking is the main regulatory process of integrin availability on the cell surface [13].

Integrins present different activation states. Divalent cations affect integrins affinity and specificity; a balance between calcium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese may modulate integrin binding to its substrate [14–17]. Among the divalent cations, manganese has the most extreme modulating effect on integrin affinity for its substrates [14, 16]. Magnesium also activates integrins, while zinc will keep integrins in an inactive state.

Inside-out integrin activation is relevant for defense responses, especially when immune cells must bind to the endothelium or reach damaged areas during an infection or inflammation event [18–20]. Finally, integrins are also relevant in cell survival; lack of contact with the ECM leads to cell death [8]. Epithelial cells may have a different relationship than stromal cells as they differ in cell-cell and cell-ECM binding.

3. Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans and Integrins

HSPGs play important roles during development; there are many examples of their ability to regulate cell growth, angiogenesis, tumor development, and other events. The average heparan sulfate (HS) chain is 50–200 repeating disaccharide units in length and is typically responsible for the majority of HSPGs functions, including protein-binding activity [21]. Different cell types express the same type of proteoglycan; however, these core proteins may present structurally different HS chains [22]; this suggests a finely regulated tissue-specific synthesis. Posttranscriptional and posttranslational modifications also influence proteoglycan variability [23]. Protein binding is usually mediated by HS chains, mostly by clustering basic amino acid residues with negatively charged regions of the glycan [24], but may also involve the proteoglycan core protein [25, 26]. Despite the fact that sulfate residues are largely responsible for the ionic interactions between HS and proteins (such as integrins and growth factors), hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions also play a significant role in HS-protein binding [27]. HS tridimensional conformation, defined by modifications during its biosynthesis, is a determinant feature of interactions between HSPGs and proteins [28]. ECM proteins, such as fibronectin, can synergistically bind integrins and syndecans and activate the cytoplasmic domain of this proteoglycan, controlling cell adhesion and motility by interacting with intracellular components [29, 30].

3.1. Syndecan-1

Syndecans are a family of transmembrane proteoglycans expressed throughout the organism [31]. All syndecans isoforms are regulated during development [32]. Many biological processes have been described as dependent on the interaction between syndecans and integrins. Their role in cell spreading, for example, is performed by exposing binding sites on fibronectin that can be recognized by integrins [33] or by modulation of integrin activation state [34].

Syndecan-1 is largely expressed in epithelia, contributing to the organization of adhesion molecules. This property has been shown in many works, whereas syndecan-1 influences integrin activation and cell arrangement.

Kato and colleagues have shown altered cell migration and reorganization after syndecan-1 loss; these changes could be associated with embryogenesis processes or even carcinoma development [35]. Studies on syndecan-1 role in cell adhesion by specific integrins show that this proteoglycan influences α2β1, αVβ3, and αVβ5 integrins binding to collagen, vitronectin, and vitronectin/fibronectin, respectively [36–39].

Finally, integrins αVβ3 and αVβ5 can also be activated by an inside-out system involving syndecan-1, via formation of a ternary complex: integrin-syndecan-insulin-like growth factor receptor, which leads to intracellular activation of the integrin by talin [40], promoting endothelial cell migration.

3.2. Syndecan-2

Syndecan-2 is not an integrin ligand, but it can interfere with its activation. In fibroblasts, syndecan-2 ectodomain binds to the protein tyrosine kinase phosphatase receptor, CD148, leading to an intracellular signal that induces β1 integrin-mediated cell adhesion [41]. Another study has shown that when syndecan-2 is shed from the endothelial cell membrane, it presents paracrine interactions with CD148, which leads to deactivation of β1 integrins, promoting an antiangiogenic effect [42]. Finally, it has been shown that syndecan-2 mediates adhesion to fibronectin in osteoblasts, its downregulation leads to reduced cell adhesion and spreading, and syndecan-2 downstream signaling molecule, ROCK, is also reduced in this context [43].

Overall, syndecan-2 indirect effect on integrin activation participates in the organization of different tissues; we will explore its role in tumor development in the following sections.

3.3. Syndecan-4

Syndecan-4 is an important component of focal adhesion and is involved in cytoskeletal reorganization. β1 integrin-mediated adhesion requires syndecan-4; nevertheless, there is no evidence of direct contact between these two molecules [44, 45]. This suggests a possible link with CD148, similar to syndecan-2 influence on cell adhesion [41]. The work by Chung and colleagues reinforces this link by revealing syndecan-4 interaction with CD148 as an important factor in the inhibition of T-cell activation [46].

Syndecan-4 has also a major role in regulating matrix structure and cell adhesion/migration during all stages of embryonic development and in most adult tissues. This phenomenon is strongly dependent on the interaction with β1 integrins, such as α5β1, promoting focal adhesion assembly [47]. This assembly requires integrin turnover by endocytosis, which enables cell-ECM contact during migration [48, 49]. Another example of syndecan-4 influence on β1 integrins is the regulation of matrix structure described by Vuoriluoto and colleagues, whereas they show that syndecan-4 inhibits α2β1 integrin-mediated collagen invasion [50]. Finally, Rønning and colleagues have shown that syndecan-4 cytoplasmic domain inhibits myogenesis, and its silencing during muscle differentiation leads to a higher expression of β1 integrin, possibly leading to the formation of focal adhesion [51]. Interestingly, when Carneiro and colleagues produced endothelial cell lines resistant to anoikis, these cells maintained β5 integrin levels but presented higher syndecan-4 expression [52].

All these lines of evidence indicate that syndecan-4 has important roles in cell migration, and, according to the developmental context, it may promote or inhibit cell adhesion/migration by mechanisms directly or indirectly associated with integrins.

3.4. Perlecan

Perlecan is ubiquitously expressed within the ECM and the basement membrane. This HSPG mediates cell signaling and controls cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration [21, 26]. Many developmental and homeostatic processes, like cartilage formation and wound healing, are dependent on its presence [53]. Perlecan knockout mice are not viable, resulting in early neonatal death due to abnormalities in ECM organization [54].

In brain infarcts, endorepellin, also known as perlecan domain V, has proangiogenic activity in brain microvasculature when in combination with α5β1 integrins; this integrin dimer acts as a receptor for endorepellin and stimulates angiogenesis [55]. When endorepellin binds to α2β1 integrins on endothelial cells, it blocks cell migration and angiogenesis by disassembling actin-stress fibers and focal adhesion [56]; this could be a control mechanism to avoid exaggerated angiogenesis. Endorepellin specific activity on endothelial cells was recently explained by the need of simultaneous expression of α2β1 integrins and VEGFR2 found, so far, only in this cell type [57].

3.5. Agrin

Agrin is a multidomain ECM HSPG that was first discovered in neuromuscular junctions and other healthy tissues. It is widely expressed during development and plays a key role in the formation, maintenance, and regeneration of neuromuscular junctions [58]. It is known that αV and β1 integrins can act as receptors for agrin in muscle cells [59].

3.6. Collagen XVIII

Collagen XVIII is another HSPG with structural features of both collagens and proteoglycans [60]. Its C-terminal fraction, endostatin, interacts with αVβ3 and α5β1 integrins, preventing endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis [61, 62].

These are examples of how HSPGs play key roles in integrin interaction with the ECM. Nowadays, many efforts are being made towards the elucidation of these interactions in order to develop better treatments to many diseases and malfunctions, especially cancer progression.

4. Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans and Integrins in Cancer

HSPGs and integrins play important roles in cancer development. In this topic, we will describe the interactions between HSPGs and integrin and their effect on cancer progression.

4.1. Syndecan-1

Syndecans are one of the best portrayed HSPGs in studies on integrins and their engagement in cancer progression. Various interactions between these two classes of molecules modulate cell behavior in response to different signals [21, 63, 64]. Syndecan-1 association with integrins seems to generally induce tumor cell spreading and invasion, especially via interaction of its extracellular domain with αVβ3 and αVβ5 integrins [37, 38, 65]. Lines of evidence for these activities are described in the following lines.

MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells express syndecan-1 and syndecan-4. The signaling pathway associated with cell spreading in these cells seems to be dependent on αVβ3 integrin and syndecan-1, while syndecan-4 does not seem to be involved in this mechanism [37]. In addition, Beauvais and colleagues have shown that syndecan-1 ectodomain is specifically relevant for αVβ3 integrin binding to vitronectin in both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435 cell lines [38]. Syndecan-1 core protein and its complete form are not enough to establish adhesion sites on a collagen substrate by themselves; however, if this proteoglycan is presented in conjunction with α2β1 integrins in MDA-MB-231 cells, adhesion is possible, and HS chains are mandatory for this interaction [66]. All these facts highlight the importance of syndecan-1 ectodomain in pathologic cell behavior.

Indirect interactions between syndecan-1 and integrins have also been described, such as the one between α6β4 integrin and syndecan-1, an interaction mediated by human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) that leads to tumor cell survival in vitro [67].

Syndecan-1 also affects other aspects of tumor progression, such as angiogenesis promotion during tumorigenesis. The work by Beauvais and colleagues shows that synstatin, a peptide derived from syndecan-1 active core protein, has antiangiogenic properties in vivo and in vitro, in addition to decreasing mammary carcinoma formation in nude mice. In this context, αVβ3 and αVβ5 integrins are important to regulate angiogenesis [68], and, while syndecan-1 is necessary to regulate both integrins during angiogenesis and tumorigenesis, synstatin can cause the outbreak of this interaction [65].

Finally, syndecan-1 can also indirectly interfere with integrin by increasing integrin-ECM binding or by amplification of integrin signaling [37]. The work by Yang and colleagues shows that human myocardial fibroblasts secrete a fibronectin-rich ECM, which presents organized, parallel, fiber architecture. This fiber organization is dependent on syndecan-1 presence and is fundamental for the attachment and migration of breast carcinoma cells. This attachment probably occurs because this proteoglycan regulates the activity of several integrins, promoting fibronectin matrix assembly [69].

4.2. Syndecan-2

Many reports present syndecan-2 as an inhibitor of metastatic behavior. Munesue and colleagues have shown that low metastatic clones of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells present high syndecan-2 expression, while the highly metastatic clone does not. Induction of syndecan-2 expression in the highly metastatic clone mimics the low metastatic clone behavior, with the formation of actin-stress fibers mediated by α5β1 integrin that, ultimately, will reflect on low invasive capacity [70, 71].

Syndecan-2 shedding has also an antiangiogenic effect in endothelium. CD148 interacts with shed syndecan-2 in endothelial cells, causing changes in β1 integrin activation state, which leads to angiogenesis inhibition, affecting tumor growth [72]. This fact could be taken into account as an important way to develop novel therapies for diseases strongly dependent on angiogenesis for progression.

On the other hand, syndecan-2 may also promote invasiveness, as seen in MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas this proteoglycan has an important role in cell spreading and adhesion, leading to invasiveness and preserving a malignant phenotype, dependent on Rho GTPases, which regulates the actin cytoskeleton [73].

4.3. Syndecan-4

Syndecan-4 physiological role in focal adhesion formation can also be translated into tumor progression. Many reports have shown its importance for tumor cell survival, adhesion, and migration in the various conditions faced by a tumor cell during cancer progression, such as the ability to bind to the endothelium or thrive in hypoxic conditions.

Syndecan-4 phosphorylation was found to have an important role in the control of integrin recycling. This proteoglycan can control αVβ3 integrin trafficking to the plasma membrane, promoting sustained focal adhesion in healthy mouse cells. The essential molecules in this process, as well as integrin recycling events and integrin expression changes, are found in processes like tumor invasion, demonstrating a route that can be further studied in cancer progression [74–77].

Syndecan-4 has also been associated with the metastatic phenotype; analyses of renal cell carcinoma samples and the highly metastatic tumor cell line KP1 have revealed an association between aggressive phenotype and high expression of tissue transglutaminase (TG2) and syndecan-4. This fact can be associated with syndecan-4 and α5β1 integrin interactions [78, 79].

It was recently discovered that the endothelial surface molecule Thy-1 (CD90) is important for B16/F10 melanoma cells adhesion to endothelium via αVβ3 integrin, favoring metastasis in an in vivo model [80]. Likewise, syndecan-4 promotes A375 melanoma cells binding to the endothelium by participating of a ternary complex with α5β1 integrins and Thy-1. This complex promotes a strong interaction between the tumor cell and the endothelium, which is suitable for downstream mechanosignaling [81].

Cancer cells change their expression profile when challenged in hypoxic conditions. Koike and colleagues have shown that hypoxic human colon cancer cells remarkably overexpress syndecan-4 and α5 integrin, which are important cell-adhesion molecules involved in the enhanced adhesion of cancer cells to fibronectin [82].

Overall, syndecan-4 is a versatile molecule regarding tumor progression and more studies on its roles in cell physiology and the changes that accompany an invasive phenotype are needed for further advances in this field.

4.4. Perlecan

High expression of perlecan was found in some carcinomas, suggesting its involvement in disease progression [83]. Perlecan role in human squamous cell carcinoma progression may be due to recognition by its two receptors, α-dystroglycan and β1 integrin. This association happens not only in physiological conditions [84], but also in invasive carcinoma, epithelial dysplasia, and carcinoma in situ [3]. Ameloblastoma presents high expression of α-dystroglycan and β1 integrin, indicating the importance of perlecan signaling in this type of cancer as well [85].

Endorepellin has potent antiangiogenic activity [26, 86]. It was shown that antiangiogenic and antitumor growth effects of endorepellin occur due to its interaction with α2β1 integrin [87]. It was also observed that endorepellin needs α2β1 integrin and VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) to promote angiostatic activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and porcine aortic endothelial (PAE) cells [88]. These studies may be useful in the development of strategies to delay cancer progression, since perlecan and endorepellin were shown to affect tumor angiogenesis.

4.5. Agrin

Agrin is highly expressed in carcinomas such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma [89–92]. It is known that agrin is capable of interacting with αV and β1 integrins [59]. Hepatocellular carcinoma exhibits αV integrin and agrin near vessels and bile ducts, suggesting that both molecules may promote cancer progression by increasing angiogenesis [89, 93].

4.6. Neuropilin-1

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a membrane bound HSPG that is expressed in normal tissues and in tumors like glioma, breast, colon, and pancreas. In addition, it is expressed in tumor vessels, being usually overexpressed in invasive cancers in comparison to neighboring healthy tissue. Overall, NRP-1 can be related to cancer aggressiveness [21, 94, 95]. NRP-1 is known to interact with VEGF receptor being a VEGF-dependent functional regulator [94, 95]. The presence of NRP-1 and integrins correlates with a more aggressive melanoma [96]. Melanomas which express NRP-1 become more aggressive due to the activation of αV integrin, a marker molecule in the conversion of melanoma cells to a metastatic phenotype [96]. Ruffini and colleagues found that αVβ5 integrin was involved in the transformation of cells expressing NRP-1. They have also identified a mechanism in which αVβ5 integrin inhibitor affects melanoma progression by delaying angiogenesis [96]. In this same study, it was shown that αVβ3 integrin promoted ECM invasion in the presence of VEGFR-2 in NRP-1-positive melanoma cells [96].

NRP-1 expression is increased by a glycoprotein named transmembrane NMB (GPNMB), which is known to promote malignant phenotype in breast cancer [97, 98]. GPNMB is able to bind α5β1 integrin, which activates a signaling pathway related to invasion and metastasis. Thus, GPNMB and NRP-1 must have an important role in mammary tumor growth and metastasis mediated by α5β1 integrin [98].

4.7. Betaglycan

Betaglycan, also known as TGF-β receptor type III (TβRIII), is a transmembrane proteoglycan that functions as a coreceptor for TGF-β [99, 100]. It possesses antitumoral activity by reducing cell motility and survival. In human breast cancer, TβRIII alters α5 integrin localization to sites of adhesion and the reduction of TβRIII gene expression was found to reduce overall survival in breast cancer patients. TβRIII suppresses cancer progression by stabilizing the ECM and by accumulating α5β1 integrin in its activated state; therefore, TβRIII decreased expression could disrupt ECM structure and influence α5 integrin localization, promoting cancer progression by enhancing cell motility and invasion [99].

In another study, it was shown that TβRIII knockdown decreases migratory and invasive characteristics of mesenchymal-stem-like (MSL)/triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. This study shows that TβRIII knockdown is necessary to enhance α2 integrin expression, which leads to a decrease in migration and invasion of MSL/TNBC [101].

5. Closing Remarks

Integrins and heparan sulfate proteoglycans are versatile molecules that may present different functions according to the environment. Research on these molecules as agents in tumor progression is fundamental and brings to light the intricate, complex relationships occurring at cellular and subcellular levels. By analyzing HSPGs-integrin conjunct function in different types of cancer, we might be able to develop treatments based on analog molecules or develop prognostic techniques that may aid in patient treatment design. We also believe it is paramount to consider studies on other glycosaminoglycans, such as chondroitin sulfate, which may be of importance for indirect interactions with integrins.

In conclusion, we believe that as knowledge on how integrins and GAGs interact grows, our chances in succeeding to unveil mechanisms of tumor progression inhibition will be greater.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Authors' Contribution

Mariana A. Soares and Felipe C. O. B. Teixeira contributed equally to this work.