Coordinate expression of secretory phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase-2 in activated human keratinocytes

PGE2 levels are altered in human epidermis after in vivo wounding; however, mechanisms modulating PGE2 production in activated keratinocytes are unclear. In previous studies, we showed that PGE2 is a growth-promoting autacoid in human primary keratinocyte cultures, and its production is modulated by plating density, suggesting that regulated PGE2 synthesis is an important component of wound healing. Here, we examine the role of phospholipase A2(PLA2) and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in modulation of PGE2 production. We report that the increased PGE2 production that occurs in keratinocytes grown in nonconfluent conditions is also observed after in vitro wounding, indicating that similar mechanisms are involved. This increase was associated with coordinate upregulation of both COX-2 and secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) proteins. Increased sPLA2 activity was also observed. By RT-PCR, we identified the presence of type IIA and type V sPLA2, along with the M-type sPLA2 receptor. Thus the coordinate expression of sPLA2 and COX-2 may be responsible for the increased prostaglandin synthesis in activated keratinocytes during wound repair.

Layilin, A Novel Talin-binding Transmembrane Protein Homologous with C-type Lectins, is Localized in Membrane Ruffles

Changes in cell morphology and motility are mediated by the actin cytoskeleton. Recent advances in our understanding of the regulators of microfilament structure and dynamics have shed light on how these changes are controlled, and efforts continue to define all the structural and signaling components involved in these processes. The actin cytoskeleton-associated protein talin binds to integrins, vinculin, and actin. We report a new binding partner for talin that we have named layilin, which contains homology with C-type lectins, is present in numerous cell lines and tissue extracts, and is expressed on the cell surface. Layilin colocalizes with talin in membrane ruffles, and is recruited to membrane ruffles in cells induced to migrate in in vitro wounding experiments and in peripheral ruffles in spreading cells. A ten–amino acid motif in the layilin cytoplasmic domain is sufficient for talin binding. We have identified a short region within talin's amino-terminal 435 amino acids capable of binding to layilin in vitro. This region overlaps a binding site for focal adhesion kinase.