Laboratory research.
Reproduction and glycobiology research laboratory.
Specific antibody blockage of LeY or integrin αvx3b2;3 and knockdown of FUT4 expression in RL95-2 cells by transient transfection of FUT4 siRNA.
The expression of integrin αvx3b2;3 and LeY in both endometrial tissues and RL95-2 cells was measured. LeY carried by integrin αvx3b2;3 was identified by examining the immunoprecipitated integrin αvx3b2;3. The effect of knocking down FUT4 on the expression of integrin αvx3b2;3 and LeY and their impact on the adhesion of JAR cells to the RL95-2 cells were assessed.
Integrin αvx3b2;3 and LeY are expressed in both secretory-stage human endometrial tissue and in RL95-2 cells. Although integrin αvx3b2;3 carries LeY, knocking down FUT4 expression only reduces the expression of LeY but not of integrin αvx3b2;3. Knocking down FUT4, antibody blockade of LeY or integrin αvx3b2;3 consistently decreases the adhesion of JAR cells to the RL95-2 cells and prevents focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation.
LeY carried by integrin αvx3b2;3 plays a critical role on the attachment of JAR cells to the RL95-2 cells and activates integrin αvx3b2;3/FAK signaling.