Characterization of novel interactions with membrane NEU1 highlights new regulatory functions for the Elastin Receptor Complex in monocyte interaction with endothelial cells

Background: Vascular aging is associated with remodeling of elastin, one of the main extracellular matrix component of the arterial wall, and production of elastin-derived peptides (EDP). These extracellular matrix degradation products have been shown to trigger biological activities through the elastin receptor complex (ERC) and data from the last decade have brought significant insights on the critical role played by its NEU1 subunit in the biological effects mediated by EDP and the ERC in vascular and metabolic diseases.

Results: Using a proteomic approach, we previously identified new potential interaction partners of membrane NEU1. Here, we validated the interaction between NEU1 and the β₂ integrin in human monocytes and show that binding of EDP to the ERC leads to desialylation of β₂ integrin through NEU1. A similar action mechanism was identified in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) for intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Importantly, these effects were associated with a significant increase in monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and monocyte transendothelial migration.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate that membrane NEU1 sialidase interacts and modulates the sialylation levels of the β₂ integrin and ICAM-1 through the ERC in monocytes and endothelial cells, respectively, and suggest that EDP and the ERC, through this newly identified common mode of action governed by NEU1, may be important regulators of circulating monocyte recruitment to inflamed vascular sites. Moreover, by its ability to interact with and to modulate the sialylation of key membrane glycoproteins through NEU1, new biological functions are anticipated for EDP and the ERC in elastin remodeling-associated disorders.