The endoproteolytic processing of αvβ5 integrin is involved in cytoskeleton remodelling and cell migration

Abstract
We previously showed that the post-translational cleavage of αv subunit is essential for integrin-dependent signalling and cell adhesion. Here, we report that blocking αv subunit cleavage by expression of α1-PDX, a convertase inhibitor, modified the capacity of cells to change shape, via a remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton upon cell attachment. These changes are associated with cell scattering and with a dramatic increase in cell migration to vitronectin. The αv subunit cleavage is thus essential for integrin function and has a considerable impact on integrin-dependent events, especially those leading to cell migration