Integrin-mediated mechanotransduction in renal vascular smooth muscle cells: activation of calcium sparks

Integrins are transmembrane heterodimeric proteins that link extracellular matrix (ECM) to cytoskeleton and have been shown to function as mechanotransducers in nonmuscle cells. Synthetic integrin-binding peptide triggers Ca2+ mobilization and contraction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of rat afferent arteriole, indicating that interactions between the ECM and integrins modulate vascular tone. To examine whether integrins transduce extracellular mechanical stress into intracellular Ca2+ signaling events in VSMCs, unidirectional mechanical force was applied to freshly isolated renal VSMCs through paramagnetic beads coated with fibronectin (natural ligand of alpha(5)beta(1)-integrin in VSMCs). Pulling of fibronectin-coated beads with an electromagnet triggered Ca2+ sparks, followed by global Ca2+ mobilization. Paramagnetic beads coated with low-density lipoprotein, whose receptors are not linked to cytoskeleton, were minimally effective in triggering Ca2+ sparks and global Ca2+ mobilization. Preincubation with ryanodine, cytochalasin-D, or colchicine substantially reduced the occurrence of Ca2+ sparks triggered by fibronectin-coated beads. Binding of VSMCs with antibodies specific to the extracellular domains of alpha(5)- and beta(1)-integrins triggered Ca2+ sparks simulating the effects of fibronectin-coated beads. Preincubation of microperfused afferent arterioles with ryanodine or integrin-specific binding peptide inhibited pressure-induced myogenic constriction. In conclusion, integrins transduce mechanical force into intracellular Ca2+ signaling events in renal VSMCs. Integrin-mediated mechanotransduction is probably involved in myogenic response of afferent arterioles.