Laminin-1 and alpha6beta1 integrin regulate acinar morphogenesis of normal and malignant human prostate epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Cell-matrix interactions via integrin receptors are critical for acinar morphogenesis. The non-tumorigenic, human prostate epithelial cell line RWPE-1 was used in a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model to identify the matrix protein and its integrin receptor required for acinar morphogenesis.

METHODS: 3D cultures, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and Western blot analysis were used to examine acinar formation on matrix proteins and to determine integrin receptor expression.

RESULTS: RWPE-1 cells differentiate into acini of polarized cells with a distinct lumen in 3D Matrigel culture. In contrast, the malignant WPE1-NB26 prostate epithelial cells form solid cell masses. In 3D gels of laminin-1, type IV collagen, or fibronectin, RWPE-1 cells form acini only in laminin-1. Anti-laminin-1 antibody reduces acinar formation in a dose-dependent manner. Polarized RWPE-1 cells showed basal expression of alpha6 and beta1 integrin subunits. Blocking antibodies to alpha6 or beta1 reduced acinar formation to 9 and 6 percent of control, respectively. The beta1 integrin colocalized with focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase activity significantly reduced acinar formation to 38 percent of control, suggesting that beta1 integrin-mediated signal transduction may be regulated through a FAK pathway.

CONCLUSIONS: While basal expression of alpha6beta1 integrin in RWPE-1 cells correlates with their ability to polarize and form acini, a decrease or loss of alpha6, and diffused beta1 expression in WPE1-NB26 cells correlates with loss of acinar-forming ability. Results show that laminin-1 and a functional alpha6beta1 integrin receptor are required for acinar morphogenesis. This novel 3D cell culture model is useful for elucidating regulation of acinar morphogenesis and its loss during prostate carcinogenesis.