A Single Immunoglobulin-like Domain of the Human Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 Supports Adhesion by Multiple Vascular and Platelet Integrins

The neural cell adhesion molecule L1 has been shown to function as a homophilic ligand in a variety of dynamic neurological processes. Here we demonstrate that the sixth immunoglobulin-like domain of human L1 (L1-Ig6) can function as a heterophilic ligand for multiple members of the integrin superfamily including α_vβ₃, α_vβ₁, α₅β₁, and α_IIbβ₃. The interaction between L1-Ig6 and α_IIbβ₃ was found to support the rapid attachment of activated human platelets, whereas a corresponding interaction with α_vβ₃ and α_vβ₁ supported the adhesion of umbilical vein endothelial cells. Mutation of the single Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif in human L1-Ig6 effectively abrogated binding by the aforementioned integrins. A L1 peptide containing this RGD motif and corresponding flanking amino acids (PSITWRGDGRDLQEL) effectively blocked L1 integrin interactions and, as an immobilized ligand, supported adhesion via α_vβ₃, α_vβ₁, α₅β₁, and α_IIbβ₃. Whereas β₃ integrin binding to L1-Ig6 was evident in the presence of either Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, or Mn²⁺, a corresponding interaction with the β₁ integrins was only observed in the presence of Mn²⁺. Furthermore, such Mn²⁺-dependent binding by α₅β₁ and α_vβ₁ was significantly inhibited by exogenous Ca²⁺. Our findings suggest that physiological levels of calcium will impose a hierarchy of integrin binding to L1 such that α_vβ₃ or active α_IIbβ₃ > α_vβ₁ > α₅β₁. Given that L1 can interact with multiple vascular or platelet integrins it is significant that we also present evidence for de novo L1 expression on blood vessels associated with certain neoplastic or inflammatory diseases. Together these findings suggest an expanded and novel role for L1 in vascular and thrombogenic processes.