Integrin αvβ6-mediated activation of latent TGF-β requires the latent TGF-β binding protein-1

Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-beta) are secreted as inactive complexes containing the TGF-beta, the TGF-beta propeptide, also called the latency-associated protein (LAP), and the latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP). Extracellular activation of this complex is a critical but incompletely understood step in TGF-beta regulation. We have investigated the role of LTBP in modulating TGF-beta generation by the integrin alpha(V)beta(6). We show that even though alpha(v)beta(6) recognizes an RGD on LAP, LTBP-1 is required for alpha(V)beta(6)-mediated latent TGF-beta activation. The domains of LTBP-1 necessary for activation include the TGF-beta propeptide-binding domain and a basic amino acid sequence (hinge domain) with ECM targeting properties. Our results demonstrate an LTBP-1 isoform-specific function in alpha(V)beta(6)-mediated latent TGF-beta activation; LTBP-3 is unable to substitute for LTBP-1 in this assay. The results reveal a functional role for LTBP-1 in latent TGF-beta activation and suggest that activation of specific latent complexes is regulated by distinct mechanisms that may be determined by the LTBP isoform and its potential interaction with the matrix.