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Are beta 1 integrins involved in Xenopus gastrulation?
J E Howard1, E M Hirst, J C Smith
1Laboratory of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Medical Research, London, UK.
Mechanisms of Development
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Beta 1-containing integrins are key fibronectin receptors in Xenopus gastrulation. Antibodies blocking integrin beta 1 inhibit gastrulation, revealing their crucial role in this developmental process.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- The molecular mechanisms of vertebrate gastrulation remain largely unknown.
- Previous studies in amphibians suggested a role for beta 1-containing integrins, but Xenopus data was inconclusive.
- RGD peptides did not inhibit Xenopus gastrulation, and activin did not increase integrin beta 1 synthesis in ectodermal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of beta 1-containing integrins in Xenopus gastrulation.
- To clarify the function of fibronectin receptors during this critical developmental stage.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Xenopus laevis embryos.
- Investigated the function of beta 1-containing integrins using antibodies.
- Assessed the role of RGD peptides in gastrulation inhibition.
- Examined cell spreading and integrin synthesis in response to activin.
Main Results:
- Beta 1-containing integrins are the primary fibronectin receptors in the Xenopus gastrula.
- Cell surface levels of these integrins are low.
- Antibodies targeting the external domain of integrin beta 1 blocked gastrulation when injected into the blastocoel.
- RGD peptides did not inhibit gastrulation.
Conclusions:
- Beta 1-containing integrins play a crucial role in Xenopus gastrulation.
- Antibody-mediated blocking of integrin beta 1 provides a functional assay for its role.
- These findings support a model for integrin beta 1 function during Xenopus gastrulation.