Positively charged polymer polylysine-induced cell adhesion molecule redistribution in K562 cells

We have recently demonstrated that if human K562 erythroleukemic cells, which normally grow in suspension, are grown in polylysine-coated culture flasks for 48 h, they adhere to these flasks and grow in an anchorage-dependent like manner. Important changes in both membrane conductivity (ionic transport across the cell membrane) and membrane permittivity (static distribution of charges across the cell membrane) were also observed, indicating perturbations in membrane lipids, proteins and polysaccharides. In order to better understand the changes occurring in K562 cells exposed to polylysine and because of the important role played by cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in cell/cell and cell/substratum interactions, and in cellular adaptation to the surrounding environment, the possible redistribution of these molecules after exposure to polylysine were investigated. In particular, the CD54 (ICAM-1), CD58 (LFA-3) and alphaVbeta3 (vitronectin receptor) molecules were investigated at different times of growth both quantitatively and qualitatively utilizing flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively. The data indicate that there were no significant quantitative variations in the CAMs examined at all the times tested. In addition, no qualitative changes were observed at 48 h (as well as 24 h) of exposure. However, shorter treatment times (30 min, 1 and 2 h) did induce important CAM reorganization. The results seem to demonstrate that this cycle of CAM redistribution may, in part, be responsible for cellular adaptation to the new growth environment of K562 cells and for the variations in membrane electrical properties observed.