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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
14:02
Isolation and Culture of Avian Embryonic Valvular Progenitor Cells
Published on: October 28, 2010
Developmentally regulated expression of alpha 6 integrin in avian embryos
M Bronner-Fraser1, M Artinger, J Muschler
1Developmental Biology Center, University of California, Irvine 92717.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Avian alpha 6 integrin is found in developing nervous system and muscle tissues. This protein plays a key role in neural development and myogenesis during embryonic stages.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Integrins are crucial cell surface receptors mediating cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions.
- The alpha 6 integrin subunit, often paired with beta 1, is known to bind laminin and plays roles in cell adhesion and migration.
- Understanding its expression patterns provides insights into tissue development and cellular differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of the avian alpha 6 integrin subunit during early embryonic development.
- To identify specific cell types and tissues where alpha 6 integrin is expressed.
- To correlate alpha 6 integrin expression with key developmental processes like neurogenesis and myogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against the avian alpha 6 integrin subunit.
- Analysis of embryonic tissues at various developmental stages (e.g., embryonic day 6).
- Microscopic examination of immunoreactivity patterns in the central and peripheral nervous systems, muscle, and other developing organs.
Main Results:
- Alpha 6 integrin is widely expressed in developing avian nervous system (neural plate, neural tube, neurons, axons, ventral roots, retina) and muscle (myoblasts, differentiated muscle).
- Expression is dynamic in the neural tube, peaking around embryonic day 6, and is also found in sympathoadrenal cells, dorsal root ganglia, and mesonephros.
- Alpha 6 immunoreactivity often localizes near laminin, suggesting functional interactions.
Conclusions:
- The avian alpha 6 integrin subunit is a significant developmental marker in both the nervous and muscular systems.
- Its dynamic expression pattern highlights its involvement in critical processes such as neural tube formation, neuronal differentiation, axon guidance, and muscle development.
- The association with laminin suggests a role in mediating cell adhesion and migration during these developmental events.
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01:10Integrins
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Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
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01:15Activation of Integrins
Integrins bind ligands and transmit information from outside the cell to inside or vice-versa through an "outside-in signaling" or "inside-out signaling."
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...