Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Static Adhesion Assay for the Study of Integrin Activation in T Lymphocytes
Published on: June 13, 2014
Laminin-332 (Laminin-5) is the major motility ligand for B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Paola Spessotto1, Antonella Zucchetto, Massimo Degan
1Experimental Oncology 2, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS, Aviano (PN), Italy.
Abstract:
Cell adhesion and motility are central aspects in the pathophysiology of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), but the role of specific extracellular matrix proteins is still to be completely unveiled. Purified peripheral blood neoplastic cells of B-CLL patients migrated poorly on laminins-111,-411,-511, but showed pronounced motility on laminin (LM)-332 in a high percentage of cases. B-CLL cell motility on LM-332 was mediated by the alpha3beta1 integrin and was preferentially observed in cells carrying a mutated IgV(H) gene profile. Within normal lymph nodes, LM-332 was circumscribed around blood vessels and to areas corresponding to marginal zones, where it was deposited in a pattern reminiscent of reticular fibers. Conversely, in B-CLL involved lymph nodes, a positive LM-332 reticular mesh was diffusely evident, throughout the disrupted nodal architecture. In the present study we identified LM-332 as a crucial motility-promoting factor for B-CLL lymphocytes and as a potential constituent favoring the dissemination of B-CLL lymphocytes through vascular basement membranes and possibly lymph node compartments.
Related Concept Videos
Laminins are the Adhesive Proteins of Basal Lamina
In humans, the five forms of alpha chains are LAMA 1, LAMA 2, LAMA 3, LAMA 4, and LAMA 5. The four forms of beta chains are LAMB 1, LAMB 2, LAMB 3, and LAMB 4. The three forms of gamma...
Selectins
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.
Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation
Anchoring Junctions
