Effect of scatter factor on motility of epithelial cells and fibroblasts

The scatter factor is a protein released by fibroblasts that causes dispersal of epithelial cell colonies and disruption of intercellular junctions, as well as an alteration of morphology with ruffling and rapid extension and movement of pseudopodia. To find out if the scatter factor has a direct effect on cell migration, the Boyden chamber assay was used to determine the effect of partially purified factor on the migration of cells through 8 microns pore size filters. The results showed that the mobility of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was stimulated, and usually maximal at 100 ng per ml, which is equivalent to 100 to 200 units of activity in the standard assay based on the morphology and arrangement of cells. The migration was due to chemotaxis and chemokinesis. A keratinocyte cell line was also sensitive as were, to a lesser extent, BSCl monkey kidney cells. The motility of freshly isolated fibroblasts and fibroblast cell lines, however, was not significantly affected. The results confirm the cell specificity and paracrine role of the scatter factor and show that this fibroblast-derived molecule can directly stimulate the movement of epithelial cells.