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Updated: May 11, 2026

Murine Dermal Fibroblast Isolation by FACS
06:04

Murine Dermal Fibroblast Isolation by FACS

Published on: January 7, 2016

New surface component of fibroblast's focal contacts identified by a monoclonal antibody

B Oesch, W Birchmeier

    Cell
    |December 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Researchers identified a new surface protein (FC-1) crucial for fibroblast cell adhesion to substrates. This protein is located at focal contacts and its function in cell-substrate interaction requires further study.

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Biochemistry
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • Cell-substrate adhesion is vital for tissue development and function.
    • Focal contacts are key organelles mediating cell adhesion.
    • Understanding the molecular components of focal contacts is essential.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To characterize a novel protein involved in fibroblast cell adhesion.
    • To identify the location and properties of the FC-1 antigen.
    • To investigate the role of FC-1 in cell-substrate interactions.

    Main Methods:

    • Monoclonal antibody production and characterization (anti-FC-1).
    • Immunofluorescence microscopy to visualize antigen localization.
    • Biochemical analysis including Triton extraction and immunoprecipitation.

    Main Results:

    • Anti-FC-1 inhibits chicken embryo fibroblast attachment to artificial substrates.
    • FC-1 is localized to fibroblast focal contacts, suggesting a role in adhesion.
    • FC-1 is a surface membrane protein with a high molecular weight (approx. 500,000 Da).
    • A 60,000 Da protein component was identified via immunoprecipitation.

    Conclusions:

    • A novel surface membrane protein, FC-1, has been identified at the exterior of fibroblast focal contacts.
    • FC-1 is implicated in mediating cell-substrate adhesion.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of FC-1 in adhesion and its interaction with cytoskeletal elements.

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