Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Isolation of Intact, Whole Mouse Mammary Glands for Analysis of Extracellular Matrix Expression and Gland Morphology
Published on: October 30, 2017
Beta 1 and beta 4 integrin expression in methacarn and formalin-fixed material from in situ ductal carcinoma of the
A M Hanby1, C E Gillett, M Pignatelli
1ICRF/RCS Histopathology Unit, London, U.K.
Abstract:
The integrins are alpha beta heterodimeric transmembrane proteins mediating cell-substratum as well as cell-cell interactions. Previous distribution studies on integrin expression have been limited by the requirement of cryostat sectioned tissues, and consequent poor resolution. We have examined 40 examples of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) for the expression of both beta 1 and beta 4 integrin chains. These showed strong polarized membrane staining of residual myoepithelial cells (correlating with expression of smooth muscle specific actin) and of the basement membrane region with beta 1 and beta 4 antibodies respectively. In 12 out of 40 cases, the DCIS was negative for the beta 1 chain and a variable pattern of reactivity was seen in the remaining cases. The beta 4 chain was detected focally and weakly in the tumour cells of 7/40 DCIS and strongly in one; all of these cases were also positive for the beta 1 chain. Of the 22 cases where co-existent invasion was present, the infiltrating component showed either a similar degree or a diminution of the extent of immunostaining when compared with the in situ component; only one showed enhanced staining (beta 1 only). This study demonstrates that two of the main beta chains, beta 1 and beta 4, can be effectively demonstrated on methacarn and cold (4 degrees C) formalin-fixed tissues by avidin-biotin indirect immunoperoxidase staining and that the results are similar to those achieved using frozen tissue.
Related Concept Videos
Integrins
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,...
Activation of Integrins
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.
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Adherens Junctions
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...

