Modulation of alpha 1 beta 1, alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 integrin heterodimers during human neuroblastoma cell...

Two human neuroblastoma cell lines, LAN-5 and GI-CA-N, have been analyzed for their capability to adhere to different extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The GI-CA-N cells adhered to all the tested substrates: laminin (LN), type I and type IV collagen (Coll I, Coll IV), vitronectin (VN), and fibronectin (FN). Conversely LAN-5 cells weakly attached to FN and VN, whilst adhesion on LN and Coll I and IV was strong and induced a rapid elongation of cell processes. By means of RT-PCR and immunoprecipitation we showed that the integrin pattern of these two lines was different and could explain their diversity in adhesion capability. Both cell lines express a large amount of the beta 1 integrin subunit, associated with different alpha chains, probably responsible for their adhesion to some ECM proteins. After treatment of LAN-5 cells with biological differentiating agents, such as gamma-interferon, alone or in combination with tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), or retinoic acid, the levels of alpha 1 beta 1, alpha 2 beta 1, and alpha 3 beta 1 integrin expression were enhanced, while the amount of alpha v remained constant. In contrast, treatment of LAN-5 cells with TNF-alpha, that did not induce any maturation, or starvation in 2% foetal calf serum, that inhibited cell proliferation without affecting neural differentiation, did not induce any change in the integrin assessment. Messenger-RNAs for the two alpha 6 isoforms, A and B, were present in both cell lines. However, in LAN-5 cells, the protein product was neither detectable nor inducible by differentiation. Our results confirm the specific modulation of the alpha 1 beta 1 integrin expression in human neuronal development, and show, for the first time, the involvement of alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 heterodimers in this maturational process.