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Interaction between cells and elastin fibers: an ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study
J J Perdomo1, P Gounon, M Schaeverbeke
1Station Centrale de Microscopie Electronique, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Journal of Cellular Physiology
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Cell membrane proteins, including elastonectin, mediate the adhesion of elastin fibers to mesenchymal and endothelial cells. This interaction is inducible, forming a complex that enhances cell-elastin fiber binding.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Extracellular Matrix Research
Background:
- Mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells) and endothelial cells interact with elastin fibers.
- Elastin fiber adhesion is mediated by a cell membrane complex, notably a 120 kDa glycoprotein called elastonectin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of elastin fiber-to-cell adhesion.
- To identify and localize the cell membrane components involved in this interaction.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for visualizing cell-elastin interactions.
- Immunocytochemical techniques (indirect immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase, confocal microscopy) using antibodies against elastin adhesive proteins.
Main Results:
- TEM revealed adhesion mechanisms at multiple sites on plasma membranes of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells.
- Endothelial cells formed close associations with elastin, extending pseudopodia to envelop fibers.
- Immunocytochemistry confirmed the presence and localization of inducible cell membrane components synthesized in response to elastin presence.
Conclusions:
- An inducible cell membrane complex mediates elastin fiber adhesion to mesenchymal and endothelial cells.
- Elastonectin is a key component of this adhesive complex.
- Cellular response to elastin involves the synthesis of specific membrane proteins for enhanced binding.