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Related Experiment Videos

The extracellular matrix as a cell survival factor

J E Meredith1, B Fazeli, M A Schwartz

  • 1Scripps Research Institute, Committee on Vascular Biology, La Jolla, California 92037.

Molecular Biology of the Cell
|September 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

The extracellular matrix (ECM) acts as a cell survival factor. Human endothelial cells undergo programmed cell death (PCD) without ECM interaction, but integrin signals prevent this cell suicide.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Extracellular Matrix Research

Background:

  • Programmed cell death (PCD), or apoptosis, is a critical cellular process.
  • Survival factors like hormones and growth factors typically prevent PCD.
  • The role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cell survival is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a potential cell survival factor.
  • To determine if ECM interaction is necessary for maintaining cell viability.

Main Methods:

  • Human endothelial cells were cultured with and without ECM interactions.
  • Assessed PCD using cell morphology, DNA fragmentation, and gene expression (TRPM-2).
  • Investigated the role of integrin beta 1, HLA, and VCAM-1 using antibody blocking.
  • Examined the effect of tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor (sodium orthovanadate) on PCD.
  • Tested other cell types for ECM-deprived cell death.

Main Results:

  • Human endothelial cells rapidly underwent PCD when deprived of ECM interactions.
  • PCD was inhibited by integrin beta 1 antibody, indicating integrin-mediated survival signals.
  • Antibodies to HLA and VCAM-1 did not block PCD.
  • Sodium orthovanadate treatment also prevented PCD in suspended cells.
  • Some, but not all, other cell types also exhibited PCD upon ECM deprivation.

Conclusions:

  • The extracellular matrix (ECM) functions as a crucial survival factor for human endothelial cells.
  • Integrin-mediated signaling through the ECM is essential for preventing PCD.
  • ECM plays a significant role in cell survival beyond regulating growth and differentiation.

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