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Expression of functional alpha 4 beta 1 integrin by human dermal fibroblasts
J Gailit1, M Pierschbacher, R A Clark
1Department of Dermatology, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794-8165.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Normal human fibroblasts utilize the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin receptor for binding to fibronectin, working alongside the alpha 5 beta 1 receptor. This finding expands the known cell types expressing functional alpha 4 beta 1.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Integrin Signaling
- Extracellular Matrix Interactions
Background:
- Fibroblasts mediate extracellular matrix interactions via cell-surface integrin receptors.
- The alpha 4 beta 1 integrin is typically associated with lymphoid and transformed cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin in normal human fibroblasts.
- To determine the role of alpha 4 beta 1 in fibroblast adhesion to fibronectin.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis.
- Immunoprecipitation using monoclonal antibodies.
- Cell-attachment assays using fibronectin fragments and peptides.
Main Results:
- Normal human fibroblasts express the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin, primarily with the beta 1 subunit.
- Alpha 4 beta 1 facilitates fibroblast attachment to a specific fibronectin fragment.
- Alpha 4 beta 1 collaborates with alpha 5 beta 1 in binding to full-length fibronectin, indicating a role beyond the RGD sequence.
Conclusions:
- Functional alpha 4 beta 1 integrin is present on normal human fibroblasts.
- This receptor plays a significant role in fibronectin binding by fibroblasts.
- The findings broaden the understanding of alpha 4 beta 1 integrin distribution and function.