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Updated: Jul 22, 2026
08:49
Engineering Three-dimensional Epithelial Tissues Embedded within Extracellular Matrix
Published on: July 10, 2016
Receptors for laminins during epithelial morphogenesis
1Department of Animal Physiology, Uppsala University Biomedical Center, Box 596, Husargatan 3, S-75124 Uppsala, Sweden. Peter.Ekblom@zoofys.uu.se
Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Embryonic epithelial cells use laminin-1 receptors like integrin alpha6beta1 and dystroglycan for development. Their specific roles in epithelial morphogenesis require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Extracellular Matrix
Background:
- Laminin-1 is crucial for embryonic epithelial cell function.
- Integrin alpha6beta1 is a known laminin-1 receptor on embryonic epithelial cells.
- Dystroglycan is a newly identified high-affinity receptor for laminin-1 and laminin-2, present in muscle and embryonic epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles of integrins and dystroglycan in epithelial morphogenesis.
- To clarify the relative importance of these two receptor systems in embryonic epithelia.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the expression and potential function of laminin-1 receptors in embryonic epithelial cells.
- Analysis of integrin alpha6beta1 and dystroglycan interactions with laminin-1.
Main Results:
- Both integrin alpha6beta1 and dystroglycan are expressed on embryonic epithelial cells.
- Dystroglycan may bind to the E3 fragment of laminin-1 in embryonic epithelia.
Conclusions:
- Integrins and the dystroglycan complex are implicated in epithelial morphogenesis.
- The precise contributions of these receptor systems to epithelial development remain to be fully elucidated.
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