Cloning of the Xenopus integrin alpha(v) subunit and analysis of its distribution during early development

One striking feature of the integrin alpha(v) subunit is its ability to associate with at least five different beta subunits (beta1, beta3, beta5, beta6 and beta8) to form functional receptors. These receptors are involved in diverse biological processes, such as differentiation, cell adhesion and migration. Here we report the cloning of the Xenopus homolog of the integrin alpha(v) subunit. Integrin alpha(v) mRNA and protein are maternally supplied and present throughout development. During gastrulation and neurulation alpha(v) protein appears on cell membranes of all three germ layers. In tailbud stage embryos great amounts of the alpha(v) protein can be observed in the inner layer of the ectoderm and in the endothelial cells lining the pharynx and gut.