Migration induction of contact inhibited C3H 10T1/2 cells by protein kinase C (PKC) dependent process

Treatment of confluent contact inhibited 10T1/2 cells with TPA or OAG induced a dramatic increase of the number of migrating cells, on cover slides inserted into culture dishes. When cover slides were coated with collagen IV or fibronectin, there was a similar increase of the number of migrating cells. RT PCR showed the presence of alpha PKC gene transcripts and the lack of beta and gamma PKC. Western blot analysis showed translocation of 80 kD alpha PKC to membranous fraction following brief treatment with TPA, and down-regulation of PKC after longer exposure to TPA. Collagen IV and fibronectin treatment of 10T1/2 cells induced MAP kinase, (MEK) kinase in the presence and in absence of FCS. Signal transduction pathway depending on protein kinase C and integrin receptors activation appears to facilitate migration of 10T1/2 cells and may be involved in the mechanism of the escape from contact inhibition of movement.