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Laminin 2 attachment selects myofibroblasts from fetal mouse lung
G Flores-Delgado1, P Bringas, D Warburton
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles Research Institute, University of Southern California Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
The American Journal of Physiology
|September 5, 1998
Summary
Laminin-2 (LN2) is expressed during mouse lung development. Specific fetal lung cells with myofibroblast characteristics adhere to LN2, suggesting its role in lung development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Extracellular Matrix Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Laminins (LNs) are crucial extracellular matrix glycoproteins involved in cell functions.
- Eleven LN variants exist, with at least six identified in the lung.
- The specific role of LN2 in lung development remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of Laminin-2 (LN2) in mouse lung development.
- To identify specific fetal lung cells that interact with LN2.
Main Methods:
- RT-PCR analysis to detect alpha2-chain mRNA expression of LN2.
- Cell adhesion assays using primary cultures of fetal mouse lung cells.
- Immunohistochemistry to localize LN2 during lung development.
Main Results:
- Alpha2-chain mRNA of LN2 was expressed during mouse lung development.
- A distinct subpopulation of fetal lung cells, expressing vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and desmin, adhered to LN2.
- These LN2-adherent cells autoexpressed the alpha2-chain of LN2.
- LN2 was localized in the basement membrane of airways, blood vessels, and around mesenchymal cells.
Conclusions:
- LN2 is expressed during mouse lung development.
- A specific subpopulation of fetal lung mesenchymal cells with a myofibroblastic phenotype can be isolated via LN2 attachment.
- LN2 may play a significant role in the cellular biology of myofibroblasts during lung development.