Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Static Adhesion Assay for the Study of Integrin Activation in T Lymphocytes
09:14

Static Adhesion Assay for the Study of Integrin Activation in T Lymphocytes

Published on: June 13, 2014

Interaction of integrins alpha 3 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1: potential role in keratinocyte intercellular adhesion

B E Symington1, Y Takada, W G Carter

  • 1Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98104.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Integrins alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 mediate intercellular adhesion (ICA) in keratinocytes. These integrins interact with each other and with ligands like collagen, suggesting a dual role in cell adhesion.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Dermatology
  • Integrin Biology

Background:

  • Integrins alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 are found at keratinocyte contact sites.
  • These integrins are implicated in mediating intercellular adhesion (ICA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of integrins alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 in keratinocyte intercellular adhesion (ICA).
  • To explore the potential interaction between integrins alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized intercellular adhesion (ICA) assays with cultured keratinocytes and epidermis.
  • Employed assays with purified, monoclonal antibody-immobilized integrins.
  • Investigated ligand binding of integrins expressed in CHO fibroblasts.

Main Results:

  • An anti-alpha 3 beta 1 antibody (P1B5) induced ICA, mediated by both alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1.
  • Selective binding was observed between alpha 2 beta 1-coated beads and epidermal cells, and between plate-bound alpha 3 beta 1.
  • Demonstrated a selective, inhibitable interaction between purified alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 integrins.
  • CHO fibroblasts expressing alpha 2 beta 1 showed binding to collagen and alpha 3 beta 1, inhibited by an anti-alpha 2 beta 1 antibody (P1H5).

Conclusions:

  • Integrins alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 can interact with each other.
  • This interaction suggests a mechanism for mediating intercellular adhesion (ICA) in vivo.
  • Integrin alpha 3 beta 1 mediates keratinocyte adhesion to epiligrin and also participates in ICA through interaction with alpha 2 beta 1.

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Keratinocyte Proliferation on Two- and Three-dimensional Type I Collagen Substrates08:19

Evaluation of Keratinocyte Proliferation on Two- and Three-dimensional Type I Collagen Substrates

Published on: April 22, 2019

Measuring Transcellular Interactions through Protein Aggregation in a Heterologous Cell System04:47

Measuring Transcellular Interactions through Protein Aggregation in a Heterologous Cell System

Published on: May 22, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Integrins01:10

Integrins

Animal and protozoan cells do not have cell walls to help maintain shape and provide structural stability. Instead, these eukaryotic cells secrete a sticky mass of carbohydrates and proteins into the spaces between adjacent cells. This network of proteins and molecules is called an extracellular matrix or ECM.
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Activation of Integrins01:15

Activation of Integrins

Integrins bind ligands and transmit information from outside the cell to inside or vice-versa through an "outside-in signaling" or "inside-out signaling."
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions01:20

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily  involved in a...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions01:20

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily  involved in a...