BETA-1 INTEGRIN DEFICIENCY IMPAIRS MIGRATION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF MOUSE EMBRYONIC STEM-CELL DERIVED NEURONS

Cell-matrix interaction plays an important role during neuronal develo pment, which is demonstrated by comparing wild type (D3)- and beta 1 i ntegrin-deficient (G201) embryonic stem cell derived neurons. In D3 pr eparations complex networks of functionally coupled neurons with bi- a nd multipolar morphologies develop. In contrast, neuronal differentiat ion is retarded in G201 derived neurons, recognised by limited migrati on and restricted morphological differentiation. Furthermore, beta 1 i ntegrin deficiency causes a delay in expression of major neurotransmit ters like GABA and glutamate as well as of synaptophysin, These findin gs indicate a prominent role of beta 1 integrin for both morphological and chemical differentiation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. Ail rights reserved.