Expression of integrins by murine MSC80 Schwann cell line: relationship tocell adhesion and migration

Schwann cells (Sc) are one of the most important factors promoting regenera tion of both the peripheral and the central nervous system. They provide a permissive environment for neurite outgrowth and the making of this environ ment requires interactions between Sc and extracellular matrix protei ns th at are mediated by via integrin receptors. This study characterized, by imm unoprecipitation, the integrins expressed by the mouse MSC80 Sc line. Our r esults showed that MSC80 Sc expressed alpha 1 beta 1, alpha 5 beta 1 and al pha 6 beta 1 integrins as well as the alpha v-subunit associated with an un identified 80-90 kDa beta-subunit. Adhesion and migration assays revealed a hierarchy of protein influences that are dependent upon the type of cellul ar behaviour. Integrin expression correlated with MSC80 Sc line adhesion an d migration on extracellular matrix proteins. The MSC80 Sc line expressed a pattern of integrins which allowed adherence on vitronectin and collagen I V, and faster migration on merosin and laminin. As the integrin pattern and the behaviour of MSC80 on ECM were similar to primary Sc, MSC80 are a pote ntial abundant source of Sc for further in vitro and in vivo experiments. ( C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.