EXPRESSION OF INTEGRINS DURING AXOLOTL LIMB REGENERATION

Limb regeneration in urodeles is achieved through the dedifferentiatio n of tissues at the amputation plane and through the production of the blastema. This tissue breakdown is possible by extensive alterations in molecules of the extracellular matrix. In this respect we describe the regulation of several integrins during such events. It was found t hat alpha 1 and beta 1 integrins were down-regulated as blastema forma tion proceeded. In contrast, the expression of alpha 3, alpha 6 and al pha v integrins were upregulated in the blastema. These data are consi stent with the roles of integrins in developmental phenomena and are d iscussed in light of the mechanisms of dedifferentiation.