Cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion in cultured Drosophila imaginal disccells

Drosophila imaginal disc cell lines were used to investigate various aspect s of cellular adhesion in vitro. The distribution of PS integrins and their involvement in cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion were assessed with th e monoclonal antibody aBG-1 against the beta PS subunit, and both forms of adhesion were found to he impeded by the presence of the antibody. Adhesion to a number of extracellular matrix components was investigated, and the c ells were found to adhere to human fibronectin. This adhesion was inhibited by aBG-1. The adhesion molecule fasciclin III was also found in these cell s. Given that the cells are competent to perform cell-cell and cell-substra te adhesion, it was thought that apical basal polarity might be restored wh en other suitable conditions were provided, i.e., an artificial basement la yer with feeder cells to provide nutrients basally to the cells, and some f eatures of apical-basal morphology were seen in cells cultured under these conditions.