Identification of integrin heterodimers functioning on the surface of undifferentiated porcine primed embryonic stem cells

Abstract

In vitro expansion of undifferentiated porcine primed embryonic stem (ES) cells is facilitated by use of non-cellular niches that mimic three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments enclosing an inner cell mass of porcine blastocysts. Therefore, we investigated the integrin heterodimers on the surface of undifferentiated porcine primed ES cells for the purpose of developing a non-cellular niche to support in vitro maintenance of the self-renewal ability of porcine primed ES cells. Immunocytochemistry and a fluorescence immunoassay were performed to assess integrin α and β subunit levels, and attachment and antibody inhibition assays were used to evaluate the function of integrin heterodimers. The integrin α , α , α , α , α , and β subunits, but not the α , α , α , α , and α subunits, were identified on the surface of undifferentiated porcine primed ES cells. Subsequently, significant increase of their adhesion to fibronectin, tenascin C, and vitronectin were observed and functional blocking of integrin heterodimer α β , α β , or α β showed significantly inhibited adhesion to fibronectin, tenascin C, or vitronectin. No integrin α β heterodimer-mediated adhesion to laminin was detected. These results demonstrate that active α β , α β , and α β integrin heterodimers are present on the surface of undifferentiated porcine primed ES cells, together with inactive integrin α (presumed) and α subunits.

Unchain My Heart: Integrins at the Basis of iPSC Cardiomyocyte Differentiation

“…Similarly, the integrin α 3, α 5, α 6, α 9, αν , and β 1 subunits, but not the α 1, α 2, α 4, α 7, and α 8 subunits, were identified as markers of undifferentiated porcine-primed ESC, with a subsequent significant increase in their adhesion features on fibronectin, tenascin C, and vitronectin coatings. The blockade of integrin heterodimers α 5 β 1, α 9 β 1, and ανβ 1 lead to a strong inhibition in cell-ECM adhesion [134]. Moreover, α ν β 3, α 6 β 1, and α 2 β 1 play a significant role in the initial adhesion of the human ESC to Matrigel [135].…”