Tom Bunch

Associate Research Professor

Publication:

Bunch TA, Brower DL. Sep 1992. Drosophila PS2 integrin mediates RGD-dependent cell-matrix interactions. Development, 116:239-47

Abstract

Integrins are a family of transmembrane glycoproteins that mediate cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions. We have transfected cultured Drosophila cells with genes that express the Drosophila PS2 integrin. We demonstrate that this integrin is expressed on the surface of the cells and can mediate cell spreading on an undefined component of fetal calf serum or on the purified vertebrate matrix molecules vitronectin and fibronectin. Additionally, PS2 integrin can cause cell spreading on RGD peptide. The spreading on matrix components or RGD peptide can be inhibited by soluble RGD peptide and is dependent on divalent cations.