Human smooth muscle VLA-1 integrin: purification, substrate specificity, localization in aorta, and expression during development

A membrane glycoprotein complex was isolated and purified from human smooth muscle by detergent solubilization and affinity chromatography on collagen-Sepharose. The complex was identified as VLA-1 integrin and consisted of two subunits of 195 and 130 kD in SDS-PAGE. Liposomes containing the VLA-1 integrin adhered to surfaces coated with type I, II, III, and IV collagens, Clq subcomponent of the first component of the complement, and laminin. The liposomes specifically adhered to these proteins in a Ca2+, Mg2(+)-dependent manner, but did not bind to gelatin, fibronectin, and thrombospondin substrates. The expression of VLA-1 integrin in different human tissues and cell types, and during aorta smooth muscle development was studied by SDS-PAGE, and subsequent quantitative immunoblotting was performed with antibodies recognizing alpha 1 and beta 1 subunits of the VLA-1 integrin. A high level of VLA- 1 integrin expression was an exceptional feature of smooth muscles. Fibroblasts, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, striated muscles, and platelets contained trace amounts of VLA-1 integrin. In the 10-wk-old human fetal aorta, VLA-1 integrin was found only in smooth muscle cells whereas mesenchymal cells, surrounding aortic smooth muscle cells, were VLA-1 integrin negative. By the 24th wk of gestation, the amount of VLA- 1 integrin was significantly reduced in the aortic media (4.3-fold for alpha 1 subunit and 2.5-fold for beta 1 subunit) compared with that in the 10-wk-old aortic smooth muscle cells. After birth, the expression of VLA-1 integrin increased and in the 1.5-yr-old child aorta the VLA-1 integrin level was almost the same as in adult aortic media. Smooth muscle cells from intimal thickening of adult aorta express five times less alpha 1 subunit of VLA integrin that smooth muscle cells from adult aortic media. In primary culture of aortic smooth muscle cells, the content of the VLA-1 integrin was dramatically reduced and subcultured cells did not contain VLA-1 integrin at all.     

Integrin function and regulation in development

Integrins are a large family of membrane receptors, consisting of alpha and beta subunits, that play a pivotal role in the interaction of cells with the extracellular matrix. Such interaction regulates the organization of cells in organs and tissues during development as well as cell differentiation and proliferation. We have shown that unfertilized oocytes express integrins that might be important during fertilization. We also analyzed nervous system and muscle tissue development showing that integrin expression is precisely regulated during organization of these tissues. The results indicate that two distinct integrin alpha subunits mediate the outgrowth of processes in nerve and glial cells. Alpha1 integrin, a laminin receptor, is up-regulated by nerve growth factor and other differentiation stimuli and is involved in neurite extension by nerve cells. In contrast, process extension by glial cells is likely to involve the alphaV integrin. Moreover, the latter integrin subunit is also transiently expressed in muscle of the embryo body where it localizes predominantly at developing myotendinous junctions. After birth this integrin disappears and is substituted by the alpha7 subunit. At the same time, important changes also occur in the expression of the associated beta subunit. In fact, the beta1A isoform which is expressed in fetal muscles, is substituted by beta1D. These isoforms are generated by alternative splicing and differ in only a few amino acid residues at the COOH terminus of the protein. This region of the molecule is exposed at the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane and is connected to the actin filaments. Our results show that beta1D, which is expressed only in striated muscle tissues, binds to both cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix proteins with an affinity higher than beta1A. Thus, beta1D provides a stronger link between the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix necessary to support mechanical tension during muscle contraction. These results indicate that cells can regulate their interactions with the extracellular matrix by changing their expression of alpha integrin subunits and thus ligand specificity, or by more subtle changes involving alternative usage of different cytoplasmic domains. The important role of both alpha and beta integrin subunit cytoplasmic domains during development is further illustrated by the analysis of targeted mutations which we have generated by homologous recombination in mice.     

Cib2 binds integrin alpha7Bbeta1D and is reduced in laminin alpha2 chain-deficient muscular dystrophy

Mutations in the gene encoding laminin alpha2 chain cause congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A. In skeletal muscle, laminin alpha2 chain binds at least two receptor complexes: the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex and integrin alpha7beta1. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder, we performed gene expression profiling of laminin alpha2 chain-deficient mouse limb muscle. One of the down-regulated genes encodes a protein called Cib2 (calcium- and integrin-binding protein 2) whose expression and function is unknown. However, the closely related Cib1 has been reported to bind integrin alphaIIb and may be involved in outside-in-signaling in platelets. Since Cib2 might be a novel integrin alpha7beta1-binding protein in muscle, we have studied Cib2 expression in the developing and adult mouse. Cib2 mRNA is mainly expressed in the developing central nervous system and in developing and adult skeletal muscle. In skeletal muscle, Cib2 colocalizes with the integrin alpha7B subunit at the sarcolemma and at the neuromuscular and myotendinous junctions. Finally, we demonstrate that Cib2 is a calcium-binding protein that interacts with integrin alpha7Bbeta1D. Thus, our data suggest a role for Cib2 as a cytoplasmic effector of integrin alpha7Bbeta1D signaling in skeletal muscle.     

Laminin alpha4 and integrin alpha6 are upregulated in regenerating dy/dy skeletal muscle: comparative expression of laminin and integrin isoforms in muscles regenerating after crush injury

The expression of laminin isoforms and laminin-binding integrin receptors known to occur in muscle was investigated during myogenic regeneration after crush injury. Comparisons were made between dystrophic 129ReJ dy/dy mice, which have reduced laminin alpha2 expression, and their normal littermates. The overall histological pattern of regeneration after crush injury was similar in dy/dy and control muscle, but proceeded faster in dy/dy mice. In vitro studies revealed a greater yield of mononuclear cells extracted from dy/dy muscle and a reduced proportion of desmin-positive cells upon in vitro cultivation, reflecting the presence of inflammatory cells and "preactivated" myoblasts due to ongoing regenerative processes within the endogenous dystrophic lesions. Laminin alpha1 was not detectable in skeletal muscle. Laminin alpha2 was present in basement membranes of mature myofibers and newly formed myotubes in control and dy/dy muscles, albeit weaker in dy/dy. Laminin alpha2-negative myogenic cells were detected in dy/dy and control muscle, suggesting the involvement of other laminin alpha chains in early myogenic differentiation, such as laminin alpha4 and alpha5 which were both transiently expressed in basement membranes of newly formed myotubes of dy/dy and control mice. Integrin beta1 was expressed on endothelial cells, muscle fibers, and peripheral nerves in uninjured muscle and broadened after crush injury to the interstitium where it occurred on myogenic and nonmyogenic cells. Integrin alpha3 was not expressed in uninjured or regenerating muscle, while integrin alpha6 was expressed mainly on endothelial cells and peripheral nerves in uninjured muscle. Upon crush injury integrin alpha6 increased in the interstitium mainly on nonmyogenic cells, including infiltrating leukocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. In dy/dy muscle, integrin alpha6 occurred on some newly formed myotubes. Integrin alpha7 was expressed on muscle fibers at the myotendinous junction and showed weak and irregular expression on muscle fibers. After crush injury, integrin alpha7 expression extended to the newly formed myotubes and some myoblasts. However, many myoblasts and newly formed myotubes were integrin alpha7 negative. No marked difference was observed in integrin alpha7 expression between dy/dy and control muscle, either uninjured or after crush injury. Only laminin alpha4 and integrin alpha6 expression patterns were notably different between dy/dy and control muscle. Expression of both molecules was more extensive in dy/dy muscle, especially in the interstitium of regenerating areas and on newly formed myotubes. In view of the faster myogenic regeneration observed in dy/dy mice, the data suggest that laminin alpha4 and integrin alpha6 support myogenic regeneration. However, whether these accelerated myogenic effects are a direct consequence of the reduced laminin alpha2 expression in dy/dy mice, or an accentuation of the ongoing regenerative events in focal lesions in the muscle, requires further investigation.     

Collagen IV alpha 3, alpha 4, and alpha 5 chains in rodent basal laminae: sequence, distribution, association with laminins, and developmental switches

Collagen IV is a major component of vertebrate basal laminae (BLs). Studies in humans have revealed a family of genes encoding alpha 1- alpha 6 collagen IV chains and implicated alpha 3-alpha 6 in disease processes (Goodpasture and Alport syndromes and diffuse leiomyomatosis). To extend studies of these components to an experimentally accessible animal, we cloned cDNAs encoding partial collagen alpha 3, alpha 4, and alpha 5(IV) chains from the mouse. Ribonuclease protection assays showed that all three genes were expressed at highest levels in kidney and lung; alpha 5(IV) was also expressed at high levels in heart. We then made antibodies specific for each collagen IV chain. Immunohistochemical studies of several tissues revealed many combinations of collagen IV chains; however, alpha 3 and alpha 4 (IV) were always coexpressed, and only appeared in BLs that were alpha 5(IV) positive. The alpha 3-alpha 5(IV) chains were frequently but not exclusively associated with the S (beta 2) chain of laminin, as were the alpha 1, 2 (IV) collagen chains with laminin B1 (beta 1). An analysis of developing rat kidney BLs showed that newly formed (S-shaped) nephrons harbored collagen alpha 1 and alpha 2(IV) and laminin B1; maturing (capillary loop stage) BLs contained collagen alpha 1-alpha 5(IV) and laminin B1 and S-laminin; and mature glomerular BLs contained mainly collagen alpha 3-alpha 5(IV) and S-laminin. Thus, collagen alpha 1 and alpha 2(IV) and laminin B1 appear to be fetal components of the glomerular BL, and there is a developmental switch to collagen alpha 3-alpha 5(IV) and S-laminin expression.     

An abundant chick gizzard integrin is the avian alpha 1 beta 1 integrin heterodimer and functions as a divalent cation-dependent collagen IV receptor.

The alpha-subunit of an abundant chick gizzard integrin was isolated (T. Kelly, L. Molony, and K. Burridge, 1987, J. Biol. Chem. 262, 17,189-17,199) and fragmented by proteolytic digestion. The N-terminal sequences of the intact polypeptide and of several internal peptides were determined and were found to be highly homologous to the mammalian integrin alpha 1-subunit. Monoclonal antibodies to the chick integrin beta 1-chain react on immunoblots with the gizzard integrin beta-subunit (U. Hofer, J. Syfrig, and R. Chiquet-Ehrismann, 1990, J. Biol. Chem. 265, 14,561-14,565). The chain composition of the abundant chick gizzard integrin is therefore alpha 1 beta 1. Polyclonal antibodies to the avian integrin alpha 1-subunit block attachment of embryonic gizzard cells to human and chick collagen IV completely and inhibit attachment to mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumor laminin partially. In ELISA-style receptor assays, the isolated alpha 1 beta 1 integrin bound to human and chick collagen IV and to mouse EHS tumor and chick heart laminin. While the binding to collagen IV was abolished by removal of divalent cations, the binding to laminin was not sensitive to EDTA under the conditions used. Collagen I bound the isolated avian alpha 1 beta 1 integrin only weakly. As collagen IV was the only extracellular matrix protein for which a consistent, divalent cation-dependent, binding to the avian alpha 1 beta 1 integrin could be demonstrated in both cellular and molecular assays we suggest that it is a preferred ligand for this integrin.     

Recombinant laminin-8 (alpha(4)beta(1)gamma(1)). Production, purification,and interactions with integrins

Laminins are a large family of heterotrimeric extracellular matrix glycoproteins that, in addition to having structural roles, take part in the regulation of processes such as cell migration, differentiation, and proliferation. The laminin alpha(4) chain is widely distributed both in adults and during development in tissues such as cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle fibers, vascular endothelia, lungs, and in peripheral nerves. It can associate with laminin beta(1)/gamma(1) chains to form laminin-8 and with the beta(2)/gamma(1) chains to form laminin-9. Functional studies on these laminins have been hampered by poor availability of the protein in pure and soluble forms. To facilitate studies on laminin-8, recombinant laminin-8 was produced in a mammalian expression system, purified and shown to form native Y-shaped molecules in rotary shadowing electron microscopy. Integrins mediating cell adhesion to laminin-8 were identified using function-blocking mAbs. The integrin specificities were found to differ somewhat from that of laminin-1. Integrin alpha(6)beta(1) was found to be a major mediator of adhesion of HT-1080 and cultured capillary endothelial cells to laminin-8. Considering the expression patterns of laminin-8 and integrin alpha(6)beta(1) it is likely that the former is a ligand for the latter in vivo as well.     

Implantation-associated changes in bovine uterine expression of integrins and extracellular matrix

Appropriate integrin expression appears to be necessary for successful implantation of human embryos and varies considerably among species. The present study was undertaken to determine the distributions of integrin subunits alpha(1), alpha(3), and alpha(6) as well as the extracellular matrix (ECM) components collagen IV and laminin in implanting bovine trophoblast and endometrium. Immunohistochemical staining of cryostat sections prepared from nonpregnant endometrium, of preattachment through to early villus development pregnant endometrium (Days 18, 21, 24, and 30), and of isolated trophoblast binucleate cells was performed. Trophoblast down-regulated the integrin alpha(1) subunit as attachment proceeded, whereas reactivity scores for alpha(6) antibody tended to increase from Day 18 through 24 and remained high. A subpopulation of trophoblast binucleate cells expressed the alpha(3) integrin subunit. Uterine epithelium constitutively expressed alpha(3) and alpha(6) integrin subunits, but the alpha(1) subunit was down-regulated as the luminal epithelium was modified. Collagen IV and laminin reactivity increased in the basal lamina and underlying subepithelial stroma as pregnancy proceeded. The results suggest that binucleate cell fusion with the maternal epithelium initiates integrin and ECM changes in the subepithelial stroma.     

Distribution of the collagen-binding integrin α10β1 during mouse development

We have previously identified and characterised the collagen type II-binding integrin subunit alpha10, which is a member of the beta1 family and is expressed by chondrocytes. In the present study, we examined the expression of the alpha10 integrin in various mouse tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis of alpha10 on cryosections from 3-day-old mice demonstrated that alpha10beta1 was present in the hyaline cartilage of joints, vertebral column, trachea and bronchi. In addition, alpha10 was found in the ossification groove of Ranvier, in the aortic and atrioventricular valves of the heart and in the fibrous tissue lining skeletal muscle and ligaments. Overall, the distribution was distinct from that of the collagen-binding integrins alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1. We also found that alpha10beta1was the dominating collagen-binding integrin during cartilage development. Expression of alpha10 appeared at embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) at the same time as chondrogenesis started as judged by collagen type II expression. At E13.5, alpha10 was present throughout the anlage as well as in the perichondrium and in mesenchyme just outside the perichondrium, where it localised with collagen type I. Four weeks after birth, alpha10 was prominent both at the articular surface and in the growth plate. In conclusion, we found that integrin alpha10beta1 was a major collagen-binding integrin during cartilage development and in mature hyaline cartilage. In addition, we found that alpha10beta1 was present in some fibrous tissues.     

Transfection of MCF-7 carcinoma cells with human integrin alpha7 cDNA promotes adhesion to laminin

The laminin-binding alpha7beta1 integrin receptor is highly expressed by skeletal and cardiac muscles, and has been suggested to be a crucial molecule during myogenic cell migration and differentiation. Absence of integrin alpha7 subunit contributes to a form of muscular dystrophy in integrin alpha7 null mice, whereas specific mutations in the alpha7 gene are associated in humans with congenital myopathy. To examine in more detail the potential role of integrin alpha7 in human-related muscular disorders, we cloned alpha7 cDNA by RT-PCR from human skeletal muscle mRNA and then expressed the full-length human integrin alpha7 cDNA by transfection in several cell lines including MCF-7, COS-7, and NIH3T3 cells. The isolated cDNA corresponds to the human alpha7X2B alternative splice form. Expression of human alpha7 was further confirmed by transfection of chimeric human/mouse alpha7 cDNA constructs. To demonstrate the functionality of expressed human alpha7, adhesion experiments with transfected MCF-7 cells have confirmed the specific binding of human alpha7 to laminin. In addition, mouse polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were generated against the extracellular domain of human alpha7 and used to analyze by flow cytometry MCF-7 and NIH3T3 cells transfected with the full-length of human alpha7 cDNA. These results show for the first time the exogenous expression of functional full-length human alpha7 cDNA, as well as the development of monoclonal antibodies against the human alpha7 extracellular domain. Antibodies developed will be useful for further analysis of human disorders involving alpha7 dysfunction and facilitate isolation of muscle stem cells (satellite cells) and thereby expand the opportunities for genetically modified transplantation treatment of human disease.     

The laminin-binding activity of the alpha 7 integrin receptor is defined by developmentally regulated splicing in the extracellular domain.

The expression pattern of the laminin-binding alpha 7 beta 1 integrin is developmentally regulated in skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle. The X1/X2 alternative splicing in the extracellular domain of alpha 7 is found in the variable region between conserved alpha-chain homology repeat domains III and IV, a site implicated in ligand binding. To assess differences in X1/X2 isoform activity, we generated MCF-7 cell lines transfected with alpha 7-X1/X2 cDNAs. Transfectants expressing the alpha 7-X2 variant adhered rapidly to laminin 1, whereas those expressing alpha 7-X1 failed to attach. That alpha 7-X1 exists in an inactive state was established in assays using an activating beta 1 antibody that induced X1-dependent cell adhesion and spreading. Furthermore, the activation of alpha 7-X1 was cell type specific, and when expressed in HT1080 cells, the integrin was converted into a fully functional receptor capable of promoting adhesion. Thus, the expression of the alpha 7-X1/X2 integrin is a novel mechanism that regulates receptor affinity states in a cell-specific context and may modulate integrin-dependent events during muscle development and repair.     

Differential distribution and modulation of expression of alpha 1/beta 1 integrin on human endothelial cells

In this paper we report that the integrin complex alpha 1/beta 1, a laminin/collagen receptor, is expressed on cultured foreskin microvascular endothelium, but is absent on endothelial cells from large vessels such as the aorta and umbilical and femoral veins. The restricted expression of integrin alpha 1/beta 1 to microvascular endothelium was also demonstrated in vivo, by immunohistochemical staining of human tissue sections. Alpha 1 specific antibodies reacted strongly with endothelial cells of small blood vessels and capillaries in several tissues, but not with endothelium of vein and arteries of umbilical cord. Expression of integrin alpha 1 can be induced in cultured umbilical vein endothelial cells by treatment with 5 ng/ml tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). Induction of alpha 1 subunit expression also occurred after treatment of umbilical vein endothelium with 10(-5) M retinoic acid or with 10 nM PMA; Maximal induction of alpha 1 integrin was reached after 48 h of treatment and costimulation with TNF alpha and PMA resulted in a synergistic effect. The induction of alpha 1 integrin changed the adhesive properties of umbilical vein endothelial cells, by increasing the adhesiveness to collagen, laminin, and laminin fragment P1, while adhesion to fibronectin and laminin fragment E8 remained constant. The alpha 1 integrin is thus a marker of a specific population of endothelial cells and its expression confers distinctive properties of interaction with the underlying basal membrane.     

Endothelial cells use alpha 2 beta 1 integrin as a laminin receptor

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells attach and spread on laminin-coated substrates. Affinity chromatography was used to identify the attachment receptor. Fractionation of extracts from surface-iodinated endothelial cells on human laminin-Sepharose yielded a heterodimeric complex, the subunits of which migrated with molecular sizes corresponding to 160/120 kD and 160/140 kD under nonreducing and reducing conditions, respectively. The purified receptor bound to laminin and slightly less to fibronectin and type IV collagen in a radioreceptor assay. This endothelial cell laminin receptor was classified as an alpha 2 beta 1 integrin because monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies directed against the alpha 2 and bet 1 subunits immunoprecipitated the receptor. Cytofluorometric analysis and immunoprecipitation showed that the alpha 2 subunit is an abundant integrin alpha subunit in the endothelial cells and that the alpha subunits associated with laminin binding in other types of cells are expressed in these cells only at low levels. The alpha 2 beta 1 integrin appears to be a major receptor for laminin in the endothelial cells, because an anti-alpha 2 monoclonal antibody inhibited the attachment of the endothelial cells to human laminin. These results define a new role for the alpha 2 subunit in laminin binding and suggest that the ligand specificity of the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin, which is known as a collagen receptor in other types of cells, can be modulated by cell type-specific factors to include laminin binding.     

In situ hybridization reveals temporal and spatial changes in cellular expression of mRNA for a laminin receptor, laminin, and basement membrane (type IV) collagen in the developing kidney

The appearance of extracellular matrix molecules and their receptors represent key events in the differentiation of cells of the kidney. Steady-state mRNA levels for a laminin receptor, the laminin B1, B2, and A chains, and the alpha 1-chain of collagen IV (alpha 1[IV]), were examined in mouse kidneys at 16 d gestation and birth, when cell differentiation is active, and 1-3 wk after birth when this activity has subsided. Northern analysis revealed that mRNA expression of laminin receptor precedes the alpha 1(IV) and laminin B chains whereas laminin A chain mRNA expression was very low. In situ hybridization reflected this pattern and revealed the cells responsible for expression. At 16 d gestation, laminin receptor mRNA was elevated in cells of newly forming glomeruli and proximal and distal tubules of the nephrogenic zone located in the kidney cortex. These cells also expressed mRNA for alpha 1(IV) and laminin chains. At birth, mRNA expression of receptor and all chains remained high in glomeruli but was reduced in proximal and distal tubules. At 1 wk after birth, expression was located in the medulla over collecting ducts and loops of Henle. Little expression was detectable by 3 wk. These results suggest that cellular expression of steady-state mRNA for laminin receptor, laminin, and collagen IV is temporally linked, with laminin receptor expression proceeding first and thereafter subsiding.     

Expression of beta 1, beta 3, beta 4, and beta 5 integrins by human epidermal keratinocytes and non-differentiating keratinocytes

We have compared the adhesive properties and integrin expression profiles of cultured human epidermal keratinocytes and a strain of nondifferentiating keratinocytes (ndk). Both cell types adhered to fibronectin, laminin, and collagen types I and IV, but ndk adhered more rapidly and at lower coating concentrations of the proteins. Antibody blocking experiments showed that adhesion of both cell types to fibronectin was mediated by the alpha 5 beta 1 integrin and to laminin by alpha 3 beta 1 in synergy with alpha 2 beta 1. Keratinocytes adhered to collagen with alpha 2 beta 1, but an antibody to alpha 2 did not inhibit adhesion of ndk to collagen. Both cell types adhered to vitronectin by alpha v-containing integrins. Immunoprecipitation of surface-iodinated and metabolically labeled cells showed that in addition to alpha 2 beta 1, alpha 3 beta 1, and alpha 5 beta 1, both keratinocytes and ndk expressed alpha 6 beta 4 and alpha v beta 5. ndk expressed all these integrins at higher levels than normal keratinocytes. ndk, but not normal keratinocytes, expressed alpha v beta 1 and alpha v beta 3; they also expressed alpha 1 beta 1, an integrin that was not consistently detected on normal keratinocytes. Immunofluorescence experiments showed that in stratified cultures of normal keratinocytes integrin expression was confined to cells in the basal layer; terminally differentiating cells were unstained. In contrast, all cells in the ndk population were integrin positive. Our observations showed that the adhesive properties of ndk differ from normal keratinocytes and reflect differences in the type of integrins expressed, the level of expression and the distribution of integrins on the cell surface. ndk thus have a number of characteristics that distinguish them from normal basal keratinocytes.     

Antibodies against domain E3 of laminin-1 and integrin alpha 6 subunit perturb branching epithelial morphogenesis of submandibular gland, but by different modes

Branching epithelial morphogenesis requires interactions between the surrounding mesenchyme and the epithelium, as well as interactions between basement membrane components and the epithelium. Embryonic submandibular gland was used to study the roles of two mesenchymal proteins, epimorphin and tenascin-C, as well as the epithelial protein laminin-1 and one of its integrin receptors on branching morphogenesis. Laminin-1 is a heterotrimer composed of an alpha 1 chain and two smaller chains (beta 1 and gamma 1). Immunofluorescence revealed a transient expression of laminin alpha 1 chain in the epithelial basement membrane during early stages of branching morphogenesis. Other laminin-1 chains and alpha 6, beta 1, and beta 4 integrin subunits seemed to be expressed constitutively. Expression of epimorphin, but not tenascin-C, was seen in the mesenchyme during early developmental stages, but a mAb against epimorphin did not perturb branching morphogenesis of this early epithelium. In contrast, inhibition of branching morphogenesis was seen with a mAb against the carboxy terminus of laminin alpha 1 chain, the E3 domain. An inhibition of branching was also seen with a mAb against the integrin alpha 6 subunit. The antibodies against laminin alpha 1 chain and integrin alpha 6 subunit perturbed development in distinct fashions. Whereas treatment with the anti-E3 resulted in discontinuities of the basement membrane at the tips of the branching epithelium, treatment with the mAb against alpha 6 integrin subunit seemed to leave the basement membrane intact. We suggest that the laminin E3 domain is involved in basement membrane formation, whereas alpha 6 beta 1 integrin binding to laminin-1 may elicit differentiation signals to the epithelial cells.