Induction of cell attachment and morphological differentiation in a pheochromocytoma cell line and embryonal sensory cells by the extracellular matrix

• DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(82)90118-x
• Publication Date: 2004-10-27T21:52:14Z
• Authors: I. Vlodavsky; A. Levi; I. Lax; Z. Fuks; J. Schlessinger
• Keywords: Embryonic Induction; 0303 health sciences; Cell Differentiation; Cell Communication; Chick Embryo; Pheochromocytoma; Basement Membrane; Cell Line; 03 medical and health sciences; Ganglia, Spinal; Animals; Nerve Growth Factors; Extracellular Space; Cell Aggregation

Abstract Embryonic chicken sensory cells from dorsal root ganglia and a clonal line of pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12) extended neuronal-like processes within 24 hr of seeding on a naturally produced, basement membrane-like extracellular matrix (ECM) in the absence of nerve growth factor (NGF). Plating on ECM also induced a rapid cell attachment and flattening of these cells and supported the survival of embryonic sensory cells in primary cultures. Unlike the effect of NGF on PC-12 cells, the ECM-induced morphological differentiation was transient and led to disintegration and degeneration of processes bearing PC-12 cells. The ECM-induced morphological differentiation was not inhibited by anti-NGF antibodies, and the cells retained their ability to bind and internalize NGF in a manner similar to that observed on plastic. PC-12 cell attachment and flattening occurred on dishes coated with collagen type IV in a way similar to that observed on ECM, but precoating the dishes with fibronectin had no effect. Extension of cell processes was not induced by either substrate. Morphological differentiation but not the induction of cell adhesion and flattening was inhibited by either prefixation with glutaraldehyde, oxidation with periodate, or preexposure to concanavalin A of the ECM, suggesting that the ECM and in particular its sugar moieties play an active role in the induction of neurite outgrowth. It is suggested that close contact with the ECM provides chemical or mechanical cues that permit contactmediated elongation and directed growth of both embryonic and regenerating nerve fibers.