Abstract
The heterodimeric integrins are important receptors for the attachment of cells to their extracellular matrix. Here, we studied the attachment of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to type I collagen (col-1), which is part of the extracellular matrix in bone, skin, and connective tissues. Furthermore, we examined how TGF-β influences the integrin expression and attachment of MSC. Using flow cytometry, immunoblot, and RT-PCR, we report that MSC express several integrin subunits, including the α2β1 integrin (VLA-2, CD49b/CD29). TGF-β increases the expression of integrin subunits α2, α6, and β1 in MSC, thereby enhancing the attachment of MSC to col-1. The TGF-β-mediated up-regulation of the expression of the integrin subunits α2 and α6 is mainly mediated in MSC by Smad2.
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