Work

A Conserved NXIP Motif Is Required for Cell Adhesion Properties of the Syndecan-4 Ectodomain

Year: 2006

Type: article

Abstract: Syndecans are cell surface proteoglycans involved in cell adhesion and motility. Syndecan-4 is an important component of focal adhesions and is involved in cytoskeletal reorganization. Previous work has shown that the syndecan-4 ectodomain can support cell attachment. Here, three vertebrate syndecan-4 ectodomains were compared, including that of the zebrafish, and we have demonstrated that the cell binding activity of the syndecan-4 ectodomain is conserved. Cell adhesion to the syndecan-4 ectodomain appears to be a characteristic of mesenchymal cells. Comparison of syndecan-4 ectodomain sequences led to the identification of three conserved regions of sequence, of which the NXIP motif is important for cell binding activity. We have shown that cell adhesion to the syndecan-4 ectodomain involves beta1 integrins in several cell types.

Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m605553200

Authors: James R. Whiteford, John R. Couchman

Institution: Imperial College London

Language: English

Topic: Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans research

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,430

Funder: Wellcome Trust