Sequence and tissue distribution of the human integrin α8 subunit: a β1-associated α subunit expressed in smooth muscle cells
Open Access
- 1 February 1995
- journal article
- Published by The Company of Biologists in Journal of Cell Science
- Vol. 108 (2) , 537-544
- https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.108.2.537
Abstract
Integrins are a major family of cell adhesion molecules involved in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Each integrin is a heterodimeric glycoprotein composed of an α and a β subunit. We now report the cDNA sequence and distribution of a new human integrin α subunit. This sequence is 78% identical to the previously reported chicken α8 integrin sequence. Thus, we have designated this subunit as human α8. By northern blot analysis, an α8 probe detects two mRNA species of approximately 6.5 and 4.0 kb in neuroglioma H4 cells. An anti-α8 polyclonal antibody precipitates a protein complex containing the β1 subunit associated with the putative α8 subunit, which has an apparent molecular mass of 180 kDa (non-reduced) or 155 kDa and 25 kDa (reduced). Immunohistochemistry with anti-α8 polyclonal antibody in adult rat tissues shows prominent staining in vascular and visceral smooth muscle. In addition, the antibody strongly stained kidney mesangial cells and a cell type in the alveolar wall of the lungs, most likely corresponding to alveolar myofibroblasts. These results suggest that in adult mammalian tissues, α8 is predominantly expressed in smooth muscle and smooth muscle-like contractile cells.Keywords
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