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Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (gelatinase A) is related to migration of keratinocytes.

The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in cell migration was studied by measuring cell growth, migration, and production of MMP-2 and -9 in oral mucosal and skin keratinocytes cultured in the presence of synthetic MMP inhibitors. MMP-2 was the major gelatinolytic MMP produced by these cells while MMP-9 was produced at a low basal level. Inhibitor effects on MMP-9 production were therefore studied in keratinocytes stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). Tetracycline analogues at concentrations that inhibited the production of MMP-2 but not MMP-9 were able to drastically inhibit migration of both mucosal and skin keratinocytes. Tetracycline analogues also inhibited keratinocyte growth, an effect not found for the other inhibitors tested. Heterocyclic carbonate-derived compounds (LWs) that inhibited MMP-9 but not MMP-2 production had no effect on cell migration. Batimastat, a potent MMP inhibitor, did not have any effect on MMP production or cell growth but did inhibit keratinocyte migration. Tumor growth factor beta (TGFbeta) increased keratinocyte migration as well as both cell-associated and secreted MMP-2 production in wounded cell cultures. The secreted enzyme was partially converted into an active form. In this model batimastat totally blocked TGFbeta-promoted keratinocyte migration. Immunostaining of keratinocytes advancing into the wound revealed that MMP-2 was localized in extracellular matrix contactlike structures against the endogenously produced laminin-5-rich matrix. MMP-9 was localized diffusely along the cell membranes. Using in situ hybridization we observed that in chronically inflamed human gingiva MMP-2 is expressed in epithelium extending into subepithelial connective tissue. These results suggest that MMP-2 plays a specific role in epithelial migration, possibly by detaching the advancing cells from the pericellular matrix or by activating other MMPs.

Cell Adhesion Molecules↗

Characterization of mesonephric cells that migrate into the XY gonad during testis differentiation.

In mouse fetal gonads, sex differentiation begins at 10.5-11.5 days postcoitum (dpc). With XY gonads of 12.5 dpc, cord-like structures are visible and stromal cells migrate from adjacent mesonephros, unlike in XX gonads. However, the migrated mesonephric cells, except for the endothelial cells, have not been specifically identified because they have not expressed differentiation markers over the course of organ coculture in previous experiments. In this study, we have for the first time succeeded in isolating only the mesonephric cells that migrate into the XY gonad from the mesonephros with alive and then cultured these cells in vitro through the use of an organ coculture system using EGFP-transgenic mice and a FACS Vantage. The migrated and isolated cells were used for morphological and molecular characterization. The migrated mesonephric cells contained three cell forms; a sharp cell form, a round cell form, and a cluster-forming cell. The sharp cells have the characters of peritubular myoid cells. The round cells and cluster-forming cells have the potential to differentiate into Leydig cells, as some of them are 3beta-HSD-positive. In in vitro culture of migrated mesonephric cells, the cluster-forming cells proliferated well and then differentiated into round cells, suggesting that the cluster-forming cells may be stem or precursor cells for the round cells. Thus, our findings provide important information related to the migration and differentiation of migrated mesonephric cells in the XY gonad.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB and lysophosphatidic acid distinctly regulate hepatic myofibroblast migration through focal adhesion kinase.

Although hepatic myofibroblast (HMF) migration contributes to the development of fibrosis, the mechanisms coordinating this movement are uncertain. We determined the effects of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF) on actin polymerization, FAK tyrosine phosphorylation, and migration of cultured human HMFs. LPA (0.4-100 microM) stimulated migration, FAK tyrosine phosphorylation, and stress fiber assembly with a sigmoidal dose response. PDGF (1-250 ng/ml) stimulated migration, FAK tyrosine phosphorylation, and actin polymerization with a bell-shape dose-response characterized by a maximum at 10-25 ng/ml. Concentrations of cytochalasin D, which abolished FAK tyrosine phosphorylation, also blocked LPA- and PDGF-induced migration. A dose of 1-10 ng/ml PDGF acted synergistically with LPA (10 microM) to stimulate FAK tyrosine phosphorylation and migration, whereas higher concentrations of PDGF (100-250 ng/ml) inhibited FAK tyrosine phosphorylation and migration in response to LPA (10 microM). These data indicate that PDGF and LPA coordinately govern the migration of HMFs by differentially regulating FAK and suggest a novel model in which PDGF, acting as an amplifier/attenuator of LPA-induced signaling, facilitates HMF accumulation within injured areas of the liver.

Actins↗

The role of endogenous growth factors to support corneal endothelial migration after wounding in vitro.

Previous studies have shown that corneal endothelial cells contain mRNA and protein of various growth factors. However, the role of these endogenous growth factors in corneal endothelial wound healing is not fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the role of endogenous factors and several growth factor inhibitors on migration of corneal endothelial cells in an in vitro model of wound healing. Bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCEC) were grown to confluency and experiments performed at passage 2 under serum reduced [2% fetal calf serum (FCS)] conditions. A central circular 'wound' (5 mm diameter) was made with an especially designed trephine. In different experiments, cells were incubated over different time periods (1-72 hr) either with the cellular debris produced by the wounding procedure or with previously prepared endothelial cell lysates (protein content 50-500 microg ml(-1)). Additionally, purified bovine polyclonal anti-BFGF antibodies (Ab) (4.5-27 microg ml(-1)), suramin (0.5 m M) or anti-FGF receptor-Ab (1 microg ml(-1)) were added to both experimental approaches, respectively. Migration was quantitated by counting the cells inside the denuded area in four different sections from the wound edge after 5 days. Cellular migration of cells adjacent to the wound was significantly stimulated by factors released during wounding or by endothelial cell lysates at protein concentrations >100 microg ml(-1). This increase in migrating cells was partially inhibited when the anti-bFGF antibody was incubated with the cell debris or the lysates. The addition of suramin at 0.5 m M almost completely blocked the migration activity. Incubation of the anti-FGF-receptor antibody prior to and >5 hr after wounding significantly reduced migration to nearly 50% of the rate in control cultures (P<0.001). In the present study, we demonstrate that intracellular growth factors released from corneal endothelial cells enhance the migration of surviving cells in vitro. The strong inhibitory effect of suramin indicates a major role of heparin-binding growth factors for cellular migration. bFGF and the regulation of bFGF-receptor expression on cells at the wound margin seem to be of crucial importance for the wound healing process.

Analysis of Variance↗

Formation of a single base mismatch impedes spontaneous DNA branch migration.

DNA branch migration, a process whereby two homologous DNA duplexes exchange strands, is an essential component of genetic recombination. Models for homologous recombination have invoked spontaneous branch migration as one mechanism for the generation of large regions of heteroduplex DNA. During recombination, two homologous parental duplexes that contain similar, but not identical, sequences are paired and undergo strand exchange. An important issue is whether spontaneous branch migration is capable of traversing sequence heterology such as mismatches, insertions and deletions. We use a model four-strand system to examine the effect of mispaired or unpaired bases on branch migration. The assay consists of annealing two short duplexes having defined sequence heterologies. Following annealing, a Holliday junction is formed that is free to branch migrate. Our results demonstrate that a single base mismatch, insertion or deletion is sufficient to pose a substantial barrier to spontaneous branch migration. In the presence of magnesium, branch migration through such sequence heterologies is almost completely blocked. Others have shown that non-mobile four-way junctions undergo a dramatic shift in conformation in the presence of magnesium. Our data suggest that a similar transition occurs for the mobile Holliday junction. We also discuss how proteins may facilitate branch migration through sequence heterologies in vivo.

Base Composition↗

Immunohistochemical demonstration of hyaluronan and its possible involvement in axolotl neural crest cell migration.

Hyaluronan (HA), an extracellular matrix component, is involved mainly in the control of cell proliferation, neural crest and tumor cell migration, and wound repair. We investigated the effect of hyaluronan on neural crest (NC) cell migration and its ultrastructural localization in dark (wild-type) and white mutant embryos of the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum, Amphibia). The axolotl system is an accepted model for studying mechanisms of NC cell migration. Using a biotinylated hyaluronan binding protein (HABP), major extracellular matrix (ECM) spaces, including those of NC cell migration, reacted equally positive on cryosections through dark and white embryos. Since neural crest-derived pigment cells migrate only in subepidermal spaces of dark embryos, HA does not seem to influence crest cell migration in vivo. However, when tested on different alternating substrates in vitro, migrating NC cells in dark and white embryos prefer HA to fibronectin. In vivo, such an HA migration stimulating effect might exist as well, but be counteracted to differing degrees in dark and white embryos. The ultrastructural localization of HA was studied by means of transmission electron microscopic immunohistochemistry using HABP and different protocols of standard chemical fixation, cryofixation, embedding, and immunolabeling. The binding reaction of HA to HABP was strong and showed an equal distribution throughout ECM spaces after both standard chemical fixation/freeze substitution and cryofixation. A preference for the somite or subepidermal side was not observed. Following standard fixation/freeze substitution HABP-labeled "honeycomb"-like networks reminiscent of fixation artifacts were more prominent than labeled fibrillar or irregular net-like structures. The latter predominated in adequately frozen specimens following high-pressure freezing/freeze substitution. For this reason fibrillar or irregular net-like structures very likely represent hyaluronan in the complex subepidermal matrix of the axolotl embryo in its native arrangement.

Ambystoma↗

Role of fibronectin and sulfated proteoglycans in endothelial cell migration on a cultured smooth muscle layer.

Endothelial cell (EC) migration is essential for the healing of denudation injuries to the vessel wall. This event occurs in vivo in a pericellular environment and should be regulated in part by juxtacrine and paracrine interactions with underlying smooth muscle cells (SMCs). To investigate the EC migration behavior over SMCs under direct cell-cell contact conditions, we have utilized human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) grown to confluence on microcarrier beads and radiolabeled with chromium-51. The EC carrying beads were spread over a confluent human aortic SMC monolayer and cocultured for 48 hr, allowing the EC to migrate from beads onto the underlying SMC monolayer in the presence of sodium chlorate, cycloheximide (CHM), or anti-fibronectin monoclonal antibody (anti-FN mAb). The level of EC migration was quantified by counting the amount of radioactivity on the SMC layer after the removal of the beads. The presence of a SMC layer enhanced EC migration more than threefold (P < 0.05). Furthermore, EC migration was inhibited from 30 to 80% (P < 0.05) by sodium chlorate, CHM, and anti-FN mAb in a dose-dependent fashion. This model has shown that smooth muscle cells augment endothelial motility. Both fibronectin and sulfated proteoglycans released by ECs and SMCs likely play an important role in the regulation of EC migration behavior over SMCs. The method described of using radiolabeled ECs on microcarrier beads should prove to be a useful tool in the study of cell migration in a heterotypic cellular environment.

Antibodies↗

Migration in variable environments: exploring life-history evolution using structured population models.

In this paper, we explore the hypothesis that environmental variability favors the evolution of migration. Using the single-locus invasion condition for a novel allele in a variable environment, we derive conditions where increased migration rates between two sites are favored. We find that while there is a strong advantage to migrants entering a resident population with no migration, there is little advantage to migrants entering a population where the residents migrate at a different rate. Instead of an optimal rate of migration, there is a range of favored migration rates. Negative spatial correlation and a population structure including more than two sites accentuate the advantage of migration. Extending this model to include the effects of developmental delay (e.g. seed dormancy or diapause) on the evolution of migration, we find that higher levels of such delay reduce the advantage to migrants.

Animals↗

N-Cadherin inhibits Schwann cell migration on astrocytes.

Astrocytes exclude Schwann cells (SCs) from the central nervous system (CNS) at peripheral nerve entry zones and restrict their migration after transplantation into the CNS. We have modeled the interactions between SCs, astrocytes, and fibroblasts in vitro. Astrocytes and SCs in vitro form separate territories, with sharp boundaries between them. SCs migrate poorly when placed on astrocyte monolayers, but migrate well on various other surfaces such as laminin (LN) and skin fibroblasts. Interactions between individual SCs and astrocytes result in long-lasting adhesive contacts during which the SC is unable to migrate away from the astrocyte. In contrast, SC interactions with fibroblasts are much shorter with less arrest of migration. SCs adhere strongly to astrocytes and other SCs, but less well to substrates that promote migration, such as LN and fibroblasts. SC-astrocyte and SC-SC adhesion is mediated by the calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin. Inhibition of N-cadherin function by calcium withdrawal, peptides containing the classical cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence His-Ala-Val, or antibodies directed against this sequence inhibit SC adhesion and increase SC migration on astrocytes. We suggest that N-cadherin-mediated adhesion to astrocytes inhibits the widespread migration of SCs in CNS tissue.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A novel, quantitative model for study of endothelial cell migration and sprout formation within three-dimensional collagen matrices.

Interactions between migratory endothelial cells (ECs) and surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) are of central importance to vascular growth. Here, we present a new model of EC migration and morphogenesis within three-dimensional ECM termed "radial invasion of matrix by aggregated cells" (RIMAC). In the RIMAC model, single aggregates of defined numbers of bovine aortic ECs were embedded within small, lenticular gels of type I collagen supported by annuli of nylon mesh. Culture of the gels in nutrient media resulted in quantifiable, reproducible, radial migration of ECs into the collagen. The angiogenic proteins basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) each stimulated migration of ECs in a concentration-dependent manner. In combination, bFGF and VEGF stimulated migration synergistically. In contrast, transforming growth factor-beta1 inhibited migration of ECs. Low concentrations (0.1-0.5 ng/ml) of VEGF induced ECs to form multicellular sprouts, some of which possessed lumen-like spaces. Mitomycin C, an inhibitor of cell proliferation, did not affect the migration of ECs into collagen induced by 0.5 ng/ml VEGF but moderately inhibited migration induced by 5 ng/ml VEGF. Increasing the density (concentration) of the collagen gel inhibited the migration of single ECs and increased the branching and anastomosis of multicellular sprouts. We conclude that the RIMAC model is a highly efficacious assay for the screening of potentially angiogenic and angiostatic compounds and, moreover, is advantageous for mechanistic studies of vascular morphogenesis.

Animals↗

Patterns of multiallelic polymorphism maintained by migration and selection.

Evolution at a multiallelic locus under the joint action of migration and viability selection is investigated. Generations are discrete and nonoverlapping. The monoecious, diploid population is subdivided into finitely many panmictic colonies that exchange adult migrants independently of genotype. The forward migration matrix is arbitrary, but time independent and ergodic (i.e., irreducible and aperiodic). Several examples of globally attracting multiallelic equilibria are presented. Migration can cause global fixation even if, without migration, there is a globally attracting multiallelic equilibrium in every colony. Migration can also cause the global fixation of an allele that, without migration, is eliminated in every colony. Without dominance, generically, the number of alleles present at equilibrium cannot exceed the number of colonies. Some general properties and examples of the Levene model are studied in detail. If in each colony there is either no dominance or, without migration, a globally attracting internal equilibrium, then there exists a globally attracting equilibrium with migration. Therefore, if an internal equilibrium exists, it is the global attractor.

Alleles↗

Migration of dog polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes to formylated peptides.

Formylated peptides are potent stimulants of polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocyte (PMN) migration from species such as humans and rabbits. Interestingly, PMNs from dogs, cats, pigs and cows have been reported as refractory to N-formyl-l-methionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine (FMLP) and generally are believed not to express formylpeptide receptors. Formylpeptides are a major component of conditioned media from E. coli cultures and believed to be a significant element in inflammatory responses elicited by E. coli. Our studies have found that E. coli filtrate was a potent stimulant of dog PMN migration. Inhibition of migration to E. coli filtrates by the antagonist t-botyloxycarbonyl-l-methionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine (t-boc-MLP) demonstrated that the migration was mediated through the formylated peptide receptor. Migration in response to peptides with higher affinity for the formylpeptide receptor than FMLP was further evidence for these receptors on the dog PMN. PMNs from dogs migrated in response to FMLP at high concentrations (100 microM); however, pretreatment with phorbol myristate acetate resulted in increased migration of dog PMNs in response to concentrations of FMLP as low as 1 pM. These results demonstrate that dog PMNs are responsive to formylpeptides and that these responses can be up-regulated by PMA. Thus PMNs from a species previously thought incapable of responding to formylpeptides can respond to formylpeptide analogs with high affinity for the receptor as well as be primed for enhanced migration to FMLP by PMA.

Animals↗

Ganglion formation from the otic placode and the otic crest in the chick embryo: mitosis, migration, and the basal lamina.

We have studied the morphogenesis of the cochleo-vestibular (CVG) and distal cranial ganglia in the early chick embryo (White Leghorn embryos). Light microscopy and immunocytochemical staining for fibronectin and laminin were used to trace the cellular contributions to these ganglia from the otic placode and otocyst. Serial semi-thin plastic sections (3-5 microns) stained with toluidine blue at each Hamburger-Hamilton stage (St.) from 10 to 21 were used. We were able to trace individual groups of cells derived from these epithelial structures into the anlagen of the CVG and the distal parts of cranial n. ganglia VII, IX, and X. For immunostaining, antisera were used to visualize the basal lamina in 15-microns cryostat sections from St. 14 to 21 embryos. Described here for the first time is the otic crest, a ridge of epithelium surrounding the placode. Cells migrate from the otic crest (St. 11 to 14) during the period when the otocyst is forming. These cells become continuous spatially with those derived from the epibranchial placodes and the presumptive ganglia of cranial nerves VII, IX, and X. Furthermore, rostral otic crest cells merge with neural crest cells, which appose the myelencephalon, and they join with the newly formed neuroblasts of the CVG, which migrate from the ventral epithelium of the otocyst at St. 14 to 21. This region of the epithelium forms the bulk of the CVG; it also has many more mitotic figures than the rest of the otocyst. Cells in the rostralmost CVG (vestibular part) are the first to complete their migration and send axons into both the medulla and incipient crista ampullaris. Immuno-staining for fibronectin and laminin shows that these two basal-lamina-associated glycoproteins appear in a continuous layer beneath the otic epithelium just prior to CVG migration. Thus there is no evidence that the migration is launched by a prior decomposition of the basal lamina. The cells migrating from the epithelium bridge the basal lamina with their leading processes while the trailing processes are withdrawing from the epithelium. These trailing processes must withdraw after the neuroblast migrates, since most of the neuroblasts undergo mitosis in subsequent stages. The migrating cells appear to push out of the epithelium by displacing immunostained fragments of the basal lamina ahead of their leading processes. This suggests that the exodus of cells is accompanied by forces within the epithelium itself. Whether this is generated by the migratory neuroblasts themselves or by other sources remains to be determined.

Animals↗

Migration inhibition of an epithelial cell line by s-Con A and the effect on its invasiveness.

In an attempt to delineate the role of tumor-cell motility in the process of invasion, we compared the migration of NBT II in a two-dimensional migration assay with its migration in a three-dimensional invasion assay. Both systems were maintained with and without succinylated concanavalin A (s-Con A) dissolved in the culture medium. This lectin has a reversible inhibitory effect on the migration of cells in vitro. The migration of NBT-II aggregates, seeded in flasks containing 200 micrograms/ml s-Con A or without s-Con A, was studied by time-lapse photomicrography. In the presence of s-Con A, migration was immediately stopped. When the treated medium was replaced by culture medium to which 10 mM alpha-methyl-mannose was added, the inhibition of migration was abolished. The invasive capacity of NBT II in the presence or absence of s-Con A was studied by confronting precultured fragments of 9- to 11-day-old embryonic chick heart (0.4 mm in diameter) with NBT-II aggregates (0.2 mm) made in the presence or absence of s-Con A. Light microscopy showed no difference in the extent of invasion. To demonstrate the presence of s-Con A in the invading tumor cells, immunoperoxidase staining for Con A was done. The treated cultures stained positively while the controls were negative. The data presented here question the correlation between tumor-cell motility in two-dimensional system and the invasive behavior of these cells in three dimensions, and implies that the ability or inability of cells to migrate on plastic does not necessarily reflect their invasiveness in vitro.

Animals↗

Sephadex induces eosinophil migration to the rat and mouse peritoneal cavity: involvement of mast cells, LTB4, TNF-alpha, IL-8 and PAF.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: In this study we investigated the chemotactic mediators involved in the Sephadex-induced eosinophil migration into the peritoneal cavities of rats and mice, and which resident peritoneal cells release these mediators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sephadex suspension was injected into the peritoneal cavities of rats or mice which were pretreated, or not, with specific drugs that inhibit synthesis or production of the inflammatory mediators and eosinophil chemotactic activities were observed. To investigate the role of resident peritoneal cells as a source of these chemotactic factors, the macrophage population was enhanced or the mast cell population was depleted. The resident cells were also stimulated, in vitro, with Sephadex and the chemotactic activity of the supernatants was determined. RESULTS: Sephadex induced dose and time dependent eosinophil migration in rats and mouse, which were inhibited by dexamethasone and MK 886. BN 52021 only affected the eosinophil migration into the mouse peritoneal cavity. An increase in the macrophage population did not alter the eosinophil migration induced by Sephadex in rat or mouse. However, mast cell population depletion reduced eosinophil migration in rats, but did not alter the migration in mice. Sephadex-stimulated rat mast cells released an eosinophil chemotactic factor whose release was inhibited by dexamethasone and MK 886. Anti-TNF-alpha and anti-IL-8 Abs inhibited the chemotactic activity of the mast cell supernatant. CONCLUSION: Sephadex-induced eosinophil migration into the rat peritoneal cavity is dependent on mast cells, which release LTB4, TNF-alpha and CINC-1. Conversely, Sephadex-induced eosinophil migration into the mouse peritoneal cavity is mediated by PAF and LTB4, which are not released from resident macrophages or mast cells.

Animals↗

Cytokine-induced sequential migration of neutrophils through endothelium and epithelium.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To better understand the mechanisms by which cytokines induced neutrophils to migrate into the airways, we constructed a novel in vitro model system. MATERIALS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVE) monolayers were grown on top of permeable filters and human lung type II-like alveolar epithelial cell (A549) monolayers were grown on the undersurface of the filters. METHODS: The sequential migration of human neutrophils through the endothelium (apical to basal movement) and subsequently through the epithelium (basal to apical movement) in response to IL-1 beta or TNF alpha located basally to the epithelium was measured. RESULTS: We found that IL-1 beta and TNF alpha induced dose-responsive and time-dependent migration through the double monolayers-filter complex. The pattern of migration was similar, and the amount greater than or equal to that observed through either single monolayer/filter complex. Neutrophil migration through naked filters was generally less than that observed through the cellular barriers. The contribution of the monolayer orientation was also examined and found to favor the more physiologic directional migration of neutrophils through an endothelial and epithelial barrier, apical to basal and basal to apical, respectively. In contrast, FMLP-induced neutrophil migration was not dependent upon either the orientation or presence of the monolayer(s). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, we have established an in vitro model system to examine cytokine-induced sequential migration of neutrophils through endothelium and the respiratory epithelium in a manner analogous to that occurring with an in vivo airway stimulus causing neutrophil-rich airway inflammatory responses.

Cells, Cultured↗

Myosin regulation in the migration of tumor cells and leukocytes within a three-dimensional collagen matrix.

The migration of cells is a complex regulatory process which results in the generation of motor forces through the reorganization of the cytoskeleton. Here we present a comparative study of the expression and involvement of myosin in the regulation of the physiological migration of leukocytes and the pathological migration of tumor cells. We show that the involvement of myosin in the migration is distinct in these two cell types. In leukocytes, the activity of non-muscle myosin II is essential for both the spontaneous (matrix-induced) migration and the migration induced by ligands to G protein-coupled receptors, i.e. chemokines and neurotransmitters. In contrast, spontaneous tumor cell migration is largely independent of non-muscle myosin II activity, whereas the norepinephrine-induced migration is completely inhibited by either direct inhibition of non-muscle myosin II or of the kinases phosphorylating the myosin light chain, namely ROCK or the calcium/calmodulin-dependent myosin light-chain kinase.

Actins↗

Extracellular matrix-induced cell migration from glioblastoma biopsy specimens in vitro.

The present knowledge about the interaction between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and gliomas is mostly based on studies of permanent cell lines. Since such cultures have undergone an extensive clonal selection in vitro, the experimental results obtained may be quite different from those obtained from studies on true biopsy specimens. The present work demonstrates how different ECM components affect tumor cell migration from human glioblastoma specimens grown as biopsy sample spheroids. Biopsy specimens from 12 glioblastomas and 1 gemistocytic astrocytoma were included in this study. Spheroids were directly initiated from the biopsy specimens, and after 3-4 weeks in culture, they were used in a migration assay. A custom-made filtered medium, where the high molecular weight (>100 kDa) proteins were removed, was supplemented with the following ECM components: laminin, fibronectin, collagen type IV and vitronectin. The cell migration was negligible when spheroids were propagated in the filtered medium. The ECM components as well as complete DMEM evoked strong stimulatory effects on different biopsy specimens. Opposed to that observed earlier for permanent glioma cell lines, highly variable responses were observed between the different biopsy samples on the various ECM components. In general, correlation analyses revealed that specimens that were strongly stimulated by laminin were also stimulated strongly by fibronectin, collagen type IV and vitronectin. This suggests that the capacity to migrate as a response to ECM was confined more to each biopsy specimen than to any specific ECM component. Since biopsy sample spheroids, as original tumors, consist of different cell types, an immunohistochemical characterization of the migrating cells was also performed. Anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining revealed both GFAP-positive and -negative migrating cells. Immunostaining for von Willebrand factor and CD11b indicated that the migrating cells were neither endothelial nor microglial cells. This study, therefore, indicates that migratory responses of glioma biopsy specimens to different ECM components is much more heterogeneous than that observed earlier for cell lines. Furthermore, the presented findings support the notion that gliomas may utilize different cell surface receptors for their migration, depending on the cell substrates available.

Adult↗