Endothelium-Derived Netrin-4 Supports Pancreatic Epithelial Cell Adhesion and Differentiation through Integrins α2β1 and α3β1
2011

Netrin-4 Supports Pancreatic Epithelial Cell Adhesion and Differentiation

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Author Information

Author(s): Yebra Mayra, Diaferia Giuseppe R., Montgomery Anthony M. P., Kaido Thomas, Brunken William J., Koch Manuel, Hardiman Gary, Crisa Laura, Cirulli Vincenzo

Primary Institution: University of California San Diego

Hypothesis

Can Netrin-4 mediate pancreatic epithelial cell adhesion and differentiation through integrins?

Conclusion

Netrin-4 promotes pancreatic epithelial cell adhesion and enhances the expression of insulin and glucagon genes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Netrin-4 is expressed in vascular endothelial and pancreatic ductal cells.
  • Netrin-4 enhances insulin and glucagon gene expression in pancreatic cells.
  • Cell adhesion to Netrin-4 is mediated by integrins α2β1 and α3β1.
  • Netrin-4 promotes down-regulation of cyclins and up-regulation of cell cycle inhibitors.

Takeaway

Netrin-4 helps pancreatic cells stick together and grow into insulin-producing cells, which is important for making insulin.

Methodology

The study used human embryonic pancreatic cells to analyze the effects of Netrin-4 on cell adhesion and gene expression.

Participant Demographics

Human embryonic pancreatic cells were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022750

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