title: Calcium dependence of A-CAM function in human renal epithelium.
abstract: Previously we have used immunocytochemistry to identify A-CAM as a major cell adhesion molecule in human renal tubular epithelium. In this study, we demonstrate the calcium dependence of cell-cell adhesion and A-CAM function in cultured human renal epithelial cells. Separation of adjacent cells was seen within 1 min following sequestration of calcium from the culture medium with EDTA. This loss of intracellular adhesion in low calcium conditions was accompanied by the disappearance of A-CAM immunoreactivity. The changes were reversible and on return to normal calcium concentrations, A-CAM immunoreactivity reappeared and cell adhesion was re-established. The time course of this recovery was slow, taking 2-3 h. These results demonstrate the calcium dependence of cell adhesion in cultured human renal epithelial cells and confirm the adhesive function of the immunoreactive A-CAM molecule.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Biddlestone
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fleming
mesh_terms: D015703:Antigens, CD; D015820:Cadherins; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007668:Kidney / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; C050361:CDH2 protein, human; D015820:Cadherins; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D002118:Calcium