Expression of beta-1 integrin in human developing salivary glands and its parallel relation with maturation markers: in situ hybridisation and immunofluorescence study.
OBJECTIVE
Salivary gland development entails co-ordinated processes involving complex molecular interactions in which integrins have a fundamental role. The integrins are a family of heterodimeric transmembrane receptors comprising alpha and beta subunits that mediate intercellular and extracellular signals involved in the organisation of cells in tissues and organs during development. The beta-1 integrin in particular have been implicated in proliferation and differentiation of cells involved in the development of epithelial tissues. To understand the role of beta-1 integrin in salivary gland development we have studied its expression in human foetal tissues.


METHODS
In situ hybridisation was used to compare the expression and localisation of integrin beta-1 with differentiation markers in developing human salivary glands obtained from foetuses of 8-24 weeks gestation.


RESULTS
Integrin beta-1 first appeared during bud stage in a few cells and its distribution increased as salivary gland morphogenesis progressed. This increased pattern of beta-1 integrin expression was coincident with the appearance of the differentiation markers CK14, CK low MW and smooth-muscle actin.


CONCLUSIONS
The developmentally regulated expression of integrin beta-1 in association with the establishment of a mature phenotype indicated by salivary gland tissue differentiation markers is suggestive of its role in salivary gland morphogenesis.
Lourenço
Silvia Vanessa
SV
General Pathology Department, Dental School, University of São Paulo, Brazil. sloducca@usp.br
Lima
Dirce Mary C
DM
Uyekita
Sabrina Hitomi
SH
Schultz
Regina
R
de Brito
Thales
T
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D019012:Integrin beta1 / Q000032:analysis*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000737:chemistry / Q000196:embryology*
D015415:Biomarkers; D019012:Integrin beta1