1 research outputs found
Proteomic analysis of integrin-associated complexes from mesenchymal stem cells
PURPOSE: Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capability to differentiate down adipocyte, osteocyte and chondrocyte lineages and as such offer a range of potential therapeutic applications. The composition and stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment that surrounds cells dictates their transcriptional programme, thereby affecting stem cell lineage decisionâmaking. Cells sense force via linkages between themselves and their microenvironment, and this is transmitted by integrin receptors and associated adhesion signalling complexes. To identify regulators of MSC force sensing, we sought to catalogue MSC integrinâassociated adhesion complex composition. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Adhesion complexes formed by MSCs plated on the ECM ligand fibronectin were isolated and characterised by MS. Identified proteins were interrogated by comparison to a literatureâbased reference set of cell adhesionârelated components and using ontological and proteinâprotein interaction network analyses. RESULTS: Adhesion complexâspecific proteins in MSCs were identified that comprised predominantly cell adhesionârelated adaptors and actin cytoskeleton regulators. Furthermore, LIM domainâcontaining proteins in MSC adhesion complexes were highlighted, which may act as forceâsensing components. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data provide a valuable resource of information regarding the molecular connections that link integrins and adhesion signalling in MSCs, and as such may present novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention