UNIT 9.4 Analyzing Integrin-Dependent Adhesion

In this unit, methods for the analysis of integrin-dependent adhesion are described. Two major types of assays are commonly used for this analysis. The first are cell adhesion assays (as described in unit 9.1). A key application of this type of assay is to identify which integrin(s) mediate cell-substrate interactions; a comprehensive list of antibodies suitable for this purpose is detailed. The second are solid-phase assays in which purified integrins and integrin ligands are used. These assays can be used, e.g., to measure apparent affinities of integrins for different ligands and IC₅₀ values of pharmacological inhibitors. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 53:9.4.1-9.4.17. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Keywords: cell biology; adhesion; extracellular matrix