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First published online October 24, 2007

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Repeated role for RPTP in rigidity

A cell's behaviour is profoundly influenced by the rigidity of the matrix on which it grows, but the effects can be quite different from one cell type to another. For example, fibronectin-coated rigid surfaces stimulate fibroblasts to spread but inhibit neurite extension (a related response) and differentiation of neurons. In fibroblasts, the rigidity response involves receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP). Now, on p. 3895, Michael Sheetz and co-workers report that the same is true in hippocampal neurons. Rigid fibronectin-coated polyacrylamide surfaces normally inhibit neurite extension and differentiation more than soft surfaces, they report, but in neurons lacking RPTP neither substrate inhibits these processes. They demonstrate that the RPTP-dependent rigidity response is fibronectin-specific and involves clustering of integrins (fibronectin receptors) at the leading edge of the growth cone. Furthermore, as in fibroblasts, integrin-dependent activation of RPTP recruits and activates the Src family kinase Fyn. Thus, the authors suggest, although neurons and fibroblasts respond in opposite ways to matrix rigidity, they sense it using the same molecular mechanism.

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Related articles in JCS:

RPTP is required for rigidity-dependent inhibition of extension and differentiation of hippocampal neurons

Ana Kostic, Jan Sap, and Michael P. Sheetz
JCS 2007 120: 3895-3904. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Related articles in JCS Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?