Integrin-dependent cell behavior on ECM peptide-conjugated chitosan membranes

Abstract

Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in tissue regeneration by promoting cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. ECM mimetics are of importance for tissue engineering because of their functions as scaffolds for cells. Previously, we developed bioactive laminin-dcrived peptide-conjugated chitosan membranes and demonstrated their cell- and peptide-type specific functions. Here, we conjugated twelve integrin-binding peptides derived from ECM proteins onto chitosan membranes and examined biological activity. Seven peptide-chitosan membranes promoted human foreskin fibroblast attachment. Additionally, FIB1 (YAVTGRGDSPAS; from fibronectin), A99 (AGTFALRGDNPQG; from laminin α1 chain), EF1zz (ATLQLQEGRLHFXFDLGKGR, X = Nle; from laminin α1 chain), and 531 (GEFYFDLRLKGDKY; from collagen α1 (IV) chain) conjugated chitosan membranes promoted integrin-dependent cell adhesion. Various integrins, including αv, β1, and β3, were involved in the cell adhesion to the peptide - chitosan membranes. Further, only the FIB1- and A99-chitosan membranes promoted neurite outgrowth with PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells. These data demonstrate that peptide-chitosan membranes can regulate specific integrin-mediated cell responses and are useful constructs as ECM mimetics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.