Modulation of specific protein expression in teratocarcinoma cell aggregates by antibodies affecting cell-cell interactions

Abstract

Decompacting Fab were used as tools to modify cell interactions during embryoid body formation and differentiation of the embryonal carcinoma (EC) PSMB. Two kinds of Fab were used: anti-uvomorulin Fab which recognize only the adhesion glycoprotein uvomorulin and Fab from an anti-EC serum which recognizes a series of molecules including uvomorulin. Both types of Fab led to decompaction and formation of loose aggregates with abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Anti-uvomorulin Fab did not affect the pattern of embryoid body differentiation. In contrast Fab anti-EC induced a differentiation of most of the cells in the aggregate into an endoderm-like phenotype. This effect was observed only when anti-EC Fab were added to aggregates and not to monolayer cultures.