Recognition of the neural chemoattractant Netrin-1 by integrins α6β4 and α3β1 regulates epithelial cell adhesion and migration

Netrins, axon guidance cues in the CNS, have also been detected in epithelial tissues. In this study, using the embryonic pancreas as a model system, we show that Netrin-1 is expressed in a discrete population of epithelial cells, localizes to basal membranes, and specifically associates with elements of the extracellular matrix. We demonstrate that alpha6beta4 integrin mediates pancreatic epithelial cell adhesion to Netrin-1, whereas recruitment of alpha6beta4 and alpha3beta1 regulate the migration of CK19(+)/PDX1(+) putative pancreatic progenitors on Netrin-1. These results provide evidence for the activation of epithelial cell adhesion and migration by a neural chemoattractant, and identify Netrin-1/ integrin interactions as adhesive/guidance cues for epithelial cells.