Reelin, integrin and DAB1 interactions during embryonic cerebral cortical development

Extracellular matrix-like molecule reelin and cell surface adhesion receptors such as alpha3beta1 integrin can regulate neuronal migration and position in the developing cerebral cortex. Here we show that alpha3beta1 integrin binds to the N-terminal region of reelin, a site distinct from the region of reelin shown to associate with other reelin receptors such as VLDLR/ApoER2. Furthermore, Dab1, a member of the reelin signaling pathway, can complex with the cytoplasmic region of beta1 integrin in a reelin-dependent manner. Thus, alpha3beta1 integrin-reelin interactions may contribute to appropriate neuronal placement in the developing cerebral cortex.