Analyzing integrin-dependent adhesion.

In this unit, methods for the analysis of integrin-dependent adhesion are described. Two major types of assays are commonly used for this analysis. The first are cell adhesion assays (as described in UNIT 9.1). A key application of this type of assay is to identify which integrin(s) mediate cell-substrate interactions; a comprehensive list of antibodies suitable for this purpose is detailed. The second are solid-phase assays in which purified integrins and integrin ligands are used. These assays can be used, e.g., to measure apparent affinities of integrins for different ligands and IC(50) values of pharmacological inhibitors.