Reelin, integrin and Dab1 interactions during embryonic cerebral cortical development

Extracellular matrix-like molecule reelin and cell surface adhesion receptors such as alpha 3 beta 1 integrin can regulate neuronal migration and position in the developing cerebral cortex. Here we show that alpha 3 beta 1 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 beta 1 integrin in a reelin-dependent manner. Thus, alpha 3 beta 1 integrin-reelin interactions may contribute to appropriate neuronal placement in the developing cerebral cortex.