Mice homozygous for a null mutation of the integrin α9 subunit die 6–12 days after birth from
bilateral chylothoraces suggesting an underlying defect in lymphatic development. However,
until now the mechanisms by which the integrin α9β1 modulates lymphangiogenesis have
not been described. In this study we show that adhesion to and migration on the
lymphangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF-C and-D) are α9β1-dependent.
Mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human colon carcinoma cells (SW-480) transfected to …