Abstract
THERE is firm evidence that the characteristic changes of cell behaviour in vitro described as contact inhibition of locomotion1, contact inhibition of extension2 and contact inhibition of phagocytosis3 occur as a direct result of cell–cell contact. In addition it has been suggested4 that the inhibition of both pinocytosis5 and blebbiing6, in those regions of the margins of cells in contact with other cells, may also be a direct result of cell–cell contact. These examples may well be part of a general class of cell-contact-dependent phenomena which could play an important role in cellular interactions, I report here another contact-dependent reaction which takes place between chick embryo pigmented retina epithelial (PRE) cells in culture. In brief, it can be shown that the degree of polarisation exhibited by these cells and the degree to which they are spread on their substrate is influenced profoundly by whether or not they are in contact with other cells.
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MIDDLETON, C. Contact-induced spreading is a new phenomenon depending on cell–cell contact. Nature 259, 311–313 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/259311a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/259311a0
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