Distinct functions of α3 and αv integrin receptors in neuronal migration and laminar organization of the cerebral cortex

Changes in specific cell-cell recognition and adhesion interactions between neurons and radial glial cells regulate neuronal migration as well as the establishment of distinct layers in the developing cerebral cortex. Here, we show that alpha(3)beta(1) integrin is necessary for neuron-glial recognition during neuronal migration and that a, integrins provide optimal levels of the basic neuron-glial adhesion needed to maintain neuronal migration on radial glial fibers. A gliophilic-to-neurophitic switch in the adhesive preference of developing cortical neurons occurs following the loss of alpha(3)beta(1) integrin function. Furthermore, the targeted mutation of the alpha(3) integrin gene results in abnormal layering of the cerebral cortex. These results suggest that alpha(3)beta(1) and alpha(v) integrins regulate distinct aspects of neuronal migration and neuron-glial interactions during corticogenesis.