Preparation of basement membrane components from EHS tumors.

This unit describes methods for passaging and harvesting the basement membrane matrix-producing EHS tumor and for the subsequent isolation of a crude mixture of basement membrane components termed Matrigel, which promotes the differentiation of a variety of epithelial, endothelial, and neuronal cells. Procedures for the isolation of the adhesive glycoprotein laminin-1 and of type IV collagen are also included. Support protocols cover the maintenance and harvesting of EHS tumors in mice and maintenance of mice on a lathrogenic diet.