Neurite outgrowth of neuroblastoma cells induced by proteins covalently coupled to glass coverslips.

A method using proteins covalently coupled to glass surfaces has been applied to studies on the differentiation of neuroblasts. Neuroblastoma cells from clones N 18 and NIE 115 adhere to surfaces coated with fibronectin or laminin and extend rapidly growth cone-containing neurites. Some lectin-coated surfaces are also able to support neurite outgrowth, although the activities are lower than those of fibronectin and laminin. We discuss the biochemical requirements of the surface structures capable of inducing a differentiated neuronal morphology to neuroblastoma cells, and also consider the possible relationship of the results to physiological differentiation phenomena.