Matrix remodeling, critical to embryonic morphogenesis and wound healing, is dependent on the expression of matrix components, their receptors, and matrix proteases. The collagen gel assay has provided an effective model for the examination of the functional role(s) of each of these groups of molecules in matrix remodeling. Previous investigations have indicated that collagen gel contraction involves the beta 1 integrin family of matrix receptors and is stimulated by several growth factors, including TGF-beta, PDGF, and angiotensin II. In particular, collagen gel remodeling by human cells involves the alpha 2 beta 1 and, to a lesser extent, the alpha 1 beta 1 integrin complexes. The present studies were undertaken to determine the role of the alpha 1 integrin chain, a collagen/laminin receptor, in collagen gel contraction by rodent and avian fibroblasts. A high degree of correlation was found between the expression of the alpha 1 beta 1 integrin complex and the relative ability of cells to contract collagen gels. Further studies using antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides against the alpha 1 integrin indicated a significant role for this integrin chain in contraction of collagen gels by rat cardiac fibroblasts. In addition, antibodies to the alpha 1 integrin chain inhibited migration of these fibroblasts on a collagen substratum, suggesting that at least one role of this integrin is in migration of cells in collagen gels. These results indicate that the alpha 1 beta 1 integrin complex plays a significant role in cellular interactions with interstitial collagen that are involved in matrix remodeling such as is seen during morphogenesis and wound healing.