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Integrin

Integrin is a membrane protein found in the plasma membrane of cells, and plays a role in the attachment of cells to the extracellular matrix and, because they're found on the membrane and therefore partially out of the cell, in signal transduction from the extracellular matrix to the cell.

Integrin attaches the cell to the extracellular matrix by binding its subunits, which weave in and out of the plasma membrane to it. Ligands in integrins include fibronectin and collagen. These ligands are linked through small proteins to the extracellular matrix.

Through the integrin molecules, signals are relayed into the cell through protein kinases that attach to the intracellular end of the integrin molecule. Signals received may have to do with cell growth and division (thus the link with cancer), cell survival, cellular differentiation, and apoptosis, or cell death.

Integrin is thought to play a role in the spread of tumor cells. Inhibition of integrin adhesion molecules is thought to help slow or even stop the spread of certain forms of cancer.

Web Resources On Integrin

Integrin Signaling in Cell Survival and Death
Prevention of Breast Cancer by Blocking Integrin Function

Book Resources On Integrin

Integrin Protocols by Anthony Howlett
Signal Transduction by Integrins by Paola Defilippi et al

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