Function
Integrins (IG) are receptors which mediate the attachment between cells and between cells and the extracellular matrix. They are involved in cellular signaling and cell cycle[1]. IGs contain α and β chain. IG subunits span the cell membrane. Both subunits bind divalent cations some of which bind the ligands which interact with IG. Some IGs contain an insertion domain named I domain. For more details see Molecular Playground/IntegrinBeta1.
For some details on the interaction of a targeting peptide with integrin see Molecular Playground/Targeting Peptide.
Disease
Defective integrin is the cause of the skin disease epidermolysis bullosa, of congenital muscular dystrophy. Overexpression of integrin is correlated with some types of cancer and enhanced bone resorption in osteoporosis[2]. Defective integrin is involved in periodontal diseases[3].
Structural highlights
The interactions of integrin with ligands are dependent on the presence of divalent ions[4].
. Water molecules shown as red spheres.
3D structures of integrin
Integrin 3D structures
