ABSTRACT
Integrins are a family of cell surface receptors that are expressed in many if not all tissues. Integrins mediate interactions with different ligands including extracellular matrix glycoproteins, cell surface counter-receptors, proteases and pathogens. The study o f integrins has provided compelling evidence that they are instrumental for the development o f the nervous system influencing many aspects o f cell behavior such as cell proliferation, survival, axonal outgrowth and synapse formation. Recent findings provide strong evidence that integrins not only regulate the development and function o f neuronal cells, but also the behavior o f different glial subtypes. We will summarize here genetic, biochemical and cell biological experiments that demonstrate the importance o f integrin-mediated adhesion and signaling in glial cells.
