ABSTRACT
Integriti signalling has a critical function in organizing cells in tissues during both embryonic development and tissue repair. Following their binding to the extracellular ligands, the intracellular signalling pathways triggered by integrins are directed to two major functions: organisation of the actin cytoskeleton and regulation of cell behaviour including survival, dif ferentiation and growth. Basic research conducted in the past twelve years has lead to remark able breakthroughs in this field. Integrins are catalytically inactive and translate positional cues into biochemical signals by direct and/or functional association with intracellular adaptors, cytosolic tyrosine kinases or growth factor and cytokine receptors. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight recent experimental and conceptual advances in integrin signalling with particu lar emphasis to the ability of integrins to regulate Fak/Src family kinases (SFKs) activation and to cross-talk with receptors for soluble growth factors and cytokines.
