ABSTRACT
Integrins are a family of transmembrane glycoprotein receptors that mediate cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions.1 2 Integrins consist of an a and a ß subunit. To date 24 distinct integrin heterodimers have been described, consisting of 18 a and 8 ß subunits. The extracellular environment is known to have a pivotal role in cellular behavior. As receptors, integrins mediate anchorage and migration of cells via recognition of variable extracellular matrix molecules. Moreover, intracellular signals generated by integrins often influence gene expression, affecting the regulation of cell survival, differentiation and proliferation. Apart from their role in physiological events, integrins are also involved in many pathological conditions such as inflammation and tumor progression.
