Integrin receptors

Integrins are transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion.   Upon ligand binding, integrins activate signal transduction pathways that mediate cellular signals such as regulation of the cell cycle, organization of the intracellular cytoskeleton, and movement of new receptors to the cell membrane.  Integrins 'integrate' the extracellular environment with the cell interior by binding both the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cytoskeleton. They are critical for cell attachment to the ECM, which is mediated through integrin with fibronectin, vitronectin, collagen or laminin interactions.  Integrins are also involved in a wide range of other biological activities, including extravasation, cell-to-cell adhesion, cell migration, and as receptors for some viruses.

Further reading

Kumar (1998) Signaling by integrin receptors. Oncogene 17 1365 PMID: 9779984

Hamidi and Ivaska (2018) Every step of the way: integrins in cancer progression and metastasis. Nat. Rev. Cancer 18(9) 533 PMID: 30002479

Moreno-Layseca et al (2019) Integrin trafficking in cells and tissues. Nat. Cell. Biol. 21 122 PMID: 30602723