Superfamily of cell surface proteins that are involved in binding to extracellular matrix components in some cases. Most are heterodimeric with a b subunit of 95 kD that is conserved through the superfamily, and a more variable a subunit of 150-170 kD.
Definition: Heterodimeric transmembraneous proteins consist of - and -subunits. By recognising adhesive glycoproteins and other constituents of the extracellular matrix they functionally connect the cell interior with the extracellular matrix. On platelets, activated integrin IIb 3 binds fibrinogen. Another integrin on platelets, integrin 1, is involved in the action of collagen.
a surface molecule found on the exterior of cells that helps cells adhere and migrate
Proteins with alpha and beta subunits that bind to cells to communicate actions to them
in-TEG-rin A cell adhesion molecule that helps direct a white blood cell through a capillary wall to the site of an injury. 103
adhesive protein of the extracellular matrix in animals.
An integrin, or integrin receptor, is an integral membrane protein in the plasma membrane of cells. It plays a role in the attachment of a cell to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and in signal transduction from the ECM to the cell. There are many types of integrin, and many cells have multiple types on their surface.