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Integrin cell adhesion receptors and the concept of agonism
1Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, 2.205 Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK M13 9PT. martin.humphries@man.ac.uk
Abstract:
Most cells are adherent and rely on adhesive interactions to regulate their shape, motility and growth. These interactions are critical for tissue integrity and homeostasis but they also contribute to many of the most common diseases in humans. The integrins are a key family of cell-surface receptors that mediate the downstream consequences of cell adhesion and are therefore prime targets for the development of therapeutic agents. In addition to their adhesive activity, integrins also exhibit several other classical features of signalling receptors. Sufficient evidence is now available to pose the question of whether integrins should be classified as true signalling receptors; this article both reviews this evidence and attempts to identify remaining gaps.
Insights
Integrins are cell adhesion receptors crucial for tissue health and disease. This review explores evidence supporting their classification as true signaling receptors, identifying knowledge gaps.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cell adhesion is vital for tissue integrity and homeostasis.
- Adhesive interactions are implicated in numerous human diseases.
- Integrins are key cell-surface receptors mediating cell adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for integrins as signaling receptors.
- To determine if integrins meet the criteria for true signaling receptors.
- To identify remaining research gaps in integrin signaling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on integrin function.
- Analysis of integrin adhesive and signaling properties.
- Comparative assessment against classical signaling receptor characteristics.
Main Results:
- Integrins mediate downstream effects of cell adhesion.
- Integrins display classical signaling receptor features beyond adhesion.
- Evidence suggests integrins possess signaling capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Integrins play a critical role in cell adhesion and signaling.
- Further research is needed to fully classify integrins as signaling receptors.
- Understanding integrin signaling is crucial for therapeutic development.