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Integrins

Integrins

Animal and protozoan cells do not have cell walls to help maintain shape and provide structural stability. Instead, these eukaryotic cells secrete a sticky mass of carbohydrates and proteins into the spaces between adjacent cells. This network of proteins and molecules is called an extracellular matrix or ECM.
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...

Activation of Integrins

Activation of Integrins

Integrins bind ligands and transmit information from outside the cell to inside or vice-versa through an "outside-in signaling" or "inside-out signaling."
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...

Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.

Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Protocols for Analyzing the Role of Paneth Cells in Regenerating the Murine Intestine using Conditional Cre-lox Mouse Models

Protocols for Analyzing the Role of Paneth Cells in Regenerating the Murine Intestine using Conditional Cre-lox Mouse Models

Published on: November 21, 2015

Integrins in regulation of tissue development and function.

Erik H J Danen¹, Arnoud Sonnenberg

¹Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Journal of Pathology

|December 3, 2003

Summary

Integrins are key cell adhesion receptors essential for embryonic development and tissue function. They regulate cell-matrix interactions, migration, and signaling, impacting cell survival and differentiation.

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Biochemistry

Context:

Integrins are crucial cell surface receptors mediating cell-extracellular matrix interactions.
These receptors play vital roles in metazoan development and tissue homeostasis.
The integrin family has expanded in vertebrates, enabling diverse functions including cell-cell adhesion.

Purpose:

To review the multifaceted roles of integrins in cellular processes.
To discuss the implications of integrin function in tissue development, maintenance, and disease.

Summary:

Integrins are the primary adhesion receptors connecting cells to the extracellular matrix in metazoans.
They are involved in matrix assembly, cell adhesion, and migration.
Integrin signaling influences cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation gene expression.

Impact:

Understanding integrin function is critical for comprehending embryonic development and tissue integrity.
Dysregulation of integrin pathways is linked to various diseases.
This review highlights integrins as central regulators of cell behavior and tissue dynamics.