Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Imaging Integrin Tension and Cellular Force at Submicron Resolution with an Integrative Tension Sensor
Published on: April 25, 2019
Functional atlas of the integrin adhesome
Ronen Zaidel-Bar1, Shalev Itzkovitz, Avi Ma'ayan
1Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
Abstract:
A detailed depiction of the 'integrin adhesome', consisting of a complex network of 156 components linked together and modified by 690 interactions is presented. Different views of the network reveal several functional 'subnets' that are involved in switching on or off many of the molecular interactions within the network, consequently affecting cell adhesion, migration and cytoskeletal organization. Examination of the adhesome network motifs reveals a relatively small number of key motifs, dominated by three-component complexes in which a scaffolding molecule recruits both a signalling molecule and its downstream target. We discuss the role of the different network modules in regulating the structural and signalling functions of cell-matrix adhesions.
Related Concept Videos
Integrins
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,...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Activation of Integrins
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.
Anchoring Junctions
Adherens Junctions
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

