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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
10:24
Preparation of 3D Collagen Gels and Microchannels for the Study of 3D Interactions In Vivo
Published on: May 9, 2016
Collagen receptor integrins: rising to the challenge
K D McCall-Culbreath1, M M Zutter
1Department of Microbiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Current Drug Targets
|February 22, 2008
Summary
Collagen receptors, like alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1 integrins, are crucial for innate immunity and inflammation. Targeting these integrins offers potential therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Immunology
- Molecular medicine
Background:
- Integrins are cell surface receptors mediating cell-extracellular matrix interactions and intracellular signaling.
- Dysregulated integrin function is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity, and cardiovascular conditions.
- Collagen receptors, a subset of integrins, play roles in cellular adhesion and signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on collagen receptors, specifically alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1 integrins.
- To explore the functions of these integrins in animal models.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting collagen receptors for disease treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and data.
- Analysis of findings from genetically modified animal models with deleted collagen receptors.
- Elucidation of the roles of alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1 integrins in disease pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Individual deletion of collagen receptors in mice did not result in apparent defects.
- Studies on alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1 integrin-deficient mice revealed significant roles in innate immunity, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
- Overlapping functions of alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1 integrins in disease processes were identified.
Conclusions:
- Alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1 integrins are critical regulators of immune and inflammatory responses.
- Targeting these specific integrins presents a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic interventions.
- Further research into the precise mechanisms and therapeutic potential of collagen receptors is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Integrins
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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,...
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,...
01:15Activation 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.
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.
01:13Collagens are the Major Structural Proteins of ECM
Three main types of fibers are secreted by fibroblasts: collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and reticular fibers. Collagen fiber is made from fibrous protein subunits linked together to form a long, straight fiber. Collagen fibers, while flexible, have great tensile strength, resist stretching, and give ligaments and tendons their characteristic resilience and strength. These fibers hold connective tissues together, even during the body's movement.
Connective tissue proper includes loose...
Connective tissue proper includes loose...
01:17Intracellular 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...
Some...
01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
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01:24Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...