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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Imaging Integrin Tension and Cellular Force at Submicron Resolution with an Integrative Tension Sensor
Published on: April 25, 2019
Integrins anchor the invasive machinery.
Sara A Wickström1, Reinhard Fässler
1Department of Molecular Medicine, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany.
Developmental Cell
|August 19, 2009
Summary
Researchers discovered that integrins act as crucial integration platforms for specialized invasive membrane domains. This finding sheds light on how cells coordinate complex invasion processes during development and disease.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Molecular mechanisms of cell invasion
Background:
- Cell invasion through the basement membrane is vital for development and disease.
- The integration of cellular machinery for invasion has been poorly understood.
- Key components include adhesion, force transduction, proteolysis, and chemotaxis.
Discussion:
- Sherwood and coworkers identify integrins as key players in coordinating cell invasion.
- Integrins serve as integration platforms for specialized invasive membrane domains.
- This research provides a cellular-level understanding of invasion mechanisms.
Key Insights:
- Integrins are identified as central hubs for integrating invasion machinery.
- A specialized invasive membrane domain is regulated by integrins.
- This study elucidates a critical mechanism in cell motility and tissue remodeling.
Outlook:
- Further investigation into integrin-mediated invasion in various biological contexts.
- Exploring therapeutic strategies targeting integrin function in invasive diseases.
- Understanding the precise molecular interactions within the invasive membrane domain.
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.
01:17Intracellular 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...
01:35Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia
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01:03Anchoring Junctions
Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...
01:29GPI Anchoring of Proteins in the ER Membrane
GPI-anchoring is a post-translational, reversible protein modification that is ubiquitous in eukaryotes. Such proteins are primarily present on the exoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane.
GPI-anchor structure
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GPI-anchor structure
A sequence of 11 enzymatic reactions results in the synthesis of the complete GPI anchor consisting of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic portion. The hydrophobic portion comprises phosphatidylinositol, while the hydrophilic part comprises polar groups like phosphoethanolamine,...