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Integrins and extracellular matrix in animal models
1Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Childhood and Neglected Disease, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA, umueller@scripps.edu.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|May 11, 2010
Summary
Integrins are cell receptors linking the outside and inside of cells, crucial for development. Genetic studies in mice reveal their essential roles in cell functions and organism development.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Integrins are transmembrane receptors mediating cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell-cell interactions.
- They regulate critical cellular functions like attachment, migration, proliferation, survival, and force transmission.
- Integrins bridge the cell exterior and cytoskeleton, activating intracellular signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the developmental functions of integrins and their ECM ligands.
- To integrate findings from cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics.
- To highlight genetic discoveries, particularly from the murine system.
Main Methods:
- Focus on genetic findings in the murine system.
- Integration of cell biological and biochemical approaches where applicable.
- Analysis of integrin and ECM ligand functions.
Main Results:
- Genetic studies have identified essential roles for integrins and ECM ligands in organismal development.
- These receptors are critical for establishing transmembrane links and modulating cellular activities.
- Evidence from murine models provides insights into developmental processes.
Conclusions:
- Genetic evidence is crucial for understanding the in vivo functions of integrins and ECM ligands.
- A comprehensive understanding requires integrating diverse biological approaches.
- Integrins play indispensable roles throughout development.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Integrins
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,...
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,...
01:29The Extracellular Matrix
Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
01:42The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.
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...
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
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...
01:15Activation 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.