[Adhesion molecules in the skin: distribution, biological role and physiopathological implications of integrins]

Cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions are mediated by surface glycoproteins, members of the vast family of "adhesion molecules". These cellular receptors influence many biological processes, including cell-substratum adhesion phenomena, cellular migration during embryogenesis, haemostasis and immune reactions. Among these molecules, in the last few years the integrin family has been extensively studied. Integrins are widely distributed on several cell types, and are also present in the skin with distinct extracellular binding specificities. In the skin, the various members of this family play multiple functions, intervening in keratinocyte adhesion to the basement membrane, in the maintenance of cell polarity, in inflammatory processes and during wound healing.