Integratorins

Integratorins are a class of proteins involved in the regulation of cellular processes, particularly those related to the cytoskeleton and cell adhesion. They belong to the family of actin-binding proteins and play a critical role in maintaining cellular structure and dynamics. The term "integratorin" is not widely used in modern literature, as these proteins are more commonly referred to as **integrins** or **integrin-linked proteins**, though the naming may vary depending on the context or specific research field.

Integrins are transmembrane receptors that facilitate interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the intracellular cytoskeleton. They mediate cell adhesion, signaling, and migration, which are essential for processes such as development, wound healing, and immune responses. Integrins consist of two non-covalently associated subunits, α and β, which combine in various heterodimeric pairs to recognize specific ligands in the ECM, such as collagen, fibronectin, and laminin.

Beyond classical integrins, some proteins linked to integrin signaling pathways are sometimes referred to broadly as "integratorins" in older or specialized literature. These may include proteins like talin, vinculin, or paxillin, which help stabilize integrin-mediated adhesions and transmit mechanical and biochemical signals across the cell membrane. These adaptor proteins work in concert with integrins to regulate cytoskeletal rearrangements and gene expression in response to extracellular cues.

Integratorins (or integrins) are also implicated in pathological conditions, such as cancer metastasis, where dysregulated adhesion and signaling contribute to tumor progression. Research into these proteins continues to uncover their roles in health and disease, making them important targets for therapeutic development.