Integriinejä

Integriinejä refers to a group of proteins that play a crucial role in cell adhesion. These transmembrane proteins are characterized by their heterotrimeric structure, meaning they are composed of three distinct subunits. Integrins are essential for connecting the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton of a cell, thereby mediating a wide range of cellular functions. This connection is vital for processes such as cell migration, cell signaling, and tissue development.

The function of integrins is highly dynamic, and they can exist in different conformational states, which influences their binding affinity to ligands. This conformational change can be triggered by external stimuli or by intracellular signaling pathways. Integrins bind to specific molecules in the extracellular matrix, such as fibronectin, collagen, and laminin, through their extracellular domains. Their intracellular domains interact with cytoskeletal proteins, linking the external environment to the cell's internal machinery.

Due to their central role in cell adhesion and signaling, integrins are implicated in numerous biological processes and diseases. Aberrant integrin function has been associated with conditions like cancer metastasis, inflammatory diseases, and bleeding disorders. Consequently, integrins have become important targets for therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating cell adhesion and signaling in various pathological contexts. Research continues to explore the complex mechanisms of integrin activation, signaling, and their therapeutic potential.