Integrin

Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that mediate cell-adhesion.With their extracellular head region, most integrins bind extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins such as laminins and collagens in basement membranes or connective tissue components like fibronectin. Integrins also function in signaling pathways to mediate migration and differentiation of epithelial cells.Integrins are composed of many subtypes all arranged as heterodimers. These heterodimers can selectively bind several different matrix constituents. In fact, the RGD sequence of extracellular matrix molecules is the binding site for integrins. Integrins are expressed early in human lung development.

References

1.Erik H. J Danen.Madame Curie Bioscience Database [Internet].
2.Maurice Godfrey, in Asthma and COPD (Second Edition), 2009