Integrins, structure and function
Nakstad, B.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 113(5): 595-599
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 8465319 Document Number: 421718
Integrins are molecules of central importance in physiological and pathological processes. Integrins are an important factor in intercellular adhesion processes and cell migration leading to normal architecture of tissue, in inflammatory and tumour cell migration and in reparatory processes of damaged tissue. The integrin designation is derived from the role of these substances in integrating processes within and outside the cell. Therefore these membrane proteins play a role in cell growth, differentiation and gene expression. The role played by integrins in cell signal transduction and inflammation is discussed in this article. During the past few years we have seen an explosion of research in this field, which may lead to therapeutic benefits in a few years time.