Abstract
Most cells are adherent and rely on adhesive interactions to regulate their shape, motility and growth. These interactions are critical for tissue integrity and homeostasis but they also contribute to many of the most common diseases in humans. The integrins are a key family of cell-surface receptors that mediate the downstream consequences of cell adhesion and are therefore prime targets for the development of therapeutic agents. In addition to their adhesive activity, integrins also exhibit several other classical features of signalling receptors. Sufficient evidence is now available to pose the question of whether integrins should be classified as true signalling receptors; this article both reviews this evidence and attempts to identify remaining gaps.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 29-32 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Trends in pharmacological sciences |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2000 |
Keywords
- Animals
- Cell Adhesion
- Humans
- Integrins
- Receptors, Cytoadhesin
- Signal Transduction