Regulation of the extracellular ligand binding activity of integrins

Integrins are a large heterodimeric family of cell surface adhesion receptors that bind extracellular matrix and cell surface ligands. The extracellular ligand binding activity of integrins is a dynamic and highly regulated event involving the induction of conformational changes within the integrin structure. The adhesive properties of integrins can be controlled by altering the activation state of the integrin, either through conformational change or receptor clustering, using mechanisms that are regulated by intracellular proteins. In this review, we will discuss what is currently known about integrin structure and the ligand binding sites present within the receptor. In addition, the mechanisms by which the ligand binding event is regulated through conformational change will be addressed, and the potential role of intracellular cytoplasmic proteins will be discussed.