Transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains in integrin activation and protein-protein interactions (review).

ABSTRACT: Integrins are heterodimeric membrane-spanning adhesion receptors that are essential for a wide range of biological functions. Control of integrin conformational states is required for bidirectional signalling across the membrane. Key components of this control mechanism are the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of the alpha and beta subunits. These domains are believed to interact, holding the integrin in the inactive state, while inside-out integrin activation is accompanied by domain separation. Although there are strong indications for domain interactions, the majority of evidence is insufficient to precisely define the interaction interface. The current best model of the complex, derived from computational calculations with experimental restraints, suggests that integrin activation

SUBMITTER: Wegener KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3000922 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature