Discovery of platyhelminth-specific α/β-integrin families and evidence for their role in reproduction in Schistosoma mansoni.

ABSTRACT: In all metazoa, the response of cells to molecular stimuli from their environment represents a fundamental principle of regulatory processes controlling cell growth and differentiation. Among the membrane-linked receptors mediating extracellular communication processes are integrin receptors. Besides managing adhesion to the extracellular matrix or to other cells, they arrange information flow into the cells by activating intracellular signaling pathways often acting synergistically through cooperation with growth factor receptors. Although a wealth of information exists on integrins in different model organisms, there is a big gap of knowledge for platyhelminths. Here we report on the in silico detection and reconstruction of α and β integrins from free-living and parasitic platyhelminths

SUBMITTER: Beckmann S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3531407 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature