Integrins: bidirectional, allosteric signaling machines

Cell. 2002 Sep 20;110(6):673-87. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(02)00971-6.

Abstract

In their roles as major adhesion receptors, integrins signal across the plasma membrane in both directions. Recent structural and cell biological data suggest models for how integrins transmit signals between their extracellular ligand binding adhesion sites and their cytoplasmic domains, which link to the cytoskeleton and to signal transduction pathways. Long-range conformational changes couple these functions via allosteric equilibria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allosteric Regulation
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology
  • Cytoplasm / physiology
  • Cytoskeleton / physiology
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Integrins / chemistry
  • Integrins / physiology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Structure
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Integrins