Integrin Dynamics in Epithelial Cell Adhesion
Summary
Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors linking the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cytoskeleton in epithelial tissues. They cluster within focal adhesions and hemidesmosomes to maintain barrier function, tissue integrity and dynamic processes such as migration and wound healing. β1-containing integrins assemble focal adhesions that sense mechanical cues and regulate cytoskeletal tension and gene expression. The α6β4 pair forms hemidesmosomes anchoring keratinocytes to the basement membrane via laminin-332. Adhesion assembly and disassembly depend on post-translational modifications, cytoskeletal remodelling and growth-factor feedback. Disruption of integrin dynamics contributes to chronic wounds, inflammatory disorders and cancer invasion. Research continues to unravel the molecular orchestration of integrin turnover, its integration with mechanotransduction pathways and potential for therapeutic targeting.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent studies have revealed that collagen XVII and the α6β4 integrin synergise in determining epithelial cell invasion and motility. In carcinoma models, targeted depletion of either component reduced cell migration in two-dimensional wound assays and impeded invasion in three-dimensional organotypic cultures. Variable expression patterns in precursor lesions and established tumours suggest context-dependent regulation of adhesion dynamics. These findings underscore the plasticity of hemidesmosome constituents and their coupling to the cytoskeleton, implicating integrin β4 phosphorylation and its extracellular partner in the spatiotemporal control of epithelial adhesion and collective invasion.
Integrin Dynamics in Epithelial Cell Adhesion publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in integrin dynamics in epithelial cell adhesion across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Integrin: A transmembrane receptor composed of α and β subunits that binds extracellular matrix proteins and links to the cytoskeleton.
Focal adhesion: A dynamic multiprotein complex where integrins interact with actin filaments to transmit mechanical and chemical signals.
Hemidesmosome: A stable adhesion structure anchoring basal epithelial cells to the basement membrane via integrin α6β4 and cytoskeletal linkers.
Extracellular matrix (ECM): A network of proteins and polysaccharides surrounding cells that provides structural support and biochemical cues.
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT): A cellular programme in which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits, enhancing motility and invasiveness.
Mechanotransduction: The conversion of mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals that regulate cellular responses.
References
- Dampened Regulatory Circuitry of TEAD1/ITGA1/ITGA2 Promotes TGFβ1 Signaling to Orchestrate Prostate Cancer Progression. Advanced Science (2024).
- Dermal stiffness governs the topography of the epidermis and the underlying basement membrane in young and old human skin. Aging Cell (2024).
- Role of Hemidesmosomes in Oral Carcinogenesis: A Systematic Review. Cancers (2023).
- Significant Role of Collagen XVII And Integrin β4 in Migration and Invasion of The Less Aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Scientific Reports (2017).
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