Cell surface integrins and extracellular matrix receptors

Cell surface integrins and extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors represent a broad class of transmembrane proteins that facilitate the physical attachment of cells to the surrounding matrix and neighboring cells (Source: StatPearls, Integrins). Integrins, the most extensively studied members of this group, are heterodimeric complexes consisting of alpha and beta subunits that bridge the ECM to the intracellular actin cytoskeleton, enabling bidirectional signaling known as inside-out and outside-in signaling (Source: UniProt). These receptors are fundamental to physiological processes including cell adhesion, migration, and survival, but their dysregulation is a hallmark of various pathologies such as cancer metastasis, chronic inflammation, and fibrotic disorders (Source: Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). Because this entry describes a functional grouping rather than a single molecular entity, it is classified as a broad target class. Therapeutic interventions targeting specific members of this family, such as alpha-4 or alpha-IIb-beta-3 integrins, have been successfully developed for treating conditions like multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and acute coronary syndrome (Source: DrugBank).

Other names

Integrin receptorsECM receptorsCell-matrix adhesion receptorsCell surface adhesion molecules

Inhibition of ligand binding to the receptor complex, preventing cell-matrix or cell-cell adhesion and downstream signaling cascades.