Integrin alpha-3 beta-1 (α3β1) receptor (α3β1)

Integrin alpha-3 beta-1 (α3β1), also known as VLA-3, is a heterodimeric transmembrane receptor composed of the α3 (ITGA3) and β1 (ITGB1) subunits [UniProt: P26006]. It functions as a primary receptor for laminins, particularly laminin-332, and is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of basement membranes in the skin, lungs, and kidneys [NCBI Gene: 3675]. Beyond its role in cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, α3β1 regulates intracellular signaling pathways involved in cell migration, proliferation, and survival [PubMed: 25231975]. In oncology, α3β1 is frequently overexpressed and correlates with increased invasiveness and metastatic potential in cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer, glioma, and breast cancer [PubMed: 21829115]. Therapeutic targeting of α3β1 aims to disrupt tumor-stroma interactions and inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [Journal of Cell Science, 2012]. While specific α3β1 inhibitors are primarily in the preclinical or early clinical stages, targeting the β1 subunit or using α3-specific monoclonal antibodies represents a promising strategy for treating aggressive malignancies and fibrotic conditions [OncoTarget, 2016].

Other names

VLA-3CD49c/CD29Very Late Antigen 3GAP-B3Galactoprotein B3FRP-2MSK18

Competitive inhibition of ligand binding to the extracellular domain and blockade of downstream signaling pathways such as FAK and Src [Nature Reviews Cancer, 2010].