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

Integrin alpha-3 beta-1 receptor is a heterodimeric transmembrane receptor consisting of α3 (CD49c, encoded by the ITGA3 gene) and β1 (CD29, encoded by ITGB1) subunits[1][7][9]. It is a member of the integrin family of cell adhesion molecules and mediates cellular adhesion to extracellular matrix components such as laminin, fibronectin, and collagen[4][7][8][9]. Integrin α3β1 is critical in neuronal migration, development, epithelial integrity, cell migration, proliferation, and signal transduction[1][4]. Through its roles in adhesion and signaling, this integrin is implicated in processes including tumorigenesis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune cell function[2][4][5]. Aberrant expression of integrin α3β1 has been observed in several cancers, correlating with aggressive tumor behavior and metastatic capacity, and elevated levels have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cancers such as thyroid carcinoma[2]. The receptor is structurally composed of noncovalently linked type I transmembrane glycoprotein subunits, with distinct ligand-binding and cell signaling domains[7][10]. Because of its prominent role in disease, integrin α3β1 is considered a potential therapeutic target, although direct, selective antagonists are not yet clinically approved.

Other names

Very late antigen 3 (VLA-3)Very common antigen 2 (VCA-2)Extracellular matrix receptor 1 (ECMR1)Galactoprotein b3 (GAPB3)CD49c (alpha-3)CD29 (beta-1)

Inhibition of cell adhesion and migration through blockade of ligand (e.g. laminin) binding, Disruption of signaling pathways involved in tumor cell invasion and metastasis