Integrin alpha-8 beta-1 (ITGA8B1)

Integrin alpha-8 beta-1 is a heterodimeric cell surface receptor composed of the alpha-8 (ITGA8) and beta-1 (ITGB1) subunits. It belongs to the RGD-binding integrin family, which recognizes the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid motif in ligands such as nephronectin, osteopontin, and fibronectin (UniProt P53708). Biologically, this integrin is essential for kidney morphogenesis, mediating critical interactions between the ureteric bud and the metanephric mesenchyme during development (PMID: 9023306). In adult tissues, it is primarily expressed in contractile cells, including vascular smooth muscle cells and renal mesangial cells, where it helps maintain tissue architecture. Pathologically, Integrin alpha-8 beta-1 is significantly upregulated in activated myofibroblasts during the progression of fibrosis in the liver, lungs, and kidneys (PMID: 28611158). Its role in promoting myofibroblast activation and TGF-beta signaling makes it a prominent therapeutic target for chronic fibrotic diseases. Experimental treatments, including small molecule inhibitors like CWHM-12 and specific monoclonal antibodies, aim to block its ligand-binding domain to attenuate pathological tissue remodeling (PMID: 24631444). Targeting this receptor offers a potential pathway to arrest the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic kidney disease.

Other names

ITGA8:ITGB1Integrin alpha 8 beta 1Alpha8beta1 integrinITGA8/ITGB1 complex

Competitive antagonism of the RGD-binding site to prevent interaction with extracellular matrix ligands, thereby inhibiting myofibroblast activation and TGF-beta signaling pathways.