Integrin beta-4 subunit (ITGB4)

Integrin beta-4 subunit (ITGB4), also known as CD104, is a transmembrane glycoprotein that forms a receptor complex with integrin alpha-6, termed α6β4 integrin. This complex is a key mediator of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, especially via its interaction with laminins. ITGB4 plays a critical role in the structural organization of hemidesmosomes, anchoring epithelial cells to underlying connective tissue and stabilizing the skin. Its cytoplasmic domain is unusually large among integrins and is essential for hemidesmosome assembly and interaction with the cytoskeleton. ITGB4 is central to signaling pathways that regulate epithelial cell growth, migration, polarity, and survival. Mutation or dysregulation of ITGB4 is linked to inherited diseases such as epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia and plays a significant role in invasive carcinomas, where altered activity and localization can facilitate tumor progression and metastasis.

Other names

CD104beta-4 integrinITGB4integrin beta-4integrin subunit beta-4

Antagonism (blockade of integrin-ligand interaction) and modulation of cell adhesion and migration (for drugs or biologics targeting integrins in cancer)