Integrin subunit alpha 2b (ITGA2B) (ITGA2B)

Integrin subunit alpha 2b (ITGA2B), commonly referred to as CD41 or Glycoprotein IIb (GPIIb), is a transmembrane protein that plays a fundamental role in blood coagulation (UniProt: P08514). It is expressed exclusively in the megakaryocytic lineage, where its expression is governed by a specific gene expression program driven by the ITGA2B promoter and transcription factors like GATA1 and FLI1 (NCBI Gene: 3674). ITGA2B forms a heterodimer with Integrin beta 3 (CD61) to create the GPIIb/IIIa receptor, the most abundant receptor on the platelet surface, which mediates platelet aggregation by binding to fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor (StatPearls: GPIIb/IIIa Inhibitors). Mutations in the ITGA2B gene lead to Glanzmann thrombasthenia, a severe bleeding disorder characterized by the failure of platelets to aggregate (PubMed: PMID: 18451308). Therapeutically, the GPIIb/IIIa complex is targeted by potent antiplatelet agents to prevent coronary thrombosis, and its promoter is a key tool in gene therapy for targeting transgene expression specifically to platelets (PubMed: PMID: 18451308).

Other names

CD41GPIIbIntegrin alpha-IIbPlatelet membrane glycoprotein IIbGP2BITGA2B promoter-driven program

Antagonism of the Integrin alpha-IIb/beta-3 (GPIIb/IIIa) complex to inhibit fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation.