Integrin subunit alpha-8 (ITGA8)

Integrin subunit alpha-8 (ITGA8) encodes the alpha-8 subunit of the heterodimeric integrin alpha-8/beta-1 receptor, a member of the integrin family of transmembrane glycoproteins that mediate cell adhesion and cell signaling. Integrin alpha-8 plays a crucial role in the formation of the kidney and other organs by regulating the recruitment of mesenchymal cells into developing epithelial structures. It recognizes R-G-D (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) motifs in ligands such as tenascin-C (TNC), fibronectin (FN1), osteopontin (SPP1), and vitronectin (VTN), and is especially important in mediating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions vital for organogenesis and wound healing. ITGA8 deficiency or mutation is associated with human renal developmental disorders and is supported by animal models showing increased susceptibility to chronic kidney disease. Additionally, it may contribute to cytoskeletal remodeling, signal transduction pathways, and neuronal outgrowth.

Other names

Integrin alpha-8Integrin alpha-8 heavy chainIntegrin alpha-8 light chainITGA8integrin alpha8integrin, alpha 8