Localization of Integrin[Edit]
The concentration of β subunits is generally high while that of α subunit is the factor limiting the amount of heterodimers that localize on the membrane [1]. Liganded integrins diffuse along the membrane and are known to preferentially couple actin at the leading edge [2], cluster, get pulled backward as the cell spreads or moves forward and subsequently cycled during motility [3,4].
Integrins are found in specialized cell-cell adhesions and in most cell-matrix adhesions of static cells as well as motility structures such as filopodia,lamellipodia and podosomes. While the β1 subfamily is commonly found on a wide variety of cells, some integrins are limited to certain cell types or tissues [5] as listed in the table.
Integrins are found in specialized cell-cell adhesions and in most cell-matrix adhesions of static cells as well as motility structures such as filopodia,lamellipodia and podosomes. While the β1 subfamily is commonly found on a wide variety of cells, some integrins are limited to certain cell types or tissues [5] as listed in the table.
Table: Cell-/tissue-specific localization of integrin subtypes
| Integrin subtypes | Cell/ tissue of localization |
| αIIbβ3 |
Platelets |
| α6β4 | Keratinocytes |
| αEβ7 | T-cells, dendritic cells and mast cells of mucosal tissue |
| α4β1, β2 integrins |
Leukocytes |
| α4β7 | Memory T-cells |