Integrin
Integrin — A family of transmembrane receptor proteins that mediate cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, targets for RGD-containing peptide research.
What Is an Integrin?
Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors (alpha/beta subunit pairs) that mediate cell-ECM and cell-cell adhesion. Integrins recognize short peptide motifs in ECM proteins: RGD (fibronectin), GFOGER (collagen), and LDV (fibronectin CS-1). Integrin-targeting peptides are major tools in cancer therapy and biomaterial design.
Peptide Targeting
- αvβ3: RGD-binding integrin overexpressed on tumor vasculature. Target for cilengitide and diagnostic imaging
- α4β1 (VLA-4): Target for natalizumab in MS. Peptide antagonists in development
- iRGD: Tumor-penetrating peptide (CRGDKGPDC) that activates neuropilin-1 for deep tissue penetration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Integrin?
A family of transmembrane receptor proteins that mediate cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, targets for RGD-containing peptide research.
Why is Integrin important in peptide research?
Integrin is a fundamental concept in biology as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.