integrins


in·te·grins

(in-te'grinz), A family of cell membrane glycoproteins that are heterodimers composed of α- and β-chain subunits. They serve as extracellular matrix glycoprotein receptors involved in cell adhesion, for example, the mediation of adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells. [L. integer, whole, intact, fr. in- + tango, to touch + -in]

integrins

A familty of linked polypeptide chains, alpha and beta, that mediate adhesions and other interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix and between cells and other cells. Integrins are expressed on endothelial cells, leukocytes, other cells and platelets, and act as receptors for fibrinogen, fibronectin, thrombospondin, von Willebrand factor, and vitronectin. See also DISINTEGRINS.