Molecules in focus
The αvβ3 integrin “vitronectin receptor”

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1357-2725(96)00155-0Get rights and content

Abstract

The αvβ3 “vitronectin receptor” is a member of the integrin superfamily of adhesion molecules. As such, this 160/85 kDa heterodimeric protein exhibits many of the typical structural and functional features of integrins. It mediates cell adhesion to extracellular matrix by recognizing the conserved arg-gly-asp (RGD) sequence of several plasma and matrix proteins. Recently, it has also been shown that αvβ3 is involved in signal transduction and cell to cell interactions. αvβ3 is highly expressed in bone resorbing cells, osteoclasts, and upregulated in response to vascular damage, during angiogenesis and in certain types of malignancy. Antagonists of αvβ3 are being developed for use in a variety of diseases associated with altered receptor function or level.

References (14)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (315)

View all citing articles on Scopus
View full text