ROLE OF INTEGRINS IN ENTEROCYTE MIGRATION

1. Enterocyte motility depends critically on cell-matrix interactions, Although still incompletely understood, these appear critically depen dent upon integrin-mediated cell adhesion, 2. In addition to providing a mechanism for cell adhesion and traction, the integrins are likely to serve as true receptors for the matrix across which cell motility o ccurs, initiating signals by both mechanical and chemical means that a lter cell phenotype and proliferation as well as cell motility, 3. Sou nd rationale now exists to postulate that soluble growth factors withi n the extracellular milieu regulate intestinal mucosal healing not onl y directly but also indirectly by modulating integrin expression and o rganization.