Transduction - Integrin signaling

Cells reside in a protein network, the extracellular matrix (ECM), which th ey secrete and mold into the intercellular space. The ECM exerts profound c ontrol over cells. The effects of the matrix are primarily mediated by inte grins, a family of cell surface receptors that attach cells to the matrix a nd mediate mechanical and chemical signals from it. These signals regulate the activities of cytoplasmic kinases, growth factor receptors, and ion cha nnels and control the organization of the intracellular actin cytoskeleton. Many integrin signals converge on cell cycle regulation, directing cells t o live or die, to proliferate, or to exit the cell cycle and differentiate.