Cell-substrate interactions and signaling through ILK

Interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) result in the regulation of cell growth, cell differentiation and cell migration. These interactions are mediated by integrins and growth factor receptors and intr acellular effecters that couple these receptors to downstream components ar e key to the transduction of ECM signals. This review summarizes recent adv ances in our understanding of signal transduction via integrins, focusing o n the role of integrin-linked kinase in some of these pathways. Research in to this interesting protein is uncovering novel aspects of coordinated sign aling by the ECM and growth factors.