Integrins: Regulators of embryogenesis

Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins involved in cell-ce ll and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion. They also participate in cytoske letal rearrangements, co-regulation of growth factor activities and activat ion of signal transductions. This review describes experimental approaches that have given new insights into the integrin functions during embryogenes is. Using anti-functional antibodies, peptide inhibitors of integrin-ligand interactions and genetic ablation of integrins results, this review will s how that integrins are key molecules during early development of both inver tebrates and vertebrates. 2000 (C) Editions scientifiques et medicales Else vier SAS.