The role of membrane lipids in regulation of integrin functions

Recent evidence suggests that the biochemical and physical organization of lipid molecules in the plasma membrane can affect integrin-mediated cellula r functions. The nature and mechanism of integrin-lipid interactions are un known, but it is clear that they play specific roles in modulating the prop erties of integrins and integrin-associated proteins. A better knowledge of integrin functions, especially in the lipid milieu of plasma membranes, is necessary for the understanding of the phenomena that are regulated by int egrins.