alpha 4 integrins in cardiovascular development and diseases

alpha4 integrins (alpha4 beta1 and alpha4 beta7) have a restricted distribu tion pattern and are critical for the development and diseases of the cardi ovascular system. alpha4 integrins support unique biological properties suc h as promoting cell migration and inhibiting cell spreading and focal adhes ion formation. We have found that the alpha4 integrin subunit directly and tightly binds to a signaling adapter molecule, paxillin, and disruption of the alpha4-paxillin interaction interferes with many of alpha4-dependent bi ological functions. Consequently, the interaction of alpha4 integrins with paxillin may play an important role in regulating alpha4-mediated functions . This review focuses on what we have known about the alpha4-paxillin inter action and discusses the possible mechanism of regulation for this interact ion. (Trends Cardiovasc Med 2000;10:253-257). (C) 2001, Elsevier Science In c.