Integrin activation

Integrins are cell surface adhesion receptors that participate in a variety of important processes throughout the vasculature. Here we summarize some recent findings on the regulation of integrin mediated cellular adhesion. P articular emphasis is placed on the regulation of integrin affinity for lig and (activation), although this is just one mechanism by which regulation o f integrin-dependent cell adhesion can occur. Also discussed are recent obs ervations on the structural basis of integrin activation, the role of the c ytoplasmic domain in integrin affinity regulation, and potential mechanisms by which activation signals are propagated from integrin cytoplasmic domai ns to the extracellular ligand binding domain.