The research progress of integrin β4 / 生理学报

Integrin is a transmembrane receptor that mediates the connection between cells and their external environment, such as extracellular matrix (ECM). Integrin β4 (ITGβ4) plays a number of functions due to its special structures: forms α6β4 with ITGα6 subunit and participates in the formation of hemidesmosomes; mediates cell-to-cell matrix interaction and cell-to-cell interaction, cell proliferation and survival, as well as migration and invasion. Also, ITGβ4 participates in various disease processes by activating multiple signaling pathways. In this paper, the structure, physiological function and function of ITGβ4 in respiratory system, tumor, nervous system and other related diseases will be reviewed.