Integrin Signaling in Cell Survival and Death

Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors composed of α- and β-subunits. Approximately 20 integrins have been identified thus far with a subset of them shown to support adhesion-dependent growth factor activation of the MAPK pathway. Upon ligand binding, integrin signaling leads to the tyrosine phosphorylation of cytoskeletal and other signaling components. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is activated via autophosphorylation when cells interact through integrins. A large array of other signaling molecules that promote cell survival bind to FAK and are phosphorylated, including Grb2/Sos and p85 of the PI3 Kinase. Thus, depending on the integrin interactions, the cell can either survive or undergo apoptosis.

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