Enzymes
Product List
CIB1 Human
Calcium and Integrin Binding 1 Human Recombinant
CIB1 is fused to a 20 a.a His-tag and it was purified by conventional column chromatographic techniques.
CIB2 Human
Calcium and Integrin Binding 2 Human Recombinant
Introduction
Calcium and integrin binding refers to the interaction between calcium ions and integrin proteins, which are transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion. Integrins are heterodimeric proteins composed of α and β subunits. There are 19 α and 8 β subunits that combine to form 25 different integrin receptors in mammals . Integrins are classified based on their ligand specificity and the type of α and β subunits they contain .
Key Biological Properties: Integrins are essential for various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival . They have an extracellular domain that binds to ECM components, a transmembrane domain for membrane anchoring, and a cytoplasmic domain for intracellular signaling .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: Integrins are widely expressed in various tissues, including the brain, heart, kidney, lung, thymus, spleen, placenta, ovary, and testis . Specific integrins, such as calcium- and integrin-binding protein 2 (CIB2), are expressed in cochlear hair cells, skeletal muscle, and the neuromuscular junction .
Primary Biological Functions: Integrins play a crucial role in cell adhesion, migration, and signal transduction . They are involved in immune responses by mediating the interaction between immune cells and the ECM . Integrins also participate in pathogen recognition by binding to microbial components .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: Integrins facilitate the adhesion and migration of immune cells to sites of infection or injury . They also recognize and bind to pathogens, aiding in their clearance by the immune system .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Integrins interact with various ECM proteins, such as collagen, fibronectin, and laminin, through specific recognition sequences . The binding of integrins to ECM components is regulated by divalent cations like Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Integrins bind to intracellular signaling molecules and cytoskeletal proteins, initiating downstream signaling cascades that regulate cell adhesion, migration, and survival . For example, integrin binding can activate the MAPK signaling pathway, promoting osteogenic differentiation .
Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling Expression and Activity: The expression and activity of integrins are regulated at multiple levels, including transcriptional regulation and post-translational modifications . Intracellular activators, such as talin and kindlin, bind to integrin cytoplasmic tails, modulating their affinity for ligands .
Transcriptional Regulation and Post-Translational Modifications: Integrin expression is controlled by transcription factors that respond to cellular signals . Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, also play a role in regulating integrin activity and signaling .
Biomedical Research: Integrins are studied for their role in various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and immune disorders . Understanding integrin signaling can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Strategies: Integrins are potential targets for diagnostic tools and therapies. For example, integrin inhibitors are being explored as treatments for cancer and thrombosis .
Role Throughout the Life Cycle: Integrins are involved in various stages of the life cycle, from development to aging . During development, integrins regulate cell differentiation and tissue formation . In aging and disease, changes in integrin expression and function can contribute to pathological conditions .
From Development to Aging and Disease: Integrins play a role in embryogenesis, neuronal plasticity, and neurodegenerative diseases . Research on integrins can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying these processes and potential therapeutic approaches .
