ITGB1 Human

Integrin Beta 1, also known as ITGB1 or CD29, is a crucial cell surface receptor encoded by the ITGB1 gene in humans . This integrin is a part of the integrin family, which consists of heterodimeric complexes formed by the non-covalent association of alpha and beta subunits. Integrin Beta 1 is particularly significant due to its involvement in various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and signal transduction.

Integrins are composed of two subunits: alpha and beta. In mammals, there are 18 alpha subunits and 8 beta subunits, which combine to form at least 24 different integrin heterodimers. Integrin Beta 1 is a common subunit found in many of these heterodimers . The beta subunit consists of several domains, including the plexin-semaphorin-integrin (PSI) domain, a hybrid domain, an I-like domain, and EGF1-4 and beta tail domains . The alpha subunit, on the other hand, has an extracellular domain composed of a seven-bladed beta-propeller head domain, a thigh domain, and two calf domains .

Integrin Beta 1 plays a pivotal role in mediating cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. It binds to various ECM components such as collagen, fibronectin, fibrinogen, laminin, and vitronectin . This binding is essential for cell adhesion, migration, and survival. Additionally, Integrin Beta 1 is involved in signal transduction pathways that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Key signaling pathways associated with Integrin Beta 1 include FAK, AKT, MAPK, and Src family kinases .

Integrin Beta 1 has emerged as a key mediator in cancer progression. It influences various aspects of cancer, including cell motility, adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and chemotherapy resistance . The expression and function of Integrin Beta 1 are often altered in cancer cells, contributing to tumor growth and metastasis. Targeting Integrin Beta 1 for therapeutic purposes has shown promise, although it remains challenging due to the complexity and sometimes contradictory characteristics of this integrin .

Recombinant Human Integrin Beta 1 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the ITGB1 gene into a suitable expression system, such as Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells . The recombinant protein is then purified and used for various research and therapeutic applications. It is commonly used in studies related to cell adhesion, migration, and signal transduction, as well as in the development of anti-cancer therapies .