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. 2025 Sep 15;138(18):jcs263999.
doi: 10.1242/jcs.263999. Epub 2025 Sep 24.

The integrin odyssey - a journey full of fundamental discoveries

Reinhard Fässler  1   2 , Arnoud Sonnenberg  3
Affiliations

The integrin odyssey - a journey full of fundamental discoveries

Reinhard Fässler et al. J Cell Sci. .

Abstract

Integrins are widely expressed cell adhesion receptors that link extracellular matrix proteins to the cytoskeleton. Most integrins connect to the actin cytoskeleton through different types of adhesion plaques, including nascent adhesions and focal adhesions. They regulate adhesion strength in response to the mechanical force exerted by actomyosin across the plasma membrane. Beyond serving as mechanical connectors, integrins also play a crucial role in regulating cellular behaviour through biochemical signalling pathways. Given their essential functions, integrins are vital for the survival of metazoans and are important therapeutic targets for treating various human diseases. This Perspective highlights the work that led to the discovery of integrins and the principles of how they function.

Keywords: Adhesome; Conformational transitions; Focal adhesion; Integrin; Signalling.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests The authors declare no competing or financial interests.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Historical timeline of the key discoveries in integrin research.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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