Genetic analyses of integrin function in mice.
Recent mutations of most integrin genes in the mouse have provided new exciting insights into the role of these integrins in cell-extracellular matrix interactions during development. The embryonic lethal phenotypes obtained by ablating integrins which are predominantly expressed in the mesenchyme confirmed the essential function of those integrins in morphogenesis. In contrast, null alleles for several epithelial integrins which bind components of basement membranes showed milder phenotypes, suggesting the presence of novel and unexpected redundant and compensatory mechanisms.
Fässler
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Max Planck Institute für Biochemie, Abteilung Proteinchemie, Am Klopferspitz 18A, D-82152 Martinsried, München, Germany.
Georges-Labouesse
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Hirsch
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D000818:Animals; D001773:Blood Cells; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D006801:Humans; D019012:Integrin beta1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D016023:Integrins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D009154:Mutation; D017469:Receptors, Fibronectin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017474:Receptors, Laminin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D019012:Integrin beta1; D016023:Integrins; D017469:Receptors, Fibronectin; D017474:Receptors, Laminin