title: The alpha v beta 3 integrin "vitronectin receptor".
abstract: The alpha v beta 3 "vitronectin receptor" is a member of the integrin superfamily of adhesion molecules. As such, this 160/85 kDa heterodimeric protein exhibits many of the typical structural and functional features of integrins. It mediates cell adhesion to extracellular matrix by recognizing the conserved arg-gly-asp (RGD) sequence of several plasma and matrix proteins. Recently, it has also been shown that alpha v beta 3 is involved in signal transduction and cell to cell interactions. alpha v beta 3 is highly expressed in bone resorbing cells, osteoclasts, and upregulated in response to vascular damage, during angiogenesis and in certain types of malignancy. Antagonists of alpha v beta 3 are being developed for use in a variety of diseases associated with altered receptor function or level.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Jules Thorn Institute, Middlesex Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Horton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D016297:Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; D019030:Receptors, Vitronectin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D019030:Receptors, Vitronectin