The sticking point: How integrins bind to their ligands.
The integrin adhesion receptors are alpha beta heterodimers that exist in different ligand-binding states. Because of their large size and conformational lability, it has been difficult to determine how they interact with their ligands. Ligand-binding sites have been identified in the beta subunit, and now more recently in the 'I' domain and EF-hand-like domains V and VI of the alpha subunit. We speculate here about how these various sites might operate together to bind ligand in a stable manner.
Hogg
N
N
Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Lincolm's Inn Fields, London, UK WC2A 3PX.
Clive Landis
R
R
Bates
P A
PA
Stanley
P
P
Randi
A M
AM