integrin subunit alpha 6
Last updated 18 Aug 2020
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The ITGA6 gene provides instructions for making one part (the α6 subunit) of two proteins known as α6β4 integrin and α6β1 integrin. Integrins are a group of proteins that regulate the attachment of cells to one another (cell-cell adhesion) and to the surrounding network of proteins and other molecules (cell-matrix adhesion). Integrins also transmit chemical signals that regulate cell growth and the activity of certain genes.
Normal function
The ITGA6 gene provides instructions for making one part (the α6 subunit) of two proteins known as α6β4 integrin and α6β1 integrin. Integrins are a group of proteins that regulate the attachment of cells to one another (cell-cell adhesion) and to the surrounding network of proteins and other molecules (cell-matrix adhesion). Integrins also transmit chemical signals that regulate cell growth and the activity of certain genes.
The α6β4 integrin protein is found primarily in epithelial cells, which are cells that line the surfaces and cavities of the body. This protein plays a particularly important role in strengthening and stabilizing the skin. It is a component of hemidesmosomes, which are microscopic structures that anchor the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) to underlying layers. As part of a complex network of proteins in hemidesmosomes, α6β4 integrin helps to hold the layers of skin together.
The other integrin made with the α6 subunit, α6β1 integrin, functions during the formation of organs and tissues before birth. The α6β1 integrin protein has not been as well studied as α6β4 integrin.
Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome
Other names
CD49f
CD49f Antigens
Cluster of differentiation antigen 49f
FLJ18737
integrin alpha 6
integrin alpha chain, alpha 6
Integrin alpha6
integrin, alpha 6
integrin, alpha-6
ITA6_HUMAN
Lymphocyte antigen CD49F
VLA-6
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Further reading and references
- integrin subunit alpha 6; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- Allegra M, Gagnoux-Palacios L, Gache Y, Roques S, Lestringant G, Ortonne JP, Meneguzzi G. Rapid decay of alpha6 integrin caused by a mis-sense mutation in the propeller domain results in severe junctional epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia. J Invest Dermatol. 2003 Dec;121(6):1336-43. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-1747.2003.12625.x.
- Ashton GH, Sorelli P, Mellerio JE, Keane FM, Eady RA, McGrath JA. Alpha 6 beta 4 integrin abnormalities in junctional epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia. Br J Dermatol. 2001 Feb;144(2):408-14. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2001.04038.x.
- Chung J, Mercurio AM. Contributions of the alpha6 integrins to breast carcinoma survival and progression. Mol Cells. 2004 Apr 30;17(2):203-9.
- Chung J, Yoon S, Datta K, Bachelder RE, Mercurio AM. Hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor transcription and protection from apoptosis are dependent on alpha6beta1 integrin in breast carcinoma cells. Cancer Res. 2004 Jul 15;64(14):4711-6. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-04-0347.
- Gache Y, Romero-Graillet C, Spadafora A, Lepinard C, Descamps P, Bardon CB, Ortonne JP, Meneguzzi G. A novel homozygous mutation affecting integrin alpha6 in a case of junctional epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia detected in utero by ultrasound examination. J Invest Dermatol. 1998 Nov;111(5):914-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.1998.00373.x. No abstract available.
- Lipscomb EA, Mercurio AM. Mobilization and activation of a signaling competent alpha6beta4integrin underlies its contribution to carcinoma progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2005 Sep;24(3):413-23. doi: 10.1007/s10555-005-5133-4.
- Nejjari M, Hafdi Z, Dumortier J, Bringuier AF, Feldmann G, Scoazec JY. alpha6beta1 integrin expression in hepatocarcinoma cells: regulation and role in cell adhesion and migration. Int J Cancer. 1999 Nov 12;83(4):518-25. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19991112)83:43.0.co;2-q.
- Pulkkinen L, Kimonis VE, Xu Y, Spanou EN, McLean WH, Uitto J. Homozygous alpha6 integrin mutation in junctional epidermolysis bullosa with congenital duodenal atresia. Hum Mol Genet. 1997 May;6(5):669-74. doi: 10.1093/hmg/6.5.669.
- Ruzzi L, Gagnoux-Palacios L, Pinola M, Belli S, Meneguzzi G, D'Alessio M, Zambruno G. A homozygous mutation in the integrin alpha6 gene in junctional epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia. J Clin Invest. 1997 Jun 15;99(12):2826-31. doi: 10.1172/JCI119474.
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