BETA INTEGRIN Meaning and
Definition
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Beta integrins are a class of transmembrane proteins that play a crucial role in cell adhesion and communication within the extracellular matrix. They are a subset of integrin receptors, which are cell surface receptors composed of alpha and beta subunits. Beta integrins function as heterodimers by binding to specific extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin, laminin, and collagen, to mediate cell attachment and migration.
These integrins are involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes including embryonic development, immune responses, wound healing, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. They transmit signals bidirectionally across the plasma membrane by interacting with cytoplasmic proteins, converting extracellular stimuli into intracellular responses, and vice versa.
Beta integrins consist of a large extracellular domain that binds to extracellular matrix components, a single pass transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The cytoplasmic tail interacts with different adaptor proteins, kinases, and cytoskeletal components to help form focal adhesions and modulate signaling pathways.
Defects or dysregulation in beta integrins have been associated with various diseases, including autoimmune disorders, inflammatory conditions, and metastatic cancers. Several therapeutic strategies have been developed to target beta integrins, such as antibodies and small molecules, to treat these diseases, inhibit tumor growth, or improve drug delivery. Overall, beta integrins are critical in maintaining tissue homeostasis, cell migration, and adhesion processes, making them potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.
Common Misspellings for BETA INTEGRIN
- veta integrin
- neta integrin
- heta integrin
- geta integrin
- bwta integrin
- bsta integrin
- bdta integrin
- brta integrin
- b4ta integrin
- b3ta integrin
- bera integrin
- befa integrin
- bega integrin
- beya integrin
- be6a integrin
- be5a integrin
- betz integrin
- bets integrin
- betw integrin
- betq integrin
Etymology of BETA INTEGRIN
The term "beta Integrin" combines two elements: "beta" and "integrin".
1. Beta: The word "beta" comes from the Greek letter "β" (beta). In the context of science and research, "beta" is often used to represent the second letter of the Greek alphabet, similar to how "alpha" is used for the first letter. In this case, "beta" is used to indicate that there is more than one type of integrin, and "beta integrin" specifically refers to the second subtype.
2. Integrin: The word "integrin" comes from the Latin word "integrare", meaning "to integrate" or "to make whole". Integrins are a family of proteins found on the surface of cells, and their main function is to mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions.
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