Alexa Fluor® 488 Anti-Integrin alpha 6 antibody [EPR18124]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Integrin alpha 6 also known as ITGA6 or CD49f functions as a transmembrane receptor protein involved in cell adhesion and signal transduction. As part of the broader integrin family integrin alpha 6 typically pairs with the beta 1 or beta 4 subunits forming the alpha6beta1 or alpha6beta4 integrins respectively. It has a molecular mass of approximately 150 kDa. This protein is mainly expressed in epithelial cells but also found in platelets certain immune cells and in the nervous system. Its expression patterns highlight its role in a variety of cellular and tissue functions.

Biological function summary

The integrin alpha 6 protein partners with the beta 4 subunit to form a heterodimer complex that plays an important role in cellular adhesion to the extracellular matrix specifically interacting with laminins. Its main action helps cells attach to the basement membrane which is an important component of epithelial tissue structure and integrity. The alpha 6 integrin provides structural cell support and participates in transmitting signals that influence cell behavior such as movement survival and proliferation.

Pathways

Integrins including the alpha 6 variant are important components in the integrin signaling pathway and are involved in cell motility and survival pathways. In particular the alpha 6 integrin partners with proteins like focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) to initiate downstream signaling cascades. The interaction with laminins activates pathways critical for developmental processes and tissue remodeling highlighting their role in maintaining cellular environments.

Associated diseases and disorders

Integrin alpha 6 has significant implications in cancer progression and skin blistering disorders. In various cancers such as breast and skin cancers upregulation of integrin alpha 6 promotes tumor growth and metastasis through interaction with proteins like collagen and laminins found in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore in the context of blistering disorders such as epidermolysis bullosa mutations in the beta 4 subunit that pairs with alpha 6 can disrupt the integrity of epithelial tissues leading to severe impact on the skin’s structural stability.