Integrin alpha 10

Integrin alpha 10 (ITGA10) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGA10 gene. It is a member of the integrin family, which are cell-surface receptor proteins that interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mediate various intracellular signals.

Structure

The ITGA10 gene is located on the q arm of chromosome 1 at position 21.3 and spans 20,993 base pairs. The ITGA10 protein is a type I membrane protein, and it is an integrin alpha subunit. It pairs with the beta 1 subunit to form a collagen type II receptor.

Function

Integrin alpha 10, along with its partner integrin beta 1, forms a heterodimeric integrin receptor for collagen. This receptor is expressed in chondrocytes where it plays a crucial role in chondrocyte collagen adhesion and cartilage integrity. It is also involved in cell adhesion and recognition in a variety of processes including embryogenesis, hemostasis, tissue repair, immune response and metastatic diffusion of tumor cells.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the ITGA10 gene have been associated with chondrodysplasia, a disorder characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Additionally, overexpression of ITGA10 has been observed in several types of cancer, including breast cancer and prostate cancer, suggesting a potential role in tumor progression.

See also

• Integrin
• Chondrocyte
• Collagen
• Chondrodysplasia
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer