Human Integrin Beta 4 (ITGB4) Protein

Background

Integrin subunit beta 4 (ITGB4) is a vital cell-adhesion molecule in the integrin family, specifically expressed in epithelial cells, where it plays a critical role in cell adhesion, signal transduction, and cellular responses to external stimuli. ITGB4 is notable for its involvement in forming hemidesmosomes, specialized structures that attach epithelial cells to the basement membrane, thereby contributing to tissue integrity, resilience, and structural stability. ITGB4 often pairs with the alpha 6 integrin subunit (forming the α6β4 integrin complex), allowing these integrins to specifically interact with laminins in the extracellular matrix. These interactions mediate a variety of essential biological processes, including cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, and survival. Due to its essential role in maintaining epithelial tissue structure and regulating cellular signaling, dysregulation or mutations in ITGB4 have been associated with a range of disorders, including epidermolysis bullosa and certain cancers.