Mouse Integrin Beta III / CD61 (ITGB3) Protein

Background

ITGB3 (Integrin Subunit Beta 3) encodes the β3 subunit of integrins, which are transmembrane receptors that mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. Integrins are essential in diverse cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, signal transduction, immune responses, and angiogenesis. The ITGB3 protein partners with αIIb (encoded by ITGA2B) and αV (encoded by ITGAV) to form αIIbβ3 and αVβ3 integrins, respectively. These heterodimers are pivotal for platelet aggregation, thrombosis, wound healing, and interactions with extracellular matrix proteins like fibrinogen, fibronectin, and vitronectin. ITGB3 is expressed in platelets, endothelial cells, and various tissues involved in cell movement and immune responses. Dysregulation or mutation of ITGB3 can lead to disorders such as Glanzmann thrombasthenia, affecting platelet function, or it can play a role in pathological conditions like cancer metastasis, where altered cell adhesion and migration are key.