ITGA8 polyclonal antibody

Integrins are heterodimers composed of noncovalently associated transmembrane å and ∫ subunits. In addition to mediating cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organization, integrins function as signaling receptors. Signals transduced by integrins play a role in many biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. Integrin å8 is expressed in contractile interstitial cells and smooth muscle cells and is upregulated in lung injury. Integrin å8 is also a marker for smooth muscle cells, expressed as early as alpha smooth muscle actin. The Integrin å8 chain is expressed in the glomerulus exclusively by mesangial cells and may play an important role for maintaining tissue integrity in the glomerulus during glomerular injury.