Figure 3.

Integrins, adaptor proteins, and signaling pathways. When ECMs bind to integrin receptors and form focal adhesions, the cytoplasmic tails of β-integrins are associated with a number of adaptor proteins. Talin forms a contact with both the β-integrin tail and the actin cytoskeleton. ILK associates with actin through its partners such as parvin, PINCH and kindling. FAK is responsible for the binding of integrin-associated proteins like paxillin and talin. These integrin-associated proteins involve non-receptor type kinases, such as Src, FAK, or ILK, which activate cellular transduction pathways, including the MAP kinase pathways, PI3K/Akt pathways and PKCs. Integrins are also associated with cytoskeletal proteins through the adaptor proteins, and can regulate cellular shape and motility.