Figure 2.

Layers of complexity along the self-organization of integrin adhesome proteins to cell-matrix adhesion sites. The integrin adhesome is self-assembled in the cytosol as diverse protein complexes, some of which serve as multi-protein building blocks for cell-matrix adhesion sites. Adhesion sites recruit these building blocks, plausibly in a specifically regulated manner. Each adhesion site matures by self-organization that affects the types of building blocks it recruits. The functions of an adhesion site emerge from the local interactions between its constituents as well as from their regulated exchange with the cytosolic pool.