Figure 1.

The integrin heterodimer consisting of one α and one β chain. In its activated state, the heterodimer interacts with the extracellular matrix through binding to large structural proteins such as collagen or fibrinogen, or with receptors on neighboring cells. The short cytoplasmic tail interacts with a vast variety of ligands, with members of the cytoskeleton comprising the largest subgroup. The main classification of ligands is shown at the top of the figure (for details see Table 1).