Fig. 2.

 Summary of the current knowledge on ECM–cell interactions within islets. Integrin receptors bind to and interact with several ECM molecules in the pancreas, including collagen, RGD, fibronectin and laminin. Integrins, Src family kinases, and Rho GTPases are essential in mediating cellular responses downstream of ECM engagement. Stimulation of integrins initiate signalling cascades that ultimately affect the expression of genes influencing survival, growth and differentiation of cells. For example, FAK activation and subsequent activation of Akt and MAPKs can result from ECM–integrin interactions in the pancreas, whilst other integrin subunits crosstalk with growth factor receptors like EGFR. This figure is available as part of a downloadable slideset