Figure 2.

Signaling pathways of ECM–integrin interactions in β-cells. Integrins (blue) on the surface of β-cells (green cells containing insulin granules) interact with ECM components surrounding the vasculature, initiating signal cascades, including activation of protein kinase B (AKT) and ERK, both of which then act on transcription factors to alter gene transcription. Activation of integrins also stimulates F-actin assembly to modulate adhesion and migration. ILK, integrin-linked kinase; PI3K, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; TORC2, target of rapamycin complex 2.