CD49c

CD49c is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGA3 gene. It is also known as Integrin alpha-3 or VLA-3 subunit alpha. This protein is a member of the integrin family and is involved in various cellular processes such as cell adhesion and cell surface signaling.

Structure

The CD49c protein is a type I membrane protein that forms a heterodimeric complex with a beta subunit. This complex is known as VLA-3, which stands for Very Late Antigen-3. The alpha-3 subunit of VLA-3 is composed of a large extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail.

Function

CD49c plays a crucial role in the process of cell adhesion, a mechanism that is essential for the maintenance of tissue structure and function. It is also involved in cell surface signaling, which is a process that allows cells to communicate with each other and their environment. CD49c interacts with several ligands, including laminin, fibronectin, and collagen.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of CD49c have been associated with various diseases. For instance, increased expression of CD49c has been observed in certain types of cancer, such as melanoma and breast cancer. On the other hand, reduced expression of CD49c has been linked to kidney disease and lung disease.

See also

• Integrin
• Cell adhesion
• Cell surface signaling