CD49e

CD49e, also known as Integrin alpha-5, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGA5 gene. This protein is a member of the integrin family and is involved in cell adhesion and cell surface recognition.

Structure

CD49e is a type of transmembrane protein that is composed of two subunits, alpha and beta. The alpha subunit is larger and has a molecular weight of approximately 150 kDa. The beta subunit is smaller and has a molecular weight of approximately 95 kDa. The two subunits are non-covalently linked and form a heterodimeric complex.

Function

CD49e plays a crucial role in the process of cell adhesion, which is the binding of a cell to another cell, or to an extracellular matrix (ECM). This protein is involved in the interaction between cells and the ECM, which is a complex network of proteins and carbohydrates that provides structural and biochemical support to cells.

CD49e is also involved in cell signaling, a complex system of communication that governs basic cellular activities and coordinates cell actions. It can influence the behavior of cells and regulate cellular activities such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of CD49e have been associated with various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases. In cancer, overexpression of CD49e has been observed in several types of tumors, suggesting that it may play a role in tumor progression and metastasis.

See also

• Integrin
• Cell adhesion
• Cell signaling