ITGB8

ITGB8 or Integrin Subunit Beta 8 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGB8 gene. It is a member of the integrin family and partners with alpha integrin to form the integrin alpha-V/beta-8 complex.

Function

The ITGB8 protein is a part of the cell adhesion molecules family, which are responsible for cell-to-cell interactions and cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. These interactions play a crucial role in various biological processes including cell migration, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation. The ITGB8 protein, in particular, is involved in the activation of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), a protein that regulates cell growth and differentiation.

Clinical Significance

Mutations in the ITGB8 gene have been associated with cerebral palsy and glomerulopathy with fibronectin deposits 2 (GFND2). Research has also suggested a potential role of ITGB8 in cancer metastasis, although further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Structure

The ITGB8 protein is a type I membrane protein, and it interacts with an alpha integrin to form a heterodimer. The alpha subunit and beta subunit together determine the binding properties of the integrin molecule.

See Also

• Integrin
• Cell adhesion molecules
• Transforming growth factor-beta 1