Description
Integrin alpha-5 belongs to the Integrin alpha chain family and contains 7 FG-GAP repeats. Integrin alpha-5 joins with Integrin- beta 1 to form a fibronectin and laminin receptor which recognizes the sequence R-G-D in its ligands. In case of HIV-1 infection, the interaction with extracellular viral Tat protein seems to enhance angiogenesis in Kaposi's sarcoma lesions. It is expressed on fibroblasts, endothelial cells, peripheral T cells and platelets. Integrin alpha-5 undergoes post-translational cleavage in the extracellular domain to yield disulfide-linked light and heavy chains. In addition to adhesion, ITGA5 participates in cell-surface mediated signalling