Description
Product Characteristics: CD49b / Integrin alpha 2 (ITGA2, alpha 2 subunit of VLA-2) heterodimerizes with CD29 to form the VLA-2 integrin alpha2/beta1 complex, which serves as a receptor for type I collagen, laminin, and E-cadherin. It also acts as a receptor for echovirus. Expressed on platelets, activated lymphocytes, monocytes, fibroblasts, epitelial and endothelial cells, CD49b mediates adhesion of these cells to the extracellular matrix. This interaction supports e.g. T cell proliferation and cytokine production, or wound healing. Defect in CD49b is associated with bleeding disorder platelet-type 9. Antibodies against CD49b are found in several immune disorders, including neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.
Target Information: This gene encodes the alpha subunit of a transmembrane receptor for collagens and related proteins. The encoded protein forms a heterodimer with a beta subunit and mediates the adhesion of platelets and other cell types to the extracellular matrix. Loss of the encoded protein is associated with bleeding disorder platelet-type 9. Antibodies against this protein are found in several immune disorders, including neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. This gene is located adjacent to a related alpha subunit gene. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2012]