Integrin Alpha M (ITGalphaM) ELISA Kit for Rat

This gene encodes the integrin alpha M chain. Integrins are heterodimeric integral membrane proteins composed of an alpha chain and a beta chain. This I-domain containing alpha integrin combines with the beta 2 chain (ITGB2) to form a leukocyte-specific integrin referred to as macrophage receptor 1 ('Mac-1'), or inactivated-C3b (iC3b) receptor 3 ('CR3'). The alpha M beta 2 integrin is important in the adherence of neutrophils and monocytes to stimulated endothelium, and also in the phagocytosis of complement coated particles. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2009]

Function: Integrin alpha-M/beta-2 is implicated in various adhesive interactions of monocytes, macrophages and granulocytes as well as in mediating the uptake of complement-coated particles. It is identical with CR-3, the receptor for the iC3b fragment of the third complement component. It probably recognizes the R-G-D peptide in C3b. Integrin alpha-M/beta-2 is also a receptor for fibrinogen, factor X and ICAM1. It recognizes P1 and P2 peptides of fibrinogen gamma chain.

Subunit structure: Heterodimer of an alpha and a beta subunit. Alpha-M associates with beta-2. Interacts with JAM3. Ref.10 Ref.11

Subcellular location: Membrane; Single-pass type I membrane protein.

Tissue specificity: Predominantly expressed in monocytes and granulocytes.

Domain: The integrin I-domain (insert) is a VWFA domain. Integrins with I-domains do not undergo protease cleavage.

Involvement in disease: Systemic lupus erythematosus 6 (SLEB6) [MIM:609939]: A chronic, relapsing, inflammatory, and often febrile multisystemic disorder of connective tissue, characterized principally by involvement of the skin, joints, kidneys and serosal membranes. It is of unknown etiology, but is thought to represent a failure of the regulatory mechanisms of the autoimmune system. The disease is marked by a wide range of system dysfunctions, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the formation of LE cells in the blood or bone marrow.Note: Disease susceptibility may be associated with variations affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the integrin alpha chain family.Contains 7 FG-GAP repeats.Contains 1 VWFA domain.