Integrin signaling

Integrins provide dynamic links between cells and extracellular matrix molecules. Although integrins were originally viewed as relatively simple adhesion molecules, it soon became clear that intracellular signal transduction initiated by integrins is centrally involved in many cellular processes. In fact, a remarkable number of classical signaling pathways are now known to be activated or modified by the interactions of cells with matrix proteins via integrins. These integrin signaling responses can also involve many other extracellular and intracellular molecules. The following mini-reviews were solicited from some of the future leaders in the field of integrin signaling. They examine selected important portions of this field, provide conceptual syntheses from a large and confusing literature, and then propose novel testable ideas. These ideas should encourage dialogue and open new avenues of research in this rapidly expanding, exciting field.