Integrin signaling
= Integrin signaling
<Integrin signaling> couples binding and mechanical loading of an <integrin> to changes inside a <cell>. An <integrin> spans the <cell membrane>: extracellular binding to the <extracellular matrix> can promote intracellular assembly of adhesion complexes connected to <actin>. Conversely, intracellular regulation can change <integrin> affinity and clustering. Signalling therefore runs in both directions across the boundary. <Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition by Bruce Alberts and others>[Chapter 19, Integrins Link the Extracellular Matrix to the Cytoskeleton]{ref}
A change in <matrix> stiffness can change how an attached <cell> bears load and activates downstream signals. This makes adhesion a source of information as well as a tether. Measuring adhesion strength, <phosphorylation> of a signalling component and eventual <cell proliferation> addresses different stages; none alone specifies the whole response.