Integrin receptors: the dynamic modulators of endometrial function

Cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions play a critical role in various developmental processes, including differentiation, proliferation and migration of cells. ECM proteins can influence cellular function thus creating a complex feedback mechanism. The adhesion of cells to each other, their ECM proteins and endothelial surfaces is mediated by a variety of membrane proteins collectively known as adhesion molecules. Adhesion molecules have been further divided into five subfamilies, the integrins, the selectins, the cadherins, the mucins and the immunoglobulin superfamily. Members of the integrin family of cell surface adhesion receptors are important mediators of cell-ECM contact. Integrin receptors are alphabeta heterodimers with a transmembrane segment, a short cytoplasmic domain and a large extracellular domain. The role of integrins in reproduction has been established. Several reasons make these molecules very attractive due to their constant involvement from egg to birth. They participate in sperm-egg interaction, fertilization, implantation and placentation in many species including humans. Integrins provide signals to individual cells essential for growth and development of different tissues. In the present review, we describe (1) the regulatory pathways for controlling expression of integrins in the endometrium, (2) various biomarkers and their role in endometrial function, (3) reproductive disorders in women related to aberrant integrin expression in the endometrium and (4) the functional significance of integrins available from gene knockout studies. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.