Topic: αvβ3 integrin

Epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder have a high degree of comorbidity, likely due to shared underlying predisposing factors. Loss of αV and β3 integrin subunits have been implicated in the onset of epilepsy and autism, respectively. However, the role of the αVβ3 integrin receptor in these disorders remains unclear. Integrins are heterodimeric receptors involved in mechanotransduction between the extracellular matrix and the intracellular cytoskeleton. In the brain, β3 integrin forms heterodimers with αV integrin, regulating the synaptic localization of GluA2-containig AMPA receptors (AMPARs)

Integrins are biomechanical receptors that connect both physically and functionally the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the intracellular cytoskeleton, regulating synaptic connectivity and plasticity in response to extracellular cues. In particular, in the brain, β3 integrin interacts with the αV subunit to form the αVβ3 integrin heterodimer, which mediates adhesion strengthening of excitatory synapses in cortical pyramidal neurons.Alteration in integrin structure, expression or signalling is involved in the aetiology of various brain pathologies, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epi