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Research interests
Integrins as molecules
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Integrins are cell-surface receptors with large extracellular domains, single-pass transmembrane regions and short cytoplasmic tails. In mammals, 18 α subunits pair with 8 β subunits to produce a total of 24 integrin molecules. These α,β heterodimers bind to proteins of the extracellular matrix or to counter-receptors of the immunoglobulin superfamily on other cells. The cytoplasmic tails of integrins are able to link to the actin cytoskeleton and so provide a means for the cell to sense and respond to its environment. Integrins are able to transduce signals in both directions across the cell membrane, integrating the intracellular and extracellular environment, which enables them to modulate and co-ordinate essential aspects of cell behaviour crucial to the development and maintenance of organisms.
Integrin and syndecan signalling
Cell migration during developmental, repair and disease processes is critically dependent on interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Focal adhesions are dynamic sites of contact at the cell-ECM interface that serve as points of integration between the ECM and cytoskeleton and as coordinating nexuses of signalling events. Precise spatiotemporal control of focal adhesion dynamics is essential to permit efficient cell migration, regulating both locomotive cellular traction and the signals that dictate directionality.
- Scientific version | Lay version
Integrin proteomics
We have developed a methodology for the affinity isolation and mass spectrometric analysis of integrin-associated complexes. Importantly, the technique (1) isolates ligand-engaged integrin adhesion complexes, (2) stabilises the protein complexes by chemical cross-linking and (3) fractionates the cell to permit the enrichment of insoluble integrin-associated cytoskeletal components.
- Scientific version | Lay version
Fibronectin and other ECM molecules
Fibronectin and other ECM molecules.
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Anti-integrin antibodies
Anti-integrin antibodies.
- Scientific version | Lay version