INTEGRINS AND REPRODUCTION

The integrins are a large family of cell adhesion receptors, involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. At present, 20 different integrin heterodimers are known. They not only anchor cells to their proper locations, but also activately mediate the passage of information into the cell. They are involved in such diverse processes as immune response, lymphocyte homing, platelet aggregation, metastatic spread of certain malignancies, healing process of tissue injuries and, embryologic development. The role of integrins in reproduction had been only recently suggested. Several reasons make these molecules very attractive, due to their constant involvement from egg to birth. A normal expression of integrins can disrupt every reproductive stage. Most likely diagnostic tools and therapeutic propositions will emerge from the knowledge of these receptors. Integrins are a family of membrane glycoproteines that mediate cell-substratum or cell-cell adhesion. In respect of one fundamental principle of cellular biology consisting of 'what a cell touches has a major role in determining what a cell does', adhesion has a main part in many cell functions. Adhesion not only anchors cells to their proper locations, but also activately mediates the passage of information into the cell. Cellular adhesion is implicated in the immune response, lymphocyte homing, platelet aggregation, metastatic spread of certain malignancies, embryologic development and wound healing. The role of integrins in reproduction appears interesting. The aim of this review is to introduce these molecules, to outline their roles in cellular function and to consider their involvement in reproduction before foreseeing their potential implications for therapy.