Integrin-like receptors

Plant Cell Wall
Diagram indicating the complex structure of the plant cell wall; the region in which integrin-like proteins are located

Integrin-like receptors (ILRs) are found in plants and carry unique functional properties similar to true integrin proteins. True homologs of integrins exist in mammals, invertebrates, and some fungi but not in plant cells. Mammalian integrins are heterodimer transmembrane proteins that play a large role in bidirectional signal transduction.[1] As transmembrane proteins, integrins connect the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the plasma membrane of the animal cell.[1] The extracellular matrix of plant cells, fungi, and some protist is referred to as the cell wall. The plant cell wall is composed of a tough cellulose polysaccharide rather than the collagen fibers of the animal ECM. Even with these differences, research indicates that similar proteins involved in the interaction between the ECM and animals cells are also involved in the interaction of the cell wall and plant cells.[2]

Integrin-like receptors and integrin-linked kinases together have been implicated in surface adhesion, immune response, and ion accumulation in plant cells in a manner akin to the family of integrin proteins.

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Reuzeau, C.; Pont-Lezica, R. F. (1995-09-01). "Comparing plant and animal extracellular matrix-cytoskeleton connections — are they alike?". Protoplasma. 186 (3–4): 113–121. doi:10.1007/BF01281321. ISSN 0033-183X. S2CID 23900582.