Integrin α11β1: A Major Collagen Receptor on Fibroblastic Cells

Integrin α11 is the last addition to the vertebrate integrin family. In this chapter we will summarize some basic facts about this integrin and update with information that has been gained in the last decade. Integrin α11β1 is a major collagen receptor on a subset of fibroblasts. Extensive characterization of the expression pattern in developing mouse embryos has demonstrated expression restricted to subsets of fibroblasts and a transient expression in odontoblasts, but comprehensive characterization of corresponding expression in adult tissues is still lacking. Mice lacking integrin α11 are dwarfed, primarily due to defective incisor eruption defect, which can be traced back to need for α11 on periodontal ligament fibroblasts during incisor eruption. Separate studies have suggested reduced levels of IGF-1 in mice lacking α11. Analysis of lung cancer has identified α11β1 as a functional important collagen receptor on carcinoma associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and a number of disease models are awaiting analysis to see the importance of this collagen receptor in pathological models.