Integrin Beta 6 (ITGb6)

Integrins are cell-surface adhesion receptors that bind to extracellular matrices (ECM) and mediate cell-ECM interactions. Some integrins are known to play critical roles in dental enamel formation. ITGB6 expression was strongest in the maturation stage and its localization was associated with ameloblast modulation.Since the protein was clearly distinct from previously described integrins numbered beta-1 through beta-5, they designated the new protein beta-6. Krissansen et al. (1992) assigned the gene encoding the beta-6 subunit of integrin to chromosome 2 by analysis of somatic cell hybrids with a fragment of a genomic clone. They commented on the possible significance of the fact that the gene for vitronectin receptor, alpha subunit (VNRA) also maps to chromosome 2.