Integrin beta 4 (ITGB4) is a key transmembrane receptor that primarily forms heterodimers with integrin alpha 6 to mediate cell adhesion and signaling, playing crucial roles in maintaining the integrity of epithelial tissues. It is predominantly expressed in epithelial cells and localized at the basement membrane zone, where it contributes to the formation and stabilization of hemidesmosomes, specialized structures that anchor cells to the extracellular matrix. ITGB4 is involved in various biological processes, including cell migration, proliferation, and survival, and its dysregulation has been implicated in several diseases, such as junctional epidermolysis bullosa, a genetic disorder characterized by severe skin blistering. Additionally, ITGB4 has been found to promote tumorigenesis and cancer cell invasion by interacting with other signaling pathways, such as receptor tyrosine kinases, and facilitating epithelial-mesenchymal transition in various cancers.
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