CD49f, also known as integrin 伪6 subunit, is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein encoded by the ITGA6 gene. It belongs to the 伪-subfamily of integrins and can form heterodimers with 尾1 (CD29) or 尾4 (CD104) subunits to create functional receptors such as 伪6尾1 or 伪6尾4. These receptors play crucial roles in cell adhesion, migration, and signaling. CD49f is highly expressed in various cell types, including T cells, monocytes, platelets, epithelial cells, and certain stem cells. In cancer biology, CD49f has been identified as a marker for tumor-initiating cells (TICs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where it is associated with cell stemness, immune evasion, and the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Additionally, CD49f has been used as a marker for human astrocytes and has shown potential in studying neurodegenerative diseases.
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