Accumulating evidence indicates that there is extensive crosstalk between integrins and TGF-beta signalling. TGF-beta affects integrin-mediated cell adhesion and migration by regulating the expression of integrins, their ligands and integrin-associated proteins. Conversely, several integrins directly control TGF-beta activation. In addition, a number of integrins can interfere with both Smad-dependent and Smad-independent TGF-beta signalling in different ways, including the regulation of the expression of TGF-beta signalling pathway components, the physical association of integrins with TGF-beta receptors and the modulation of downstream effectors. Reciprocal TGF-beta-integrin signalling is implicated in normal physiology, as well as in a variety of pathological processes including systemic sclerosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer; thus, integrins could provide attractive therapeutic targets to interfere with TGF-beta signalling in these processes.
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