The ITGA2B gene provides instructions for making one part, the alphaIIb subunit, of a receptor complex called integrin alphaIIb/beta3 (αIIbβ3), which is found on the surface of small cells called platelets. Platelets circulate in blood and are an essential component of blood clots. The alphaIIb subunit attaches (binds) to the beta3 subunit, which is produced from the ITGB3 gene, to form integrin αIIbβ3. It is estimated that 80,000 to 100,000 copies of integrin αIIbβ3 are present on the surface of each platelet.
During clot formation, integrin αIIbβ3 binds to a protein called fibrinogen. Attachment of integrin αIIbβ3 from adjacent platelets to the same fibrinogen protein helps platelets cluster together (platelet cohesion) to form a blood clot. Blood clots protect the body after injury by sealing off damaged blood vessels and preventing further blood loss. Integrin αIIbβ3 can also bind other proteins on platelets and in blood as well as proteins within the intricate lattice that forms in the space between cells (extracellular matrix) to ensure proper clot formation and promote wound healing.
Other Names
alphaIIb protein; CD41; CD41B; GP2B; GPIIb; integrin alpha 2b; integrin alpha-IIb preproprotein; integrin, alpha 2b (platelet glycoprotein IIb of IIb/IIIa complex, antigen CD41); integrin, alpha-2B; platelet fibrinogen receptor, alpha subunit; platelet glycoprotein IIb; platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 3674
- OMIM: 187800
- OMIM: 607759
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
