Integrin alpha-1

Integrin alpha-1 (ITGA1) is a cell-surface receptor that mediates interactions with extracellular matrix proteins, particularly laminin and collagen, through recognition of the proline-hydroxylated sequence G-F-P-G-E-R (UniProt: P56199). The protein functions in cell adhesion and anchorage-dependent negative regulation of growth factor signaling. It forms a heterodimeric complex with integrin beta-1 to facilitate these interactions.

ITGA1 is expressed across multiple tissues and cell types, with particular relevance in contexts requiring strong cell-matrix adhesion such as epithelial tissues and the nervous system. The protein's role in integrin-mediated signaling connects it to cell migration, differentiation, and tissue integrity maintenance (UniProt: P56199).

In Alzheimer's Disease, ITGA1 shows increased abundance in post-mortem AD brain tissue compared to age-matched controls, with a mean log2 fold-change of 0.39 (Chaparral AD proteomics). This upregulation was detected via TMT-labeled quantitative proteomics across four subcellular fractions (P2, P3, S2, S3) from human post-mortem brain tissue, suggesting potential involvement in AD-associated alterations to neuronal cell adhesion or matrix remodeling processes.