ITGA9

Integrin alpha-9 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGA9 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
This gene encodes an alpha is_associated_with::integrin. Integrins are heterodimeric integral membrane glycoproteins composed of an alpha chain and a beta chain that mediate cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. The protein encoded by this gene, when bound to the beta 1 chain, forms an integrin that is a receptor for VCAM1, cytotactin and osteopontin. Expression of this gene has been found to be upregulated in small cell lung cancers.

Interactions
The α9 subunit forms a heterodimeric complex with a β1 subunit to form the α9β1 integrin. This integrin participates in cell adhesion with various ligands in the extracellular matrix (ECM), including extra domain A (EDA) is_associated_with::fibronectin, tenascin-C, ADAMs, EMELIN1, is_associated_with::osteopontin, and is_associated_with::VEGF. α9β1 binding is independent of the RGD peptide sequence.