LAUSR

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix is fundamental to metazoan multicellularity and is accomplished primarily through the integrin family of cell-surface receptors. Integrins are internalized and enter the endocytic–exocytic pathway before being recycled back to the plasma membrane. The trafficking of this extensive protein family is regulated in multiple context-dependent ways to modulate integrin function in the cell. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanisms and cellular roles of integrin endocytic trafficking.Moreno-Layseca et al. discuss how integrins, key receptors that mediate cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, are endocytosed and recycled to the cell surface to modulate cell and tissue behaviour.