LAUSR

Integrins are the major family of adhesion molecules that mediate cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. They are essential for embryonic development and influence numerous diseases, including inflammation, cancer cell invasion and metastasis. In this Perspective, we discuss the current understanding of how talin, kindlin and mechanical forces regulate integrin affinity and avidity, and how integrin inactivators function in this framework.In this Perspective, Fässler and co-authors describe current models of how integrin adhesion molecules are activated and stabilised, and the importance of forces in this process.