The Role of Integrins in the Human Reproductive Process

Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins involved in cell-cell and cellextracellular matrix adhesion. They also participate in cytoskeletal rearrangement, co-regulation of growth factor activities and activation of signal transduction. This review describes the available information regarding the role of integrins in human reproductive physiology and discusses their clinical implications. Integrins play important roles in several reproductive processes including fertilization, embryogenesis, and implantation. Disturbance of integrin expression in reproductive organs can be the cause, or the result of such reproductive disorders as endometriosis, unexplained infertility, hydrosalpinx, ectopic pregnancy, and preeclampsia. Further knowledge of the integrinmediated regulation of cell growth and cell survival may facilitate our understanding of many key aspects of development and physiology in reproduction.