CD29/Integrin beta-1

Integrin beta 1, the CD29 antigen, is the beta subunit shared by the beta1 integrin family that pairs with at least twelve alpha chains, including CD49a-f, to form receptors for collagen, laminin and fibronectin. The chain is broadly expressed on leukocytes, endothelial and epithelial cells and hematopoietic progenitors, where it anchors cells to extracellular matrix and transduces survival, migration and differentiation signals through focal adhesion kinase and associated adaptors. In the immune system, CD29 contributes to lymphocyte homing, T-cell costimulation and macrophage adhesion. It also marks mesenchymal stromal cells, and its dysregulation promotes tumor invasion and fibrotic remodeling.