Suppose there is a mutation in a laminin-binding integrin gene that causes a loss of function in the cytoplasmic domains of the integrin. Which one of the following would you expect to observe as a result of this mutation?
A)The strength of tissues would be decreased because the integrin could no longer associate with intermediate filaments in hemidesmosomes.
B)The integrin would function normally because the cytoplasmic domain is not responsible for binding to laminin.
C)Cell adhesion to laminin would decrease, but laminin-meditated gene expression would remain the same.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cytoplasmic domains of integrins interact with the cytoskeleton through adaptor proteins such as talin and kindlin. Loss of function in the cytoplasmic domains would prevent the integrin from binding to these adaptor proteins and subsequently, it would be unable to associate with intermediate filaments in hemidesmosomes. This would weaken tissues, as hemidesmosomes are important for attaching epithelial cells to the underlying extracellular matrix.

Suppose There Is a Mutation in a Laminin-Binding Integrin Gene