Itga3 - integrin alpha 3

This gene encodes a subunit of integrin family of cell surface proteins. The encoded protein undergoes post-translational processing to form a disulfide bond-linked dimer comprised of heavy and light chains. At the cell surface, the encoded protein non-covalently associates with the integrin beta-1 subunit to form a heterodimer that interacts with many extracellular matrix proteins including fibronectin and laminin. Mice lacking the encoded protein die during the first day after birth due to severe abnormalities in kidneys. Mice lacking the encoded protein specifically in the basal layer of epidermis display several skin defects and accelerated wound healing. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2015]