integrin subunit alpha M(ITGAM) Homo sapiens This gene encodes the integrin alpha M chain. Integrins are heterodimeric integral membrane proteins composed of an alpha chain and a beta chain. This I-domain containing alpha integrin combines with the beta 2 chain (ITGB2) to form a leukocyte-specific integrin referred to as macrophage receptor 1 (Mac-1), or inactivated-C3b (iC3b) receptor 3 (CR3). The alpha M beta 2 integrin is important in the adherence of neutrophils and monocytes to stimulated endothelium, and also in the phagocytosis of complement coated particles. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2009],disease:Genetic variations in ITGAM has been associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus type 6 (SLEB6) [MIM:609939]. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, inflammatory and often febrile multisystemic disorder of connective tissue. It affects principally the skin, joints, kidneys and serosal membranes. It is thought to represent a failure of the regulatory mechanisms of the autoimmune system.,domain:The integrin I-domain (insert) is a VWFA domain. Integrins with I-domains do not undergo protease cleavage.,function:Integrin alpha-M/beta-2 is implicated in various adhesive interactions of monocytes, macrophages and granulocytes as well as in mediating the uptake of complement-coated particles. It is identical with CR-3, the receptor for the iC3b fragment of the third complement component. It probably recognizes the R-G-D peptide in C3b. Integrin alpha-M/beta-2 is also a receptor for fibrinogen, factor X and ICAM1. It recognizes P1 and P2 peptides of fibrinogen gamma chain.,similarity:Belongs to the integrin alpha chain family.,similarity:Contains 1 VWFA domain.,similarity:Contains 7 FG-GAP repeats.,subunit:Heterodimer of an alpha and a beta subunit. Alpha-M associates with beta-2.,tissue specificity:Predominantly expressed in monocytes and granulocytes.,
