Role and mechanism of Integrin α5β1 in bone formation and disease

Integrin α5β1 is a key signaling protein between cells and the extracellular matrix. It plays crucial roles in biological processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Recent studies have shown that integrin α5β1 is significantly involved in bone formation and related diseases. Integrin α5β1 participates in the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. It interacts with the CCN family and the bone morphogenetic protein pathway to upregulate the expression of osteogenic markers, promoting the formation of mineralization nodules. Additionally, it can mediate mechanical force stimulation to upregulate osteogenic gene expression and promote bone formation. In diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and bone metastasis, integrin α5β1 mediates abnormal cell-matrix adhesion and migration, promoting pathological bone resorption and inhibiting bone formation, thereby exacerbating bone loss. Therefore, integrin α5β1 may be a potential therapeutic target for these bone diseases. Elucidating its mechanism of action will help understand the homeostatic regulation of bone metabolism and provide ideas for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for skeletal diseases.