Definition: An integrin found on fibroblasts, platelets, endothelial and epithelial cells, and lymphocytes where it functions as a receptor for COLLAGEN and LAMININ. Although originally referred to as the collagen receptor, it is one of several receptors for collagen. Ligand binding to integrin alpha2beta1 triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling, including activation of p38 MAP kinase.
Other names alpha2beta1, Integrin; Very Late Antigen 2; VLA 2; Platelet Membrane Glycoprotein Heterodimer Ia IIa; Late Antigen-2, Very; Glycoprotein Ia IIa; CD49b CD29; alpha2beta1Integrin; Very Late Antigen-2; VLA-2; Platelet Membrane Glycoprotein Heterodimer Ia-IIa; Glycoprotein Ia-IIa; CD49b-CD29