Loss of integrin α2β1 reduces tumour necrosis factor-dependent inflammatory cartilage destruction and matrix metalloproteinase expression through modulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase

Integrins are the main receptors for cell-matrix interactions and integrin signalling is critical for a variety of cellular functions such as adhesion, cell spreading and inflammatory responses. α2β1 integrin functions as a major receptor for type I collagen on a number of different cells, including fibroblasts and inflammatory cells. Although α2-deficient mice appear normal apart from mild platelet dysfunction, it was shown that α2β1 integrin contributes to the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in tissue remodelling. Based on the hypothesis …