Role of integrins in peripheral nerves and hereditary neuropathies

Interactions between Schwann cells and extracellular matrix on one surface, and axons on the other, are required for correct myelination in the developing peripheral nervous system. Integrins are transmembrane proteins that mediate the former in association with other surface receptors. This review focuses on the role that integrins play in the development of the peripheral nervous system, and in inherited human peripheral neuropathies. Here we describe recent findings on integrin signaling to different intracellular pathways, focusing on cell adhesion, migration, and polarization. Then we use information derived from recent experiments of targeted mutagenesis in mice to show that, consistent with temporally regulated expression, different integrins serve multiple roles in developing nerve.