[Frontiers in Bioscience S1, 477-491, June 1, 2009]

Integrins and extracellular matrices in pancreatic tissue engineering

Mansa Krishnamurthy1,2, Rennian Wang1,3,4

1Childrens' Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada, 2Department of Pathology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada, 3Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada 4Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Integrins and extracellular matrix
3.1. Integrin family of receptors
3.2. Extracellular matrix proteins
3.3. Integrins/ECM and signaling transduction
4. Integrin-ECM Interactions in Islet Formation
5. Integrin-ECM interactions in islet survival and function
6. Islet Transplantation
6.1. Islet transplantation: promising studies
6.2. Islet transplantation: important points for consideration
7. Bioartificial endocrine pancreas: problems, promise and progress
7.1. Encapsulation: enhancing β cell survival and function
7.2. Encapsulation: the disadvantages
8.3. D Scaffolds
9. Summary and perspectives
10. Acknowledgements
11. References

1. ABSTRACT

The role of integrin receptors in regulating numerous cellular programs have been well studied in the endocrine pancreas. These adhesion receptors and their interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) are important determinants of islet cell biology as they influence the development, survival and function of the islets of Langerhans. In this review, we will discuss the profound role of integrin-ECM relationships in controlling pancreatic tissue morphogenesis and the anti-apoptotic properties that these receptors confer through their dynamic and unique signaling pathways. Relationships between the ECM-integrin receptors will also be discussed in light of islet-based therapies including transplantation procedures and pancreatic tissue engineering initiatives.