C&M Final: Talin and Integrin Mediated Communication

Steps 1 and 2

Intracellular signaling induces the translocation of inactive talin in the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane and its unfolding/activation

Step 3

The binding of activated talin to integrin’s B chain cytoplasmic domain stabilizes integrin’s extending closed conformation, promoting binding to the ECM

Step 4

The unfurled talin homodimerizes that binds several proteins, including actin filaments that bind via talin’s C-terminal dimerization domain and several other sites

Step 5

The actin filaments exert force, generating tension across the ECM/integrin/talin complex

Step 6

This tension converts the integrin into the full active, extended open form

Step 7

Additional force unfolds one or more of talin’s helical bindles, exposing cryptic binding sites(s)

Steps 8 and 9

cryptic binding sites recruit vinculin and other proteins, including more actin, resulting in growth of the focal adhesion