Methods of expressing integrin beta6 subunits

Abstract

The present invention provides substantially pure integrins containing a novel β subunit designated as β 6 . The novel β 6 subunit forms heterodimers with α V and α F . Methods of controlling cell adhesion using the β 6 -containing integrins are also provided.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A method of preventing the binding of a cell expressing a β 6 -containing integrin to ligand capable of binding to a said β 6 -containing integrin, comprising blocking the binding of the β 6 -containing integrin and the ligand. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the blocking is effected by binding the β 6 -containing integrin with a reagent specific thereto. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the blocking is effected by binding the ligand of the β 6 -containing integrin with a reagent specific for the ligand. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the reagent is an RGD-containing peptide or polypeptide. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the reagent is a ligand fragment containing an integrin binding site. 
     
     
         19 . A method of detecting a ligand that binds a β 6 -containing integrin, comprising contacting the β 6 -containing integrin with a solution containing the ligand suspected of binding β 6 -containing integrins and detecting the presence of the ligand bound to the β 6 -containing integrin. 
     
     
         20 . A method of increasing cell adhesion in cells expressing a β 6 -containing integrin, comprising overexpressing the β 6 -containing integrin in a cell. 
     
     
         21 . A method of decreasing cell adhesion in cells expressing a β 6 -containing integrin comprising binding the β 6 -containing integrin with a ligand.