ECM cell surface receptors: Integrins

Integrins connects proteins in the basal lamina with hemi-desmosomes on the inner basal membrane of epithelial cells. Hemi-desmosomes provide an attachment site for type I and II intermediate filaments and thus promote promote adhesion of epithelial cells to the underlying basement membrane. In skin epithelial cells loss of hemi-desmosomes or intermediate filaments causes blistering diseases