The α and β subunits of α/β heterodimeric integrins function together to bind ligands in the
extracellular region and transduce signals across cellular membranes. A possible function
for the transmembrane regions in integrin signaling has been proposed from structural and
computational data. We have analyzed the capacity of the integrin α 2, α IIb, α 4, β 1, β 3,
and β 7 transmembrane domains to form homodimers and/or heterodimers. Our data
suggest that the integrin transmembrane helices can help to stabilize heterodimeric integrins …