Itga5, also known as Integrin subunit alpha 5, is a member of the integrin adhesion molecule family. Integrins are crucial in cell-matrix adhesion and cell-cell interactions. Itga5 is involved in multiple signaling pathways such as the FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway, which is associated with cell survival, proliferation, and migration [1,2,3,4,6,7,8]. It plays an important role in various biological processes, including tumor angiogenesis, cancer cell progression, and synaptic integrity. Gene knockout (KO) or conditional knockout (CKO) mouse models can be valuable for studying its functions in vivo.

In cancer research, knockdown of Itga5 in tumor cells showed significant effects. In cervical cancer, ITGA5-targeting siRNA decreased the ability of tumor cells to promote endothelial tube formation, indicating its role in angiogenesis [2]. In pancreatic stellate cells, inhibiting ITGA5 using AV3 peptide or siRNA knockdown impaired the proliferation and migration of these cells and also affected the cancer-like characteristics of co-cultured pancreatic cancer cells [4]. In laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, elevated ITGA5 promoted cancer progression, and inhibition of ITGA5 sensitized cancer cells to cisplatin [3]. In glioma, ITGA5 was associated with drug resistance, and its overexpression enhanced vascular mimicry formation in temozolomide-resistant cells [6]. In non-small cell lung cancer, ITGA5 was involved in IGFBP2-mediated gefitinib resistance [7]. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, ITGA5 may be a prognostic marker related to tumor metastasis, immunosuppression, and chemotherapy resistance [8]. In triple-negative breast cancer, circRPPH1 regulated ITGA5 expression as a molecular sponge for miR-326, activating the FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway to promote cancer progression [1].

In conclusion, Itga5 is essential in regulating multiple biological processes. Through model-based research, especially KO/CKO mouse models, its role in various cancer types has been revealed, such as promoting tumor angiogenesis, cancer cell progression, and being associated with drug resistance. Understanding Itga5's functions provides potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In Parkinson's disease, Itga5 is also crucial for maintaining synaptic integrity and motor coordination, highlighting its importance in non-cancerous disease areas as well [5].