Itga6, also known as Integrin alpha 6, is an important integrin subunit. Integrins are cell-surface receptors that play a crucial role in cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, cell-cell interactions, and signal transduction. Itga6 is involved in multiple signaling pathways, such as the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, and is of great biological importance in processes like cell adhesion, migration, and tissue development [3,5]. Genetic models, including gene knockout (KO) and conditional knockout (CKO) mouse models, are valuable tools for studying its functions.

In various diseases, Itga6 shows distinct roles. In pancreatic cancer, inhibiting Itga6 significantly decreases cell invasion and metastasis, and high Itga6 expression predicts poor prognosis. Itga6 and RPSA interact and promote invasion and metastasis via the PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways respectively [3]. In multiple myeloma, low expression of Itga6 contributes to myeloma cell invasion and progression to plasma cell leukemia, and its expression is an independent prognostic factor [6]. In hepatocellular carcinoma, knockdown of Itga6 impairs cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration, similar to the effects of PSMC2 knockdown, and PSMC2 and Itga6 directly interact and mutually regulate each other [7]. In laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, the m6A/HOXA10-AS/Itga6 axis aggravates oxidative resistance and malignant progression through regulating Notch and Keap1/Nrf2 pathways [4]. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ZC3H13 promotes Itga6 m6A modification, enhancing its expression and mRNA stability, which is involved in bronchial epithelial cell inflammation and fibrosis [2]. In ovarian cancer, platinum-induced upregulation of Itga6 promotes chemoresistance and spreading. Targeting Itga6 prevents the dissemination of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and improves platinum-activity [1].

In conclusion, Itga6 is essential for cell adhesion, migration, and signaling in normal biological processes. Model-based research, especially KO/CKO mouse models, has revealed its significant contributions to the development and progression of multiple diseases, including pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, hepatocellular carcinoma, laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and ovarian cancer. Understanding Itga6's functions provides potential therapeutic targets for these diseases.