SUMMARY

Integrin is a dimeric protein responsible for cellular signaling and adhesion. Because of the structure integrin possesses, it can change to an activated state. In this state ligand binding becomes much stronger as a result of the physical changes that take place inside the integrin. This topic explores the possibility that integrin can be activated by a large initial force before returning to a smaller holding force. Additionally, cells can exert significant control over the receptors decorating the cell's membrane. Therefore by using live cells as opposed to purified proteins helps explore the physiological relevance of this phenomenon.