fig1

Figure 1. Integrin bidirectional signaling - integrin signaling from the outside in and inside out. In outside-in signaling, abnormal deposition of ECM components, alterations in matrix stiffness, and mechanical stimulation lead to integrin activation and recruitment of adaptor proteins to form integrin adhesion complexes, which trigger cytoskeletal remodeling and conduct or regulate downstream signaling cascades (from outside-in signaling). In inside-out signaling, intracellular signaling activation stimulates talin or kindlin binding to the cytoplasmic tail of integrins, inducing conformational changes in integrins and enhancing their affinity for ECM ligands. ECM: Extracellular matrix, ILK: integrin-linked kinase, FAK: focal adhesion kinase. Created in BioRender. He, S. (2026) https://BioRender.com/1o25dcs.