Mechanisms of integrin activation and trafficking

► Integrin activation mechanisms differ between individual integrins. ► Integrin activation mechanisms differ for non-adherent and adherent cells. ► Integrins in adherent cells are strongly regulated by trafficking mechanisms. ► It is unclear how the NxxY motifs in the β-cytoplasmic tails regulate integrin trafficking. ► The α-subunits are important regulators of integrin trafficking.