Invitrogen™ CD61 Monoclonal Antibody (43.PL)

CD61, also known as GPIIIa or ITGB3, is a 105 kDa glycoprotein expressed on activated T cells, granulocytes, megakaryocytes, platelets, and their precursors. It plays a crucial role in platelet aggregation and functions as a receptor for fibrinogen, fibronectin, von Willebrand factor, vitronectin, and thrombospondin. CD61 forms heterodimeric complexes by associating non-covalently with integrin alpha subunits: alphaV (CD51) to create the Vitronectin Receptor and alphaIIb (CD41) to form gpIIb/IIIa. These complexes are responsible for adhesion to extracellular matrix components, facilitating cell adhesion and cell-surface mediated signaling. CD61 is expressed on platelets and megakaryocytes in association with CD41, and on endothelial cells, monocytes, and osteoclasts in association with CD51. The protein product of CD61 is composed of an alpha chain and a beta chain, which can combine with multiple partners to form different integrins. Its involvement in cell adhesion and signaling underscores its importance in normal physiological processes. Dysfunction of CD61 is associated with diseases such as Glanzmann Thrombasthenia and Platelet type-16 Bleeding Disorder, highlighting its critical role in hemostasis and platelet function.