This gene encodes a protein that is a member of the integrin superfamily. Integrins are transmembrane receptors involved cell adhesion and signaling, and they are subdivided based on the heterodimer formation of alpha and beta chains. This protein has been shown to heterodimerize with beta 1, beta 3, beta 6 and beta 8. The heterodimer of alpha v and beta 3 forms the Vitronectin receptor. This protein interacts with several extracellular matrix proteins to mediate cell adhesion and may play a role in cell migration. In mouse, deficiency of this gene is associated with defects in vascular morphogenesis in the brain and early post-natal death. [provided by RefSeq, May 2013]