Plays a role in cell migration, axon fasciculation, and morphogenesis (PubMed:9247263). During gonad morphogenesis, involved in distal tip cell (DTC)-mediated guidance of gonad elongation, in maintaining their sharp tapering morphology and in their migration (PubMed:19023419, PubMed:22732572, PubMed:25982859). Involved in the anterior-posterior positioning of QR neuroblast descendants by regulating the migratory speed of QR.p (PubMed:25373777). Probably by acting as a receptor for apoptotic cells, plays a role in the clearance of apoptotic cells during mid-embryogenesis (PubMed:20226672). Heterodimer of an alpha and a beta subunit. Alpha ina-1 associates with beta pat-3 (PubMed:9247263). Interacts (via cytoplasmic domain) with src-1 (when phosphorylated at 'Tyr-416') (PubMed:20226672). Enriched at the cell contact with apoptotic cells and in phagocytic pseudopods during apoptotic cell engulfment. Co-localizes with src-1 during phagosome cup formation. RNAi-mediated knockdown in distal tip cell (DTC) causes DTC morphological and guidance defects such as precocious dorsal turns, a failure to reach the vulva and a bloated distal gonad (PubMed:19023419). Embryos at the comma, 1.5-fold and 2-fold stages have increased number of cell corpses due to a defect in cell engulfment (PubMed:20226672). RNAi-mediated knockdown with mig-38 results in enhanced gonad DTC migration (PubMed:22732572). Belongs to the integrin alpha chain family.