Integrin alpha-8/beta-1 functions in the genesis of kidney and probably of other organs by regulating the recruitment of mesenchymal cells into epithelial structures. It recognizes the sequence R-G-D in a wide array of ligands including TNC, FN1, SPP1 TGFB1, TGFB3 and VTN. NPNT is probably its functional ligand in kidney genesis. Neuronal receptor for TNC it mediates cell-cell interactions and regulates neurite outgrowth of sensory and motor neurons. Heterodimer of an alpha and a beta subunit. The alpha subunit is composed of a heavy and a light chain linked by a disulfide bond. Alpha-8 associates with beta-1. In brain, expressed in deep cortex, hippocampal CA1, basolateral amygdala and striatum. In kidney, expressed in glomerular mesengium (at protein level). Expressed in mesenchymal cells of developing organs such as gut, lung, gonads and nephrogenic cord. Mice display renal agenesis and dysgenesis. This is associated with a reduced expression of Gdnf that is similarly found in mice lacking Npnt. Adult mice also display increased susceptibility to glomerular capillary destruction upon mechanical stress. Mice lacking Itga8 also have difficulty balancing associated with structural defects in the inner ear where utricular hair cells lack stereocilia. Belongs to the integrin alpha chain family.