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. Expressed in mesenchymal cells, including alveolar myofibroblasts, kidney mesangial cells and hepatic stellar cells and vascular and visceral smooth muscle (at protein level). The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the integrin alpha chain family.