This gene encodes a protein that is a member of the integrin superfamily. Members of this family are adhesion receptors that function in signaling from the extracellular matrix to the cell. Integrins are heterodimeric integral membrane proteins composed of an alpha chain and a beta chain. The encoded protein forms a dimer with an alpha v chain and this heterodimer can bind to ligands like fibronectin and transforming growth factor beta 1. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants.