ITGA8 encodes integrin alpha-8, a cell adhesion receptor critical for organ development and tissue homeostasis. Functionally, ITGA8 forms heterodimeric complexes (primarily alpha-8/beta-1) that recognize RGD sequences in extracellular matrix proteins including fibronectin, tenascin, and osteopontin 1. During kidney development, ITGA8 regulates mesenchymal cell recruitment into epithelial structures, with nephronectin as its probable functional ligand 2. The protein also mediates neuronal cell-cell interactions and neurite outgrowth in sensory and motor neurons 1. Mechanistically, ITGA8 operates through integrin-mediated signaling pathways, particularly FAK/SRC/AKT/MAPK cascades 3. In vascular and bladder smooth muscle contexts, ITGA8-expressing cells exhibit YAP/TAZ-dependent control of myocardin expression, which regulates contractile gene programs 45. Clinically, ITGA8 dysregulation associates with multiple diseases. Mutations cause renal hypodysplasia/aplasia 2. Reduced ITGA8 expression correlates with poor prognosis in clear cell renal carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma, where it suppresses tumor proliferation and migration 67. In lung cancer, ITGA8 enhances sensitivity to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors 3, while ITGA8 hypermethylation promotes bladder cancer progression 8. Thus, ITGA8 functions as a tumor suppressor whose loss or epigenetic silencing contributes to cancer pathogenesis.