{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"The ITGA2B gene encodes CD41, or integrin alpha IIb. Integrins are heterodimeric integral membrane proteins composed of an alpha chain and a beta chain. Alpha chain IIb undergoes post-translational cleavage to yield disulfide-linked light and heavy chains that join with beta 3 to form a fibrinogen receptor expressed in platelets that plays a crucial role in coagulation. Mutations that interfere with this role result in thrombasthenia. In addition to adhesion, integrins are known to participate in cell-surface medicated signaling. CD41 expression has been found on platelets, megakaryocytes, and immature hematopoietic progenitors."}]}]}