# Ligand binding initiates single-molecule integrin conformational activation

*PRI Rank #11 · Topics and Trends in Most Cited Cell Adhesion Molecules Research Papers, Class of 2026*

*Canonical URL: https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/cell-adhesion-molecules-research/2026/rank-11*

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Rank | #11 |
| 18m citations | 39 |
| Journal | Cell |
| Year | 2024 |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.049 |
| Corresponding authors | Taekjip Ha, Timothy A. Springer |
| Institution | Boston Children's Hospital, United States |

**Ranking page:** [Topics and Trends in Most Cited Cell Adhesion Molecules Research Papers, Class of 2026](https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/cell-adhesion-molecules-research/2026)

**Paper link:** [10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.049](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.049)

## Topics

Integrin activation · single-molecule fluorescence dynamics · bent-closed integrin conformation · leg extension · headpiece opening · high-affinity integrin conformation · extended-closed integrin conformation · extended-open integrin conformation · ligand binding · ligand dissociation pathway · talin · integrin β-subunit cytoplasmic domain · actin cytoskeleton linkage · outside-in signaling · inside-out signaling · tensile force transmission · ligand-integrin-talin-actin cytoskeleton complex · Cell migration · cell adhesiveness

## Cite this ranking

```
Pepkio Research Index (PRI). Topics and Trends in Most Cited Cell Adhesion Molecules Research Papers, Class of 2026. https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/cell-adhesion-molecules-research/2026. Accessed 2026-07-21.

Zheng Su, Tinsley Li, Thematic Shifts in Early-High-Impact Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics Research: A Bibliometric and Semantic Analysis. bioRxiv 2026.07.04.736459; doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.04.736459
```