- Ligand and cation binding are dual functions of a discrete segment of the integrin beta 3 subunit: cation displacement is involved in ligand binding. D'Souza, S.E., Haas, T.A., Piotrowicz, R.S., Byers-Ward, V., McGrath, D.E., Soule, H.R., Cierniewski, C., Plow, E.F., Smith, J.W. Cell (1994)