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Integrins are adhesion receptors that allow cells to sense and respond to microenvironmental signals encoded by the extracellular matrix. They are crucial for the adhesion, survival, proliferation, differentiation and migration of most cell types. In cell cycle regulation, integrin-mediated signals from the local niche constitute a spatial checkpoint to allow cells to progress from G1 to S phase, and are as important as temporal growth factor signals. Proliferation is altered in diseases such as cancer and fibrosis, so understanding how integrins contribute to this process will provide novel strategies for therapy. Here we consider recent studies to elucidate mechanisms of integrin-dependent cell cycle progression and discuss perspectives for future study.