Is the sentence okay?

Due to the large number of articles dealing with integrins, we focus our studies upon what we view as the most exciting, and rewarding areas of contemporary research on cell adhesion and integrins.

Just another possibility. Can't really see anything wrong with your's, though.

Thanks.

Should we use "is" instead of "are" there?

Not if you want to explore more than one direction, are is the proper plural form here.

If directions is plural, are is the correct version.
If "direction" is singular, is would be the correct version.

Because of a large number of articles.....this discussion will focus.....

Thank you all