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New aspects of integrin signaling in cancer
L V Parise1, J Lee, R L Juliano
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
Abstract:
Members of the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors influence several important aspects of cancer cell behavior, including motility and invasiveness, cell growth, and cell survival. Engagement of integrins with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins can activate members of the Rho-family of small GTPases; conversely, Rho- and Ras-family proteins can influence the ability of integrins to bind their ligands. These events impinge on the control of cell motility, and ultimately on invasive and metastatic behavior. Integrin engagement with ECM also has important effects on cell survival, particularly for cells of epithelial origin. In some cases, specific integrins have selective effects on the efficiency of signal transduction in cell survival pathways.
Insights
Integrins, cell adhesion receptors, impact cancer cell motility, invasiveness, and survival. Their interaction with extracellular matrix (ECM) influences cell signaling pathways critical for cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Integrins are cell adhesion receptors crucial for cancer cell behavior.
- Integrin engagement with extracellular matrix (ECM) influences cell motility, invasiveness, growth, and survival.
- Integrin signaling is interconnected with Rho- and Ras-family GTPases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of integrins in cancer cell behavior.
- To understand the interplay between integrins, ECM, and GTPases in cancer progression.
- To investigate integrin-mediated effects on cell survival pathways.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of integrin-mediated cell adhesion.
- Investigation of Rho- and Ras-family GTPase activation.
- Studies on cell motility and invasiveness assays.
- Examination of cell survival signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Integrin engagement with ECM modulates cancer cell motility and invasiveness.
- Activation of Rho-family GTPases is influenced by integrin-ECM interactions.
- Integrins play a significant role in cancer cell survival, particularly in epithelial cells.
- Specific integrins selectively affect signal transduction in cell survival pathways.
Conclusions:
- Integrins are key regulators of cancer cell motility, invasiveness, and survival.
- The integrin-ECM-GTPase axis is critical for cancer cell behavior and progression.
- Targeting integrin signaling may offer therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.