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Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Three-Dimensional (3D) Tumor Spheroid Invasion Assay
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Three-Dimensional (3D) Tumor Spheroid Invasion Assay

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Retooling of the beta 4 integrin in tumor cells--ligands lost and kinase gained

M E Hemler1

  • 1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Developmental Cell
|December 13, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Beta 4 integrin acts as an adaptor protein for the Met receptor tyrosine kinase in carcinoma cells. This interaction enhances Met

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Molecular oncology
  • Cancer research

Background:

  • Beta 4 integrin promotes carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
  • Integrin signaling pathways are crucial in cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanism by which beta 4 integrin influences Met receptor tyrosine kinase activity.
  • To investigate the role of the beta 4 integrin cytoplasmic tail in cancer cell behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the interaction between beta 4 integrin and Met receptor.
  • Analyzed the functional consequences of this interaction on cancer cell phenotypes.

Main Results:

  • The beta 4 integrin cytoplasmic tail functions as an adaptor protein for Met.
  • This interaction is ligand-independent.
  • Enhanced mitogenic, morphogenic, and motogenic properties of Met were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Beta 4 integrin directly interacts with Met, modulating its activity.
  • This novel mechanism contributes to cancer progression by enhancing Met-driven cellular functions.

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